Commissioner’s Meeting 4-26-12
Jefferson County Commissioner's Meeting April 26, 2012 http://www.youtube.com/embed/nB0ko9jhNdk (Starting around video minute 39) Tammy Monroe is introduced as the interim health dept. administrator, replacing Ralph Armand. Ms. Monroe provides updates on septic permits still being processed for several tornado victims almost 2-months after the disaster. She said there is a possibility of getting State funds for septic systems. They hope to have answers in a few short days. Commissioner Julie Berry promised to contact the State. The board also discussed that FEMA covers up to 70% of costs, but the applicant must first demonstrate that no other insurance coverage is available. The Health Dept. is issuing certificates of occupancy to a few grandfathered sites but the owner must validate their systems within 1 year. Two homeowners are unable to rebuild on their existing storm damaged site. Ms. Monroe also said they are revisiting the "Approved Installer" process after public outpouring of serious concerns with the administration of the Health Dept.
FEMA Storm Aid Deadline
FEMA Assistance Deadline May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance for the Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes Major Disaster Declared March 9, 2012 (DR-4058)The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration.For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Registration is also possible online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov.You can APPEAL a FEMA decision!If you have already registered with FEMA and received a letter saying you are ineligible for assistance, you can appeal the determination. A successful appeal could be as simple as providing missing paperwork, providing a correct address or updating FEMA with additional damage discovered since you registered.The first step in the appeal process is to write a letter to FEMA explaining why you think you are eligible for more coverage than originally determined. The letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the decision letter’s date. Mail the letter to:FEMA National Processing Service CenterP.O. Box 10055Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055or fax to: 1-800-827-8112
The Buck Stops Here
Notice: Board of Health Special Meeting 4/17/2012 at 12 Noon Last minute reminder: The board of health is meeting at 12 noon to publicly address the myriad of concerns with the administration of the health department.Most pressing is the mandate from the Commissioners to remove Armand and restore accountability and integrity to the department.If at all possible, please attend in support of all victims of this corrupt administration and don't allow them to pass the buck any longer.Health Department: 812-273-1942715 Green Road Madison, IN 47250 (map)
Pass the Buck
An informal petition drive organized by concerned citizens procured more than 2,000 Jefferson County taxpayer signatures demanding the removal of Ralph Armand. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WILLING TO TAKE A STAND ! The petition was presented to the Board of Health last Tuesday and acknowledged by Julie Berry at the Commissioner's meeting on Friday, a pertinent fact curiously omitted by the Madison Courier. I wonder why? Commissioner Berry also admitted that over the YEARS, she has received numerous complaints regarding our health department administrator … [and yet she did nothing.] In addition, the Commissioners continue to receive daily communication from a very frustrated and angry public that as she put it, has expressed a “confidence issue” with the health department. We can always count on Commissioner Berry to be politically correct in her words, but what about her actions, or lack thereof? The Commissioners are responsible for appointing the health board members to 4-year staggered terms. Every year the Commissioners have an opportunity to make changes to the board … yet nothing ever changed and Armand was allowed to continue his victimization. Commissioner Berry is equally at fault in perpetuating the current “confidence issue” that has now infected not only the health department, but also Jefferson County’s highest executive branch. The Commissioners praised Dr. Hossler for his efforts to personally meet with some of the victims of the tornado and his administrator, Ralph Armand. However, more than 6-weeks later, three victims remain homeless, without resolution and a 4th victim has the burden of proof to prove their fully functional and grandfathered septic system is in a different location from the permit issued 16-years ago. Despite all the lip service, the current administration continues to dis-serve the public and defy logic in direct conflict with the intent of the resolution passed by the Commissioners to accommodate and assist the victims in rebuilding their homes and lives. Dr. Hossler as our appointed health officer is responsible for the administration of the health department. He has the authority to hire and fire his administrative staff, including Mr. Armand. Unfortunately, Dr. Hossler has chosen to defend his administrator - at the expense of the public trust. The board of health now must force their hand to protect the very public they are appointed to serve and they better. Shame on all you for passing the buck! Dr. John Hossler, MD
Bad Apple
One Bad Apple Thank you to Ruby Wehner for graciously opening her home to a concerned community. The meeting allowed victims of the septic permitting and food service sectors to find a common voice. Intimidation, harassment and fear of retaliation, all common denominators endured at the hand of the entire health department administrative staff. It is clear that one bad apple has been allowed to spoil the whole bunch. Continuing this pattern, more than 5-weeks have passed since the deadly tornado devastated Chelsea. The victims are still without resolution; without a building permit; without a home; unable to move forward - entirely because the county and State are erroneously relying on the unsubstantiated and arbitrary opinions of one man, Ralph Armand. The State and County agencies have expressed sympathy, but mostly empty-handed offers to help. No none dares to question Armand’s authority. It is time to get off the endless loop of empty promises. Dr. John Hossler is the county Health Officer responsible to the State and the citizens of Jefferson County for the administration of the health department. He has failed to protect the citizens of Jefferson County and must be held accountable. Please attend the next commissioners and board of health meetings or call: JCHD Chairman Dr. Patrick Leahey at 812-265-1556 and Commissioner Tom Pietrykowski at 812-839-3685 right away to express your concerns.