Attorney Chad Miner

KOSCIUSKO  — At the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, May 15, Kosciusko County Council Member Sue Ann Mitchell asked that the commissioners support the poppy cause by signing a declaration proclaiming May as Poppy Month and requesting that all citizens pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by wearing a memorial poppy during the month of May. 

“The American Legion Auxiliary has pledged to remind America annually of this debt,” said Mitchell.

The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedom. Commissioners approved and signed the declaration. 

Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President Rob Parker approached commissioners about creating a gathering space on the courthouse lawn, which could be used permanently for picnic tables and would enhance the beauty of the downtown area. Parker stated he has been in contact with Patronicity, a civic crowdfunding and crowdgranting platform. 

The City of Warsaw used a Patronicity crowdfunding campaign to turn an empty alley into a downtown destination in the Warsaw Alley Activation Project. 

According to Parker, the estimated cost of the project will be in the area of $60,000. Parker explained that this project is in the discussion stage and requested permission from the commissioners to move forward with the project. 

“I want to make sure the county isn’t just funding a lot of things that are unnecessary, but it is on our property,” said Commissioner Vice-President Cary Groninger. “The main thing I would say is that I want to make sure that whatever we do is aesthetically pleasing. We have a gorgeous building here.”

Commissioners gave approval for the project to move forward. 

County Administrator Marsha McSherry presented two estimates for cleaning the stone on the Kosciusko County Justice Building. The quotes were received from Masonry Solutions, Wabash, in the amount of $23,280 and Hartman & Sons, Pierceton, in the amount of $27,405. McSherry recommended awarding the bid to Masonry Solutions.

“They are the ones who actually did the courthouse, and I think they did a good job of cleaning the courthouse,” said McSherry. Commissioners approved McSherry’s recommendation. 

County Highway Department Superintendent Scott Tilden had two items to present at the meeting. The first was regarding a request for proposal sent to INDOT in April for engineering services needed for the bridge over Walnut Creek. Tilden stated they have received five letters of interest. According to Tilden, a scoring team will now score and rank these and submit them to INDOT. Tilden advised he will return at a later date with the rankings and a recommendation.

Tilden also informed commissioners that he will be bringing an all-way stop ordinance to the next meeting. This is for the area of Ferguson Road and CR 200S in Warsaw. Tilden advised they will be putting in an all-way stop. 

“I’m sure you’ll do what is necessary to make that stop as safe as it can be,” said Commissioner President Bob Conley. 

Other News:

• Lisa Krull requested that commissioners approve the appointment of Brad Newcomer to the Nappanee Library Board. Commissioners approved this request.
• Groninger announced that health insurance rates for county employees will increase $1.00 per pay period for an employee, $2 for an employee and a child and $3 for an employee and family. 
• Commissioner Brad Jackson was not in attendance. 
• Kosciusko Area Bus Service General Manager Amanda Landis gave a quarterly report. According to Landis, KABS provided over 15,000 rides in Kosciusko County during the first quarter of 2018. 
• Attorney Chad Miner told board members that the Chapman Lake Association is  scheduling meeting dates for early June and sending out mailers. 
• County Auditor Michelle Puckett presented the annual report regarding the congressional school interest account, with a balance of $28,149.27. Commissioners approved acceptance of the state report.
• Mike Kissinger said he recently received a questionnaire about Kosciusko County residents hooking on to the North Webster sewer system and inquired whether this had ever been discussed. He asked that commissioners check into this.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 29. 

Commissioner President Bob Conley signs meeting claims and minutes.