Eric Beer

The Drainage Board meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the February 17th meeting. Key discussions focused on the Morren Legal Tile system, where repairs were proposed including the replacement of main branch tile sections ranging from 15-inch to 10-inch pipes due to significant deterioration and unreported holes. A related discussion covered the Stoaltz Open Drain, which landowners had initiated dipping and leveling. The Board considered allocating $9,000 toward the tile replacement, with agreements made regarding landowner contributions to the drain dipping. The second agenda item involved the Blue Creek system, where the Board discussed using previously unspent funds ($5,000) plus an additional $1,000 (totaling $6,000) to repair an eroding bank and associated slumping, utilizing stone placement. The final major topic concerned the Old House System, where the Board considered reimbursing a landowner for brushing work on the Kint and a section of the main drain, approving a total reimbursement of $12,262.50 for brush clearing, noting that the system fund was healthy enough to cover this expense.

The meeting commenced with the pledge and a prayer for guidance in deliberating the county's business. Key items discussed included accepting the minutes from the February 24th meeting and approving several financial matters. This involved accepting an adjustment credit for Ally Weekly Health Insurance, approving the Animal Shelter report, and accepting the County Treasurer's monthly report. Claims totaling $6,305.70 for health insurance adjustments and $5,455.77 for Northwind prescription claims were approved, alongside a significant accounts payable claim of $164,948.74, which required staff vigilance to correct an overcharge from Cincinnati Insurance. An action item addressed the approval of construction plans for Bridge 27 (Pickle Road over Gerky Ditch), a federal aid project with a scheduled July 18 bid date, requiring signatures from all commissioners. Further discussion covered the issuance of a Request for Qualifications/Proposals for Bridge 96, a federal aid project with an April 3 deadline for consultant proposals. Finally, updates were provided on the proposed vacation of County Road 1100 South and Bridge 163, including obtaining the required legal description and estimate, with the intent to complete the vacation process before the next required inspection cycle in May. The body also reviewed and approved the annual operations report and the annual comparison report between 2025 and 2024 financials.

The agenda for the meeting includes the review of previous minutes, discussions regarding legal matters pertaining to specific tiles and open drains (Stoltz Moran Legal Tile, Blue Creek Open Drain, Holthouse Legal Open Drain, Kintz Legal Open Drain, and Teeple Peltz #1 Legal Tile), and a review of the draft of updated resolutions to be prepared by Attorney Clayton Lengerich. The board will also address information regarding paid invoices and an upcoming Farm Bureau Agricultural Land Use & Zoning School scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The meeting involved several financial and infrastructure discussions. Key items included the approval of medical claims and Northwind prescription claims, as well as the approval of the weights and measures monthly report and payroll claims. A payment of $436,292 for the annual property casualty premium from Bliss Mcnite was approved, which included coverage related to tail coverage from a previous carrier switch. Utility payments for LAO totaling $40,891.55 were also approved. Significant discussion centered on federal funding awards from INDOT, specifically $636,000 for the superstructure replacement of bridge 96, which is tied to fiscal year 2029. The commissioners also discussed the EHSIP highway safety improvement plan, which involves a $2.6 million federal grant (90/10 split) for guardrail improvements on several bridges, and the associated local matching funds requirement.

The meeting included an opening prayer and discussion of previous meeting minutes, which were approved as amended to include opiate money amounts. Key actions involved approving the annual maintenance agreement of $15,000 for the 2026 Infinity Voting System (Micro Vote). The board also approved the weekly health insurance claims, noting a credit adjustment due to stop loss reimbursement. Business items included approving the payroll time card approval for the January 2nd payroll and approving the claims for the same payroll, which reflected new pay increases. Furthermore, the board approved a grant application for $40,000 related to a security business project and ratified the Capital Asset Management Plan Ordinance 2026-1. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the bid opening for Bridge 142, receiving six bids which were taken under advisement for review. Finally, the board approved the low quote of $44,820 from Pioneer Associates for the Bridge 31 partial deck patching project.