Good morning. I'm going to call to order this meeting of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. It
is Thursday, May 7th, and I'm going here in the NETU Hill Room by Commissioner Jones. Commissioner Madure
may be joining us shortly. In with our public statement, we, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners,
renew our commitment to welcome and protect the rights of all people, regardless of age, race,
color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, economic status,
and national origin. And we affirm the right of every person to live peacefully and without fear, and
we will fight and resist at every step discrimination and harmful policies, whatever their source. We
believe in diversity,
equity, inclusion, and belonging. We also stand in support of our county public school systems, both
RBB and MCCSC. And with that, we'll move on to our department updates. Ms. Kelly. Good morning,
commissioners. According to the Indiana Department of Health and Wastewater Scan, we have not seen any
changes in wastewater concentrations for COVID.
as of May 5th, and levels remain low. Flu activity is currently at minimal levels. The Health Department
is scheduling appointments for vaccines for all ages. The number to call to schedule an appointment
is 812-803-6364. Thank you so much. Comments or questions, Commissioner Jones? No, I don't. I don't
have any either. Thank you for the update. We appreciate you.
Thank you. All right. Next we have Ms. Woodruff from the auditor's office to give us an ARPA update.
Good morning. Good morning. We're just here to give that ARPA update. As we all know, that expenditure
deadline is coming at the end of this year. I believe
There is talks of having a joint session between commissioners and council to iron out what those next
steps look like. We have two projects that we're aware of right now that are expected to come in under
budget and so that means if we don't re-obligate those dollars to another project that we may have to
send that money back to the federal government and we do want to keep those dollars local if possible.
The amount that we expect as of right now to come in under budget is just north of about 315,000. We
have received some requests from projects that are open that we think may be able to use some of those
fundings. One of them is for parks. It looks like they have some drainage situations going on. The second
project is another park project and because of the turf
extra traffic we've had going in with all the big trucks. They have some interest in getting some paving
done and that would fall well within an open project they have right now. The third project is for the
Monroe County Fire Protection District. That is also an open project and we would fund some of those
extra costs needed to get those ambulances up and going. And then the last one that would be most feasible
would be the airport stormwater drainage. And so of those four, those are all very feasible, very great
projects. We have received a couple other requests, but whenever we look at the nuances of those ARPA
dollars and open versus closed projects, those are the four that we would recommend sticking with with
re-obligation.
I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. And if you don't know the answer, just let me know that.
So we have the septic and the jail locks as two projects that are going to be underutilizing the funding
that was allocated, right? Those are the only two, correct? As of right now, those are the only two.
Okay, when will we know?
When will we know exactly that those are the two and how much those will be? It's really on a project
by project basis. We've touched base with all of the open projects and we have estimated timelines of
when they're expected to come to conclusion. Some of those are very soon. Some of those are closer to
October. So
it really is on a project by project basis. Right now we're trying to get a plan of action for the dollars
that are currently unobligated or expected and then hopefully a plan of action so that it's an automatic
process once those come in under budget. Yes, maybe if I could answer for the septic. I think we know
what we have out in contracts and obligations. We just don't know if weather is going to permit all
of them to be done.
We think we can by the end of the year. We think that's not a problem. We're working with vendors. But
we do know that the $505,000 unexpended in this is not all overage because we have contracts out. And
I can't remember. I thought it was about $200,000 or neighborhood of what is there. So we know from
a septic, we know what we know is not obligated. Now, there's an off chance that one of these
projects that are out there won't get done. There's always that chance, but we know what that number
is. So you're saying that 256 number that we have in the memo is not obligated. The rest is,
but it may. But if there's a really wet summer or something happens and they can't get the construction
done, then that 256 number may actually be higher.
I think that's a highly unlikely because we were working with the vendors. They know that they want
to pay, they need to get this done. All these arrangements were made last November, right? So they knew
last November that these had to be higher in their priority for this year. So I'm fairly confident that
they'll get in, but I'm not going to stake mine.
Then let me jump to the end of the memo. So the one, the LATCF 162,000, $378.82, right? So what happens
with that money? So that money does not technically have an expenditure deadline. We're just putting
that on your radar because it is closely tied to ARPA and this money
while it doesn't have an expenditure deadline set forth by the federal government, they do have a chart,
and that last day on that chart that they provided is 2027. So our ARPA advisors have advised that we
spend those money prior to the end of 2027. Okay, okay, perfect. I want to make sure I understood that.
It's explained well in here, but I thought 27, really? Okay, so okay, good. So what we're hoping to do
in this joint meeting, and correct me if I'm wrong, is to sit with the council and determine not necessarily
how much is left, because I don't think we're gonna know that, right? It would be highly unlikely. Right.
Even if we did, I wouldn't imagine change. Yeah, but we're gonna need a drop dead date. We're gonna
need a date that says, as of November 1, if this isn't spent, we're allocating it here. But that's the
decision that we have to make jointly
as to where to allocate those dollars, correct? Correct. Okay. My concern is this. My concern is this.
Let's say the septics project goes through October, which it shouldn't, but it might, right? Let's say
the septics, and one of the jobs doesn't get done. Now we've got a little extra money.
many of these projects are capable of spending and receding out these projects before December. I have
a department head here who looks very eager to provide an answer to that. Look, she's got a couple items
on here. I don't know where's Liz. Because they have to be receded out. This has to be not just allocated
but actually spent before the end of the year, correct?
Yeah, at least three of the four that we've received that are in the green on the memo. At least three
of those, I believe we could turn that money around very quickly. And so I would say I've been row fire
and the two parks. They could spend it before the end of the year and get us receipts so we're not losing
any money.
I believe as long as we give them enough time. So if we're making this decision in November, that's
a very short period to turn around. But if we're making that decision in June, I believe at least those
three projects would be able to get that out very quickly. Except they might not get money. So that's
the issue, right?
But we do know for sure that there's an unallocated septic amount, 256. And jail locks. And the jail
locks. And it will not be allocated. And that's it, right? So we know that that money should be decided
now. Correct. Or soon. And divvied up or sent out. Okay. Now, I'm the one who raised the issue for item
Beacon item for the beacon item and. I don't know what information you need, but maybe. If you wouldn't
mind calling forest. How far along they are there waiting so. It was February. I was at one of their
events. And they were about 300,000 short.
And once they get that 300,000 or so, they're going to start building. That's how close they are to
being ready to build. So that was my fault that I raised that. So if Angie can get that information
to you, because I don't know the exact amount as of this date, if Angie can get this information to you, then
Um, I don't know if that puts that back into play. I guess, and I, I've been working with the auditor's
office in our, I think if I were you, I would look more for that, that separate $180,000 funding to
cover that because the 162, 378, 32, the LATCF funding. Yeah, because that doesn't have any of the restrictions.
Once it gets closed in the ARPA project, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to reopen it.
So I think if you're going to look to support that group with funding, I think you should look there
and not necessarily with this. Is that accurate? I think that's a very good explanation. We're really
trying to keep the re-obligations within the green section. We gave a spreadsheet here, and that green
section down here for the open projects is where we're trying to keep the re-obligations. Okay, great.
I will note for the record that Commissioner Madera has joined the meeting. Welcome. So yeah, we're
talking through the ARPA stuff and I just asked a thousand questions. She's really been very patient
with me. I will review the meeting to see what I've missed. Okay. I guess we've extinguished questions
about what the funds can and can't be spent for. That's what we were just talking through. Yeah. Awesome.
Yeah. Perfect. Okay. Good.
Anything else? Mr. Cockrell, Ms. Purdy, do you have questions? Okay. Okay. Sam? Please. This is our
project director, Ms. Whitmer. Good morning. Good morning. Now, if the criteria is an open project,
our project is closing within weeks. So that meeting is supposed to happen.
The project that you're talking about is the... Karst Athletic Complex. Right, but this one is erosion
drainage. Same project. Oh, I see. And they're going to add them both to the Karst Fields project. And
that's what you're talking about, is your Karst Fields. Bender will want his money, his retainage. So
it's not like we can hold on. So I don't want to get kicked off because, oops, we closed two days early.
Yeah, that's the criteria. Right. Yeah, I get you. I get what you're saying. That's very frustrating.
Yeah, we don't want to delay paying a vendor, obviously. But we've all responded to the doodle poll,
I believe, that was sent by council office. So it looks like that will happen in the next few weeks.
If you don't know the exact amount at something, you could just do percentages.
whatever you have, like 5% goes here, 10% goes here, whatever is there, as long as those percentages
go with what they can buy. Yeah, I think my concern with that would be if we were to do that, let's
say with the erosion drainage project, first of all, auditor's office, is there any way to keep a project open even
question for Ms. Woodruff because no matter what, we're going to have to. Is this the airport? Is this
the airport and us drainage problem? Yeah, OK, yeah. So let's say that was the one right and we said
oh 10% well then how are you going to pay the other 90% like where are you going to get that money from?
Because for your project. So let's say we can only cover 10% of your project. How are you going to actually
Yes. How would you actually benefit? The park board has already agreed to cover anything. We will not
bounce our checkbook. Perfect. Okay. Good, good, good. So I guess that would be something for you to
get more information on. Probably from Baker Tilly. I don't know the advisors, but you know, we pay
that last invoice on the fields. How do we keep that project open even though we've just paid an invoice,
the last invoice?
That's something you have to work your magic on. I will do everything I can to win the current projects
open. I will say I don't believe the parks is the only project that's going to run into this issue.
Yeah. Okay. Okay. Perfect. Good. Thank you. Did you want me to still look at Beacon or? Well, Angie
can find out how much they need.
Yeah, and and and once she finds that out I think mr. Cockroach point is a good one about Potentially
using latcf money instead because it would be easier But let's we'll figure that out, but thank you
wonderful. Thank you. Thanks so much. Thank you, Ms. Whitmer No, you will
All right, any other department updates? You raise your hand on teams or come to the podium. All right,
seeing none, we'll move on to approval of the minutes. Could you get a motion, please? Yes, I would
like to move approval of minutes for April 30th, 2026. Second. We have a motion. We have a second. Any
comments, corrections, edits?
All those in favor of approving the minutes for April 30th, 2026, signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion
carries 3-0. Next item, please. I would like to move approval of the claims docket for Count Spable
for May 7th, 2026. Second. We have a motion and we have a second. Ms. Gallardo, will you tell us all
about it, please?
Good morning. The accounts payable claims docket for May 7th totals $1,740,876.22. This includes all
emergency claims and adjustments. Thank you so much. Comments or questions? Commissioner Madura? Any
public comment on this item? You raise your hand on teams or come to the podium.
Seeing none, all those in favor of approving the claim stock, it accounts payable May 7, 2026, signify
by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries, 3-0. Thank you. And we don't have any reports today, and so we will
move on to new business, please. I would like to move approval for the Indian and DNR cost share program,
Grassland Prairie. Second. We have a motion and we have a second. There you are.
so soon need to print my name I'm ready if you like you can just tell us about both of these at once
okay and then we'll go ahead and do the next item that would be excellent they are the same project
as 14 acres of prairie grassland at the Monroe County Nature Preserve DNR is going to give us around
and I'm gonna round these numbers thirty seven hundred dollars and
We pay for the seed and whatnot. We also, last week you approved Jettle Farms for not to exceed 6,500.
That's for our beans for the grassland area that we're planting. We will also be, we, Monroe County
is responsible for upkeep and maintenance, 10 years for the prairies for U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
Three years for DNR, served concurrently. So it's only 10 years. This is a wonderful opportunity because
on another note, we are also going to buy 10 more acres. That has nothing to do with these agreements
of the same grassland seed. So we can connect our two prairies around our gas well, which we don't want
to plant anything else beside grass around the gas well.
So this will be like 16 acres of contiguous prairie land. In total, it'll be 24 in the whole end of
it. It's a great deal. The whole project's around $13,000. What we got free was one of the best wildlife
biologists from the US Fish and Wildlife working on this. We got DNR biologists working on this. We
had our arborists and our naturalists working on this.
All free to us. They presented everything. They helped us pick out all the seed. You'll see a tree contract
probably in a week or so. So this is quite an opportunity to get us started on the path of making all
of this trees and grassland in the future. I mean, we'll have another 100 acres to deal with after this,
but let's start. Start where we have to. Start where we have to.
Basically, that's it. If you look at the DNR one, it's just one page. So sign here, we'll give you $3,700
once you start growing your grassland. Pretty easy. You know, it's fish and wildlife, too. They're like,
yay. Yeah, it's awesome. Comments or questions? Commissioner Madera? No, not really as to this. This
is just amazing. And I have a slightly different question. Are we working with ornithologists as well?
through US Fish and Wildlife? Okay. I'm wondering, at some stage, I'm gonna come tap you as to how we
can get them hooked in as well here. Oh, okay. I mean, they know everybody and they know where they're
at. And also, I did want to thank the National Wild Turkey Federation. They've donated to us this too.
Okay, so they're in here too. Yeah, yeah. I mean, yeah. We're not going to, well, I won't say that.
They like turkeys, even if they don't shoot them. Right. I think if we also do what we're doing, the
birds will come. Everything that's being planted is to nourish the wildlife out there. I mean, it's
going to be plentiful, that's for sure. If you build it, they will come. Excellent. Yes, yes, yes, yes,
yes. Thank you. Yes, I just wondered if they were formally built in at this stage. Thank you so much.
Mr. Johnson, comments or questions? Yeah, I'm just very pleased to hear that there's going to be a good
deal of prairie land there that'll increase the diversity of the wildlife by a whole lot. Yes. Make
it a more interesting park. Yeah, not for sure. Thank you for working on this. And I have a question
not related to this directly. Did the driveway issue with Indot get worked out with the Eastman? Oh, yeah.
Yes, it did. They were very helpful. Great. Lisa Ridge was there. Thank you. So cool. She's trying to
go back in her memory. And I think they said once we put in our permit for a driveway, it might take
a month or so. And we're going the shortest distance, which is the least expensive distance and is the
best route. Everybody wins here. I'm glad it worked out. Well, they haven't signed yet.
Good. But thank you to you, Ms. Ridge, Mr. Rodney. At least I got them there. Oh, yeah. I knew she'd
work her magic. All right. Excellent. Thank you so much. Sorry to get us off track. Any public comment
on the item? Deanna, Department of Natural Resources.
Seeing none, all those in favor of approving the Indiana DNR cost share program, Grassland Prairie,
signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries 3-0. Next item, please. I would like to move approval for the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Program Landowner Agreement, Grassland Prairie. Second. We have a motion and
we have a second. Obviously, this is part of the previous item with a different entity. Anything else
you wanted to add?
No, they've just been so helpful. Yeah, it's awesome. You got connected with all the right people, and
I appreciate the hard work that that takes, because that doesn't happen overnight either. Yes. Let's
see if there's any public comment on this item. You raise your hand on Teams or come to the podium.
My colleagues, do you have any comments? All these seedy items. Yeah, so seedy.
All right, seeing none, all those in favor of approving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Program Landowner
Agreement for the Grassland Prairie, signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries, three zero. Thank you
so much. We're excited. All right, next item please. I would like to move approval for Reed and Sons
Construction, the KAC contract number one, change order number nine. Fund names ARPA,
Geobonds County General and perks non-reverting fund numbers 89 50 48 17 40 19 1000 11 78 and 11 79
in the amount of 17 thousand four hundred fifty five dollars and 79 cents. Second. We have a motion.
We have a second. KAC refers to the athletic complex. Easy for me to say.
And Ms. Whitmer, tell us all about it please. And this is also to approve the change of substantial
completion date to April 28, 2026. Need two signatures. This is an unforeseen circumstance that was
in the parking lot. And this is not a surprise. We've known this for like six months. It just so finally
we got the change order in the park board has approved
paying it months and months ago. All right, thank you. Comments or questions, Commissioner Madeira?
Nope, we've known this was coming, so. All right, let's see if there's any public comment on this item.
You can raise your hand in teams or come to the podium. Seeing none, all those in favor of approving
the reading sun's construction
athletic complex contract number one, change order number nine with a change in the financial completion
date signified by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries three zero. Thank you. Thank you. Next. Oh, we don't
need a motion on the next item. Ms. Ridge, you have bids to open for our various heating projects. First
bid packet we sent out was for some subdivisions.
like we have received two bids, and the first one is gonna be milestone. The subdivisions are Amber
Ridge, Bristol Manor, and Plateau Place. The first bid from milestone
is $241,363. And the second one from ENB Paving.
The second one is $243,600. The second bid packet that I'm going to open is for Night Ridge Road, just
the portion east of State Road 446, along with Duke Road and Gross Road. The first packet is Milestone.
This bid is $525,783.30. The last bid is ENB Paving.
This bid is $519,400. So we will take these under advisement. Of course, our engineering estimate for
the subdivisions was $155,746.80. And what we had for the other three roads was $481,140. So we will
take a look at our budgets and hopefully try and get these awarded
in the next couple of weeks after we can verify funding and make sure everything's in order. Thank you.
We can take that under advisement. Agreed, everyone? Okay, we will take that under advisement. Great.
Thank you so much. And both these projects will be done this year. Yeah, it's our goal to have these
done in 2026. It'll, again, depend on funding.
It sounds like it's a little off. Okay. Thank you so much. All right. We don't have any appointments
today, but we do. I just want to go over a few announcements. We continue to hold office hours, six
hours per month. You can go to the calendar on our homepage, in.gov slash county slash Monroe and find
those dates and join us via Teams.
for conversation. We are still accepting applications for boards and commissions. Go to our website
and you can get more information on each of the boards and commissions and actually fill out your application
online. The next blood drive, there's a blood drive today until 3 p.m. Thursday, May 7th. The next blood
drive at Ivy Tech is Wednesday, June 3rd, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
and Thursday June 4th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please go to redcross.org to schedule an appointment, but I'm
sure they will be happy to see you if you don't make an appointment first. This blood drive takes place
at Ivy Tech, 200 Daniels Way, room C130A and B. We do want to send our thanks and gratitude to all of the
folks who served as poll workers for this election. It's a long day, but such important work. And so
thank you for safeguarding democracy. And we thank all of the candidates who appeared on the ballot
for running and for their interest in serving their community and congratulate the winners. Anything
else for the good of the order?
Just stay safe. It is graduation weekend. And we wish our IU graduates the best of everything. Absolutely.
And stay safe. And have a wonderful celebratory graduation weekend. Yeah. Good. I'm glad you mentioned
that. And the U-Haul caravan will be beginning shortly. It's going to be dumpster diving. So just watch
the traffic. And don't be in a hurry.
Although we're not scheduled for any spring storms, it's a good idea to, in this lull, in this cool
May lull, to sign up for our resident alert system that's on our homepage. You can receive text, email,
and or phone calls when there is a weather or road or other emergency that needs your attention. So
we do not have a work session. There's nothing on our list.
Okay, great. Excellent. So with that, we are adjourned and our next meeting is May 7th at 10 a.m. right
here in the NETU Hill Room. Thanks, everyone.