March 5, 2008

Officials discuss weather warning sirens

       Officials have hashed out a plan to maintain three emergency sirens in unincorporated Johnson County, with a fourth siren under discussion.  Fire officials and emergency management personnel met February 4th with the County Commissioners to discuss how to pay for the maintenance of the severe weather warning sirens.  Three of the four sirens are on Center Grove Schools property at Maple Grove Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary and Sugar Grove Elementary. The fourth siren is at the former White River Township Government Center, which will become Center Grove Schools' new administration building.  A maintenance agreement on the sirens ends Sept. 8.  "I just wanted to have this discussion publicly so we can decide the best way to move on," said Tom Kite, newly elected chairman of the commissioners.  White River Township Fire Chief Jeremy Pell agreed to ask the White River Township Fire District Board to fund maintenance on the three sirens located in the township, which is estimated at about $3,000 annually.  Discussions are ongoing on how to pay for maintenance costs of the siren at Maple Grove Elementary School on Saddle Club Road on land annexed last year by Bargersville.

         In 2004, officials launched a countywide project to equip unincorporated areas with sirens.  Center Grove Schools became involved, placing sirens at three of its elementary schools and at the former township government center.  Upkeep became costly, which led to Monday's discussion. The school district has signed over ownership of the sirens to the county, but officials were unsure how to pay for maintenance costs.  The White River Township trustee's office was one option.  "My concern is that you're trying to solve a problem," Trustee Jay Marks told the commissioners. "It's a short-term fix."  Commissioner Mitch Ripley said the county should oversee the sirens.  "I do believe the county is abdicating its responsibility," he said. "If a tornado took place. . . . I believe this board (of commissioners) is in control and in command in an emergency situation. It's the county's responsibility."  Still, the board commended Pell for seeking funds from the fire district.  "I think it's important for safety," Pell said, "and I'm willing to work it out."  (Reprinted with permission from the Indianapolis Star)
 
    

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