The Franklin County Commissioners’ meetings provided several updates on old business, new business, concerns, and inquiries. Those present were Tom Linkel, Gerald Wendel, Tom Wilson, and Karla Bauman, Auditor.

The Building Code and Unsafe Building Service Agreement was reviewed by county attorneyGrant Reeves. The building code service is estimated of $5000 and will not exceed this amount, whereas the Unsafe Building Service Agreement will not exceed $3000. Linkel made a motion to approve both contracts under the contingency neither exceed their maximum limit, seconded by Wilson. This motion was carried.

The Grant Policy had a draft reviewed by Reeves that was requested by the auditor's office. While it's still being reviewed and edited, Amy Lindsey (EMA director) raised concerns about not enough time being applied for this grant to reach approval from the commissioners’ office. Nanette Beres also inquired whether Gene Stewart, health department attorney, had received a copy. Bauman stated that when previously audited, the State Board of Accounts requested a copy of the grant policy, but they don't have one. They still don't; however most requirements stated are already required by both the federal guidelines and SBOA. It was only needed in writing, so the commissioners would like a liaison between themselves, council, and the person applying.

A request was made by Bauman that the commissioners’ make some amendments to the county's travel policy due to recently filed claims following conferences. Bauman also recommended the issuance of government ID's to be used by employees, department heads, and elected officials while traveling on business. Commissioners stated they would like a standalone policy separated from the personnel handbook for travel; therefore it has been tabled for now. 

The Drusilla Masters agreement was for the storage of highway equipment on Drusilla's lot. The motion to approve the agreement with Masters and Linkel was seconded by Wendel and the motion was carried. 

There was a grant to purchase three vehicles for Franklin County Public Transportation in 2021 for $73,021. The grants were withdrawn, and the grantor is now rewriting a new grant contract to purchase the vehicles. This will be given to the commissioners’ to sign so Wilson motioned to move forward with the new contract, and it was seconded by Linkel. The motion carried.

Other motions carried include:
• GIS Clerk contract for the Assessor's at $400 per month - approved
• The transfer or scrapping of assets by Linkel - approved
• The 2023 Claims schedule, correcting the first payout to 2023, not 2022 - approved
• Motion to approve Resolution 2022-43 for 2023 Payroll schedule - approved
• Board appointment approvals for 2023 appointments - approved
• Motion to acknowledge receipt of Treasurer's monthly report - approved
• Approval to accept Payroll and Payroll deductions - approved

A motion to approve the meeting minutes was made by Wendel and seconded by Wilson. These were the 11/22/2002 Special Meeting minutes and the 11/29/2022 minutes. Linkel abstained from the 11/22/2022 minutes. This motion was carried. 

County engineer Larry Smith discussed the Community Crossing award the county received and updated the board on Snail Creek Bridge. There are also rising issues with the sidewalk installed at the entrance to the Franklin County Highway Garage. There are issues with getting equipment out.
John Palmer (EDC) was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award due to his years of hard work and dedication to his projects, the county, and to the commissioners. December 20, 2022 was officially made John Palmer Day.

Open highway bids were listed and detailed along with brief discussions over the Open Accessible Use Entryway Bids. Prices at estimation and rising costs varied. The commissioners’ carried this discussion.

Palmer also gave updates on ARPA and the SEI READI letter of support. Palmer has gotten approval for the sewage lines up Reservoir Hill by the county, board, school board, and now the commissioners. This discussion was approved.