Spurlin Commended For Eagle Scout Achievement, County Server Upgrades Approved
WARSAW — Whitko High School Senior Luke Spurlin was recognized at the Kosciusko Commissioner meeting held Oct. 1, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting.
Spurlin is the son of Rod and Abby. He is a Pierceton resident and a member of Troop 761 in Pierceton. He has been involved in the Boy Scouts of America organization since first grade.
Spurlin said he met with Pierceton Town Manager Chip Hill regarding his Eagle Scout project. The two discussed potential ideas, with Spurlin eventually deciding to make signs marking walking trails at Pierceton Washington Township Park.
The Eagle Scout project is a requirement in order for Boy Scouts to attain the Eagle Scout rank. The project must benefit the community in some way and cannot be performed for an individual or a business.
In addition to the walking trail signs, Spurlin also constructed a martin bird house for the park to help with mosquito control. The house holds up to 12 nests.
Spurlin has been accepted at IUPUI and will study chemistry and biology with a goal of attending dental school and becoming an oral surgeon. Spurlin expressed thanks to his parents, his scout leader, Bart Jones, and his grandfather, Mickey Holly, for their support and encouragement.
In other matters, Alan Tio, CEO of Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation, requested $50,000 in additional funding for 2019. The commissioners told Tio they will review their budget and make a decision regarding Tio’s request at a later time.
“Once budgets are set, to come back is pretty tough,” Commissioner Bob Conley cautioned.
“We appreciate all you’re doing,” Commissioner Vice-President Brad Jackson told Tio. “I know you’ve really got in there and taken the bull by the horns and you’ve got a lot accomplished.”
County System Administrator Robert Momeyer requested approval for two county server upgrade projects. The first, with a cost of $13,820, involves upgrading software that was installed in 2012. Momeyer said the current server will become “unsupported” beginning in January 2020.
The second project involves the recording system at the 911 Dispatch Center where hardware and software need to be replaced at a cost of $17,829. The commissioners approved both requests.
County Highway Department Superintendent Scott Tilden presented four requests to the board. The first was an engineering agreement with USI Consultants, Indianapolis, related to small structure inspections for 2020-2021. Tilden said the cost will not exceed $167,500. This was approved.
Commissioners approved a contract with VS Engineering, Indianapolis, for a bridge project in the area of CR 200S over Walnut Creek on the south side of Warsaw. This project was awarded federal funds last year, and the contract amount will not exceed $258,200. This covers all engineering services associated with the project.
Tilden’s request for a speed limit ordinance on CR 450N from the intersection of Brown Road to the intersection of Sullivan Road in the Leesburg area was approved. The speed limit will be reduced from 55 mph to 35 mph.
The commissioners approved Tilden’s request to accept Crow’s Nest Drive, an area approximately 55 feet in length and located off on CR 1100N in Turkey Creek Township, for county maintenance.
Other News:
- County Administrator Marsha McSherry presented a 2020 Inter-local agreement for terminal services data, which commissioners approved.
- Kosciusko Emergency Management Director Ed Rock requested and received approval to continue with three grants.
- The 2020 nonprofit agreement was signed by commissioners.
- The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15.