County Council - Regular Meeting

B4 U interviews and negotiations with industrial or commercial prospects or agents of industrial or commercial prospects by a governing body of political subdivision and B19 to have communications with an attorney that are subject to the attorney client privilege. I would just ask council for a motion to certify that that those are the only matters that were discussed and that no other matters were discussed during executive session. Is there a motion? So move. Second. Second. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. Thank you. And then there's no final action on the executive session. Um so you're good to move on with the rest of your

Okay. Next on our agenda is the amended resolution for the Lawrenburg Conservancy District.

Uh yes. So, you've uh council previously had a a discussion a really I think productive discussion in regards to a request from the Larksburg Conservancy District and ultimately approved a um contribution of $420,000 as matching funds for uh grants that the LCD was uh going after. Um after that, um Mr. Eubank reached out to me and he is here today in case you guys have any questions for him. Their grant writers had requested an amendment to the resolution. The resolution as drafted uh did indicate that the a grant from FEMA or a FEMA backed program and they asked that that not that that limiting language be modified to any federal or state agency or through a grant program administered by such agency. And then also right before we started tonight uh Councilman Wright noticed that if you look at the bottom whereas paragraph on the front page it kind of looks like I just stopped writing there. Um, and there was a portion of that paragraph missing. So that now says ensures the continued safety and economic vitality of the city of Lawrence. Um, so I went ahead and made that change also since that was caught. Thank you both.

Could you read that one more time, Andy? Uh, the the whereas Yes. So that last paragraph now reads the uh whereas the LFP, which is the Lawrenburg Flood Protection, I'm sorry, just the last sentence that was left off. um uh the continued safety and economic vitality of the city of Lawrenburg semicolon and and that came from the resolution that Larksburg adopted. So this would be amended joint resolution 2026-004A. Okay. So you need a motion to approve and then we need to sign.

Yes, please. And I will we'll take it to the commissioners at the next commissioners. Is there a motion to approve the amended uh resolutions 2026- 004A? Yeah, I'll make the motion. Thank you. Is there a second? I'll second. Thank you, Dennis. Any discussion? Those in favor signify by saying I. I post nay. Motion passes. And Councilman Lancing is going to send the directed one down. Thank you, council. really appreciate it. You're welcome.

So, we'll take a minute to get signatures before we go on. Good job. See, take care.

Is it Is it coming down for signature? Yeah. Yeah, right here. Okay. Thank you. And then Colin, you want tickets?

Yes. Thank you. Uh, next on our agenda is additionals and the first one is juvenile center parttime for $43,60. Ladies and gentlemen, um yes, so we're looking for an additional uh $40,000 for part-time funds. Um we've just had a stretch where we've had a kind of rotational opening for full-time. So, we've constantly have been supplementing a full-time position that hasn't been filled with part-time. Um, there's also been other things as far as we had to take kids to the ER, which uh sometimes has been a 24-hour stay for staff, things like that where we've had to extend what we're able to basis. Um, so we're asking for 40,000 to help cover um rest of the time for our part-time staff.

So, these are ER visits, that's pretty much out of the ordinary, isn't it? It it is especially extensive because we we've had instances with juveniles where they did self harm and so we had to when we do that whenever they're out of a facility we have to have staff with them 24/7. Is there some trend going on or some

No, no, it happens occasionally. I mean it it's I mean last year maybe twice we may have had to go to the ER. I mean, we've corrected a lot of behavior as to where in the past, I mean, at least once a month we were taking kids to the ER for a broken hand, for punching a wall, things like that. Um, but yeah, so it's just this was a little more serious. Um, but it in the end it was fine. It was taken care of. But it's just things like that where you don't prepare for the that many extra hours for, you know, for staff to be occupied. So our expectation is this will take you to the end of the year. Yes, that is the expectations. Anyone have any questions?

Josh, you mentioned some part-time people filling in for a rotated vacancy. Are you acrewing any funds in the full-time portion of payroll or is this all in one all in the same? Kind of all in the same. Yes. Okay.

So, you're not seeing any savings in in personnel at all? Not really. Because what happens is we fill the full-time position and then another one will open. I mean, really the the the hardest shift for us to fill is evening school time. It's 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. So, it's hard to find people that are willing to work that shift. Um, so it's just a constant till we find the right fit. I mean, for the most part, we've got a very good core. Uh we got some staff that have been there for a long time, but it just seems like, you know, it's it it's not a job that anybody can do, right? I mean, it requires patience. Um you have to be stern and forceful when need be, you know, dealing with juveniles. Um, so like I said, for the most part, staff's doing an excellent job, but it just seems that we find somebody and then now we have another position that opens up because we can't see any filled.

Any other questions? 40,000. Actually, you want 43,60? Yeah. Well, I I think the the actual amount I just have here uh 40,000. It's FICA and things like that, right? Taxes. Yeah.

Move we approve the $43,60,000 out of 11 of 400 and 3,60 out of 17100. Is there a second? I'll second. Thank you, Dennis. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Nay. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you. Clever.

My request tonight is to fill a open vacancy. Well, I've just filled it with a new deputy prosecutor. Um, the deputy prosecutor that had the position was from down in Kentucky, down in Georgetown, and had been commuting. He was working part-time in the office three days a week. And he ended up finding another position closer to home, um, working for the Kentucky cabinet down there. So, as a result, um it was a bit of a search to find somebody and I was able to seize a deputy prosecutor from Hamilton County, Ohio. So, we've just now worked through the process of getting her licensed here in Indiana. And the attorney who left was receiving um a salary um here from Dearborn in the amount of uh 64,250 and portion of the salary on top of that was also coming from Ohio County. Um and he was receiving benefits. And now the person that I'm hiring, I'm asking for an additional $20,000 from Dearborn County. And I have pulled off some information from the state prosecuting attorney's council web page as to vacancies across the state. I believe there's 15 vacancies when I pulled this information this morning. Um just to kind of give an idea for salary range as to what the starting salary is for deputy prosecutors. Um it's ranging from the um high80s to hundreds $100,000. The attorney that I've hired um her name is Amanda Johnson. She's an attorney and has been for the past 12 years. Um she worked for the US Department of Justice

as a parillegal when she was in law school. Um worked with Kenton County Prosecutor's Office and then um did some civil practice. um for tapped in Coington, Kentucky, and then went to the Hamilton County Pro. So, she's experience and as you can tell from the other job postings, um I'm seeking to get her salary to $100,000 in total between Dearborn and Ohio counties, which is about what the going rate is for an attorney with at least 12 years experience. when you see that the starting salary um is ranging from 90,000 to a 96,000 for some first-time graduates out of law school. So, it's definitely a different market than what it used to be. Um

there's just a shortage of attorneys. There's a shortage. It's not easy to get.

For a lot of people, that's a really good thing, but financially it's not a not a good thing. Well, and the downside is to be perfectly honest, Dearborn County has often been much of the turnover you've seen in law enforcement hasn't been any different to the prosecutor's office. You get people through the state prosecuting attorneys website. We had a couple of attorneys from northern Indiana um from Lake County and Leaport County and then after they hear for maybe three to four years, they want to go back home. They don't want to be here anymore because of family obligations and commitments. And so, um, it actually worked out well that they had a new, um, prosecutor appointed over in Ohio that has contrary, um, I think beliefs with regards to public safety than what many of the deputies were. So, um, a lot of them were looking to leave and have left an exodus over in Hamilton County, Ohio. So, it works out well that she's local or she lives over in Cincinnati. So, I think the likelihood of her staying here for a longer period of time um was a better fit. So that's the request tonight. Any other questions for

how many how many uh deputy prosecuting attorneys do you have in your office? Um so myself and John Watson, our salaries are paid by the state. And then I have um Jessica Butler. I have Jonathan Conungle. Um Brendan Jones, um Jeff Wilson and John Kellerman and Missy Schaw six. And now with the new attorney, seven,

they all about this wage. Um, our salaries are they're they're in the 90,000s for those that are full-time and those that are part-time, meaning they're working three to four days a week. They're less than that. Yeah. And there's um Missy Schul does child support. Um, and John Kellerman does some Dearborn County as well as Ohio County and he's parttime. And then Jessica Butler's more part-time as well. Is child support reimburseable? was part of that reimburseed. Yes. Up to 80% of salary. Okay. By the feds,

I think. I'm sorry. It was 80% 60s. Okay. I thought it sounded I think it's like two like Yeah. Thank you. Okay. So, the prosecutor has an experienced attorney who's looking to transfer to county, Denver, and county in the prosecutor's office. prosecutor needs an additional 23,770 for the new hire. Is there a motion to approve her request? I'll make that motion. Thank you. Is there a second? Second.

Any other discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I nay. Motion passes. Thank you for the additional information. Yes, thank you. Thank you very much. Public defender for the spirit of J.

Judge requesting $45,000 for public defender money and um her fees, but right now they're almost depleted. The funds right now that she was for 26. She said she's had several higher level felony cases with complex issues so far this year. Um, and the fees just keep going up to pay more.

I know. Today we had a meeting that involved uh, Judge Mcloth and she because of her court uh, situation today was probably 45 minutes late for the meeting. So, she's apparently going through a lot of heavy stuff. And of course, it is marked as required by law. So the question is it either county general out or out of the remote contingency. I would rather be out of county general. We approve the 45,000 out of county general. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? All those in favor signify by saying I.

I. Motion passes. Next is playing and zoning. Good evening, Nicole Dailyaly, director of planning and zoning. So,

all right. Um, I'm here tonight asking for $9,000 um in legal services. This would be addition to not our retainer um but um on additionals when we have to do uh research or as the our attorney for research and additionals. Uh we've actually held off um on some of our enforcement cases going to code because we're leerary about uh the funding. We've had so much additional research by our attorney because of the solar um ordinances and research and moratorum that um we've gone through a lot with our attorney um through that. So, and and we're looking at this lasting us to the end of the year, but this will at least help us um move forward with some enforcement cases. Um we just try to continue sending letters as we do to not add additional cost. um until we got to this point to see if we would have to kind of push any legal action with some of our higher enforcement cases.

Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the 9,000 uh for planning and zoning for legal services? Yeah, I'll make the motion out of accounting general. Yeah. Is there a second? I'll second it. Any other questions or not? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I opposed. Nay. Motion passes. Thank you. Red commission. Yes.

Good afternoon. Um I'm here this afternoon to ask you for permission to spend some of our money uh money belonging to the redevelopment cushion. It's $100,000. We've been requested by the park board uh to donate uh this as a match for a grant from the department of natural resources where uh they can get up to a million dollars if they have enough uh if they have enough match and this h 100,000 would be uh part of the match that goes toward raising that million dollars for the parkour for the bright matters park. Uh we we've discussed this in the re redevelopment commission. The redevelopment commission has voted to uh provide the $100,000 to the park board and now we just need your authority to spend that money.

Okay. And I believe the uh vote was unanimous, wasn't it? I'm sorry. The vote was unanimous to do was unanimous. Yes. Liz, could I add that this this uh matches through that stellar pathways program? That's that's part of that, right? Thank you. Is there a motion? Can I ask one question? What's um what's the what the 100,000 what's the revenue stream where that comes from? It's our it's our cash account. This this does not come out of tiff money. Thank you.

We have we have several funds. Uh I don't have the the county with anybody. One of the funds in the cash account would be we have enough to take care of this. We allow redevelopment to uh utilize 100,000 of their money to participate in the park program to for matching funds for a grant. Second. How much money do you spend on that park over there? How much is the How much money do you spend on a bright park?

Uh the grant to Bright Park would be up to a million dollars, but they have to raise a million dollars to get that million. And this is just a part of the match. You may remember that we came before you one time couple months ago asking for the same thing. uh the the park has not been able to raise enough to get that million-dollar match. So, they've asked us for an augmentation, and that's what this money is. It's an augmentation uh to bring them hopefully up to getting the full match for the park. Thank you. Did you second Doug? We have a motion and a second. Any other questions or comments?

Have you tried any type of or has the park board tried any type of fundraising projects towards the new park? I'm not familiar with that just come down speaking on behalf of of planning and redevelopment but yeah so park board came if you remember a couple years ago wanted to improve the trail and we asked that exact same question and we all agreed yeah let's do some work they raised some private funds from other folks worked with the dearborn community foundation to raise some funds they have six or seven partners now who have contributed funds towards the match and redevelopment would like to be a partner in and matching that as well to double the because of the stellar program. Do we have a motion, a second? All those in favor signify by saying

I nay. I still just me. I don't know. I think just me and me and Danny. Just you and Dennis. Yeah. No, I'm too here. We'll do a roll call. Dan. Lyn. No, Dennis. No. No. Mark. Yay. Tim. Yay. Doug. Yay. I vote yes. Motion passes. Thank you.

Thank you. Next on our agenda is the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center. Good to see you again. Thank you.

How you doing?

Good afternoon. I'm EJ McLadlin. I'm here with Celeste Calo and Terry Boen of the St. Elizabeth uh European Cancer Center. And we're here tonight or this afternoon to request the third out of the four installments of $250,000 that the council had approved or had pledged three years ago. Uh we're going to change up the presentation a little bit. Uh you won't have to listen to much about with me talking, so it's going to be good for you. Uh but we want to we wanted to show how the county's pledged has blessed the community. So, we're going to start off with Celeste and she's going to tell her story. You heard that. Then Terry's going to give statistics of how the cancer center is done and then we have some special guests that we going to ask to come up and speak. Celeste.

Uh thanks everybody. You've uh we appreciate you hearing EJ and I again on this just to start it off with. Um, uh, I was honored to speak at the groundbreaking of the cancer center, uh, not only as someone who's helping out with fundraising, but, um, I became a cancer patient myself during that time. And, um, I traveled to Edgewood for a month for five days a week. And the second week of radiation, uh, the world shut down with CO. And I have to say that St. Elizabeth handled it beautifully. And I can't speak for the other cancer patients because I did talk to them, but it was seamless. It was if nothing had happened, which is pretty amazing. Um, but Dr. Flora who heads up the oncology uh once said that it's stressful enough to go have to mess with treatment but when you have to travel it's even worse. So, the cancer center has been a gift and uh to a lot of people and you're going to hear real you're going to hear that and um both I and my fiance Chuck who's here and I both um uh go there several times a year and we're there quite a bit and it's just nice being able to go seven minutes instead of over to Edgewood. So, this is something that can affect everybody here and we appreciate we really appreciate the help.

Thank you. Hi, I'm Terry Boen and I'm the director for the Deburn Cancer Center and I appreciate you allowing me to come speak to you this evening and give you a little bit of an update on what we've been up to over the last year. Um, so over the last year we we gave over 5,000 infusions. So that's 5,000 times people did not have to travel through the bridge 275 to go over to Edgewood. And if you're one of those 5,000 people traveling, you'll know that saved you

on any given day, an hour and a half to two hours and sometimes four hours. Um so thank you from all of those folks that didn't have to travel to Edgewood. We've given over 3,000 radiation treatments in 2025. We've done over 5,000 mammograms performed on site and we've had over 104,000 patient encounters. So, our infusions have gone up from 30% from 24 to 25 from when I was here reporting last year. So, our numbers are increasing and I think you'll find that um the trust in our center is increasing along with usage and so we appreciate your support and ask for your ongoing support. Um, a few of the other things that we've been working on over the last year, actually the last several years, we do screening and diagnostic mammograms at the center and we have performed over 400 nocost mammograms to women in the area. Um, we've also increased our mobile demography presence. We are out in the southeastern Indiana area much more often with a virtual mammogram van than we ever were because we know that we can send our patients to the breast center and get diagnostic imaging and biopsies and they can also see their surgeons at the same time. So we are working in conjunction with our grant programs and with our local and state programs to provide no cost mammograms to make sure that every woman who wants a mammogram can have one regardless of insurance or payment ability. Um we pride ourselves on that actually. Um a few other things that we are currently working on. We are planning a melanoma no more clinic on September the 12th in conjunction with our St. Elizabeth Physicians Health Fair. This is a screening event for people um for melanoma and unfortunately we have a lot of melanoma in this area because we have more farmers and so those folks are at higher risk and

sometimes it's difficult to get in to be screened for melanoma. So we're going to be holding a free event on September the 12th. Um, last year we held a fall fest because we wanted to make sure that the community knows that we're here and we wanted to be embedded in the community. We had over 300 participants which was twice as many as we anticipated. Uh, we ran out of pizza, we ran out of cotton candy, so this year we're planning on a bigger event. So anyway, we had a lot of fun and we'd love for you all to come out and join us. Um, few other things that we have in the works. We are working with our um grant folks to try and hopefully develop a nourish pantry. Not quite to the extent that Edgewood has, but we do want to make sure that if our friends and families at the cancer center are in need of food or staples that we can provide that um as a basic necessity. So that's one of the goals that we have for this year is implementing a modified nourish pantry. Um, we also provide pet therapy, which we have a little Bailey here today, who I think everybody enjoys. Um, we do a lot of mind, body, and spiritual wellness. Um, we have meditation and calming breath work for patients that are receiving their treatments. We have chaplain services, um, five days a week for patients that feel the need to, um, just have somebody to talk to and to provide some spiritual care. Um, we have some very signature wellness programs. We do treat yourself Thursdays and we do peaceful pauses during your infusion visits. So, we really are working to make sure that we are taking care of your mind, body, and spirit while you're there. We have healthy cooking demonstrations and nutrition education. We have a registered dietitian on site who can meet with patients to make sure that we are addressing any kind of nutritional needs or questions they might have. We have a full-time nurse navigator who works with our patients and families to make sure that they're getting

appointments and getting things scheduled as needed and hopefully that it's not falling to the patients or patients families to coordinate in those efforts. Um, we also partner with the cancer support community to provide free emotional support, um, survivorship resources and education. And we also have a boutique where we can provide free vigs and prosthetics through a local grant from our community partners as well. And uh all of this to say we are providing advanced cancer care right here in our very own community. Um one of the highlights for this year and one of my goals for many years has been to provide access to a breast specialist surgeon and I am very proud to announce that Dr. Kelly McAy who is a breast specialist is now seeing patients in the Dearborn Cancer Center. Um, and so she will be able to provide initial consultations and follow-up services here at the Darren Cancer Center. So, we're happy to welcome her as part of our family as well. Um, we also provide access to clinical research through our multidisciplinary oncology teams. And in closing, I just want to say to our donors and to our grant partners, our volunteers, our team members, to our support group folks, um, thank you. Your commitment helps to remove barriers to screening. It brings state-of-the-art services into our very own neighborhoods and it makes our cancer center a place of hope. So, thank you very much for your support. Thank you.

Great. Thank you, Terry. And I'd like to ask Amy Bulac, Maria Ziggler, and Jan Tyler to come up to the the podium. Uh, and while they're coming up here, I do want to thank the St. Elizabeth leadership that's in the audience. We appreciate that. All the dear ambassadors, you know, that participated today. So, that's great. So, I'm going to turn it over to these ladies. And you travel light, EG, you

good evening. My name is Jan Tyler and I am a 27y year breast cancer survivor and um I've lived in Dear County my entire life and um over 20 years ago a group of volunteer women along with some help from the American Cancer Society and Dear County Hospital at the time um helped us form an all volunteer breast cancer support group. And that breast cancer support group has been meeting monthly for over 20 years and we've reached a lot of women, a lot of family members and we're very proud of that. Uh we've continued that partnership with St. Elizabeth and last over the last two years, St. Elizabeth has sent uh three different specialists to be um guest speakers at some of our meetings. And so it's been great. We've also gone there for a tour so we can keep up on what's new, you know, what is offered and the state-of-the-art equipment um at SI Cancer Center is amazing. And um so a couple of people that have actually had treatment there are going to share some of their experiences with you. So um my name is Amy Bulock. Good evening. Um, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2024, so just before the cancer center kind of opened. Um, so I had treatment at surgery and treatment at the hospital, but also had to travel to Batesville or Edgewood for care instead of being able to come like right down the where I was working at the time. Um, so impacting travel times, getting somebody to give me rights to different treatments. I was fortunate to not have to do chemo. I did radiation, but it was 20 trips out to Batesville, several trips to the

Edgewood Center. Um, and so now with the cancer care center here, right here in Dearborn County, I'm able to make a much shorter commute. Um, get everything I need right there. The boutique is there for things that I need. My oncologist is there. My breast surgeon is there. I can get my mamogram there because I do that twice a year. actually just got to where I'm now back to annuals at this point instead of going twice a year. But still just having it locally has been just such an amazing impact for us and the treatment has been exceptional. Um, and I've been a Saint E patient my entire life. So Saint E has always been kind of like up there stellar for me. So thank you for your time. I'm Mara Ziggler. Um, unlike Amy, I am only a one-year survivor. I had my cancer bversary on April the 4th when I was told those words. Um, everyone that I have encountered at the cancer center has been exceptional. They are such professional people, very personable and very compassionate. from the person that greets you when you walk in to the lab technician that takes your blood to the mamography technician and the ultrasound technician, the physician's assistants, everybody that I've encountered has been so positive and has made this journey much easier. So, I really do hope that you continue to support this because when you go through cancer, it's a not only a physical problem, but it's mental and emotional and spiritual and social and you need that support and they have all those people at the cancer center. Thank you.

Thank you. Then, uh, and not to embarrass that, but I'd like the other ladies that came with this, would you please stand up and go up and set up? I'd like give them a round of applause. So again, uh, thank you for your time and stuff. I just I think you see how this really is a great thing. What a blessing to the community and the the county council has been a big part of that. So, thank you.

Thank you for all the additional information. I think that everyone has been touched either personally or know someone who's been touched by cancer. It's been a a blessing to have the cancer center. Unfortunately, we're still dealing with cancer and probably will be for the foreseeable future, but to have that facility here. I mean, when I went through chemo was it was at different county hospital back in the day, but this facility where all the the infusion units are private with that's a blessing. I mean, that's a a huge thing. So, yes, different counties indeed blessed St. and Elizabeth with the cancer center here in Greenale and the county had um our intention was to pledge a million dollars and pay it over a period of four years. So this would be payment number three out of river vote uh growth and development. Is there a motion to approve?

I move. Is there a second? Second. Any other questions or comments? Those in favor signify by saying I post nay. Motion passes. Thank you very much. Thanks for watching. Glad to see you're all doing well. Thank you. You too.

Yep. On a personal note, my wife actually two years ago had fortunately we got the tastiest version of the sandwich, so she had to get pretty. So, thank you. Please addition. Thank you.

My name is Ross Calbert. I'm the president of the Dear County Park. I am joined by the indispensable Dan Val, Jean Clearary, and Nicole Failey who have been absolutely phenomenal in the process of trying to see this million dollars raised so we can get the $1 million match through the stellar pathways program and I am thrilled to say that uh we're very close to accomplishing a daunting task. Uh what I'd like to do first is switch the members of the notes on the agenda. Um first thing is uh the $25,000 that we would like to contribute as part of the park board budget to uh make sure that we can add that to the tally before we get to the final part which I'm happy to say will be far less than the $125,000 that you see before you. Uh so that $25,000 would go towards uh helping build up to that million dollar mark so we can get the full million dollar match from the state for the stealth benefit. Those would come out the park board's riverb that would come from 1179.

And that that fund currently has a balance of $423,000. Uh well, it had 655, but then we've committed the 250, right? And then so that would bring it down to about 400,000. And and then if we could commit this 205,000 that bring it down around $200,000 off the back. And this is park board funds that and your board's already approved this allocation, correct? Yes. I move we allow them to uh spend uh dedicate 205 more thousand to the the match for the uh stellar pathways out of their 1179. Yeah. Out of their 1179. Is there a second?

I second that. Any other questions or comments? My my only comment would be that uh this board all agreed on the to adjust the park funding from 1% to 3% of the road fund that we had accumulated because we wanted to put the money in your hands for the park board to say how do you want to spend your money and where do you want to spend it on all the parks and your board for three years in a row now has committed funds from that specifically for the parks projects and putting your money where where you want to see it spent. So support letting our park board do what they're there to do. I totally agree. Any other questions or comments? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Close. Name. Nay.

We'll do a roll call vote. No. Glenn. No. Dennis. Mark. Yay. Yes. Yay. I vote yes. Motion passes. Thank you.

Thank you. Um the next part uh you have before you uh initial ask of $125,000 to this over the top and uh fortunately we uh need to substantially chop that down uh because we are now uh $16,400 shy of the million dollar which we are thrilled about. We would be even more thrilled if we could get that million dollars. Now we are expecting two weeks. A meeting was supposed to happen actually prior to this meeting uh but it got delayed. So we are going to be talking to uh the uh uh tourism bureau and uh seeing what uh they might be able to approve. So, if you saw fit to approve the 16,400 and tourism and the tourism bureau actually came through with more than that, 16,00 wiped off the table. You get that all back and we don't need it because the tourism board helped us get over the top. Uh, but up to a million dollars will be matched by another million dollars, which gives us a total of $2 million, half of which is ours to uh improve Bright Meadows Park. And that is the goal. So, the ask is for $16,400, not $125,000, which I am thrilled to have to send. If there is a motion to approve it, I would like the motion to state that if additional fundings is from another source, this 16,400 would roll back to the county.

I'll make that motion. Okay, we have a motion. Is there a second? Can you remind us when do the funds need to be committed and when do they need to be spent? August 1st is when they have to be uh submit the actual paperwork that has to show all them. And then Nicole, do you want to give the actual details to discuss?

So the application is due August 1st. Um we are looking to try to have all our commitments um roughly before June because we still need the consultant to do the paperwork that's necessary for the estimated construction cost. um for the project to have in that application as well. So that's why we're trying to get ahead of this so the consultant has enough time to do what they need to do for that application. So that application is due August 1st. It will take approximately a year for the state and federal um governments to review and approve that. Um, we are looking to start engineering drawings in late 2027 and uh construction in spring of 28. And I should add that there is a priority list of projects. First of which would be improving widening the pavement trail which has been something we've been talking about for over three years now. family.

So that is that number one on the list followed by tickle ball followed by um an inclusion park that will go next to the playground and then some other projects you know so we've got a one through seven priorities fitness equipment amphitheater stage park the drive the last three and also just to let you know too with the funding that's available um it will not only do the the trail um that was planned before, but it will add additional to where there's a the the loop that's existing, but there will be added trails to make a complete loop that is ADA accessible.

So, that's an addition to um what the prior priority was with the widening of the trail, but now with this project, it will actually make a full loop that is ADA um compliant. So, we do have a motion. We need a second. Is there a second for the motion? Can you repeat the motion? What the motion is? It was that we would uh $16,400, but if the tourism content by the council and we would do that out of $4915 growth and development. It was advertised that that's one of the funds it was advertised out of.

Okay. Yes. Okay. Is there a second to Doug's motion?

I'll second the motion. If we're getting 16,400 free money uh by putting it up there and I would think that that the convention and visitors bureau would do some kind of match. So we would get back the difference if they do 10,000, right? we would only tourism gives 10,000 then we're only going to need 64. I I think you're right though that you're doubling your money and I think that's really an important thing to remember that it's it's not just that but you are getting double what you're putting. Very good. Okay, we have a motion and a second. All those in favor signify by saying I oppos.

Do a roll call. Dan, Glenn, Dennis, Mark, yes. Tim,

permission to explain my vote. Uh, I think this council very much cares about the parks and all the projects you guys are doing. And I can't applaud you enough for the tremendous amount that you've raised so far because you came and you asked for money and this board said, "We want you to go find some additional partners." and you guys went out and you you put the work in and you found the additional partners. But I also believe that this board said we want to put the money in your hands and let you make the decisions and so we have committed those funds to you guys and you have put them back in. I think there's still going to be opportunities to put some more money in before this deadline. I sit on the conventions visitors bureau. We also have a council appointment on convention of visitors bureau. We'll do everything we can to support those extra funds for you guys. Um, but I think in alignment with kind of how we all put the money in your hands and said spend it where you want to spend it. Again, can't applaud you enough, but come a day for the additional funds.

Sorry. Motion fails. Two out of three. Thank you. You guys are doing incredible work. Thank you very much. So, Connie, did you have still here? Did you have a resolution? Thank you. Thank you, guys. You're welcome. Did you have a resolution about roofer boat funds? I did. Okay. And it's just housekeeping because we have to sign it at

Did you want to do that next? I put a hand on there first and it's it should be and all it does is report what you did last year and it uploaded. So, we're going to need a excuse me, we need a motion to approve the TIFF report. I don't know if you need to approve it already and not just Okay. Has everyone looked at it?

Yeah. Everyone's seen the Tiff. Now you have resolution. You have copy in your Yeah. It's just how you divvy out your your money. Yes, I you do. You have to ask this.

Yeah, we have resolution 2026-003 and it shows that we agree to at budget time on how the river boat funds are to be divided between the different entities. We need a motion to approve the resolution. Is there a motion to approve the resolution? This the 2026003. Yes. I'll make a motion. Is there a second budget, right? We already committed this. All those in favor signify by saying I I

motion passes. Now everyone needs to sign this. So please don't leave those. Um you have your desk. Is it coming down? This isn't just and there were minutes that were uh emailed to you. Uh any corrections to the minutes? If not, is there a motion to approve the minutes? So move second.

All those in favor signify by saying. I oppose. Nay. Motion passes. All we're have you sent the Yes. just side then that's going to go down Sure.

Okay. Okay. before we adjourn while it does sign on Edson. So when Leah sends an email to the elected officials and department heads regarding submitting their budgets for the coming year, she usually puts a note on there that council has asked that raises not be included when they submit their budget. So, I would like to read something that I put together and would like council's blessings so Leah could add this to her email to the department heads. As elected officials and department heads prepare budgets for 2027, different county council ask that no raises be included during budget hearings. C council will determine what rates are appropriate. Additionally, county council requests the following. In light of the negative impacts of Senate Rule Act one, property tax revenue and the out ofstate local income tax credits on the county's revenue, all elected officials and department heads are asked to make every effort to reduce your 2027 budget by 5% with efficiencies and cost savings. While we strive to provide needed services to our citizens, our county is faced with financial challenges. Your assistance is appreciated. Now, I know that some departments are probably not going to be able to do that. Hopefully, some can find creative ways to provide their needed services and find ways to keep their budget at least flat and potentially save, you know, some savings there. So, unless we put this forward, there's really probably no impetus for them on their own to decide this might be a good way to proceed. So, I was just looking for approval from council to

allow Leah to add this kind of language to her message regarding the 27 budget. I agree. Is everyone fine with that? Good idea. And and the fact that we're we were uh our budget was cut last year and if we ran these same numbers again this year, we would still be underfunded. So, it's probably a good idea. I think it's just important that the department has understand that that we need to be really conservative with their things. Sure. Sure. But at any rate, Leah, I'll email this to you so you have the language. I'm sorry. Thanks, Liz.

You bet. I've got grant paperwork for um the park board that received $125,000 from county community foundation and we just have to there's no county match just for this. Is there a motion? Do we need a motion? Yes. Motion to approve the grant. So moved. Good. Any discussion? Second one more. Sorry. Did you first marks all those in favor signify by saying I I post nay. Motion passes.

Was this just the one grant? Yes. And then there's salary ordinance just we need a motion on that too. Oh, you do? Okay. Yes. Is there a motion for the salary ordinance? So move. Is there a second? Second. You always beat me on that one. Write that down. Tim and Dean. All those in favor signify by saying no. I

motion passes. Thank you. Do we need to sign the salary ordinance? Yes. Okay. So, everyone, please state. Anything else, Connie? That's it. Remember, there's a yay and an ace.

I've got something for this. I've heard a lot of discussion out the community of the lawsuit against four individuals by the Dillsmer Emergency Unit. And one of the rumors going around is that the county is going to be paying for their defense. They're what? For their defense in this lawsuit. And I just wanted to see what

an update. I I can give an update. Um so the Dober Emergency ambulance unit filed a motion for leave with the court to file a third party complaint. Um since we're fairly deep into the litigation timewise, um they're outside the normal time frame to file a third party complaint. So, they can only file the third party complaint if the court gives them permission to. Um, and so there's a hearing on that May 29th. There's a hearing on that. And if the court finds that they're not able to file the third party complaint, then those four individuals would not be named in the suit. Um, if those individuals are named in the suit, then as far as Mr. Thatcher goes, Commissioner Thatcher goes, it would be turned over to insurance to see if there is coverage there based on what the allegations are. Um, if uh as to Councilman Baker, for the time frames alleged against him, he would have been on Dillsboro Town Council. So, I've put John Watson on notice for Dillsboro. Hey, this has been filed, just so you're aware. And then they would have to do the same review on their end. And then the two individuals that are not associated with Dillsboro or the county, I think we have been told that they would not be covered by the county's attorneys. And I think they've actually I I know they've actually already discussed this matter with their with attorneys in town.

Yeah. I just I just wondered because people were asking me about it. I don't really know. I think it's important they do know. Yeah. So, as of right now, those four individuals have not been added to the lawsuit. We have a hearing on that May 29th at 2:00 in Ohio County. Do you have any idea or does Con have any idea of how much money the county has spent? I do not I don't on attorney fees regarding this. I don't know.

Is there any way we can find out? It just all depends on what you need to know. And I mean, we can tell you what we paid Barns and Thornber, but I don't know for what because we hire them for a lot of stuff, but that's where the things stand with litigation. But is it possible to get a breakdown of Yeah, we have to pull every bill that we have. It would be anything we get overnight, right? I understand. We're busy, but people are just asking me and I, you know, I tell them I don't know. It is what it is. It's already spent whenever we pay,

right? But at the same time, I think we need to be transparent with the public. Yeah. Thank you, com. Um, is there a motion for a journment? So move. Is there a second? Second. Okay. So Dan and Tim, I think that was simultaneous. Come on. Well, Dan, slow down. All those in favor of the motion to journ by saying I motion passes. Thank you everyone. Sign on this one.

Um, yeah. I appreciate I know I updated on this

on this one as well at the end of those at the library but some of it will be based on he was a day on that I just to kind of give you that it's coming along really well and I think it'll be a You say that's a ribbon cutting or a grand opening or what was on this one?