Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, Oct. 4.

October 12, 2022 at 1:48 p.m.

By Mary Apel-

The first business of the day was made to approve $100,000 for the Metamora Sewer District.  The motion was approved.

Mr. Barry Ritter joined through Zoom to say that initial site tests were done on the building adjacent to the county building and asked for an update from commissioners as to the status of that building before they engage with DLZ on a site plan.  Commissioners replied that there is currently no legal contract with DLZ on that, and a proposal would need to be made to the commissioners.  

Joe Gillespie from county council spoke to address concerns about the project. While agreeing that it needs to happen, he notes that funding is an issue.  Gillespie suggested a study through Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), as 6-8 additional employees could be needed, requiring salary funding among other things.  The concern was expressed as to how to fund this within revenues over time, and that perhaps a study to determine 5-year-projections is needed by READI.  Councilmembers expressed similar concerns related to funding.  The concerns of moving personnel, infrastructure, hardware and software were expressed.

An update from Missy Ratz with the department of transportation followed, with information on how the quarter has gone.  Ratz commented that INDOT wants to be more transparent with commissioners.  Commissioners asked about software connections, and Ratz replied that a ride-along was needed first, which was then arranged. 

A speed limit change was proposed on Kentucky Lane.  Currently there is no sign posted.  A motion was made and approved to post the speed limit at 30 miles per hour. 

Grants and potential reimbursement were discussed.  Submissions for reimbursement are in the state's hands.  A new grant policy will be addressed in the future.

Ordinance 2022-11 was passed, allowing emergency vehicles to cross bridges marked otherwise.  They should not be held accountable for any damage that might occur to the bridge if the vehicle is over posted weight limits but crosses the bridge on an emergency run. Drivers will need to report when they cross such bridges by the next day. 

Wording was reviewed on the proposed change to Franklin County zoning code, proposed farm exemption, to wit:  Barns and other agricultural buildings would be exempt from code, but still require an improvement location permit to ensure it is used for agricultural purposes, and that it meets zoning and flood plain requirements.  

The first business of the day was made to approve $100,000 for the Metamora Sewer District.  The motion was approved.

Mr. Barry Ritter joined through Zoom to say that initial site tests were done on the building adjacent to the county building and asked for an update from commissioners as to the status of that building before they engage with DLZ on a site plan.  Commissioners replied that there is currently no legal contract with DLZ on that, and a proposal would need to be made to the commissioners.  

Joe Gillespie from county council spoke to address concerns about the project. While agreeing that it needs to happen, he notes that funding is an issue.  Gillespie suggested a study through Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), as 6-8 additional employees could be needed, requiring salary funding among other things.  The concern was expressed as to how to fund this within revenues over time, and that perhaps a study to determine 5-year-projections is needed by READI.  Councilmembers expressed similar concerns related to funding.  The concerns of moving personnel, infrastructure, hardware and software were expressed.

An update from Missy Ratz with the department of transportation followed, with information on how the quarter has gone.  Ratz commented that INDOT wants to be more transparent with commissioners.  Commissioners asked about software connections, and Ratz replied that a ride-along was needed first, which was then arranged. 

A speed limit change was proposed on Kentucky Lane.  Currently there is no sign posted.  A motion was made and approved to post the speed limit at 30 miles per hour. 

Grants and potential reimbursement were discussed.  Submissions for reimbursement are in the state's hands.  A new grant policy will be addressed in the future.

Ordinance 2022-11 was passed, allowing emergency vehicles to cross bridges marked otherwise.  They should not be held accountable for any damage that might occur to the bridge if the vehicle is over posted weight limits but crosses the bridge on an emergency run. Drivers will need to report when they cross such bridges by the next day. 

Wording was reviewed on the proposed change to Franklin County zoning code, proposed farm exemption, to wit:  Barns and other agricultural buildings would be exempt from code, but still require an improvement location permit to ensure it is used for agricultural purposes, and that it meets zoning and flood plain requirements.  

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