Commissioners approve lease to historical society
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Brown

Attorney Dick N. Bishop represented the Carroll County Historical Society to negotiate a lease agreement with county commissioners. After his presentation at the Monday morning meeting, he was victorious in the requested lease length and ancillary services to be provided to the group.

Carroll County Commissioners signed a five-year lease with the society for use of the space the museum currently occupies, basement storage space, a security system, telephone service and Internet access, lights, heat, air and maintenance. All at a cost of $1 per year.

"I see the museum as one of the great assets of our county, commissioner Bill Brown said. "It's an economic generator."

Brown explained he believed there is an attitude or opinion by some the museum is not necessary. He said there are many empty buildings in the Delphi community, which are "going to pot."

"I do not understand why this is going on," he continued.

Brown suggested if the local area did not want to support the museum, there might be a building available for it in Flora.

Approval of the lease agreement was unanimous. County council member Steve Ashby, who attended the commissioners' meeting, told the Comet Tuesday he did not support the extended lease for $1/year.

"I am very concerned that we can give a 501(c)3 organization (the county historical society) free rent, heat, and lights while we pay approximately $14,000 a year for 1,400 square feet of space we lease from someone else for the county extension office," he said. "And that space is smaller than what the museum occupies. There are other buildings and spaces we pay for as well. This doesn't make good fiscal sense."

Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Tony Burns received approval to proceed with plans for two upgrades at the jail. He said an inside camera system is needed to monitor prisoners and an intercom system to satisfy criticism by the state jail inspector.

"It's important we have cameras installed in the day rooms, padded cell and holding area," he explained.

He said there are 16 cameras currently installed, but only four of them are operational. Cameras would assist workers to determine the course of unwanted events which sometimes happens between jail inmates.

"I know it's not a good time for the county to be spending any money," he acknowledged.

The estimated cost for both projects is slightly less than $25,000. Burns said his belief was misdemeanant money could be used for both projects. He said approximately $40,000 is in the fund.

Highway Department

Vandals who steal stop and yield signs are costing the county dollars and resources, according to highway superintendent Ron Francis. He said signs, posts and installation time costs between $75 and $100 per sign.

Francis reported signs at the junction of CR350S and CR350E recently disappeared each week for seven weeks. Francis said the department has two hours to respond to a missing sign, which results in the county paying overtime to highway workers to install new ones.

A notice to proceed with the Wilson Bridge inspection by J.A. Barker Engineering was approved.

Deer Creek Park

A lease agreement with the former caretakers who will continue in that capacity in exchange for rent for their mobile home and rules and fees schedule were provided by park board president Bob Burton. The caretakers also provided proof of liability insurance.

Burton said collected fees will be delivered to the auditor's office every 30 days by the caretakers. Auditor Beth Myers said they were to be delivered "on a regular basis" and every 30 days would satisfy that requirement.

Burton said seasonal camping would be available for $650 per season or $25 per week. He further explained the park board considered the establishment of a not-for-profit group to raise funds and contribute to the upkeep of the park.

SBOA Audit

President Loren Hylton distributed copies of the latest State Board of Accounts (SBOA) audit results to Mears and Brown.

County resident Carl Perry asked if the financial situation was "accurately depicted" in the Nov. 28 edition of the Comet.

"Probably not," Brown responded.

Other business

A four-year lease agreement with the Department of Natural Resources for land located in Pittsburg was approved. DNR will construct a public access site on the land.

The courthouse will be closed Dec. 17 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. for the annual courthouse employee Christmas dinner. Myers emphasized the event does not cost the county money because the food is donated.

The next meeting will be Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

Drainage Board

Surveyor Wayne Chapman reported six work orders received in November. Work will be done in Monroe, Carrollton, Madison, Jackson and Liberty townships and Tippecanoe County.

Chapman said construction was imminent at the proposed dairy near Cutler. He said a meeting was scheduled with the engineering firm for Monday to discuss the proposed dairy to be located near Burrows. He further reported that Daryl Johns of the Shafer Freeman Lake Environmental Corporation wanted to discuss a proposed dairy near Range Line Rd. and CR550N.

The next drainage board meeting will be Jan. 7 at 8:30 a.m.