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Marlene Hoag, deputy administrator of the Wells County Department of Health, advised the Wells County Commissioners Monday that her department was ready to deal with any issues relating to swine flu should it occur in Wells County.
Hoag noted that at this point, there was no indication that the virus was yet an issue. However, she said, her department has prepared itself should the need arise. Officials from the Department of Health have met with local nursing homes and other relevant agencies to arrange distribution of immunizations, and arrangements have been made to meet expected requirements.
Hoag said her department also has an exercise planned for June 9, aimed at testing procedures and preparing staff for dealing with any emergencies in the future.
Hoag requested more space from the commissioners to accommodate additional supplies, and it was agreed that the room at the Carnegie Annex formerly occupied by employees of the state’s Department of Local Government Finance could be used until something more suitable could be found.
Hoag also noted that her department is now able to also offer shingles vaccinations for elderly people, and that mosquito treatment will begin this week in smaller towns around the county.
The commissioners signed the resolution drafted by County Attorney Trent Patterson, recording their April 20 decision to close Maplewood Home. This resolution will be presented to the Wells County Council for its approval tonight.
Arrangements for the relocation of the residents of the home is continuing. Paul Bonham noted that this was the commissioners’ top priority at this stage, and that decisions relating to the fate of the property would not be made until this had been resolved.
Bonham also advised that he has had complaints of trucks using engine brakes as they go through Liberty Center, apparently as they reach the railroad crossing. County Engineer Larry Owen is to look at drafting an ordinance prohibiting this. Owen noted that there is a 30 mph speed limit through the town, so trucks should not be forced to make any sudden stops that would require special braking action when they reach the crossing.
Owen also updated the commissioners on progress towards securing funds for projects under the stimulus funding package.
Community Corrections Director Blake Poindexter advised the commissioners that the Department of Corrections has provided his department with a grant of $179,526, with no cuts from last year.
Poindexter noted that he has an average of approximately 60 people a day on house arrest, and about 13 more on work release, helping to relieve the pressure in numbers at the jail. With the people also attending cognitive thinking programs organized through his department, Poindexter estimates that his office is providing for approximately 110 people on a daily basis.
He also noted that monitoring of his department’s programs shows only a 2 percent level of recidivism within three years, which is far lower than levels achieved by programs in other areas.
The commissioners received bids from three companies for bituminous products. Terry Asphalt, Bitmap and Asphalt Materials Inc. all provided a range of prices for different materials, and the three bids were referred to County Highway Supervisor Ed Herman for consideration.
Herman advised that he had been notified by the DLGF that his 2009 budget was being reduced by $538,137 due to lower revenue levels being available for allocation. Herman submitted a list of proposed cuts to his own budget for the year to the commissioners, and will also present this to County Council members tonight. He will be asking the council for an additional appropriation from Local Road and Street Funds to assist with the regular chip and seal program.
Herman also advised that 168 people had signed up for dust control, down from the 201 who applied last year. The program started in Harrison Township Monday morning, and will continue as weather permits.
In other business, the commissioners:
• Approved a payroll amount of $196,450.82, and 188 claims totaling $225,658.45.
• Were advised by Sheriff Bob Frantz there are currently 107 inmates in the Wells County Jail. Of these, 28 are Department of Corrections inmates and 79 are county residents.
• Issued a proclamation declaring May 2009 as Mental Health Month in Wells County.
• Met Leo Rumschlag, an independent engineer specializing in bridge an culvert analysis.
Commissioners Paul Bonham, Kevin Woodward and C. Scott Mossburg were present at the meeting.
The commissioners’ next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, May 18, at the Wells Carnegie Annex, 223 W. Washington St.
frank@news-banner.com
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