Council Meeting, March 10, 2009

Note: These are my personal notes from the council meeting. They are NOT the official minutes, nor should they be construed as an official record of any kind.

Boone County Council
3/10/2009

Present: All Council Members, Council Secretary Heather Barton.
Approved minutes from February 17 special meeting and February 10 meeting.

RE-APPROPRIATIONS (all approved):
Coroner (Melody Price in for Jerry Harris): $300 from Misc. Op supplies to State Meetings

Assessor (no one present): $295 from seminars to dues

ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS:
Circuit Court:
Judge Jeff Edens requested $18,500 to cover costs of upcoming Marion County library trial, expected to last six weeks. County is required to pay costs; some may be recouped later from Marion County due to part – but not all – of the case being a “change of venue” case. Council member Marcia Wilhoite suggested that a Jury Fees fund had been created for such a situation. Because of the uniqueness of the case being held in Superior Court but paid from Circuit, it was requested that Judge Edens and the Auditor investigate the appropriate method of transferring the already budgeted money and return next month.

Community Corrections:
Kari Ragsdale requested transfer of funds totaling $77,619 from the general BCCC fund into a separate fund (0547 to 0548) created last month in compliance with state auditors. $15000 designated for a Field Officer was withdrawn, as Council member Wilhoite pointed out that additional money for benefits would be necessary. Approved minus the $15000, which will be addressed next month.
Ragsdale also requested movement of $8521 from original fund (0547 to 0549). Approved.

Superior II:
Kari Ragsdale requested movement of $8000 grant funds from community foundation to line item for women’s alcohol program. Approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Huck Lewis requested creation of a new line item in the Commissioners Budget for Boone County Trails expenses, as the County is beginning to be billed for engineering expenses as the trail system moves forward. County Auditor and Attorney will craft an appropriate resolution to create the new line.

Dax Norton, EDC. Updated the Council on Anson and specifically its infrastructure improvements. Norton summarized recent project attraction, and emphasized that his focus in the coming year will be largely on retention of businesses and jobs to maintain Boone county’s relatively low unemployment rate. Future focus of job creation (up to 30,000 by 2035) in Anson development area. I-65/267 interchange and I-65 improvements (3 lanes to SR 28) projected over 25 years. Interchange currently underfunded. Additional concerns about intersection of 400 E & 400 S traffic. Several leads focus around green energy development, well as green construction of future buildings. Council president Jacob asked about increasing collaboration between EDC & Boone Learning Network. Norton responded that he and BCLN director Audra Poe were currently meeting informally and looking for future commitments. Jacob asked about working with Whitestown EDC about seeking additional bonding.
Tom Dickey, Anson general manager for Duke. Gave overview of current development and near-term planned. Meijer board meeting later this month to determine if project will be started this year. Restaurant activity is at a standstill, so outlots are likely to stay idle for now. Witham/St.Vincent/Duke building expected to open Fall 2009. Performance Services (70+ jobs in 25k sq ft office building) beginning work. Hampton Inn construction expected to start this summer. Primrose Schools beginning construction late Spring. Anson Phase II TIF infrastructure funding for roads and sewers has prepared for more growth. Next step is state upgrade of I-65 interchange. Boone County will likely have to oversee reconfiguration of 400 S into interchange w/I-65, especially as 146th extension connects Walker Farms to I-65. Jacob & Soards will meet with Congressman Steve Buyer next week to discuss possible federal help.

Mark Smith, Humane Society for Boone County. Overview of HSforBC activities, updating various town councils and county gov’t. Looking to raise $1.5 million to build shelter and capital funding. Currently only 10-15% toward goal.

Melody Price, Auditor. Congressional Schools Fund (dating back to Northwest Ordinance), which requires twice-yearly distribution of interest on principal ($26,000), can now be turned over to state. Attorney Eileen Sims will deliver resolution to surrender custody to state control, which Council MAY adopt at future meeting.

Kari Ragsdale, Community Corrections. Updated council on Courtview system (discussed in January by Sherriff Campbell) to connect various courts, enforcement and probation agencies. IT department has secured possible contract for $31,500, half of which could be covered by non-taxpayer funds from Clerk, Probation, Sherriff, Prosecutor & Bar Association. Jacob asked about fees for users outside Boone County; Ragsdale had discussed this, but found costs outweighed benefits. Jacob suggested the system might save money through reducing phone calls, mailings, trips to receive information – individuals and businesses as well as governmental agencies would benefit. Prosecutor Todd Meyer & Chief Deputy Mike Nielsen spoke in support of the program. Ongoing maintenance costs will be $5,000+ inflation adjustment each year. Jacob suggested possibly seeking outside funding for yearly maintenance while county covers up front cost. Ragsdale et al will return later this year with a detailed proposal and appropriation request, with Council’s support.

No Old Business. No Public Comment.

The council discussed possible shortfalls in projected revenue for 2009 and its implications on spending for the remainder of the year in light of Boone County unemployment rising to 7.5%, among other factors. Auditor Melody Price was asked to research expected income and any changes from the recent financial downturn. State has not yet approved 2009 budget Council passed in August 2008; it is possible that state may cut the adopted budget. Council would like to have updated projections as soon as possible if adjustments need to be made.

Meeting Adjourned at 10:10.

Boone County Council Agenda, Tuesday, March 10

Call regular meeting to order – 8:30 a.m.

Approval of February 2009 minutes

Re-Appropriations:
Coroner, Assessor

Additional Appropriations:
Circuit Court, Community Corrections/Project Income Fund, Community Corrections\CTP Fund, Superior II

New Business:
Craig Anderson\Duke and Dax Norton/EDC - Anson Infrastructure.
Ken Campbell, Sheriff – Sheriff’s Annual Report
Mark Smith\Humane Society of Boone County – update
Melody Price, Auditor – Resolution for Congressional Schools to be sent to the State.
Kari Ragsdale - Courtview
Commissioner Huck Lewis – Request for New Line Item

Old Business:

Public Comment

Adjournment

This agenda is subject to change.