This 23 minute discussion with Duane Bischoff - Candidate for D-2 Commissioner explores many facets of recent zone changes and the potential effects on Dearborn County residents.
Click on the link below to view.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Monday, April 22, 2024
22 APRIL 2024 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
22 APRIL 2024 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Dennis Kraus, Jr., Chairman, Russell Beiersdorfer, Mark Lehman, Joe Vogel, Jake Hoog, Dan Lansing, Jim Thatcher, and Eric Lang
ABSENT: Jeff Hermesch
Also Present: Nicole Daily, Planning and Zoning Director, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.
Baudendistel read the Title VI statement as legally required.
ACTION ON MINUTES- December 18, 2023 and Jan 22, 2024 Minutes were Approved with Beiersdorfer abstaining n Dec 18 as he was not present for it.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
Zone Map Amendment from Agriculture A to Moderate Industrial I-2 . Applicant/Owner JDJ Surveying/Farmer Revocable trust located on them South Side of Harrison Brookville Rd ( Moore Lane) in Harrison Township containing +/- 32 acres.
Kraus, Jr. left the room as he had a conflict of interest as he was involved with the application. Lehman took over as acting chair for this item.
Nicole Daily said the total tract is 67 acres and they are looking at 32 acres of this. The future land use map show development in this area. The flood prone areas are in the area too. If this is approved - there are areas east and west that are I-2 and B-2 to the north. 524.9 is the base flood line. Pictures shown of the area. Flat.Fireworks across street. RR tracks and interstate there also. This is a straight rezone- nothing proposed for the area yet. - so no concept plan. There is public sanitary sewer. The tech review comments were only on some of the utility letters needed. This is part if the West Harrison TIF District. IDNR will need a grading plan or have something specific to submit to that. FEMA will be called also. In this area it will be based on fill. Will they fill it first or do it and develop at the same time. Lang said this is more of a floodway disturbance thing. Overall cross section and have fill balanced by dug out. Daily said that rule has changed. That will be discussed later in Administrative tonight. If its a building there are more regulations to look at. There are large fines for after the fact excavation so they will have to have IDNR and state involved.
Jeff Stenger- for applicant- Basically just want to market the property. It will be in line with the property next door for Maxwell and across the street. He doesn’t think there are too many uses that will be egregious to the area with what else I going on down there. Potential developers will contact the DCRC regarding the TIF involvement.
PUBOIC DISCUSSION:
Mark Lackey - Pinhook Rd- he and his brother own the property across the river bought 33 acres and family also has 2 other pieces there. They built the cabin for uncle. Very bucolic. They left Hamilton County because of development. Industrial will change the atmosphere they moved here for. Not just him but his neighbors. Its our whole life- we put our whole life into it. Look at the Meyer farm that they are developing for cattle. That is his concern.
Closed Public Discussion.
Lehman: Article 5 in packet explains the options for recommendations and findings necessary for a map amendment.
The family of the Farmer property is just starting to work with Mike Perleberg and One Dearborn.
The PC members noted the TIF set up there and that the buffer would be there with the flood plain and flood way for the neighbors. Lang thinks One Dearborn pretty much hand cuffs developers to make sure it fits and isn’t fireworks or storage.
Commissioners have 90 days to make their decision. If they don’t make it, then it automatically becomes what the PC recommends.
Lang motioned to forward to Commissioners with a Favorable recommendation. 2nded by ?? All ayes and Thatcher abstained.
Commissioners will hear it at May 21st at 5PM for the final vote.
ADMINISTRATIVE Minor ordinance changes or corrections- Discussion only.
Dimensional standards - in R3- 950 sq ft. R2 has 950 but 750 on 2 family unit. Thinks they need to make it consistent.
Also liked at heights in Ag.
Striking the conditional use for multifamily in R1- as they will use the zone change to R2 or R3
Separate standards for townhouses and multi families will be out so they will be all under their new zones.
State in July- state has set slopes max at 25% Baudendistel - This does not apply to areas with DNR. Cannot prevent development. 25% slope is significant. Board seemed to think this was crazy to allow anything that steep. Suggested they check out their legislators regarding this. This will be written up for the next meeting to look over.
Meeting adjourned at 7:16 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Saturday, April 20, 2024
AGENDA - April 22nd Dearborn County Plan Comission Meeting
DEARBORN COUNTY PLAN COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
165 MARY STREET, LAWRENCEBURG, IN 47025
Agenda:
1. Zone Map Amendment--Farmer Trust property located on Harrison Brookville Road, Parcel #15-01-11-600-001.000-006 & 15-01-14-200-001.000-006. The owners are requesting to rezone approximately 32 acres of the property from Agriculture (A) to Moderate Industrial (I-2). This is a straight zone change request with no concept or near future user.
2. Administrative Items--Minor Ordinance changes or corrections
Please contact the Dearborn County Planning and Zoning Department (812) 537-8821 or email Nicole Daily at ndaily@dearborncounty.in.gov for any questions.
Uncle Sam Interview Video with Dillsboro Emergency Unit
Click the link below for the Sam Mortenson interview with Dillsboro Emergency Unit Capt. Harry Witteride, Shirley, DEU Treasurer, and Steve Gemmer, Board Member. This interview can be paused to view the various documents embedded in the video that corroborate the history of the DEU issues since Fall 2023 through the present time. This interview is 1 hr 30 minutes.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Video of Meet the Candidates Night at HVL
Complete video of Meet the Candidates Night can be Viewed by clicking the link below.
Thanks to Sam Mortenson for video so you can see the candidates 2 minute presentations.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
MEET the Candidates Night HVL
Meet the Candidate Night- HVL - 18 April 2024
Each candidate was given 2 minutes
This was the best attendance I have seen at a County Candidate Night in years.
Tim Peck- US Rep 9th District- ER doctor- business owner- Clark County in New Washington with wife and 18 month old
Problem is that we cannot get along and cannot seem to make progress. Wants to bring us together- no matter the party. Running as a blue dog democrat- fiscally conservative. Not really a politician- and more like a problem solver. Erin Houchin is my opponent- a far right republican who is not here tonight.
Lisa Barker-Democrat State Rep District 68- Dearborn County resident 35 years Laughery Creek Aurora. Running because land rights have been given away. No democracy in steakhouse to debate bills. She is Democrat as her family. She is a farmer, realtor and small business owner. Grad of SDHD+S and NKY. Here to fight for the people. Passionate about protecting women and elderly ones who do not have the Social Security they need.
Garret Bascom- Republican State Rep D- 68. Has wife and 3 kids 3month and twin 4 year olds. Moving into HVL in May. Principles are important. SDHS and Mount St Joseph University. Worked for Atty Gen Curtis Hill. He worked his way up in that office. Standing up for gun rights, etc, Right to Life was important when his twins were born at 31 weeks. Represents Franklin County and worked with Lynn Deddens office.
Sally McLaughlin - Dearborn Superior Court 2- served as judge since 2005. Mitch Daniels selected her for the new court. And then she was elected after that. Former Sheriff Wissman here etc. Programs for victims, juveniles, and substance abuse. Cannot thank you enough for your support.
Mike Lawrence - Republican for D-1 Commissioner. Moved to Lawrenceburg - 4 years on city council. Stood up against corruption. 4 years on LHS School Endowment Board. Like to see public meetings are at later time when people are off work. Against the Link 101 project. Even though state does it- the county can speak up. Will make traffic worse for us on US 50. Don’t think we can stand it.
Jim Thatcher- Republican for D-1 Commissioner.- Current commissioner and board president Aurora HS and Ball State. Wife Victoria. At&T - managing people that provided him with the skillsets for managing over 350 employees. He shows up every day working to reduce expenses, meeting with health care providers to save $250,000. Works with highway engineer and supt. Come around and see my list of accomplishments, Thank you for coming and that HVL for sponsoring this.
Duane Bischoff- Republican D-2- life long resident,.Wife and I work together in our businesses. Advocate for better meeting times for people with jobs. More community based communities. We have so many smart people in our county to help. Like to harness the power of social media to get media out to the masses at low or no cost. Equal coverage for the entire county for EMS. Past President of sewer in St Leon. Lots of new problems. Co- owner with my wife of 4 businesses in St Leon. Thank you.
Dan Damico-Republcan Commissioner D-2 lived in county 38 years. Former instructor Great Oaks Schools and Army veteran. You are not a leader- you are a servant of the people. You have to listen to the people.
Alan Goodman-Republican Commissioner D-2 I am in unique position - an incumbent but not one- I was on council 8 years but when Art Little had to retire for heart condition- I filled his spot as Commissioner. Owner of Ripley Crossing and Pine Knoll. Married over 37 years. Long time citizen of Bright. Not blessed with kids- until took in a niece at age 12 recently. On council lucky enough to provide services with sheriff, etc.
Hayley Hatfield - Republican Treasurer- Life long resident the county - in Greendale 14 year old daughter and husband, 2003 degree in accounting Worked in her mom’s tax service. 27 years of customer service experience. Need communication in the office- created a Facebook page. Tax issues come to their office- they want to have a kind face because times are hard for some people.
Hunter Collins -Democrat County Council At Large - 26 years old with fiancé and adopted 8 year old daughter. Enhance the safety services, Wants there to be affordable housing for young people and the elderly, Want to bring in good paying jobs and strong businesses. Communicate better and reach across the aisle.
Mark Dole- Republican County Council at Large- Lived in Logan Township - wife Jeanette and 2 sons and he is employed at Jurgenson for 38 years. Hay farming 58 years. Serving sheriff exit board and FFA board and youth involvement and environmental stewardship. Coach football, Chairman of GOP. NRA, American Legions, Integrity Lodge etc. Deeply committed to values that make the county strong. Feels blessed to live here in Dearborn County.
Tim Dole- Republican Council at Large- 4 years on Council and now as VP. Wife and 2 kids. Worked at PNS for 29 years. Been part of several start ups in the area. Committed to support our local economy. Businesses to grow, and homes are affordable. Vital services - like public safety to keep law and order. EMS has been underfunded for many years. They deserve an answer when they call 911. Infrastructure investment- gotten over $21 Million in roads with Community Crossings. Honest, Integrity and opportunities for our kids and grandkids.
Steve Gemmer Republican Council at Large- wife Tanya and 4 kids- Dillsboro resident helped start SAY soccer. Started GEI Fluid Power for 25 years. I fix things. People here treat symptoms and need to fix the problem. Rural area and the city. We want both - don’t want you to take any the rural area. I will point out what they are doing TO you not FOR you. I ask for your vote.
Glenn Wright- Republican at Large- 77 year resident of Dearborn County SD HS - FFA advisor 32 years. Taught Ag education. Real estate broker 47 years. One thing I bring to the table - I know people and I know roads all over this county. I appreciate your support May 7
Wendy Beatty- Republican Dearborn County Clerk of Courts - she was appointed in Sept and endorsed by Rick Probst and Gayle Pennington- 2 former Clerks. Appreciate your vote in May.
Meghan Keith- Republican Clerk of Courts and Precinct committeeman in Miller 7. Lived in HVL almost 10 years. 1998 grad of LHS and 2025 Grad of IVY Tech and transferring to IU in a couple years. It’s about serving the community- working in clerks, working for Judge Humphrey, Working for Denny Kraus in the surveyor’s office. First female Capt of Dearborn County Water Rescue. Learned a lot in Clerks and Judges office. Appreciate your vote.
Dennis Kraus- Republican Surveyor -He is the incumbant.and running unopposed- so I guess if my wife and I vote- I’m elected,(laughter) Sits on the planning commission as Chairman, which I gather from tonight isn’t real popular right now.(laughter) Has 3 kids 3 grandkidss and wife. Asks for your vote.
Cameron McCreary Republican Coroner- 2 adult kids teacher and pipe fitter. Reserve offieer for Lawrenceburg and got a dream job as corporal in Versailles for ISP. Detailed overdose help and schools to talk to kids about drugs. Indiana State trooper. Now promoted to day shift- shift commander.
18 April 2024 DCRSD Board Meeting Notes
Steve Renihan - President, Brett Fehrman - Vice President, Russell Beiersdorfer, Bill Shelton, Doug Baer, Jeff Stenger (arrived15 min late), and Steward Cline (arrived 10 min late) both due to SR1 construction.
Board Attorney - Frank Kramer
Also present: Christy and Bob from Hrezo Engineering, Commissioner Jim Thatcher, Tamara Taylor, Beacon, Nick Bailey, Crossroad supt., and 3 citizens.
Renihan read the Public Access Statement as legally required.
Minutes: April 4 Minutes Approved.
Treasurers Report:
Barnes and Thornburg- Jake German and Chris Griswold (sp?)- thanked Hrezo and Christy for their help. Stop us at any time with questions. Chris- sent RFP- request for proposal- out. We are really close to getting a final RFP. Filled in details from the asset list. Possibilities are: Acquire all assets of utility or come in as an operator.They will fill in a timeline with an RFP- like they see in government all the time. There is NOTHING that commits you with an RFP. You still have fun control of them process. This is just asking you to take a leap of faith. Included the Wolpert Study that they had done in the past.There is. Prioritization of problem areas. They will show your concerns to any 3rd party. What happens is we turn this over and get ignored for the foreseeable future. Jake noted that no 2 utilities are alike. As we move to putting a price on the assets. Rate stabilization is an issue. Need the short term 5 year issues and then the long term plan. Day to day management and how they handle risks. Making sure your voice continues if you are acquired. Some of the continue as a liaison to the new utility private operator.
They asked for deep details on each entity submitting RFPs. Want to know if they are the right fit for the utility. Need two see history and examples of their other utilities. Want to see day to day operations and proposed staff. How will they manage financials and what the monthly reports look like. How do they plan to bring on new customers. The 2 big ARPA projects DCRSD has done needs to be outlined to get interest in submitting RFPs.
Cline noted that all the steps will lead to about 3 finalists. And the cost to DCRSD is $0 other than the attorney cost (that the Commissioners paid)
Cline said the board had talked- the initial RFP will have the 5 year short term things we want addressed in the structure of their response.The people of the county need someone LOCAL- not 3 states away to contact.
Jake- we addressed this in service and billing structures and resumes and how will they address the operators
Cline- also the 10 year plan and how they will fund it. Need to see the rates.
Fehrman- Private utilities raise rates often compared to public ones per our rate study person. Jake- you could affect it in the short term but the IURC will be the rate limiter. Chris- They need a negotiated first rate to take to the IURC in the beginning.OUCC is on the other side. Quasi judicial body.
Fehrman- We have public entities that handle our treatment. They have expressed fear of dealing with a private entity. Non-tangible assets are these contracts. Chris - they will take on the obligation - but they can change those perhaps in the future. They would have RFP state they will puck up these obligations. Municipalities have the ability to opt out of IURC or OUCC. That is because customers can vote the municipal leaders out.
Chris- There are a lot of utility practice groups who have a great interest on this entity. Some are close.
Renhan- What else do you need from us? We also have your draft rate study. The priority list is the piece we ned to iterate in the RFP. Also teh map.
With all this- we are a few weeks away from getting the RFP out.
Cline- when we have the bids for the 2 ARPA projects- that will be the time to get the RFPs out. Chris- Could issue it and then add an addenda for those 2 projects. Jake-We could allow for the question and answer period while waiting for the bids.
Christy said she is waiting on info for IDEM and no info on low pressure sewer lines yet. Working with INDOT on the slip on SR1 issue. It’s close.
Cline and Renihan want to get it out in June. Cline- we get map and priority list out by 2nd meeting on May 16th.
Renihan thanked them for their time. Have another meeting with teh committee before May 16th. Need a copy before the meeting of RFP BEFORE the meeting.
5:50 PM
Project Updates: Christy from Hrezo
Guilford-
High Ridge WWTP
High Ridge west Expansion - Texas Gas Rd
Wilson Creek Project
Huesman Rd and Cole Lane
Harrison TIF/Stone Project
Scenic Ridge/148 Sewers /Outer Drive
Stateline Rd- extend 400 ft extension has been requested by homeowner. Discussion on if it’s DCRSD or Crossroads territory.
Serenity Ridge Tranquility Court
Moores Hill
Dillsboro- Lake Dildear- still working on this. Bill Brett and Stew met with Lake Dildear - there are numbers in there. They want a more detailed cost service study for the operating and maintenance costs of the plant and the agreed to base our rate on that. I think they are looking for guidance on the area we are looking to serve. They agreed to give us a description of their rates. The additional study- 30-60 days to get that info. Cline part of the reason it is complicated for them = they ave an inefficient system. They can go as high as half a million gallons in rainy weather. So they are trying to get a true cost for us. Fehrman- we have to be efficient on our line to them. Cline- We need to have appropriate language that we won’t allow downspouts and will have smoke tests to keep the rain issues out. They want to be sure they are not treating wastewater to save us money from fixing something. Had to work out the penalty system. Could put a flowmeter on the sewer line to monitor flows but not on individual homes. Asked Hrezo to see what the cost would be to measure flows. Annexation was another issue- If they want to annex them they will have a conversation about them purchasing our infrastructure then. That al seemed to settle their concerns.
Fehrman- Liability of the 2 lagoons in Dillsboro is significant. There is a substantial cleanup involved for those that are no longer used. This should be addressed in the interlocal agreement.We are only buying capacity- not part ownership.
I left at this point at 6:15 PM to cover the Candidate Night at HVL.
New Business:
Office Update:
Claims:
Discretion of the Board:
Adjourn:
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
HVL Meet the Candidates Night at Willies in Lower Level Thursday April 18th
Format for Candidate Night - April 18th at 7PM at HVL Willies Lower Level
The "Meet the Candidates" evening is planned to start promptly at 7:00. It is important to arrive early, be signed in and to get a seat as we expect a large attendance.
A cash Bar will be available for refreshments if desired.
The HVL POA thanks the Future Planning Committee along with the Board of Directors for coordinating this event. We are planning the following schedule to accommodate all in a timely fashion.
6:00 Welcome and sign in begins.
7:00 We will begin by announcing the candidates and allowing each candidate to introduce themselves for two minutes each.
7:50 Short Break to rearrange chairs and set up tables.
Reprinted from Candidate info. |
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
16 APRIL 2024 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES
16 APRIL 2024 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES
Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Alan Goodman, and Rick Probst
Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator
Also present: Tamara Taylor- Beacon and Mike Perleberg- One Dearborn
TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
Stellar Pathways Program Letter of Interest- Perleberg from One Dearborn had sent the letter to them. Reprinted here:
One Dearborn County Regional Letter of Interest Stellar Pathways program April 30, 2024
To OCRA,
One Dearborn County would like to be considered for the Stellar Pathways program during the 2024- 2025 application year. As a Region, we understand the eligibility requirements and are prepared to meet all financial and time expectations if selected to participate in this program. We have thoroughly reviewed the program information, eligibility requirements, financial requirements, and supporting documentation and feel strongly that we have the capacity to meet all the requirements and expectations.
Our Region has full support of our current leadership One Dearborn Economic Development and Dearborn County Board of Commissioners. The board signatures and local government officials’ signatures below indicate support and participation in the Stellar Pathways program, process, timeline, and guidelines.
If we are accepted into the program, including the region leader and all participating municipalities, commit to completing the Stellar Pathways program within the allotted time, including but not limited to the following responsibilities:
Attend a mandatory Stellar Pathways program workshop.
If chosen as a Stellar Pathway participant, develop a Strategic Investment Plan with a qualified consulting team. Present the Region’s Strategic Investment Plan to the Stellar Pathways Committee at the designated date and time.
If chosen as a Stellar Pathway designee, implement Strategic Investment Plan projects and programs with the use of set-aside funding, bonus points, and annual funding rounds within five years of designation in coordination with the funding agency.
We understand that this letter of Intent and any requested documentation is due to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs no later than 12 p.m. ET, May 1, 2024.
If we have any questions, we will notify our community liaison or contact the Stellar Communities inbox at stellarcommunities@ocra.in.gov
Sincerely,
Mike Perleberg Executive Director, One Dearborn Economic Development
513-256-1843; mperleberg@1dearborn.org Approved and signed by all Commissioners.
Perleberg said there would be a meeting of participating local governments on April 24th at 8:30 AM at our place ( office at IVY Tech?)
Emergency Responder Service Contracts - Friendship Volunteer Fire Dept and New Trenton Fire Dept for First responder help. This is similar to what they did for Miller York and St Leon per Baudendistel. Approved and Signed.
Easement Agreements- Sarah Wells (on behalf of Glen Wells deceased and Sarah Wells) and Larry and Debra Peters- North Dearborn Rd Drainage Boxes - Baudendistel- Commissioners and BZA had initiated case- they had improved a pond and they had buried a drainage box culvert. In exchange for dismissal of the case they asked for an easement to get this fixed. Approved and signed to be recorded by Baudendistel.
ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden- reminder that she will be out of office and readable by cell and laptop.
AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold -Claims/Payroll and April 2nd Minutes- Approved
Fromhold said she had been asked to video record the Council minutes. Met with JAVS (Justice AV Solutions) to use their existing equipment, $43,000. Negotiated to use different camera arrangement andis $27,000. It is over $25,000 so needs approval. Approved .
ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- nothing more
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- Probst- Voting is open now- Farmers out for planting etc- be more cautious.
Thatcher- added- Please get out and vote.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none
PUBLIC COMMENT- none
ADJOURN- 5:13PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
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