By Nate Smith, Staff Writer
SHOALS — The Martin County Commissioners took steps Tuesday to ensure no further problems happen at the security center.
The commissioners approved a request by Sheriff Tony Dant to purchase more cameras at the jail. Dant brought in references for Area 1 Protection, the company being asked to put more cameras in the cell blocks.
The extra cameras are being asked for due to an incident at the jail last month where a jailer was accused of indecent conduct with a female inmate.
Part-time jailer Mark Arvin of Loogootee was arrested in November and charged with trafficking with an inmate, a Class A felony, and sexual misconduct as a service provider, a Class C felony. Arvin was fired after Dant learned of the trafficking accusations. It was later when he learned of the sexual misconduct.
Dant told the commissioners that Area 1 has installed cameras in many area locations, including Martin County schools.
The money for the cameras, $11,933, will have to come from an additional appropriation to be approved by the County Council.
In other business
EXTENSION
CONTRACT
Approved was a continuation with Purdue University for extension services for 2010. The money, $17,730, was already appropriated by the council in its 2010 budget.
Extension Educator Jonathan Stevens told the council he is currently working with local schools on a nutrition program, teaching first grade students the importance of eating healthy.
WESTGATE
APPOINTMENTS
Don Bowling and Gene Shaw were reappointed to the WestGate @ Crane Authority. Both will serve three-year terms. The commissioners also appointed County Councilman Floyd “Lonnie” Hawkins to a one-year term on the board.
FIRE STATION GRANT
The commissioners approved a third grant draw with Jasper Lumber for $72,180 to complete their work for a new fire station. The station is being built at the Martin County Fairgrounds.
Civil Defense Superintendent Monty Wolf informed the commissioners about preparations they have made to keep the fire trucks warm while the station is being built.
“The deal is, they are supposed to get the bay area finished before they do the rest of the station,” Wolf said.
HOOSIER UPLANDS
The Health Department was approved to join with Hoosier Uplands for about $52,000 for another year. The amount of the contract did not change from the year before.
2010 MEETING DATES
The annual resolution for 2010 meetings was approved. The Commissioners will meet every other Tuesday, except for election days in May and November. Not approved was the holiday schedule for county employees due to questions about New Year’s Eve.
HIGHWAY
DEPARTMENT BIDS
The commissioners accepted all bids for 2010 supplies for the Highway Department. Highway Superintendent Jim Williams said prices for 2010 were comparable to 2009 prices without any large increases, even some lower bids for supplies.
GIS UPDATE
Chris Walls with 39Degrees North gave the commissioners an update on its land mapping services for the county. This year, the Bloomington-based company scanned all plat books and put them online with mapping services. Walls said Martin is one of nine counties in the state with the technology available.
