Pictured, from left County Auditor Michelle Puckett and Commissioner Bob Conley.

KOSCIUSKO — Terry Burnworth, owner of Pyramid Consulting, Indianapolis, attended the Kosciusko Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, April 16, to present a proposal related to a two-part assessment for the public safety communication system.

County commissioners recently formed a committee to assess problem areas. Burnworth was then contacted regarding the implementation of a comprehensive plan. 

“I do this assessment for those that are coming to end of life on their equipment,” said Burnworth. “Some of your equipment is already end of life, other equipment is coming to end of life.”

Burnworth explained that there are two parts involved in the assessment. The first is an overall assessment of the public safety communications system, while the second part deals with radio frequency issues.

“This proposal would be a comprehensive outlook for the whole county to make sure that not only law enforcement but our firemen, our EMS, everybody can communicate. That’s the big thing that we’re looking for is something that’s a platform where all public services can be communicating back and forth freely,” said Commissioner President Cary Groninger. “We want to have a plan that is comprehensive and holistic for the whole county.”

Commissioners gave approval for Burnworth to move forward with the assessment. 

Kosciusko County Area Planning Director Dan Richard told commissioners that no formal recommendation was decided on at the April APC meeting regarding commercial solar energy system farms. Richard said the APC would like another month to get further input for their May 1 meeting in order to come up with a recommendation to present to county commissioners. 

“Pending what happens May 1, we could get a recommendation to you at your May 28 meeting, still having about 21 days left to go on the moratorium that is currently in effect for 90 days,” said Richard.

Commissioners agreed to allow the APC an additional 30 days to look into the matter further.

Commissioners approved a 2018 annual operational report for local roads and streets presented by County Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden.  

Following that, Tilden asked for approval of a contract with Cardno Inc., Walkerton, for Kosciusko County Bridge 18 Wetland Mitigation. The contract covers maintenance, monitoring and reporting. According to Tilden, the contract is regarding  0.84 acres of wetlands that had to be rebuilt following construction on CR 300N over the Tippecanoe River. The contract is for three years, 2019, 2020 and 2021, in the amount of $22,000. 

Vice-President Brad Jackson reluctantly motioned to approve the contract, stating, “I think it’s a huge waste of tax money, but I make the motion because we have no choice.” The motion was seconded.

Other News:

• Warsaw resident Rex Wildman was honored as veteran of the month.
• Commissioners approved a comprehensive emergency management plan presented by Emergency Management Director Ed Rock.
• An amended contract with USI Consultants, Indianapolis, in the amount of $22,300 was approved.
• Mike Long, resident of CR 800W in Etna Green, requested that commissioners consider a through truck traffic ordinance to limit heavy truck use on that road. 
• Commissioners gave approval for Bob Marcuccilli to continue serving on the Lakeland Sewer District Board. 
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 30.