The Starke County Council members will discuss a notice of claim submitted by former Starke County Councilman Tom DeCola regarding his reasons to be reinstated to the council. DeCola claims that he was not given the full 30 days to respond to allegations of disorderly conduct and public intoxication during a “social event hosted by the Indiana Association of Counties” in Indianapolis. DeCola also claims the Starke County Council wrongfully expelled him for allegations that were outside his term. He took office on Jan. 1, 2019 and the allegations occurred on Dec. 12, 2018. He said he wasn’t acting under any type of official duty and has not been criminally charged. He also claims the witnesses who gave statements were unreliable.
The council members will also discuss a CEDIT appropriation for radio communication and building maintenance funds and a temporary part-time building maintenance person. Sheriff Bill Dulin will present a F.A.R.M. fund appropriation and Prosecutor Leslie Baker will talk about personnel.
The Starke County Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. CT tonight followed by a meeting of the Starke County Commissioners.
Shawn Cain from K-IRPC will discuss the courthouse elevator grant, and Sheriff Dulin will present several ordinances for consideration, as well as vehicle inventory and vehicle ratings. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert will have a rail car proposal while Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler will have a report along with other items for the commissioners to consider.
The North Judson water tower and radio equipment will also be a topic before the board.
Both meetings will be held in the first floor meeting room of the Starke County Annex Building No. 1 at 53 E. Mound Street in Knox.
