Commissioners - Regular Meeting

[Music] I alian to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Good morning everybody. Welcome to the uh Tuesday, August 26, 2025 uh board commissioners meeting. Uh we'll start with the consent agenda.

Approval of payroll August 15th, 2025. Approval of claims August 7th, August 14th, and August 21st, 2025. Approval of minutes, August 5th, 2025. Weights and measures monthly report June 16th through July 15, 2025. Motion to approve.

We have a motion uh for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those oppos same sign. Motion approved. Announcements. Uh I have an announcement um that I'd like to make uh in regard to this issue of the data center. And uh bear with me folks. I spent the better part of a weekend writing this thing. So, um, anyway, we'll start here. Uh, over the past few months, the proposed data center in Union Township has prompted hundreds of our residents to share their concerns with board commissioners. From the very beginning, the leadership of this board has process for decision is processes for decisions regarding this project. During these many months, county government has consistently upheld its responsibilities to facilitate development process, the the development process while ensuring and encouraging community participation in uh accordance with the Indiana code and our own local ordinances. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that the slow and at times frustrating pace has been a source of irritation for all involved, especially those residents living in Union Township. [Music] In addition to this frustration, it has been it has been made public that QTS parent companies has a sizable financial interest in ITO. After this information was brought to the attention of Commissioner Morales and myself, we paused to carefully consider the implications surrounding this business relationship. While such interests may or may not represent standard business transactions, we understand the desire for transparency regarding this business

uh relationship due to its direct relationship to this project. To date, the Porter County Board of Commissioners has not received a complete response from NIPCO or QPS uh concerning this affiliation. This unfortunately uh or this is unfortunate because it has created yet another be of questions and concerns assoc associated with this proposal and has yet to be satis satisfactoryy explained. This process began began at the start of last at the start of last year. We are now less than a week away from entering the month of September. And we we we really don't know little more than we did when this project was first proposed to us last December. To say the communication with this petitioner has been slow coming into our planning commission, our planning department would be an understatement. Because of this, there has been a growing frustration among our residents that has been allowed to manifest itself to the point that rumors become facts and facts become irrelevant. This is not a good thing. As a matter of fact, this is a very bad thing because good communication is not only expected but also tanamount to just about anything else QTS would be providing to the county planning department and our residents at this time. Most county uh officials understand the economic development benefits of having something as large as a mega uh data center coming into their county. However, that is not to say that we do do not have serious concerns balancing those benefits with other aspects directly associated with our quality of life here in our county and more directly Union Township. It would stand

to reason that anyone wanting to come into our county to build something as large as a mega uh megaiz data center would understand the value of communicating every detail of their project as early as possible to avoid any mism understanding about what they were building and what value it holds not only to Port County government but to our residents. Our residents have come to appreciate our county and its way of life. We understand that things aren't always urban, but we are keenly aware of the value and advantages it holds that makes Fort County a great place to live and work. So, if you want to come in here and develop something as large as this project is proposed to be, you had better come to the table with something other than the promise of more tax dollars. Do not make the mistake of confusing our need for additional tax revenue with a weakness. As a as a unit of local government, we are expected to represent the best interests of our residents and businesses who already live here and operate here. It is not county government's responsibility to convince our residents to support uh this uh or excuse me, it is not our it is not county government's responsibility to convince our residents to support this proposal. That responsibility lies solely with the petitioner. My experience on this board has taught me that without exception, good or great ideas are brought into county government with a prepoundonderance of detail, communication, and transparency. Without these three components, it is very difficult for county officials, much less our residents, to support an idea. In closing, given my statement, given my state concerns with this project, I believe it's appropriate to move on from it and turn our attention to other

county matters that have uh that that have a greater impact on our residents. So, that's my state. I didn't sleep with the darn last night. [Music] Um, in all fairness is uh it is like to make statements this time before we move on to the rest of the n thank you for your statement. Yes. Thank you.

You're welcome. Let's move on here. Uh commissioners uh receive an open bid for early procurement of materials for the county growth 170 south over top ditch small structures PR-002 replacement project Mr. [Music] anything to add? I do not at all if the auditor's office received any quotes.

We only received one quote and the quote is from hand. [Music] [Music] Macan Concrete Products base bid 92,480. I don't believe there's any alternates. 92,480. This is a project that we're later in the agenda they're going to ask about bid, but this is for the advanced purchase of the material so we can expedite and get done this year. And Chris,

uh, that's pretty much it. So, we would recommend we can take a look at those and report to you at the end of the meeting. You're back on the agenda in another place on the agenda. Correct. Why don't you take those under advice and come back to us with a recommendation? Appreciate it. Thank you. You're welcome. An appointment to the West Porter Fire District to complete the term of Guy Kazmati which will end December 31st, 2025. To make a motion to appoint Greg Sowski to the West Township Fire District to complete the term December 31st, 2025.

Second. We have a second as well as a we have a motion for uh approval to appoint Greg uh what's the correct pronunciation? Falcowski of Falcowski to the West Porter Fire District uh board. We have a second for approval. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed sign. Motion approved. Award bid for exterior and sealant replacement for the sheriff's office and jail. [Music] [Music] 40. Good morning. So, as you know, we did receive several bids that came in um through the process for the uh sealant. Um we reviewed these bids for the architect, the engineer, and staff. Um bids um the lowest, the most responsive bidder. Um, and our recommendation is to award the bid to Bergland Construction and approve the contract for the same in the amount of $164,000. The board will entertain that motion. Motion to approve. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I.

Those opposed, same sign. Motion approved. Thank you. uh opiate uh bankruptcy settlement approval for Purdue Pharma and Sackler family. He's got some information for that commissioners that we have been involved with the opioid settlement. We've been dealing with those funds over some time. This is not just one lawsuit. It's not one uh claims action out there. this we have been used to situations in which individuals that were being sued under this uh litigation were in bankruptcy and the bankruptcy courts all have their different rules. In this particular instance on this settlement it is required that each municipality who have entered into the opio settlement make an official action on whether or not to accept uh the proposed uh Purdue Farmer Arma and Sackler family DK settlement. I can tell you that it's uh thousands of communities are involved in it and it is the recommendation of the attorneys handling the litigation that we enter and agree with this settlement and those funds would continue the process to the county as they have in the past. Okay. Thank you. Order entertain a motion motion to approve.

Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I.

Those opposed same sign. Motion. Jeff Lewis, Shy Hatterley. Good morning, sir. Good morning. How are you? Good, sir. Uh, we have a recommendation to install a commercial platform lift um below the orchestra platform at the Memorial Opera House, which will be able to raise and lower the platform within minutes. All costs will be covered by the Memorial House Foundation. That's kind of a no-brainer, is it? Yeah, I'm here to answer any questions. It's been something that has been in the plan for quite some time and they have been fundraising for it. So, just wanted to make it official that um that we could move forward and our many thanks to the Memorial House Memorial Cover House Foundation for providing the funds for it.

Thank you. Second. We have a motion as well as a second for approval. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposing sign [Music] health summary plan description. [Music]

Yes sir. This would be the file from the last meeting. This is the actual physical written plan summary description that we have to approve every year. It takes the commissioner's signature. It's a followup from last meeting's approval on the UMR health plan. This is the required physical written document updated. Okay. So, it needs to be approved by this board. Correct. Okay. Comment by the board. Any motion by the board? I move that we approve.

Second. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposing sign. Motion approved. admin parking garage discussion. Scott,

yes. Uh we've have received uh after some uh discussions between uh the commissioners and commissioner Bigs and the city of uh concerning the parking garage, I did receive some correspondence uh from the city indicating a a want to continue with the u parking arrangement. And I believe that at this point uh we have the uh necessities of an agreement to get us to the end of the year with the price I believe remaining the same. But in in what would be different or in addition to in this contract there would be some additional parking that would be available around the building during peak times of tax season. things like that that would be added into this agreement to allow for some additional parking here uh at the building when the building is at its peak times for more than average pedestrian traffic for given reasons that that this building has for those influxes. So, uh, that was the the give and take, um, that we're working through and hopefully I can have theou completed here in the next couple of days proposed to be able to send for your per for your approval and then we can send it to the city of Alperezo uh for their review.

Yes. Um, as as the board knows, there there was some discussion about raising uh the the cost of the agreement between the county and the city about the raisal for the use of the garage at certain times of the year. And um this board had increased it. And then I think at another an earlier meeting uh at least one of the commissioners had reservations about increasing it. And I understand I understand why. But um so I I called up Bill OD and and he was kind enough to um give me the time to discuss with him, you know, the We're willing to leave the price as it is, but we need some we need something in return here such as additional parking up front uh during um operational hours of county government cuz often because downtown Val is so hot here uh our parking spaces are taken up from people shopping or attending some type of other event. um and forced people especially the handicap to use the garage um which is not easy for them to negotiate. So anyway, we're we're he's agreed to to look into that and provide us something at the end of the day. So uh and I'm fine with that. So that's where we're at.

Okay. Thanks, sir. You're welcome. Thank you. Still projects jail. [Music] Good morning. You can just start at the top there.

Sure. Uh pay applications for the jail project corralless roofing pay number nine in the amount of [Music] $16,217.68. Uh, area construction payout number four in the amount of $50,245.50. [Music] Pleadner Interior Systems pay out number three in the amount of $36,28459. Stans painting payout number two in the amount of $26,842. Eie Moran pay at number four in the amount of $214,4640. [Music] Quality control systems pay at number three in the amount of $456,847.50. H&T Electrical pay at number four in the amount of $79,739.94.

We could we can do all these together. Correct, Scott? Yes. A motion. Motion to approve. Second. Uh we have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those oppos motion approve. Thank you. Um question real quick. Sorry.

I don't think you guys even need to be up here, but that's okay. We'll we'll get you in a second. Probably should have told you that when you walked in here. Um uh Mr. Cleric, the the director of of our highway department, they've sent us a photo of a some mold in the new the new garage. I guess it's in the office portion of of the new garage. Evidently, there was water coming in around the windows. I'll take a look at that. I haven't seen Oh, yeah. I've seen that. Well, yeah, why don't you reach out to him? I appreciate it. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay. We have a request to approval of the list of items for the 2025 Port County uh auction on Friday, October 17th, 2025. It is a sheriff's auction. Would you like to add anything? No, sir. Then you're not. I would. We have uh nine vehicles going to auction, numerous bikes, and then I think there's a whole sports trailer from animal control auction.

Okay. Three are hybrids. Um, we got those I want to say 8 years ago, but we're over on mileage on the warranties on them. They had 100,000 miles or 10 years and fixed those. It's just adding battery system. Yeah, you're going to see those probably the next few years. A lot of times Okay. Uh, Scott, do they need our approval though? I think they're just informing the board of it and because we've already approved the auction itself and so they want to make sure this board has a record of what's going into it

because there are many departments feeding this particular auction based upon the master auction contracts. There you go. We'd like to leave. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Health Department Matt Paul, director. Good morning. We have an ordinance establishing a non-reverent fund, fund 8942 for Geminis Corporation grant for autism elopment kids and free state center classes fund. briefly what what is and I mean it really briefly way I mean uh a lot of the kids autistic children a lot of them like to run is to keep them in the house and make sure that they don't get out is really that brief and you get those for your dog go ahead

and then center instructor is for kids sixth grade and up just teaches them like baby 101 basically how maneuver stuff like that super Okay. So, we've we've had the first reading. Uh we'll entertain a motion uh to to approve or not approve. Second read. Motion to approve. Second. We have a motion as well as a second for approval. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed same sign. Motion. Thank you. For County Museum Kevin Paser. How are you, sir?

Good. Good morning. If you have uh request to use the south side east side the south southeast side of courthouse law 1 on Saturday November 1st from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to hold a free event focused on World War I. Correct. Cool. Well, of course. Why Why would a motion? We have a motion as well as a second for approval. All those in favor say I. I. those folks inside. Thank you. You want me to give my 35minut program now? Okay. Well, then I guess I could give you some time. Thank you very much. You know how they become wise guys?

I wasn't going to allow him to do that. Excellent. Senator Lori. Hey, how are you? Good. How are you? Go ahead and just start the topic. So essentially what I'm doing is cleaning up the budget for the rest of the year. So I'm requesting an additional appropriation for the FIFA fund of $7,000. You can do the additionals at all on

all. Okay. Um and for household embedding in the amount of 4,000 and also um insurance building liability and comp coverage in 7,000. Okay, let's start over. Let's we need to read into the minutes why. Um the first one is to cover FIFA for the rest of the year for staff. The second one is increase in household embedding supplies. So toilet paper, cleaning supplies. Um the third one is our liability insurance skyrocketed. in that not because of any accidents or anything

because they can they other one was a transfer. That's separate, isn't it? Yes, it is. It would be that would be separate. We'll entertain a motion for the three one through three items. Motion to approve. Second. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say sign. Motion approved. Number four. And number four is a transfer. Um I'm sure everybody has seen their water and sewage costs increase dramatically in the last few months and that's what we saw. Yes.

Yes. As a matter of fact, let me share this. This is riveting information from our facilities department. Um, [Music] see here. Of course, I can't find it just but the ledger bill in the jail. Mhm. I almost don't.

So, for the fair usually it's, you know, pretty substantial for that month that at least it went up. Um, it was like 45% from last year. That's pretty straight. I don't know how folks are keeping up with it. Yeah. Anyway, all right. Uh, we need another motion for item four. Motion to approve. Second. Um, we have a motion for approval as opposed to second. All those in favor say I. And those oppos. Motion approved.

Thank you. Jen Animal Shelter. There she is. We have adopted the policy to place a temporary hold on all public drop offs once the shelter reaches a certain number. Have you given the county attorney this policy? Yes. Scott, have you looked at it? I have.

And what do you what's your opinion? I think it's uh it's reasonable and I think it's necessary to keep us in line with our contractual obligations with the towns and our agreements with all of them and uh this is allows a clear way to say when more full and when we are back uh to being able to do some more of the generalized drop offs. So, I think this is a nice um intermediate way to make sure we don't have additional contractual issues with the cities and towns if we find ourselves over capacity. Absolutely.

And why tell the public or for the record that why being over capacity is not a good thing other than puts the health of the animals at risk and also the employees. um the more dogs you have specifically dogs um cats at this time you don't have a problem with um but with dogs the more you have the more difficult it becomes to care for all of them properly and what I'm trying to avoid with reason is to avoid having to house animals pop crates in hallways or bathrooms or offices and that's what a lot of shelters across the country are seeing right now happen you know we have such a surge in intake in the last few years I think like 21% increase in intakes

since co since co Yeah yeah [Music] thinking you you got all that time you spend at home you wow I'll just go get a puppy I think it's not just co I think being part of it also just the economical climate that we're in right now having a pet is more costly and there are more people that want to get rid of animals than adopt so we have more coming out so following you. Hopefully, slow that down a little bit so we have time to get some animals out before bringing additional animals in. [Music] All right. Uh Scott, do we need a ordinance cover for this or

No, this is just an internal policy uh based upon the director and brought it to the commissioners for your approvals. It's not necessarily a written uh policy. It's not a written ordinance. this the internal policy that allows this order to approve and if it needs to be modified in the future it's a little bit more fluid. Okay. Entertain a motion motion to approve. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those oppos same sign. Motion approve. Item number two. Go ahead J.

Uh this is our family trust consent. So, um, apparently the shelter is being about left 25% of residual trust from the family. Um, and there's just a consent of a waiver that uh I'm in search of approval sign

and the the consent is consenting to the administration of the trust as it is written. In other words, if we had an objection, this would be our time to object. In reviewing the documents, we have no reason to object to the administration of the trust as it was written. So, as an heir, the county needs to um accept the approve the consent for the administration of the trust. We have at this time no idea what the value of. Okay. A motion.

Motion to approve. I have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion approved. Thank you. E911, Debbie Dunn, director Shelby Products, a contractual lease agreement for seven concept seating 247 chairs in the amount of $12,852 to be paid out of E911's budget. you you obviously have room for your budget for this.

Well, it was actually presented as a um I have a line item built into the budget, the fund 4922, the foundation budget. Um I don't know where the confusion was, but I submitted that. I put it in my budget last year. Um it's going to be removed for next year, but it is this is just a renewal. We've had this contract now for 3 years and it's been very successful. And so I have contractual line item from the 4922 in which I was hoping to use those funds for this. And this is the chairs the dispatcher set in um 24/7. 24/7.

Yes. And it's been incredibly successful. These chairs um sell for anywhere from $3 to $4,000 a piece. So to have this contract, we have had very responsive vendors. They'll come in if there's a problem that we can't fix on site. They'll send someone here. to look at in South Bend and we've just had it it has virtually removed chair complaints which was just kind of an ongoing issue in the center since I've been I can imagine what's the uh 11 hour shift uh yes setting some Yeah.

All right. Need a motion motion to approve. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed same sign. Motion approved. Thank you. IT department. Flee children's director. [Music] We have a service agreement from Comcast for internet services at 3560 Willow Creek Road with a monthly rate of $279.90. The agreement also includes a onetime nonreoccurring charge of $29.95. This will be paid out of the commissioner's budget. Oh, will it not? thing there. So

yeah, tell us quickly tell us what this is. Yeah, for this building, this is how um our portage complex receives its internet with through Comcast. Okay. Um it should be noted that last year you paid $376 a month for this contract. And with the new contract with much higher speeds, you're saving almost $100 a month.

Is that because you negotiated everything down? That would just be good. I've been awesome. Yes, we'll entertain a motion. Motion to approve. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Probably could have done both at the same time. They have a service agreement for internet internet services at 157 Indiana Avenue, which is this building uh with a monthly rate of $336.90. [Music] The agreement also includes a onetime non-recurring charge of $66.95. This will be paid out of the commissioner's budget as well. Currently, this provides internet service for our guest Wi-Fi system here at the building. Um, the price is going up. Last month, last year for the contract, you paid $185.75. I was not this awesome this time. But along with wireless this is going to provide redundancy so that if our Nico provides our internet for this building if Nico were to go down it would fail over our internet. Any questions by the board? Well there a motion motion to approve. We have a motion for approval. Although uh as well as a second all those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say sign. Motion to approve. Thank you. Just like in the past, um, Comcast agreements are executed online. I just need to realize they have a signature. What do you got? Okay. All right. Facilities department. Mr. Wizawati seeking approval to proceed with notice to biders pertaining to the replacement recover of the roof at the admin at the administration building, which is this building. Uh, the bids will be due on

Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 at 9 a.m. So, as you probably know, Commissioner Dick, since you been around for a minute, um, the roof on this is the original roof that we had on the building. So, we did assessment a while back. We reassessed it. Um, we determined that it's nearing the end of its life. We could probably get a few more years by patching it, but we're starting to get some less and failures in general. So recommendation is to have that rewrote or recovered. Any idea what that cost is for?

Um we do have some estimates based on our analysis of that and just based on some cursory information that we did put together. We're looking at probably about 250 250,000.

Yeah. To do a re-roof, a complete tear off and down to the deck and redo it completely would be closer to half a million. [Music] Any questions by the board? Entertain a motion. Do we have to approve this uh motion to approve? We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposing sign. Motion approved. Uh go ahead with item two.

So the next item is an extension of the um original um professional services agreement with American structure point. We had a set point at 5,000. This is extending out for an additional 5,000. And what are you? This is for basically some engineer review andor bid specs for the future because we've already reached that that limit. Entertain a motion. Motion to approve. Second.

We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion to approve. Item three. So the next item here is for Ryan uh fire protection. Um this is for replacement sprinkler heads and other components for the fire extinguishers throughout the county buildings that are listed below. Um these items will determine efficient or internal um inspections. [Music] Scott, can we do all these together?

Yes. Continue, please. So, I ask for a motion to approve the um proposal from Ryan.

Well, let's let's read all of them into this and then I got to do them all at the same time. So for the memorial opera house replacement sprinkler heads and installation valves in the amount of $2,857 Franklin 5year internal inspection replacement stages three-year leak test um installation of six test valves and drains replacement batteries and panel um 6ear service and 5 years service on the fire extinguishers in the amount of 4200 on the admin administration building, fire sprinkler, flow testing, and six-year service on the fire extinguisher in the amount of $6,185. On the juvenile detention center, perform a 5-year internal inspection on the wet sprinkler system, replacing the sprinkler heads as indicated to cure inspection deficiencies in the amount of $3,935. And on the sheriff share, replace sprinkler heads in kitchen that are corroded. Excuse me. replacing floating paint, sprinkler heads as indicated, and adding sprinkler signage. We're missing your clearance inspection deficiencies in the amount of $7,975. Okay, entertain a motion. Motion to approve for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. Those oppos have been building garage. So, as you know, we um already approved the um joint sealants on the building. This would be taking that to the next step, getting the building uh painted. So, um we provided um three quotes to the commissioners for consideration. Our recommendation is Asher Brothers in the amount of $120,500. [Music]

What color? It's going to be the same. No imagination. entertain a a motion motion to approve.

We have a motion as well uh for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposing sign motion approved. So the next item is for 157 Franklin. There's three items that are related to the former restaurant um that are on the rooftop. We're going to remove those, replace those proper curb, and cover those with the EPDM membrane. Um, our recommendation is uh total roof construction and construction in the amount of $9,590. We will entertain a motion to approve. Second.

We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. And those opposed, same sign. Motion approved. Thank you, Joe. Have a great day. [Music] Uh, development and storm water management. Mr. JO. [Music] Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. Highway Jim. Is Mr. Blair here? No. [Music] Morning everybody. Morning. He has his younger and smarter replacement. Go ahead.

All right. So, I'm here on behalf of Jim Blair. um coming today for approval for replacement trailer Chesterton. Uh we have one quote from Bumpo Trailer for $8,725,000 and one from Hardens heavy equipment for $18,500. I recommend going with Hardings Heavy Equipment seems like it's a better trailer and we have plenty of And it's cheaper. It is cheap. We have plenty of money in LRS 1169 for other equipment. Okay. Motion motion to approve.

We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed sign. Motion approved. Thank sir. I development and storm water management. Mr. J. [Music] Bridge 150 over Mineral Springs Road over east little Calat River. Extend extend uh the bid received date from September 16th to October 7th, 2025. Yes. One of the means before we date we'd like to move it out a little bit further as we wrap up acquiring the rightway.

That's fine. Uh let's do this real quick. Uh we have a motion motion to approve. Second.

We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those oppos say sign. Motion. We have an ordinance for uh amendment to the unified development ordinance revising chapter 5 exceptions for barnheight section 5.20 second reading. The meeting the plate commission meeting and the first meeting. What this ordinance does is it only allows the extended heights for agricultural purposes. on the general agricultural A1 and prim agricultural A2 districts. Yes, it does. Entertain a motion. Motion to approve.

We have a motion for approval of as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion approved. We have an ordinance for an uh amendment to unified development ordinance revising chapters 2, 5, and 12 to include barn dominions second reading. Uh this also came out of the plan commission with a recommendation for approval and was read and public hearing at your previous meeting.

Uh okay. [Music] And it pretty much outlines it defines the much much larger structures as far as the smaller structures. Barnuminium, barn door, whatever you want to call it. The rules that are already there only apply. This only affects the ones that are the much larger structures that fire. They're actually look more like an accessory structure. The main function is a living room. Entertain a motion. Motion to approve.

Second. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion to approve. Approval of plans for County Road 150 over Cobd small structure PR-02. Yes. Uh earlier in the meeting, you opened up uh quotes for the materials. This will be allowed us to go up. We will have a title sheet for you to approve and sign. We recognize Order to approve. Second. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion approved.

Item five, request to advertise for bidding for the structure of Connie Brook 150 Southover Ditch small structure PR-002. This bid will be open on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at the board of commissioners meeting. This goes along with number item number four. This just gives you clarity on the date.

Okay. So, we don't need any kind of motion here. Capital safe travel a quote to purchase in what is that tractor to replace two existing nonfunctioning department traffic counters for a total cost of $3,415. part of our bridge program and certainly our highway program. Anytime we go for grants, we have to count roads to the counties. We have a series of traffic numbers we use quite extensively. We had some that are no longer able to be repaired. Um county highway engineer doing his due diligence looking at this on these instruments which you don't put in the road. You can put them on the side of the road and they'll still do the same function. Come to mind about the cost. There's almost negligible difference between the two modes. So rather than replying in kind replacements, we'd like to try these for the same about the same cost and see how they work. And as they work fine and they're safer to use, then we'll slowly as they age replace the other ones. Okay. [Music]

Motion. Motion to approve. Second.

Have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say sign. Motion approved. United Consulting Bridge 132, County Road 200 West over Salt Creek update an emergency closure and request for tax quarter to identify options for repair. As we reported to Stormwater Board this morning and updated all our bridge projects, as you know, this bridge about 3 weeks ago, we discovered a failure in one of the meetings. So we closed the road immediately and between the highway department and our office we continue to do due diligence investigating the cause and what we found out is there six box beams underneath the bridge. Three of them we found were completely scaled when we took the surface off. One was so bad that the pavement was flexing as large boats were going over it. So it was wise to close the road. The remaining three box beams are starting to show deterioration as well. Staff has done a lot of investigation with the bridge crew, highway department and engineering staff to determine that we to find a way in which we can replace the bridge as expeditiously as possible to get the road. Otherwise, we'd be waiting over a year going normal with the design and permits. What we need to do is look at the end years. The peers were originally built in the 1920s were modified in the 1970s. We believe it could have some structural capability like we just don't know enough structural engineers to make that determination. So, United has a as needed contract with the counties since a few years and I have a supplement that extends that that

we could issue a task order for them to help us do the investigation of these peers. See if we can do even a modest repair to those make it structurally safe and then we can proceed putting meetings on and quite hopefully we can get the bridges done this year. However, if it does wind up with the pure support that then we'll have to regroup and pull out the prop sign which at that time will come and talk to you more. So, um I have an on call. I don't have an exact amount, but I would like to execute um their supplemental agreement, their original contract, which we've had 3 years, and then we give permission to issue a task for not to exceed $20,000 for at least getting the inspection done, which I think would be important enough. So, you never know. Now, if it goes into design, then that's another discussion. don't have a diagram on board to do design stuff. This is simply at this time just

and it has to be done as quickly as possible. Entertain a motion motion to approve.

We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those same sign. Motion approved. Uh I'm going to ask Chuck Miller RG manager to come up and help with this one. The next item is a professional services agreement cloud geospatial in the amount of $27,875 for an upgrade of our RGIS enterprise system and deployment of an address management solution to be paid 100% from the GISC grant which is the soy enrichment emergency data and if you remember a meeting or two ago we did set up that um account and we could bill against and then receive return credit money from this program. Um my understanding is there'll be no cost to the county. We just have to run the money to pay the bills and get reimbursed for it. And Chuck's here to explain what this process does.

Sure. Yeah. The um Indiana Geographic Information Office has offered a non-competing grant to all counties in Indiana up to $30,000 um to improve our emergency management data. So we're taking this money, hiring this uh company to come in, improve our infrastructure, uh put in this address management solution and then um through that we will be able to um more efficiently um more accurately uh improve our address points uh address data um and fulfill those requirements and at no cost. Okay, a motion motion to approve. Second.

A motion for approval as well as the second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed same sign. Motion approved. INDOT change order two for project B-42833 bridge 110 County Road 600 East over Crooked Creek. request contract increase for unstable soil removal and fill in uh and fill in the [Music] typo there but uh 52,51945 total local share is $31,58918 [Music] uh project is usually with the when we have that funds federal funds there were some items that are not inventory at that 8020 range. Yes, that's why it's a little bit more. Um the cost is is to remove bill that was already in there and then put it in more suitable mater. Okay.

Motion to approve. Second. A motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I.

I. Uh all those opposed, same sign. Motion approved. Thank you. Thank you, gentlemen. West Porter Township Fire Protection District, Joe Wiz, we have a request for an additional appropriation fund number 9995 account number 3120 consultants in the amount of $83,000 funds from fund balance to cover contractual obligations. What would these consultants be consulting about? Well, it's the way the line item is written. Um, this particular line item is to cover the cost for the tractional services that we have um with our current um firefighter uh department. So, this is for actual fire service.

Yes, that's correct. So, there's subcategories of that. So, I don't know if we broke that fire services out of that. Yeah, it's it's a little bit convoluted, but um in any event, the 83,000 is to cover the contractual obligation that we do have. Okay. The additional I don't know if we do both of them at the same time, but the the next item um is for $200. That's for an additional SH cost. We do these at same time, Scott. Yes. Okay. Motion to approve. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed same sign

and just to mention thank you uh for the appointment for Mr. Kowski. Uh he is actually here today. If you would uh stand up and just you know there yeah we're lucky to have somebody with his level of intelligence and experience. Yeah.

Good luck. You're going to need it. [Music] Uh the carrying place uh Dina Deval, you have your request to use the northeast and northwest corners of the courthouse grounds on Saturday, December 13th, 2025 from 1 from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for the first first the first one the first annual holiday cookie walk. We're going to be there, Scott. Of course, Bob.

Tickets will be sold and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Carrying Place domestic violence shelter in Valera. They will also set up two tables. Yes. Um there'll be a check-in area, the two tables. Um we'll go to um a variety of businesses listed. The um ticket purchasers will get a map, a wristband, and each business will provide a holiday treat. It'll be a fun activity. The um events express that there's been an interest from the community and it obviously will benefit us. So, win for the community. Win cookies. How could you? And hot chocolate.

I just have to ask you if the board approves this. I'm assuming that we will you work with you contact Mr. There was a body, the big guy that just left here. Okay. And uh he'll let him know where he wanted to stop that table. Excellent. Thank you. Thank you so much. You're welcome. Motion to approve. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion to approve. Thank you so much. And thank you for your patience. Oh my god. Thank you.

Northwest Indiana activities Northwest Indiana. Now, Lisa Cenber. Uh, we request to use the southeast and southwest corners of the courthouse grounds on Monday, September 1st from 11:45 until 2:15 p.m. to hold a 50 51 or 501 rally. It will have handheld signs and one table. [Music] Okay. What does this like the half dozen? What? How many times you been in front of us? About a dozen at least. Yeah, probably about a dozen.

We're back. You know, since you were here last time, you know, there's been a couple of videos sent sent to I mean, I don't I don't know. I haven't had the opportunity to discuss with the other two commissioners, but people with blowhorns, megaphone, megap. Is that what they are? Megapones. Yeah. U megapones and whistles. We've taken down the whistles. megaphone. We do have a megaphone. So, and we also have that in part to um I know why you have it. I don't need one. So, I never use it. But here here's what I would like to ask you is that

I really do think that the businesses in downtown Balpo have been really patient with having and it's not it's probably not just you. Um oh, believe me, it is not us. Okay. It is not just that, okay? Because we have a we have a big problem that we're trying to address with the city of B out, too. I one of the things I wanted to do up here is thank you for making us get that permit because you saved us at our last rally. Unbeknownst to you, we have So, I'm the reason you're out there.

I'm blaming it on you. No, we had um you saying that we needed the permit to be on the county lawn enabled us to move our people after having walked away from a group of people who are not safe. Um you allowed us to get back on that grass and they could not follow. Okay.

And thank you for that because we tried to walk away from them and the noise that they started and were making. We tried multiple times to get away from them and any of the officers that were there will tell you that um we are doing our best to be good stewards of the community. We are sending people to businesses downtown to eat after the rallies. I go in and I talk to to the there are two restaurants specifically that could be affected. One is Blackhead, the other is Farah. Um, this rally is during midday. Blackhead will be open and they aren't bothered by it. Um, but it's on Monday, um, Labor Day. So, there's nothing going on in the courthouse. The lawyers aren't open. It's it'll it's just nothing. Going back to my initial concern was and asking you for a favor,

okay, is to leave those megaphones or whatever you're calling, leave them home. We need one. Why? To address the crowd. They just cannot hear us without it.

There's there's 150 to 200 people up there. They can't be we can't be heard. I mean, as it is, there are people that are having trouble hearing us. We have a group of people, like I just said, who we are trying to get the city to force to be on the other side of the sidewalk because they intermingle with our people and they've got my they've got at least three megaphones. Um, she screams louder than I've ever heard anyone scream and she screams nonsense. Yeah, we've been getting the permits. We could have, you know, be on the grass, be on the sidewalk, have a megaphone, something like that. They don't have permits and they're showing up with megaphones and louder than 200 of us with megapones. you say them. There is a family of four people and then you know James is always there but but yeah every week they're asking a little further a little further and last event we had she over the megaphone and her father had a megaphone the other

and and I mean they are screaming in I just I really feel sorry for the people who go down there and shop or they eat. Well, that's why you got us on the south side because there aren't as many businesses over there and we're not really affecting it like we would on the north side. When you have when you have something electronic that where you can you can blast out of, you know, what you're yelling or saying, it's just, you know, they're across the truly, Jim, it's not what I would like to be do. I'd rather we didn't have to have one. I truly would. It's it's insane um to see it's not rational. and I can show you some of the video.

Well, Deb, you've been you've been you've been a joy to deal with. Okay. You've been fine. Would you would you post that? The only reason that I'm bringing this up to you and I understand and I'll do the best I can. Be the example, not my my question to you would be if if we're being told to, you know, either leave home or whatever, whatever they Oh, well, nobody's telling me. I will actually have I will talk speak to the sheriff's department about this. You have to have a permit to be out there.

Right. Well, and see that's been one of our concerns because we go to the sheriff and the the police and people that are out there and they've been wonderful. I but they don't know what to keep saying we can't we can't violate the first amendment right and I'm like well we had to get a permit. Why don't they have to go? Meanwhile, the girls down the street and I agree with you. Um, but again, just worry about yourselves. Be the example.

We tried as long as we did move our crowd to the other side, get away from the girls home and she immediately followed. So then we moved everybody up in the grass and and like I say, that was beneficial because we could move people into the grass and I explained to one of the sheriff's guys. All right, I'll I'll speak uh to entertain a motion motion to approve. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion approve. We will do our best. Thank you. Thank you.

That's all we ask. Thank you. or the county of fire at Wallace. There be a request for permission to close 325 South to 400 South on State Road 49 for the annual Molden Labor Day parade on Monday, September 1st from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. The Port County Sheriff's Department will assist with traffic control. Is Adam here? He's not here. Okay. Well, we do this every year. So again, I move that we approve. Second. We have a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I.

Those opposed say sign. Motion approved. Except the agenda. Okay. Any other matter which may properly come before the board commissioners? Yes, Mr. Jacob. Yes, that's right. You were going to come back to this.

Yes, I was. Having looked at the proposal for bids received for the east county road 150 south over concrete small structure PR 002 having received a bid from Macan MC CNN concrete products in the amount of $92,480. you know, serious things. Our department recommends approval approved.

Second. There will move u a motion for approval as well as a second. All those in favor say I.

I. Those post say thank you. M. Any other matter which may properly come before the board of commissioners. State your name and uh your address. You don't have to give your address. just natural. [Music] Uh I do have a question about the approval that you gave for the modern opinion issue. Um did any of the codes set back requirement that was in the first reading that I objected to was any of that addressed? Is it still 100 foot sets on the sides of lots so that people like me that have a have a 5 acre lot can't uh can't build a marinium in the middle of our lot? You want to address that Mike? Speaking for myself, Joe, I went on the re recommendation of the plan commission. The ordinance stays the same as it was originally presented. What is also in there that remains the same is anybody has different conditions can still appear before the BCA approvals. So there can be a variance. There is a variance process.

There is circumstances that are similar to yours. Well, I just find it, you know, that it's a little bit uh ridiculous when you got that. I mean, to me, I addressed the issue and nobody addressed my objection to the setback requirements based on, you know, what was being said. you know, uh, I have 160 foot wide lot, 5 acres deep lot, and I can't build a barnium to go in the middle of my lot on the fact that there's 100 foot setback requirements on the sides.

I think what Mr. Jagel was saying is that there's exceptions that can be made if they're brought to the board. I don't to me I just want everybody here to know that you didn't address anything other than accepted exactly what he said and knowing that those setback requirements make it impossible for a person like me without coming and and asking for for a variance on something that I shouldn't have to ask for a variant on.

So I did have a conversation with Mr. after our last meeting because I was trying to understand to see if there was a way that we could take into consideration some of those sorts of things and I think Mr. D was saying that it's so hard to know the different exceptions and to try to, you know, to cover all of them in an ordinance is why he had recommended to me that we leave the ordinance as is because we have the process with the BTA. And I'm sure there's other people that have an unusual situation with their property as well and it's impossible for them to anticipate what those might be. churches. I mean, you basically if you have less than so many acres and your lots, you know, certain under a certain width or and depth and all that kind of stuff, you do that. But uh to to say I have to have 100t setback on both sides of my box and I'm 165 ft wide 5 acres deep that seems a little bit excessive. But you know you've heard my you've heard my voice and you've already approved it. So there's nothing I can do about it now. So but I want everybody here to know that that's that's ridiculous. Even if I had a 10 lot that was skinny I wouldn't be able to build what he has asked for. Well, if you could figure out a way we could write our ordinances to to specifically address every single lot in this county regardless of

I could I could there wasn't a whole lot well that that ordinance was studied for 6 months. That was 6 months of wasted effort. Well, that's that's your opinion, Joe. No, that's definitely

Well, I I think that the people we have up in that office are pretty bright. So, thank you. Thank you for your comment. Anybody else would like to make the comment? Yes, sir. [Music] Kevin Ry, 336 North, 375 West. I'll be brief. Uh, thank you all sincerely for your roles throughout the process regarding the town center. I don't envy the position that any of you have been. Commissioner Regnus, thank you for your outspoken support uh with residents from the beginning. Commissioner Morales, thank you for making the time to speak with me after hours on several occasions. I regretted my concerns. And Commissioner Digs, thank you for your leadership and commitment to respect not only the legal process, but the concerns of your countyy's residents throughout this entire journey. Porter County and specifically Union Township has been and will continue to be a great place to live. and I look forward to [Music] round president. There are two other counties on either side. They're going through the same thing. They have not had transparency even delayed because of the conditions in order country. We would be applauded that you are looking with clear eyes to the monolith that's happening all over the state. This was our fourth battle. We came in neutral. I'm dressed neutral. We're neutral until we aren't

and it became obvious they were trying to do a rollover. Somebody has to be an advocate. But all we do is spur the local neighborhoods. Without the neighborhoods, it's a waste of time. So, even though there's a lot of fluff, good and bad, that you have to deal with, the basic premise is be straight with the people. They'll always have me at your back. Always vote for the people, especially when in the house. And I thank you as Isaac Bolton, and I thank these people for bearing through. But be aware if the state decides to overcome county ordinances and county commissioners, we don't know.

We're we're aware of that. A whole different world.

Yeah, we're we're aware of that. And actually, you know, speaking for myself, that has been a constant annoyance um that we've had to stop what we're doing here and and even looking at this particular project and address, you know, some rogue state uh uh bill uh written by, you know, local state offic uh or yeah, well, supported by local state officials. um to keep that from happening out here. We we we had to we had to pass a uh re uh resolution I believe it was and you know to to uh condemn the bill and which I I I don't understand. I don't know I don't know um I don't know why a state lawmaker would would do that. Um you're you're you're down there to represent your constituencies up here. why you would do that without any uh consulting any of the elected officials or much less the residents and just you know half-hazardly write something like that that I could have told you was going to fail. Um but um my fear is that there there is going to be a mounting uh mounting support for a law like that and which that to me just changes everything. If you We're the only county in Indiana, the only county. Not now. We're the only county that installed forages. And yet they still have this Jetco thing or a monopoly, the ability to do whatever they want without public eyes. That is untenable. That is totally untenable. So I wish you well. wish you well trying to figure that out and have your binoculars and have your warning buzzers ready.

You know, I hope that the different my wish was, you know, to take as much care as I did with writing that uh at least I tried. I'm not William Shakespeare um by anybody's imagination but uh is to to send the message. Look, we're not anti-data center here, believe it or not, but there's a just like grocery stores, just like gas stations or anything else, they have their place. And I I just don't I don't believe that if you can't communicate with me why you should we should be able to to to to build like in in Union Township this particular uh proposed uh structure. If you can't communicate to me why I should be supporting it, why it's a good thing for Porter County, you're not going to get our support. it these these these buildings and that's all I've heard. We need them. We need them. We need them. Okay. All right. But they they're going to they have a they have their own place. There's only certain places that they belong. And to come into whether it was Union Township or any any other township and it's really the way that this uh you know my stance on silver has been. You don't have the right to come in and change the entire makeup of an entire township to open up your business. whether whether we need it or not, you just don't have that right. You have to you have to sell us on it that we want to be in this particular location. Here's why and here's how we're all going to benefit from it. If you can't you can't communicate that with us, head on down the road. There's 92 counties in this anyway. It it won't go away. You'll be coming back. We're not going anywhere. Thank you. Thank you.

Hey everybody, good morning. I just wanted to say thank you. That's awesome. Just really thank you. I know that it takes a lot of hard work and confidence in this county, confidence in you all to be able to send this trillion dollar company back in. So just know that we are very appreciative of that. Um and then looking, you know, down the road or a couple weeks ago, I should say, I do want to commend you for standing up. I don't know. This is weird. Um standing out for Mayor Mona and everything that he was speaking out against Ray Heights. Um it's my all of you were at that meeting when it was discussed. So thank you for doing that as well. Um I also like to maybe offer a recommendation for you consider um as well the 2200 house double and it has stay that way even though the uh temperature outside has come down. So, as you all know, this is all interconnected from the Greek extension to Blackstone to UPS and all that interconnected and um like I said, I just want to say I really appreciate you guys taking a look at this down and not the money or money that we're supposed to get in that constituent. So, you're stupid. Thank you again. I never [Music]

How's it going? Your first year. So, no, not yet. Not yet. All right. I just want to thank you again also on behalf of community students the students that we serve for hearing our community our family's opposition to the data centers for your comments this afternoon or morning and a huge shout out to our community for showing how strong just that we are and how much we believe in our

your community is indeed strong awesome quickly. I'm hungry.

I want to thank you, too. It's It's like I have your name, Susan Lee, and I live in Union Township right behind where it was. Anyway, um you you're going to have a lot of people having more better nights sleep now that you've made this decision. I thank you. Thank you very much. and I thank you for all I've learned about county government because I have never been involved. But I will do have two questions. Um, will the zoning be changed at all? Will it still be what it is now? Or will there be industrial?

Let let me let me make something clear. You may you may misinterpret at least a portion of what I said was this. QTS still has uh the right to continue with your application. Okay? I'm not saying you're not going to get a, you know, you're not going to get your your application in front of us. We're not going to consider it. We're not saying that. I'm not saying that. I'm saying this. I spent the better part of going on 11 months dealing with them. the the in my opinion the communication has been horrid because of that has it has caused dissension within our within our county with especially in the community of you of u of of Wheeler and uh that has manifested like I said in my has manifested into the rumors just outrageous accusations I think there was even an accusation that commissioner Morales and I were making donations uh from you know uh various power companies and which couldn't be further from the truth. Um I I'm what I'm telling them is this. I've moved on and I think Commissioner Morales will tell you the same thing. He's moved on. I don't need to be bit, you know, hit over the head with a hammer to know it hurt. Okay? You've had your time. you. We've given you nearly a year to make your case. You've lost me. And I you know I and again and as much as they may not want to hear it is that it is not our job to convince the residents whether it was Union Township or any other township, you should

support this project. That is their job. and they they they failed in it terribly and they've had that opportunity and and early on our planning department made that recommendation that they reach out to you and meet with you and and so you could discuss they could tell you what they were and what they weren't. They ignored it. It took them two months to get back to us after the expo meeting and let us to hear their, you know, to respond uh on that information. That's inexcusable. That is that is that is if if it were approved is the biggest economic development project since the Bethlehem Steel initially came into this concept. It's huge. 750 acres. It's a big deal. Now, I I'm sure they do this all over the country, but we don't we've never done it here. So, and they were warned and I warned them when I met with them in December. And when when they you know, when when it just seemed like, you know, going one year out here, they were going to do what they were going to do. That's too bad. That's too bad because I I personally have no problem with a data center coming into this county if it's put in the right location, but it shouldn't disrupt an entire township in order to do that. If it costs them a little bit more money to to bring whatever power to to to them in order to operate, it's price of business. I'm not taking I'm not taking that obligation and putting it on the last of our residents. Well, they got to be here because they're closer to power. But the real nail in the coffin was the was the announcement

that their their owners had bought a significant portion of Pinsco. I can't explain that away. I don't understand it. And I'm not it's not my job to explain it to the residents, but I've lived long enough. I'm 68 years old that looks like a duck, walks like a duck. It typically is a duck. That's right. So I, you know, I that that to me was a deal breaker. And I have that right as a as as as an elected official come out and say that they're still entitled to go through the process. Please do if you'd like, but I moved on. So

I can I I don't know if you're the right people to ask, but you need to tell me who to go to. I was wondering if we have that landfill in Wheeler, a landill that are closed. Does anybody check on them to make sure that they're not leaking or anything? Who would I ask? I ask Mr. Jabbo at the mining department. Okay. All right. Yes, sir.

Morning. Uh my my name is Dan. I'm a owner of a company called the firm and we are based out of Portage, Indiana. Uh we're a licensed general contractor that specializes in fire damage restoration and board services. Um we've been in business for 8 years and we're proud facing out the program. Over the past year, my team and I have worked with the city of Portage to address a serious issue. Uh there was no fair or transparent system for assigning emergency board after fires. For years, this work had been funded to a single outside company, shutting off qualified local businesses. After months of discussion with the city, they recognized that the system was unfair and not in public specimens. As a result, passed an ordinance for a rotating list of qualified contractors. Um, this list was modeled after a rotation list already used by police departments for two months. Today, I'm asking for county to take a similar action. Right now, outside of Portage, the only company receiving order calls is 1800 Florida, not based on county. This has created a monopoly term very well today, leaving long-standing local contractors like us without a fair opportunity to serve and leaving residents with no real choice. By adopting a countywide rotation that's administered through 911, uh we would essentially initiate a fair, transparent system that's accountable um and in the best interest of the public. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness and competition, the same principles that already exist in other public safety systems. The competition lowers cost, improve services, and ensures that for county residents are served by professionals who live, work in their own communities, not outside counties. I respectfully

urge the commission to move forward with countywide ordinance uh that create a fair, transparent list of county. Um, I have some documents of essentially what we provided to city portage on kind of what their ordinance is and how they based it and the information about what is currently going on. You could leave those with us. I didn't catch your first name. Nell. Nell.

Yes. Okay. Uh, Nell, why don't you allow the commissioners um, you know, to uh, take in this information and and then also speak with our legal counsel uh, to see what we need. you know, I I because I don't want to take our what we think is story and bleed it off into somebody else's uh responsibility. Um, in other words, I don't, you know, I don't want to get I don't want to get somebody upset with us because we've overstepped our authority. We'll take a look at it and if it's something that we can do and we decide we should do uh and we we should probably have an answer by our next meeting, we'll show. Um and one of the documents in there is essentially um you know kind of over the last year what we went through with portage right um starting with you know going to the fire department administration and then working our way around right and then ultimately coming back to the right right hands right knowing deer gun is very aware of the situation um and on how things are done and then the appropriate ways to get that. Yeah.

Okay. Well, I if if if we we can consider this uh and the board believes that it should consider it, we'll do something. Okay. All right. Thank you. Yes, ma'am.

Hi, Cheryl Johnson from Union Township and I've been up here several times before. Um, I do want to appreciate and thank you for allowing us to have kind of unlimited time versus keeping up with a lot of the data center on Facebook where they're given one or two minutes and they have to stop and I won't take their time but I appreciate that you've allowed me to speak these several meetings. I have just a few questions. First one is why has QTS and Blackstone been given a deadline? Why was it said on May 1st, offer it? It comes or goes. I don't know. It's going to continue. And secondly, I have to address Mr. Jabbo. Excuse excuse my dad. This um call it this offering that they just heard was recently made that was made public addressed a few weeks ago or so. that contract came in and if it wasn't for all the red marks that you made on it, it wasn't acceptable. So why wasn't it just denied? But it's almost like they made an offer kind of like on the house. Someone offers me money on a house. I really want to sell it, but it's not good enough. So you added notation. In other words, here do this and it would be acceptable.

Cheryl, yes. I think that conversation is more appropriate between you and Mr. Jbo. Well, he did what he did because he he's working within our ordinance to do. All right. I understand. And you're not given or a petitioner is not given a deadline. Okay. There there is no deadline. No. All right. So, but but I I encourage you he'll he'll give you time.

Okay. I just want to make everyone aware of it. And one thing and I don't know if this is pro or not but that letter that is public on there at least did say that this area is now called um industrious and I also know on there there was back at the meeting at the meeting we had the town hall meeting that we were president at the representatives from QTF said that the gentleman whoever says that fat for the school instead of originally a few hundred ft they would make it 2,000 ft but if you do look at this public letter they proposed 500 ft and Mr. Jacob, you did the thing. It made me be bigger, but already QPS is changing Google. Everything's changing. And one thing I'd like to address, and maybe it's not been brought up, but a a magnitude giant building like this is going to take a lot of diesel generator back up. And these diesel generators are the size of train car parks. They use diesel fuel. Now, if you have 350, which I figured out is approximately that would cover this mega dentist on her, they have to be cycled as everybody's generators have our neighbor once a week by a minute. They're run it turns off because they have to make sure they're maintained. Well, there are 350 of these that are located behind the school where children and go out for recess, enjoy the park, enjoy football, baseball. That means that every day at least 50 of these generators have to be go through a

cycle. So over a week now it's not just going to meet the vicinity every day for probably 10 years that that area where the children are is going to be exposed to whatever time the cycling is. We haven't even been told yet 5 minutes to 10 minutes. So 50 diesel generators so at one time that's got to be a lot of toxic fumes and the way that is usually from the north

Cheryl that if that were the case if if assuming you're right that all that sort of thing would be discussed during the planning process. Okay. So when is it if if if they decide to make if they decide to move forward after hearing test um they would contact Mr. Jbo and and ask for a date to come before the plan commission. Am I correct Mike? Okay, which they have not. So

So that would be brought up. All right. I'm a retired pediatric nurse and kids are my blood. I give my life to a child. I don't want a data center, CTS or Blackstone making our students. We We get it. We get it. We get it. Okay. I'm glad you understand and I do hope and pray that you fight against it. Thank you.

Of course. Do I have to come? Yes, you do. Think you're special? Never mind. No, but crippled. Yes. Um, you didn't say that, but I brought the mic standing up, so that's okay. Um, I heard or read, excuse me, that there's another Your name's Benji, ma'am. I live on 149 in uh um Valo actually out that way. And um I've heard, are you connected over at Will Creek and 700? What do you mean connected? Do you take care of that area too? Will Creek and Central Avenue. No.

700 700 and the south side of of 700 north is is the responsibility of the of the of board of commissioners or the county highway department. It's south of that unincorporated area because I here we go. It's a rumor that I've only read once that they're proposing a data center over there. Well, I'm not I'm not going to address the rumor. I I I have I have not had a single person text me, email me, tell me. That was my question. No. Is that just something that someone's putting out to screw up something? Who knows? I'm just telling you, we have not.

Okay. There's been nobody reaching out to us that I'm aware of. Now, that's not to say that they might. They might. I don't know. I don't know. But I'll tell you what, this was an absolute learning experience for this board. So, as as I stated in in the if you're going to come to us and you're going to ask for something as big as a data center to be placed in this county, you better come with your a [Music] nice.

Yeah. I'm just saying we don't know, but I'm I'm certain this isn't the last we've heard about somebody who want to come in and disrupt the data center in our county. Okay. All right. Thank you. That folks