AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
August 2, 2011
6:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. PUBLIC HEARING – HAPPY HOLLOW ROAD
IV. OLD BUSINESS
1. Private Real Property Rights Preservation Ordinance
2. Revised Jail Expansion Project
3. GIS Fee Schedule
V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Lola Materna – PatientAssistant.com information
2. Sheriff Mike Kreinhop – Fingerprinting Fees
3. OKI Resolution Regarding Sewer Service for Unincorporated Areas
VI. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT- Todd Listerman
Updates
VII. AUDITOR – Gayle Pennington
1. Claims/Minutes
2. Notice Of Errors With Precinct Boundaries
VIII. ATTORNEY - Andy Baudendistel
IX. COUNTY COORDINATOR – Bill Ewbank
1. OKI Consortium Commitment
2011 Regional Sustainable Communities Grant Program Opportunity
X. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
LET’S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON DAN BREWINGTON
LET’S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON DAN BREWINGTON
An Inside View of the Dearborn County Justice System
Timeline -Criminal case – Daniel P. Brewington – Dearborn County, Indiana
1. Norwood, Ohio Police served a warrant for Daniel P. Brewington on Monday, March 7, 2011, at 2:30PM and took him to the Hamilton County, Ohio, Justice Center. He stayed there until Wednesday at 2:00PM when he was bailed out for $1000.
2. On Thursday, March 10, 2011, Ohio attorney Robert G. Kelly spoke to Prosecutor F. Aaron Negangard and told him that Dan would need a public defender and that Mr. Kelly would like to represent Dan pro hac vice, since he is not licensed in Indiana. Mr. Kelly said that he would be doing this pro bono.
3. On Friday, March 11, 2011, Mr. Kelly and Sue Brewington delivered Dan to the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center (DCLEC) at 6:00AM.
4. Dan’s arraignment hearing was at 11:10AM before Judge Sally Blankenship and he did not have an attorney. The deputy prosecutor, Joseph Kisor, read the charges, asked for a restraining order to keep Dan away from the people that he is accused of intimidating and an order to keep Dan and his agents off the internet, as a condition of bail. The judge said that she will set bond by the end of the day.
Charges - 3 counts of intimidation: Intimidating Judge James D. Humphrey, Dr. Edward Connor, Heidi Humphrey, releasing grand jury information, perjury, and obstruction of justice. 3 Class D felonies, and 3 misdemeanors, 2A’s and 1 B. Dan has no criminal record and never did anything but tell his story on the internet. All his “adventures” can be found on danhelpskids.com and danbrewington.blogspot.com
5. The charges are a blatant attempt at nullifying Freedom of Speech protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
6. Bond is set at $500,000 surety and $100,000 cash. Dan would need $150,000 to get out of jail. It is a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money to keep a person with absolutely no history of violence from pre- school on, in jail. He has only lived in two communities, Norwood, Ohio and Milan, Indiana, Ripley County. He has no criminal record in either place. He is no flight risk. He surrendered himself to jail.
7. Sheriff Kreinhop denied Mr. Kelly the ability to see Dan because Mr. Kelly was not licensed in Indiana. Mr. Kelly had visited other clients in this jail. When Dan asked Captain Dave Hall and Sheriff Mike Kreinhop for the written rule he was told it was just our policy.
8. On Thursday, March 17, 2011, 6 days after setting the bond for Dan, Judge Sally Blankenship wrote to Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard to disqualify herself and ask him to appoint another judge, although she obviously felt qualified to set the extremely high bond. Could that possibly be motivated by her relationship with the “victims?”
9. Prosecutor Negangard should disqualify himself.
a. Dan’s writings about Judge Humphrey and Dr. Connor are intertwined with writings about Negangard and the Dearborn County Prosecutor’s office.
b. Dr. Connor has served as an expert witness for the Dearborn County Courts and Prosecutor’s office.
c. Judge Blankenship declared that “no judicial officer in Dearborn County is able to hear this matter to avoid the appearance of bias or prejudice.” The same should apply to the Dearborn County Prosecutor’s office.
d. Negangard’s testimony is needed to determine the nature of the “attacks” and how it negatively impacted Negangard’s ability to prosecute suspected criminals.
e. Dan filed 2 complaints against Negangard with the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission.
f. Negangard named Dan as a target of a grand jury investigation 5 days after the complaints against him were dismissed.
g. In an email, dated July 12, 2010 sent from his Blackberry, Negangard accused Dan of “attacking” his office in an attempt by Dan to get Prosecutor Negangard “not to do his job of prosecuting those who violate the law.” This was forwarded to 12 county officials and to Dan.
h. Negangard has administrative control over SCU, therefore Negangard is the lead investigator and may be required to testify; especially since Negangard received the initial complaint and initiated the investigation.
i. Negangard was involved with the investigation by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel after Dan filed a complaint against former SCU detective Mike Kreinhop for potential Hatch Act violations.
j. The Prosecutor’s office would be less likely to drop charges if it adversely impacted the reputations of Dr. Connor or Judge James D. Humphrey.
k. State v. Tippecanoe County Ind 432 NE 2d1377 4/2/82. If Negangard is disqualified then the entire staff is disqualified because Negangard has administrative control over the entire staff of Deputy Prosecutors.
10. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard appointed Judge John Westhafer of Decatur County.
a. After two months, he asked to be disqualified because he is a 25 year friend of Judge Humphrey. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard appointed a 3rd judge.
11. Dan is denied the medication that he has been taking for 9 years for ADHD. He had letters from his doctor and therapist from The Affinity Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
a. First the jail officials would not let him have it.
b. Next Captain Dave Hall said he could have it.
c. Then Dr. Nadir Al-Shami, who has his office listed in Fairdale, KY and had never seen Dan before, declared that his dose was too high and changed the dosage and times that it was to be administered. Dan chose not to take the medication that way but as time for court got closer he tried a compromise. The doctor said he could have 30 mgs twice a day, morning and night. Dan asked if he could have 20 mg 3 times a day but not at night. They said no. They finally agreed on 30 mg in the morning and 30mg around 4:00PM. This is a ridiculous way to treat a person who had been under the care of the same therapy center specializing in ADHD for 9 years. Regulation of the proper dosage is critical to his care and now they are just guessing.
d. ADHD is recognized by the American Disabilities Act.
12. An attorney from Sunman, John Watson, was appointed the public defender.
a. First he had a death in his family and could not see Dan.
b. Second he totaled his car and could not see Dan.
c. Third he had to leave the courthouse on the day of a scheduled pre-trial conference because his son had been rushed from school to the hospital.
d. He filed a bond reduction application, on May 13, 2011, two months and two days after Dan arrived in jail. The document had 2 serious flaws.
(1) The name of the client was incorrect, totally.
(2) He added a Schedule C Felony, battery with a deadly weapon.
e. He filed a Motion to Withdraw because he had active cases in front of Judge Humphrey.
f. He had originally indicated that he would be willing to sponsor Mr. Kelly pro hac vice. Mr. Kelly wrote the public defender a letter indicating what he thought should be done by now. The public defender responded and then filed his motion to withdraw.
g. The public defender gave Sue Brewington the discoveries that he got from the prosecutor. He gave Dan a copy of Detective Michael Kreinhop’s report on his investigation. Kreinhop wrote the report on October 28, 2009. The discoveries consisted of copies of all of Dan’s internet postings on his blog and websites. He also gave Dan a list of witnesses.
(1). Sheriff Michael Kreinhop
(2). Dr. Ed Connor
(3) Judge James Humphrey
(4) Heidi Humphrey
(5) Attorney Angela Loechell
(6) Melissa Brewington
13. Judge James D. Humphrey remained as the Judge of record from August 24, 2009 until June 9, 2010 on Dan’s divorce case, ruling on motions and setting hearings even though he was intimidated and felt his family was intimidated by Dan’s writings. Dan never had any contact what so ever with the Judge or his family.
14. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard appointed Judge Brian D. Hill from Rush County, as the 3rd judge in this case. Judge Hill set a hearing for June 17, 2011 to rule on the public defender’s Motion to Withdraw. Judge Hill set 2 new dates for hearings.
a. July 18, 2011, a bond reduction hearing and the final pre-trial hearing.
b. August 16, 2011 beginning of a jury trial
c. He said that he would appoint another public defender soon.
15. The new public defender was appointed June 20, 2011. His name is Bryan E. Barrett and he is the public defender for Rush County. Today, July 18, 2011, is the first time Dan met with him. Dan felt their first meeting was productive. Dan would not have known that a public defender had been appointed if Sue and Matt Brewington had not checked the computer in the clerk’s office.
16. On June 28, 2011 Prosecutor Negangard filed a Motion to Continue the Bond Reduction Hearing scheduled for July 18, 2011 because Detective/County Commissioner Shane McHenry would not be available to testify on that date. Until this time there had been no mention of Shane McHenry as a witness. McHenry was scheduled to testify at the trial of Lonnie Ray Johnson on July 18, 2011.
a. There is an entry in the computer in the clerk’s office that is file stamped July 5, 2011 that says the court accepted a plea deal from Lonnie Ray Johnson and a sentencing hearing was set for August 2, 2011. A person might wonder why the prosecutor did not tell Judge Brian D. Hill that Shane McHenry would be available on July 18, 2011 and the bond hearing could go forward as scheduled.
b. Instead the judge came down from Rush County just for the pre-trial hearing and will have to return for the Bond Reduction Hearing and then for the Trial on August 16, 2011. Suggested dates for the bond hearing were August 1,3,5. I will let people know when I find out.
17. As of July 14, 2011, according to the computer in the clerk’s office, Judge Brian D. Hill had not ruled on Prosecutor Negangard’s Motion. He said in today’s hearing that he telephonically communicated that he would be continuing the bond reduction hearing.
18. On June 29, 2011 Prosecutor Negangard filed additional Supplemental Discovery Answers indicating that the Transcript of the Grand Jury proceedings has been emailed to public defender #2 and public defender #1 will send copies of the State’s preliminary Discovery Answer to the new public defender.
19. Dan has had no opportunity to subpoena or depose witnesses for his bond hearing or his trial.
20. Dan has been in jail on excessive bail for 4 months and has not seen an attorney since May 24, 2011 until July 18, 2011. He still cannot see Mr. Kelly with attorney client privilege.
21. Mr. Kelly is working on a suit to be filed in Federal Court.
22. Dan does not have any idea of the evidence against him except for 3 binders full of his own blog and website postings and Kreinhop’s report.
23. Dan continues to post on his blog, danbrewington.blogspot.com
24. Because of the proposed jail expansion we learned some interesting facts about Dearborn County courts and how they use the jail. The information below was found in the letter written by attorneys Miller and Garner and from RQAW’s study.
a. The majority of time the Dearborn County judges set bond in two parts, requiring both a cash bond and a surety bond. This has resulted in higher bonds for many people arrested and leaves these people unable to post bond so they sit in jail pending the resolution of their case.
b. Most of these people do not pose a danger to the community nor pose a high risk of failing to appear on the scheduled court dates and therefore should not be held in jail while their case is pending.
c. RQAW also compared counties of similar size and the number of beds that they had in jail. Dearborn County would be way out of line with the jail expansion project.
d. RQAW also found that the average length of stay at the Dearborn County Jail is 70-100% longer than average stays at other jails studied by RQAW.
e. The RQAW study said an expanded jail would require $1.34 million per year in operating expenses when it reaches 100% occupancy.
25. Tuesday, July 19, 2011. I checked the clerk’s office and an appearance had been filed Monday, July 18, 2011 by Bryan E. Barrett.
26. A Bond Reduction hearing has been scheduled for August 3, 2011.
Submitted by Sue Brewington - July 19, 2011
An Inside View of the Dearborn County Justice System
Timeline -Criminal case – Daniel P. Brewington – Dearborn County, Indiana
1. Norwood, Ohio Police served a warrant for Daniel P. Brewington on Monday, March 7, 2011, at 2:30PM and took him to the Hamilton County, Ohio, Justice Center. He stayed there until Wednesday at 2:00PM when he was bailed out for $1000.
2. On Thursday, March 10, 2011, Ohio attorney Robert G. Kelly spoke to Prosecutor F. Aaron Negangard and told him that Dan would need a public defender and that Mr. Kelly would like to represent Dan pro hac vice, since he is not licensed in Indiana. Mr. Kelly said that he would be doing this pro bono.
3. On Friday, March 11, 2011, Mr. Kelly and Sue Brewington delivered Dan to the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center (DCLEC) at 6:00AM.
4. Dan’s arraignment hearing was at 11:10AM before Judge Sally Blankenship and he did not have an attorney. The deputy prosecutor, Joseph Kisor, read the charges, asked for a restraining order to keep Dan away from the people that he is accused of intimidating and an order to keep Dan and his agents off the internet, as a condition of bail. The judge said that she will set bond by the end of the day.
Charges - 3 counts of intimidation: Intimidating Judge James D. Humphrey, Dr. Edward Connor, Heidi Humphrey, releasing grand jury information, perjury, and obstruction of justice. 3 Class D felonies, and 3 misdemeanors, 2A’s and 1 B. Dan has no criminal record and never did anything but tell his story on the internet. All his “adventures” can be found on danhelpskids.com and danbrewington.blogspot.com
5. The charges are a blatant attempt at nullifying Freedom of Speech protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
6. Bond is set at $500,000 surety and $100,000 cash. Dan would need $150,000 to get out of jail. It is a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money to keep a person with absolutely no history of violence from pre- school on, in jail. He has only lived in two communities, Norwood, Ohio and Milan, Indiana, Ripley County. He has no criminal record in either place. He is no flight risk. He surrendered himself to jail.
7. Sheriff Kreinhop denied Mr. Kelly the ability to see Dan because Mr. Kelly was not licensed in Indiana. Mr. Kelly had visited other clients in this jail. When Dan asked Captain Dave Hall and Sheriff Mike Kreinhop for the written rule he was told it was just our policy.
8. On Thursday, March 17, 2011, 6 days after setting the bond for Dan, Judge Sally Blankenship wrote to Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard to disqualify herself and ask him to appoint another judge, although she obviously felt qualified to set the extremely high bond. Could that possibly be motivated by her relationship with the “victims?”
9. Prosecutor Negangard should disqualify himself.
a. Dan’s writings about Judge Humphrey and Dr. Connor are intertwined with writings about Negangard and the Dearborn County Prosecutor’s office.
b. Dr. Connor has served as an expert witness for the Dearborn County Courts and Prosecutor’s office.
c. Judge Blankenship declared that “no judicial officer in Dearborn County is able to hear this matter to avoid the appearance of bias or prejudice.” The same should apply to the Dearborn County Prosecutor’s office.
d. Negangard’s testimony is needed to determine the nature of the “attacks” and how it negatively impacted Negangard’s ability to prosecute suspected criminals.
e. Dan filed 2 complaints against Negangard with the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission.
f. Negangard named Dan as a target of a grand jury investigation 5 days after the complaints against him were dismissed.
g. In an email, dated July 12, 2010 sent from his Blackberry, Negangard accused Dan of “attacking” his office in an attempt by Dan to get Prosecutor Negangard “not to do his job of prosecuting those who violate the law.” This was forwarded to 12 county officials and to Dan.
h. Negangard has administrative control over SCU, therefore Negangard is the lead investigator and may be required to testify; especially since Negangard received the initial complaint and initiated the investigation.
i. Negangard was involved with the investigation by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel after Dan filed a complaint against former SCU detective Mike Kreinhop for potential Hatch Act violations.
j. The Prosecutor’s office would be less likely to drop charges if it adversely impacted the reputations of Dr. Connor or Judge James D. Humphrey.
k. State v. Tippecanoe County Ind 432 NE 2d1377 4/2/82. If Negangard is disqualified then the entire staff is disqualified because Negangard has administrative control over the entire staff of Deputy Prosecutors.
10. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard appointed Judge John Westhafer of Decatur County.
a. After two months, he asked to be disqualified because he is a 25 year friend of Judge Humphrey. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard appointed a 3rd judge.
11. Dan is denied the medication that he has been taking for 9 years for ADHD. He had letters from his doctor and therapist from The Affinity Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
a. First the jail officials would not let him have it.
b. Next Captain Dave Hall said he could have it.
c. Then Dr. Nadir Al-Shami, who has his office listed in Fairdale, KY and had never seen Dan before, declared that his dose was too high and changed the dosage and times that it was to be administered. Dan chose not to take the medication that way but as time for court got closer he tried a compromise. The doctor said he could have 30 mgs twice a day, morning and night. Dan asked if he could have 20 mg 3 times a day but not at night. They said no. They finally agreed on 30 mg in the morning and 30mg around 4:00PM. This is a ridiculous way to treat a person who had been under the care of the same therapy center specializing in ADHD for 9 years. Regulation of the proper dosage is critical to his care and now they are just guessing.
d. ADHD is recognized by the American Disabilities Act.
12. An attorney from Sunman, John Watson, was appointed the public defender.
a. First he had a death in his family and could not see Dan.
b. Second he totaled his car and could not see Dan.
c. Third he had to leave the courthouse on the day of a scheduled pre-trial conference because his son had been rushed from school to the hospital.
d. He filed a bond reduction application, on May 13, 2011, two months and two days after Dan arrived in jail. The document had 2 serious flaws.
(1) The name of the client was incorrect, totally.
(2) He added a Schedule C Felony, battery with a deadly weapon.
e. He filed a Motion to Withdraw because he had active cases in front of Judge Humphrey.
f. He had originally indicated that he would be willing to sponsor Mr. Kelly pro hac vice. Mr. Kelly wrote the public defender a letter indicating what he thought should be done by now. The public defender responded and then filed his motion to withdraw.
g. The public defender gave Sue Brewington the discoveries that he got from the prosecutor. He gave Dan a copy of Detective Michael Kreinhop’s report on his investigation. Kreinhop wrote the report on October 28, 2009. The discoveries consisted of copies of all of Dan’s internet postings on his blog and websites. He also gave Dan a list of witnesses.
(1). Sheriff Michael Kreinhop
(2). Dr. Ed Connor
(3) Judge James Humphrey
(4) Heidi Humphrey
(5) Attorney Angela Loechell
(6) Melissa Brewington
13. Judge James D. Humphrey remained as the Judge of record from August 24, 2009 until June 9, 2010 on Dan’s divorce case, ruling on motions and setting hearings even though he was intimidated and felt his family was intimidated by Dan’s writings. Dan never had any contact what so ever with the Judge or his family.
14. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard appointed Judge Brian D. Hill from Rush County, as the 3rd judge in this case. Judge Hill set a hearing for June 17, 2011 to rule on the public defender’s Motion to Withdraw. Judge Hill set 2 new dates for hearings.
a. July 18, 2011, a bond reduction hearing and the final pre-trial hearing.
b. August 16, 2011 beginning of a jury trial
c. He said that he would appoint another public defender soon.
15. The new public defender was appointed June 20, 2011. His name is Bryan E. Barrett and he is the public defender for Rush County. Today, July 18, 2011, is the first time Dan met with him. Dan felt their first meeting was productive. Dan would not have known that a public defender had been appointed if Sue and Matt Brewington had not checked the computer in the clerk’s office.
16. On June 28, 2011 Prosecutor Negangard filed a Motion to Continue the Bond Reduction Hearing scheduled for July 18, 2011 because Detective/County Commissioner Shane McHenry would not be available to testify on that date. Until this time there had been no mention of Shane McHenry as a witness. McHenry was scheduled to testify at the trial of Lonnie Ray Johnson on July 18, 2011.
a. There is an entry in the computer in the clerk’s office that is file stamped July 5, 2011 that says the court accepted a plea deal from Lonnie Ray Johnson and a sentencing hearing was set for August 2, 2011. A person might wonder why the prosecutor did not tell Judge Brian D. Hill that Shane McHenry would be available on July 18, 2011 and the bond hearing could go forward as scheduled.
b. Instead the judge came down from Rush County just for the pre-trial hearing and will have to return for the Bond Reduction Hearing and then for the Trial on August 16, 2011. Suggested dates for the bond hearing were August 1,3,5. I will let people know when I find out.
17. As of July 14, 2011, according to the computer in the clerk’s office, Judge Brian D. Hill had not ruled on Prosecutor Negangard’s Motion. He said in today’s hearing that he telephonically communicated that he would be continuing the bond reduction hearing.
18. On June 29, 2011 Prosecutor Negangard filed additional Supplemental Discovery Answers indicating that the Transcript of the Grand Jury proceedings has been emailed to public defender #2 and public defender #1 will send copies of the State’s preliminary Discovery Answer to the new public defender.
19. Dan has had no opportunity to subpoena or depose witnesses for his bond hearing or his trial.
20. Dan has been in jail on excessive bail for 4 months and has not seen an attorney since May 24, 2011 until July 18, 2011. He still cannot see Mr. Kelly with attorney client privilege.
21. Mr. Kelly is working on a suit to be filed in Federal Court.
22. Dan does not have any idea of the evidence against him except for 3 binders full of his own blog and website postings and Kreinhop’s report.
23. Dan continues to post on his blog, danbrewington.blogspot.com
24. Because of the proposed jail expansion we learned some interesting facts about Dearborn County courts and how they use the jail. The information below was found in the letter written by attorneys Miller and Garner and from RQAW’s study.
a. The majority of time the Dearborn County judges set bond in two parts, requiring both a cash bond and a surety bond. This has resulted in higher bonds for many people arrested and leaves these people unable to post bond so they sit in jail pending the resolution of their case.
b. Most of these people do not pose a danger to the community nor pose a high risk of failing to appear on the scheduled court dates and therefore should not be held in jail while their case is pending.
c. RQAW also compared counties of similar size and the number of beds that they had in jail. Dearborn County would be way out of line with the jail expansion project.
d. RQAW also found that the average length of stay at the Dearborn County Jail is 70-100% longer than average stays at other jails studied by RQAW.
e. The RQAW study said an expanded jail would require $1.34 million per year in operating expenses when it reaches 100% occupancy.
25. Tuesday, July 19, 2011. I checked the clerk’s office and an appearance had been filed Monday, July 18, 2011 by Bryan E. Barrett.
26. A Bond Reduction hearing has been scheduled for August 3, 2011.
Submitted by Sue Brewington - July 19, 2011
19 July 2011 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
19 July 2011 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Jeff Hughes, President, Tom Orschell, and Shane McHenry
Also present: Gayle Pennington, Auditor, Bill Ewbank, County Coordinator, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.
Hughes began with a moment of silence for the Hartman family.
OLD BUSINESS:
Private real property rights preservation ordinance- Hughes wants to continue to table this. Tabled
Revised jail expansion project- tabled
North Dearborn Road Re-alignment east of Dover- commissioners said the property issues are solved.
Barnes & Thornburg Lobbyist proposal- Matt Morgan- attorney (Bob Grant spoke last meeting but was out of town) Hughes asked him to clarify what state lobbying the would provide as well. Morgan said that in previous days when earmarks were in they did it differently. Now that earmarks are out at the fed level, they do the federal state and executive branch to pursue grants. The state executive branch is still the arbiter of those grant funds. So the JAG and Byrne grants are administered by the state for the federal funds in those grants. [NOTE: These Justice Assistance Grants and the Byrne Grants have been granted to our Prosecutor’s Office for the SCU (Special Crimes unit)]They also do transportation funding lobbying for the county. They will focus on meeting with dept heads as needed for background on our needs, such as whether we have a shelf ready study for the road project done.
The terms of the agreement gives a 30–day termination clause. Commissioners felt that this was worthwhile to have someone on our side to help us get that money. Commissioners approved and signed the contract on a month to month basis for $5,000/month.
NEW BUSINESS:
Catch-a-ride discussion on fuel options- Shane McHenry said that he’d been approached by Mike Walterman of the Board of Directors of Catch a ride. They purchase fuel form Madison at their city garage and then they reimburse them. They used 250 gal/mo and pay pump price at Speedway of America. The Chief Deputy and Sheriff- Lusby and Kreinhop- were Ok with this idea. They also partner with Jennings county as well. They use New Horizons pump in Batesville. Commissioners seemed OK with the use of our county gas pumps and they will invoice the county for the additional costs with increased loads of gas being delivered. Andy Baudendistel will have to draw up an interlocal agreement per Gayle Pennington. Tabled until they can get some questions answered and the details worked out. They are trying to streamline costs to be able to afford more services. The bulk pricing may improve if this amount pushes us to a higher tier.
Lola Materna- PatientAssistant.com information- will come to August 2 meeting per Ewbank.
Margaret Minzner- GIS- 911 dispatching grant information and fee schedule- Charlie Ashley present also. There are a couple issues that are not making it work as well as it should there. There file needs centerline range helps if there is new construction that has a new address now. One vendor has a solution to interpolate between two address range- for $10,000 instead of $100,000. Hughes asked if it was just as effective and Margaret said yes. She passed out the proposal for this. This vendor also works with the neighboring counties so it gives us a regional map for dispatch as well. There is some money in GIS for this but she wants to get approval to meet with the Dearborn Community Foundation to seek a grant for this. Gayle Pennington said it was good to solve Ashley’s 911 problems and with the grant proposal and the price it would eliminate the need to go to Council for next year’s budget. It may remove some of the maintenance fee on the Emergitech contract that 911 currently pays. Hughes asked the Barnes and Thornburg rep- Matt Morgan- if they could help with this with the Byrnes and JAG grants. He had already written it down to look at. Commissioners approved going for the grant with the Dearborn County Foundation.
Margaret Minzner – gave out the latest stats for Beacon using the GIS services even during evening hours. The draft fee schedule for GIS was passed out to the commissioners. These fees would help to cover updates and maintenance. Online subscription fee would be there for enhanced data, imagery, and certain layers. The basics are open to public for free. The fees are nominal. There are fees to buy some of the data sets, map printing, and custom services, as well as shipping and handling. Gayle Pennington added that the team had worked hard on this and they tried to stay in line with other counties. They wanted to be affordable for the small appraisal and realtor businesses who weren’t part of a big conglomerate. As the GIS system grows and we are putting more into it, she doesn’t think the taxpayer needs to foot that bill for people wanting these services out of the county. There is a convenience to get data online. Plotters, software, etc will need to be paid for. She’s asking for Andy Baudendistel to draw up an ordinance to set up the GIS perpetuation fund. Commissioners approved Baudendistel‘s work and Tabled this until that is prepared for the next meeting.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Todd Listerman, Highway Engineer- not present- on vacation. Bill Ewbank presented the change order to the restoration to the George Street Bridge for $1800 for repairs to the pedestrian path railings caused by a snow plow hit. It is 80% reimbursable- Our cost is about $140. Approved.
AUDITOR: Gayle Pennington- minutes and claims approved. McHenry talked about the interview room $11,639 claim and said that the sheriff was confident it was all working. So they approved the claim.
ATTORNEY: Andy Baudendistel- approached by Sheriff’s dept and Dillsboro for sheriff to hold all evidence for them. McHenry wanted to be sure Dillsboro would pay for this. Their attorney- John Watson- will draw up the agreement so that the county will not incur legal expenses setting it up. There will be an interlocal agreement needed for this also per Pennington. McHenry said that we will be doing their evidence collection for them. Dillsboro will pay for those costs. Hughes thought this consolidation would be a good idea. McHenry said when you start talking about individual power things start going south real quick- look at dispatch, EMS, etc. Orschell said that one outside consultant is studying that already.
COUNTY COORDINATOR: Bill Ewbank- OKI Contract annual – the same as prior years essentially for $16,515. It is about $100 less than last year. Approved.
Update report for CAC (Child Advocacy Center) in Dillsboro was just dumped on him. Report, final inspection, certificate of accessability, and compliance with civil rights laws. Approved to sign.
Last Wed there was a power surge and it generated the fire alarm. Some damages to electronics damage for less than $100. May ask Lawrenceburg to pay as it is less than
If there is some storm damage to 33 severe weather alert sirens for $20,000 each. He wants to increase our insurance coverage for this for about $40. Approved the $40.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- McHenry asked about Willoughby Rd cul de sac. There are some drainage issues out there. He called them back about that after talking to Highway.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none
PUBLIC COMMENT- none
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Jeff Hughes, President, Tom Orschell, and Shane McHenry
Also present: Gayle Pennington, Auditor, Bill Ewbank, County Coordinator, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.
Hughes began with a moment of silence for the Hartman family.
OLD BUSINESS:
Private real property rights preservation ordinance- Hughes wants to continue to table this. Tabled
Revised jail expansion project- tabled
North Dearborn Road Re-alignment east of Dover- commissioners said the property issues are solved.
Barnes & Thornburg Lobbyist proposal- Matt Morgan- attorney (Bob Grant spoke last meeting but was out of town) Hughes asked him to clarify what state lobbying the would provide as well. Morgan said that in previous days when earmarks were in they did it differently. Now that earmarks are out at the fed level, they do the federal state and executive branch to pursue grants. The state executive branch is still the arbiter of those grant funds. So the JAG and Byrne grants are administered by the state for the federal funds in those grants. [NOTE: These Justice Assistance Grants and the Byrne Grants have been granted to our Prosecutor’s Office for the SCU (Special Crimes unit)]They also do transportation funding lobbying for the county. They will focus on meeting with dept heads as needed for background on our needs, such as whether we have a shelf ready study for the road project done.
The terms of the agreement gives a 30–day termination clause. Commissioners felt that this was worthwhile to have someone on our side to help us get that money. Commissioners approved and signed the contract on a month to month basis for $5,000/month.
NEW BUSINESS:
Catch-a-ride discussion on fuel options- Shane McHenry said that he’d been approached by Mike Walterman of the Board of Directors of Catch a ride. They purchase fuel form Madison at their city garage and then they reimburse them. They used 250 gal/mo and pay pump price at Speedway of America. The Chief Deputy and Sheriff- Lusby and Kreinhop- were Ok with this idea. They also partner with Jennings county as well. They use New Horizons pump in Batesville. Commissioners seemed OK with the use of our county gas pumps and they will invoice the county for the additional costs with increased loads of gas being delivered. Andy Baudendistel will have to draw up an interlocal agreement per Gayle Pennington. Tabled until they can get some questions answered and the details worked out. They are trying to streamline costs to be able to afford more services. The bulk pricing may improve if this amount pushes us to a higher tier.
Lola Materna- PatientAssistant.com information- will come to August 2 meeting per Ewbank.
Margaret Minzner- GIS- 911 dispatching grant information and fee schedule- Charlie Ashley present also. There are a couple issues that are not making it work as well as it should there. There file needs centerline range helps if there is new construction that has a new address now. One vendor has a solution to interpolate between two address range- for $10,000 instead of $100,000. Hughes asked if it was just as effective and Margaret said yes. She passed out the proposal for this. This vendor also works with the neighboring counties so it gives us a regional map for dispatch as well. There is some money in GIS for this but she wants to get approval to meet with the Dearborn Community Foundation to seek a grant for this. Gayle Pennington said it was good to solve Ashley’s 911 problems and with the grant proposal and the price it would eliminate the need to go to Council for next year’s budget. It may remove some of the maintenance fee on the Emergitech contract that 911 currently pays. Hughes asked the Barnes and Thornburg rep- Matt Morgan- if they could help with this with the Byrnes and JAG grants. He had already written it down to look at. Commissioners approved going for the grant with the Dearborn County Foundation.
Margaret Minzner – gave out the latest stats for Beacon using the GIS services even during evening hours. The draft fee schedule for GIS was passed out to the commissioners. These fees would help to cover updates and maintenance. Online subscription fee would be there for enhanced data, imagery, and certain layers. The basics are open to public for free. The fees are nominal. There are fees to buy some of the data sets, map printing, and custom services, as well as shipping and handling. Gayle Pennington added that the team had worked hard on this and they tried to stay in line with other counties. They wanted to be affordable for the small appraisal and realtor businesses who weren’t part of a big conglomerate. As the GIS system grows and we are putting more into it, she doesn’t think the taxpayer needs to foot that bill for people wanting these services out of the county. There is a convenience to get data online. Plotters, software, etc will need to be paid for. She’s asking for Andy Baudendistel to draw up an ordinance to set up the GIS perpetuation fund. Commissioners approved Baudendistel‘s work and Tabled this until that is prepared for the next meeting.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Todd Listerman, Highway Engineer- not present- on vacation. Bill Ewbank presented the change order to the restoration to the George Street Bridge for $1800 for repairs to the pedestrian path railings caused by a snow plow hit. It is 80% reimbursable- Our cost is about $140. Approved.
AUDITOR: Gayle Pennington- minutes and claims approved. McHenry talked about the interview room $11,639 claim and said that the sheriff was confident it was all working. So they approved the claim.
ATTORNEY: Andy Baudendistel- approached by Sheriff’s dept and Dillsboro for sheriff to hold all evidence for them. McHenry wanted to be sure Dillsboro would pay for this. Their attorney- John Watson- will draw up the agreement so that the county will not incur legal expenses setting it up. There will be an interlocal agreement needed for this also per Pennington. McHenry said that we will be doing their evidence collection for them. Dillsboro will pay for those costs. Hughes thought this consolidation would be a good idea. McHenry said when you start talking about individual power things start going south real quick- look at dispatch, EMS, etc. Orschell said that one outside consultant is studying that already.
COUNTY COORDINATOR: Bill Ewbank- OKI Contract annual – the same as prior years essentially for $16,515. It is about $100 less than last year. Approved.
Update report for CAC (Child Advocacy Center) in Dillsboro was just dumped on him. Report, final inspection, certificate of accessability, and compliance with civil rights laws. Approved to sign.
Last Wed there was a power surge and it generated the fire alarm. Some damages to electronics damage for less than $100. May ask Lawrenceburg to pay as it is less than
If there is some storm damage to 33 severe weather alert sirens for $20,000 each. He wants to increase our insurance coverage for this for about $40. Approved the $40.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- McHenry asked about Willoughby Rd cul de sac. There are some drainage issues out there. He called them back about that after talking to Highway.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none
PUBLIC COMMENT- none
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Agenda for July 19th Commissioners Meeting
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 19, 2011
9:00 a.m.
City of Lawrenceburg
Administration Building
230 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Private Real Property Rights Preservation Ordinance
2. Revised Jail Expansion Project
3. North Dearborn Road Re-alignment East of Dover
4. Barnes & Thornberg – Lobbyist proposal
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Catch a Ride - Discussion on fuel options
2. Lola Materna – PatientAssistant.com information
3. Margaret Minzner – GIS
a. 911 Dispatching Grant information
b. Fee Schedule
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT- Todd Listerman
Updates
VI. AUDITOR – Gayle Pennington
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY - Andy Baudendistel
VIII. COUNTY COORDINATOR – Bill Ewbank
1. OKI Contract
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
X. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XI. PUBLIC COMMENT
XII. ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 19, 2011
9:00 a.m.
City of Lawrenceburg
Administration Building
230 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Private Real Property Rights Preservation Ordinance
2. Revised Jail Expansion Project
3. North Dearborn Road Re-alignment East of Dover
4. Barnes & Thornberg – Lobbyist proposal
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Catch a Ride - Discussion on fuel options
2. Lola Materna – PatientAssistant.com information
3. Margaret Minzner – GIS
a. 911 Dispatching Grant information
b. Fee Schedule
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT- Todd Listerman
Updates
VI. AUDITOR – Gayle Pennington
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY - Andy Baudendistel
VIII. COUNTY COORDINATOR – Bill Ewbank
1. OKI Contract
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
X. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XI. PUBLIC COMMENT
XII. ADJOURN
Thursday, July 07, 2011
BRIGHT FUTURES: RECYCLING
Bright Futures: Recycling
In the past months, Dearborn County Park Board ordered Solid Waste Management to remove the recycling trailers from Bright Meadows Park. Some had abused the facility, so the Park Board was acting in the best interests of residents, but this has been a real inconvenience to many trying to improve the quality of life where we live.
In its own words, “The mission of the Dearborn County Solid Waste District is to foster a sense of responsibility and inspire action by Dearborn County Residents to reduce solid waste by creating an awareness and commitment to reduction, reuse and recycling programs.” The removal of the recycling trailer is not consistent with the full implementations of this mission.
A meeting of citizens interested in addressing this issue will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, at the North Dearborn Branch of the Lawrenceburg Public Library, North Dearborn and Dole Roads. The future of Bright, as that of the rest of the county, is in the hands of the citizens who direct the actions of elected officials.
Meeting details:
Bright Futures
August 3, 7 p.m.
North Dearborn Branch Library
North Dearborn and Dole Roads.For further information, call 812 656-8866.
Bob Sauerbrey
1928 Oakridge Dr.
Lawrenceburg (Bright) IN 47025
812 656-8866
In the past months, Dearborn County Park Board ordered Solid Waste Management to remove the recycling trailers from Bright Meadows Park. Some had abused the facility, so the Park Board was acting in the best interests of residents, but this has been a real inconvenience to many trying to improve the quality of life where we live.
In its own words, “The mission of the Dearborn County Solid Waste District is to foster a sense of responsibility and inspire action by Dearborn County Residents to reduce solid waste by creating an awareness and commitment to reduction, reuse and recycling programs.” The removal of the recycling trailer is not consistent with the full implementations of this mission.
A meeting of citizens interested in addressing this issue will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, at the North Dearborn Branch of the Lawrenceburg Public Library, North Dearborn and Dole Roads. The future of Bright, as that of the rest of the county, is in the hands of the citizens who direct the actions of elected officials.
Meeting details:
Bright Futures
August 3, 7 p.m.
North Dearborn Branch Library
North Dearborn and Dole Roads.For further information, call 812 656-8866.
Bob Sauerbrey
1928 Oakridge Dr.
Lawrenceburg (Bright) IN 47025
812 656-8866
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
5 July 2011 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
5 July 2011 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Jeff Hughes, President, Tom Orschell, and Shane McHenry
Also present: Gayle Pennington, Auditor, Bill Ewbank, County Coordinator, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.
OLD BUSINESS:
Private real property Rights Preservation Ordinance- tabled again.
Revised Jail Expansion Project- Orschell says there are some legitimate questions that need to be answered- Tabled.
North Dearborn Road Realignment East of Dover- Todd Listerman said they got preliminary approval from DNR to shorten the ditch of the project and if IDEM approves, they won’t have to use Reinhardt’s property. Tabled to get that info. Hughes said that Reinhardt told him that they didn’t need that big of a road- a highway was not necessary. He also wasn’t sure of the accident numbers there. He also thought the appraisals were low. He may show up tonight and if he does Hughes wanted to give him the opportunity to speak. He was worried about potential sale for a house and this might devalue it. The land was appraised at $8,000 an acre and for the very small piece he was offered $200. The county could go to $1,000 to avoid court costs. McHenry said- hopefully we can avoid the whole issue if DNR and IDEM agree.
NEW BUSINESS:
Assessor’s Vending Contract- already signed has been returned for correction by the DLGF. So they want it signed again $46,000 with Tyler Technology. Baudendistel said the DLGF was worried about liability to the state and so it was corrected. Commissioners resigned the contract.
Barnes and Thornburg Lobbyist Proposal –We have been involved with the county for a number of years. At the federal level they worked on our transportation issues especially with respect to the casinos. At that time the feds were receptive. This took the form of lobbying for earmarks for designated highway funds. They had some success with that. They had a several year hiatus, Now they represent several counties in Indiana. Earmarks are now going to be called something else. They will come through grants, allocations to the state, etc. They help now to do 2 things in other counties. It has been set up so that more money will flow through the state highway program. The MPOs will also be affected by this. Be more vigilant with highway people to work with state to get priorities approved. You need to be positioned with those people to get what you need for your projects. He said he’s been in this business more than 30 years and you benefit by having squeaky wheels up there in Indy. The Justice Institute is also preparing several grants and they help shape those for us. Because the federal government is so vast they can help also with other issues, such as flooding issues. They are there to help supplement our dollars with state and federal money and grants. The cost benefit of their prior contracts has been good.
You have to decide from your perspective, if you want to invest in our services again. McHenry said that we hear from Listerman that we need money for North Dearborn and Collier Ridge Bridge. Listerman said they would be more helpful with the long-range plans more than the local ones just mentioned. We need help to make sure INDOT doesn’t let those die on the INDOT Roads. Orschell said that the bridge at St. Leon would be an example- where we wanted more lanes there than just 3 , because of the schools there etc. Barnes and Thornburg’s rep said lobbying is also about education so the politicians know our needs. The good news now is that with an 18 month cycle coming up- for elections- both candidates will be receptive. We have heard there may be more money coming out. You want to be prepared. Shelf ready projects help to keep you competitive. You have to be there and be pushy. Orschell if we sign, will you come down and get our needs? They said they would for about an hour or so. There’s not a lot of money out there for parks for example. When a grant is denied, they want you to send the denial and then we will find out WHY you’ve been denied. They have had some limited success with subsequent filings. The good thing about earmarks is that INDOT had to work with it then. Hughes said- the Wilson Creek reoairs have been denied and he ultimately found out from the INDOT Commissioner that no one was banging on his door from here, like the others were. Hughes said that sometimes the MPOs are just another layer of bureaucracy to get through. There are questions being asked about the MPO’s and their necessity in the funding process. There is a lot of reporting process for lobbyists now and so this contract has more language as a result. This agreement is general so that we can use it for transportation, criminal justice, some homeland security stuff. [NOTE: How does Barnes and Thornburg decide which of their counties that are under contract get the most attention? What if they are all going for the same funding source?]
The contract is annual but it runs month to month so it can be terminated in 30 days. If we use them a lot more, then they may come in and talk about fees. Orschell wanted to take it home and read it. McHenry also liked the language about the termination of services. Commissioners decided to take time to think about this until next meeting on July 19th at 9 AM. They will love to meet with the sheriff also if they sign this.
Appointment of a Commissioner to Personnel Advisory Committee= Bill Ewbank said that they had omitted forming the advisory committee when they had signed the personnel policy about 6 months ago. Some of the complaint processes are starting to percolate through the dept. heads.
The advisory committee consists of the Auditor , Resources Officer, one commissioner ,and 2 council members. Hughes said he was willing to serve thru December- approved.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Todd Listerman, Highway Engineer
ROW acquisition for Bridge 102, North Dearborn by Creekside- contract for United Consulting for $25,305. Approved.
Message signs for US 50 which is 100% federal funding through the MPO. Approved the INDOT contract for $297,500.
Spoken to a couple property owners by Bridge 102 so they are aware of the process. They want it ready for construction summer 2012 when school is out.
Needs permission to get another $250,000 to buy ROW for the Stateline project in Bright. Hope to have it done in 2013. Approved to go to Council to seek funds.
Cook Road- $750,000- DNR will pick up 80%- and our $150,000 share can be done in like services. Orschell has seen the site- it’s a new- recurring problem. Todd Listerman approved to seek money from Council.
Listerman has not been able to get together with Mr. Irwin on Short Road. The ROW should not be a problem to acquire.
The school flashers project may need 3 commissioners to sign off the plan sheet. Baudendistel said it was OK for him to bring it to them individually to sign outside the meeting. They may not need a plan sheet. If they do this would cover the time sensitivity issue. Approved.
Hughes called Listerman with a question from Fred Stegemiller about the ability to add a sidewalk on the other side of the bridge. Listerman called Barker who had this project. He said the sidewalk would be an additional $200,000 and no extra money. They also have 2 utility lines that would have to be relocated- major sewer and water lines. It is also an historic bridge, so it would require hearings etc. The question was asked because of the bike path etc. Listerman will tell Stegemiller about this.
McHenry brought up a road problem on Timber Ridge- after explaining to Hughes that he didn’t want to step on toes in his district.
AUDITOR: Gayle Pennington- approved minutes from May 4 and June 7. Payroll was signed. McHenry said Sheriff Kreinhop wanted them to hold an $11,630 claim to Commercial Electronics Corp. until they get the system fixed. They are having continued problems with it. It’s recording equipment for interviews. Pennington will hold the claim. The rest of the claims were approved.
449 visitors to the GIS site and 201 were during non-working hours.
Pennington said Hughes had asked about re-districting. They will address the precincts first. They are still waiting on some numbers from the state.
ATTORNEY: Andy Baudendistel- No recommendation came from the Plan Commission on Happy Hollow Road ROW. They will put it on the August 2nd meeting, the parties are going to try to negotiate before then.
They received a tort claim on the jail. The inmate did not have representation. He will follow that- their insurer has been notified.
Per Mr Votaw the warranty deed was signed by Mr Cunningham and so now the county owns the old Votaw Building.
COUNTY COORDINATOR: Bill Ewbank presented Heart House- Emergency Shelter Grant program certification of local approval – was signed by Jeff Hughes. This is needed to participate in that program.
IHCEA- Lifetime Housing- Section 106 Historic Review for rehab or renovation requires approval of the Commissioners for individual houses. Hughes signed the CABG papers for the 2 homes- one in Lawrenceburg and one in West Harrison
.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- Hughes asked about the Solid Waste recycle bin that was removed. He wants to send Bill Ewbank to the Park Board meeting at 6 PM at the County Farm about this. He talked to Woodsy and to Bob Ewbank the Park Board attorney. He talked to Jim Hughes and Bryan Messmore- for Council to see if they would fund the fence. Orschell said he would attend that meeting. He’d see if Sandy Whitehead would attend also for Solid Waste. They don’t want to step on either board’s toes.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none
PUBLIC COMMENT- none
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Jeff Hughes, President, Tom Orschell, and Shane McHenry
Also present: Gayle Pennington, Auditor, Bill Ewbank, County Coordinator, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.
OLD BUSINESS:
Private real property Rights Preservation Ordinance- tabled again.
Revised Jail Expansion Project- Orschell says there are some legitimate questions that need to be answered- Tabled.
North Dearborn Road Realignment East of Dover- Todd Listerman said they got preliminary approval from DNR to shorten the ditch of the project and if IDEM approves, they won’t have to use Reinhardt’s property. Tabled to get that info. Hughes said that Reinhardt told him that they didn’t need that big of a road- a highway was not necessary. He also wasn’t sure of the accident numbers there. He also thought the appraisals were low. He may show up tonight and if he does Hughes wanted to give him the opportunity to speak. He was worried about potential sale for a house and this might devalue it. The land was appraised at $8,000 an acre and for the very small piece he was offered $200. The county could go to $1,000 to avoid court costs. McHenry said- hopefully we can avoid the whole issue if DNR and IDEM agree.
NEW BUSINESS:
Assessor’s Vending Contract- already signed has been returned for correction by the DLGF. So they want it signed again $46,000 with Tyler Technology. Baudendistel said the DLGF was worried about liability to the state and so it was corrected. Commissioners resigned the contract.
Barnes and Thornburg Lobbyist Proposal –We have been involved with the county for a number of years. At the federal level they worked on our transportation issues especially with respect to the casinos. At that time the feds were receptive. This took the form of lobbying for earmarks for designated highway funds. They had some success with that. They had a several year hiatus, Now they represent several counties in Indiana. Earmarks are now going to be called something else. They will come through grants, allocations to the state, etc. They help now to do 2 things in other counties. It has been set up so that more money will flow through the state highway program. The MPOs will also be affected by this. Be more vigilant with highway people to work with state to get priorities approved. You need to be positioned with those people to get what you need for your projects. He said he’s been in this business more than 30 years and you benefit by having squeaky wheels up there in Indy. The Justice Institute is also preparing several grants and they help shape those for us. Because the federal government is so vast they can help also with other issues, such as flooding issues. They are there to help supplement our dollars with state and federal money and grants. The cost benefit of their prior contracts has been good.
You have to decide from your perspective, if you want to invest in our services again. McHenry said that we hear from Listerman that we need money for North Dearborn and Collier Ridge Bridge. Listerman said they would be more helpful with the long-range plans more than the local ones just mentioned. We need help to make sure INDOT doesn’t let those die on the INDOT Roads. Orschell said that the bridge at St. Leon would be an example- where we wanted more lanes there than just 3 , because of the schools there etc. Barnes and Thornburg’s rep said lobbying is also about education so the politicians know our needs. The good news now is that with an 18 month cycle coming up- for elections- both candidates will be receptive. We have heard there may be more money coming out. You want to be prepared. Shelf ready projects help to keep you competitive. You have to be there and be pushy. Orschell if we sign, will you come down and get our needs? They said they would for about an hour or so. There’s not a lot of money out there for parks for example. When a grant is denied, they want you to send the denial and then we will find out WHY you’ve been denied. They have had some limited success with subsequent filings. The good thing about earmarks is that INDOT had to work with it then. Hughes said- the Wilson Creek reoairs have been denied and he ultimately found out from the INDOT Commissioner that no one was banging on his door from here, like the others were. Hughes said that sometimes the MPOs are just another layer of bureaucracy to get through. There are questions being asked about the MPO’s and their necessity in the funding process. There is a lot of reporting process for lobbyists now and so this contract has more language as a result. This agreement is general so that we can use it for transportation, criminal justice, some homeland security stuff. [NOTE: How does Barnes and Thornburg decide which of their counties that are under contract get the most attention? What if they are all going for the same funding source?]
The contract is annual but it runs month to month so it can be terminated in 30 days. If we use them a lot more, then they may come in and talk about fees. Orschell wanted to take it home and read it. McHenry also liked the language about the termination of services. Commissioners decided to take time to think about this until next meeting on July 19th at 9 AM. They will love to meet with the sheriff also if they sign this.
Appointment of a Commissioner to Personnel Advisory Committee= Bill Ewbank said that they had omitted forming the advisory committee when they had signed the personnel policy about 6 months ago. Some of the complaint processes are starting to percolate through the dept. heads.
The advisory committee consists of the Auditor , Resources Officer, one commissioner ,and 2 council members. Hughes said he was willing to serve thru December- approved.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Todd Listerman, Highway Engineer
ROW acquisition for Bridge 102, North Dearborn by Creekside- contract for United Consulting for $25,305. Approved.
Message signs for US 50 which is 100% federal funding through the MPO. Approved the INDOT contract for $297,500.
Spoken to a couple property owners by Bridge 102 so they are aware of the process. They want it ready for construction summer 2012 when school is out.
Needs permission to get another $250,000 to buy ROW for the Stateline project in Bright. Hope to have it done in 2013. Approved to go to Council to seek funds.
Cook Road- $750,000- DNR will pick up 80%- and our $150,000 share can be done in like services. Orschell has seen the site- it’s a new- recurring problem. Todd Listerman approved to seek money from Council.
Listerman has not been able to get together with Mr. Irwin on Short Road. The ROW should not be a problem to acquire.
The school flashers project may need 3 commissioners to sign off the plan sheet. Baudendistel said it was OK for him to bring it to them individually to sign outside the meeting. They may not need a plan sheet. If they do this would cover the time sensitivity issue. Approved.
Hughes called Listerman with a question from Fred Stegemiller about the ability to add a sidewalk on the other side of the bridge. Listerman called Barker who had this project. He said the sidewalk would be an additional $200,000 and no extra money. They also have 2 utility lines that would have to be relocated- major sewer and water lines. It is also an historic bridge, so it would require hearings etc. The question was asked because of the bike path etc. Listerman will tell Stegemiller about this.
McHenry brought up a road problem on Timber Ridge- after explaining to Hughes that he didn’t want to step on toes in his district.
AUDITOR: Gayle Pennington- approved minutes from May 4 and June 7. Payroll was signed. McHenry said Sheriff Kreinhop wanted them to hold an $11,630 claim to Commercial Electronics Corp. until they get the system fixed. They are having continued problems with it. It’s recording equipment for interviews. Pennington will hold the claim. The rest of the claims were approved.
449 visitors to the GIS site and 201 were during non-working hours.
Pennington said Hughes had asked about re-districting. They will address the precincts first. They are still waiting on some numbers from the state.
ATTORNEY: Andy Baudendistel- No recommendation came from the Plan Commission on Happy Hollow Road ROW. They will put it on the August 2nd meeting, the parties are going to try to negotiate before then.
They received a tort claim on the jail. The inmate did not have representation. He will follow that- their insurer has been notified.
Per Mr Votaw the warranty deed was signed by Mr Cunningham and so now the county owns the old Votaw Building.
COUNTY COORDINATOR: Bill Ewbank presented Heart House- Emergency Shelter Grant program certification of local approval – was signed by Jeff Hughes. This is needed to participate in that program.
IHCEA- Lifetime Housing- Section 106 Historic Review for rehab or renovation requires approval of the Commissioners for individual houses. Hughes signed the CABG papers for the 2 homes- one in Lawrenceburg and one in West Harrison
.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- Hughes asked about the Solid Waste recycle bin that was removed. He wants to send Bill Ewbank to the Park Board meeting at 6 PM at the County Farm about this. He talked to Woodsy and to Bob Ewbank the Park Board attorney. He talked to Jim Hughes and Bryan Messmore- for Council to see if they would fund the fence. Orschell said he would attend that meeting. He’d see if Sandy Whitehead would attend also for Solid Waste. They don’t want to step on either board’s toes.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none
PUBLIC COMMENT- none
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, July 01, 2011
Agenda for July 5th Commissioners Meeting
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 5, 2011
6:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Private Real Property Rights Preservation Ordinance
2. Revised Jail Expansion Project
3. North Dearborn Road Re-alignment East of Dover
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Assessor’s Vending Contract
2. Barnes & Thornberg – Lobbyist proposal
3. Appointment of one Commissioner on Personnel Advisory Committee
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT- Todd Listerman
Updates
VI. AUDITOR – Gayle Pennington
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY - Andy Baudendistel
VIII. COUNTY COORDINATOR – Bill Ewbank
1. Emergency shelter Grant Program Certification of Local Approval, Heart House
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
X. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XI. PUBLIC COMMENT
XII. ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 5, 2011
6:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Private Real Property Rights Preservation Ordinance
2. Revised Jail Expansion Project
3. North Dearborn Road Re-alignment East of Dover
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Assessor’s Vending Contract
2. Barnes & Thornberg – Lobbyist proposal
3. Appointment of one Commissioner on Personnel Advisory Committee
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT- Todd Listerman
Updates
VI. AUDITOR – Gayle Pennington
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY - Andy Baudendistel
VIII. COUNTY COORDINATOR – Bill Ewbank
1. Emergency shelter Grant Program Certification of Local Approval, Heart House
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
X. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XI. PUBLIC COMMENT
XII. ADJOURN
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