On the agenda: Miami County meeting — Data Center (Jul 6)

Miami County Commissioners Meeting
July 6, 2026

Meeting Information

« Date & Time: 07-06-26 09:00 am

« Location: 25 N Broadway Peru IN

« Attendees:

« Commissioner Keith Musselman

« Commissioner Brenda Weaver

« Commissioner Mark Horner

« Auditor Annette Phillippo

« Chief Deputy Auditor Marci Hasselkus

Meeting Notes
Miami County Museum Update

¢ Beverly Parker and Jennifer Maggart from the Miami County Museum
presented a progress update.

e The historical society aims to increase visitors, grow memberships, secure
grants, and restore the museum's community outreach role.

e Year-to-date visitors in 2026: 1,834.

« Membership fees increased 21% year-over-year, totaling $5,300.

® A $500 anonymous donation funded a new LED ticker and printed
brochures.

Marketing and Community Engagement:

e New brochures will be placed at high-traffic locations to attract visitors.

« Exploring cost-effective advertising via publications, travel guides, and
digital outreach.

« Recent engagement: YMCA kids fair; joined the |-69/24 Corridor Group to
network with local museums.

« Launched the “Miami County Quarterly Review” newsletter as a member
benefit.

Grant and Volunteer Efforts:

e Awarded a $4,999 Heritage Support Mini Grant for technical infrastructure
upgrades to replace obsolete computers.
© Submitted a full proposal on June 26 for a $50,000 project grant to install .
an environmental control system; results expected late August.
« Researching a DNR Historic Preservation Fund grant to address structural
stabilization of the historic building.
e Actively seeking volunteers for the gift shop, social media, and other
projects, including students needing service hours.
Commissioner Musselman provided an update that the parts for the window
repairs at the Museum are delayed until July 14th.

Highway Department updates

Chad Watson, Highway Superintendent, provided the commissioners with
updates for the highway department:

e Road Damage Reimbursement: INDOT sent funds to cover materials for
repairing damage done to County Road 450 East; the county will provide
labor. Commissioner Horner made a motion to approve the acceptance of
funds from INDOT to fix the damage on 450 East. Commissioner Weaver
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.

e Mower Purchase: Purchased two new side ditch mowers from TruLand;
repairing old units was not cost-effective.

« Wabash Road Project: Bridge work begins August 1st. The road will
remain closed after bridgework is complete for paving to allow a seamless
pave, extending road longevity.

e Bridge 164: Meetings held regarding Bridge 164, south of Mexico; project
may be advanced from 2030 to 2028.

Personnel update:

e Brad Eaglin, North End Foreman, was severely injured in a non-work-
related accident and will be out for an extended period; the superintendent
will cover his duties. :

EMA request for storm disaster declaration

e EMA director Herb Hunt asked the commissioners to sign a local disaster
emergency declaration for the June 11th storm, a formality to be eligible
for potential state or governor's office funding.

e Commissioner Horner made a motion to sign the declaration of local
disaster emergency and Commissioner Weaver seconded. Motion
passed 3-0.

Employee Carryover Time

® 911 Director Molly Grant is requesting to carry over approximately 48.25
hours of vacation time due to short staffing and inability to take time off.

« Commissioner Horner made a motion to allow Molly Grant to carry over
her vacation hours due to short staffing and Commissioner Weaver
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.

Monthly Commissary Report

e Auditor Phillippo provided the commissioners with a copy of the monthly
commissary report from the Sheriffs office for their review.

Data Center Ordinance Revisions

Corey Roser provided an update on the data center ordinance updates following
significant public comment. His discussion comprised of both a red-lined and a
final draft version reflecting key changes, which are posted on the county website
homepage and on Planning Commissions’ page as well.

«@ Major changes include:

o Added new definitions for “telecommunication services and
distributed antenna systems” and “uplight.”

o- Changes were made to the setback requirements to describe how
the plan commission was going to measure the setback from a
residential dwelling.

o Added a 1,500-foot setback from any church, school, hospital,
nursing home and foundation of a primary structure within a major
residential subdivision.

o Updated lighting plan to include Dark Sky lighting standards.

o Added a construction schedule requirement.

Commissioner Horner made a motion to take the newly revised ordinance under
advisement. Commissioner Weaver seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Tim Fisher
asked if changes can be made if additional concerns are brought before the
Commissioners. Corey explained that the Commissioners can make further
changes before a final vote, they do not have to bring it back before the Plan
Commission for changes.

Miscellaneous Updates

« Courthouse Decorations: Commissioner Musselman explained that the
$7,500 spent on courthouse decorations was for the county truck wrap
intended as a surprise. Planned courthouse decorations were delivered
incorrectly and couldn't be installed in time. According to the Highway
Superintendent Chad Watson they have received a dozen requests to be
in parades, including 3 states. Chad explained that the publicity far
exceeded any billboard or news media. He went on to explain he was
interviewed by Channel 13 news over the phone about the truck. It has
generated positive publicity for the county.

e Jail Demolition Site: Remaining COVID funds from the jail demolition
project must be spent by year-end and may be used to pave the stone
parking lot where the jail building used to be located; quotes are being
obtained.

Minutes approval
Motion to approve the previous minutes by Commissioner Weaver. Motion
seconded by Commissioner Horner. Approved 3-0

Payroll approval
Motion to approve Payroll by Commissioner Horner. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Weaver. Approved 3-0

Claims approval
Motion to approve claims by Commissioner Weaver. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Horner. Approved 3-0

Commissioner Weaver asked for the monthly Animal Control reports. She also
asked that someone look into the recodification of ordinances. She knew they
had been updated when she was the auditor but didn’t know if they had been
updated since then. All kinds of ordinances need codified and the job required
the assistance of a company in the past.

Public Comments

e Gravel Pit Concerns: Carl Shumpert noted lack of a truck wash at the
Wabash Road gravel pit causing mud and dust; he was advised to speak
directly with pit operators.

« Data Center Special Exception: Kristen Moon expressed concern about
the special exception process for data centers, which goes before the
BZA.

e Auditor’s Office Issue: Shirley Smiley from the Mexico Regional Sewer
District raised issues with the Auditor's office. Auditor Phillippo stated she
was not aware of any issues with her office. She offered several times to
speak with Ms. Smiley immediately following the meeting and any time
thereafter. Commissioner Musselman stated they have no authority over
another elected official's office.

Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Horner, Seconded by Commissioner
Weaver, approved 3-0

ADJOURN

MIAMI COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ZLML , Chairman

Keith Musselman

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OMA A dé , Vice Chairman

Brenda Weaver

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Mark Horner

arose My Lf Mahle Auditor

Annette Phillippo