Starke County

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance. The agenda structure was modified to address vendor claims, payroll claims, and minutes approval at the beginning of the session. Vendor claims totaling $956,989.25 and payroll claims amounting to $348,315.47 were approved. Minutes from the February 17th and February 20th, 2026 meetings were also approved. A key discussion point involved a public hearing on an economic development land swap agreement involving one acre of land in the Hamlet Industrial Park, where the County would swap its land for another acre owned by a nonprofit entity to ensure continuous marketable parcels, with the nonprofit agreeing to fund the necessary survey. Subsequently, a motion was passed to approve the swap via Resolution Number Five of 2026, setting a tentative closing date around December. Separately, the body discussed the need for office space for an elected official and security concerns regarding cash handling behind counters. Finally, a motion was passed to approve a $1,000 golden sponsorship for a 'Zark Tank' related initiative, supporting two young entrepreneurs.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. A primary discussion involved a favorable recommendation from the planning commission for a 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data center developments, which the commissioners voted to approve as written. Other agenda items included a report on EMS operations for November, noting staffing levels (operating four out of six ambulances) and EMT/paramedic applicant statuses, as well as updates on ambulance repairs and new equipment delivery, including LifePac monitors. Discussions also covered funding shortfalls from Medicare payments. Furthermore, the body addressed a petition to vacate an unimproved public right-of-way that serves contiguous property owners near Racoon Lake. Concerns were raised regarding future public needs for the right-of-way versus the property owners' desire to consolidate the land and avoid future variances, with eminent domain mentioned as the county's recourse for future needs. Finally, there was a discussion regarding the potential cost, estimated between $175,000 and $250,000, for building a new facility with two ambulance bays, addressing issues like freezing pipes and GFI reliability.

The emergency meeting focused primarily on obtaining quotes and making a decision regarding the replacement of fire alarm piping within the facility, specifically the 4-inch main piping that lies horizontally on the floor, which has experienced repeated failures and leaks. Discussion involved comparing bids from two primary vendors, SNS and VFP, concerning the cost difference between black schedule 10 pipe (the current material) and schedule 40 pipe, as well as the material type (black vs. galvanized). Concerns were raised about the lack of proven longevity for galvanized pipe by one vendor versus others claiming it lasts longer. The immediate need for repair due to an ongoing leak at a "T" fitting, which required shutting down the system for two weeks, necessitated quick action to avoid further delays, even if it meant foregoing a full engineering review for the immediate fix.

The key discussion centered on the repair of an ambulance with a failed engine, estimated to cost $14,463 due to a dropped lifter and cam damage. The commissioners discussed proceeding with the repair under warranty with Curry Motors or seeking alternative quotes, noting the urgency as the county currently has zero backup ambulances. Legal guidance confirmed that the repair cost, under $50,000, did not require formal bidding. A motion was passed to authorize up to $15,000 from the QAP fund for the repair. Separately, there was an update regarding a mold issue affecting multiple employees, with experts scheduled to visit the following Tuesday to conduct testing, including radon testing. The audio quality of the meeting setup was also discussed, focusing on improving microphone placement to ensure attendees and the public can hear clearly.

The meeting included a monthly report for January, detailing EMS operations such as a 7% decrease in staffing due to one retirement, and transfer rates increasing by 1.58%. Personnel updates indicated one paramedic resignation due to family issues, following the hiring of three part-time employees and one full-time paramedic. Ambulance maintenance was a significant topic, with Medic One (3308) out of service for repairs and dropping two valves, and Medic 3 (514) undergoing an entire new deaf system replacement. The discussion also covered the need to retire an older ambulance and the status of a new ambulance awaiting radio installation. A major concern was the mold/moisture issue at the Grover Town base, leading to staff refusal to work there, prompting immediate investigation into temporary housing via a travel trailer costing approximately $15,000 to $19,000 with warranty. The committee also discussed the long-term plan for a new F450 dual four-wheel drive vehicle, with potential delivery in late 2028 or 2029, and ongoing discussions about locating a new base, including potential land acquisition issues related to county-owned property near train tracks.