MIAMI COUNTY COUNCIL
25 NORTH BOARDWAY
PERU, INDIANA 46970
FEBRUARY 20, 2007
Council President Click opened the meeting and lead all in attendance in
reciting the pledge to the flag.
EMEDA STRATEGY PRESENTATION
Jim Tidd and Christy Householder gave a slide presentation of the MCEDA
Strategy. They asked the Council for a vote of support for the strategy. The
presentation explained the current areas that are designated as economic
development sites and the sites that could be used in the future. Mr. Tidd said
one of the main things employers tell them is there is a lack of work ethics
among workers. He also said this is the same problem noted in many other
communities. The Council discussed the educational opportunities available for
citizens of our County.
A motion was made by Councilman Duckwall to support and approve the Strategy
presented. The motion was 2nd by Councilman Wiles and passed 7-0.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REQUEST
The first order of business is a request from the Highway department for
$8,158.50 for a new employee. This employee will work with Virginia Bennett to
learn the software and then take her place when she retires. The additional
appropriation comes from the MVH Fund. A motion to approve the additional
appropriation was made by Councilwoman Mull. The motion was 2nd by Councilman
Kendall and passed 7-0.
DRAINAGE PROJECT
The next order of business is the Board of Commissioners requesting an
additional appropriation to off set the cost for a drainage project west of
Deedsville. Commissioner Deeds explained that the request is for $10,000 because
the Drainage Board feels that is the amount of benefit the County would get from
fixing the problem. The water problem on the road cannot be corrected until the
drain is fixed. Commissioner Deeds said this is an accident waiting to happen.
The land owner’s portion of the project would be $17,000. Sam Waltz, Highway
Supervisor told the Council what they have done in the past, but he feels with
this project, it is best to hire an outside company to do it from start to
finish. The Council discussed where to take the funds to appropriate for this
project. Commissioner Deeds said that if the County Council approves this the
Drainage Board will take it back to the land owners. If the land owners still
refuse to address the issue, the money approved will not be used. The Council
had copies of all 3 funds advertised, the Rainy Day, CEDIT and River Boat Funds.
Commissioner Hawley said the fund choice is the Councils, but they feel this
project is needed. Councilman Wiles moved to take the recommendation of the
Commissioners and to take the funding out of the Rainy Day Fund. The motion was
2nd by Councilman Duckwall and passed 7-0.
SHERIFF’S ACCIDENT REPORT ORDINANCE
Sheriff Roland explained to the Council that after the fees were adopted at the
last Council meeting he received the contract with the company stating that the
Sheriff cannot sell the reports at the local Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff
Roland said he has corrected that issue with the company and he wants to amend
the Ordinance to lower the fee to the public to $8 for accident reports
purchased at the Sheriff’s Department. If citizens go on line to purchase the
accident report it will cost $12. Either way the Sheriff’s department gets $8. A
motion to approve the amended Accident Report Ordinance was made by Councilman
Hunt. The motion was 2nd by Councilwoman Mull and passed 7-0.
DOG TAX ORDINANCE
Councilman Click tabled the Dog Ordinance again. Commissioner Hawley cautioned
the Council that there are wide spread effects to the Dog Tax other than just
collecting funds. It affects several other Ordinances.
Councilman Click reminded those in attendance that there is a public meeting on
Thursday at 5:00 pm for the wage study.
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Duckwall and 2nd by Councilman Wiles.
Motion passed 7-0.
Adjourned
Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Weaver, Auditor
