Wednesday, June 06, 2007

5 June 2007 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes

5 June 2007 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes

Present: Hughes, President, Fox, and Thompson
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, Ewbank, Attorney, and Messmore, Administrator.

Dick Robertson of Vieste,LLC/Level 5 Engineering was present also.

1. Cliff Eibeck- questioned the commissioners about their letter to DCRSD regarding not enforcing sewer hook-ups. He wanted to know why it was taking 8 weeks so far and still wasn’t done.
Hughes said: “Me, Bryan, and the Health Dept ( Doug Baer) have been working on that.” Messmore gave more details saying that when he had put pen to paper he found it difficult to put word into the commissioner’s mouths and had sought Ewbank’s advice. He’d completed a draft that Commissioners had by April 24th but they had not advised him as to how to proceed. He said, “I did not get feedback from this board as to what to do with the letter.”
Fox said the letter was OK with him, but he wanted to do it right. Eibeck asked if he needed help getting it done. Fox said he didn’t think they needed Eibeck’s help. Thompson thought the letter needed to be a little more stringent and that we needed to get all commissioners in agreement. He said- “We’re closer, but we’re not there yet.”

[NOTE: No action was taken on this item and it’s not clear who will be moving this forward. Commissioners had all voted to send a letter to DCRSD saying they were not in favor of forced hook-ups. Now it appears either they are trying to say more than that or they are getting feedback from the DCRSD board on it, via Baer. Sewers can be a good thing- if they are done correctly and in appropriate areas. Forced mains and grinders have become the norm rather than the exception. Initially cheap grinder pump systems will be scattered all over the county and eventually the public may actually end up with a worse problem on their hands than septic tank repairs. The hypocrisy of IDEM allowing sewer company overflows and raw sewage dumping into our waterways under their orders is laughable when contrasted with most rural septic issues.]

2. Margaret Minzner- GIS- went to some dept. heads and got feedback and letters of recommendations on their GIS preferences. Planning, Treasurer, Assessor, Auditor etc are in favor. She included return on investment examples from other areas in her report to them. Thompson suggested she give several options when she goes to Council- one year through four-year phase in options, as the cost will likely produce sticker shock. He said he’d talked to some of the city officials about possible combining resources and having the county set this all up for everyone. That seemed to be a favorable option so far.
Pickens reported that Schneider is presenting at 10:30 Wed and the cost is about 5/8 of the original group. He asked- “Do we need a Cadillac?” [ NOTE: This may be one place where a Cadillac is better. Schneider’s original presentation to commissioners did not include the detail of the first company. And when questioned about rectifying parcels- they were vague as to how they would accomplish that- or even if they could. In computers and most advanced technology it’s: “garbage in- garbage out.” It’s better to get the foundation data accurate- because everything else is built upon that. This is no place to wimp out, in my opinion.]

3. Don Townsend- Building Dept. – presented an order to remove a burned out building at 5345 Dutch Hollow Road. Ewbank swore Townsend in. The building burned Dec 3, 2005- he’s had 5 calls on this. He took photos May 2, 2007- bricks there, no roof, interior gutted- unsafe and a blight to the dense neighborhood. There is trash and high grass also. Owner is Arden Keeten (sp?) and the order was served May 17th – all registered mail has been returned and the order was posted on the site. The structure is under foreclosure with Countrywide Home Loan and JP Morgan Chase Bank per Ewbank. Ewbank told Thompson 60 days is the time required by statute.
Ewbank called Keeten’s name 3 times as required by law. He was not present. Neighbor- Betty Canfield said that the ex girlfriend was in touch with Keeten’s father in Louisiana and he said Keeten was in California, but would give no address.
Three neighbors spoke- Betty Canfield, Larry Starker, and Dan Schmaltz stating there were cats and other critters in the house, the back windows were not boarded up and the area was unsafe. They said trash and debris blew to their yards and grass is uncut. One asked if they could take the bricks from retaining wall since they would be demolished. Board said they could not- they had to check with owner or loan agency. Schmaltz said he’d tried to get to loan agency- they said they’d sold the loan- he was interested in buying the lot.
Fox motioned and Thompson 2nd to proceed with the 60 days to demolition and also have Townsend inspect, clean up, board windows, and mow as he sees fit. The costs are to be added to the tax bill of that property.

4. Park Board- Lou Broghammer- presented the replats of the County Farm showing three lots for County Highway, Animal Shelter, and YES Home. These are all leased properties- the County still owns the land. The pauper cemeteries are noted as are the easements to access them. Seibert’s farm lease to 1/31/2011 is also noted. The resolution was read by Ewbank and that along with the retracements and the deed were signed by all 3 commissioners and will be recorded.
The Commissioners commended Broghammer for his work on the Board, which is ending this year. Fox also said that maybe Lawrenceburg could help develop some of these parks. Broghammer deadpanned- “Yes, I understand Lawrenceburg might have some extra money.” Broghammer outlined the Park Board’s acquisitions and plans to consolidate efforts on the larger parks pieces. They gave the Dillsboro Park to the town there to add to their 15 acres and they are giving the 3 acre park to be maintained by the Bright Fire Dept that is used for their festival etc.
There was some joking going on at the end about Commissioner Fox mowing the Gladys Russell Park- as a number close to his was posted out there in a mowing ad.

5. Terry Dillard from Community Corrections presented a $336,161 grant from the state to be signed. Approved. She noted that their in-home detention has 125 on ankle bracelets now, 100 on community service, and 15 juveniles. They’ve saved over $4 million in incarceration costs by not having to house these prisoners over the last few years. She also noted they can help in parks etc- with clean up by community service.

6. Theresa Voltz resigned from Animal Control- Fox will have a name for replacement within a month.

7. Bill Ritzmann was reappointed to the Hospital Board, bringing financial expertise per Hughes.

8. June 8th was proclaimed OKI Day and the commissioners were all invited to their luncheon annual meeting.

9. Darlene Williams of Carr Road asked Commissioners for help dealing with firearms being discharged on an adjoining property top her 8 acres. This is a Residential area and they have 10 automatic guns down there going on all the time. They rigged lights so they can shoot to 10:30 at night. She said they sound like assault rifles. She said they called sheriff’s office twice and the second time they said she was anti- gun. She and her family own guns and they are not anti- gun, she said. She said more than once that these people aren’t kosher.

Ewbank told of another citizen who filed a private civil suit for nuisance in a similar situation. If there is criminal recklessness the sheriff can take that. If it’s an organized function it could fall under zoning enforcement. Ewbank also said with Conservation officers- it could be illegal if they are shooting across a creek. McCormack from Planning will look into it with Kate Rademacher, the enforcement officer. They will contact Conservation Officers.

[NOTE: Automatic weapons and repeated days and nights of shooting might occur legally if you are next to a shooting range, police training facility, or military base. There are some other options that are not legal like drugs, illegal sales of firearms, and other homeland security issues. I’d like to know what Ms Williams meant when she said these people aren’t kosher. Maybe the sheriff’s dept. should check into that too.]

10. Mark McCormack- Plan Director presented 3 sections of the zone ordinance for approval. Section 2576 on wastewater treatment issues with property improvements was passed using Option 2 as recommended by the PC. Section 520 and 315 went back to the Plan Commission for removal of the language on “worst case scenario” as being prejudicial to the developers. They intend to use language as suggested by Hughes and revised by Ewbank for MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE USE with review of CONDITIONAL USES. ( I spoke at the hearing asking them to consider more than just residential uses and density- there were other zone changes and other options available to applicants once they get a zone change – particularly if it is not tied to a concept development plan. )

11. Transportation Dept.- Messmore presented for Listerman who was absent.
Line striping contract awarded to Kneisel Contracting for $80,223.60, which was $40K less than the other bid.

Resurfacing went to Dave O’Mara for $458,336.90, which was $35 K less than the other bid.

The annual report for 2006 was signed and sent on to the state- the auditor and transportation dept will have copies on file.

12. Bryan Messmore- had only one bid to repair the adult jail roof that is leaking- from York and Kuhns (sp?) for $78,500, which is just under the appraised amount. Approved.

The noise ordinance update-included a letter from Sheriff’s Dept- Sgt.Jack Prarat-he will review the decibel reading at the property lines, he said the 90 decibels suggested by Grote exceeded reasonable noise levels, and he’s reviewing other codes in other areas.

13. Messmore presented a report on Ag Econ Round Table that gave the county 3 areas to pursue- diversification, food processing, and bioenergy. They are gathering data from Extension and Farm Bureau on the economic value of Ag in the county. They plan to take a comprehensive look at all the stats. Messmore is “just facilitating to keep the energy going.” Hughes asked about RISE 2020 Meeting and if some team members were going to that as it’s from the Lt Gov. initiative. Messmore will put it on the agenda for their next meeting.

Messmore is also running the US 50 Collaborative to keep the discussion alive on this- they meet June 26th. He didn’t say where or what time.

14. Cary Pickens- Auditor presented the FINAL claim for PSA Dewberry- approved.

The claims were approved except for Vieste- which was handled separately.

Pickens said he’d drawn up a check for Vieste- but that was not the amount they were going to approve tonight, so he’d have to draw up another one. Pickens wanted them to give him an amount tonight so he could have it ready.

Fox said he had real problems with the hourly rates and had negotiated that down with Bryan (and Vieste ?) to$96,289.28

Thompson said there was NO HOURLY RATES IN THE CONTRACT and the close out was around $94K (actually it was around $92K- they corrected that later) He asked if the wastewater rate analysis was completed? He saw part of the Transportation study. Thompson asked- If wastewater wasn’t done is that a breach of the contract and the 10 day rather than 90 day close out applies? If it was 10 days you pay even less.(like 10% of $92,000)

Messmore said that London Witte was to do that and they decided not to pursue. [NOTE: They attempted to put this off on London- Witte- which was a separate contract. HOWEVER- the wastewater rate analysis is specifically stated in the addendum to VIESTE’s contract at something they would accomplish. ]

BOARD TAKES A 5-MINUTE RECESS FOR THOMPSON TO CONFER WITH EWBANK.

Thompson was willing to waive the breach of contract- in order to settle this and be done with it.
Fox went on again about not liking the hourly rates. He asked Thompson if he’d make the motion. Thompson motioned and Fox 2nd to allow the $92,033.19 (payment for May June and July) per the contract and settle the 90-day termination agreement.Passed

Pickens said he would cut the check tomorrow and the claim would be signed at the next meeting- same as with the Friday payroll. He has an ordinance that allows him to cover this. [NOTE: Hurry –hurry- hurry]

Dick Robertson of Vieste/Level 5 Engineering asked to pick up the check tomorrow morning. Pickens said later in the morning. We’d also like the signed settlement agreement. Fox motioned and Thompson 2nd to sign the mutual termination agreement with the $92,033.19 number in it. Passed. Robertson was not authorized to sign it for Vieste- he will take it to Indy and see what they do. [NOTE: Let me get this straight- we give them the check and our signed agreement- but their signatures are not on the agreement yet and they get the check at the same time? Do we just TRUST these guys? Who is protecting the county taxpayers?]

Robertson thanked the commissioners, a pleasure to work with you, maybe someday our paths will cross again.
Fox reminded Robertson of North Dearborn Road- as Level 5 Engineering- if we get the funding.

Hughes said- We were looking as economic prosperity and there was misinformation and now it isn’t possible. [NOTE: Prosperity is possible- economic development is possible- it just needs to be FAR MORE OPEN TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY THAN THIS PLAN, in order to be successful.]

15. Ewbank updated commissioners on no suits, the deeds for eth YES home and Animal Shelter, and the Anchor Glass Bankruptcy filing in Tampa, FL with about ½ million at stake in taxes.

16. Thompson told commissioners that the property owner on Wilson Creek signed off to allow the work to fix the washout. (Jacobsens)

Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

Concerning the noisy gun range:

This may or may not be a noise/safety problem...

But let us not get caught up with the vapors and start calling semi-automatic weapons "automatic" weapons.

Big difference!

Let us not go all "Rosie O'Donnell" over this!

Anonymous said...

"Fox said he had real problems with the hourly rates..."


Fox's main re-election campaign theme should be to fire any politician and office holder who had a hand in signing and/or drafting, this one-sided, hard-bargained, Vieste contract!

Anonymous said...

Perhaps our officeholders, administrator, and their minions should publicly apologize for Vieste's contract and letting the public down.
What's MessMore going to do now that his staff extension isn't there to advise him all day long?

Anonymous said...

I’d like to know what Ms Williams meant when she said these people aren’t kosher.


I heard that "Ladies Night" at the Shooting Range is restricted to "Burka-Babes" only!!!

Anonymous said...

Maybe, Messmore can save the County more money.

He could hire another firm for $300,000.00, fire them immediately and pay them their $150,000.00 severance package...

...saving the County a cool $150,000.00, with no effort by any of the parties involved!!!

Yeah!!! That's a dream plan!!!

Anonymous said...

Cliff Eibeck- questioned the commissioners about their letter to DCRSD regarding not enforcing sewer hook-ups. He wanted to know why it was taking 8 weeks so far and still wasn’t done.


Simply put:

Everyone knows, the backers of "sewers" main desire is to "tax" helpless citizens, by forcing them on sewers, to subsidize certain and various realtor/developers' business plans!

So this letter has to be drafted in such a manner as to make it completely "toothless" and "useless" in regards to any later "sewer" suits or other legal actions!

Anonymous said...

The "sewer" letter is being drafted as we speak.

The song playing in the background at Ewbanks' Office is the "Beach Boys" song:

WOULDN'T IT BE NICE!

Ewbanks giggles as he dictates the letter!

Anonymous said...

In separate letters to Brett and Rodney, Ewbank wrote just one word to each:

In Bretts': WINK!

AND A


In Rodney's: NOD!

Anonymous said...

Chrissy-
Glad you can now add sewers to the numerous items you are an expert at. Get a life!

Anonymous said...

"Chrissy- Glad you can add sewers to the numerous items you are an expert at. Get a life!"

This County sucks at their political non-sense. Chris is a person I respect a lot. She has a lot of nerve to stick her neck out and offer opinions and be on County watch.

I'm so disappointed in this County and it's administration. The political goons are too concerned about their pockets and not about taxpayer dollars.

Anonymous said...

Chrissy-
Glad you can now add sewers to the numerous items you are an expert at. Get a life!



Conflicted Fehrman is an expert?

Conflicted Dennerline is an expert?

Conflicted Sammy is an expert?

Conflicted DCEDI are experts on anything other than on ways to latch on to taxpayers' money for their own pet projects?


Spare us!!!

...by the way, what is your conflict of interest?

Thank goodness you and your buddies will soon be out on your own...spending your own money...not the taxpayers!!!

Anonymous said...

Our County's politcal goons really love their lawyers!

As an asided, what ever happen to that little gal lawyer who always seemed to have her lips sutured to Vera's ear?

Did she find another hack politician that equally enjoys her legal puppeteering skills?

Anonymous said...

L. Parvin certainly loves to suckle that VRUC money teet!

By the way, has anyone ever met a character with an intial first first name that was not both arrogant and condescending?

Anonymous said...

Chrissy-
Glad you can now add sewers to the numerous items you are an expert at. Get a life!


To this poster:

At least you are permitted a voice here.

Not the same with the DCEDI and their crowd.

I heard the DCEDI changed their password.

The old one: "IS JACK SHITTE A MEMBER HERE?" is no longer valid.

Try it once. Ask the question.

You will only be told by the DCEDI gatekeeper that:

NO ONE AT THE DCEDI KNOWS "JACK SHITTE!!!"

Anonymous said...

Chrissy-
Glad you can now add sewers to the numerous items you are an expert at. Get a life!


I see you can attack the messenger.

What about the message?

That message points to the incompetence and possible corruption of the sewer boards.

Let me guess, you stand a chance to profit from such incompetence and possible corruption?

It then logically follows that you believe those who are against such incompetence and possible corruption are ”anti-everything!!!”

Your act grows very old!!!

Anonymous said...

Those who complain about the very existence of Chris Mueller...

...are akin to theives complaining about the existence of pad locks...

...both serve to keep theives away from other people's money!!!

Anonymous said...

Fox has a problem with the hourly rates? What a statement.... Does this guy really have the nerve to say this? Is this the first time he has heard about the "rates"? Where is Ewbank? Fox needs some translation on contracts he is signing for the COUNTY TAXPAYERS. How can this happen? Is he like Hughes who votes and signs taxpayers dollars to something before he understands that is much more than a "study"? This is a shame and someone should have to answer to the taxpayers of this County. Hughes and Fox step up to the plate and deal with it. Asking Thompson to make the motion to terminate....unbelievable.

Anonymous said...

Fox’s epiphany regarding Vieste’s hourly rates is right up their with the voting public’s epiphany when the finally came to the realization:

“HEY! VERA REALLY IS AN IDIOT, ISN’T SHE? HERE I JUST THOUGHT SHE HAD A DRINKING PROBLEM!"

Anonymous said...

Where is Ewbank?

He is busy lining up two Democrats to run when Fox and Hughes lose the primary.

He probably has already browbeat Fox and Hughes into giving their complete and unfettered endorsements of the two Democrats to be named at a future date!

Anonymous said...

Q: What do you get when a Ewbank and a L. Parvin Price spawn?

A: Nothing. There are some things that not even nature can permit.

Anonymous said...

I've noticed that the mouth pieces of the DCEDI and the Chamber have been dreadfully quiet lately.

Palpable evidence that they truly lack the courage of their so-called convictions!

I guess they slithered back to the shadows to conspire on ways further to pilfer the largess of the County Taxpayers' hard-earned money!

It must be agonizingly heartbreaking…the realization that every election cycle they will lose more and more gullible back-office politicos ever-willing to do their bidding!

Anonymous said...

Conflicted Fehrman is an expert?

Conflicted Dennerline is an expert?


There is a "sewer crisis" regarding High Ridge subdivision.

So, of course, providing Brett's and Rodney's property with sewer will somehow alleviate High Ridge's problems.

We expect such dubious behaviour from Rodney...but Brett?

Brett embarrasses his Momma more and more each day!

Anonymous said...

Has anyone else noticed that, with all the talk from the realtors/developers concerning our septic tank crisis in the County, that the only systems experiencing any real problems are County sewer lines and their respective systems?

Does anyone else find that rather entertaining?

Anonymous said...

Yeah!

My septic system, at its worst, may develop a small wet spot in the yard, where it almost immediately filters right back into the ground.

But my septic tank is contributiing to the crisis!!!

Sewer lines are infiltrating all over the County...Treatment Plants are dumping raw sewage into dry creek beds...

But, of course, the response from the conflicted politicians is we need even more denser subdivisions, more grinder pumps and more lawyers suing our citizens into compliance!!!

Anonymous said...

Grinder pumps?

This last winter, my electric went out for almost a week.

So, I reckon, if I had to rely on a grinder pump, there might have been something even deeper than the snow surrounding my home!

Anonymous said...

Picture a crowded subdivison.

Picture a crowded subdivison serviced by grinder pumps.

Picture a crowded subdivison serviced by grinder pumps during an electrical outage.

Not a pretty picture, is it Brett?

Anonymous said...

Do not be surprised if Brett, knowing the public is getting wise to his shenanigans, thus making his tenure on the sewer board even more tenuous, when he shifts into high gear with his obvious objective of getting sewer to his little boondoggle farm on Highway 50!

Complete and replete with grinder pumps!

The Fehrman Clan will pocket a nice little profit, leaving the headaches and expenses to the taxpayers for decades to come!

Anonymous said...

During an electrical outage, one thing, for certain, that won't lose wattage is the monthly sewer bill.

During such electrical outage, when you are out behind your house doing what bears do in the woods, feel comforted by the fact that the sewer bill will arive on time!!!

Anonymous said...

A: What do you get when a car runs into an electrical pole in a grinder serviced community?

Q: A constipated subdivision!

Anonymous said...

Q: What will be Brett's response be to those in his subdivision complaining about their overflowing toliets during an electrical outage?

A: Eat less fiber!

Anonymous said...

Q: What will the ever-spineless Brett cry-out during a cantankerous and bad-tempered meeting of his dissatisfied subdivision home owners?

A: Impeach Fred Thompson!

Anonymous said...

Q: What do Jan and Bob wish for whenever they toss a coin into a wishing well?

A: That Brett will finally get a job!

Anonymous said...

With all this “good” publicity Brett is getting for the family firm, don’t be surprised if mom and pop require that Brett place a bag over his head and ply his trade as the “Unknown Realtor!”

Anonymous said...

Brett is just another sheltered child fostered in Dearborn County with big plans involving other people's money.

Anonymous said...

Q: What did Vieste, the DCEDI and the Chamber or Commerce consider a Commissioner with a GED?

A: Over-qualified!

Anonymous said...

Q: What do you get when you cross a Realtor, a Developer and a Sewer Board?

A: Apparently, septic health crisis followed by more septic health crisis...generally situated around the Realtor/Developer's next investment!

Anonymous said...

Is it true that Vieste is selling their entire stock of "THINK LINK" T-Shirts and Bumper Stickers on Ebay?

Anonymous said...

A: Impeach Fred Thompson!

Change to "Ralph Thompson."

Thanks for you time and consideration.

And remember, a Brett could infect your neighborhood if you are not sober.

Senator Nugent, you are most at risk of a Brett invasion!

Anonymous said...

Oh, a twist of fate!

If, only, Brett's parents' owned a septic tank cleaning service!

Brett, the caliber of character that he is, would be doing his damn'est to color the inherent inconsistencies of the "Pro-Sewer" crowd!

Anonymous said...

Picture a crowded subdivison.

Picture a crowded subdivison serviced by grinder pumps.

Picture a crowded subdivison serviced by grinder pumps during an electrical outage.

Not a pretty picture, is it Brett?



PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brett and his cadre do not care!

They simply desire the fast buck, then to envelope themselves in the fake sheer of decency that the fast buck affords!

Anonymous said...

Picture a crowded subdivison serviced by grinder pumps during an electrical outage.


Picture Fehrman and his politico buddies mandating the purchase and use of Fehrman Brand Generators for all grinder serviced communities.

Anonymous said...

I hope my well water is upstream of your overflowing septic tank. Think about that the next time you turn on the faucet to brush your teeth, Chrissy!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I hope your well water is upstream from the many overburdened waste water dumps into dry creekbeds from your sewer plant. Weenee!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I hope your well water is no where near Hiddey Valley Lake subdivision!

Certain realtor/developers friends of yours on VRUC are putting all those poor residents' health at risk because of their greed!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Is there one member of any local sewer board who is pushing sewers on the residents who does not have some conflict of interest?

Anonymous said...

I hope my well water is upstream of your overflowing septic tank. Think about that the next time you turn on the faucet to brush your teeth, Chrissy!!!!!!

I take it your neighbors don't have livestock?

Did you already run them off with your incessant bitching?

Anonymous said...

"I hope my well water is upstream..."

I hope your well water is way, way upstream from a sudivision serviced by grinder pumps during an electrical outage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Grinder pumps!!!

Sewer on the cheap today for the profit of a few realtors and developers!!!

When the real costs come due within the next decade...the taxpayers will have to foot the bill to fix the realtors and developers' mess!!!

Anonymous said...

And remember! Bret Fehrman is running for Aurora City council!

Isn't that a pretty picture?

Anonymous said...

And remember! Bret Fehrman is running for Aurora City council!

Isn't that a pretty picture?




A Fox campaigns for control of the henhouse.

Anonymous said...

From what I have read, the "ideal" outside lifetime of a grinder pump is just under 10 years.

Again, that is under "ideal" circumstances!

Brett's subdivision home-owners will be in for a shock when their pumps fail and they are hit for the costs of a new pump and installation fees!

Couple those costs with the ever-increasing sewer rates...

Anonymous said...

"Robertson thanked the commissioners, a pleasure to work with you, maybe someday our paths will cross again."

Only if we want to let them pick the County's pockets again.