The Ripley County Commissioners met in regular session on Friday, February 15 at the highway department and annex.
At the last meeting, they dealt with an issue with the sheriff's office hiring a jailer without approval from commissioners. Commissioners later approved the new hire after reviewing information from the sheriff's office.
Major Dave Pippin was present to represent the sheriff's department regarding future issues on hiring procedures. Pippin presented commissioners with the application of Roxie Ensinger, the new hire. He said a background check had been done on the new employee. Pippin also presented signed nepotism statements from Sheriff Tom Grills, Candice Bingham and Ensinger.
Commissioners questioned Pippin about the use of sheriff's vehicles and county fuel to provide escorts for trucks installing the pipeline in the northern part of the county. Commissioner Reiners told Pippin that this is considered a "second job" to those taking part in the escorts and the use of sheriff's vehicles to provide the escorts has not been approved.
Pippin said it was his understanding from a discussion with Sheriff Grills that this had been approved. Reiners emphasized that commissioners had not been consulted nor had any approval been given. Pippin assured them that he would advise the sheriff and was certain that he would address the issue.
Pippin was also questioned about inmates' clothing being flushed and clogging the sewer system. Pippin responded that they are now using coveralls rather than pants and shirts, making it less likely that they can be flushed.
In other discussion, the fencing between the recycling center and highway garage was discussed. Quotes were received from Fencecraft LLC for $6,635.70; Indiana Agricultural Fencing for $10,800.00; and Indiana Wire Products, Inc. for $10,929.00. Additional information will be gathered and reviewed at the next meeting.
Drop chains for the dump trucks were again discussed. A set may be purchased to determine if they work satisfactorily. The spreader box has also been ordered and should be delivered in April.
Tom Armstrong was present to discuss Bridge 14. He said that since state funds were not being used, the State did not have an issue with the grid deck replacement. Also, there should be no issues with horse drawn buggies crossing the bridge.
Johnnie Lohrum, maintenance supervisor, informed commissioners that Maxwell Construction wanted to work on President's Day while the courthouse was closed. Commissioners said they trusted Maxwell Construction and decided to provide them with a key to the courthouse.
Repairs on the second floor and attic areas are needed to meet code.Lohrum presented a quote from Cintas for $5,327.00. Reiners stated he would like to meet with QPH to go over what piping in the basement needs to be changed that was covered by the quote.
Dave Drew of QPH advised commissioners that he had met with Sam Puterbaugh of LWC to review the preventative maintenance requirements for the annex building. Drew said that since seven units were no longer being serviced from the demolished buildings, he could provide preventative maintenance for the Annex for 2013 for an additional $1,500.00. He is to provide a detailed list outlining the maintenance to be included.
Gary Detmer of Maxwell Construction told commissioners that the scope of work provided by LWC did not include the pipe insulation on the south side of the main floor courthouse currently under renovation. Also not included was patching holes in walls, as well as phone or data lines. Puterbaugh informed commissioners that there was a difference of interpretation of prepping the walls for paint by LWC and Maxwell Construction.
The cost to finish the insulation of overhead pipes in rooms 122, 124 and 125 of the courthouse would be $12,175.00. Commissioners unanimously approved the amount. They requested that Maxwell Construction provide estimates for the data and phone lines and a change for the prosecutor for security for the child support office.
Puterbaugh answered to commissioners about invoices received for engineering fees for the gas pipe for future generator replacement to natural gas. Also discussed was a request for $15,000.00 for additional services for LWC to continue to oversee the completion of the parking lot and landscaping for the annex. Puterbaugh was questioned about the additional fees. Puterbaugh said that if the fees were not approved, that no one from LWC would be there to oversee the project. No action was taken at this time.
In other business:
• Clerk Mary Ann McCoy reported she had contacted the State and was advised the contract with ServPro for cleaning records should include the signing of a confidentiality statement stating that they would not discuss any information they may see during the cleaning.
• Donna Ashley of Phillips Supply presented a proposal for the finish on the Terrazzo floor, which included necessary equipment to prepare the floor and apply the wax.
• The contract for services from the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission was presented and approved.
• Commissioners unanimously approved a quote from Cardinal Pest Control LLC to treat offices and other rooms of the annex for $175.00 per month.
• Kaye Hunger was appointed to the board of Historic Hoosier Hills Resource, Conservation and Development.
• A Uniform Conflict of Interest Disclosure for Anthony James Wood and Scott Stutler was signed for the Friendship Regional Sewer District. Resolution 2013-01 appointing Patrica A. Thomas and Resolution 2013-02 appointing Glen Kamman to the board of trustees of Friendship Regional Sewer District was approved, with commissioner Stutler abstaining.
• Grant agreements were signed with the City of Rising Sun and Ohio County for Riverboat Revenue Sharing.
• A certificate of farmer or state or local government unit for Laughery Valley Ag LLC for sales tax exemption was signed.
The next regular meeting of the commissioners will be Monday, March 4.
CINDY WARD PHOTO
Major Dave Pippin, standing, came before the commissioners to represent the sheriff's office regarding future issues on hiring procedures.