To view the Stop Solar Citizens recommended Alternative Solar Ordinance click on
Then click on the Click Here for the citizen's recommended solar ordinance.
It is 27 pages.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
15 October 2026 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Meeting Notes
15 October 2026 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Meeting Notes
Present:
Steve Renihan, President, Brett Fehrman, Doug Baer, Jeff Bittner, Russell Beiersdorder.
ABSENT:Steward Cline, and Jeff Stenger
Board Attorney - Frank Kramer
Also present: Christy of Hrezo Engineering and Jeff Meinders, Superintendent.
Renihan read the Public Access Statement as legally required.
Minutes: Oct 1st Minutes, Sept 17th Minutes, and Sept 3rd Minutes Approved
Treasurer’s Report- prepared by Boggs and Race. Approved.
Project Updates: Christy Reported $26,482 estimate requested.
Guilford- Grinder pumps mostly- that were not billed yet. Just have final seeding and chain link fence to do yet per Meinders. Application 10 submitted by contractor and approved by Hrezo $73,932.55.Approved. EarthTek warranty started this week per Christy. Discussion of the cost to Miller York for line.
$3750- For programming remotely authorized by Renihan. This was approved as a change order.
Generators- KW demand on one was 67. Could use a 100 KW one instead of 70 KW- which was too close to cover the demand.
The portable generator- manual transfer switch and extra electrician work- cost is $15,0000. Lift stations have the transfer switches incorporated. One generator is natural gas and portable one is diesel.$109,700.90 Then they will obtain gas from Ohio Valley Gas. Approved to get permanent generator at the plant.
$6,667.70- for supplies Doug Price needs for the Guilford building.This is a change order and Meinders will give them the invoice. One bench top meter is in there too.
Dillsboro- Meinders- Option for Bypass lift station around Lake Dilldear- the supplies and tie ins $34,462. This would give more life to the lift station as it won’t have to do as much work. They would be by the gas station. Bittner noted they need to maintain the fit stations to keep them running. $11,000 will be left in Lake Dilldear’s account. There’s savings that is right around $34-35,000.Could use that for the bypass. Wait to look at it again next meeting. Bittner not in favor of spending the money on that- not necessary.
Christy had rules reviewed and they should give drawings to IDEM and notify them they will install a groundwater well. This will be a field change and they will approve it for Guilford. She will be point person for IDEM on these items and the paperwork to show these recalibrations are done. These are typically done by outside person. We now have proof it was done.
Steward Cline sent email re: generators, wastewater basin, and skata sp? And also include Stenger when answering per Renihan.
Need to get a way to store info in office for IDEM etc when needed.
Also need to get Chaffee to get 3 ring binder of SOP’s (Standard operating procedures)
New Business: none
Office Update: Kelly- had in their folder info on Payout 9 from Dilldear.
Randy Dunn has 2 vacant lots in Dilldear and a home. Only wants to pay for hookup for the house. He owns a lot of lots there.
Kelly will still enclose envelopes in billing for now. Some do pay online.
Frank Kramer was welcomed back.
Claims: Issue with Pay App- modified so this has to be paid this time around. Insurance has to be paid also per Baer. Modified claim $1436.36 for Lake Dildear- Approved.
$14,726.31 Lake Dildear CH&M Excavating - Approved.
Dildear Projects account - paid (missed amount ???) Approved.
Guilford- projects claim - $288,978.01- Approved - But hold this check until they get SOP and parts from Earth Tek.
Guilford Operating account- insurance $30,301.39 Approved.
Discretion of Chairman- Supt Services Contract from Kramer. Renihan. The rate study indicated they can hire a full time supt. This has someone available all the time. Chose Jeff Meinders about a year ago. But held off to get contract signed till after the projects were done. This is to get work off Renihan. He will review the contract and then decide to sign in December. He will work on it with Frank Kramer. Renihan noted that there were many things that needed to get filed and standardized. He wants Jeff Meinders to get this together ultimately. Including getting the addresses corrected to the CURRENT one- 165 Mary St. LBG, IN 47025. Renihan wants to do things at High Ridge- smoke testing etc. Also asked about basin on storm sewer water etc. Have to figure out what do with the agreed order by IDEM. Christy has quotes for the smoke tests on Timberview.
Kramer- Liens filed today and updates for Kelly.
Signing survey on Rosemeyer property OK per Kramer.
Meinders had good conversation with IDEM and they understand they are working on resolution of the repairs etc. Communicate and video meeting with repairs along the way. Did blower repairs.
Working on I and I issues on Pine Run. Noel is responsible for that gravity system. Getting a new manual from the manufacturer. Lots of things getting together now. Pine Run Lift station needs monitoring every day. Trying to get some electronics to help. Get an alarm and a dialer. Skata can be hacked- but put a good firewall on it.
Check oil change on generator. Will do deep service on tease per Meinders.
Russell Beiersdorfer announced will be resigning after this year to help care for his son. He has already notified BZA and PC too.
Adjourn: 6:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
14 October 2026 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
14 October 2026 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Dennis Kraus, Jr., Chairman, Mark Lehman, Sabrina Gregory, Joe Vogel, Jake Hoog, Dan Lansing, Jim Thatcher, and Eric Lang
ABSENT: Russell Beiersdorfer
Also Present: Nicole Daily, Planning and Zoning Director, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.
Upon arrival I noticed that nearly half the chairs, usually kept in the room, were missing. Over 100 citizens were in the meeting room.With more going through the security check,
When I asked if we could get more chairs, I was told that maintenance handles that and they are not available tonight. There were tables stacked against the left back wall and one was set out at the end of the chair rows there, leaving half the left side of the room empty of seating. The center of the room was missing about half their chairs too. Eventually, some spare chairs were found for a few more people. But 40 citizens and voters) were left standing.
In addition several citizens were told they were not allowed to bring in water bottles. (Not sure how this was changed for some but not others. Long meetings like these require some fluids. The board members had theirs.)
Baudendistel read the Title VI statement as legally required.
Solar Ordinance Meeting is primary on agenda
ACTION ON MINUTES: Tabled the November 2025 minutes as not enough were here to approve.
OLD BUSINESS:none
NEW BUSINESS: Resolution to establish an economic development area for Givaudon property- as not enough info received on this yet. TABLED
ADMINISTRATIVE: Approval of an interlocal agreement with Dillsboro- only assistance and reviewing plans. 3 year $4700 annual contract. Increase of 3% on the 4th year if they renew or have option to redo the contract. Application fees for reviews come to the Dearborn County PC Dept. APPROVED.
Meeting schedule is in packet to review for 2027. Will address at November meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING- Solar Ordinance- 6:24 PM
3 people requested 10 minutes- will speak first. ( only 2 spoke first)
Laureen White- White Legal Services- Anderson IN- Represent several concerned citizens with a list attached in your binder- she passed out. They wanted to provide a simple alternate ordinance for your consideration.
Keep in mind that in 1926- courts decided zoning. 1986- can adopt any broad agreement. List dates 5 criteria required for these ordinances.
First review of Comp Plan shows how important rural land is to your citizens. Stressed growth with also preservation of farmland. 1500 acres is allowed for SES in our current ordinance.
She lists the conflicts that SES has with Ag land.
NOISE- page 15 shows this 45 DB
DECOMMISSIONING- - shows this and escrow account.
WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SES declared unsafe can be declared public nuisance.
SETBACKS and LANDSCAPE BUFFER ZONES.- page 11 show this on proposed ordinance
MOST DESIRABLE USE FOR LAND- Industrial uses belong in industrial zones. NOT FARMLAND
Consider the proposed amendments. Language protects both the county and its citizens.
Conservation of Property Values,- addressed in this ordinance.
Location Location Location- like realtors say…
No Commercial SES will enclose more than 2 sides of adjoining property.
Solar can be located in areas that are placed well away from existing homes.
Productive land will not be converted back to AG- It will become industrial without having gone through a zone change.
Arbitrary and capricious. -
Citizens have proposed you an alternate ordinance with documentation. Ask to have the process tabled until they can review this.
Denise Spooner- came to present at request of Stop Solar Farms Group - real estate experience and also farmer’s daughter. Talked about property value guarantees. And counties that adopt them have not been sued.
Cited paying attention to the reasonable regard items in the ordinance. She has testified in courts and has been held by them.
Talked about “takings” - and has testified to people who have had to sue Solar developers regarding this. For past 7 years she has testified against this.
If the solar companies believe they do not affect property value- they would support these guarantees.
Home owners will not stop trying to preserve their property values.
In conclusion- Quote from Warren Buffett- Learn from your mistakes - but even better to learn from the mistakes of others. Permanent loss of our farmland is an important issue to her. Farmers have cried at the podium - when they see the loss of their lands.
Overlook angry comments and do the research you need to do. Just read a solar lease- it would help you to see the real issues.
Thatcher asked about appraisals-
Get the appraisal of your property NOW - before the solar goes in. It’s the basis for future appraisals.
CHECK TAPE- Jake Hoog asked question????
Lang asked - she answered - Madison County and Grant County did a really good solar ordinance- it went viral. Best 2 in her opinion.
Also told them about the danger of public utilities buying the solar farm and the no property tax for county.
Brenda Newberry- Would you lie to live next to a solar farm? Would you buy property next to one? She addressed setback comment from Beiersdorfer from last meeting-
If people could do anything they wanted with their land - then we wouldn’t need zoning. Farmers who move and then lease to this solar. They wouldn’t want to live by one. Setbacks needed. Please give setbacks we are asking for.
Sarah Jordan- Luxe Real estate. Lives on 7 acres in St Leon. Here representing our local real estate boards. What makes a property desirable and what makes it difficult to sell. When you purchase a rural property- you are expecting certain rural things. Local real estate owners asking for property value guarantee, for setbacks. Etc. The list of realtors signing on to this statements in packet. Asking you to establish enforceable protections for homeowners.
Donna McCollum- Explained property value versus resale amount.If too many people sell- the property value will go down. Also talked about inverters and noise. I can hear the train in Aurora on Possum Ridge. Constant noise level can affect your health.
Chad Kelly- Gutapfel Road- had a cell tower proposed there. Alternative locations were proposed. BZA- One board member had said somethings it was approved- that seemed to show they were not listening to locals concerns. Many recommendations have gotten little comments or discussion. Transparency requires more than allowing the people to speak- but also having the board listen to those considerations. Give meaningful consideration to those concerns.
Emily Hartman- Since February she has been speaking- tonight - different. Private property rights. Shortly into adulthood, I learned that property rights are not absolute. Private property rights is a real hard sell. ( I missed a section of this presentation due to the lobby noise) at the end she quoted Wendell Berry -In The Unsettling of America, Berry writes about how generations who intended to stay and care for their land have been displaced or subverted by "those who were carrying out some version of the search for El Dorado"—tearing apart local cultures and communities in the name of extraction and profit.
Jeff Brand- There are tiers of solar panels and we should ask for a Tier 1 solar panels. This was developed by Bloomberg New energy. Tier 1- is one of the most successful- enough that banks would lend the money with no strings attached. Tier 1 panels for 5 years or more- listed on Stock exchange and marketing their own brand to customers. Could find no measure of QUALITY. Could find no Tier 2 suppliers.Ask that you not vote tonight and take into consideration the proposals by residents tonight.
Lisa Brand- want it in an industrial zone. Refers bak to zoning coed- 200 and 1500 caps helps protect property owners. Not intended to precent development- but to protect property owners. Consider the proposal tonight.
Ken Scherzinger- Reasonable to cap the amount of land per solar 200 acres and total cap for the county. If you pass this the gate opens and you might end up with other by you. You can get knowledge from counties who have BEEN THERE -DONE THAT- I think we have all learned something about solar tonight. The tier 1 concept for example…. If you think it is a tough job now- wait till you try to fix it later. Other counties in Indiana have examples to teach us.
Peggy Zoller- passed out info- Was discouraged. Cited numbers of petitions, signs, it seems like those looking for restrictions are the majority. Researched- Purdueextension.edu article- She learned about private nuisance and public nuisances. This would be a public nuisance. How does a court decide this? Weigh many factors. Adjacent and nearby the solar project. Does not know why it goes to PC first- and not courts? Kraus explained- there is no formal application for this solar project yet. If it does- It will go to BZA for a conditional use. It does not go to court unless there is an actual approval. Peggy Zoller- I over here because I love this area.
*****Nicole said audio is working- not video tonight. Still trying.
Lillian Putziz sp?- The Principle of was asked to be here by a few different landowners here. This was about Property Rights. None of her people regret leasing their land for solar. They can be a good neighbor. Do not make lawful development impossible. Adopt an ordinance that is reasonable for property rights.
Chris Berry- Linnea- Sr development- Thought about the first meeting at South Dearborn. Our national prosperity is linked to energy. Indiana has demand for energy. We are still in the queue for their project on grid. We support the moratorium. The original version of this ordinance only needs minor revisions. Strike the right balance with landowners rights. They will preserve their farms for future generations. Bringing real benefits for landowners. Looks forward to bringing solar here. Linnea has not done property value guarantees. They have done Good Neighbor Agreements. He thinks they can limit the impact of view and noise. Sabrina Gregory asked why they had picked Dearborn County.-
Jenny Bulach- wanted to talk about energy. Backlogs are very long to get power. Independent Power producer comes -we don’t need to pay for that. How do we invest in the infrastructure for energy? We have the opportunity to right something that is doable. There is a 3.5 KV line coming in from Batesvlle. County cannot stop it when the public utility does it. DOE is declaring an energy emergency. We will be seeing prices. When the state and federal gov’t says we need this- local rule won’t stop it. What is best for the county- have volunteers or get it taken.
Michelle Dudley- Property value guarantees. A homeowner should not have to absorb the loss of value from an use they did not want. Visual impacts, nuisances, property value decrease. Should be in 5 mile radius of this. The developer should either buy the property at base appraisal or make up the difference in value. Wants this ti be part of the ordinance. Table till you evaluate the alternate ordinance proposed tonight.
Jillian Collins- 2 items - Attended St Leon Oct 5 draft ordinance. They have 400acres continuance caps. No citizens really there- They have only been moratorium since April. Per Daily- Dearborn County cannot do a ban. Collins was surprised that Marshall County has a solar ban. They have seen what happened in counties around them. You have to have a PC that is solidly representing their citizens. They have won a judicial review on their ban. Will give her name to them.
Woman- did not catch name- She will be getting her family farm- She went on about the decommissioning requirements. And how to be sure they restore soil, drainage, etc. The taxpayers or farmers should not have to do this. The comp plan says we preserve rural character. This leaves land in teh condition that allows the next generation to use the land. If these developments are temporary- the be sure the land is put back to original condition.
Ed Yelton-Talked about Fire Depts and working close with the solar developers to be sure the training and equipment are up to the task of taking care of the safety issues. It will need other depts to back them up. There are issues with water supply for that too. Wants earth berms to take care of protecting adjoining properties. Thatcher said Milan and Sunman would be involved too.
Brandon Lang- gave names he was representing. None of this is about preserving farmland. These people built house on what was farmland. Solar is the most regulated land use in the county. They want a discriminating ordinance. Setbacks are greater than any other land use in the county. Size is dependent terrain etc. Is it fair to change the rules in the middle of the project?! Solar farms are often built in flood plains following their rules. An open ended requirement is not….There are several gaps in noise requirements. Givaudon versus solar panels (unfair differences) Solar can be a lifeline. My family is in no position to sell. Ms Spooner was here in Sunman before. What should a farmer do with their land if they can no longer farm? She said then- Sell to another farmer. The original Article 19 was fine with a few changes. I am proud that this board is trying to strike a balance between property rights and individual liberty.
Mr Sloan- Our porch is 200 ft from that area. This ordinance does not have long enough setbacks. Equal consideration must be given to the neighbors of this solar project. An industrial scale development in an ag community -the elevation of our property overlooks all this site. The setbacks and screening will do little to help this. Support setback and vegetative screening.
Bobby Rauen- With all due respect Ms Bulach is not part of this decision. He read the 5 considerations that the code requires.US Supreme Court and Indiana defeated the house bill that sought to take the
None of teh companies are respecting human rights. As a whole teh industry has a long way to go for respect for workers in their supply chains. Land grabs and unjust an unfair relocation of residents.
Jessica Schneider- went over the rules and responsibilities of the Planning code. Our proposed ordinance had meaningful setbacks. This gets physical protection. We are still discussing proposals that do not protect the landowners around this. Table to research and consider the proposals.
Chris Mueller- Called attention to the conditional use portion of t Ordinance 19 and the current proposed solar one. Asked about amending the Ag and Ag Homestead ordinances to remove Commercial SES from their allowed Conditional Uses sections. Noted that Industrial and B-2 is still open to conditional and zoned solar use. Ag is as well- but it would require a rezone. Without it- you are essentially putting an Industrial Use in Ag lands without a zone change. Historically, for the 30 plus years I had attended Planning Commission and BZA meetings, Conditional Uses were considered options for starting small home occupational businesses and temporary locations for trailers while taking care of aging parents etc. Using it to escape rezone for along term lease of land for solar was not the intended purpose for this option, in my opinion.
Josh Holland- less than 6 months to go- info has been presented- work it out with Citizens Advisory Committee. There is a time crunch. We are beating a dead horse to put lipstick on a pig. Or do what she said- take it out of Ag H and Ag plus Ordinance 19. Tweaking the Ag and Ag H ordinances can be done. Thank you for taking my recommendation under consideration.
Baudendistel- Moratorium is only a year for energy systems- but NOT for data centers.
Dave Sams- tired of coming down here and being frustrated. This comes down to a couple simple things. You cannot make more land. It must be safe and smart. Large scale solar is not either of those. All property owners- not just the ones receiving lease payments for the last 3 years. Some counties are making ordinances that respect all property owners. Mr Lang leaves out a lot of the story. Apologizes if I have offended anyone.
Bob Montague- We are talking about Givaudon- going in an INDUSTRIAL zone. Solar- the original Article 19. You decided it wasn’t enough. Beiersdorfer explained how the state forced us o get one in place. Stop talking about the original 19- it doesn’t cover all this.
Joe Volk- I own farmland in Dearborn and Ripley County. The I Diana and Michigan power lines are up there. The solar farms can go anywhere as we are all connected. Put it out where there are less people. Desert is ok. If they did not dangle money like tax money. Who will hold them accountable, when they do not pay. Texas is the only state that is not in the grid.
Joe ?- The elephant in the room is WHO is getting the energy. The federal government needs it for data centers. It will not bring our costs down. Lets not be stupid about this. This isn’t for electricity for us. I was part of building 3 of these. Ohio is getting slammed with this. Data centers are not good for us. These might be feeding those.
Shawna Drakę- When I heard we were not going to ban solar. Who made that decision.
Baudendistel- said he will defend whatever ordinance we create.
Shawna Drakę- Why are we doing this for Linnea? They do not even have a permit for this. Why are we curving this for one company. We have missed so many activities and family fighting for this. We feel like no one os fighting for us. I am 15 miles from this- but I am fighting so it is not in my back yard.
CLOSE PUBLIC DISCUSSION 9 PM.
Lehman- If we get thru all 3 of your ordinances and the alternate proposed by the citizens lawyer- what would you see us doing at the next PC meeting on October 26th.
Daily wants to know the big items they see:
Lehman- Setbacks. Plus the view for the neighbors. Thinks he sees a cap possibly. Trying to balance this with complicated buffering- 2 miles from the school. He indicated that he really wants conditional use so he can put restrictions on it.
Daily- Option C is the one they have been working on.
Option A and B has blue changes from previous meetings.
Board discussed several ways they could get their thoughts to Daily before the next meeting regarding setbacks and other main issues that were sticking points. Daily asked them to send her their numbers on setbacks and she would compile them. They were going to hit reply all to her email so that everyone on the board mail could see the responses. THis was after Baudendistel told them they could not be sharing board emails about these items as it would violate open door laws. [NOTE: Doesn’t sharing their numbers without sending them to each other but in a group email also violate that?It is being done out of the public eye.]
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM
Security officers came in and asked all to leave promptly as they were closing the building. Citizens met outside in the parking lot to continue conversations.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
AGENDA- October 14th Special Meeting Dearborn County Plan Commission
PLAN COMMISSION AGENDA
(Special Meeting) Wednesday, October 14, 2026 6:00 P.M.
*Location: Dearborn County Government Center 165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. ROLL CALL
C. ACTION ON MINUTES—November 24, 2025 and August 24, 2026
D. OLD BUSINESS – NONE
E. NEW BUSINESS – 1. Request: Declaratory Resolution for establishing an Economic Development Area and allocation area—Givaudan Property Applicant: Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission Site Location: 1434 Harrison Brookville Road Parcel: 15-01-11-400-006.020-006 Township: Harrison Size: 26.206 acres
F. ADMINISTRATIVE—
1. Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Town of Dillsboro—Three-year contract to assist in the review of commercial, industrial site plans and subdivision submittals
2. PUBLIC HEARING –
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held pursuant to Indiana Code § 36-7-4-607 regarding proposed amendments to the Dearborn County Zoning Ordinance. The proposed amendments would apply to the unincorporated areas of Dearborn County and would amend Article 19—Solar Energy Systems of the Dearborn County Zoning Ordinance.
The proposed amendments would establish processes, requirements, and development standards for Small-Scale Solar Projects, Large-Scale Solar Projects, Community-Scale Solar Projects, and Utility-Scale Solar Projects. Copies of the proposed Amendments to the Dearborn County Zoning Ordinance are available for examination prior to the meeting and Public Hearing at the Dearborn County Government Center, in the Planning and Zoning Department—164 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 and are also available on the Dearborn County Planning and Zoning Department website.
Written comments, support or objections concerning the proposed amendments to the amended Article 19—Solar Energy Systems of the Dearborn County Zoning Ordinance may be submitted prior to the meeting and the Public Hearing to the Planning and Zoning Department at the address listed above. All written comments received prior to the meeting will be provided to and considered by the Plan Commission. Members of the public may attend the meeting and Public Hearing. Oral comments concerning the proposed amendments to Article 19 of the Zoning Ordinance will be heard by the Plan Commission in accordance with the procedures established for the public hearing.
The proposed amendments will be considered during the Public Hearing and may be continued from time to time as determined necessary by the Plan Commission.
Because the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance were initiated by the Plan Commission and citizen participation through a moratorium process, the proposed amendments, if adopted, would apply to all properties within the unincorporated areas of Dearborn County. Accordingly, all property owners who may be considered “interested parties” are being notified by publication pursuant to Article 2, Section 200(5)a. of the Dearborn County Zoning Ordinance. Please contact the Dearborn County Planning and Zoning Department (
Draft Solar Ordinances for Oct 14 Plan Commission Meeting
Draft Solar Ordinances for Oct 14 Plan Commission meeting
Nicole Daily
Oct 8, 2026, 9:19 AM (5 days ago)Citizens:
I have attached 3 different Draft Solar Ordinances. Going with the discussions form the last meeting Plan Commission meeting, on acreage caps and setbacks.
Option A—This Ordinance has some similar characteristics of the current ordinance but added items that could use some improvements. In this PDF file, I have also added a quick standards reference table between Small, Large, Community and Utility. This is more to be helpful when comparing the standards with the other two drafts. Also included as the last page, is an exhibit of the County boundary, with a conceptual radius of a project separation distance for the acreage cap of the utility solar. I did this for each option, matching the acreage cap with the separation distance. The only items that are highlighted in the cyan color are those topics or language that differs from Option C and some of Option B. All other language is the same as Option C.
Option B—This Ordinance reduced the acreage cap and reducing the setbacks. Again, this option has a quick standards reference table and an aerial exhibit to show the separation distance for this option. The only items that are highlighted in the cyan color are those topics or language that differ from Option C and some of Option A. All other language is the same as Option C.
Option C—This is the Ordinance that has been the original beginning this process of tracking changes. It was too complicated to do it for the other two options. What has changed since last time is highlighted in the cyan color. But does not mean that it differs from either Option A or Option B. You will only be able to tell the difference when looking at Option A or Option B or comparing the reference tables.
The Board also discusses options for Noise Study. It was too much to add this draft into the other options without getting confusing.
Also, basic meeting information that is attached such as the agenda for the meeting on October 14th and minutes for review and a Interlocal Agreement with the Town of Dillsboro. The TIF District will be tabled until the October 26th meeting.
The next Plan Commission meeting is set for Wednesday, October 14th at 6:00pm.
Sincerely,
Nicole Daily
Director of Planning and Zoning
Floodplain Administrator
ndaily@dearborncounty.in.gov
T: 812-537-8821 | F: 812-532-2029
Dearborn County Government Center
Dearborn County Planning and Zoning Department
165 Mary Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Website: www.dearborncounty.org/planning
6 Attachments •
Tuesday, October 06, 2026
A Voter Guide to Indiana's 2 Public Questions
On the Indiana Ballot in November are 2 Public Questions. Click Below for a short explanation of each one.
https://www.wfyi.org/statewide/2026-10-05/2026-voter-guide-public-questions
6 OCTOBER 2026 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES
6 OCTOBER 2026 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES
Livestreams can be found @
https://www.youtube.com/@DearbornCountyGov-47025/streams
Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Duane Bischoff, and Kevin Turner
Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator
Also Present: Commissioner Elect - Jeff Cotton
TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.
OLD BUSINESS
Dog Ridge Road Maintenance Access Use Agreement- pending litigation and no word from court on the stay request ruling. TABLED
Applications for EMT Sponsorships, Jason Sullivan, EMA/EMS Director -TABLED was no applications on this yet.
Discussion on Board Appointment Process- Duane Bischoff explained that this would make appointments not seem life-time. Also noted how many people signed up for Citizens advisory and the broad range of talent that was available to choose from. Thatcher wanted to be sure that if a board member was doing a good job they could continue. Also they did not want to clear an entire board. Tabled for Duane to present to Council next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Old Orchard / Discussion on Environmental Issues - Ken Schumate 25287 Orchard Drive. Septic system serving Orchard from 1974 and several onsite septic failures. They have been meeting with Crossroads, Health Dept. and still nor response. The county has been aware pf this for some time. Wants a single lead to get a timeline of next steps. Thatcher sent them to the County Health Board Meeting- meeting October 15th. Dr Eliason has pause enforcement letters until they talk to the board.
Veteran District Service Officer - Ron Higgins - New IN Code he has evaluated, Over $39million coming into Dearborn County’s Office projects, Gives our Veterans Officer and staff Dave and Tom the highest mark. They have exceeded all expectations. Dave will be retiring. Applause from Audience.
Erin Huber and Ken Gunkel - Soil & Water District- Erin- Environmental tech- SEI Community Gardens in Lawrenceburg by Farmer Market. Tables were out there showing actobooes to get ppt traffic. Sir and Water- Got rid of all cover crop seeds from Farmers Market to 25 people. Holtcamp Winery recognized at State Fairabout all their efforts for composting and erosion control. Purchase for $12,000 retail is $25k. Plotmaster - for small sale planting. No-till drill rental already happening. Weed wrangle and how to remove invasive species is taught. Tuesday October 27 4-6 PM at Gladys Russell Park.
Ken Gunkel- Turned in 2027 Budget -asked for same budget as 2026. Back to School bash- for kids to go back to school. OKI Tour in Warren county. Switzerland County- Learn and Burn- controlled burning- in March 2027. State Conference looking at resolutions that state is doing. Concern about 92 Extension offices. They were over billed from over $7k and reduced it to $2k. And they are looking forward to being in Duanes Minutes in a Minute.
Bright Tree Lighting Event - Tamara Taylor- last year June Tucker had health issues and they did it for her. Want to continue the tradition. And she asked McHenry if they can close it- but he wants to have them assign officers to direct traffic 5:45-6:45 PM November 23rd. Approved by Commissioners.
Amendment #3 to the Bridge Inspection Contract - Sue Hayden for Todd Listerman- This was from contract signed earlier in the year- and this is the 3rd amendment to it $64,815 increase for scouring. This is for all bridges in the county.
Resolution Authorizing Land Transfer - Andy Baudendistel- Deaton is present from DCRC- Andy presented. On the South side there is property from St E’s sale of 0.94 acres. This will give more acreage to the 3.24 acres previously sold. Deaton said this was a moving target all week. BZA for L-bg. TWG - 110 units of apts for affordable housing. Suitable for young families and older people with income less than $68,500. They need extra for property. The neighbor to this is also selling their property to TWG. DCRC may sell to TWG or others later. Approved.
ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden-
2027 Title VI Implementation Plan & Resolution Adoption Plan- Approval of 2027 Title VI implementation plan. This covers discrimination issues with that. Ordinance 2026-014- This keeps us in compliance with federal money received. Approved
Videos by CGI Digital- Hayden thinks they did a good job and shows the whole county. It will be out on the county webpage.
RFQ- for insurance for property and liability brokers- that Hayden put out- needs change timeline. Moving it back about a month for response time by County.
Economic Development Commission- went by the wayside-in 2016- only meets as needed. This needs to be reinstated for the Givaudan Project. Council Commissioners and Lbg have nominees for the 3 member board. Brian Messmore is nominated for Lbg’s Board member. Andy was going to talk to Alan Miller to be our Commissioner appointee. Council has to get one then- They meet on Nov 17. They are looking for bond issuance. Commissioners APPROVED Messmore and Miller so far.
Sue asked Andy Baudendistel-Vicious dog determination has an appeal. They will set it up for the 20th for the hearing. They will also notify owner.
AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold -Claims/Payroll and September Minutes- APPROVED
ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel-nothing more
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION: none
PUBLIC COMMENT:Brandon Lang- Thursday gave a lengthy pep talk up in St Leon for the 25 acres there - on data center??
Also AEP set up notice for power line connections out near Batesville Ripley County thru connections to northern Dearborn county. It seems like something big is afoot. It feels like Manhattan Project.
Thatcher said he should take to Randy Maxwell.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Bischoff- Medical emergency outside the building Chris Heitmeyer, Josh Cochran and Ben McBroom. They all stepped in to aid. Commended them.
Kevin Turner - Training session for disaster- at Perfect North Slopes- All went well.
Thatcher- amazing what all goes on behind the scenes.
ADJOURN- 9:35 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
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