Carroll County Commissioners took the first step to turn the land around Carroll Manor into money at their Monday morning meeting. A non-binding resolution to begin the process for Indiana Packers Corporation (IPC) to possibly purchase approximately 30 acres around Carroll Manor was approved in a unanimous vote.

A simple resolution was presented by Carroll County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Daryl Smith that gave county council and commissioners presidents, or their designees, the authority to "discuss options for the possible sale of approximately 30 acres of county land adjacent to the Indiana Packers Corporation to IPC. Any such agreement, fairly reached and of benefit to each, shall be brought back before this body for approval."

Smith explained the land sale would benefit all parties involved. He said the Manor would benefit from 20 acres of landscaping around the facility for noise abatement and isolation. He further stated some or all anticipated increased tax revenue, from both income and property taxes, could be dedicated to the Manor for funding purposes.

He said the county would benefit because, in the event of IPC expansion, the increase employee-count could generate roughly $3 million in economic activity for the community.

"We (EDC) urge you to begin (the process)," Smith said. "This is the right thing to do at the right time."

He urged commissioners to take a "positive vote to begin negotiation for the sale of this land."

Smith said there were no plans to expand the current tax increment financing (TIF) district which encompasses the IPC facility.

Commissioners attorney Barry Emerson cautioned about IPC expansion speculation. He said everything should be "well understood" before any land sale agreement is reached.

Smith said land appraisals were completed, however he refused to disclose the value information. He said he would share the information with commissioners outside of the public purview.

Mears appointed to boards

Outgoing county commissioner George Mears was appointed to fill the two-year EDC board position left vacant by the retirement of Ron Kennedy.

"We need to get some results out of that committee," Mears said as he accepted the position. He noted the approaching construction of the Hoosier Heartland Highway in Carroll County as one reason for him to continue on the EDC board.

Initially, commissioner Bill Brown moved to re-appoint Mears to his current EDC board position because his term expires Dec. 31. However, commissioners president Loren Hylton said he thought new commissioner Pat Clawson should help make that appointment.

"I'd like to let the new commissioner voice his opinion about the next three-year appointment," he said.

Mears said he wanted to be a "sounding board" for the public as an EDC representa- tive. He invited the public to contact him with questions and suggestions.

Mears also agreed to remain as the commissioners delegate on the Wabash Valley Heritage Commission.

Other appointments

Local attorney and comprehensive land use plan steering committee member Miriam Robeson was appointed to fill the one-year vacancy left on EDC by former Purdue Extension Agent Paul Marcellino.

Dr. Lawrence Stauffer, DVM, was appointed to the Wabash Valley Mental Health Association board of directors.

Highway department

The Troyer Group was chosen to provide consulting services for the county road extension to SR75 near Camden.

Commissioners will meet in executive session Nov. 25 at 1:30 p.m. to interview nine of 20 applicants for the superintendent position. A selection is expected to be made at the Dec. 1 commissioners meeting.

TLRSD

Carroll County representative on the Twin Lakes Regional Sewer District Board of Directors Wayne Garrison reported all customers in Phase IIIB, which is located in Jefferson Township, will be connected to the system by the end of the year. He said the "notice to connect" is scheduled for April.

"The plant and the system are on budget," Garrison said. "No Carroll County resident (in Jefferson Township) has a functioning system at this time."

Other business

Carroll Manor applications for Betty L. Dunker, Kathleen L. Watkins and Opal May Campbell were approved. Commissioners noted two of the three were out-of-county residents.

The courthouse grounds will be used by Delphi United Methodist Church to sell barbeque chicken Dec. 6 during the annual Christmas Parade.

Commissioners announced on the agenda they would lunch with representatives from Butler Fairman and Seufert. No time or location was given.

The next meeting will be Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.