Watson to do work for city (02/12/07)

Jay County Commissioners today gave their approval for county engineer Dan Watson to oversee Portland's Industrial Park Drive redevelopment project.

Watson told commissioners Milo Miller Jr. and Gary Theurer, that Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier had asked that he provide supervision as the city moves a lift station along Industrial Drive, straightens a curve in the street, and widens it to three lanes.

Commissioner Faron Parr was not present at today's meeting.

The reconstruction project is being done with Portland's tax increment financing (TIF) district money. It is the first project undertaken since the formation of a TIF district in the downtown and northwest portion of the city.

Watson said his assistance would be needed about one to two hours a day. If it conflicts with his duties in the county, he said he would reconsider the decision. He said he would not be paid for his services.

"I'm going to work with the city and try to save them a little money on this," Watson said.

He said he would be traveling with Hosier for a preconstruction meeting with The Schneider Corporation engineering firm in Indianapolis on Friday.

Also today commissioners heard Pam Friend, sales representative for PEN (Prison Enterprises Network), Indianapolis, explain how the Indiana Department of Correction program employs offenders in meaningful jobs, and provides them with a work ethic and job skills.

Friend asked commissioners to consider allowing local inmates to participate in the project as well as encouraging local entities to purchase products.

She explained that since many inmates who are released back into the public will return to the prison system, it was important to teach them a job skill that may be used and keep them from reoffending.

Formerly the Division of Industries and Farms, Friend said the program also provides articles and products for use by the state, its institutions and political division, and sells the surplus goods.

"We're a good thing," Friend said. "All we ask is, give us a chance."

Commissioners did not further discuss her proposal.

Commissioners also heard emergency management director Ralph Frazee give an update on the possible snow storm expected in the area in the next couple of days.

Commissioners agreed that the decision to declare any emergency would be made by Frazee, highway superintendent Ken Wellman, and Jay County Sheriff Ray Newton.[[In-content Ad]]