Tuesday, April 15, 2008

15 April 2008 (TAX DAY) Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes

15 April 2008 (TAX DAY) Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes

Present: Hughes, Chairman, Fox, and Thompson (10 minutes late)
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator, Ewbank, Attorney, and Pickens, Auditor
NO UNIFORMED POLICE OFFICER WAS PRESENT.

Also in the audience were candidates for county offices: Tom Orschel- D-2 Commissioner, Chet Wolgamot- precinct committeeman for Manchester, Phil Darling- Council at-large, and Kathy Scott- D-1 Commissioner.

Old Business:

Dave Bartholomew of Bright Fire Dept asked how they could get the 2007 EMS contract paid as their paperwork slipped through the cracks somehow. Commissioners voted to allow him to approach Council to get the money reappropriated. Then he could come to Commissioners for payment. Bright was paid for 2008 contract.

Steve Renihan (supported by Vera Benning and Brett Fehrman of DCRSD in the audience) addressed commissioners. Fox was concerned that Thompson was not present yet. He came in part way through this presentation. [NOTE: It was apparent that Renihan wanted to address Thompson’s issues with him being appointed to DCRSD board. See last meeting’s notes for Thompson’s reasons for voting Nay.]

Renihan thanked commissioners for appointing him and said he would help the fellow property owners of the county with sewer issues. He said he did not have a criminal record and that he’d gotten a couple calls about that. He said he was a property owner and met the requirements to be a member of DCRSD. Renihan stated that property owners pulled together to pay for their own sewer. All the property owners in his section of the development wanted sewers (10). They raised $79,000 to get it.

Fox: You went through all these steps before you got on the board?

Renihan: The official awarding of the contract was at my first meeting. He was grateful that DCRSD helped them with interlocal agreements and IDEM. The other lots in the back on septic won’t be forced on
.
Hughes: The only one who could help out was DCRSD?

Renihan: Actually, we were in St. Leon’s district and LMH was across the street. [NOTE: And the process would have been less cumbersome, except DCRSD became county-wide and created another layer for the lot owners to go through.] Renihan said it was no cost to the taxpayers.

Fox: Others will have access if they need it?

Renihan: IDEM made us sewer all the front lots, so we raised the money for that. The others can hook on.

Fox: Tonight’s the first time I seen you- if you raised it all yourself… No conflict.

Thompson: When you held the vote at the last meeting, what happened?

Renihan: I abstained.

Thompson indicated – that’s the conflict of interest. He recused himself.[Note: Kramer, of Ewbank and Kramer, advised Renihan to recuse himself at that point in the DCRSD meeting.] I was concerned about that and didn’t see how insurance experience was related to the sewer board. [NOTE: Plus Renihan is a property owner but not a resident of the county; hence, he lacks knowledge of county issues. He can’t vote here yet either.]

Fox: Comments were borderline character assassination in my opinion. There are lots of people, who aren't engineers who do a tremendous amount od good on these boards. When you went after him and cited all those codes, it sounded a lot different than it does now. [NOTE: It seems like someone got all worked up here. Was this entire presentation "orchestrated?"]

Renihan: People who want sewers for High Ridge, and live there, sit on the board. Anyone who wants can turn in a resume and get on that board. [NOTE: WHAT?!]

New Business:

Margaret Minzner- GIS Coordinator- Ewbank is reviewing an agreement to allow data sharing with WTH (Isn’t this the company that has a former auditor working for them?) in Ripley County. This is public information data -not sensitive.

Fox and Hughes wouldn’t second the motion to allow commissioners to sign the GIS contract with Sidwell for $394,000 and instead the company will redraw the last page to have the auditor sign it. We are one of a handful of county’s that has the auditor able to do this.

Mark McCormack gave detailed explanation of the two unanimously favorable recommendations of Subdivision ordinance changes for Article 24 Section2408 on driveway clearances and collector roads and Article 3 Section 315 C flag lot arrangements. Commissioners approved both. Now that the ordinance books are easily revised in 3- ring binders, they will go into effect.

McCormack noted that revising our codes is far cheaper with staff than consultant. He also told commissioners he’d be bringing up the master plan again soon- to get on the agenda.

Fox said- someone must be a consensus builder- all these are unanimous- it’s tremendously easy on us. I don’t get complaint calls on them – that’s good word.

McCormack said he’d pass that along to PC and staff.

McCormack said INDOT did finally invite them to the SR 1 bridge meeting.

Todd Listerman- Transportation Dept.- gave a 10-minute report.

1. Holt Road Bridge pictures were passed out. Gates are up to keep people off it- the repair will be expensive as the creek is 42 ft wide and the road is skewed 60 degrees.

2. SR 48 being redone from Lawrenceburg to 101 and prepped by INDOT. The county is working to fix the angled intersections with Norkus and Schaffer Roads. INDOT will pave them as they go through.

3. Wilson Creek cores done last week- waiting on results.

4. Collier Ridge slip cores are done- waiting on report to see if cutting into the hillside is OK. Preliminary work makes him think cutting will be more expensive than caissons.

5. Documents prepared for mid May or so to go to awarding contracts for resurfacing. No one will bid without an escalator in contract as asphalt has gone up $4 per ton this week.

6. Trucks will be parked at night now saving on fuel and wear and tear.

7. Bridge 20 at Chesterville- finalizing documents and getting with Hughes on wage rate for that. Hope to be under contract in May-June.

8. Still no answers from INDOT on ITS system – Thompson called Bob Williams and he’s researching the hold-up.

9. Slips are being repaired and patched from the last rains.

10. Hwy workers hit hard with flu last week- 6 out at a time.

Pickens- Claims and minutes approved.

Messmore- NOTHING to report

Ewbank- claim from highway being submitted to insurance company and Kramer is working in the lawsuit from the light at HVL entrance and Macke’s non-payment. It is now going to mediation and he thinks a commissioner and councilman should be on that team.

Fox- there was no answer from the state yet on SR 1 signage.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

Steve Renihan (supported by Vera Benning and Brett Fehrman

What?

Supported by Benning and Fehrman?

Were Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber busy at a Mensa meeting?

Anonymous said...

[NOTE: It seems like someone got all worked up here. Was this entire presentation "orchestrated?"]

Was John Zeiden on the "will call" list to in case he was needed to further man the orchestra?

Gee!

I am almost going to miss these conniving clowns after they are booted from office!

Anonymous said...

"Messmore- NOTHING to report"

That should be something to pad his resume with next year...

Anonymous said...

Bryan Messmore seems to be a lost little sheep since his shepard Vieste moved on to fleece another flock.

Anonymous said...

Anyone who wants can turn in a resume and get on that board. [NOTE: WHAT?!]

And are for forcing their future neighbors to pay for their sewers.

What a great fit Renihan will be for the dcrsd.

Rounded square pegs for rounded square holes is how the dcrsd does business.

Anonymous said...

If Renihan didn't need a sewer for his property, would he even know of the existence of DCRSD, much less be on it?

Anonymous said...

The DCRSD? Oh! That syndicate of near-do-wells that no one will fund any longer? Do they still even bother having their little meetings?

Anonymous said...

"If Renihan didn't need a sewer for his property, would he even know of the existence of DCRSD, much less be on it?"


Renihan was attracted to the DCRSD because of their reputation of doing charity sewer work for local trailer parks!!!

Anonymous said...

would he even know of the existence of DCRSD

To a wayward cat, any catbox will do.

Anonymous said...

Good thing Renihan does not need a kidney, he would be typing and matching his soon to be new neighbors for a good fit!!!

Anonymous said...

Does Vera Benning even try to involve herself in matters anymore that don't stink to high heaven of her sucking up to her development suckees? Has she even lost the ability to feign shame?

Anonymous said...

"Fox: Comments were borderline character assassination in my opinion."

What a sad tool Rick is...

Anonymous said...

Last election Vera hit rock bottom. This election will leave her with no future in the taxpayer paid patronage welfare system. Never has someone already so close to their predestined political and personal nadir fell so far.

Anonymous said...

Benning and Fehrman - cat scratching and back biting - the very worst of feminine duality.

Anonymous said...

LISTERMAN why are you turning all the chip and seal roads to gravel isnt that going back in time the voters better wake and send him and crew to the streets why we have street left.

Anonymous said...

What's with the chip and seal roads comments? What roads are turning back to gravel? Specifics please.

Anonymous said...

Maybe with every forced sewer hook-up letter the DCRSD sends out, they can include a "Meet Your New Neighbor Steve Renihan" flyer?

Anonymous said...

Steve Renihan is not going to wait for the "Welcome Wagon" to greet him when he moves into his new home. He is already putting together his "wish list" of all things he wants from his new neighbors.

Anonymous said...

Serenity Ridge needs an industrial park and a strip mall to make Steve feel right at home.

And a HOA made up of all former disgruntled hall monitors.

Anonymous said...

"Meet Your New Neighbor Steve Renihan..."

...and he hopes to meet each and everyone of you at the mandatory Doug Baer and Frank Kramer little soirée they have scheduled for Steve's benefit.

Anonymous said...

Steve Renihan needs to be informed the facts that, if dcrsd was not in existance, Serinity ridge could have connected to LMH much cheaper and easier without the dcrsd added fees and addional time and paperwork.

Anonymous said...

without the dcrsd added fees and addional time and paperwork.

The duplication of fees and services for twice the price is what happens when development interests get their claws into a sewer district.

Anonymous said...

The fees of serenity ridge will only rise as developers associated with the dcrsd need them to finance more development.

Anonymous said...

"Thompson indicated – that’s the conflict of interest. He recused himself.[Note: Kramer, of Ewbank and Kramer, advised Renihan to recuse himself at that point in the DCRSD meeting.] "

One can only imagine whether he would have recused himself if Thompson hadn't stated the conflict. Or would Kramer have called the issue.

Other Board members have not recused themselves in the past.

Since he did recuse himself, that indicates a "conflict of interest" exists, so how can that be "borderline character assassination"? Or does speaking the truth that is not favorable to Fox's action make it assassination?

It appears Fox and Hughes did not do their homework and didn't like being called on that fact.

Anonymous said...

"Fox and Hughes wouldn’t second the motion to allow commissioners to sign the GIS contract with Sidwell for $394,000 and instead the company will redraw the last page to have the auditor sign it."

The Commissioners missed an opportunity to have some control over the GIS process. This lets it fall totally under the Auditor's control, for a tool that is important to the whole County

Anonymous said...

"He(Renihan) said he did not have a criminal record"

If he had not recused himself (apparently at Kramer's direction), would he be in violation of the law stated. So if not for the issued being stated he might be a criminal. Seems he owes Thompson a thanks for keeping him out of trouble.

Anonymous said...

I didn't see Rick Pope's name. He want's to help run the county but can't attend the meetings. Does he already know everything? Or does Bob have his hands full with the twins and Messmore? Time will tell.

Anonymous said...

I didn't see Rick Pope's name. He want's to help run the county but can't attend the meetings.

He already has his copy of Maxwell's agenda and DCEDI syllabus and reading list.

Anonymous said...

LISTERMAN about the chip and seal roads if i am wrong prove it you was a waist for the state your a bigger waist for the county what you have working and running the county is this same.

Anonymous said...

Quit bellyaching- hwy guys- you have a good director.

Anonymous said...

Listerman seems like a good guy with an impossible job of pleasing everybody.

He is one of the "good guys."

He is not anywhere in the creepy, self-serving category of Messmore and those little weenies, Fox, Ewbank and Hughes.

Anonymous said...

Per the manufacturer Missouri Petroleum:

"Chip Seal is a thin surface treatment consisting of an application of liquid asphalt or emulsion binder covered with an aggregate.

Chip seal may be used to enliven a dry or weathered surface and seal & fill cracks to prevent moisture and air entering the pavement structure. Chip seal increases the pavement lifecycle.

A chip seal will not increase the strength of an existing pavement. Chip seal will prolong the life of a sound pavement by providing a protective coating."

The idea of using chip seal on a gravel road or failing asphalt road is nonsensical. This is being touted as an answer for the County's problem roads and it is not even close to being a real solution! Anyone recommending this better reconsider their position. Unless there is another reason for recommending chip seal, like a monetary connection.

Anonymous said...

Listerman works for a living...

...Messmore is just a yuppie effete poser vogueing, Derek Zoolander like, for the public.

Anonymous said...

"Unless there is another reason for recommending chip seal, like a monetary connection."


There are only so many dollars available to do things in this county.

We can either take care of the existing residents of this county or we can cater to and spend our tax dollars laying out very nice roads for our aspiring entitled developers.

Anonymous said...

Chip and Seal

Seals and Croft

Hummingbird...we may never pass this way again...

Anonymous said...

The county stopped chipping and sealing gravel roads in the late 1990's. Then, they started chipping and sealing gravel roads to increase the claimed number of roads that were not gravel. the chip and sealed gravel roads are now falling apart and will cost more than if they would have been done right the first time.
Will we never learn?

Anonymous said...

The county stopped chipping and sealing gravel roads in the late 1990's. Then, they started chipping and sealing gravel roads to increase the claimed number of roads that were not gravel. the chip and sealed gravel roads are now falling apart and will cost more than if they would have been done right the first time.
Will we never learn?

Anonymous said...

Will we never learn?

I guess not!

Anonymous said...

Will we never learn?

I guess not!

Anonymous said...

why the state of indiana still use it ?

Anonymous said...

The state has gravel highways?

Anonymous said...

where did you read that or did you google it 46 had it done 3 years ago.

Anonymous said...

The state does chip and seal but only over previously paved roads because it is an inexpensive way to prolong the life of the pavement. They never pave over gravel like we have done.

Anonymous said...

there you go they dont BUT.

Anonymous said...

THOMPSON jumped aboard did take long.

Anonymous said...

"THOMPSON jumped aboard did take long."

Ya no, eye wisched eye spok yor langwitch

Anonymous said...

TRUTH.

Anonymous said...

OR DARE.

Anonymous said...

Truth or dare that's Jeff Hughes dilemma. Without guts no glory.

Anonymous said...

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