Wednesday, September 19, 2007

18 September 2007 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes

18 September 2007 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes

Present: Hughes, Chairman, Fox, and Thompson
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, Ewbank, Attorney, and Messmore, Administrator

Uniformed police officer was present.
The room was full to capacity with a few people in the hall and standing all along the sides of the room.

Harrison Fire and EMS Contract remained tabled.

Dillsboro EMS Contract was signed after Randy Jackson presented their budget and a list of excuses as to why the all-volunteer dept. is missing so many runs. Thompson voted Nay because he had explained earlier that Dillsboro was meeting in executive session this evening to discuss the EMS problems and to see if they could provide some way to get better service. He thought Dillsboro should be given a chance to weigh in on the issues and then perhaps structure the payments to get better service. Hughes pushed hard to get the contract signed and Fox seconded. Two Ayes, Thompson Nay. Passed.

Collier Ridge Road Slip- was moved up to accommodate most of the residents who were in the meeting. John Graf of Barth and Associates (Steve Barth also present) explained 4 alignments (including the original one) they will be studied for $8,000 to determine the best fix for the road. There are apparently no funds the county qualifies for or are if qualified, are even available, for this fix. (Example STP- Strategic Transportation Program Funds)
Two substandard bridges are also in the mix and are a problem with fire protection and larger trucks. There is also an issue with the RR crossing. They have soil boring showing bedrock about 20 feet down.
It will take about 6 weeks to get the feasibility study done. That puts possible construction at early to mid November at the earliest.

Fox wants to use a similar alignment to the original just moving road to the right and having the LeMasters property owners (daughter and son) “donate” the land for the good of the area. [NOTE: Fox (twice) has previously been suggesting relocating the road up over the hill- in past meetings.]

Residents’ asked numerous questions about the problem, questioned what was being done as exacerbating the problem in their opinion, worried that they would end up with a road closing and two cul de sacs, and asked about the safety of the current markings with kids driving etc.
Fox said that the commissioners didn’t say anything about a cul de sac or closing the road. It was not their intent to close the road. [NOTE: Intent or not- the road WILL be closed if it deteriorates further and/or if the Council doesn’t appropriate money to fix it. It’s a matter of time and money. Residents may want to check out their Council reps to see if the funding is available. This road has about 400 vpd and so is not considered a major road. ]
Todd Listerman will update Riley and Glenn families about their progress and they will be contacts for the neighborhood. He will also look at further safety measures along the road until it is fixed. Hughes said something about two heads being better than one in answer to getting public and consultant input.
Thompson moved and Fox 2nd to proceed with a feasibility study as expeditiously as possible. All ayes.

RISE 2020 (Rural Indiana Strategy for Excellence) and ORCA (Office of Community and Rural Affairs) -Heather Powell, Erica Speer, and Andrew Finick (sp?) presented an overview of the Hometown Competitiveness Program and told Commissioners that 12 areas will be in the pilot study. Applications due on Oct 4. For $7500 investment by the community they get a 3 day training and phase 1 consultations with the “team” of advisors including USDA Rural Dev., PCRSD ( Purdue Center for Regional Dev.) Ball State- Building Better Communities, IRDC- Indiana Rural Dev Council, and Indiana grantmakers alliance.
They tout this as a Come Back – Give Back approach to community building. One of the 4 pillars this segment is built on is attracting young people. [NOTE: I couldn’t help but note that there were 3 young energized people presenting this concept to a board whose youngest member is in his mid 40s.]

The other 3 pillars are:
Mobilizing local leaders (and they are looking for a diversity of leadership- (not something our commissioners have been known for selecting),
Energizing entrepreneurship- (which requires communication and collaboration with Lawrenceburg and the local towns), and
Capturing wealth transfer (with the idea of finding out of town landowners who have inherited this wealth in land and trying to convert at least 5 % into charitable assets.)

This program uses CDBG and HUD grants, CFF (Community Focus Funds- max award $ 500K with 10% match), Planning Grants (max award $50K with 10% match), Economic Dev Grants, Rural Workforce Grants ( max $150K), and Urgent Needs grants.
They cautioned that his is a LONG TERM approach taking 15-20 years. They plan to use the 12 pilot communities around the state and customize the assistance to each community. Andrew said: Kids can stay in town and create their own opportunities- not have to move away. Messmore talked about the hospital and health care opportunities in the county now. [NOTE: He’s finally noticed the expansion of a large good paying employer on Ludlow Hill.]
Andrew cautioned that this approach is more cultural than entrepreneurial. We will get $200,000 invested in agencies in direct in-kind technical assistance.
Messmore talked about expanding our 800 acres of parkland to 3000 acres. Hughes focused on the entrepreneurs and said he goes to RISE 2020 and gets all excited and then he comes back her…
Mark McCormack asked about the 50,000 population limit for the county and was told that wouldn’t be a problem- that was a rate limit for municipalities.
Messmore will make application by Oct 4.

Planning and Zoning- Mark McCormack presented two cases and only one minor question from the public on density issues in the text amendment came up.
Bamberger’s rezoning from Ag to B-1 was passed unanimously in Logan Township on Steele and North Dearborn Roads using the same restrictions that the PC placed upon it and noting specifically that it met all 5 criteria for a zone change. Thompson moved Fox 2nd . All ayes.

Text amendment for section 1640 on major and minor changes to PUDs and how they will be handled by tech review board and the PC passed and the previous section 1640 was repealed. Fox motioned and Thompson 2nd. All ayes. Historical pattern of Sugar Ridge development and issues there prompted this change.

Todd Listerman- Highway Dept gave a less than 3 minute presentation

* * *

(That’s 3 gold stars for a succinct presentation). He updated commissioners on his plans for safety on Collier Ridge short term and the Randall Ave appraisals for property for the Highway Dept consolidation. No action required until they review. [NOTE: Journal Press Tuesday paper has story covering the highway dept. consolidation of districts for more efficient service and cross-training of all employees.]

Pickens- Manchester Fire and EMS Contract signed, claims corrected and signed. Hughes abstained, as he hadn’t reviewed the claims.

Minutes for the Sept 4 meeting were abridged twice prior to the meeting by Hughes to shorten a section where Ron Wullenweber came in to speak on property tax issues.
Thompson had a problem with abridged minutes- the question about tax rates had been left out with Pickens answer that they didn’t have that yet. Ewbank’s comments were left out. Thompson wasn’t sure the summary had actually captured all of Wullenweber’s concerns. They also didn’t have a couple other items covered.

Fox agreed.

Hughes said he’d requested the change to shorten the minutes and then went on with three unfinished sentences- couldn’t get the gist of what he was trying to say.

Motion was made by Fox to approve the minutes with addition of Dillsboro EMS concerns, Wilmington Road issues, and Pickens comments on tax rates added. Thompson 2nd. Passed.

Hughes wants minutes summarized with key points only. Pickens said old minutes had less detail. Comment was made about saving the trees. [NOTE: The original transcription had about 1 page of notes on Wullenweber’s comments. When a citizen takes the time to come to a meeting and get on the agenda and the issue is property taxes- it would seem important to capture the essence of that discussion. This desire to save paper sounds good- until you see the next item- with several pages of legalese generated to get sex offender fees and work release fees for the sheriff’s dept. into ordinances. How come it’s important to print all that, but not important to outline accurately a taxpayer’s concerns? ]

Ewbank- Commissioners approved the Sex Offender Fee ordinance and the Sheriff Work Release Fee Ordinance and they go on top Council for their approval.

Hughes wants Plan Commission to look at an ordinance on Fire Hydrant Visibility- Messmore to check on this.
Hughes also read a letter on Rabies Awareness Alert this month. The paper already covered this issue.

Meeting adjourned 9:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township

121 comments:

Anonymous said...

[NOTE: He’s finally noticed the expansion of a large good paying employer on Ludlow Hill.]

Did you want to note that just because your husband works there. I think everyone is aware of the changes going on by the hospital, which is good for the county a little but better for the city. Even if the hospital expanded more for good paying jobs, no one wants more homes in this county so were would all those additional workers live.

I think Brian Messmore is at least trying to get something moving for this county to create a steady tax base. I guess we will see if the knowledgable northern residents try to shut this one down.

Anonymous said...

For the record: my husband does NOT work at Dearborn County Hospital.

I said it because we keep looking at new industry and business and forget that we have existing ones that need encouragement also.

And because in planning circles it has become known- with changing demographics in populations as the boomers age- that people looking to settle in an area look for good schools as a marker of a quality community - AND they look for a good regional health care facility.

I would question the contention that no one wants more homes in this county. I personally would like to see some housing stock that is more creative and caters to an aging population's needs. I would also like to see something besides the typical cookie cutter community that is so prevalent in other communities in the tri-state.

Commentary on this blog is often reacting to inadequacies and inequities that people see in our local policies.

I wouldn't say everyone feels exactly the same way about everything in the county. I happen to like living on a farm. But I wouldn't say everyone does or that it's suitable to everyone. Likewise I wouldn't say that people living in cities, towns or dense subdivisions are wrong to want to live that way. It's a matter of personal preference.

But if a farmer went to Lawrenceburg and asked to rezone half the town to Ag so he could put in a barn and a cattle operation, the city dwellers would be marching to the Planning meeting complaining about that too. There are just some lifestyles that aren't compatible in close proximity. We have to learn to manage our DIVERSE lifestyles and interests if we want a diverse population.

Chris Mueller

Anonymous said...

Chris Mueller
6:21 PM, September 19, 2007

Right on!
God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

But if a farmer went to Lawrenceburg and asked to rezone half the town to Ag so he could put in a barn and a cattle operation, the city dwellers would be marching to the Planning meeting complaining about that too.

And the juxtaposition fits and is relative to the debate!!!

Now, maybe the other side can respond with a “Bogey Man” comment…or an “anti-everything” reference!!!

Anonymous said...

"...no one wants more homes in this county so were would all those additional workers live."

Have you not seen all the "For Sale" signs posted in this County?

Have you not read or watched the news, that such a "glut" of homes may very well last for another 5 years or so?

Please!

Anonymous said...

"...no one wants more homes in this county so were would all those additional workers live."


What this person really meant to say was:

"YOU ALL WILL NOT THROW TAXPAYER DOLLARS AT ALL US DEVELOPMENT TYPES THAT ARE NOW HURTING DURING THIS DOWN TURN IN THE HOUSING MARKET! A MARKET BASED ECONOMY IS FOR THE LITTLE PEOPLE...PAY US...NOW!!!!!!!!!!!"

Anonymous said...

" There are just some lifestyles that aren't compatible in close proximity. We have to learn to manage our DIVERSE lifestyles and interests if we want a diverse population.'

But what if a farm comes up for sale at such a good price, and a politically connected or a very willing bribe promoting developer can buy such farm???

Don't ya think think this "politcally connected" developer should be able to develop such farm...if and of course...he can bribe enough public officials to force surrounding home and property owners to subsidize such development...really...if through such transaction...the developer and the paid-off public officials will be able to pay-off their respective gambling debts, mistress accounts or Caddy payments??????????????

Anonymous said...

Have you not read or watched the news, that such a "glut" of homes may very well last for another 5 years or so?

Do not confuse these cretins with facts! It makes them hostile and aggressive...leading to throwing their support to a Development Democrat...or any other useful idiot!

Anonymous said...

There is a 100:1 ratio of "enforced sewer hookups" to "bogey man" references on here. and neither exist, so who's wasting who's time?

And now you have me on a good rant, it's "boogey" not "bogey". Boogey=scary, bogey=what Maverick and Goose shot down in Top Gun.

Anonymous said...

"because he had explained earlier that Dillsboro was meeting in executive session this evening to discuss the EMS problems and to see if they could provide some way to get better service. He thought Dillsboro should be given a chance to weigh in on the issues and then perhaps structure the payments to get better service. Hughes pushed hard to get the contract signed"

It seems some of the Commissioners still do not want to hear from the Citizens and now, even the towns of our County.

Randy Jackson talked about all the problems they had; but, not one word about how they were going to fix them. And two of the Commissioners rushed to give them the money anyway.

What's wrong with this situation?,

Anonymous said...

The bogeyman, boogyman, bogyman, or boogeyman, is a legendary ghostlike monster often believed in by children. The bogeyman has no specific appearance, and bogeyman can be used metaphorically to denote a person or thing of which someone has an irrational fear. The bogeyman legend may originate from Scotland, where such creatures are sometimes called bogles, boggarts, or bogies.[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogeyman


So, not only are you wrong about the different spellings of "bogey man" you also are comparing apples and hand grenades...as between "forced hook-ups," which are real and a definitive treat to the taxpayers of this County because of a few loathsome realtor/developers and the "Bogey Man" which is only used as a response by the morally and ethically lost realtor/developer cheerleaders who cannot defend their proposed theft other than to invoke mythical creatures and mind farts!

Anonymous said...

What's wrong with this situation?

Remember Dillsboro...you cannot vote out these two republicrats in the primary, because party bosses will simply allow them to run in the general as democrats!

You will have to vote twice to get these scoundrels out of office!

Your Local Republicrat Leadership at Work!

Anonymous said...

Chris Mueller said...

For the record: my husband does NOT work at Dearborn County Hospital.

Come on Chris, let the liars work a bit harder, let the rope get a little longer, before you let them hang themselves!

At least be a bit more "sporting" before crushing them with the truth!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

and a definitive treat

Please read threat, because what some of our local realtor/developers have in mind for the taxpayer, is certainly no treat!

Anonymous said...

Would somebody please get some "government cheese" to these "hurt'n" realtors and developers before they go on another crime spree!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

RJP said...

There is a 100:1 ratio of "enforced sewer hookups" to "bogey man" references on here. and neither exist, so who's wasting who's time?


Enlighten us all how the DCRSD intends to pay for its sewers if not by forcing hookups?

Tell us what alternatives has the DCRSD offered to finance their sewers other than by forcing hookups?

Spit it out!

Anonymous said...

"...so who's wasting who's time?"

Well, apparently it has been the DCRSD wasting all our time in order to mine every hole for ways to force the taxpayer to subsidize a Board member's subdivision!

Anonymous said...

In reference to DCRSD and forces hook-ups and boogeyman-( however it's spelled)- this is what happens when a Regional Sewer District is created and takes over the entire UNsewered county area by what many would consider an illegal commissioners vote. A vote with no public notice - and the commissioners parrotting what the DCRSD Lawyer wrote out for them as a means to REQUEST the expansion. The actions were all initiated by DCRSD and their lawyer- NOT by the Commissioners as the state law mandates. The DCRSD requested the commissioners to request the expansion.
It's not paranoia- it's perception.

Anonymous said...

"...and the commissioners parrotting what the DCRSD Lawyer wrote out for them as a means to REQUEST the expansion."

Which is why "Development Interests" in this County demand their "Public Officials" be uneducated and slow-witted!

Anonymous said...

Has Ewbank provided a list of suitable Democrats to Morris yet for Commissioners?

Is the DCRSD already devising ways to put Fox and Hughes somehow on its payroll?

Anonymous said...

"My husband does not work at Dearborn County Hospital" Chris Meuller

That is a true statement, however Dr. Mueller does work at UC working on Taxpayer funded research projects in Gerentology. Does this mean that Chris Mueller is living off of the tax payers?

It is also interesting that Ms. Mueller is interested in housing for the aged population. How short our memory is. Why just a few years ago, she was advocating placing Senior Housing only in the cities and was quoted as saying that the county side was not a good palce for senior citizens to live. They needed to live in places like Harbor View. When was the last time you saw a Senior Citizen, with a walker, trying to cross 50 at the 350 intersection?
It is obvious that the opinions of the "against everythings" change with the convenience of time.

Anonymous said...

It is obvious that the opinions of the "against everythings" change with the convenience of time.

And the opinion our realtor/developers of having taxpayers fund all things development related does not seem to change with time!

Remember to vote!

Your local Republican Leadership (A Subdidiary of Baron Hill Enterprises) will offer you a "bought and paid for" Development Republican in the primaries and a "bought and paid for" Development Democrat in the General!

Good luck with your rigging of the next election!

Anonymous said...

"That is a true statement, however Dr. Mueller does work at UC working on Taxpayer funded research projects in Gerentology. Does this mean that Chris Mueller is living off of the tax payers?"

My husband does not work at UC either. He is not doing research in gerontolgy.


Nor am I interested in "Senior Housing" as much as open market housing geared towards senior citizens. There is a difference.
And I would place it closer to city amenities rather than miles away from groceries, etc.

Chris Mueller

Anonymous said...

That is a true statement, however Dr. Mueller does work at UC working on Taxpayer funded research projects in Gerentology.

Has the good doctor taken over local politics utilizing heavy-handed tactics to force others to pay for his research?

Anonymous said...

"Nor am I interested in "Senior Housing" as much as open market housing geared towards senior citizens. There is a difference."

The difference is there are "some" in this County who have made it their "personal" familial industry drawing a paycheck from the government by "helping" the elderly and misfortunate!

The less privatization of such "industry" the better for these people!

Anonymous said...

He is not doing research in gerontolgy.

Rick Fox and Jeff Hughes:

"GERONTOLGY??? IS THAT THE STUDY OF JERRY LEWIS RELATED DISEASES???

Anonymous said...

"And I would place it closer to city amenities rather than miles away from groceries, etc."

But "cheap" farm land is miles away from such amenities...however it does afford the developer of such "off the beaten path" senior housing quite a bit more profit...and that is what is fueling all this "concern" for our senior citizens emanating from our local realtor/developers!

Anonymous said...

"Enlighten us all how the DCRSD intends to pay for its sewers if not by forcing hookups?"


Shhhh!!!

We are not supposed to discuss such matters until the DCRSD has the "legal" framework in place to send out those "hook-up" letters!

If you keep bringing up such matters, it makes it so much more difficult to "hood-wink" our local public officials into financing these "forced" hook-ups!

Just keep repeating to yourself:

THE DCRSD IS NOT ABOUT DEVELOPMENT, IT IS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE...THE DCRSD IS NOT ABOUT DEVELOPMENT, IT IS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE...THE DCRSD IS NOT ABOUT DEVELOPMENT, IT IS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE..."

Anonymous said...

"THE DCRSD IS NOT ABOUT DEVELOPMENT, IT IS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE GET LOANS TO PAY FOR THE SEWERS OF A FEW POLITICALLY CONNECTED DEVELOPERS!!!!!!!!!"

Anonymous said...

I hope these county officials start taking a hard look at the ems problems in this county. I can't believe the signed a contract with Manchester Twp. They should have given that money to Aurora EMS. They are making runs in that twp. almmost on a dailey basis and that goes for the fire dept. also. Come on Pickens I know you live there and are member there. How can you in good faith give them tax payer money when they are not providing the service. You all got plenty of money to put beer in your cooler at the firehouse. Lets get some one on this problem to get ems on track. We are blowing money on a stinkin bridge over laughery creek that all you can do is look at it, and all of the other waste and we all or some one in our families will need an EMS unit some day. So i guess we will have to go to the bridge and lay our hand on it and the magic genie will get us to the hospital.

Anonymous said...

"...we will see if the knowledgable northern residents try to shut this one down."


Knowledgable???

Well, you see, it is hard to be "knowledgable" when you are cut out from the "get-go" relative to any discussions and planning of the NW Quadrant Development Project, not finding out anything was "up" until a few realtors were contacting landowners about selling their properties!

The NW Quadrant disaster can be blamed entirely on a handful of Development Interests who encouraged their "flunkies" in County government to keep the NW Quadrant plans close to the vest!

All to assure these Development Interests could get the best deal possible from landowners in the NW Quadrant and to streamline the planning process in their chosen "echo chambers" of like minds and like interests!

And why not, these Development Interest feel they own the County and its Public Officials!

So keep planning away in private, concerning OUR land and OUR tax dollars!

It seems like a "winner" for you all!

Anonymous said...

How can you in good faith give them tax payer money when they are not providing the service.

Our County politicos are corrupt to the core. Vote out all these "old guard" SOBs. Maybe then our taxdollars will not be used as a petty cash fund by this bunch of crooks.

Anonymous said...

I guess Dillsboro and Aurora will have to seriously gear up to service those proposed subdivisions on 50 full of potential fire and EMS runs! Maybe the two could get some development and impact fees from these developers? Fat chance! We all have to scrape our dollars together to support these developers' subdivisions! This is the same group that is going to force their neighbors onto their sewers to help pay for their developments!

Anonymous said...

"I hope these county officials start taking a hard look at the ems problems in this county."

They have no time for such petty details...they are far too busy catering to those who would further burden our infrastructure problems!

Anonymous said...

Since existing home owners will have to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to subsidize these new subdivisions, their homes will become unmarketable, and in ten or 15 years, since they cannot sell these homes, you will see many of them being rented by more and more "lower income families" which will place a greater burden on the resourses and infrastructure of neighboring communities!

Anonymous said...

Man, What are we going to?

Let's keep fighting every issue there is and go nowhere.

It is so easy to complain and find fault.

Anonymous said...

Just because criticism is out there- doesn't mean we are going nowhere.

Example- the 3 cities used to have trouble with ems runs- they solved the problem with paid crews.
The county and smaller towns will have to do the same. When the PUBLIC gets sick of poor service- then they will demand better. It may take a tax increase. It certainly will take a less provincial attitude. And it will require more regional and community cooperation to strategically locate the fire/ems depts. In the end- the gambling money doled out- might be better used to accomplish this- rather than scattering small amounts all over the county.

Anonymous said...

"It is so easy to complain and find fault."

It is easier not to be dishonest and not trying to game the political system to steal from the taxpayers! It is easier to pay your own bills than forcing others to pay them for you!

But, let's just all shut up and let those who would abuse their positions of authority in County Government do what they will!

If it costs us more tax dollars, limits public involvement in public matters and we are forced to get loans to subsidize the politically connected business interests, then so be.

Look on the bright side, many of our politically connected will make a tidy profit!

And that means dollars in the pockets of those who matter in this County!

Anonymous said...

why do you say that the elderly are misfortunate? On a whole,they are the wealthiest group in the country. If privitization is the answer, why not start with the school system, where they graduate functional illiterates and when the teachers are tested for compentency, they have to pass a 9th grade test? It would seem that there are alot of issues here that are being neglected because we are so focused on sewers and seeing who can say the nastiest thing about the development group or groups.

Anonymous said...

Infrastructure needs to be in place, or the dollars available for infrastructure have to be in the bank, before we permit every developer to buy up every farm and plant homes four to an acre.

That is a hard, cold reality.

Someone previously posted about impact fees. That is the only way to promote smart growth. If not, the taxpayer will just be used as a check book to finance any and all development.

Anonymous said...

You should hear the complaining when the small ems and fire depts. inform their residents that they will have to pay for ems and fire runs. Suddenly, privitation becomes a very dirty word. We enjoy having the government pay for everything, and then we fuss because we are being taxed for it. Lets make the government pay for the sewers, then it will not cost us anything!

Anonymous said...

here that are being neglected because we are so focused on sewers

Most of us have many issues we care about, we deal with daily, because the focus here on this blog is largely concerning theft through forced sewer hookups, does not mean it is the only thing in most of our lives.

But when you have crooks in county government trying force you to finance their buddies projects, I think you should be able to discuss such.

Maybe if some of our local developers would focus less on trying to figure out ways to force the rest of us to support their development, they might find other resources to pay for ALL their development expenses!

Anonymous said...

Lets make the government pay for the sewers, then it will not cost us anything!

Lets force the neighbors of proposed developments to pay for the sewers of a realtor/developer...

...then it will not cost us anything!!!

Anonymous said...

"Lets make the government pay for the sewers, then it will not cost us anything!"

You've heard it before and it's true "There's no free lunch".

Anonymous said...

Well, I stand corrected. I thought this was the Dearborn County blog. Now I see it is the sewer blog and the stop development blog.
Why has there been no inditements of the crooks that are running the county? Surely there must be some evidence that will stand up in court? The only crook that I remember was the milk man and I think he generally stood with the no development group.
Just asking!

Anonymous said...

"we are so focused on sewers"

This blog is about matters relative to Dearborn County, including sewer issues.

I like to hunt and fish, but I discuss that on other forums directed at such issues. When I am on those other forums I don't whin about everyone discussing hunting and fishing.

I have many interests that I do not discuss here.

Why you think this is the entire focus of our lives says more about you than ourselves.

Anonymous said...

Now I see it is the sewer blog and the stop development blog.

You are free to post whatever you like and unlike those who believe the taxpayer should fund all development in this County, we will not "slam down the gavel" in an effort to shut down debate or your voice!

And please, feel free to wunder up and to the top right of this blog...and hit the "Create your own blog" button!

It really is that easy!

Anonymous said...

"and the stop development blog."

Would you have us cheering on developers who are doing their best to force us to subsidize their subdivisions, etc??? Should we focus more on their "good" points??? Should we go to the bank with big smiles on our faces when we are "forced" to get loans to pay for their sewers, because, hey, it could be worse??? It seems you just want to change the subject, because subject makes you uncomfortable!!! Maybe you see no problem of forcing others to pad your bottom line!!!

Anonymous said...

And please, feel free to wunder up and to the top right of this blog...and hit the "Create your own blog" button!

These folks would have a comment section with 99% of posts redacted because they were not glowing adulations of all things realtor/developer related!

Anonymous said...

You've heard it before and it's true "There's no free lunch".

The problem is the politically connected of this county want the rest of us to provide them breakfast, lunch and dinner...without any complaints!

Anonymous said...

"Should we focus more on their "good" points???"

Maybe we could have a special section of this blog set aside for the:

DAILY REFLECTIONS OF HOW REALTOR/DEVELOPERS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR LIVES

Anonymous said...

Dearborn County is chock full of decent realtors and developers, they are the ones not on on boards trying to force others to subsidize their subdivisions and construction projects! That is a job for the lazy and the theiving! Most of us get up everyday to our jobs without first stopping off at some politician's office to find ways to stick it to the taxpayer!

Anonymous said...

Realtors have made a difference in all of our lives. How else would all the buckeyes have been able to come over here and find a place to live? Then, after a few years, they begin to condemn all the other buckeyes who want to come here. Its called the "draw bridge syndrome". When most of the anti development people came, they used realtors, except the few who will now respond that they found a builder without using a realtor.
By the way, builders are developers too! So unless you built your own home, you anti development folk are some of the biggest contributors to the development problem!

Anonymous said...

No one has a problem with 99% honest realtor/developers...we have problems with that 1% doing their best to take over county government to insure that the rest of us fund their "particular" projects.

Comments on this blog would dry up if realtor/developers would police their own and publicly condemn what is going on, for example, at the DCRSD!

There are those who suffer from the "drawbridge" effect.

There are others, that 1% of realtor/developers on local boards, that suffer from the "pick-pocket" effect!

Anonymous said...

Drawbridge syndrome?

Not me!

I just do not want to have to pay for the sewers of those who wish to develop miles away from existing infrastructure!!!

I played by the rules...my home has adequate land mass for a septic system...now a developer does not want to play by the same rules...so the rest of us are forced to follow in lock step or be sued by lawyers paid from our own taxes!

Just quit trying to tap into my savings to pay for your subdivisions!

Anonymous said...

"Just quit trying to tap into my savings to pay for your subdivisions!"

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

They cannot afford to build their subdivisions without the rest of us buying them a sewer system.

Anonymous said...

High Ridge Estates continues to dump raw sewage into Hogan's Creek because these one-percenters cannot figure out how to piggy-back their subdivisions on the High Ridge FIX!

Anonymous said...

Thankfully, I live on a farm far enough away from this proposed mess on 50! But how safe am I really from all of this? Some "connected" developer could purchase one of the surrounding farms, use their influence and the next thing I know there is a letter in my mailbox giving me so many days to hook on to this developer's sewers or face the threat fines or a lawsuit!

Anonymous said...

The best fix for High Ridge is letting Dillsboro be their sewer provider.

The best fix for the rest of our finances is to disband the DCRSD.

Anonymous said...

The best fix for High Ridge is letting Dillsboro be their sewer provider.

The best fix for the county is to establish a water and sewer tax on everyone. Then build a county wide water and sewer system.

Anonymous said...

Buckeyes?

Pal, I'm a lifer here in the county. 90% of my neighbors are lifers. No one I talk to thinks what you are doing with the DCRSD is anything near ethical or Christian. You people need to do some serious soul searching. You should be ashamed of yourselves!

Anonymous said...

The band for Hughes and Fox are putting away their instruments. It's time to have educated and competent individuals in these offices.

Anonymous said...

Then build a county wide water and sewer system.

We do not need sewers out here in the country, only those who want to "densely" development land out here need sewers.

So you are back to suggesting the taxpayers subsidize realtor/developers!

Anonymous said...

What we need to do is work on a Comprehensive Land Use Plan...

...sort of pace and place!!!

Anonymous said...

"The band for Hughes and Fox are putting away their instruments."

I heard there are a couple of democrats viaing for Rick and Jeff's positions on the band!!!!!!!!

They both play wind instruments and like Rick and Jeff, they both really blow!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

A county wide sewer district is different form county wide sewers.

The problem is that people do not understand water purification and biological systems.

Sewers will not necessarily keep your waterways pure- particularly if they are not well maintained.

A spill is a sewer line has bigger bilogical significance that a spill in a leach field.

Think about that mess when VRUC's line broke in HVL area a short while ago.

Anonymous said...

"...sort of pace and place!!!"

WOW!!! That would promote both smart and affordable growth!!!

Anonymous said...

pace and place- I like that!

Anonymous said...

pace and place- I like that!

I can't believe no on had not already came up with such an idea!!

Just think if Vera Benning was made aware of "pace and place," she most surely would have supported it!!

Then no one would be working under the false impression that she was and advocate for development at any taxpayer expense!!

Bad break for her!!

Anonymous said...

Ahh!

Smart growth!

The bane of the "get rich quick" schemers who want the rest of us to clean up their messes after they are long gone to their condos in Florida!

Anonymous said...

"Think about that mess when VRUC's line broke in HVL area a short while ago."

Another case where development interests fought to retain control of THEIR sewer system to the detriment of the utility's customers and the environment!

This group was trying their damnest to "hook-up" with their "fellow travelers," the DCRSD!

Greed can be a real killer!

Anonymous said...

"The best fix for High Ridge is letting Dillsboro be their sewer provider."

Dillsboro offered to take on High Ridge!

They refused to sewer all the way out to a Board Member's proposed subdivision...so, of course, we can't have that! So we need to build this Board Member a sewage treatment plant and subsidize this Board Member's sewers by forcing those home and property owners surrounding this Board Member's proposed subdivision on to his sewers!

Anonymous said...

County Council needs to "demand" that Dillsboro be the entity to care of High Ridge!!!

If the only reason they are not "demanding" such is because they are trying to get a better deal for Gabbard Estates...that is wrong and not the "JOB" of a "PUBLIC" Board to pimp for a "PRIVATE" but "POLITICALLY CONNECTED" realtor/developer!!!

Anonymous said...

"Dillsboro offered to take on High Ridge!"

The offer is still on the table but Dillsboro cannot take on Brett's subdivision. As a community we need to act to stop the pollution running into Hogans. But until the dcrsd's board stops focusing on a few developers' welfare and redirects their focus back to the original problem of High Ridge, raw sewage will continue to flow. Someone needs to step up and slap some sense into the dcrsd's board. They need to do what is best for the county, not what is best for a few of their board members.

Anonymous said...

Rodney got his!

Brett now feels "entitled" to his!

And John has plans for his share!

New Orleans has nothing over us when it comes to corruption in government!

Freaking amazing!

Anonymous said...

"The offer is still on the table but Dillsboro cannot take on Brett's subdivision>"

Let Dillsboro sewer High Ridge!

Give the SDRSD ten or so years and they could provide sewers to everyone else who WANTS to connect to them on West 50 at a mere fraction of the cost of what the DCRSD has planned...and the SDRSD would offer REAL gravity sewers, not sewers on the cheap, with their pressurized lines and grinder pumps!

Of course, that may not coincide with the plans of a few "politically connected" developers, who thought by "speculating" on farm land far from existing infrastructure and then using their "connections" to "force" sewers, would lead to "fast" profits!

Anonymous said...

"Did you want to note that just because your husband works there."

Why, hello again, "LITTLE PETTY BETTY," back again...and wrong again???

Dr. Mueller "MADE IT" with out sliding one dollar into your pockets...and that just burns your knickers...does it not???

An education and a willingness to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps can do that!

But you would not know about matters such as that, now would you???

Anonymous said...

They need to do what is best for the county, not what is best for a few of their board members.

And so continues the saga of the DCRSD.

Anonymous said...

Someone with a calculator in County Government needs to figure out the "TOTAL" amount a DCRSD fix of High Ridge would cost as compared to what Dillsboro is offering!

If someone with this calculator would add in all the connection costs, excavation costs, electric service costs and the costs of grinder pumps X their useful life...this figure would be the real costs of DCRSD's fix of High Ridge to those citizen/taxpayers/voters the DCRSD would "force" onto its sewers!

Compare that to what Dillsboro is offering and you will see the absolute bargain Dillsboro is offering!

Disband and dissolve the DCRSD before they waste any more of our money for a few Board Members' personal gain!

Anonymous said...

So above and beyond the costs to build, maintain and man a sewage treatment plant and its lines...we have all the above costs to factor in with the DCRSD fix.

Except for the most complicit in local government, no other public offical could in good conscience give the DCRSD another penny for their schemes!

Anonymous said...

Complicity is the hallmark and base characteristic of all things DCRSD!!!

From its very inception, through out its sleazy organizational life, the DCRSD has operated, with the complicity of handful of dodgy lawyers and unprincipled public officials, as a front for a team of realtors/developers/land title attorneys to fleece and swindle the taxpayers to subsidize their personal projects, business and professional interests!

Anonymous said...

Don’t forget that soon after using the need of fixing High Ridge’s sewer problems to weasel themselves into the “sewer business,” the Board used this subterfuge to springboard immediately into their launch into their massive power grab of local sewer districts!

Their main goal?

To have realtors/developers/land title attorneys in control of all the sewer districts to facilitate as much development as possible on the taxpayers’ dime!

As High Ridge continues to dump raw sewage into Hogan’s Creek!

Nothing good has come from the creation of the DCRSD!

Anonymous said...

"As High Ridge continues to dump raw sewage into Hogan’s Creek!"

No wonder the "Old Guard" at the VRUC wanted to partner up with these cads!!!!!!!

They had so much in common!!!!!!!

Yet these crooks keep trying to convince and hoodwink our public officials into believing their lies that our "FUNCTIONAL" septic systems are somehow a threat to the environment!

Anonymous said...

"FUNCTIONAL" septic systems are a threat to those who want to cram 4 houses per acre and cannot afford to pay for the sewers required on their own. So they need to spread their lies that our "FUNCTIONAL" septic systems are somehow degrading the environment, causing babies to be born with tails and flippers and killed the dinosuars!

Anonymous said...

Apparently, we need a moratorium on the construction of new homes, the sale of existing homes and any title work for homes which are on septic systems, till it is determined just how great the hazard is and the extent of the peril they are triggering for our populace!

Anonymous said...

”Apparently, we need a moratorium on the construction of new homes, the sale of existing homes and any title work for homes which are on septic systems, till it is determined just how great the hazard is and the extent of the peril they are triggering for our populace!”

Finally an opportunity for John Maxwell, Brett Fehrman, Bob Ewbank and Lisa Lehner to show the world they practice what they preach!

And Doug Baer, if you need any help addressing, stamping and sealing all those "FORCED” Moratorium letters you will most certainly be sending out to all our local developers, realtors and land title attorneys, let me know!

Anonymous said...

Maybe Frank Kramer can offer his services if legal action is required to "enforce" such "moratorium!"

As a taxpayer, I would gladly chip in a few more tax dollars for such a noble undertaking!

Anonymous said...

THE MORATORIUM IS NOT ABOUT DEVELOPMENT, IT IS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE!!!

Anonymous said...

How do I let you know You never
sign your stupid name

Anonymous said...

Have you forgotten you live in America the home of the Free if I want to build a new Home and I have the means to do so you want a moratorium on building how stupid is that.(spelling )

Anonymous said...

"Have you forgotten you live in America the home of the Free if I want to build a new Home and I have the means to do so you want a moratorium on building how stupid is that.(spelling )"

And once again…sarcasm is lost on the riders of the “Short Development Bus!!!”

And they let these folks vote…how funny is that???

Although I’m sure they make this imbecile wear a helmet when he/she votes!!!

These “development cheerleaders” would get more invitations for dinner dates if they did not require booster seats, water wings and “corked” forks!!!

Anonymous said...

"Have you forgotten you live in America the home of the Free if I want to build a new Home..."

And if you want to build a subdivision and you are on the local sewer board, the freedoms that "America" offers you is to force others to subsidize your sewers?

Anonymous said...

And they let these folks vote…how funny is that???

And the DCEDI is feverishly efforting a combined, collective and reciprocal conference call with the Chamber and Bob Ewbanks to discover who this obvious qualified, capable and competent potential candidate for County Commissioner is?

Anonymous said...

For those of us who are dog lovers, this says it all!

A Dog's Purpose - from a 4 year old

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure.

They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.

I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Anonymous said...

"Dillsboro offered to take on High Ridge!"
The offer is still on the table..."

The Town of Dillsboro has never offered to extend service to High Ridge. There has been no offer to extend service recently or at any time in the past. Dillsboro will however accept any and all sewage that can be delivered to it via a line constructed down the powerline right-of-way on the west side of town by SEI Data. (A long way from High Ridge) The only expansion of service I'm aware of is to a proposed subdivision on the near east side of town. I keep a watchful eye on such things. Just thought I would interject some facts into the less than truthful rantings which I read here. By the way...Can we try to refrain from using slanderous terms such as crooks, thieves, shills, cretons, etc. unless there is some evidence to support your impolite word-smithing?

Anonymous said...

Of course the developer would GET the sewage to Dillsboro- that's as it should be. Dillsboro shouldn't have to build the lines.

Anonymous said...

I agree. In the case of High Ridge, the developer would be the county.

Anonymous said...

There have been discussions, either on or off the record, between Dillsboro and the DCRSD Board Members.

In these "discussions," Dillsboro representatives said they could accept sewage as far as their water line, which is High Ridge. In these "discussions" it was made clear that Dillsboro would nor could service the Gabbard property.

Whether or not there were actual contractual" negotiations, is irrelevant!

As far as being "impolite."

The height of "impoliteness" is what the DCRSD has in store for those they intend to “force” onto their sewers to finance a Board member’s subdivision!

Anonymous said...

Money has been earmarked for High Ridge, but the DCRSD Board wants to piggy back their Board member's development onto the High Ridge fix!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

"In these "discussions," Dillsboro representatives said they could accept sewage as far as their water line, which is High Ridge. In these "discussions" it was made clear that Dillsboro would nor could service the Gabbard property."

I believe there was a letter or other communication that the town super, Fortner, was involved with relative to sewering High Ridge!

Anonymous said...

Come on folks...can't we all just get along?

Until the DCRSD lays enough legal groundwork for their march to forcing hookups...is unstoppable?

Give them a chance to at least work with the likes of an L. Parvin Price!

Anonymous said...

There needs to be a "sit-down" between the County Council, County Commissioners and Dillsboro, to hammer out what they could do for High Ridge and for what price? A price that must include the costs to those that would be forced to hook-up under the DCRSD alternative!

Those are real dollars that these folks would be required to spend to "facilitate" DCRSD's sewers and are a necessary inclusion in determining "real" costs!

Between $10,000.00 and 30,000.00 plus dollars per home forced to hook on to DCRSD's sewers!

So if the Council and the Commissioners are looking out for the "best" price for the taxpayer...remember what some "taxpayers" will be "forced" to spend under any DCRSD alternative!

Anonymous said...

"Of course the developer would GET the sewage to Dillsboro- that's as it should be. Dillsboro shouldn't have to build the lines."

How much money was set aside to fix high ridge?

Wasn't it in the millions?

How much would it cost to run lines to Dillsboro?

How much would it cost to build a sewer plant from scratch?

And lines?

And to man an maintain such plant?

Then what would it cost to those who will be made to go onto dearborn county's sewers who have good septic systems?

Those seem to be important question aren't they?

Anonymous said...

"There needs to be a "sit-down" between the County Council, County Commissioners and Dillsboro"

As well as with sdrsd. That is the only way council and commissioners will get a true and honest picture of what is available for high ridge. The dcrsd board will only present what is best for the dcrsd board.

Anonymous said...

Where is High Ridge?

Anonymous said...

On 50 by the round barn between aurora and dillsboro! They have a failing sewage system and are presently dump raw sewage into hogans creek. The dcrsd was formed to fix the problem, but the developers on the board have tried to take over all sewer districts to promote thedevelopments of a few board members!

Anonymous said...

High Ridge estates is on 50 by Dillsboro.

The DCRSD was formed and tasked with fixing their sewers, which are now over-flowing into North Hogan Creek.

But the DCRSD apparently just used the High Ridge problem as an entry point to provide sewers for a handful of realtors and developers.

A real mess.

Anonymous said...

A real mess."

Subsidizing the politically connected realtor/developers of this County can be a "messy" business!!!

Anonymous said...

Come on folks...can't we all just get along?

Remember, us commoners are only allowed to meekly play “defense,” until the inevitable crushing from the Fehrman, Maxwell, Ewbank and his ugly twin, Lehner, takes place and their flunkies mop up!!!!!!!!!!!

Offense, on our part, is simply "impolite!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Anonymous said...

"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

GREAT!!!

THE DCRSD AND VERA WILL LIVE FOREVER!!!

ANY OTHER "GOOD NEWS???"

Anonymous said...

The dcrsd board will only present what is best for the dcrsd board.

Yep!

The DCRSD was born because of flowing raw sewage...

...but has become a creator of political raw sewage!

Anonymous said...

"Offense, on our part, is simply "impolite!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


There is a big difference between taking the offensive (which is admirable), and being offensive in the manner in which you frame your arguement. Unfortunately, this is frequently the case in the comments section of this blog.

"refrain from using slanderous terms such as crooks, thieves, shills, cretons, etc. unless there is some evidence to support your impolite word-smithing?"

Anonymous said...

Folks, remember, these folks lecturing those on this site who are not bought and paid for by development interests, as are themselves, are those who were both "impolite" by gaming and rigging last year's election as well as being "offensive" while tearing down your campaign signs from your front yards!

As well as the same folks who constantly refer to those on this blog who are not 150% for development, as crazies, anti-everythings and constantly exclaim that those who are not development "toadies" are stay up at night types worrying about the "boogy man!"

Apparently, this petty critic must have a broad, blind side!!!

And please, only and I stress only, refer to those willing to "game" the local political system to steal from you to subsidize a handful of local realtor/developers/land title attorneys by such actions as "forced" sewer hook-ups, as crooks, thieves, shills, cretons, etc.

Refer to all the rest as, what they are, your honest friends and neighbors!

Anonymous said...

Look at the first development types to post on this thread who posted lies about Dr. Mueller! But that’s Ok! It fits this holier than thou's complainer’s template! Let slide all the slights by this complainer’s allies but point out all the slights of those who do not march in lockstep with this complainer’s ideas!

Anonymous said...

Why do we not just let these issues work out in the electorial process?

Let the "best" man or woman win in the Republican primary...

...and let the winner not have to run against the stealth Development owned Republican/Democrat RINO in the General!

Simple enough!

What do you say Mr. Morris?

Wanna play fair?

It would be the "polite" thing to do!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, maybe we can see a flyer this coming election with all the REPUBLICAN candidates on it instead of all the DEVELOPMENT candidates?

Maybe Morris could have a few words with his wife?

Maybe Johnny Nugent could stand up for the REPUBLICAN rank and file this year instead of caving to DEVELOPMENT interests?

A very pathetic showing last year on his part!

As well as by Benning, Fox, Hughes and Morris!

Maybe, this year, the vote of the REPUBLICAN primary voter will mean something, it will have some weight?

Anonymous said...

"Maybe, this year, the vote of the REPUBLICAN primary voter will mean something, it will have some weight?"

Only if the primary vote goes the way Ewbank and his merry men want it to go!!!

If not: plan B!

Run another easily led Democrat that suits the needs of Ewbank and Company!

Anonymous said...

Ewbank and Company!

The "REAL" Dearborn County Republican Party!

Shyster run politics...everyone else are just necessary/distasteful tools!

Anonymous said...

Small town, local shyster:

When you could not make the grade to get into a regional, strip mall...trade school!

Anonymous said...

"Maybe Johnny Nugent could stand up for the REPUBLICAN rank and file this year instead of caving to DEVELOPMENT interests'

NO NO NO NOT A CHANCE.

What'd ya think he is stupid or something?