Commissioners approve slight rate increase for Carroll Manor
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

To help remedy the county's income not keeping up with expenditures, Carroll County Commissioners raised the cost for each Carroll Manor resident from $25/day to $28/day, beginning Jan. 1.

Carroll Manor director Martha Lewis told commissioners at the Monday morning meeting the rate could go no higher given the amount of services offered to residents. She said a facility with bathrooms in every room, which offered nursing care, could charge more. Carroll Manor does not offer those services. Lewis said there were only 19 other like-facilities in the state and each one of those charged $28/day.

Lewis presented an admission application for Patricia A. Petry of West Lafayette, which was approved.

TLRSD

In a two-to-one vote, commissioners adopted Carroll County Resolution 2007-04 in support of a letter, written by the law firm of Plews Shadley Racher and Braun LLP of Indianapolis, on behalf of sewer district opponents which was sent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to dissolve sewer district expansion into Carroll County.

"It's very important that you support us in this as you have in the past," Jefferson Township resident Pat Robertson said.

Property owners in Phase IIIB are being billed for services, however construction has not begun there. Robertson said Twin Lakes Sewer District is out of compliance with Indiana Code about billing before construction begins.

Commissioners' president Loren Hylton disagreed with Robertson about the compliance issue. He said he wanted more time to examine the matter before the vote.

Bill Brown moved to endorse the letter, which stated in part, "given the glaring deficiencies which exist in the way that the TLRSD has conducted both its business an planning, IDEM must intervene," His motion received applause from audience members. George Mears provided the second; Hylton provided the nay vote.

Museum

The Historical Society's newly-elected president, Phyllis Porter, requested the reconciliation of the physical plant of the museum in terms of a 20-year lease. She said an occupancy commitment was needed before grant funding could take place. However, questions arose about the distinction between the county and the historical society.

Commissioners' attorney Barry Emerson suggested commissioners offer a year-to-year lease. He said the question of whether the historical society is a separate legal entity or is part of the county government had to be answered before proceeding. He said he was surprised to learn the historical society carried insurance for the museum.

Although supporters pushed for an immediate lease, a proposed lease, prepared by Emerson, will be presented at the Nov. 19 commissioners' meeting after the Nov. 14 joint meeting with the council.

EDC

A four-year contract was signed with Carroll County Economic Development Corporation for continuation of services presently provided.

"The only way out of our current financial problems is with this kind of approach," Brown said in support of the contract.

He added EDC was an "excellent organization, well run, has a great director and a fine board."

Highway department

Highway superintendent Ron Francis announced work would soon begin on Wilson Bridge. He said construction is scheduled for Nov. 15 and the bridge will be officially closed at that time. Anticipated completion date is July 8.

Francis encouraged county residents with pothole complaints to continue to notify his office at (574) 967-4244. He said the system is working well and he has received many calls.

An executive meeting was scheduled for Nov. 8 at 8:30 a.m. to discuss a department personnel issue.

Other business

A flood-specific notification and evacuation plan will be developed by NIPSCO, Emergency Management Agency Director Justin Darling and a committee of local entities which would be impacted by a flood, such as the highway department. A 2008 first-quarter date was proposed for plan completion.

A consultant will be hired to provide leadership for plan development. However, the consultant will cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Darling said he has no money in the EMA budget for the expense. NIPSCO representative Jim Fitzer said his organization would provide partial funding.

A boat landing will be constructed by the Department of Natural Resources in Pittsburg, north of the bridge over the Wabash and approximately one block from the main intersection. The county will provide trash pick-up and removal, mowing and debris removal from the landing.

Zoning administrator Dale Huffer was congratulated for his effort to resolve a trash and a dilapidated building issue in Cutler.

An agreement with Communication Consulting Service was approved.

The 4-H Community Building was used Oct. 24 by the Indiana Brethren Charity Fund, Oct. 30 by the Flora Lions Club, and Nov. 4 by the Carroll County YMCA.

The courthouse lounge was used Oct. 29 by the Family Clinic and will be used Jan. 15 by the clinic.

The courthouse rotunda will be used Dec. 1 by Tri Kappa.

Payroll claims for $174,477.56 and for $178,669.88, highway claims for $174,834.82 and county operating claims for $163,898.68 were approved without comment.

The next commissioners' meeting will be Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. A joint meeting with commissioners and council will be Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.

Drainage Board

County surveyor Wayne Chapman announced the proposed reconstruction of a shared drain with Howard County that empties into the Bachelor Run Conservancy District. Chapman presented an agreement with Howard County for work needed in Carroll County, however commissioners delayed signing the agreement in order to notify all property owners affected. The agreement included a waiver to participate in a joint drainage board.

Emerson expressed concern Carroll County property owners could have to pay approximately $300/acre to fund the reconstruction. Saying he did not want commissioners "to get caught in the middle," he recommended a joint drainage board be established and open meetings be held to obtain input from those impacted.

Commissioners appointed Mears to participate in the joint board. All property owners affected will be notified about the proposed action.

Chapman reported work orders for Jefferson, Democrat, Washington and Carrollton townships were received.

A special drainage board meeting was scheduled for Nov. 19 at 8:30 a.m. to hear drainage plans for the proposed construction project at the corner of Prince William Rd. and Summit St. by the North Central Health Services.

The next regularly scheduled drainage board meeting will be Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m.