Concerns that skateboarders and bicyclists pose a liability risk for the county in the 4-H buildings in Flora prompted action by Carroll County Commissioners at their Monday night meeting. The county leaders adopted an all-inclusive ordinance to prohibit anyone, including individuals, walkers, and groups, from using the facility without permission. Violators will be subject to a maximum $250 fine for the offense.

The ordinance which reads, "It is unlawful to come upon or trespass upon the buildings owned by Carroll County within the Town of Flora Park, unless specifically authorized," will be advertised June 24 in the Comet and will be effective July 1.

Participation in census

Commissioners joined forces with the U.S. Bureau of the Census to recognize each Carroll County citizen in the 2010 count. President Loren Hylton will form and head a community committee, called a Complete Count Committee, with sub-committees from government, education, media, religious, community based organizations, business, recruiting and special housing. Each sub-committee is charged with specific duties to ensure a complete count of all residents in 2010.

Hylton said he will enlist volunteers for committees before resorting to appointing members. Those interested in serving can contact Hylton at (574) 859-2651.

Health department grant

The county has had an agreement with the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program to provide anti-smoking services for the county health department for the past several years. The county received grant monies to support the program, however according to Hylton, commissioners never approved a grant proposal or an agreement.

For the past several years claims, signed by public health officer Dr. Jordan Dutter and his predecessor, were submitted by the county health department and were approved by the county leaders. The pay for services, and other claims, was processed through the county payroll, according to county auditor Beth Myers. Those who were providing the services were both county health department employees until one left the county June 20, 2008.

Hylton instructed program coordinator Mary Jones, who is now employed at Purdue University, that the new grant must be approved by the Carroll County Board of Health and presented to commissioners by the county health department for consideration before it can be submitted to the state. The next funding cycle begins July 1.

Commissioner Pat Clawson noted the new proposal, which was developed by Jones, contained a budget with a $38,000 salary for the coordinator, out of the $40,000 total budget request.

Commissioners voted to authorize Myers to pay all claims submitted by Jones, including payroll, against the current grant before June 30.

Highway department

Highway engineer Paul Couts reported the foundation was in place for drainage pipes to be set in the Crooked Road to Flora/Delphi road repair project. He said with cooperation from the weather, the drainage pipes would be in place by the end of the week.

"It's a good-sized job," Couts said.

Commissioners approved use of county roads 50E., 150S. and the Flora-Bringhurst Rd. by Hog Jog participants during Saturday's event in Flora.

Other business

Commissioners directed sheriff Tony Burns to solicit bids for the jail roof replacement. Clawson said a capital projects fund budget, from which a roof would be funded, was to be developed for 2010 and it was necessary to gather pertinent information about needed repairs for planning purposes.

"We need to start planning this," Clawson said.

Commissioners attorney Barry Emerson recommended a project engineer, such as the one who is managing the courthouse roof project, be hired to assist the county in the matter.

Change orders for $8,200 and a $1,182 credit for the courthouse roof project were approved.

Brown was appointed as commissioners appointment to a Carroll County Public Defender Board. Carroll Circuit Superior Court judges will appoint two members of the three-member board. New board members will set the pay for public defenders. Board establishment is the first step to solicit state reimbursement for public defender fees.

Clawson will represent Carroll County on the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission Board of Directors.

Delphi Business Women will use the courthouse lounge June 22.

Delphi Rotary Club will have a sign on the courthouse lawn June 27 to July 4.

Delphi Tri Kappa will have a sign on the courthouse lawn July 22 to 28.

First Step Preschool will use the 4-H building Oct. 20 and the Sacred Harp will use the building Nov. 28.

Moore's Carriage Rides will have a sign on the courthouse lawn every Sunday from June 28 to Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Audrey Clawson and Earnest Jones were approved for admission to Carroll Manor.

The next meeting will be July 7 at 9 a.m.