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County to pursue wetlands delineation for 50-acre site near jail before animal shelter work
Summary
Jefferson County staff presented competing consultant proposals to delineate wetlands on a 50-acre county-owned site near the jail; staff said the County must complete the delineation before pursuing permitting or construction for an animal shelter.
Jefferson County officials told commissioners on May 15 they will move forward with a wetlands delineation for about 50 acres on county property near the jail as a first step before any animal-shelter development.
A county staff member described two consultant proposals: Aquaterra Consulting of Franklin, Indiana, proposed a reconnaissance-level approach with an initial cost described as roughly "$8,000" for targeted areas, while 3 Rivers Wet Link Consulting of Fort Wayne proposed a full-property delineation for "$6,700." The staff member said the 3 Rivers proposal would deliver a delineation report valid for five years.
The staff member told the commission, "Personally, I like just going ahead and doing the entire property. It's a little bit more money upfront... we're good for 5 years." The staff member also said the consultant from 3 Rivers is familiar with permitting and can assist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting process.
County staff emphasized that the wetlands delineation is the first required step to determine whether mitigation will be necessary and to support any future permitting or site work. The two approaches differ in scope: Aquaterra proposed a reconnaissance approach that would examine likely site areas and then study additional locations if needed; 3 Rivers proposed mapping the entire 50-acre parcel in one engagement.
Commissioners asked procedural questions about scope and the parcel's prior use; staff noted parts of the parcel had been tilled and that agricultural exemptions were a consideration that consultants could evaluate.
No formal contract award was recorded at the meeting; staff said they would follow up after consulting with the vendors and after further discussion with county counsel and planning staff. The commission did not vote to authorize a contract at this meeting.
Staff said if the full-property approach is selected and completed, the resulting delineation report would serve future projects on the site for up to five years and would likely streamline U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting if wetlands are found.
