Kosciusko County commissioners approve right-of-way agreement, Armstrong Road turn restriction and emergency cleanup; back Leesburg connectivity letter and $10,

Kosciusko County commissioners on Sept. 9 approved a series of routine and emergency measures including a right-of-way service agreement for Bridge 123, a temporary traffic restriction at a Leesburg school, an emergency cleanup recommendation for the Justice Building and authorizations to support local grant applications.

The board approved a right-of-way service agreement between the local public agency (LPA) and consultant USI for right-of-way services on Bridge 123, the structure described in the meeting as the bridge on Packernan just south of Pearson Road across Cherry Creek. Steve, a county highway representative, presented the agreement and asked the board to approve it; a commissioner moved, another seconded, and the motion carried.

Commissioners also approved an ordinance to prohibit left turns from Armstrong Road into the school in Leesburg. Steve said the measure was intended as an immediate way to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety while the sheriff’s office, school officials and the county seek longer-term fixes. The sheriff (unnamed) said the change is “a good first step” and urged additional work by the school on on-site circulation or lane additions.

The board dealt with an emergency safety issue at the Justice Building after sections of exterior limestone panels fell near an entryway. County staff said the affected section of the building was constructed in 1981 and that multiple experts and a forensic engineer have been asked to inspect the damage; the county is awaiting the engineer’s written findings. Commissioners approved a recommendation to retain Robinson Construction to remove remaining panels, erect perimeter fencing and begin cleanup work on an emergency basis. Marcia (staff) recommended Robinson Construction “to bring the rest of those panels down” and commissioners approved the recommendation; one commissioner announced an abstention during that vote. Staff said some perimeter offices in the older part of the building have been cleared and sidewalks fenced off as a precaution.

Also on the agenda, Rob from County Parks and Recreation described a request from the town of Leesburg for a governmental letter of support to accompany a CAP program application for a connectivity project that would link the town with the school, township trustee and fire department. Commissioners voted to provide the letter; staff said the action does not represent a county financial commitment but will support Leesburg’s application and follow prior similar letters for small-community projects.

Tammy Johnson, chief probation officer, asked permission to apply for a K Code grant for the county’s reentry court. Johnson said the county will request $10,000 to cover travel for the reentry court team to attend the annual conference and to pay for drug testing for participants. Commissioners approved the application request. Stephanie Godsey, the reentry court coordinator, was introduced during the request.

Routine business items — approval of claims and minutes — were handled early in the meeting and carried without further discussion.

What’s next: staff said the Justice Building cleanup will begin as soon as practical once Robinson Construction finalizes its plan and that the county will proceed according to the forensic engineer’s recommendations. The board scheduled its next meeting for Sept. 23.