Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission

The meeting commenced with a reorganization, electing Commissioner Riggin as President and Commissioner Brand as Vice President. Key discussions included recognizing employees, such as the January 2026 Employees of the Month and the 2025 Employee of the Year. The board approved annual miscellaneous appointments. Several ordinances and business items were tabled, including the Tax Sale Bidder Fee (Ordinance No. 2025-37) and the Fixed Asset Capitalization Policy (Ordinance No. 2024-013), which was tabled for further review of depreciation schedules. A contract for grant management software (Amplifund) covering 2026-2028 was approved. Presentations covered road damage by a utility subcontractor, leading to a directive to draft an ordinance imposing daily fines for unauthorized work, and a recap of ECIRPD's 2025 achievements, showing a high return on county dues. Contracts approved included the Delaware County Government Center Facility Assessment, an engineering assistance contract amendment with Lochmueller, and IT support services for critical systems. The board tabled the Microsoft renewal agreement. A resolution for Commissioner Liaisons was approved. Old business covered updates on shredding contracts and postage machine necessity. Department heads reported on IT room cooling quotes and significant jail roof leaks, necessitating a formal public bidding process for the roof repair due to estimated costs exceeding $150,000. Payment of encumbered claims was tabled until a subsequent meeting, pending County Council approval. Public comments addressed opioid settlement distribution and utility damage.

The meeting included multiple public hearings and appointments for the BZA Board, resulting in the nomination and subsequent vote for Audi Barber for the BZA Board. The election for the ECIRPD Board was tabled. Tabled business addressed Ordinance No. 2024-033 regarding amendments to the County Personnel Handbook, and the 911 Center Chair Lease, which was removed from the table and approved. The agenda also covered ordinance readings, including the introduction, suspension of rules, and adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-01 concerning a new fund for the Delaware County Mental Health Court Program. A resolution establishing departmental responsibilities among the commissioners was approved. Department heads provided annual reports and updates on various matters, including employee benefits and upcoming maintenance. The session concluded with the approval of significant financial claims and payroll payments, and discussions regarding future executive sessions and commissioner assignments.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence honoring a recently deceased Corporal. Key agenda items included a public hearing regarding the proposed vacation of East Wade Street Bridge (#507) and County Road 200 West Bridge (#190), with the latter being tabled pending a land auction. Appointments to the Board of Health, Civic Center Authority Board, and Fair Board were discussed, with some positions remaining open. The Board approved several ordinances, including one to adopt 26 pay periods for 2026 and another to establish a fund for a tornado siren grant. They also accepted a proposal from the Muncie Sanitary District to purchase two surplus trucks (a street sweeper and a clam bucket truck). Contract approvals included bi-yearly county bridge inspections, renewal of the True Rx Pharmacy Agreement, and an engagement letter for an asset valuation service. Old business involved an update on the county dress code policy. Significant financial actions included the approval of $25,000 for postage funds, adoption of an ordinance for a $50,000 tornado siren grant, and the approval of total claims amounting to over $28.2 million, which included an advanced draw for fall taxes and LIT distributions.

The meeting covered various administrative, financial, and infrastructure topics. Key discussions included board appointments for the Civic Center Authority Board, Board of Health, and Fair Board, with requests for interested parties to apply for reappointment. Several tabled items were addressed, including the Delaware County American Tower Audit Lease Amendment Request, which remained tabled, and the approval of the November 17th, 2025 minutes after corrections were incorporated. Discussions centered on a $5,000 sponsorship for the Shafer Leadership Academy, which was adopted, and the Unique Computer Services Contract for IT needs, which was adopted. The commissioners tabled discussion on Ordinance No. 2025-37 regarding a Tax Sale Bidder Fee to research fee structures in other counties, while Ordinance No. 2025-32 regarding vacating a public right-of-way remained tabled. A presentation on the Heartland Scholar House, highlighting a high single mother graduation rate, resulted in the presentation being tabled to explore potential economic funding. Approval was granted for a three-year flat pricing contract with Secure Shred for document shredding services. Commissioner Brand proposed disabling the "reply all" email function but opted to distribute an email etiquette guide instead. The 2026 Delaware County Deed Sale Calendar was presented for informational purposes. Contracts approved included the renewal of the HCC Life Insurance policy, PSC Associates for the reassessment cycle, setting dates for 2026 Stormwater and Unsafe Housing Authority Meetings, and design/inspection contracts for several bridge projects (Bridge No. 51, LPA Bridge No. 20, LPA Bridge No. 502, and Volkert Bridge No. 30). The board approved the purchase of a UTV with a plow for winter maintenance. An update on ECIRPD activities was followed by the approval of 2026 annual dues. Ordinances considered included rescinding retiree insurance coverage for spouses/dependents (with one dissenting vote), creating lien and tax sale administrative fees, removing un-sponsored payroll deductions, and tabling an ordinance amending the fixed asset capitalization policy for further review. Old business included discussions regarding the state lobbyist contract. Finally, the board approved substantial payments for claims, ARP claims, payroll, and longevity bonuses. Commissioner Henry proposed purchasing a skid unit salt spreader for the Town of Selma.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of two Employees of the Month, one of whom was honored posthumously, and several updates regarding open appointments across various county boards such as the Board of Health, Civic Center Authority Board, and Fair Board. Business was tabled concerning the Delaware County American Tower Audit Lease Amendment Request pending a response from the proponent. Presentations included a revised proposal for the Shafer Leadership Academy, which was tabled pending date adjustment, and the dedication of right-of-way for the Crockett and Toole Subdivisions. Contract approvals included Phase 1 of the Government Building Facility Assessment, an MOU clarifying ownership of the historic Courthouse Bell, approval for a premium rate adjustment yielding annual savings, and approval for a new CAD Export Interface software pending legal review. The Commissioners ceremonially affirmed an executed agreement for Title IV-E Cost Recovery for Public Defense Expenses. A new building and grounds rental agreement for the Expo Center with updated pricing was approved, as was a financial commitment letter for Bridge #509 replacement. First readings addressed ordinances concerning retiree insurance eligibility (with one dissenting vote on the premium split), creating a Lien Administrative Fee, removing certain payroll deductions, and creating a Tax Sale Administrative Fee. An ordinance updating the Fixed Asset Capitalization Policy and one creating a new fund for a Health Department grant were introduced and adopted. Ordinances for second reading included adjusting pay periods for 2026 and vacating the public right-of-way for Bridge #507. Resolutions included approving the purchase of a truck from the Muncie Sanitary District. Old business involved approving a revised Gym Liability Waiver. Departmental reports covered the Delaware County Digital Modernization project, recommending a move to Google Workspace Enterprise Standard due to security and cost concerns, and a report on the closure of the High Street Bridge. Claims totaling over $2.5 million were approved for payment, alongside payroll.