SOUTH MADISON COUNTY — In the past week, during which COVID-19 cases in Madison County have jumped dramatically to 38 — including the county’s first death — local governments are taking steps to align their emergency responses with state orders and adjust their local operations.
The Town of Lapel conducted a brief special meeting via gotomeeting.com on Monday, dealing with two issues related to the coronavirus.
The council amended its Declaration of Local Emergency, which had been approved at its regular meeting March 19.
Town attorney Jeff Graham said the ordinance summarizes what municipalities must do to comply with COVID-19-related executive orders from Gov. Eric Holcomb, including the stay-at-home directive, as well as recent federal statutes established by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which relates to a variety of things including sick time.
The town also approved establishing a town relief fund Graham said is an effort to “get ahead of the game.”
“It’s anticipated by everyone at some point that relief monies either through the state or the federal government will be coming to local governments,” Graham told the council. “The first thing that needs to be created is a fund so the feds or the state can see that you are spending that money properly.
“This creates the fund that if and when the money becomes available we don’t have to say, ‘Give us 48 hours to create the fund.’ … It gives us our first step towards recovery.”
It was the second time the council has conducted a town meeting online.
For the regular scheduled monthly council meeting, on March 19, President Chad Blake, Vice President Tom Marvel and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Paula Lee attended in person at town hall. Council members Teresa Retherford, Clerk-Treasurer Dennis Molina and town attorney Ashley Hopper participated.
Thanking the town
Police chief Kelly Naselroad, through Lapel’s Facebook page, thanked the town for doing its part to comply with Holcomb’s stay-at-home order in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
“This town truly has the best people!” Naselroad wrote.
Naselroad encouraged residents to check on elderly neighbors to make sure they are getting essential supplies and, if they know someone who needs more help than they can provide, to reach out to the police department or town hall.
He also reminded to heed to the state’s restricted travel provisions.
In a separate request from town officials, residents were reminded to not flush disinfecting wipes, “flushable” wipes, napkins or paper towels down their toilets because it would clog their systems.
Other items on the “do not flush” list included tissues, wet wipes/baby wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products and gauze/Band-Aids.
Parks closed
Also on Monday, the town of Lapel announced that all park playgrounds are closed until further notice.
The Town of Ingalls also announced via Facebook last week that Interurban Park and Jesse Ireton Memorial Park playground equipment is off limits to the public during the pandemic. The equipment is roped off with yellow tape.
The town apologized for the measure, noting the inconvenience considering the weather will soon be warmer, and hopes to have the areas reopening soon.
The grassy areas are not off limits in Ingalls, but the town wants people to continue practicing social distancing.
Also in Ingalls, it was announced, effective March 25, town hall employees will be working on a limited schedule.
As a result, water bill payments left on voice mail will not be processed. The town asks residents to leave a message and the town will return the call to process bill payment. Other questions concerning billing can be emailed to [email protected].
Payments can also be made at the town hall’s drop box as well as online at www.townofingalls.us.
The Ingalls town council met for a brief meeting on Monday, March 23, dealing with essential business.
Council President Scot Lawyer, council member Georgia Parker, Clerk-Treasurer Kip Golden and town attorney Gregg Morelock were on site at town hall, while other members participated by teleconference.
Lawyer said the upcoming April 13 council meeting would either be canceled or done by teleconference.
“It’s a fluid situation and we will deal as we have to as it comes,” Lawyer said.
Ingalls Fire Department has postponed until further notice its scheduled American Red Cross blood drive slated for May 17.
Town of Pendleton
Town of Pendleton met Thursday, March 26, and passed two ordinances related to COVID-19, similar to the ones passed in Lapel on Monday, including one amending the local emergency declaration and one establishing a relief fund.
The town also explains how the town town is operating in response to COVID-19:
• Town Hall is currently closed to the general public through April 6. Public meetings have been canceled through April 6. Staff is still working and available by phone or email.
• Pendleton Police Department lobby area is closed to the public. Officers are on duty and can be reached through dispatch at 765-642-0221. The records department can be reached at 765-778-3933 or email [email protected].
• Pendleton Fire Department is providing it normal services with additional precautions. People are advised to call 911 for emergencies and 765-778-2400 for non-emergencies.
• Pendleton utility office is accepting payments online, by phone at 765-778-2173, mail or drop off at the exterior drop box at Town Hall. For cemetery-related business, people should call 765-778-2173 or email [email protected].
• Town court has been postponed until further notice. Payments can be made online, through the mail, or may be dropped in the exterior drop box at Town Hall. Questions may be directed to 765-778-0772 or [email protected].
• Pendleton’s planning department is closed to the public. Staff is available at 765-778-8370 or by emailing [email protected]. Building permit applications are available online and completed applications may be placed in the exterior drop box at Town Hall.
• Pendleton’s Parks Department is closed to the public, but staff may be reached at 765-778-2222 or [email protected].
• Pendleton’s clerk-treasurer office is closed to the public, but staff may be reached at 765-778-7937 or at [email protected].
• Pendleton’s electric, water, street and cemetery departments are conducting emergency repairs only. Residents should call 765-778-2173 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 888-491-8194 otherwise.
• Acting Town Manager Rachel Christenson can be reached at 317-519-8510 or [email protected].
Markleville
Town council president Daniel Roseberry said one major project has been put on hold because of restrictions associated with the coronavirus.
At its mid-February council meeting, the town approved a rezoning request for an expansion of local business, Mark Tool and Die Inc. The company had planned on adding a new building next to its current location.
Roseberry also said Markleville East Christian Church will be closed all of April. Bright Point Christian Church is doing live streaming of its Sunday service through Facebook.
