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County Advertises for Emergency Medical Service
County Commissioners - November 1, 2023
- The commissioners requested bids for a four-year contract for emergency medical ambulance service beginning in 2024.
- The commissioners will extend the contract with Franklin County EMS into 2024 until a new contract is bid and awarded.
- New projects are underway.
Request for EMS Ambulance Bids
Photo: Barry Ritter
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The commissioners hired Barry Ritter to advise them about contracting for an emergency medical ambulance service in 2024. Mr. Ritter prepared specifications and will oversee a competitive bid process. The contract period will be four years with a possible extension for another four years. He said that the 2024 contract “will not hold harmless” the contracted ambulance service if they fail to respond to 911 calls.
Bidders will be asked to quotes prices for two alternatives:
1) Ambulance service with basic life support and advanced life support with EMTs.
2) Ambulance service with paramedics.
Commissioner John Heis asked Mr. Ritter about having a paramedic on every ambulance. Mr. Ritter explained that there is a shortage of paramedics and it is a better use of resources to keep the paramedic in a separate vehicle in the county rather than the paramedic staying on an ambulance run outside of the county for a patient with a minor injury. Mr. Ritter said, “It's complicated to contract for an upgrade in ambulance service.”
The commissioners approved Mr. Ritter’s time line, contract specifications and bid process. Click to see the request for proposals, which requires a letter of intent from bidders by November 10 and a mandatory meeting on November 13.
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Contract Extension For Franklin County EMS
Commissioner Tom Wilson proposed a three-month extension of the current contract with Franklin County EMS (FC EMS). He said that it is unlikely a new EMS contract will be awarded before December 31, 2023. Whatever company wins the bid will need time to start their service.
FC EMS spokesperson Bill Schirmer also doubted that an ambulance service could “snap its fingers” and have 25 people hired and an operating center within days of being awarded a contract.
Mr. Schirmer said that FC EMS submitted a one-year contract proposal to the commissioners in September. He suggested the commissioners adopt that one-year contract and add a provision that allows for possible termination as of March 2024. The terms of the proposed contract were not discussed.
No vote was taken about a contract extension. However, Commissioner Wilson said that he would ask the commissioners’ attorney to draft a contract extension.
Commissioner Wilson praised FC EMS. “Franklin County EMS has been around many, many years. They have served the county very, very well. They went up and beyond the call of duty. I know what they have done. Right now is the time to up the service to a paramedic level for the people of the county and I think they will understand that.”
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New Animal Shelter
Photo of draft plan
Commissioner Gerald Wendel is overseeing the new animal shelter project that will be funded by $300,000 from the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. He reported that the county is waiting on a final drawing and then will solicit bids. The commissioners previously reviewed a draft drawing of a wood structure with epoxy coated concrete floors, water, electric, heat and a/c in the enclosed rooms in the center of the building plus heat and ventilation in the dog kennels.
Bridge Improvements
County Engineer Larry Smith reported that OLCO Inc., of Batesville started work on November 2 on replacing a low water crossing on County Line Road. The new bridge on Pipe Creek is still under construction. South Pocket Road is closed during the week of November 6 while two new box culverts are installed.
Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) Update
Franklin County designated $1 million in federal ARPA money to be spent in Indiana‘s Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP). In return the county received an additional $666,666 in state money to spend.
The commissioners are pleased with the efforts of John Palmer, who is overseeing the HELP grant money. Commissioner John Heis praised Mr. Palmer’s effectiveness in “juggling” multiple projects simultaneously.
Mr. Palmer reminded everyone that the ideas for how to spend the HELP grant came from over 300 public comments - not from a handful of politicians. The comments were prioritized with assistance from three universities. Mr. Palmer gave updates on four HELP-funded projects.
Laurel Community Center & Health Clinic
“Absolutely Fantastic Project”
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The county will spend $666,666 in federal/state HELP grant money to renovate the Laurel Community Center and to add a health care clinic. At this meeting, the commissioners hired local architect Todd Thackery at a discounted price not to exceed $13,000 to evaluate the Laurel building for what work needs to be done.
Commissioner Tom Wilson referred to the Laurel Community Center renovation as an “absolutely fantastic project.” The center was formerly the Laurel High School, from which Commissioner Wilson graduated in 1972. His class photo still hangs on the center’s wall.
The clinic is part of the bigger plan to revitalize whole town of Laurel. A food bank opened there this summer. The town has a loan to improve its sewer system and a grant to renovate its water system. Mr. Palmer talked about applying for more federal grants to add a childcare center in Laurel and to improve the streets, sidewalks and lighting in Laurel. There is hope of converting empty buildings into housing.
Metamora Community Center & Health Clinic
Last week the commissioners used $250,000 in federal/state HELP grant money to purchase the former Metamora Church of Christ, which will be transformed into a community center and health care clinic. The basement might be used as an emergency shelter in bad weather. Another $100,000 in grant funds have been set aside for air conditioning, heating upgrade and handicapped accessible access.
Mr. Palmer has advertised to hire a health consultant to assist him in establishing the health care clinics in Laurel and Metamora.
County Park Upgrades
Plans are underway to connect the county park to the Brookville sewer system at a cost of $400,000 for sewage treatment and to have Hoosier Hills Water Company supply water to the county park at a cost of $150,000 - $200,000. The park currently depends on well water. Both the water and sewer projects are needed to support the new 4-H community building at the county fairgrounds. The funds are coming from federal/state HELP grant money.
Commissioner Heis wanted Brookville Water and Franklin County Water to have opportunities to bid on or decline the water project. Mr. Palmer agreed and noted that Hoosier Hills already has water lines in the area, which do not require crossing the Whitewater River to reach the park.
Free Internet Training
By the end of 2024, the entire county will be “wired up” with high speed Internet, according to Mr. Palmer. The federal/state HELP grant money will purchase 25 laptops and provide free classes about the benefits of the Internet. Businesses will learn how to sell their products online and individuals will learn how to avoid scams.
People will also learn how to use the Internet to order fresh food for home delivery. According to Mr. Palmer, the western part of Franklin County is considered a “food desert,” because there are no grocery stores with fresh foods within 15 to 20 miles.
Commissioner Heis commented that these are all “great projects.”
Annual Registration Required For Some Animals
The commissioners amended the recently passed Vicious Animal Ordinance 2023-15. It has fines starting at a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $1,000 for a first offense. There are additional fines for subsequent violations. At this meeting, the commissioners set a $50 annual registration fee for a “probationary animal,” which is defined as an animal that has bitten at least one person as confirmed by animal control or a police office. Click to read a copy of the ordinance.
Two Zoning Changes
The commissioners amended the county’s zoning code as recommended by the Area Planning Commission to comply with state law change. Only one septic site per parcel is now required. They also approved a rezone of a parcel on Pearl Street in Oldenburg from multifamily residential to local business as requested by the Meyer Family.
The commissioners waived permit fees for work funded by the town of Brookville’s Facade Improvement Project.
Drivers Needed
Missy Ratz, director of Franklin County Public Transportation (FCPT), appealed for help in hiring 1 or 2 part time drivers. No commercial driver’s license is required to drive a FCPT van.
In other action, the commissioners approved FCPT’s request for federal reimbursement of $95,776 for third quarter operating expenses.
ARPA Spending
The commissioners approved spending of federal grant money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as follows:
- $66,800 to All About Asphalt for paving at the government center
- $11,245 to Tech Electronics & Communications for Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department equipment
- $3,974 to Whittington Auto for Blooming Grove Volunteer Fire Department.
Bridge Map
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USI Engineering has contracts with the county to do bridge inspections and other projects. The company presented the county with a framed map that shows all bridges and those with restricted weight limits.
Storm Water Regulations
The commissioners have been talking for months about establishing new storm water regulations for the county. In the last draft version, the commissioners have to review all drainage projects in their role as drainage board for regulated drains.
At this meeting, Commissioner Heis asked commissioners attorney Grant Reeves to remove the step that requires a drainage board review. He called this step “an undue burden” that would delay projects. He added that the commissioners are ultimately accountable, because they set the storm water standards. He noted that the Area Planning Commission has a new Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) with experts who can review large projects and that the public has been complimentary of TAC.
Commissioner Heis wants the revised storm water ordinance on the agenda for the next meeting.
Commissioners Set the Speed Limit
Commissioner Wilson reported complaints that the speed limit of 45 mph is too fast for travel on Kokomo Road in Laurel Township. Sheriff Deputy Greg Mehlbauer was asked to comment and said the sheriff department receives calls from “all over the county” about speeding.
County Engineer Larry Smith explained the process for lowering the speed limit. He said that the county would need to do an engineering study, traffic count and speed tally. Ultimately, the commissioners make the final decision about setting a different speed limit.
Drainage Board Meets November 15
At the request of County Surveyor Rob Seig, the commissioners will hold a drainage board meeting November 15 to determine what property tax assessments might be needed so that money is available when the county’s 13 legal drains need repairs. Most drains are in Bath and Springfield Townships.
In other news, Mr. Seig has been working with CSX Railroad for over one year about the railroad crossing over the O.E. Wehr Ditch. Affected landowners who participate in the O.E. Wehr ditch can expect to share the cost for a bore under the railroad. The initial estimate is $10,350.
Zoom Is Popular
Zoom meetings started during the pandemic and they are continuing to attract online viewers who watch county government meetings from home or work. For the county commissioners’ meeting on November 1, 2023, there were 10 people on Zoom and 13 in the audience. The county auditor’s office, which serves as the official secretary for the meeting, was also on Zoom.
Upcoming commissioners meetings will be November 8 at 11 am about “personnel matters,” November 13 at 1 pm “to discuss
EMS Preproposal, to review specifications and seek clarification” and November 15 at 10 am for the regular monthly meeting. Online live viewing is available via Zoom and the access codes are on the county’s website at https://www.franklincounty.in.gov.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Veterans Day Celebrations | |
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Virtual Wall of Honor
The 2023 Franklin County Middle School Virtual Wall of Honor video is complete with over 200 veterans honored along with numerous notes of gratitude. The students did a phenomenal job of collecting information about their veterans! Click the link below to watch the video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wQV_T1Z1Uc
Submitted by Chad Gutzwiller
Social Studies Teacher
Veterans Day Celebration - November 10
Franklin County High School welcomes all veterans to join us in our annual Veterans Day Program and luncheon on November 10, 2023. The luncheon will start at 1:30 p.m. in the FCHS cafeteria, and the program will start at 2:30 p.m. in the FCHS gymnasium. We hope to see you there!
Submitted by Tanya Wirtz
FCHS JAG Specialist
VFW Post 2014 Free Veterans Breakfast November 11
Brookville VFW Post 2014 will host a free breakfast for all veterans and their families to celebrate Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11, from 8 am to 12 pm at the Post home at 826 West 8th Street, Brookville, IN.
Submitted by David Pelsor
FREE Veterans Breakfast - November 12
Serving Those Who Served. FREE for veterans and their families. Serving scrambled eggs, sausage & bacon, pancakes, hashed brown potatoes, biscuits and gravy, juice & coffee. Brookville American Legion on Sunday, November 12, 8:00-12:00. Followed by the Veterans Day Program at 1:00 pm. Sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary.
Submitted by Mike Biltz
Free admission to DNR properties
for veterans, active-duty military, Nov. 11
All veterans and active-duty military personnel, and everyone in their vehicle, will be admitted free to DNR state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas, and off-road state recreation areas on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11.
From Indiana Department of Natural Resources
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Out With The Old
Photo: Before demolition of state highway garage.
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The county highway department demolished the old state highway garage building on Mill Street in Brookville, which was deeded over to the county as part of a deal that include the state’s salt dome. The debris fit into seven Rumpke containers that were waiting to be removed. The county will fence in the salt dome.
Photo: After demolition.
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The next step is to transfer the ownership of the vacant 1.3-acre lot to the town of Brookville. The town board has talked about turning the property into a recreational district with pickelball courts and much more. See article in this issue of The Observer.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Vision Of A Recreational District
Photo: Playing pickelball behind the senior center at the county park.
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Over a year ago, a group of pickelball enthusiasts saw an opportunity to turn the dilapidated state highway garage into a recreational district serving the entire community. The area is along Mill Street at Ninth Street and is adjacent to the aquatic center, baseball field, track, basketball court and playground. Nearby is the lower town park with all of its features.
Local resident Tom Cooney led a “self-directed independent group,” who approached the Brookville town board with their vision. With the board’s encouragement, the group started on their three-part mission: to produce architectural drawings for using the space, to provide a cost estimate and to suggest ideas for fundraising. Part one is done and part two is pending.
The town of Brookville hired Triad Associates, Inc., of Indianapolis at a cost of $7,500 with federal grant money. They produced drawings and are working on cost estimates for various components. Rough guesses are $75,000 to $100,000 just to remove the old concrete and prepare the ground.
The recreational district would be created in two phases. The first phase would encompass the lot where the old building was torn down. The second phase could be years in the future. It would transform the area where the salt dome now sits. Franklin County has agreement with the town of Brookville that the county can use the salt dome for ten years. After which the county turns over ownership of the salt dome to the town.
In phase one of building a recreational district, the old concrete would be removed from the highway garage lot. Eight pickelball courts, benches, restrooms, lighting, fencing, sound barriers and a shaded area would be constructed. One court would be wheelchair accessible.
Phase two would include one tennis court plus an area for “lawn games” that might be popular in the future and could share the same space such as bocce ball, shuffle board, croquette, teqball and more. Teqball is described as playing soccer on a Ping-Pong table.
Initial funding for the recreational district would come from the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) grant awarded to the town of Brookville. However, more fund raising would be needed.
Mr. Cooney said, “The town park was once a garbage dump and now it’s a community treasure, proving that, when we all pull in the same direction, remarkable makeovers can occur.”
Watch for more information as it becomes available.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Photo was taken at 2:53 pm on Monday, November 6, from the 6th Street Bridge in Brookville, Indiana. A house was on fire in the subdivision between Maple Grove Cemetery and the Whitewater River on the south side of St. Mary’s Road.
Reported by Sara Duffy
Photo by Pam Beneker
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We’re In The Money
On November 3, Franklin County was awarded almost one million dollars for road repairs by Indiana’s Community Crossing Grant Program. The county must provide matching funds of $323,905. The county commissioners previously selected the following asphalt paving projects to be done with this funding:
· $754,700 - Duck Creek Road from US Highway 52 to State Road 1.
· $242,287 - Old State Road 1
The town of Brookville was awarded $227,028.
Reported by Sara Duffy
Photo by Highway Department
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Last summer, eight Oldenburg Academy students were selected to attend the prestigious Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program. Names are in no order. Ava Henry of Shelbyville, IN; Christian Mack, Ainsley Sipples, Thomas Lohmuller, and Kloie Lehman of Batesville, Indiana; Lauren Richards and Kenlee Martin of Greensburg, Indiana; and Dominic Yane of Brookville, Indiana. Click to read more.
Submitted by Elizabeth Schulte
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Art On Main Returns For 23-24 School Year
Photo: Batesville Primary School student Jorja Cleghorn celebrates the installation of her artwork on Main Street in Batesville with her current and former classroom teachers and BCEF. Left to right: Jorja’s kindergarten teacher Becky Rauch, Cleghorn, first grade teacher Becky Brown, second grade teacher Lisa Kreuzman, and Ryan Holcomb from BCEF.
With a 2023-24 theme of “Education Everywhere,” the Batesville Community Education Foundation’s (BCEF) mural project in downtown Batesville uses the side of the Simons Company building on Main Street, showcasing the artistic talents of Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC) students for all of Batesville to enjoy. Click to read more.
Submitted by Anne Wilson
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Purdue Extension Overview for 2022 - 2023
The Purdue Franklin County Extension Board held its annual meeting in October. Below is the final report of accomplishments; the first three reports were already featured in prior issues of The Observer.
For more Extension news, go to Facebook.
Information provided by Veronica Bullock
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Sheriff’s Report For September 2023
Franklin County Sheriff Peter Cates has released the report of activity for the month of September 2023. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 729 calls for service and made 33 arrests. Click to see the full report.
Submitted by Deputy Jason Lovins
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FFA Fruit Sale
Franklin County FFA 2023 annual fruit sale has fruit, nuts, various house plants, poinsettias (in various colors) and bags of mixed fruit, giving customers more variety and choices when ordering. Orders are due to the Ag Department at Franklin County High School by November 17 at the latest. Contact a FFA member to place an order or Mrs. Teri Hornberger at (765) 647-4101 at Franklin High School or email thornberger@fccsc.k12.in.us. Delivery will be around December 4 -7 and more information will be provided at that time.
Submitted by Teri Hornberger
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Submitted by Margaret Mary Health
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Old Fashioned Turkey Supper - November 11
Brookville United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 11. Dine-in--cafeteria style--5 pm to 7:30 pm. Price $15 adults. Kids dine-in only (6-12 years) - $7. Kids (5 years & under) - free. All carry outs are adult portions - $15. Carry outs available from 4 pm to 7 pm. Facilities are handicapped accessible.
Submitted by Brookville United Methodist Church
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Delts’ Craft Show - November 11
Delta Theta Tau Sorority (the Delts) will be having their annual craft show on Saturday, November 11, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Brookville Elementary School. The halls, cafeteria, and gymnasium will be full of vendors with handcrafted items. Come join us for lots of food, fun, and prizes. Spaces are still available by calling 765-647-6620 or 765-265-0690.
Submitted by Linda Holman
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Submitted by Kathy Bauman | |
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November Noel - November 18
11 am Free Madcap Puppet Show "Twas The Night Before Christmas" at Brookville KofC Hall sponsored by Franklin County Arts Council.
1- 4 pm Visit with Santa at the Courthouse Lawn Gazebo sponsored by Main Street Brookville.
Mt. Carmel School 2023 Winter Craft Show
Saturday, December 9, 10:00 - 3:00
Cookies with Santa 11-1
6178 Johnson Fork Rd, Cedar Grove, IN 47016
Click to see vendor setup information. Spaces cost $25 each. All proceeds from this event will benefit Mt. Carmel School. If you have questions, or for more information, please call or email: mcs.apples@gmail.com or Brittany Westerfeld (812) 212-8645. Sponsored by The MCS APPLES.
Submitted by Brittany Westerfeld
Southeast Indiana Health Center - Free Clinic
We provide No-Cost, primary care services to residents of Franklin or Ripley County, Indiana on Tuesdays at our permanent location in Batesville and on Thursdays in our mobile clinic. No appointment needed. Call 812-932-4515 for times and locations.
1st Thursday of the month Brookville
2nd Thursday Versailles
3rd Thursday Laurel
4th Thursday Milan
Submitted by Bev Metze
Redlife Food Bank in Brookville
Open every second and fourth Thursday from 4 pm - 6 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am - 12 noon. Please bring your own containers.
Submitted by Judy Drake
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