County council board appointments...
Last night's county council meeting consisted mostly of board appointments and officer reorganization for the new year/term. Many thanks to Adam Schneider for attending this meeting and taking detailed notes of all appointments.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Kyle Nix made an opening motion to vote Donnie Hussung Chair of the council, unanimously elected 7-0 vote
Holli Castetter nominated Kyle Nix as Vice-Chair of the council, unanimously elected 7-0
Mike Summers was chosen Council attorney unanimously.
PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
Otto Schalk and Emily Stumler spoke about a community outreach officer position that was already approved in the budget, but not utilized yet due to Covid-19.
They were asking for a modification of the job description and to change it from hourly to salary. Emily Stumbler explained that their workers had to view multiple police body cameras before turning the footage over to the defense, and it was making more work in the process. This change in the position would help their staff address this challenge and still work on community outreach. Lastly, Otto alerted the Council to a mistake in a salary for a worker in his office approved in the budget and asked it to be corrected. Motion to amend by Kyle, carried 7-0
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Greg Reas addressed the council on behalf of the Commissioners about electrical alarms and panic buttons damaged during the flooding in the Clerks building. He stated that Herb Schneider had been advising. He quoted two amounts, $11,825 and we believe the final request was for $13,400 for the work.
CLERK'S OFFICE
Sherry Brown, Clerk requested additional money for Clerk office salaries from the election. $2,957 for additional clerk staff and part time funding for a bookkeeper $1,2444.20.
Her requests all passed 5-1, Holli Castetter voting against the first and not present for the second vote. Richard Gerdon abstained due to his wife working in the Clerk's office.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
Parks Board:
We recently discovered that the Harrison County Parks Board has not been in compliance with state law. Until last night, 100% of their board was Republican. This board is required by law to have at least 2 members of the opposing political party. In Indiana, party affiliation is determined by primary voting. After we alerted the county auditor and the superintendent of Parks, the council has appointed Carolyn Lowe, a lifelong Democrat to the board. Judge Evans is responsible for choosing the other Democratic appointee. We will keep you posted on who that is.
Kyle Nix stated that Adam Schneider had expressed interest but he voted for Ms. Lowe because she expressed interest first.
4H:
Kyle wants reappointed, says his position is a non voting member and he wants a vote on their board due to Council funding them. Asking them to change the position from non voting member to voting member. Chad to draft a letter about this to 4H.
County Extension:
Kyle Nix reappointed
Alcohol Beverage Board:
Jeff Byerly reappointed
Alternative education center:
From Gary Byrne to Ross Schultz
Zoning appeals:
Don Smith reappointed
Chamber of Commerce:
Richard Gordon appointed
Economic Development:
From Gary Byrn to Holly C
Emergency Management:
David Let reappointed
Family and Children:
Jennie Capelle appointed
Lifelong Learning:
Jenny is the Commissioner representative and Brad Wiseman is Council appointment
Solid Waste:
Ross Schulz
Planning Commission:
Brad Wiseman
PT Boa Board:
Patricia Badger Byrd
Regional Sewer:
Postponed appointment due to questions as to the length of the appointment
River Hills Board:
Donnie Hussung
Please get in touch if you would like to report for us here at Blue Dot!
Call us with your thoughts, questions, or ideas: 502-653-9157
bluedotharrisoncounty@gmail.com