Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Commissioner Musselman opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Vacation Time Carryover

A request was made for John Walker to carry over 23 hours of vacation time from his anniversary date. Commissioner Weaver made a motion to approve the request, Commissioner Musselman seconded. Motion passed 2-0.

Mandy Maverick – Probation - Job Title Change for Case Manager

A request was made to change a job title to differentiate a position from the community corrections case manager, who is on the salary schedule. The position in question is a $50,000 role and is not intended to be on the salary schedule. The change is solely a title change to clean up the distinction between roles. The council had already approved the title change last week, so no further action was needed from the commissioners.

Discussion on Office Flooding and Repairs

An office in the annex building experienced flooding due to heavy rains in August and September. The leak originated from the fire escape, with water coming through the walls. The carpet was removed from two offices, and inmate helpers cleaned the glue off the underlying tile floor. It was suggested that keeping the tile floor might be a cheaper solution than replacing the carpet. A contractor was on-site on September 18, 2026, to assess the roof, and a quote for roof repairs is pending and is expected within a week.

Clarification of Road Status for Utility Installation

Carl Christensen requested clarification on the status of a road on Woodland Place to install utilities for a new property, as utility companies need to know if it is a county road to determine installation methods (trenching vs. boring). A long-term resident confirmed the road was paved privately by residents in the past but was never accepted by the county because it wasn't a double lane. The road is considered a private road. Mr. Christensen was advised to check the INDOT roadway inventory website and get verification from the highway department to ensure it was never officially accepted by the county.

Minutes approval

A correction was requested for the August 3, 2026, meeting minutes to remove the phrase "Subject to the auditor's approval," which was not part of the original motion. Commissioner Weaver made a motion to remove the language from the August 3rd minutes. Commissioner Musselman seconded. Motion passed 2-0. However, Commissioner Weaver moved to do the correction to the August 3rd minutes that their approval is subject to the auditor's approval because they do not have jurisdiction over the things she (the Auditor) does. Commissioner Weaver made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 8, 2026 meeting. Commissioner Musselman seconded. Motion passed 2-0.

Payroll approval

Motion to approve Payroll by Commissioner Weaver. Motion seconded by Commissioner Musselman. Approved 2-0

Claims approval

Motion to approve claims by Commissioner Weaver. Motion seconded by Commissioner Musselman. Approved 2-0

Spaceport Certification and Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Concerns

A question was raised about potential interference from the solar project's electromagnetic fields with the Grissom spaceport application and its certification. A request was made for the board to look into any possible impacts.

Asphalt Parking Lot Surfacing Standards and Vendor Selection

A discussion was held regarding the need for a specific surface mix for the public parking lot at the annex building to prevent damage. The recommended process is to lay asphalt, let it cure for a year, then apply surface and top coats. A comparison of bids from local asphalt vendors (E&B Paving vs. Gaunt) revealed differences in material composition (millings vs. 100% virgin material) and a significant price variance in striping ($3,000 vs. $400). The decision had favored a local contractor (a third vendor, Thorrington Paving), but a re-evaluation was requested based on product quality and taxpayer value.

ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Weaver, Seconded by Commissioner Musselman, approved 2-0