I'm going to call to order this meeting in Monroe County Board of Commissioners. It is Thursday, September
17th. I will note for the record that Commissioner Madeira and myself are here and present in the NatU
Hill Room. And we will begin with our public statement, please. 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 MCC SC.
Thank you so much. We will now move on to our department updates. First, we have the health department,
Dr. Ryder Band, our health officer. Good morning. Good morning. I'm happy to be here as the county health
officer and to share with you, first of all, that there has been a change at the health department.
As many people are well aware that the health administrator is no longer with us and we are approaching
council to get approval of posting that position and approval for a replacement for that position. In
the meantime, I guess I need not tell anyone in Monroe County that it is hot out, that they need to
be very careful, they need to hydrate.
well, that if you feel the least bit faint or out of sorts, please get inside, get into a cool space,
and drink as much water as you could really manage, because there are serious health consequences to
heat. And people forget that. So going on, indeed, mosquitoes and ticks are still very prevalent in
our community.
as members of the health department are out gathering them and inspecting them, and they are with us,
so please be mindful. We may be very close to autumn, nonetheless. We have these vectors of disease
in our presence, so please protect yourselves and protect your children.
vaccines. The most exciting thing I can say is that there is a new covid vaccine that has been approved
but is no not yet available. I'm hoping that in the next month it should become available and I would
encourage people covid has once again shifted and changed. We do not know the consequences of this new
strain so we need to be very cognizant that
It is still very much a presence in our lives and in our communities. Measles, again, is on the rise
and it is continuing to rise as fewer and fewer people are being vaccinated. Please vaccinate yourselves,
vaccinate your children. We've lost the herd immunity we had back in 2000 and there are deaths, there are
certainly children's deaths, but we now have adult deaths as well, and they are all in, most of them,
I think, especially the adult we know was not vaccinated, and the predominance of the children who are
becoming infected and the ones who are dying were never vaccinated. Vaccines are infinitely safer than
receiving the disease and obviously than the mortality
and the morbidity associated with the diseases that can easily be managed through vaccination. Are there
any special questions that I can answer? I wish I had a crystal ball and could tell you. I have great
optimism about what we can do as a health department in association and in partnership with
some very prominent folks in our community. And while we already have partnerships, they're not quite
as robust as they may be. And I'm hoping that we can make programs that we do far more extensive and
far-reaching by partnering in the future. And yet, that will remain with the health board.
to determine. So if there are questions, I'd be happy to answer them from you. Great. Thank you so much.
Do you have comments or questions? No. Thank you so much for your very detailed summary. I thought that
was very thorough. Yeah. I appreciate it. I appreciate the hard work. And there's also a new flu vaccine
that's an mRNA. Yes, there is. There are mRNA. They've been doing mRNA for a little while, but it's
more broadly
being accepted by the industry. I am sure there are going to be a lot of deniers that will have issues
with that, as always. Nonetheless, flu, again, is one of the things that kills. And one of the big things,
again, in this state is that we're trying to encourage everyone to get, especially if you have anything
to do with children, to get RSV.
Again, it's dreadful for children and has long-term consequences for their lungs. And in addition, there
is a section of folks who are resisting giving children vitamin K at birth. And this is a huge concern
not only to those of us who are physicians, but to
the Indiana Department of Health, and they are trying to get the word out. So if there were questions,
of course, people can check with us in the health department. But yeah, there are so many things. And
there are so many things that the health department does that aren't necessarily talked about. So you'll
be seeing me quite regularly to tout all the wonderful things we do.
Thank you. Excellent. We appreciate it. We look forward to the continuing education. Thank you so much.
Next, we have Parks and Recreation. Director Whitmer. Hello. It's going to take me a second to write
all this down.
I'm actually here to talk about Bug Fest. It's a wildly popular program that we have at Cars Farm Park,
but I'm not the one that's gonna talk about it. We have here Ant-Man and Caterpillar Carl, who would
like to tell you everything about Bug Fest, and please ask him any questions you would like. Cool. Nice.
It's Ant-Man.
It's Caterpillar Carl. Good morning. Good morning. You got room? Hi, everybody. Boy, we have been waiting
all year in anticipation to announce that our 12th annual Bugfest event will be hosted at Karsh Farm Park
On Saturday, September 26th, from 10 to 2, Bugfest is a family-friendly event where folks can learn
all about insects, such as us, and the important roles that they play in the environment through hands-on
bug-themed activities, crafts, educational experiences, and even interactions with live insects. Now,
although we are opposed for personal reasons, rumor has it we can even try edible insects. Unfortunately
for us, no caterpillars or ants were
There's only crickets and the occasional mosquito. Outside of that, we'll have live music, food trucks,
t-shirts for sale. The event is free to the community, but we do encourage that folks bring a canned
food item. After the event, these cans are collected and donated to Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Thank you
for your time. We hope to see you all out there. One of the most popular and well-attended events of
the year. Excellent. That's all we got.
Thank you so much. Kelly asked me to do it. I've been practicing. Thank you. Hopefully it won't be crickets.
Yeah, that was it. So anything they can answer any questions. It's awesome. See you later in the meeting.
Thank you so much. Is that all of county business for today? Yeah, love it.
I'm glad they came here to bug us about this. Yeah, great sting operation. Yeah, I like it. Excellent,
excellent. Thank you so much. Any other department updates in costume or not? That's a good way to lighten
the agenda. All right. Let's see if there's any public comments for items that are not on our agenda,
we ask each.
commenter to limit their time to three minutes per person. Please provide your name and county residents
when you begin speaking. Good morning. Good morning, commissioners. This is Christopher M.G. from the
Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and a proud resident of Monroe County. Now, last night, the
chamber held its 111th annual meeting. We have waiting lists for that. We look forward to an expanded
convention center where everybody can attend.
One of the things that we honored last night was our teachers, our education workers that work in both
RBB and MCCSC, and the standing ovation for those eight educators was very moving. But we have an issue
here with working families and that we don't have enough of them. If you look at the numbers for MCCSC,
those numbers are going downward of just
based on both population growth of birth rates and less working people here. We have an issue here in
Monroe County. And that is something combined with SEA 1 has made a really an amazing school district.
If you look at the numbers, what they provide as a real economic engine of this community is in trouble.
What we need is advocates and what we need is growth of those families. With 16,000 or more commuters coming in
coming into Monroe County to work but live outside. They're using our infrastructure without the local
tax base that supports the roads and other things. We have to come up with some growth strategies that
make sure our school districts have enough students to be as prosperous as they are. These are important
assets to the community and we shouldn't take them for granted nor should we not market these wonderful,
wonderful anchors really to
Why I live in Monroe County is the schools. I'm a proud parent of an MCCSE student, and we wouldn't
go anywhere else, and it's a really benefit to us. This is an issue we'll be talking about more later,
but I just wanted to say that go to our website at chamberblueton.org and see those eight educators,
because it's moving. Thank you for your time. Awesome. Thank you so much. Congratulations to the award winners.
any other public comment for items not on our agenda? Okay, before we get to item five, I'd like to
add resolution 2026-36 to our agenda as item J. I second that. All right, we have a motion and a second.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries to zero.
And now we will move on to the next item, please. Yes, I'd like to move approval for the minutes for
September 3rd, 2026 seconds. We have a motion in a second. Any comments, corrections or edits? Thank
you so much. I don't either. All those in favor of approving minutes for September 3rd, 2026 signified
by saying aye. I motion carries to zero. Next item, please.
Yes, I'd like to move approval of the claims docket for accounts payable for September 17th, 2026 and
for payroll for September 18th, 2026. I will second that. Ms. Gallardo. Good morning. Hi. Good morning.
The accounts payable claims docket for September 17th, 2026 totals $10,810,144.76. This includes all
emergency claims and adjustments.
The payroll docket for September 18th includes $1,603,464.61 in direct costs and the remaining $674,925.55
were for indirect costs for a grand total of $2,278,390.16.
Thank you so much. Comments or questions? All right. I don't either. Let's see if there's any public
comment on this item. You raise your hand on teams or come to the podium. All right. Seeing none. All
those in favor of approving the claim stock and accounts payable September 17th and payroll September
18th, 2026 signify by saying aye.
motion carries two zero thank you so much for joining us and I will note we do not have did not receive
any reports this week and so with that we'll move on to new business please yes I'd like to move approval
for the in dot grant letter of support for Bloomington transit I will second that Ms. Purdy yes I'm
going to actually invite Mr. Hunick
to come up and speak to you guys about this requested letter of support. That CUNIC grants and procurement
specialist with Bloomington Transit coming here first to request your support on behalf of the commissioners
for application. It's a federal application actually to the 53 39 program. That's the kind of primary
grant program for big capital projects.
that we're applying for. Um. As you might know, we've well, one 2024. Let's go back a little bit. 2024
service area was expanded from the city of Bloomington proper to all of Monroe County. Um, preceding
that the city of Bloomington injected, uh,
that we've been doing. We've been boosting transit throughout the city. So as we got those projects
underway. Uh and we had always long recognized that our operational capacity at the current Grimes Lane
facility had pretty much been at capacity. But as we got these. Extra projects underway, the priority
quickly became expanding our operational capacity through a new facility. So that's what we're trying
to do here
purchased property this year out on Profile Parkway. Part of that was to centralize our operations in
our newly expanded service area. We've started, our first route started in 2025 out to the Park 48 complex
beyond city boundaries. And we have plans to expand service further, but it's all contingent upon a
facility to make that possible. So I'm here to, again,
request your support for this application and then to answer any questions you have about the project
or anything about transit you have. Great. Thank you so much. Comments or questions? None. I'm really
excited by the potential. Yeah. No, we appreciate that we've been able to partner with BTU with funding.
to provide that West third connector. And I know that there's a shift coming. No pun intended for, uh,
you know, pun intended, sorry, uh, for, uh, going some sort of express route for West third. Can you
talk about that a little bit and when it might start? Uh, that's, uh, again, a part of our planning.
Um, the grand idea of a what we would call a bus rapid transit route.
Um, that's probably on hold for the foreseeable future, but we still see, uh, you know, there's a whole
lot of density on that corridor going up and down third street or whatever the names become as they
go east and west. Um, so there are still plans to boost service frequency along there and that service
frequency is what drives transit usage. And, um, that of course requires
additional buses, additional operators, all of which we can't supply at this point. I get it.
I get it. Do you happen to know if ridership is up on that route that we've co-sponsored? It's not been
up. It's been, I would call, stagnant. But it's a new route. It takes time.
to serve a new destination, you're talking about people changing their behaviors around transportation
that are built in for beyond just a year or so. In the transit world, we usually expect these things
to take several years to develop. Well, anything, and I know this is not your department, but anything
that can be done to help advertise it, especially at Ivy Tech, would be really greatly appreciated.
staff and students would both benefit from that that program. So I should note we've actually as a part
of the as a part of that route, we had our historical route, the route three west. We've essentially
integrated that with that independent route. So now serves more destinations. And that's a that was
newly implemented. So I can't speak to the ridership on that.
in the last few months, but we hope to see that develop. That helps. Okay. Good deal. Thank you so much.
Um, all right. Um, so I, I, I was, um, uh, feeling a little, um, cheeky and small minded when I read
this grant and it's not anything about BT, but, um, I wondered why the city is building a bus terminal.
out in the county because shouldn't it be in the city? And maybe land. Yeah. And maybe they should consider
building a multi floor facility in order to make it work in the city. Or maybe they're too far away
from services like the transit building on third and Walnut. Or maybe we should form a committee to help
them make a decision about where to put the transit. Not on you. Thank you. I just had to take a moment
to share the kinds of things that's rolled around my head. And I know, and I will say this, that we
are actively moving toward allowing a bus terminal, um, building, um, a bus depot building
um, in that particular zone in county planning. So you don't have to come to county planning and wait
nine months to a year for a decision, although we're much quicker than that anyway. But yeah, so, uh,
we're actively working to support this. Um, so, um, anyway, yes, we do. Thank you. Appreciate you for
being any, any public comment on, uh, this item?
sign it if you have a copy. Okay. Okay. She's going to get a copy of the letter so we can vote and then
sign, sir. Thank you again. Commissioners, Christopher M. G for the greater Bloomington chamber of commerce.
Just a quick blurb on, uh, commissioner Thomas's cheeky comment. I think moving forward, um, with the
climate in here, we're going to need county and city really working together. I, uh, I know there's a, uh,
sort of a fiscal tax committee meeting tomorrow in these halls. It is going to take some sort of hard
work and maybe some serious conversations. We can be cheeky at times, but this is serious stuff of us
and the issues before us. Going to the issue at hand here, I just want to say the Bloomington Chamber
of Commerce supports Bloomington Transit and the broader investment of reliable public transportation
and this letter. It is great.
part of my job is working with Mr. Hunick and that the access he has on the questions our members have
for him. We talk about cost of living, especially housing, but transportation is part of that equation
too. From a business perspective, it's workforce infrastructure. Employers need people to work reliably
and increasingly that means thinking beyond Bloomington city limits. That's one reason we like the reset
on route three access to park 48. Bloomington transit is committed to maintain existing service while
planning growth, a modern facility will help do that really efficiently and expand when appropriate
and partner with Ivy Tech. So we appreciate the commissioner's support on this application
and the recognition of public transportation as a major infrastructure supporting workers and employers
across Monroe County. Thank you. Thank you. Any other public comment? You can raise your hand on teams
or come to the podium.
Um, back to us. Any further comments? No, I just reiterate that this is something we welcome moving
County back. Absolutely. Um, all right. Um, so Mr Hewitt, just so you know, we take this vote. Um, Ms
pretty is printing the letter so we could sign it and hand it to you so you can leave today with it.
All those in favor of approving the in dot grant letter support for moving to transit signify by saying aye.
Aye. Motion carries 2-0. I think this is another good example of our continuing efforts to work with
the City of Bloomington and to make their lives better and easier. All right, so we'll move on to item
B, please. Yes, I'd like to move approval for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Landowner Agreement for Habitat
Improvement, fund name to be determined, fund number to be determined,
Uh, the amount of, um, for county dollars, $20,207.50 federal dollars, $8,378. Second. This shouldn't
be complicated, but I guess it is. Um, I'm working with the auditor's office and I will go downstairs
to figure out how we do the paperwork, but this is a very, this is literally very simple.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife, along with the National Wild Turkey Federation, will be buying seedlings
for 29.5 acres at the Monroe County Nature Preserve. We, as the Parks Department, will do some site
prep, which we've already done, and we will maintain and mow and make sure we don't damage the trees
for 10 years, because that's everyone's goal. That should not be hard at all. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
is not giving us any money.
We are not giving them any money. That is about it. The benefits of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grassland
prairies, because we have a second agreement with them that you signed earlier for grassland prairies
for 24 acres, not all of it is under the cost share agreement.
to bring back native hardwood trees, to control invasive species, to provide habitat for forest-dwelling
birds, endangered Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat, to provide valuable wildlife forage and nectar
pollinators, including the monarch butterflies. So everything we're doing, we're doing with the experts
in our state and the federal government, and they're doing it all for free for Monroe County.
Excellent. This is quite a program and thank you for all the hard work that you did to make this happen.
Did you have any questions? No, I just want to echo Commissioner Thomas's remarks. Extraordinary cooperation,
extraordinary efforts, and we're so grateful. Yeah, this is really good. Well, and I do want to also
thank with all this, I said the National Wild Turkey Federation in IDNR, Monroe County Soil and Water,
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Excellent. Absolutely. They're all helping out. Excellent. Excellent.
Great news. All right. Let's see if there is any public comment on this item. You can raise your hand
on teams or come to the podium. Seeing none, all those in favor of approving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Landowner Agreement for Habitat Improvement signify by saying aye.
I motion carries two zero. Next item, please. Yes, I'd like to move approval for habitat solutions,
wildlife and forest management agreement funds named food and beverage funds number forty nine thirty
two in an amount not to exceed ten thousand and thirty dollars. Second, Ms. Whitmer. Yes.
in accordance with what you just passed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, that is part of this agreement
that Habitat Solutions will actually pick up the trees, retain them in cold storage, deliver the trees,
and then they will machine plant mixed native hardwood at approximately 6 foot by 10 foot spacing on
the 29.5 acres in the spring of 2027. Now, we have this under the Food and Beverage, but the Auditor's
Office in the future may move that.
to a different line. I don't know how this works, so we have to work it all out. We'll figure it out.
We'll figure it out. It's not that hard. This is a placeholder fund. We'll just say it that way. Yes.
It'll all get worked out. Excellent. Thank you. Thank you again for working on this. Any comments? No.
All right. Let's see if there's any public comment on this item. You can raise your hand on Teams or
come to our podium.
Seeing none, all those in favor of approving the Habitat Solutions Wildlife and Forest Management Agreement
signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries 2-0. Thank you. Thank you so much. This is really good news.
All right. Next item, please. Yes, I think this is one of my favorite types of items. I'd like to move
approval for resolution 2026-30, surplus property for multiple departments.
We'll second that. Mr. Crider who manages fleet and maintenance building. Sorry, fleet and buildings.
Good morning. Good morning commissioners. Richard Crider, Monroe County building and fleet. This request
is to approve the declaration of items for surplus from the commissioner's office, community corrections
and the highway department from the commissioner's office. We have a rolling file cabinet system located
in the justice building.
The rolling file cabinet system is no longer needed for its intended purpose, and the space is needed
for other storage purposes by the Sheriff's Office. The system will be offered for sale through GovDeals.
If the system does not sell at auction, we will see if we can utilize the shelving somewhere else,
or if not, it will be sold as scrap metal. From Community Corrections, 26 Kevlar vests that have reached
the end of their 5-year service period.
Warranty period and have been replaced the vests will be donated to the Owen County Probation Department
and st. Michael's shield project from the highway department You street signs these signs have been
replaced with new and are no longer needed. The signs will be offered for sale through gov deals All
right, thank you so much Comments or questions
We always like to get the maximum amount of life out of all of our properties. So thank you so much.
You're welcome. I was just kind of curious about Owen County probation using outdated Kevlar vests.
That's kind of sad. They they have a connection with a staff member here in our probation department
and it seemed like a good fit for them. I'm glad you can use them. It's just it's just. Yeah, it's fine.
So the Kevlar has a five-year warranty period, but in the industry, they say that the Kevlar is much
more effective long after that. And I've also heard some Kevlar is better than no Kevlar. There you
go. Exactly. There you go. I guess that's what I was going to say is I guess that's a good thing. So
I'm glad we can help out Owen County and make a donation to St. Michael's Shield project. That's a good
thing. Yes. Excellent. Thank you so much.
Um, do you have any, anything else? Nope. All right. Uh, any, uh, public comment on this item? You raise
your hand on teams or come to the podium. Seeing none. All those in favor of approving resolution 20,
26 dash 30 surplus property signified by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries.
Thank you. Thank you so much. Next item, please. I would like to move to approve Resolution 2026-34,
approving the increase of the max levy for Monroe Fire Protection District. Second, Mr. Cockrell. Yes,
and I'll just let TSD know that Chief Dillard is on team, so if he could be promoted or allowed to speak,
that would be appreciated.
December, you guys added Bean Blossom Township to the Monroe Fire Protection District. In accordance
with statute, that does not become effective until January 1 of 2027. The reason for that is to try
to get all these ducks in a row, and one of those is funding. And so this is to allow the Monroe Fire
Protection District to request the ability to increase their maximum levy to account for the additional
territory they have.
And so they've requested that maximal allow amount. They've estimated that to be $13,757,526. I do not
know off the top of my head what it is currently, but clearly that, a large portion of that is already
included in their levy. So if you haven't. This is not adding a lot to it. That's not what's being added.
That is the neutral. I just want to make sure people know that. Okay. All right.
It looks like we do have Monroe Fire Protection District Chief Dustin Dillard present on Teams. And
if you'd like to add anything or make any comment, please do so. I think Mr. Cockrell covered most of
it very well. The exact amount that we're requesting the increase for is $1,089,126. So that is what
we're requesting in addition.
That is the figure that was used in the public meetings that we had. And really the process is slightly
just changed. In the past, we would have taken those presentations and we would have sent that directly
to DLGF. They actually now require us to have this resolution from you for me to be able to submit that.
So I appreciate your time. And if you got any questions, that's what I'm here for. Thank you so much.
Comments or questions?
I think it's incredibly important to do whatever we can to support our fire district. Absolutely. And
thank you again for getting this information out to the residents of Bean Blossom early on. And we've
had lots of discussions there. So we did the road show. And so we're really excited about this prospect.
And I think they're excited to have, you know,
24-7 staffing at their station in Steinsville, which would be great. So thank you again for that. And
your staff, amazing, amazing work as always. So thank you. All right. Let's see if there's any public
comment on this item. You raise your hand on teams or come to the podium.
none all those in favor of approving resolution 2026-34 signify by saying aye aye motion carries 2-0
thank you sir thank you all you mr. Cockrell appreciate you all right I didn't realize that this was
the new thing we had to do all right they like to give us new things they do new unfunded mandates
All right, more paperwork. Next, we have quotes on three paving projects. And with that, our highway
superintendent, Mr. Turner, is going to open the envelopes. Do you have a letter opener with you, sir?
I do. Excellent. You're welcome to sit if that would make you more comfortable next to Ms. Purdy. I'm fine.
I can just get my stuff sorted out here. So there is three projects, kind of a push here at the end
of the year to get a few more miles of road paved, re-requested quotes from three contractors here in
the area. Milestone, ENB paving and lens paving. So I'll try to sort these out where we can make sense
of them as the three different segments.
First we'll try to get Liberty Hollow Road. I did receive an email and have from Lentz Paving and they
will not be submitting a quote because of scheduling conflicts. They don't think they can get to it
this year. But we did receive, so Liberty Hollow.
We did put these out two different ways. So they have an option one and an option two on their quotes.
Option one is where the contractor supplies everything, which would be the mix, the trucking, the labor
traffic control all in one package. Option two is they would pick up the county's mix at the plant where
we have our annual bid at for that price.
and we would supplement trucking with our trucks and our guys. So. Liberty Hollow option one EMB paving.
185 78.75. Option two. 510070.01. That's EMB.
And that's Liberty Hollow Road, or is that all three? That is Liberty Hallow Road segment of Liberty
Hollow. Milestone Liberty Hollow option one. Looks like we're at 106. 803 50. And they did not. They
did not put a quote in for option two.
would do looks like this is Bowman Road. Again, whence paving did not quote scheduling conflicts ENB
paving option one for Bowman Road. 134 827.25
Option two, $39,048.51.
We have to make a correction. Liberty Hollow for milestone numbers $179,620 for option one. No bid for
option two. Omen. Option one $133,004 for option one.
No bid on option two. Now we're to brown.
EMB paving for Brown Road option one, $106,056.75. Option two, $30,743.01. Milestone, Brown Road, $106,803.50
and no bid for option two. And again, Lent's paving.
no quote due to scheduling conflict. So we will take all these under advisement and hopefully award
the projects next commissioners meeting. Excellent. Thank you so much. Yes, we will take that under
advisement. Yes. OK, we agree. Thank you so much for doing the letter opening show for us. Yeah, apologize
for the no paper cuts. I assume I'm just about to say no paper cuts. We're good. All right.
Excellent. Thank you so much. All right. Go to the next item, please. Yes, I'd like to move approval
for B and B Water Utility Agreement for the Baby Creek Bridge, number 629 project fund named Baby Creek
Bridge, Baby Creek Road Bridge, number 629 fund number 8167 in the amount of $16,070 and 28 cents.
I will second that Ms. Purdy standing in for Ms. Ridge. I am. This agreement is a result of construction
adjustments that had to be made during the Baby Creek Bridge project. And this allows for the provider
who's doing the work to be reimbursed for moving utility work. And so what that will do is
Total cost is $16,070.28. It is reimbursable to the county 80%, which is $12,856.22 will be returned
to the county upon completion. Great, thank you so much. Any questions or? I love the word
federal reimbursement. I do too. It's my favorite term. Yeah, so utilities are always,
of this, and sometimes you don't know until later what those costs are going to be. So, excellent.
All right, let's see if there's any public comment on this item. I said the feds are bridging the gap
of payment and reimbursement. All right, seeing none, all those in favor of approving the B and B water
utility agreement for Baby Creek Bridge
I would like to move approval for Resolution 2026-35, approving the issuance of a general obligation
bond, fund name to be determined, fund number to be determined, and an amount up to $6.5 million. Second.
Ms. Purdy. Hey, so this is a revised version of a list of projects that
had initially been presented to both yourselves and council. And this list of projects includes had
removed a request for a new elevator in the justice building or an additional elevator I should say
in the justice building and provides for elevator repair of the existing elevator. It also includes
highway vehicles that had not been included on the original conversation. I believe there's an interest
in putting if it's
if bond council says it's appropriate by two minutes on this list. This list is includes, but it's not
fully inclusive of all the projects, but one of the shower, jail shower and floor repair cameras for
within the jail as a safety issue for both inmates and staff. Blacktop at Carson Farm Park.
another payment on our in car. Body cameras and tasers and I'm trying to think if there's anything else.
Oh, continuation of the replacement of the emergency siren. Yes, seven, seven more sirens. Yep. And
that just just to clarify with the instead of buying a
the second elevator for millions of dollars. Two million, right? For a building that we hope to not
be using soon. So there's a repair line in here for 250,000, which is a lot of money, but it is. It's
90% less than. We had before and that would include parts for future repairs and they could be done quickly.
Um, and then there's also, um, that the in car, the body cameras in cars, camera, right in car cameras
and tasers. Right. So we did 440,000 last year. This is the next payment of 440. There's another one.
It's a five year contract. Yeah. So there'll be another one next year and then the subsequent two years
after that. So, and then at that point they're going to have to be replaced.
probably got it. Yeah. Yeah. Was there something else that the dome has to be repaired? Yeah, it is.
It is leaking. It's leaking. And when there's water that leads to more problems. Yeah, we don't need
another mold. Yeah. And this building needs to be protected obviously. So, okay. Um, good, good. Um,
did you have anything you wanted to know?
I just think that it's important to say, you know, again, reflect the diversity of items here. Yeah.
And since there is another field repair coming at Karst, we're going to wait on the paving until those
trucks are. Yes. Right. And that's generally a lot of times with the bond, sometimes things have to
get pushed back a little bit. Got it. So, yeah. Not everything is going to be.
necessarily. Although some things are like the dome repair. The dome and the shower and the elevator.
Got it. Yep. Got it. So there's different parities. Parities for spending, parities for time. Right.
Okay. Let's see if there's any public comment on this item. You can raise your hand on Teams or come
to the podium.
those in favor approving resolution 2026-35 signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries to zero and I
will note that we're going to be meeting with council on the 22nd to discuss this. Did you have anything
you wanted to add? I just wanted to make sure because I believe Ms. Bertie indicated that you guys may
want to use it for by two minutes if the bond council
deems it appropriate. So you may want to amend that motion to state we will add by two minutes if bond
council determines that is allowable bond costs. I mean, we can pay for trucks, which we use to build
the roads, but we can't pay for a construction project for the road. And by two minutes is somewhere
in between. And I'd like to have their opinion on it before. Right. Now Ms. Prudy mentioned it, and
that's definitely our intention. But in the descriptor,
for resolution 2026-35, it says, projects include but are not limited to. So is that also in, I thought
that was also in the resolution itself. I'm gonna try to go there real quick. I thought it was inclusive.
I thought it was too, but let me look. Certainly the language allows for related projects if there's
funding left. There is a, generally a casual.
So we should be okay, yeah? Or would you prefer a second motion? I think it's better if you had that
motion in there. I mean, we do list them out for a reason. And I think if you know right now, we leave
that language in there in case we get to a point where three years down the road, we've got a small
amount of money left and we want to spend it in a way that is kind of not
directly addressed in the. Got it. OK, I see what you're saying, because we sometimes move money between
one funding and, you know, one project and another. OK, so I'm going to even though we've already approved
it. I'm going to go ahead and make a motion to amend. Our resolution 2026. Dash 35 to include by two
minutes or other highway item if Bond Council approves it.
Any second motion? OK, so we have a motion in a second to revise or add this item. Yes. And with that,
I'm going to go ahead and call another vote on. Well, let's see if there's any public comment.
First of all, you raise your hand and teams come to the podium. I will go ahead and call the question
on the amended resolution twenty twenty six dash thirty five. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Motion carries 2-0. Are we good, Mr. Cochran? Yes. Thank you. I appreciate you. You make life complicated,
but so, so correct. And that's OK, then, because it's correct. I think that's a compliment, Mr. Cochran.
It is. It is. Oh, I am an attorney. Complicated, but correct. You are an attorney. I don't just play
one on TV. All right. OK. So next item, please, item I.
Yes, I'd like to move approval for resolution 2026-32, delegation of hearing requirement from the county
commissioners to the plan commission. I will second that. We have our planning director, Ms. Nestor-Jellen,
joining us. Hi, good afternoon or good morning, rather. Good morning. It's not that late yet. Good morning.
I'd like to go ahead and share my screen to discuss a quick resolution for your review and approval.
This resolution was prepared in conjunction with our legal department, and essentially what it does
is moves the requirement for a hearing to occur at the planned commission level instead of the county
commissioners. The state legislature passed House Enrolled Act 1001, which became effective July of
this year.
And what it asks us to do is before January 1 of 2027, we have to review our county development ordinance
in regard to items put forth in this resolution. And they're listed here as one through nine. We have
discussed this with the plan commission and they voted eight to zero in agreement
that they would be the responsible party for holding the hearing and listening to the public in regard
to these nine items. We will be publishing this as part of our packet for the meeting that will be held
on October 22nd. So the public will have a chance to see what the staff's response or understanding
is of these nine items and how they tie in or if they're not
actually in the county development ordinance at this time, we will make note of that. So essentially
what we're asking for today is for you to vote on delegating the authority of this required hearing
by the state from the county commissioners to the planned commission. And then we will bring the minutes
back for your review before December 3rd of 2026. And then that will get sent to the state as well.
Happy to take any questions you might have. Great, thank you so much and we believe the minutes will
suffice as the report that the state has asked for. Is that correct? Yes, they asked for a few other
items such as housing studies as well, so we will make sure we review that with the plan Commission
and then if they need the packet and minutes with that, that will be available to them. Excellent.
So this is something that is, in a sense, like an unfunded mandate. It's a new requirement from the
state legislature to address these questions, and some of these things are things that, as you noted,
we don't actually deal with in
the CDO at all, which means that they're permitted, you know, for example, roof pitch, right? So it's
an interesting thing. And this meeting on the 22nd, this is the only item that will be on the agenda
or is there a regular meeting that day as well? That is our regular meeting date, but this item we will
go ahead and present first. So if the public is there to speak to it, we'll prioritize it first.
Thank you so much. And so we do invite the public to consider joining us. You could do so via teams
or in person. That's right, because of the budget. Vote we are meetings usually are on the 1st and 3rd
Tuesday, and this is actually a Thursday night because we are. Yeah, OK. And this will be advertised
to potentially
include a quorum of council and or commissioners as well? Yes, great. Excellent. Thank you so much.
Really appreciate that. Did you have any questions? No, I think that this is this is one of those. I
remember House Enrolled Act 1101, and this is one of those tedious, complicated bills. Yeah. So then
I think the reports are just largely things we kind of need to check off for the bill. Yep.
I don't know. Yeah, but we do anticipate that this will become something more in the future. Potentially
I don't know. You can clearly see. What the. Legislators who came up with this are worked about, and
these are not things that. We're dealing with it to a great extent, which is interesting, right? So
do you do we know right now what the consequences of like? Are these just reports for
Do you happen to know that, Ms. Joan? If there's a consequence for not filing. Oh, consequence for not
filing. Or consequences of the numbers. Like, what? Does this get us anything? No, I know that part.
It doesn't get us anything. Nor does it detract from anything that we do. So there's no dollars attached
to these numbers that we're going to file. No. We were just asked to do this, right? Yeah. Yeah. More
paperwork.
Okay. So we don't know of a impending penalty of any kind. Okay. Thank you. Thank you so much. That
means we're not going to do it. No, we're going to do it. We're going to do it. And I think a lot of
it will be evident, but this is also the, um, this is also the bill that shortened review time for planning
documents. Um, and that's also impacting planning staff and,
to a great deal. So I appreciate everything you all do every day to deal with all of this.
So thank you. Appreciate you. Thanks. Thanks to you and your staff and Mr Schilling for working on this
resolution, um, because it makes much more sense to have the planning commission do this than us. Although,
um, I assume we'll all be there anyway. Um, okay, let's see if there's any public comment on this item.
You can raise your hand on teams or come to the podium.
Seeing none, all those in favor approving resolution 2026-32, signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries
to zero. Thank you again, Ms. Nesterjohn. Thank you. Appreciate you. Thank you. All right. Item J, please.
Yes, I would like to move approval for Steinsville resolution 2026-36.
a resolution of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners expressing disappointment regarding the manner
in which a 287 G Task Force model agreement was executed on behalf of the towns of Sinesville. Okay,
thank you so much. I have to get to a document. I'm so sorry about this. Everything go. Oh, this isn't good.
We will get to that in a moment here. I apologize. I don't know why. For some reason I've lost
everything on my screen except TSD and printing. So maybe, oh, there it goes. I got it back. Thank you
so much. All right, thanks for the, sorry. All right, technical difficulty. Yes? This motion has not
been seconded. I will second it, thank you. I think I said just a second. All right, yes, I will second that.
So section 287 G of Federal Immigration and Nationality Act 8 USC 1357 G authorizes the federal government
to enter into written agreements with a state or any state political subdivision under which trained
local officers may perform specified functions of a federal immigration officer.
The party to these agreements is the governmental entity, not the officer who signs it. The task force
model at issue here is the most expansive of the three authorizing street level enforcement outside
any jail setting. These agreements are governed by Indiana's Interlocal Cooperation Statute IC-36-1-7,
and must be approved by the legislative body, the political subdivision through an ordinance or resolution
submitted to the attorney general recorded with the county recorded before it takes effect and filed
with the state board of accounts within 60 days later. Uh, under Indiana law, the town councils, the
town's legislative body and the town marshal locally titled chief of police is appointed by and serves
at the council's direction. A marshal acting alone has no authority to bind the town to an inner governmental
agreement.
test it on to you. Beyond these statutory requirements, a decision to accept delegated federal immigration
authority commits local personnel and local funds, changes the relationship between a police department
and the residents it serves, and is exactly the kind of choice that Indiana's open door law contemplates
being made in public on notice with an opportunity for residents to be heard. So it recently came to
the commissioner's attention through media coverage that a task force model agreement was executed on
behalf of the town of Steinsville.
and that the public record discloses no ordinance, resolution, or recorded vote of the town council
authorizing it, no submission to the Indiana Attorney General, and no recording with the Monroe County
Recorder. The Sinesville Chief of Police has stated that he signed at the direction of the previous
chief, and that he and the town attorney met with members of the town council individually who expressed
support. Individual briefings don't constitute official action of a legislative body, and assembling
consensus through serial private briefings defeat the purpose of the open door law
regardless of the good faith of those involved. Although Steinsville's a separate municipal corporation,
a field enforcement agreement doesn't stop at the town line. The action of this group of Steinsville
officers can impact any resident of this county. The failure to follow Indiana law and the failure to
ensure transparency impacts county residents and their trust in local government. The board of commissioners
therefore has both an interest and a responsibility to speak. Under Indiana law, therefore I think we
would like to execute this resolution.
Thank you. And so this relates specifically to the fact that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement
records identified the Steinsville Police Department, um, as a party to a 287 G Task Force agreement.
And that's what this is about. Um, so
This is our resolution, our now therefores, as it were. Number one, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners
finds that the execution of a Section 287G Task Force Model Agreement on behalf of the town of Steinsville
without prior authorization by the Steinsville Town Board through an ordinance or resolution adopted
at a properly noticed public meeting is inconsistent with the democratic process, with the letter in
spirit of Indiana's open government laws,
and with the values of this community. Second, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners respectfully
request that the Steinsville Town Board 1A place the 287G agreement on the agenda of a regular or special
public meeting with advanced public notice consistent with IC 5-14-1.5,
Second, to make the agreements full text together with all correspondence and records relating to its
negotiation and execution available to the public in advance of that meeting. Third, to receive public
comment from residents before taking any action. Fourth, to immediately suspend performance under the
agreement pending that public deliberation. And fifth, to take formal recorded action
to rescind, ratify, or modify the agreement and cause any resulting instrument to be recorded and filed
as required by IC 36-1-7. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners reaffirms the Monroe County government
will conduct its business regarding any agreement with the federal law enforcement agency in open session
upon public notice with an opportunity for public comment and by recorded vote and will not authorize
any such agreement through private consultation with individual commissioners. Number four,
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners request that the auditor of Monroe County transmit a certified
copy of this resolution to the president and members of the Steinsville Town Board, the Steinsville
Town Clerk-Treasurer, the Steinsville Chief of Police, the Steinsville Town Attorney, the Monroe County
Sheriff, the Monroe County Council, the Monroe County Recorder, the Ellisville Town Council, the Ellisville
Clerk-Treasurer, the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Bloomington, the Indiana Public Access
Counselor, and members of the Bloomington County delegation to the Indiana General Assembly.
the lawful authority of the town of Steinsville. Its town board or its police department or to express
a finding of law is to any matter reserved to a court or to the Indiana Public Access counselor.
All right. Thank you. Thank you. Um, thank you. Both of you, Mr Cockrell and Commissioner Madeira for
working on this. Um, any other comments
Anything else, Mr. Cockrell on this? I don't I don't think so. I would just note that I think I received
communication from Scienceville about they're having a meeting next week in order to do this and look
at this issue. So I think they are progressing towards it. I think when they were when the board found
out about it was well after the execution of the agreement. And so I think they're just looking to try
to get their hands around it and figure out their proper course of action.
That's really good, and that will be a public meeting that hopefully will be noticed on their website
so folks in the community can attend. And let's see if there is any. Go ahead. I just want to be clear
to you that we aren't here as commissioners to assign blame to any individual. The question isn't whether
anyone acted in bad faith. It's just whether the town as a body ever made this decision public, right?
Right, and that's our concern because we do.
We live by the rule of transparency and we hope that everyone else does as well in our community and
that's what our residents deserve. And this impacts every county resident when this kind of agreement
is set because it can mean that those officers can act outside of the town of Steinsville. And so it
does impact other
other county residents potentially as well, not just those who live in Steinsville. Um, let's see if
there's any public comment on this item. You can raise your hand on teams or come to the podium.
All right, done. All those in favor of resolution 2026-36 signify by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries
two zero. Um, so
I just want to remind folks we don't have any appointments today, by the way. I just want to remind
folks that we do have office hours, six hours each month via Teams. Go to our website, in.gov slash
county slash Monroe and look at the calendar to find the dates and times. We are accepting applications
for all boards and commissions, and so we do encourage
I encourage folks to go to our website, and it's right on the main page. You can fill out an application
and get more information. Our co sponsored blood drive with Red Cross and Ivy Tech. Has a couple more
dates coming up in September, Friday, September 8th tomorrow 9 AM to 2 PM and Wednesday, September 23rd
noon to five.
happening at Ivy Tech rooms C130A and B and we ask that you make an appointment at redcross.org or if
you just show up they'll figure out a way to get you in because there's always seems to be a shortage
of blood products in our community and across the nation and we do encourage folks to sign up for
the resident alert notification system. And again, that's right on our website and includes information
up to the minute information. If there are weather emergencies or other emergencies in our community,
you will be the first to know via text call and or email. Our next meeting is the 24th of September.
right here in the NatU Hill Room. Clearly, I'm announcing that because we do not have a work session
today. Do you have anything else for the good of the order? No, I don't. I'm just delighted to finally
perhaps be within end, although it sounds petty to be talking about the weather. I am delighted that
we're almost at the end of the heat blanket that we've been facing. Almost. It's been dangerous, actually.
And we do want to remind folks, especially those who are downtown, that Stride is always a good place
to go if you need a cool down. Right. And our county buildings are also open eight to four Monday through
Friday. Yes. So with that, anything else, Ms. Purdy, Mr. Cockrell, anything else? Yes, I do have some.
OK, good. We we have paid the town purple tonight from five to seven. We didn't do the proclamation.
We have a proclamation for it. It is in the. Let's go. Let's go get it. Let's go. Yeah, gosh. Wow. It
is tomorrow. Five thirty to seven thirty. Yes. And it is right here at the courthouse. And it is a really
emboldening and yes, positive event that's part of National Recovery Month. And yes.
we do have a proclamation we forgot to do. Yes, and this is this is particularly something that I am
very embarrassed that we forgot because I have substance use in my family and history and something
that is near and dear to my heart. So so. So out of order, this is our proclamation for Recovery Month.
Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that evidence based
treatment and services can enable those with mental health
and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Recovery Month celebrates the gains
made by those living in recovery. It honors the tireless work of recovery providers who do work so hard
to make a difference in their community. Whereas medication assisted treatment or MAT is effective.
and can be integrated into both treatment and support settings to help people in their recovery. MAT
services can be integrated into clinical settings, criminal justice system, recovery housing, and peer
recovering support programs. Monroe County takes great pride in being a member of the Stride Coalition
and providing space in the Stride Center in alternative to incarceration for those in crisis.
And Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements
made by those who are managing other health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and
heart disease. And I'll leave the rest for you. And recovery is different for each person. For some,
it's absence. For some, it's harm reduction. For some, it's counseling. And for others, it's following
a medical regimen. No matter what path one takes, recovery is the process of taking back control.
and we seek to end the stigma attached to mental health, challenges and substance use disorders with
the goal of making it easier for people to come forward when they're ready. And we firmly believe that
recovery is possible for everyone, every person, every family and every community. And as part of our
support for those in recovery, this year we are hosting Paint the Town Purple, and it is actually in
purple on the proclamation. On Friday, September 18th, 2026, from 5.30 to 7.30 p.m., right here on the
courthouse lawn.
It's an opportunity to connect with others and celebrate the hard work of recovery of area residents.
Now, therefore, we, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, proclaim September twenty twenty six is
recovery month in Monroe County, proclaim the seventeenth day of September two thousand twenty six.
Sign the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. Excellent. Thank you. Oh, my gosh. I can't believe we
almost forgot that.
I had it right there. My tongue is not functioning. We're good. We're good. I got it. We got it. But
we do hope to see folks in the community tomorrow. It should be a little cooler. We recovered recovery
month. Yeah, there you go. All right. Thank you so much. Anything else we forgot to do? Like, OK, no,
we're good. All right. With that, we are adjourned. Thank you, everyone. Be well and take care of each other.