Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Kathy Scott Listens to Concerns at Women of Dearborn County Social

Kathy Scott and the Women of Dearborn County - April 20, 2008 Meeting/Social Notes
provided by Helen Kremer, Logan Township

Kathy Scott introduced herself to the women at the Tate Center. Kathy stated that she has lived in the county for 15 years, and came here because of the rural area. She also explained that when she attended meetings before the Plan Commission and Board of Commissioners, she witnessed, or was subject to, bad experiences. Kathy informed the women that she investigates issues, knows the codes and ordinances, and decided to step-up to be a candidate. She told the women that this meeting was for all of them, and she wanted to hear about their concerns.

The concerns of the women at the meeting are as follows:

1. Problems with density. Overcrowding in the schools, roads are too busy, there is a drain on emergency services.

2. Sewer issues and their ramifications, especially for the rural areas of the county. The 300 feet from property line for hook-ups was discussed, and the fact that grinder pumps are a poor choice. One woman shared that a friend of hers had to install a new grinder pump and it cost her $1,200.

A discussion followed regarding LMH, and some believed, in the beginning, the lines were not adequate. Those who use that sewage system believe rates are set, and all this hooks into water bills. Many women did not think that IDEM inspects as thoroughly as they should.

3. The fact was discussed that Jeff Hughes believes in the rights of the property owner. But the opinion of those involved with issues before the Board of Commissioners was that Jeff Hughes supports seller's rights, not owner's rights. The consensus was that public officials should know that neighbors of the sellers have rights too.

Kathy explained that she believes too often zoning, and other issues are voted upon too fast. People on these boards can agree to disagree, and they should let some of these issues sit for awhile. She believes in a good process. She works three nights a week, and will have the time to study the issues.

The women continued with their concerns:

4. The issue of Vieste was discussed and the fact that the entire issue was known by realtors and economic development people before the land owners. The plan for the Northwest Quadrant was decided behind closed doors. There was a lot of money paid out to Vieste, and for what?

5. A brief discussion was held regarding the hiring of Kinnett to take over the position from West. The women noted that Kinnett and Rozow of the Chamber of Commerce, inferred in one of the local newspapers, that they had a more realistic vision (map?) for the County.

6. The issue was brought up regarding Rick Fox and Jeff Hughes not signing-off on the Land Use Plan stating it wasn’t representative of the people in the County.

Mark McCormack and the Planning and Zoning Office worked very hard to make the entire process public with mailings and announcements. But there was a group who did not want the Land Use map which was voted upon and chosen by the Advisory Group.

Kathy said that is an example of manipulative behavior.

Discussion continued regarding the concerns of the group.

7. The general consensus was that the entire process for zoning changes, Tech Review meetings, and Plan Commission presentations, need to “tighten up”. The fact is that developers work on a project for months before a new project, or a proposed zoning change comes before the Plan Commission, after being reviewed by the Technical Review Committee. People living next door to these projects, or the neighbors in the area, are not aware of what is being planned. If you live right next to the property, you receive a certified letter about three weeks before the project goes to the Plan Commission. But others are affected too! Should there not be a process where neighbors, and those living next to the area, are informed earlier than three weeks?

8. Many people are not aware they can attend Technical Review Meetings. At these meetings, very often not all the members attend. The suggestion was that all members of this committee should attend all meetings. Also, it has been noted that the developer, or whoever is there at the meeting with a project, sometimes does not have all the information together, or it is not complete. Often the Tech Review members table the issue. The women at the meeting today believe that in all cases, if all the information is not there, the members of the Technical Review Committee should end the meeting, tabling the issue, and inform the applicant that everything needs to be in order.

The women believe that a “no-nonsense” attitude would reinforce and demonstrate the professionalism of the Tech Review Committee. That would put to rest the fear of many people in the county, who believe that because developers and public officials work with the same issues and are often together at the Administration building, the “playing field” is not equal.

9. Bringing information to the Plan Commission – often citizens have information that is pertinent to the application, and they bring the information the night the Plan Commission is going to vote on the issue. Often, time is given to read the information, but not all members read it thoroughly, and they honestly do not have the time to think of all the consequences. When meaningful information is brought before the Commission, the suggestion is they should table the issue and give it the thought it deserves.

10. Also, there are often many conditions placed upon an approval. The Planning and Zoning office has this responsibility. But this is a monumental job—most approvals have a list, and it is important that these lists be kept and all conditions met. Discussion was made that perhaps a citizen group could be formed to make sure all the conditions and issues are solved as intended by the Plan Commission.

11. One of the women attending has property with serious drainage problems from a development, and so does one of her neighbors. Soil Conservation was called but the problems continue. Her question was, what happens when they discharge water into Tanners Creek?

12. Issues of no sidewalks, or no shoulders on roadways, as well as roads without room for two cars were of great concern to many at the meeting.

13. Variances are another issue. Many times a developer can’t get what he/she wants, or plans poorly--then a variance is given. Variances are to be given only in special circumstances.

14. When the Tech Review Committee gives an unfavorable recommendation to The Plan Commission, each member of the Plan Commission should give their individual explanation of why they are approving a zone change, ignoring the recommendation of the Tech Review Committee.

The same should be with the Board of Commissioners. If the Plan Commission recommends or does not recommend a change, each Commissioner should give an explanation based on ordinances, and facts stating why they did not follow the recommendations.

Kathy Scott interrupted to say that the process should be followed, and exceptions not made. An example is the road issue. There is a list of road repairs which has been recommended by the County Engineer, but Rick Fox has changed the list, and placed other road issues ahead of the roads that Todd Listerman wanted to repair first.

Discussion followed regarding public officials responsibility to all of the people.

15. One member of the group lives in Lawrenceburg, and has contacted numerous city officials concerning homes next to her. The issues are slum lords, drugs, and vandalism. She has contacted the police, one policeman did help her. But she has been threatened by neighbors, and has had no response from city officials regarding her issues. She has been contacted by the slum lord to sell her property, at a very low price, but she does not want to move. She has invested money into her property and has made her home here.

The suggestion was made that she schedule an appointment with the Mayor of Lawrenceburg at one of the “see the Mayor sessions”, and also go to the Lawrenceburg Council. Many in the group offered to attend any meeting with her.

The allotted time ran out, and Kathy Scott thanked all of the women who attended. The women shared their personal contact information. Kathy gave everyone extra handouts to pass along to those who couldn’t attend, and business cards.

Everyone thanked Kathy Scott for running for Commissioner, and for the opportunity to share their concerns and issues of importance.

Helen Kremer
Logan Township

49 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well written.

It sounds like Kathy should be appointed to the planning commission instead of running for commissioner.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like Kathy was standing out side before the meeting handing out pre-written questions for all those who entered. Are you sure that anyone showed up? Or was is just a session for Kathy and Helen to get together to write this list of issues.

I agree with the last comment what board is she running for...Plan Commission or County Commissioner.

Anonymous said...

Yea..If she wins, I guess her and Ralph will have their first couples fight as Commissioners when they start fighting about who is going to be the representative on the Plan Commission.
Does Kathy realize there is more to be a County Commissioner than the issues that are before the Plan Commission.

Anonymous said...

Kathy explained that she believes too often zoning, and other issues are voted upon too fast. People on these boards can agree to disagree, and they should let some of these issues sit for awhile. She believes in a good process. She works three nights a week, and will have the time to study the issues.

Everybody but is allowed to let some issues sit for awile. Except Rick Fox and Jeff Hughes.

Give me break.

Anonymous said...

Thing's must be slow down at the administration blg. Four attacks in under 30 mins, a new record.

Anonymous said...

And Hughes continues tho hump his development masters' legs...

Anonymous said...

"Or was is just a session for Kathy and Helen to get together to write this list of issues."

I was there- and there was a small but knowledgeable group of women in attendance. EVERYONE spoke. The issues discussed were determined by the attendees- not the moderator- Scott.

Anonymous said...

When can the ladies sit in on a dcedi meeting or strategy session?

I heard their lawyer is a hoot!

With all her plans to move our tax dollars into dcedi members' coffers!

What a gal!

I heard she was even instrumental in bringing us the beloved dcrsd!

Shame that High Ridge never got fixed though!

I'm sure she meant well!

I heard for what she did for Dennerline he is forever grateful.

Anonymous said...

We only need to beat one commissioner.

I think our chances are pretty good.

We already have a majority on the county council who now see what development manipulators are trying to do and the effects on our families, friends and neighbors.

The future looks bright for the citizens of this county, but bleak for our small cadre of politically connected bully development interests.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like Kathy should be appointed to the planning commission instead of running for commissioner.

Maybe, when she is done fumigating the commissioners' office she can then step down and be appointed to the planning commission.

Anonymous said...

Everybody but is allowed to let some issues sit for awile. Except Rick Fox and Jeff Hughes.

Give me break.


How are Jeff's phone calls going?

Rush through the formation of the dcrsd, with no real input from the citizens.

But sit on the Comp. Plan that had major input from the citizens.

Now what do these two things have in common?

They both fit the demands of what a few developers want in this county.

Hopefully, those developers will help Jeff through his emotional time of need when he is ousted by the voters.

Anonymous said...

Thing's must be slow down at the administration blg. Four attacks in under 30 mins, a new record.

One of the posters must be exhausted, waddling from computer to computer as she threatens those who do not support development's boys in this election!!!

Anonymous said...

Remember folks, Jeff Hughes creation the DCRSD meets tommorrow to attempt to force you to subsidize their and their buddies' development.

Remember Jeff Hughes when you are in the voting booth.

Don't forget other DCRSD enablers also, like Fehrman, and Barrett on the County Council.

Anonymous said...

The women noted that Kinnett and Rozow of the Chamber of Commerce, inferred in one of the local newspapers, that they had a more realistic vision (map?) for the County.


One of those two does not even live in the State, the other has been gone from the County and State for years before he now just moved back.

Neither one is elected or accountable to the voters.

They are simply paid lobbyists for mostly development interests in this County.

But for shills, Fox and Hughes, Rozow and Kinnett's say so holds credence over all those folks who voted out Vera Benning and those who participated in the Comprehensive Plan.

This election will be testament to who holds the more realistic vision for the County.

Anonymous said...

what is she going to do for the people

Anonymous said...

"what is she going to do for the people"

What has Hughes and Fox done for the people?

Unless the people are development interests.

Scott will vote not to endorse funding for purely development owned creations like the dcedi, dcrsd, St. Leon, old guard vruc and so on.

Scott will not promise to broaden the tax base by coming up with half-assed ideas that only increase the tax burden on the average citizen of this county.

Scott will not close down public meetings to the public and only entertain "smart growth" like minds like Hughes and Fox have done for their pro-development bosses.

Scott will not take orders from some bastard county attorney who thinks he/she runs this county.

Scott will not hand out patronage jobs to thrown out of office hack politicians.

Scott will not view the rest of us as exploitable resources to be used up by dcedi members and kind.

I could go on.

But tell me all the wonderful things Hughes and Fox will do for the people?

Anonymous said...

What has Hughes and Fox done for the people?

Well, when the "people" showed up and worked years on the comp. plan and it did not go the way development wanted to go, Rick and Jeff tabled it, running intereference for a hand full of development types who feel entitled to do what they please in this County.

Anonymous said...

I wish I could attend the meet the candidates night tonight.

How may times will the losers mention anti-everythings, do-nothings and property rights (the right to get a letter in the mail demanding you pay for a developer's sewers)?

Anonymous said...

Rumor has it that the DCRSD was formed to fix the sewage problem of High Ridge's antiquated sewer system that has been dumping raw sewage into Hogans.

So far, the DCRSD has sewered Board Member Dennerline's trailer park.

Has tried to get Board Member Fehrman's realty project, Gabbard Estates, sewered.

And has come before the County Council for yet another 2.3 million dollars to help subsidize Board Member Maxwell's development.

And here is the "kicker," nothing has been done with High Ridge.

It is still dumping millions of gallons of raw sewage into Hogans.

What is up with that?

Anonymous said...

"And here is the "kicker," nothing has been done with High Ridge."

That must have Commissioners Fox and Hughes and former discarded Commissioner Benning, who is now the Secretary of the DCRSD, fuming!

They followed Lehner's direction with exactitude, to fix High Ridge, of course, and the DCRSD has become nothing more than an extortion outfit trying force their neighbors to pay for the sewers of a few extremely crooked developers!

Anonymous said...

"But tell me all the wonderful things Hughes and Fox will do for the people?"


Still waiting patiently for your answer.

Anonymous said...

what is she going to do for the people

She will protect the people from your buddies, co-conspirators or masters...

...and that just burns your britches...

...does it not?

Thinking everyone was as corrupt as you.

Anonymous said...

I wonder how many "community minded" local lawyers will be at the "Meet the Candidates" tonight, billing by the hour their pro-development suckers?

I know Ewbank thanks his gods every day for dumb ass development minded sheeple.

Anonymous said...

I don't want to hear about Bob Ewbank. He has, singularly, wrecked the local GOP. He is the face of the country club republican, frat-boy, that permits the false impression that the rest of us conservative republicans are somehow in legion with his "you scratch my back and I will scratch your back" nonsense, at the expense of all our brothers and sisters in this County. Be they be republicans, democrats or anything else. Ewbank stinks of cronyism. He needs to be fired from his position of county attorney. NO MORE.

Anonymous said...

SO, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE OF US WHO WERE STUCK AT HOME WITH PRIOR COMMITMENTS, HOW DID THE MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT GO?

WHO SHOWED UP?

WHO DID NOT?

ANY SPARKS FLY?

DID ANYONE HAPPEN TO MENTION SEWERS?

DID HUGHES LOOK PATHETIC ONCE AGAIN?

Anonymous said...

what do you think about central locate or all three dist?

Anonymous said...

I don't want to hear about Bob Ewbank. He has, singularly, wrecked the local GOP.

He most certainly rides his broad-assed brokeback animals hard and demands they be put away wet.

Bob wants to leave no impression other than he is the boss with control of the bit!

No matter how many jackasses have to be humiliated in his employ!

Anonymous said...

could you put a blog on just for the highway so they can put the truth out there to the public whats realy going on ?

Anonymous said...

what do you think about central locate or all three dist?

Wax esoteric much?

Anonymous said...

there no men in dist# 1

Anonymous said...

romacing the stone

Anonymous said...

"could you put a blog on just for the highway so they can put the truth out there to the public whats really going on ?"

Post away here your concerns are start your own blog, it is really easy. Go to the upper right hand corner of this blog site.

Chris Mueller is all about openness, she would provide a link to your blog, I am sure, if need be.

Anonymous said...

there no men in dist# 1

Many are yuppies, but they are still men...just prettier than the rest of us country folk.

If only we could afford "product" for our hair.

Doesn't Bob Ewbank and Jeff Hughes live in district #1?

Not exactly yuppies, either one.

More a Maxwell puppy and a Ewbank guppy.

Anonymous said...

Cheesy that is the way I this one up. Pretty weak.

Anonymous said...

Cheesy that is the way I this one up. Pretty weak.

Beer is not your friend...

Anonymous said...

We all look forward to any and all comments as to how the candidates night went.

Anonymous said...

"But tell me all the wonderful things Hughes and Fox will do for the people?"

Still waiting patiently for your answer.

DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH. DEVELOPMENT MINOR SHILLS JUST TRY TO DO THEIR ALREADY MENTALLY WEAK BEST TO CURRY FAVOR WITH THEIR DEVELOPMENT MAJORS. A HIT AND RUN POST SUCH AS THIS ONE, IS ALL THIS WEAK-MINDED SHILL COULD MUSTER. PITY.

Anonymous said...

Our development political suck-ups have given a whole new definition to "developmentally disabled!!!"

Anonymous said...

Q: What has a wide stanced stall gift, a toe-tapping personality and an I.Q. over 38?

A: Well it ain't a DCRSD Board member...and I.Q. over 38? Please!!!!!

Anonymous said...

How dare you blaspheme Senator Larry Craig insinuating he is in the company as our dcrsd membership!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Candidates night was very well attended- over 60 people PLUS 16 candidates. They needed a bigger room.
Candidates got 6 minute presentations and 3 minutes of questions. Random draw to determine who spoke.
Bob Bissett ran it well.
Best attended one I've ever seen.

Anonymous said...

So? What happened? How were the refreshments? Will development lose with dignity or will they pull another "Linkmeyer" in the general?

Anonymous said...

How were refreshments? Comical! Vote development out, we have good refreshements!

Anonymous said...

I AM HELEN KRAMER, I USE, LOTS OF CAPS, AND COMMAS, TO PUT, MY POINT, ACROSS. EVEN THO I WAS A TEACHER, COMMA. SHILLS! ENABLERS! BOOGA BOOGA! COMMA COMMA COMMA!!! LISTEN TO ME!!! I LOVE BRIAN MESSMORE!

Anonymous said...

But with development flunkies, they serve the best taxpayer paid for treats...to their development masters at least!

Anonymous said...

"LISTEN TO ME!!! I LOVE BRIAN MESSMORE!"

And the development pansies' head begin to explode.

Sad, but expected.

Anonymous said...

And the dumb asses are back to posting long screeds of words they could not spell or decipher on their own.

This election is going to be so painful for these little twerps.

Anonymous said...

words they could not spell or decipher on their own.

Even with "Cliffs Notes" they would still get an "F" on the subject they just simply cut and pasted!

Anonymous said...

COMMA. SHILLS. MORE SHILLS. MORE SHILLS...ON PARADE...TOMMORROW...AT THE DCRSD MEETING...MORE SHILLS...DOING THEIR SHILLING BEST...TO REMOVE DOLLARS FROM OUR FAMILIES' POCKETS...TO TRANSFER THEM TO MAXWELL...TO FEHRMAN...AND THE REST OF THEIR SEWER PARASITES.