COURTHOUSE PROJECT BIDS HIGHER THAN EXPECTED

    At last week’s Marshall County Commission meeting, Chairman Matt Schuller provided an update on the Courthouse project.  Bids for the second phase of the project were opened recently. These include the entire project besides the footings, foundation and asphalt, which were in a separate package with that work already ongoing. 
    As Schuller noted, the bids in package two came in higher than anticipated, making in necessary to make some cuts and explore other options. The board talked about changing some of the materials used and pursuing a grant for the camera and door lock security system outside of the Courthouse project scope.  That part of the bid package had totaled $166,000. 
    It was decided to apply for a grant through the Unified Judicial System for the security equipment. Such a grant would require a 25% match from the county. In order to do this, a Court Security Committee must be formed.  The board asked that Jason Bender, Lynda Luttrell, Megan Biel, Victor Rapkoch, Sam Swanson and Judge Rick Sommers be asked to serve on this board. 
    The commission will meet this week to approve the second bid package with changes. 
    Jerry Burger was present to make public comment on the asbestos report for the courthouse and to ask questions about the abatement of the asbestos. The board noted that the asbestos abatement project will be happening at the courthouse on Dec. 9.
    Dustin Hofland, Highway Superintendent, reported that the highway department has been working on bridge repairs and patching. The bridge inspection report will be ready for the Dec. 10 meeting.  Hofland added that the hydraulic study for the bridge in Stena Township that is closed is being conducted now.  
    Lori Amerman, Ambulance Lead Advisor, met with the board to discuss ordering an ambulance as they have been informed that orders are 24-30 months out from being delivered. The board subsequently voted to order a new ambulance and purchase a new pressure washer to wash the ambulances.  
    Logan Roehr, Emergency Manager, met with the board to inform them that the insurance company had inspected the Hillhead tower and found that it does not need to be replaced.  They did recommend a plumb and tension be performed, however.  Roehr also requested permission to begin purchasing equipment to outfit a new EM vehicle that he hoped to purchase next year.  The board asked that he meet with them at the next meeting to discuss the request.
    Auditor Megan Biel presented the results of the Post Election Audit for the Nov. 5 General Election.  Initiated Measure 29 and the County Commissioner District 4 race in Precinct 7 was audited by a five-person board.  After manually counting the races, the results of both races matched the election night tabulator count and County canvas with 100% accuracy.  
    In personnel matters, per a six-month review for Katrina Johnson, Director of Equalization and a two-year review for Karole Chapin, Certified Appraiser, the commission approved a $1,040/year raise for Johnson to $51,040 and a $1.54/hour raise for Chapin to $22/hour. 
    Per completion of his certification, the group approved a pay raise for Kevin Winter, E911 Dispatcher to $19/hour. James Barrett has been hired as a highway laborer at a rate of $22.00/hour.  After an executive session the board approved payment of an employee’s accrued vacation and ¼ sick accrual as they have now met the 5-year employment requirement.  
    In other business, a tax abatement of $1,026.69 was approved on a parcel of land in Veblen for years 2017-2023. The property has been given to the city. 
    In zoning matters, variances were granted to Tania Henning in Lake Township and Randy Deutsch in Buffalo Township. Additionally, the plat for Almos Northside Second Addition in Buffalo Township received approval. Building permits were approved for Paul Eric Cobb (Lake Township), Micah Samson (Eden Township), Zachary Guy (Dumarce Township), Terry Molter (Dumarce Township), Maxine L. Vrchota (Miller Township), and Tania Henning (Lake Township, connected to her variance approval).
    Erin Collins-Miles, serving as the Floodplain Administrator, provided an update on the recent Hazard Mitigation Meeting held on Nov 12. A countywide survey was distributed to gather feedback for the development of the new Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Northeast Council of Governments aims to complete the plan by early January, after which the County will begin the adoption process. The Commissioners also engaged in a discussion about FEMA and Floodplain mapping based on information shared by Collins-Miles. Efforts are underway to arrange a meeting between the County and FEMA to address these concerns. Updates will be provided to the Board and the public as new information becomes available.