The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes, Quill Correspondent
The Henderson County Board met for its November 26 meeting at the county courthouse with Pence and Stevenson absent.
Several matters of business were addressed, including seeking a course of action for clearing the courthouse basement of abandoned equipment and junk.
Following rigorous discussion of possible solutions and determining how the law applies to the dispensing of such materials, it was decided to allow the taking of bids on all materials no matter how worthless and realize a return on whatever sells.
"One man's junk can often be another man's treasure," State's Attorney Ray Cavanaugh commented.
Sheriff Mark Lumbeck will assume responsibility for listing the inventory and establishing deadlines for the acceptance of bids.
The stored materials include broken staplers, courthouse furniture that has been replaced and outdated computer terminals.
In order to expedite the procedure should it occur again, it was recommended that the office holders responsible mark with a piece of tape information on the item, such as its age, what it is and why it was discarded.
Lori Russell from the Soil and Water Conservation District reported to the board that the Honey Creek Project, funded by the federal EQIP program has picked up speed in its second year, with 27 applicants picked up from last year's waiting list for participating in the current year for a total of 49 applications since October 1. Last year's 144 applications produced those participants who received assistance from the $200,000 awarded the local program. This year, $280,000 has been awarded the project.
Russell also said the district's stream bank project total cost of $7,804 was 75% underwritten by the state ag department's cost sharing program.
Building and Grounds Committee Chairperson Randy Keever reported that courthouse renovations are moving along briskly and while some work, such as window replacement and flooring may need to wait out the cold weather, concrete work at the front entrance and repair to the portico is complete, with siding work very nearly done.
Tom Doran reported on the Economic Development Committee's November 19 meeting and Curt Eisenmayer reported on replacement of stolen defibrillators in his Ambulance Committee report.
Items approved by the board included:
Agreement with Blucker, Kneer & Associates for budget and auditing services
A resolution requesting state funding of residential treatment for selected juvenile offenders
Continued intergovernmental agreement with Warren Achievement for disbursement of Section 18 D.O.T. funds regarding transportation.
Fiscal Year 2003 budget and tax levy.
The cost of drainage ditch culvert replacement along Stronghurst Township Road 147 and along Media Township Road 206 at $12,000 and $3,000, respectively, as presented by County Engineer Joshua Richardson.
The boards next meets for the swearing in of members with a meeting to follow at 8:00 a.m. December 2 at the courthouse.