WEBVTT 00:00:00.482 --> 00:00:07.321 - Good morning. I'm going to call to order this meeting of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. It 00:00:07.321 --> 00:00:14.025 - is Thursday, September 3rd, 2026. And I'll note for the record that Commissioner Madeira and myself 00:00:14.025 --> 00:00:21.132 - are here and present in the NatU Hill room. And Commissioner Jones is joining us via Teams. Good morning. 00:00:21.132 --> 00:00:28.574 - So exciting. We're going to begin with our public statement, then we're going to hear from Commissioner Jones. 00:00:29.538 --> 00:00:36.182 - We, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, renew our commitment to welcome and protect the rights 00:00:36.182 --> 00:00:42.366 - of all people, regardless of age, race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender, 00:00:42.366 --> 00:00:49.208 - gender identity, marital status, economic status, and national origin. And we affirm the right of every 00:00:49.208 --> 00:00:55.918 - person to live peacefully and without fear, and we will fight and resist at every step discrimination 00:00:55.918 --> 00:00:58.878 - and harmful policies, whatever their source. 00:00:59.042 --> 00:01:11.579 - We believe in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and we stand in support of our county public 00:01:11.579 --> 00:01:23.995 - school systems, both RBB and MCCSC. And with that, we will hear from Commissioner Jones. Good morning. 00:01:23.995 --> 00:01:28.094 - I'm not getting any audio. Uh-oh. 00:01:28.706 --> 00:01:46.000 - we can hear you. Audio is correct. So I can't hear you. OK, so should we suggest that she. You can speak 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:57.694 - out so I sold her. She said we can hear you, but she can't hear us so. 00:01:58.146 --> 00:02:10.750 - she could speak. The team's channel is getting audio online. So she can use transcribe to see what's 00:02:10.750 --> 00:02:21.982 - being said or she can log off and log back on. I still can't hear anything you're saying. 00:02:37.858 --> 00:02:39.262 - have it all the way up. 00:03:12.162 --> 00:03:22.842 - Okay, since you can hear me, I'd like to go ahead and address the very understandable questions about 00:03:22.842 --> 00:03:34.046 - my prolonged absence from meetings. A little over a year ago, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. 00:03:34.786 --> 00:03:46.891 - And at the time, I underwent chemotherapy, which was not successful. So it was determined that I needed 00:03:46.891 --> 00:03:59.113 - a bone marrow transplant. Last April, I was admitted to the bone marrow transplant program at Franciscan 00:03:59.113 --> 00:04:01.790 - Hospital in Greenwood. 00:04:02.018 --> 00:04:11.754 - basically have been in the hospital most of the time since then. It really wasn't supposed to take quite 00:04:11.754 --> 00:04:21.305 - that long. I had anticipated it would be more like six to eight weeks that I would be in the hospital. 00:04:21.305 --> 00:04:31.134 - But unfortunately, I've had three different bouts of pneumonia, which have extended the time quite a bit. 00:04:31.618 --> 00:04:42.720 - but I'm feeling quite a bit better now, quite a bit stronger, and really hope that I can get to all 00:04:42.720 --> 00:04:53.823 - of the meetings from now on. So anyhow, that's what's been going on, and I'm sorry I've had to miss 00:04:53.823 --> 00:05:01.150 - so many meetings. I will tell you, we've missed you so much, and- 00:05:05.410 --> 00:05:16.376 - Okay, how are you? I've kind of told her a center of text that says we love you and we are so happy 00:05:16.376 --> 00:05:27.891 - you're back. Yeah, there you go. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah, it's. Strong, courageous woman and so appreciate 00:05:27.891 --> 00:05:32.606 - her. So happy to see her. Yeah, yes, yeah. 00:05:33.314 --> 00:05:40.944 - And what she went through is nothing short of hell. Yeah. Yeah, that's I can't imagine the struggle 00:05:40.944 --> 00:05:48.575 - every day that she went through. So, yeah, good point. Absolutely. OK, so before I start blowing my 00:05:48.575 --> 00:05:56.510 - eyes out, let's go to department updates and let's see if we have an update from the health department. 00:06:00.930 --> 00:06:08.516 - Commissioners, just a few updates for you today. According to the data from the Indiana Department of 00:06:08.516 --> 00:06:16.251 - Health, wastewater concentrations as of September 1st have continued to decrease. The Health Department 00:06:16.251 --> 00:06:23.762 - is still offering free walk-in testing and treatment services for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis 00:06:23.762 --> 00:06:26.142 - every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. 00:06:27.362 --> 00:06:37.025 - and the Morgan County Health Department has vaccines available for all ages and for those who are insured, 00:06:37.025 --> 00:06:46.237 - uninsured and underinsured. The number to call is 765-342-6621 for an appointment. Alright, thank you 00:06:46.237 --> 00:06:54.907 - so much. Comments or questions? I'm just glad we have that available close to home. Yeah, sure. 00:06:54.907 --> 00:06:56.894 - Thank you. Thank you. 00:07:01.730 --> 00:07:09.081 - We now have an update from his Ridge. Good morning. I wanted to state that our highway garage network 00:07:09.081 --> 00:07:16.288 - is down this week. I do not have a timeline of when it will be back up. We have the phones switched 00:07:16.288 --> 00:07:23.711 - to two cell phones myself and the highway Superintendent, so I'm getting a lot of calls of just people 00:07:23.711 --> 00:07:31.422 - hanging up because they get my voicemail and think they're not calling the highway garage. So if you call, 00:07:31.618 --> 00:07:38.430 - We will address your situation the best we can. We're just trying to run as normal as possible. Again, 00:07:38.430 --> 00:07:45.110 - I don't have a timeline of when things will be up and running, but please bear with us through this. 00:07:45.110 --> 00:07:51.724 - But if you do call our lines, I'm hoping they're all going to a cell phone and we'll try and get to 00:07:51.724 --> 00:07:57.214 - you and try and address your concerns. So thank you. All right, thank you so much. 00:07:58.146 --> 00:08:07.379 - Does any other department have an update for us? Seeing none, we're going to move on to public comment. 00:08:07.379 --> 00:08:16.524 - This is time for public to speak on items not on our agenda. We ask each commenter to limit their time 00:08:16.524 --> 00:08:24.958 - to three minutes and please provide your name and county of residence when you begin speaking. 00:08:25.826 --> 00:08:31.961 - Good morning, commissioners. This is Christopher MG from the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. 00:08:31.961 --> 00:08:38.217 - First, I want to say it's wonderful to see Commissioner Jones back with us. That is a wonderful update. 00:08:38.217 --> 00:08:44.292 - I want to echo the sentiments of Commissioner Thomas and Commissioner Redira on that. It's wonderful 00:08:44.292 --> 00:08:50.428 - to hear that. Taking off my chamber badge for a second for my community badge, the American Red Cross 00:08:50.428 --> 00:08:52.894 - is doing a blood drive, and you're like, 00:08:52.994 --> 00:08:58.697 - They're usually doing a blood drive. But this is a unique one with Indiana University. It's part of 00:08:58.697 --> 00:09:04.686 - the Big Ten. They're doing a Big Ten challenge. So it's who, which university can donate the most blood? 00:09:04.686 --> 00:09:09.534 - I did yesterday at a fun drive, and the amount of swag they have is just incredible. 00:09:09.666 --> 00:09:16.022 - They also can get a free IU shirt. So it's wonderful. They always need blood. It's really the least 00:09:16.022 --> 00:09:22.061 - you can do. It's a way I honor my father who was always giving blood. I remember the stickers, 00:09:22.061 --> 00:09:28.417 - which was, be nice to me. I gave blood today, which I think they should bring back. I could use all 00:09:28.417 --> 00:09:34.837 - the sympathy I can get. So I encourage everyone in the community to, even if you haven't or you're a 00:09:34.837 --> 00:09:38.206 - little blood shy, give it a shot. Donate some blood. 00:09:38.402 --> 00:09:48.254 - It's go to the drives. There's drives happening all the time. Great way to give back a little bit. Thanks. 00:09:48.254 --> 00:09:57.278 - Thank you. Weeding cream and crimson. Yeah. Any other public comment for items not on our agenda? 00:10:02.882 --> 00:10:10.389 - I see that Commissioner Jones isn't back on yet, so we'll move on with our items. Item five, please. 00:10:10.389 --> 00:10:18.046 - Yes, I'd like to move approval of the minutes for August 27th, 2026. I will second that. Any comments, 00:10:18.046 --> 00:10:25.702 - corrections or edits? I have none. I don't either. All those in favor of approving the minutes signify 00:10:25.702 --> 00:10:29.790 - by saying aye. I motion carries 20. Next item, please. 00:10:30.178 --> 00:10:37.765 - Yes, I'd like to move approval of the claims docket for accounts payable for September 3rd, 2026 and 00:10:37.765 --> 00:10:42.046 - for payroll for September 4th, 2026. I will second that. 00:10:42.178 --> 00:10:51.609 - Good morning. The accounts payable claims docket for September 3rd, 2026 totals $1,110,076.65. This 00:10:51.609 --> 00:11:00.945 - includes all emergency claims and adjustments. The payroll docket for September 4th, 2026 includes 00:11:00.945 --> 00:11:10.942 - $1,603,262.39 in direct costs, and the remaining $676,356.42 were for indirect costs for a grand total of 00:11:11.010 --> 00:11:20.157 - 2,279,618 and 81 cents. Thank you so much. Comments or questions? None. Still isn't on, so I will see 00:11:20.157 --> 00:11:29.214 - if there's any public comments on this item. You can raise your hand on teams or come to the podium. 00:11:36.386 --> 00:11:46.270 - All those in favor of approving the claims docket accounts payable September 3rd 2026 and payroll September 00:11:46.270 --> 00:11:55.605 - 4th 2026 signified by saying I. I motion carries to zero. Thank you, ma'am. Right I will note for the 00:11:55.605 --> 00:12:04.574 - record. We've received a report from the clerk's office for July of 2026. Will now move on to new 00:12:04.866 --> 00:12:12.066 - for requesting general election additional appropriations. Nope. My apologies, I think that's the draft. 00:12:12.066 --> 00:12:19.129 - That's the draft, okay, sorry. I'd like to move approval for the master service agreement with the WSP 00:12:19.129 --> 00:12:26.055 - for the long range stormwater plan. Fund named stormwater professional fees, fund number 1197 in the 00:12:26.055 --> 00:12:31.198 - amount of $264,772.80. My apologies. That's all right, I will second that. 00:12:31.362 --> 00:12:37.881 - our stormwater director Ms Pena is joining us good morning good morning yes the master service agreement 00:12:37.881 --> 00:12:44.152 - with WSP was brought to the stormwater management board last week and approved on the condition that 00:12:44.152 --> 00:12:50.485 - we work with our legal team to finalize the edits on that master service agreement which we have done 00:12:50.485 --> 00:12:57.004 - and you you have it in front of you so this will guide our program for the next 10 to 20 years but we'll 00:12:57.004 --> 00:12:59.550 - have to look at it again in 10 years and 00:12:59.650 --> 00:13:07.450 - to come back with a new plan. Excellent. Thank you so much. And thank you for all your efforts to get 00:13:07.450 --> 00:13:15.632 - a group of folks together to do the interviews and ask questions. And it was a really good process because 00:13:15.632 --> 00:13:23.432 - we had to talk about our priorities and what we think the stormwater program should be working on. So 00:13:23.432 --> 00:13:25.726 - that was really good exercise 00:13:25.858 --> 00:13:32.237 - I think that's a great way to do it. I think that's a great way to do it generally anyway. So thank 00:13:32.237 --> 00:13:39.063 - you for that. Thank you. Yes. Yeah, it was a great collaborative effort between stormwater board, drainage 00:13:39.063 --> 00:13:45.124 - board, Highway Department staff. Um I was I was glad to bring that great group together. Yeah. 00:13:45.124 --> 00:13:46.974 - Really good. Um, comments or 00:13:47.490 --> 00:13:56.783 - I feel like we just did the last one, but it was a long time ago. But it's an important step. All right, 00:13:56.783 --> 00:14:05.811 - so let's see if there's any public comment on this item. You raise your hand on teams or you can come 00:14:05.811 --> 00:14:13.246 - to the podium. Being done and I see that Commissioner Jones is not yet back online. 00:14:13.378 --> 00:14:23.875 - So all those in favor of approving the master service agreement with WSP for the long range stormwater 00:14:23.875 --> 00:14:34.270 - plan signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries to zero. Thank you. Happy Labor Day. All right. Let's 00:14:34.270 --> 00:14:37.022 - see the next item, please. 00:14:37.346 --> 00:14:44.385 - Yes, I'd like to move approval for an addendum to an HFI agreement to update or repair the courthouse 00:14:44.385 --> 00:14:51.632 - chiller fund name cumulative capital development fund number 1138 in the amount of $5,500. I will second 00:14:51.632 --> 00:14:58.533 - that Mr. Good morning. Good morning commissioners. How are you? Good hopefully. Yeah, it feels good 00:14:58.533 --> 00:15:05.918 - in here. What do you mean we need a chiller? Unfortunately, the fan speed controller has I've been joking. 00:15:09.506 --> 00:15:19.269 - So I submitted an exhibit, which is a graphic picture of our fan speed. As we know, it was suboptimal. 00:15:19.269 --> 00:15:29.222 - We've had a few instances this summer where we came in quiet morning. Unfortunately, that sets off alarm 00:15:29.222 --> 00:15:37.374 - bells. Senses, we call it the spidey senses. And so because of that, there was enough 00:15:37.506 --> 00:15:47.841 - there was insufficient flow past the cooling coils, shut down the chiller unit for the courthouse. And 00:15:47.841 --> 00:15:58.176 - so it was real cozy in here. All right. Any comments or questions? Well, we can't tell people to chill 00:15:58.176 --> 00:16:04.798 - out if we don't have this, right? And so I'm a fan. So we have to 00:16:04.930 --> 00:16:14.071 - I think move forward with this. And for goodness sakes, this is one of the more inexpensive repairs. 00:16:14.071 --> 00:16:23.302 - Yes, absolutely. Thank you so much. Not a chilly reception from us, so we appreciate it. Let's see if 00:16:23.302 --> 00:16:32.805 - there's any public comment on this item. You raise your hand on teams or come to the podium. Commission. 00:16:32.805 --> 00:16:33.982 - Back online. 00:16:35.362 --> 00:16:54.772 - I don't see her yet. So I wanted to see if she can come back on camera and we could see her and hear 00:16:54.772 --> 00:17:05.342 - her. I don't see her yet. So we'll go ahead and do the 00:17:06.434 --> 00:17:14.463 - to the HFI agreement to update repair. The courthouse chiller signify by saying I. I motion carries 00:17:14.463 --> 00:17:22.572 - to zero. Next item, please. Yes, I'd like to move approval. For the ratification of the Indiana door 00:17:22.572 --> 00:17:30.842 - and hardware specialties, Incorporated Emergency Door Hardware Repairs Fund named Killota Capital Fund 00:17:30.842 --> 00:17:36.382 - number 1138 in the amount of $23,968. I will second that. Mr Crider. 00:17:40.962 --> 00:17:51.875 - I think that's me. It is you. It's the emergency doors at the Justice building that I signed off on 00:17:51.875 --> 00:18:03.006 - last week. That is not the. The amounts throwing me off here. It's actually $7840. Oh, that's better. 00:18:04.866 --> 00:18:10.737 - I was going to ask you how it jumped to that. So we had two exit devices fell at the Justice Building 00:18:10.737 --> 00:18:16.608 - and due to the secure nature, Commissioner Thomas went ahead and signed the agreement so we could get 00:18:16.608 --> 00:18:22.364 - that going. This request is to ratify the agreement with Indiana Door and Hardware Specialties Inc. 00:18:22.364 --> 00:18:28.350 - in the amount of $7,840 for the replacement of two delayed egress exit devices at the Justice Building. 00:18:31.554 --> 00:18:40.377 - Thank you so much. I'm going to go ahead and move that we change the amount to $7,840. I will second 00:18:40.377 --> 00:18:49.637 - that. All right, we have a motion and a second. Any comment on the amount? All those in favor of amending 00:18:49.637 --> 00:18:53.918 - the motion to $7,840 signify by saying aye. Aye. 00:18:54.562 --> 00:19:06.141 - The motion is now amended, so it is amended and ratification. Can I turn the mic on? It says your mic 00:19:06.141 --> 00:19:17.834 - has been enabled, and then it says unmute if you'd like to speak, but it's turned on. We can hear you, 00:19:17.834 --> 00:19:22.942 - Commissioner Jones. I don't know if... Okay. 00:19:24.674 --> 00:19:39.498 - have a public comment on the item as amended. Come back for a voice vote. All those in favor of approving 00:19:39.498 --> 00:19:54.462 - the amended ratification of the Indiana door and hardware specialties, Inc. Emergency door hardware repair 00:19:58.274 --> 00:20:11.046 - if you can give Beth Hamlin an audio. Thank you. Okay, I can now hear you guys. Yay. All right. Yeah. 00:20:11.046 --> 00:20:21.438 - Next item, please. Yes, I would like to move approval for the VOCA grant contract. 00:20:21.570 --> 00:20:30.684 - fund named VOCA grant fund number 8121 in the amount of $144,994 and 17 cents. I will second that. I 00:20:30.684 --> 00:20:40.158 - think Miss Hamlin is online. I am good morning everyone. It's good to see you, Commissioner Jones. Yeah, 00:20:40.158 --> 00:20:49.182 - thank you. This is our it's a two year contract for our Victim of Crimes Act funding. It funds four 00:20:49.794 --> 00:20:57.830 - partially funds four of our victim assistant positions. This grant will run from 10-1 of 26 to 9-30 00:20:57.830 --> 00:21:05.866 - of 2028. All right, thank you so much. Comments or questions, Commissioner Jones? No, I don't. This 00:21:05.866 --> 00:21:14.224 - is something that's near and dear to my heart because it can literally make a life and death difference 00:21:14.224 --> 00:21:17.438 - for victims and so wonderful, so happy. 00:21:18.178 --> 00:21:24.790 - Yeah, you have a great staff of victims assistance personnel and it's I'm grateful that at least they're 00:21:24.790 --> 00:21:31.275 - partially funded for this position. So wonderful work that they do difficult work, but important work. 00:21:31.275 --> 00:21:37.572 - So yeah, life saving for sure. Let's see if there's any public comment on this item. You raise your 00:21:37.572 --> 00:21:39.902 - hand on teams or come to the podium. 00:21:47.682 --> 00:22:14.654 - Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Next item, please. Yes, I'd like to move 00:22:14.850 --> 00:22:24.959 - fund name cumulative capital fund number 1138 in the amount of $23,968. I will second that Mr. Crone. 00:22:24.959 --> 00:22:34.869 - Good morning everyone. Email has historically been and will. It's only increasing to be the case as 00:22:34.869 --> 00:22:42.302 - the largest utilized attack vector for hackers to try to get into systems. 00:22:43.138 --> 00:22:49.364 - We typically, on an average day, see over 10,000 emails trying to enter our system that all have to 00:22:49.364 --> 00:22:56.088 - be filtered. Microsoft's 365 filters are very basic. By their own admittance, there should be a third-party 00:22:56.088 --> 00:23:02.501 - layer added to that. We currently utilize the Know Before system to do our phishing training and email 00:23:02.501 --> 00:23:08.914 - training, and that's a state-supplied contract comes at no cost to us. This agreement is an additional 00:23:08.914 --> 00:23:13.086 - add-on component to that base component supplied by the state that 00:23:13.346 --> 00:23:19.118 - adds that extra filtering layer for us, does a much better improved job of what Microsoft's doing to 00:23:19.118 --> 00:23:24.832 - try to stop it. But not only that, the emails that come in that get quarantined, like when you guys 00:23:24.832 --> 00:23:30.661 - report a phishing email to me, I'm manually going through those, verifying it, then reporting back to 00:23:30.661 --> 00:23:36.432 - the user why that's a bad email. This system takes care of that for us. So where I'm having a little 00:23:36.432 --> 00:23:39.518 - bit of an issue keeping up with the volume of emails, 00:23:39.810 --> 00:23:45.247 - to get back with the users, this system will review it, notify the users. Another system that I like 00:23:45.247 --> 00:23:50.630 - in this, a manual process. If we have a phishing email that does make it through our system, I have 00:23:50.630 --> 00:23:56.283 - to block it, but then I have to go through and try to manually remove it from the email boxes. Typically 00:23:56.283 --> 00:24:01.666 - what you see is I'll send out a notification, hey, if you're getting this, you received this email, 00:24:01.666 --> 00:24:07.211 - do not open it. That system takes care of all that, knocks it out of all the mailboxes, automates that 00:24:07.211 --> 00:24:09.310 - process so the user will never see it. 00:24:10.018 --> 00:24:16.388 - Another nice portion of this, as it blocks email, it educates the user. It shows them why that email 00:24:16.388 --> 00:24:22.758 - was blocked, so it takes that guesswork out. They don't have to wonder or ask TSD, hey, why was this 00:24:22.758 --> 00:24:29.255 - blocked? It will also take legitimate phishing emails that have come into the system. It will recreate 00:24:29.255 --> 00:24:36.382 - the links, let the user click it, and then redirect them as an education. Hey, this is what would have happened. 00:24:36.642 --> 00:24:42.551 - if you didn't click on that link. So there's a big training portion of that, which helps knock down 00:24:42.551 --> 00:24:48.934 - the amount of time that I'm having to take employees away from their work and to do these training programs 00:24:48.934 --> 00:24:55.079 - and things like that. And it will also help keep our users from doing those clicks that ends up forcing 00:24:55.079 --> 00:25:01.166 - them into the required training. So this is an entire suite that adds multiple layers to what we have. 00:25:01.166 --> 00:25:04.830 - Amazing. Okay. Um, comments or questions? Commissioner Jones? 00:25:06.082 --> 00:25:22.204 - I think it's going to save a lot of work power hours. And it's also going to be just transformative. 00:25:22.204 --> 00:25:35.134 - I can do. Yeah. And I've been so I've been reading that even there are even some 00:25:36.258 --> 00:25:41.968 - Maliciously guide you to logging in and using your own Two-factor authentication, but then they now 00:25:41.968 --> 00:25:47.906 - have access to everything in that account. Yes, that's exactly right And that's why you've seen a shift 00:25:47.906 --> 00:25:53.730 - in policy for our MFA where you're getting prompted daily because if that Whenever you do that MFA it 00:25:53.730 --> 00:25:59.440 - creates us what's called a session token that token follows you everywhere You go and says hey this 00:25:59.440 --> 00:26:02.238 - person's been approved they can be in the system 00:26:02.946 --> 00:26:09.921 - have figured out how to hijack that token so they appear as you they go around according to Microsoft. 00:26:09.921 --> 00:26:16.964 - Hey, everything is OK. So we went to that 24 hour to help toward that. But with this software that will 00:26:16.964 --> 00:26:24.007 - put another layer on there that will not let them execute that MFA request that prompt. So just another 00:26:24.007 --> 00:26:29.086 - layer of security there. Yeah, great. Thank you so much. Really good news. 00:26:29.250 --> 00:26:40.529 - any public comment on this item? You can raise your hand on teams or come to the podium. Being none. 00:26:40.529 --> 00:26:51.921 - All those in favor of proving, um, I'm going to have Mr Schilling call the roll on all those in favor 00:26:51.921 --> 00:26:58.398 - of approving the S H I Corporation know before agreement. 00:26:58.626 --> 00:27:08.883 - Commissioner Thomas? Yes. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you very much. Next item, please. Yes, I'd 00:27:08.883 --> 00:27:18.637 - like to move to approve the amended in-dot construction contract for Eagleson Bridge number 922. 00:27:18.637 --> 00:27:27.486 - Fund name, Eagleson Bridge number 922, fund number 8176 in the amount of $5,336,229.62. 00:27:27.650 --> 00:27:38.009 - I will second that. Ms Ridge. Did you read the amount that was on the front of the sheet? Yes, yes, 00:27:38.009 --> 00:27:48.161 - it's the total. It's actually 40,000. It's 40,000. Yeah, but it's actually 5,366,229 62. Alright, 00:27:48.161 --> 00:27:55.102 - thank you. Sister, we're good. OK. And this is actually to add 40. 00:27:55.266 --> 00:28:03.495 - $50,000 to the overall construction contract for an additional inspection. For the materials, so it 00:28:03.495 --> 00:28:12.382 - just that way the $50,000 cost only cost the county 10,000 for our match. Yeah, got it. Thank you. Alright, 00:28:12.382 --> 00:28:21.104 - any comments or questions? Commissioner Jones. No, I don't. No, it'll be good to again. Just move forward 00:28:21.104 --> 00:28:24.478 - with this project. Always forward. Yeah, 00:28:24.578 --> 00:28:31.852 - It's set to close on Tuesdays. Wow, and it will be for a year. Yeah, yeah, that's yeah, that's crazy, 00:28:31.852 --> 00:28:39.056 - but it has to be done. Yes, so thank you for working on this. I know this isn't normally our bridge, 00:28:39.056 --> 00:28:46.259 - so right. Just want to highlight that again that you stepped in and helped out. Let's see if there's 00:28:46.259 --> 00:28:52.606 - any public comment on this item. You can raise your hand on teams or come to the podium. 00:29:02.690 --> 00:29:15.128 - Mr Schilling. Will you please call the roll on the amended in dot construction contract for the Eagles 00:29:15.128 --> 00:29:27.204 - and Bridge 9 22. Mr Jones. Yes. Commissioner Thomas. Yes Mr Madeira. Yes. Aries. Thank you so much. 00:29:27.204 --> 00:29:29.982 - Um, next item, please. 00:29:30.114 --> 00:29:38.663 - contingent upon the removal of the last paragraph in the contract. Fund name, County General, fund number 00:29:38.663 --> 00:29:46.969 - 1,000 in the amount of $20,000. All right, I will second that. Ms. Prudy? Yeah, this is a request with 00:29:46.969 --> 00:29:55.598 - Halliwell Consulting Services who will provide professional communications for the Board of Commissioners, 00:29:55.598 --> 00:29:57.534 - your county government, 00:29:57.666 --> 00:30:08.045 - that we're going to be doing. Um using strategy positioning. Um looking. Development of those messages 00:30:08.045 --> 00:30:18.223 - working on media relations and public relations and engagement. I'm going to provide deliverables on 00:30:18.223 --> 00:30:25.982 - our progress outcomes and recommendations. Thank you so much. Um comments or 00:30:26.658 --> 00:30:34.593 - I don't either, and I appreciate Ms. Purdy's work on getting this contract together. So this is contingent 00:30:34.593 --> 00:30:42.010 - on the removal of the last paragraph, something we want to see happen, and they need to agree to it 00:30:42.010 --> 00:30:49.574 - before this will be enacted. And let's see if there's any public comment on this item. You raise your 00:30:49.574 --> 00:30:52.318 - hand on Teams or come to the podium. 00:31:08.610 --> 00:31:13.305 - Good morning. Good morning, commissioners. My name is Jamie Ford, and I'm a Monroe County resident. 00:31:13.305 --> 00:31:18.001 - I'm here to wish Hallowell Consulting the best of luck because, in my opinion, they've got the work 00:31:18.001 --> 00:31:22.790 - cut out for them. Make no mistake, I am not actually in favor of this government spending $20,000 for 00:31:22.790 --> 00:31:27.861 - a public relations consulting company. I believe this decision is one of the most wasteful uses of taxpayer 00:31:27.861 --> 00:31:32.791 - money. No amount of future PR damage-controlled spin will make me forget when you, Commissioner Madeira, 00:31:32.791 --> 00:31:37.675 - said in the 12-May council meeting, quote, we've done our due diligence investigating properties across 00:31:37.675 --> 00:31:38.238 - the county. 00:31:38.402 --> 00:31:43.673 - in quote, about the justice building project. And then yet, approximately a week later, you contradicted 00:31:43.673 --> 00:31:48.793 - your previous statement on your Facebook page by saying, quote, a decision for Thompson at this point 00:31:48.793 --> 00:31:53.813 - is irresponsible since we don't have our due diligence done on that site, end quote. You then said, 00:31:53.813 --> 00:31:59.185 - quote, North Park is the only site we have ever done our due diligence on, end quote. Commissioner Thomas, 00:31:59.185 --> 00:32:04.255 - you declined to participate in the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee, stating in an 00:32:04.255 --> 00:32:07.518 - email on May 29th that it would be premature to publicly discuss 00:32:07.714 --> 00:32:12.568 - discuss or evaluate additional properties before litigation counsel is retained, and that, quote, legal 00:32:12.568 --> 00:32:17.329 - guidance will ensure that any property related work is aligned with the realities of the pending ACLU 00:32:17.329 --> 00:32:22.183 - litigation, end quote. Yet, less than a month later, you were publicly discussing property related work 00:32:22.183 --> 00:32:26.943 - for this justice building project at a Rotary Club meeting. It seems to me that you all wouldn't need 00:32:26.943 --> 00:32:31.937 - to spend $20,000 for a PR consultant firm to develop, quote, a strategic communications framework designed 00:32:31.937 --> 00:32:36.605 - to improve public understanding of the project and establish a consistent cadence of communication, 00:32:36.605 --> 00:32:37.118 - or, quote, 00:32:37.314 --> 00:32:42.521 - develop a clear, fact-based response to recurring questions and concerns surrounding this project," 00:32:42.521 --> 00:32:48.510 - if y'all didn't repeatedly say one thing and then contradict yourselves by saying and doing the complete opposite. 00:32:48.578 --> 00:32:53.760 - I hope the public is paying attention. More importantly, I hope the council is paying attention. Budget 00:32:53.760 --> 00:32:58.792 - hearings have started and departments are trimming their budgets as much as possible in an effort to 00:32:58.792 --> 00:33:03.774 - allow a mere 2% COLA increase for its employees. Meanwhile, y'all are throwing $20,000 at a PR firm 00:33:03.774 --> 00:33:08.856 - to help you keep your story straight. Clearly your budget is overinflated and therefore council needs 00:33:08.856 --> 00:33:13.988 - to slash it to the bare minimum. Thank you. Any other public comment? You can raise your hand on teams 00:33:13.988 --> 00:33:15.134 - or come to the podium. 00:33:31.010 --> 00:33:39.461 - Mr Schilling, will you please call the roll on the hollow consulting services agreement? Commissioner 00:33:39.461 --> 00:33:47.913 - Thomas. Yes, Commissioner Madeira. Yes, Commissioner Jones. Yes, ocean carries. Thank you so much. We 00:33:47.913 --> 00:33:56.198 - don't have any appointments today, but we did. I neglected to do this during department updates. We 00:33:56.198 --> 00:33:59.678 - did want to talk about the Thompson camp. 00:34:00.418 --> 00:34:09.493 - encampment closure. And I don't know if you'd like to start and we can go from there. Yes, I believe 00:34:09.493 --> 00:34:18.568 - that we should provide a public update on that. We were both there when the operation began and just 00:34:18.568 --> 00:34:28.542 - a word about how it began. So the sheriff, I believe, I don't remember exactly when he brought the plan to us. 00:34:28.834 --> 00:34:36.235 - But he contacted us and said, in light of everything the public security concerns that we have about 00:34:36.235 --> 00:34:44.295 - that property, we believe that it's time to develop a plan to move forward with the closure of the encampment 00:34:44.295 --> 00:34:51.915 - early if possible. And so he proposed a plan to us to close that encampment. And I believe the Thursday 00:34:51.915 --> 00:34:54.846 - before the camp was closed on the 25th, 00:34:55.362 --> 00:35:03.234 - We did provide notice in person, both at individual campsites and posting on the property. And on the 00:35:03.234 --> 00:35:11.030 - morning of the closure, we gathered with the sheriffs and with frontline providers, and we witnessed 00:35:11.030 --> 00:35:18.902 - an operation that went smoothly, that went compassionately, and that went forward in a very organized 00:35:18.902 --> 00:35:24.382 - fashion. And one of the most, I think, wonderful things that I saw was 00:35:26.530 --> 00:35:34.065 - I'm not even exactly sure how to describe when I saw it, but multiple trips by side by sides with tons 00:35:34.065 --> 00:35:41.674 - and tons of individuals' possessions just piled. And I think that was something that surprised me, both 00:35:41.674 --> 00:35:49.209 - that individuals provided help inside the camp and that individuals accepted help inside the camp. And 00:35:49.209 --> 00:35:53.086 - so I saw a lot of partnership and teamwork going on. 00:35:53.666 --> 00:36:00.502 - And I think it's always unfortunate when camps are closed down. And so I'm trying not to become emotional 00:36:00.502 --> 00:36:07.015 - when I describe this, because I don't like the circumstances under which we had to close the camp. I 00:36:07.015 --> 00:36:13.528 - don't like the law that necessitated these actions. And I despise everything that we are forced, the 00:36:13.528 --> 00:36:20.170 - positions that we are forced into. I think they're deeply inhumane. I know that streets disability are 00:36:20.170 --> 00:36:22.750 - working to put us in a better position. 00:36:22.914 --> 00:36:30.201 - to house those that need housing and provide help to those who are in those positions. But I just despise 00:36:30.201 --> 00:36:37.212 - having to be in this position in the first place. But what I saw in that situation where people faced 00:36:37.212 --> 00:36:44.155 - those needs and were confronted with the need to move their property out of the depths of the woods, 00:36:44.155 --> 00:36:50.686 - I'm glad that our first responders and our police officers were able to help meet those needs. 00:36:51.746 --> 00:37:07.472 - I think that, um. You know, there was a piece in the Bloomingtonian that really was not an accurate 00:37:07.472 --> 00:37:21.310 - depiction of anything we saw. Um and, um, it was collegial. It was helpful. And, um, as 00:37:21.410 --> 00:37:33.425 - their way behind the utility vehicle. Their goods were unloaded carefully with their supervision, and 00:37:33.425 --> 00:37:45.086 - they were met by folks from stride or health net and offered assistance immediately. It was a very 00:37:46.018 --> 00:38:10.398 - we know that encampments are not the answer. And so, um, that's something that's 00:38:10.498 --> 00:38:19.370 - But a huge thank you to Richard Crider, our sheriff, sheriff's deputies, and our parks department helped 00:38:19.370 --> 00:38:27.820 - out immensely. They've just been great. They just, you know, what do you need when you need it? And 00:38:27.820 --> 00:38:33.566 - they've been really helpful with sort of grounds maintenance there. 00:38:33.826 --> 00:38:44.329 - of the utility vehicles that were used came from the were borrowed from the, um, Monroe County Fire 00:38:44.329 --> 00:38:55.147 - Protection District. So thanks to them. Um so, um and you know, heading home. Um was aware of what was 00:38:55.147 --> 00:39:02.814 - going on, but they've been focused on sort of the downtown zone. For the 00:39:03.170 --> 00:39:14.517 - that we need to remember is that, um. A different zone. For example, the Thompson property could have 00:39:14.517 --> 00:39:26.308 - been chosen and it wasn't. Um and. When that happened. To have then, um, city administration going around 00:39:26.308 --> 00:39:31.870 - and saying, Oh, you need to close that encampment 00:39:32.354 --> 00:39:45.580 - the best ways we can use to. To do this, but yet you're going to, you know, criticize us for. Not this 00:39:45.580 --> 00:39:58.550 - banding it sooner. It's it's it's mystifying to me. Um but, um. I did want to. Um note that we have, 00:39:58.550 --> 00:40:01.118 - uh, the council has 00:40:01.314 --> 00:40:12.835 - and we'll see it on our agenda, I think on the 17th. And we challenge the city to also contribute. Hopefully 00:40:12.835 --> 00:40:24.144 - they will do their share as well. So this is, it's an important program and it's, you know, we do nothing. 00:40:24.144 --> 00:40:29.534 - We end up where we are now, which is terrible. But 00:40:30.018 --> 00:40:41.114 - it's important that we help find a solution for this ongoing problem that has plagued our county and 00:40:41.114 --> 00:40:52.429 - the city. So that's kind of what I wanted to add. Commissioner Jones, did you have anything you wanted 00:40:52.429 --> 00:40:58.142 - to add? No, I was unable to participate in this and 00:40:58.274 --> 00:41:06.037 - can't really add anything to it. Okay, thank you. Can I just ask for a moment? I have good news, actually, 00:41:06.037 --> 00:41:13.654 - that is related. I'll add that Erin from Heading Home did consult with Stride that morning and was there 00:41:13.654 --> 00:41:21.054 - with the Stride folks. And so the Streets Disability Leadership Program, which is the Clutch Program, 00:41:21.186 --> 00:41:29.383 - just for the public's knowledge about how these zones are chosen and where we are in the process. So 00:41:29.383 --> 00:41:37.824 - the zones are chosen on the basis of a large number of factors, including need, including the stability 00:41:37.824 --> 00:41:46.590 - of that zone, I believe. And I think it was that that perhaps made the power lines or Thompson camp perhaps 00:41:47.106 --> 00:41:54.414 - the site that was not chosen because we were not sure at the time when the camp would be closed, but 00:41:54.414 --> 00:42:02.372 - I think that may have had something to do with it. But we knew at that point it would be closed in September, 00:42:02.372 --> 00:42:09.752 - and I think the program was not starting until the middle of August. But the zone, the zones that are 00:42:09.752 --> 00:42:10.910 - chosen, I think 00:42:11.714 --> 00:42:20.005 - For the public's knowledge, they're chosen with a consultation of a large number of community input, 00:42:20.005 --> 00:42:28.214 - not only the frontline providers, but also elected officials, as Commissioner Thomas said, and also 00:42:28.214 --> 00:42:36.752 - input from, I think, the Chamber of Commerce, and also input from residents ultimately, also input from 00:42:36.752 --> 00:42:40.446 - many, many representatives of the community. 00:42:40.610 --> 00:42:48.559 - Like, for example, I hear from different constituents and would relay that knowledge. For example, the 00:42:48.559 --> 00:42:56.661 - residents of Osage neighborhood. And I have a wonderful, wonderful bit of news, again, that almost makes 00:42:56.661 --> 00:43:04.378 - me want to become very emotional here. The streets disability program was able to place four people 00:43:04.378 --> 00:43:06.462 - in apartments last Friday. 00:43:06.626 --> 00:43:13.320 - that is something that I think no other program that has been tried in the community has been able to 00:43:13.320 --> 00:43:20.080 - do. And so in order to accomplish and keep this rolling, which is the, I think the very, very critical 00:43:20.080 --> 00:43:26.839 - part we're trying to achieve right now, we need funding from every single source. So that is something 00:43:26.839 --> 00:43:33.730 - that we just have to make sure gets done. There's some sort of matching grants that they become eligible 00:43:33.730 --> 00:43:34.846 - for if they can. 00:43:35.586 --> 00:43:43.975 - we're going to be able to cobble together enough funding. Yes, and it's critical that everyone who can 00:43:43.975 --> 00:43:52.365 - contribute does contribute so. Or else the problem the program will not be as successful as it can be. 00:43:52.365 --> 00:44:00.510 - So and lives depend on it. Yeah, for sure. Um, OK, so I do want to note that. The blood drive dates 00:44:00.510 --> 00:44:04.094 - for September. These are at Ivy Tech rooms. 00:44:04.322 --> 00:44:14.468 - and the next dates. Well today until four o'clock Tuesday, the eighth from 9 to 2. Friday, the 18th 00:44:14.468 --> 00:44:25.324 - from 92 and Wednesday, the 23rd from 12 to 5. Please make an appointment at Red Cross dot org, but they'll 00:44:25.324 --> 00:44:31.006 - figure out a way to help you out. If you fail to do so, 00:44:31.106 --> 00:44:44.357 - and we do continue to have office hours, six hours each month. You can go to our calendar at i n dot 00:44:44.357 --> 00:44:55.902 - gov slash county slash Monroe. And see the dates and times and join us via teams. For a 00:44:56.034 --> 00:45:17.467 - of our county residents to keep you informed about emergencies. Um um, highway health. Weather events, 00:45:17.467 --> 00:45:25.790 - especially given our chances for storms 00:45:26.018 --> 00:45:37.260 - the sky just got so dark. Uh, so, um, we are, um. Not meeting. Next week on the 10th, but our next meeting 00:45:37.260 --> 00:45:48.502 - will be on September 17th and it will be right here in the net you Hill room. We don't have a work session 00:45:48.502 --> 00:45:55.646 - today. Anything else for the good of the order, Commissioner Jones? 00:45:56.546 --> 00:46:04.840 - No, I don't. Commissioner Madeira. I'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day. Yeah, for sure. 00:46:04.840 --> 00:46:12.738 - And thank you to everyone who works in Monroe County. You make our county work well. And with that, 00:46:12.738 --> 00:46:15.582 - we are adjourned. Thanks, everyone.