MIAMI COUNTY COUNCIL
25 NORTH BROADWAY
PERU, INDIANA 46970
MAY 15, 2007

Council President Click called the meeting and led the pledge to the flag.

It is noted that Councilperson Mull is absent due to the weather.

MINUTES
Councilman Hunt moved to approve the minutes from the April 17, 2007 meeting. The motion was 2nd by Councilman Wyles and passed 6-0.

THIRD COURT REQUEST
Judge Dan Banina gave a presentation of the history of requesting a third Court for Miami County. Judge Banina gave statistics for our County Courts. Over the last 10 years the Courts have covered the case loads of 2 ½ Courts. In the last 6 years they have had 3 Courts case loads. Judge Banina explained that Legislature has to pass a law to allow a 3rd Court. He explained that the Board of Commissioners would support the forming of space for a 3rd Court. The Council has to support financially with a Resolution. Judge Banina explained that the Commission on Courts meet in August and asks the Council to sign a letter of Resolution to support a 3rd Trial Court in Miami County. We have the need and the public cases will be heard in a more timely fashion. Councilman Duckwall moved to approve the Resolution. The motion was 2nd by Councilman Kendall.

Commissioner Hawley told the Council that the Board of Commissioners is in favor of this resolution. Judge Banina explained his budget and said there are up front costs that cannot be avoided. His budget is $197,505 but it does not include such things as furniture, recording system and renovation of an area for the Court.

Judge Burke explained that the Courts take in fines and fees that add to the miscellaneous revenue. It was noted that the earliest the 3rd Court could be approved is 2010.
Councilman Click said the new jail project would effect where to put the 3rd Court.

Commissioner Hawley said there are multiple options. There are possibilities of renovations to an area on the 2nd or 3rd floor of the Court House once the new jail is built. The Board is also looking at possibly renovations of the old jail and moving some of the offices out of the Court House to that building.

Councilman Click said he had a motion and a 2nd to approve the support of a 3rd Court. The motion passed 6-0.

DOG ORDINANCE
Councilmen Duckwall, McAuliffe and County Attorney David Grund worked on this Ordinance.

After discussions a motion was made by Councilman Duckwall to authorize the Auditor to advertise the corrected Ordinance and put it on the Agenda for June. The motion was 2nd by Councilman Wyles and passed 6-0.

WAGE QUESTION
Councilman Click explained to the new Council members that we do not have our approved budgets from the State for this year. Going into next years budget cycle he feels they need to be frugal. He suggested the Council recommend all departments apply a 5% raise to their salary requests. This would give them some room for adjustments when the 1782’s are received for this year. Councilman Kendall feels the Council should honor their commitment to the wage study and follow it. He stated that there is some risk to staff otherwise we would not need Courthouse security. He also stated that if money can be found for sirens then money could be found for salary increases.

Councilman Hunt asked the Sheriff about the effects of the fuel prices in his budget this year. The Sheriff said maintenance and the fuel is in the same line and with the new cars it has freed up some of the maintenance money for fuel.

Councilman Click asked the Auditor to get the agenda for each month’s meetings to him by the Thursday prior by e-mail.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Kendall and 2nd by Councilman Hunt. The motion passed 6-0.

Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted.

Brenda Weaver, Auditor