Harrison County Supervisors Meeting October 27, 2022 Chairman Pro-Tem, John Straight, called the meeting to order with members Tony Smith and Walter Utman in attendance. Motion to approve the tentative agenda was made by Smith, second by Utman. Motion carried. Attendance: Deputy Auditor Elizabeth Lenz, Paul J. Rhoten, Nick Loftus Bank Reconciliation Treasurer Shelia Phillips presented September tax bank reconciliation for review. Tax Abatement Treasurer Shelia Phillips requested a tax abatement of $9,438.24 for the USA c/o Desoto National Wildlife Refuge. After discussion, the motion was passed on a motion by Smith, second by Utman. Tony Smith, John Straight, yes votes, Walter Utman, no vote. Operation Green Light For Veterans Brittany Freet, Veteran’s Administrator asked the Board to approve a resolution to support veterans. This resolution is asking to show support for the veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 7 to November 13th. On a motion by Utman, second by Smith, the following resolution was unanimously approved: Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans WHEREAS, the residents of HARRISON COUNTY have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and WHEREAS, HARRISON COUNTY seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veteran Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and WHEREAS, Approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and WHEREAS, an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and WHEREAS, Active Military Service Members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and WHEREAS, HARRISON COUNTY appreciates the sacrifices of our United State Military Personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted; therefore be it RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County HARRISON COUNTY hereby declares from October 1st through Veterans Day, November 11th 2022 a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service; therefore, be it further RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, HARRISON COUNTY encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence. October’s Non-Health Insurance Stipend Claims On a motion by Smith, second by Utman, the October non-health insurance stipend claims were unanimously approved for payment. Liquor License Refund Due to the Gold Slipper no longer being in business, a refund for their liquor license was approved on a motion by Smith, second by Utman. Unanimous approval. HIPAA Compliance/Privacy Officer On a motion by Smith, second by Utman, David Sherer was unanimously named the county’s HIPAA compliance officer and privacy officer. Engineer County Engineer Steven Struble updated the Board on area projects. Canadian National Railroad Underpass Bridge on L-20-No updates as I was not able to discuss the plans with John Rassmussen whom is in charge of the project for the railroad. Taylor #12 Bridge Replacement on F-50 over Allen Creek-The final documentation has been received and we should be able to finalize the project within the next week. 194th Street HMA Overlay, FM-CO43(91)-55-43-I received the verified and signed final voucher from Western Engineering. I will ask the Board to authorize payment next week and send the final documents to the IDOT with the final payment request. City of Woodbine Pike Trail PCC Paving-No updates. Melody Oaks OttaSeal Surfacing Project-It is now too cold to lay OttaSeal, it will be done next season. 220th & Parker Trail 12ft Diameter Structural Plate Pipe with Flume-Repairs are being done and when completed the intersection of Parker Trail and 220th Street will be a safer, higher-speed, superelevated horizontal curve. Maintenance Activities A fire last week caused heavy damage to the Taylor #6 bridge on 235th Street. Mark Warner has determined that our insurance does not cover bridges. The repairs are estimated between $30,000 to $60,000. Lease Agreement for County Attorney A one year lease agreement with the county attorney for office space was unanimously approved on a motion by Smith, second by Utman. The lease agreement will be from November 1, 2022 and ends on October 31, 2023 with termination allowed if either party gives a 30 day notice. The lease is on file in the Auditor’s office. Closed Session 21.5(1)c County Attorney Jennifer Mumm met with the Board to discuss strategy in matters presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Motion to go into closed session was made by Smith, second by Utman. Roll Call Vote: Straight – aye, Smith – aye, Utman – Nay. Closed session started at 10:06 a.m. At 10:45 a.m., the Board came out of closed session on a motion by Smith, second by Utman. Roll Call Vote: Utman – aye, Smith – aye, Straight – aye. No action taken. With business of the day completed, the Board adjourned on a motion by Utman, second by Smith. Motion carried. ATTEST: Elizabeth Lenz, Deputy Auditor John Straight, Chairman Pro-Tem NOTE: These minutes are as recorded by the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors and are subject to Board approval at the next regular meeting. MVTN 11-9-22
