AGENDA August 3rd DC Commissioners Meeting

 AGENDA

DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

 August 3, 2021 

9:00 a.m., Henry Dearborn Room

County Administration Building

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE

IV. OLD BUSINESS 

1. Johnson Melloh Geothermal Project Contract

V. NEW BUSINESS

1.  GIS Fee Schedule Update– Nicole Daily, Zoning Administrator

Ordinance for GIS Fee Schedule

2.  Discussion re: Walters Road – Dennis Kraus, Jr., Surveyor

VI. ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden

VII. AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold

1.  Claims/Payroll/Minutes

VIII. ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel

IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

X. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

XI. PUBLIC COMMENT

XII. ADJOURN

26 July 2021 Dearborn County Plan Commission 3.5 Hour Meeting Notes

 

26 July 2021 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

Present: Dennis Kraus, Jr., Chairman, Russell Beiersdorfer, John Hawley, Mark Lehman, Jake Hoog, Dan Lansing, and Eric Lang

ABSENT: Joe Vogel and Jim Thatcher

Also Present: Mark McCormack, Plan Director,  Nicole Daily, Zoning Administrator, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.

Baudendistel read the Title VI statement as legally required.

ACTION ON MINUTES-  Minutes from March 22, 2021 meeting approved

OLD BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

 Request: Waiver to not construct sidewalks; Hidden Acres Subdivision Applicant / Owner: Maxwell Development, Inc. Site Location: Grubbs Road, approximately 1,800 feet south of the intersection of Sneakville and Grubbs Road Legal: Section 34, T7N, R1W of Logan Township Section 3, T6N, R1W of Miller Township Size: 158.3 Acres (Original affected property) Zoning: Residential (R) 

McCormack presented. Zoned R from 2006. There are different phases of this. 21 neighbors notified. Had 2 comments from the same house and one other resident also submitted written comments. 

They looked to see if the changes requested were major or minor. Sidewalks are considered a major request. Part of this subdivision was intended to be required- but not all of it. Public hearing for primary plat was in 2006. 295 lots were approved in primary plat on 2006. Secondary plat was in 2008. In reviewing the plans for Phase 2 in 2020 they noticed that the sidewalks required for Phase 1 were not there. Tech review for Phase 2 was in 2020 and the original one had expired. ( It was 13 years before)

There are 30 lots on 19.34 acres Phase 1

15 lots on 18.53 acres Phase 2

6 lots on 17.959 acres for One Mile that is the broken off portion of Hidden Acres. 

These are less dense than what is originally proposed. The density would require sidewalks on one side of the street, except for the cul-de-sac perhaps. The sidewalks were approved out of the county right of way. 

The width of sidewalks changed to 5 ft from 4 ft  due to ADA standards. Bond will be on Grubbs Rd as the other phases are still not done and there will be construction traffic on it. There was a 10 ft walking trail on Melanie Meadow. Pictures show that there are culverts and utility boxes where the sidewalk should have been. 

The sidewalks should be verified before a certificate of occupancy is granted. That did not happen in this case. There are residents who don’t want a sidewalk there and others do want them. There have been few sidewalks required in the past few years as they were not needed per the rules. 

Randy Maxwell hopes for a discussion and said these plans are now going to have lower density so that sidewalks won’t be required. They had no platted pathways in Phase 1. When they submitted Phase 2- and he knocked on doors where sidewalks would be needed. Saw that there were impediments to getting these done according to ADA standards. Listerman did not want them in the county ROW as they don’t want to maintain them. He also said that they didn’t try to avoid doing what they were supposed to do. (put in sidewalks)

Eric Lang asked why they can’t put them in if they were designed in the plan.

 Maxwell said they signed off on them but they didn’t do the engineering for them.

 Lang said he is having trouble making the connection as to how that got messed up. There is a lot of time from 2006 to now. 

Maxwell said- Morgans Ridge is the same problem and same timeline. That is 60 lots on 115 acres. This will be similar. 

The sidewalks should be tied to curb and gutter Maxwell thinks. There is only one subdivision in the county that has sidewalks installed per ordinance. That is Park Place. Density would have to be less than one unit per acre. 30 lots on 19.34 acres- that would need sidewalks per ordinance. 14 on 18.5 acres. The one or 2 lots in the back are 5 acre lots. [NOTE: Larger lots can be replaced later to create more lots if the economy improves.] He noted that the numbers are really less as some owners have purchased adjoining lots. [NOTE: That does not mean that they won’t build on those adjoining lots or sell them.]

Mark Lehman said the connectivity was to try to get pedestrian bike paths to be more creative in getting communities connected. That is why it is CAN versus SHALL in the ordinance. 

Maxwell said that he reached out to the homeowner on Renck for a path and they said - no way. Not sure if the county has right of way there. [NOTE: When this was approved in 2006 the motion was that Renck and Picnic Woods would NOT be connected to this. ) the neighbors didn’t want the extra traffic from another subdivision)]

Public Comment

Mark Rosen wants them to NOT have sidewalks required as the drainage would be a big problem and it would take a lot away from the land and the curb appeal. His wife note that there is a swale instead of a culvert as they are on the high side of the street. Electrical boxes etc are also in the way. Everyone walks on the road and is courteous. Don’t see a need for one. Their home is 1/2 mile from Sneakville. Feasibility to walking along Sneakville not so good.

Other resident on Grubbs opposes the sidewalks. Connecting to the Bright Park is not feasibility as it is far down Sneakville and the traffic is not good for walking. He sees the sidewalks as going no where on this and not much traffic back there. He sees it as a waste of development dollars. Stands with Randy Maxwell and his fellow neighbors the Rosens in opposing sidewalks in this case. 

End public discussion. 

McCormack said he wouldn’t advise Sneakville either to get to the park- just other ways to connect.

He also said when this was approved, there was approved with a sidewalk. And it should have been communicated to the buyers by the sellers. If the sidewalk gets changed after the fact so be it- but it should be communicated and that’s the sellers job. 

Much discussion from the board on getting inter-connectivity another way to make up for the missing sidewalks. The board can’t seem to figure out how to connect to any other neighborhood from this. Maxwell couldn’t either. 

Lehman said there was a large amount of green in the other area that could be a trail and then when adjoining farms sell in the future they too can connect. Connect the southern end of Grubbs Farm to One Mile Road is what Lang suggested as the tradeoff for not doing the sidewalks that were supposed to be done. Maintenance is a question. HOA in the subdivision so can they? This subdivision was 295 units proposed earlier. Now it is much less. Though the approval was for 295 originally and that approval has expired now. 

Maxwell said he feels like they are requiring something that the density wouldn’t require now and that no other ones around them have sidewalks. He is going to design the interior street system that is not a thoroughfare. He agrees that connectivity is a good idea. He really wants to just do the entire subdivision- all phases so that the density is low enough to NOT need sidewalks. He wanted to decide tonight and not table for next month,

Lang motioned to approve the sidewalk waiver as requested with the stipulation that the developer be require to develop an intermodal connection at a future phase  between the south line of the property near One Mile to the south line of the Grubbs Farm and to be reviewed by the tech review committee. Lehman seconded. ( Maxwell will be back for a new primary plat approval on this as the old one has expired.) All Ayes. Approved.

5 Minute Break at 10:00 PM

ADMINISTRATIVE:

McCormack went over the few changes in the  proposed Solar Energy Systems Article 19 of the Zoning Ordinance. He also said the Economic Development Agreement idea was not put in as it properly belongs to Redevelopment etc. He also communicated that to Jim Thatcher as he wasn’t going to be here tonight. He said Thatcher also thought the rest of it was good to go now. Beiersdorfer moved for Favorable recommendation to Commissioners. Seconded by Lang. All Ayes.

Financial Guarantee Updates passed out.

Zoning Workshop Update- Had significant issues with PR. Newspaper came over closer to the even time and unfortunately the date didn’t get in. And the maps weren’t in the story and that has always been done in the past. He was counting n that map to get people interested. WSCH did not get back to them. Previous times they had done an interview to get the word out. So no extensive coverage there. Beacon needs a large time period to get into their monthly paper. He had sent emails to many people in the county who were at the previous master plan events. Board decided to do one more workshop and make a bigger attempt to get the word out in the county to get more input. McCormack felt like it was important to be sure people were notified better thru the media and yard signs to be sure they are aware of the zone changes. I suggested getting the maps in some frequently visited public places that people can see. ( Library, Walmart, Krogers?) [NOTE: Some people are not aware that the workshops allow for masking and distancing - it's not like a meeting where they are seated close together.]

The two Ag zones may need to be looked at to rename Rural Residential to something less confusing to the public per John Hawley. 

Meeting adjourned at 10:35 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

20 July 2021 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

 

20 July 2021 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

[NOTE: I did not attend this meeting due to the Master Plan Workshops on Agricultural and Residential Zone Map Changes in Lawrenceburg and St Leon.on the same day. Information is from other trusted attendees.]

Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Art Little, and Rick Probst

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.

OLD BUSINESS-  none

NEW BUSINESS

Jack’s Forever 3 Run- Sept 11- Linda Fox presented- approved

Johnson Melloh Geothermal Project Contract - TABLED 

ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden

AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold  -Claims/Payroll and July 6 Minutes approved 

ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Probst- Won’t be available at next meeting.

LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

PUBLIC COMMENT- 5 citizens from Weisburg came regarding their bridge that was wipeout in the storms and is still in the creek. Apparently the recent rains further flooded due the the bridge still being in the creek. County has been working on addressing all the issues from flooding, including Weisburg. Bischoff Road resident also got input on their Bridge status. 

ADJOURN- 

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

AGENDA July 26th DC Plan Commission Meeting

PLAN COMMISSION AGENDA

 Monday, July 26th, 2021 7:00 P.M. 

*Location: Henry Dearborn Meeting Room; Dearborn County Government Center 

A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

B. ROLL CALL 

C. ACTION ON MINUTES 

D. OLD BUSINESS – NONE TO BE RE-OPENED 

E. NEW BUSINESS 

1. Request: Waiver to not construct sidewalks; Hidden Acres Subdivision Applicant / Owner: Maxwell Development, Inc. Site Location: Grubbs Road, approximately 1,800 feet south of the intersection of Sneakville and Grubbs Road Legal: Section 34, T7N, R1W of Logan Township Section 3, T6N, R1W of Miller Township Size: 158.3 Acres (Original affected property) Zoning: Residential (R) F. 

ADMINISTRATIVE  To review and discuss proposed ordinance amendments the Dearborn County Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Control Ordinance, and to discuss other administrative items—including updates related to Planning & Zoning staff activities and projects.  Financial Guarantee Updates 

For complete info on the previous minutes and the Requested Waiver see link below

https://www.dearborncounty.org/egov/documents/1625850268_30418.pdf

AGENDA July 20th DC Commissioners Meeting

 AGENDA

DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

 July 20, 2021 

5:00 9.m., Henry Dearborn Room

County Administration Building

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE

IV. OLD BUSINESS 

 

V. NEW BUSINESS

1.  Jack’s Forever 3 Run on September 11, 2021

2.  Johnson Melloh Geothermal Project Contract 

VI. ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden

VII. AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold

1.  Claims/Payroll/Minutes

VIII. ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel

IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

X. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

XI. PUBLIC COMMENT

XII. ADJOURN

16 July 2021 SE Indiana Regional Port Authority Meeting

 

16 July 2021 SE Indiana Regional Port Authority Meeting

Present: 6/12 and 2/12 via telephone so all votes have to be by roll call.

Aurora: Mark Drury, Benjamin Turner (via telephone), Derek Walker

Dearborn County: Jim Thatcher (Chairman), Tom Palmer (Secretary), Eric Kranz

Greendale: Alan Weiss (Vice Chair), Al Abdon ( via telephone), E.G. McLaughlin

Also present: Andy Baudendistel, Legal Counsel

ABSENT: Lawrenceburg: Kelly Mollaun, Lenny Fryman, Sarah Jordan, Dearborn County: Eric Krantz

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS – none

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 21^st, 2021 Meeting approved.

1. GUEST SPEAKERS – BLN- John DiDimasio update on the training workshop in September. Libby presented the rest. Jurisdictional authority, preliminary mapping and zoning- how big a sandbox to play in and Business models. Ports of Indiana have 3- and then there are other port in Indiana. Not all ports have waterfront access. Hoosier Heritage Port Authority - Noblesville, Fischers, and Hamilton County to preserve a rail corridor. They still have tourist train operation too. This is an example that what people normally think of as a Port Authority. Perry County Port Authority with the city of Madison - purchased a rail line that was to be take out- then a major auto parts manufacturer came in that used the rail to get the project. The county operated the rail line. There is also a recreational component using it on the weekends. Ports of Indiana organized in 1961. Freight and jobs that have resulted from that are substantial. Foreign trade zones exist in ports. Subaru has one for example. Pharmaceuticals also use foreign trade zones. Ports have the right of eminent domain. You can accept and receive federal grants, These are in the millions of dollars. John DiDimasio continued- noted there were a lot of opportunities to create projects. They took a quick look at the Tanners Creek site- it has a lot of connectivity. Part is under Aurora and part under Lawrenceburg. There are 2 different zoning regimens applied to the property. 640 acres is zoned general MFG and Industry. Aurora has some in Ag. You need to consider the zoning of sites you want to work with. They also looked at flood maps and floodplains. You have to see the depths of the water and whether you need to dredge for barges etc. Transportation date and traffic counts were looked at. This data is pre-COVID. The Governor announced the 101 connector to Markland from US 50. Properties can be leveraged. Survey on vision of the future- wants  71% regional leader in recreation and livability and 29% a port to transform regional freight movement. Discussion of CSX lines that are available in our area and also other rail. Things are moving to containerization. Some routes can’t handle certain sizes due to tunnels etc. Questions about the benefits for the local distilleries. Libby presented various models that port authorities use. They depend on how you want to proceed and staffing too. Truck parking sites and where they currently are is being considered. There are apps to use for truck parking. A transportation bill coming up may include things to help with this. OKI was recently awarded something for solar. 216 solar workers in Ohio. There is a 20% tax credit for solar end users. Technologies get funding depending. Active or Passive solar. Multiple users, improving competition can also improve ability to get state money. We have competing intermodal facilities close by. Cincinnati’s ports should be considered when we decide what role to fill. Na rm of the national park service is looking at the waterways. OKI also done work with a digital guide books of facilities around the Ohio River. John DeDimasio spoke about the landing in Aurora. This is close to a park. On Sept 17th they will have the workshop at IVY Tech. Libby wanted them to think about their top models they like. Generally we have to think of something to bring in revenue. 

1. NEW BUSINESS- 

1. OLD BUSINESS- Larry Boyd (Erics Bayview Grill and Marina)- on telephone- presented a  3 stage program with the dredging company. Derrick Walker said that they are getting ideas about what we can do with the Port. Larry - Help finance the dredging and get a filling station down there and share percentage of their revenue stream for the help. They also are considering floating cabins with inn keepers tax. The vision is to bring that marina back to life and a place for people to bring their families here. They also have a campground site. A general store there for the campground and boaters. They can combine 3 barges there and combine them for a restaurant bar there. Kayaks too. Boaters are asking about overnight facilities. He thinks its a facility option the whole area can use. 44 acres with a fair amount of it as water. They have expansion opportunities. They are working on a budget on 3 phases. Dredging, docks, gas, camping, and the store would be early on as they bring in revenue. Dredging is $140,000 for the first phase. The second portion 2nd year. They will manufacture the floating houses here in town. It mimics something like in Cumberland. He’s trying to see if the Port Authority would consider “partnering” for want of a better word with this. Army Corps of engineers for dredging ( McKay) helped with that. He was aware of Wilson Creek issue that complicated the previous dredging. Pontoon boats now- and 20-25 ft boats. Permits with Randy Turner in Aurora and lift station for sewage has to be installed. Nicole Daily and Building Dept have been consulted. From the electrical standpoint - there is already electricity by the docks have to be redone. The marina is located in the floodway. The county only controls the flood plain. IDNR controls the floodway. Larry said they would not be building anything permanent in that floodway as that is not allowed. All these items would be mobile. The lift station has to be encapsulated as it has to go under water. IDNR has to know about the floating fuel station also. Board said they would like to see approved plans before deciding. The public private partnership could be a good idea if we see the payback period and amount to justify using public money. The traffic in and out will keep the dredging in pretty good shape for about 5 years, then more maintenance dredging. It takes 3 weeks for first dredging. Can start in December possibly. There is a disposal pond there for the dredging. By May 31st next year it will be dredged. 

1. FINANCIAL REPORT / INVOICES- Palmer presented-  BLN $236.35 plus $473.30 for 1 and 3 percent of action plan- approved.

1. PUBLIC COMMENT- none

1. CONFIRMATION OF NEXT MEETING (Tentatively scheduled for September 17th, 2021?)

1. ADJOURNMENT - 2:30PM

8 JULY 2021 Dearborn County Redevelopment Meeting Notes

 8 JULY 2021 Dearborn County Redevelopment Meeting Notes

Present: Diane Bender, Chairman, Dave Deddens, Jim Deaton, Alan Goodman.

ABSENT Jim Helms and Jamie Graf (non- voting school board member) 

Also present:Sue Hayden, county administrator and minute taker, Andrea Ewan, attorney, Connie Fromhold, Auditor and DCRC treasurer.

Title VI statement read as legally required.

EXECUTIVE SESSION @ 8:00 a.m. 

IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (4) to discuss interviews and negotiations with industrial or commercial prospects or agents of industrial or commercial prospects by the Indiana economic development corporation, the office of tourism development, the Indiana finance authority, an economic development commission, a local economic development organization (as defined in IC 5-28-11-2(3)), or a governing body of a political subdivision; 

IC §5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (2) (D) which pertains to discussing strategy with the respect to the purchase or lease of real property by the governing body up to the time a contract or option to purchase or lease is executed by the parties

Memorandum for Executive Session- Members certified that they only discussed the above advertised items.

Action from Executive Session- no actions at this time.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-May 13th minutes approved.

CLAIMS AND FINANCIALS

Signarama $4,460 - Johnson Fork Road billboard rehab and lighting from West Harrison TIF; One Dearborn $10,000 - 2^nd quarter billing split evenly out of all 4 TIFs. Both were approved.

Connie Fromhold told them they now have to pay the bonds for Whitewater Mills out of the Whitewater Mills TIF and Diane Bender can sign those claims outside the meeting. Approved.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:none

NEW BUSINESS: 2022 Budget- same as last year. Deaton asked about enough money for some marketing events. Hayden said they can transfer money not that fund form Professional Services if need be. Budget approved and signed.

ONE DEARBORN REPORT: was in their packet per Hayden. Mike Perleberg presented. Project Open Door- groundbreaking July 20th schedule ( Dyke Industries) Both agreements for it are signed. The company has 90 days to close. They are working with Dearborn Title. They set up a meeting with local schools for a workforce pipeline for their company.

West Harrison needs mowing. Lonnie Steele mows it.

Making calls to INDOT to clean up so billboards are visible. 

Presentation was SEI READI- Regional economic acceleration and development initiative. 10 regions get $50 million each. This is like Regional cities on steroids. In order to compete for this- purpose is to retain talent today fr tomorrow. There is a total of $500 million in state budget for this. IEDC wants every community in the state to be able to participate in this. SEI Growth Alliance are our partners in the 5 counties. They want it to be sustainable. By July 1 deadline SEI made their identification to be eligible for this. They get support letters from throughout the region. Funding investment is  20% READI, 20% local gov’ts, and $60% by private sector.

The region had to have at least 2 counties - we are a 6 county collaborative. Union County is our 6th county now. Switzerland, Ohio, Franklin, Ripley, and Dearborn are the original 5. We do not have a regional hub like South Bend or Columbus for example. can spin that to our advantage though. They do note that Cincinnati plays into our region.

A Regional Strategic Plan has to be submitted by August 31st. IEDC want professional planning so $50,000 is allowed for this and 66.6% of this match is to be from locals. Sept- Oct IEDC reviews the plans anklets us present in person. In Nov-Dec- IEDC announce who is approved. 

IEDC is clear about wanting private sector involvement. 

One Dearborn is setting up groups to fulfill the requirements of IEDC on this. SEI Growth Alliance is establishing the SEI non-profit association. IEDC has granted up to $50,000 towards this. Our consultant is Thomas P. Miller Associates. They need to get a ROI analysis on this plan and Thomas P. Miller is helping get that done. 

What he asks of the DCRC is to be able to pay for the regional plan being created. All local gov’ts need to have some skin in the game. TPMA is $80,000. SIRPC also needs some finding. Needs about $100,000 total. We are the most populated county. DCRC is asked for $10,000 toward the planning grant for the READI match and will pay it when SIRPC produces the invoice and that the amount be paid from the general fund. Approved. 

Perleberg thinks that we have great story to tell. We want to get more people to choose to come to Indiana. 5 of our 6 counties are border counties to other states.  

ATTORNEY’S REPORT- Ewan has nothing more.

OTHER BUSINESS- next meeting 2 months. 

ADJOURNMENT - 9:45AM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

A HEALTH CHECKUP FOR PATRIOTISM

 A Health Checkup for Patriotism

by Mark Franke

reprinted with permission of IPR

Having passed three patriotic observances — Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day — provides an opportune moment to reflect on the status of patriotism here in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

What is its status? That depends on whom you ask, where you look and at what you look.

If one spends the day in front of the television watching national news channels, one can’t help but conclude patriotism is dead or in hiding. The talking heads, apparently in some kind of competition for the most extreme statement trophy, will leave your mental health in a witch’s brew of “gloom, despair and agony” and “deep, dark depression; excessive misery” to quote song lyrics from the down-home philosophers of the 1970s hit TV show “Hee Haw.”

A recent book, “Fears of a Setting Sun: The Disillusionment of America’s Founders” by Dennis Rasmussen, argues for just such a failed ending for our republic based on what the author saw as the pessimism expressed by most of the Founding Fathers in our nation’s early years. If one buys into Rasmussen’s premise, Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Hamilton all despaired of the new constitutional republic’s ultimate fate. (He does note that Madison was the optimist in the group.) Yet here we are, 245 years later and still kicking.

But kicking how? What we see on TV and in sports stadiums are professional athletes kneeling during the National Anthem, demands for Old Glory to be replaced with something appropriately woke, the asinine 1619 Project pushed by what used to be considered the newspaper of record, and on and on. Even the Statue of Liberty is now under attack. Is our nation on the brink of a self-ignited implosion? Yes, if your only perspective is cable news or national newspapers. It was a good run for the USA but it must be over . . . and deservedly so.

Not so fast, at least if we refocus our perspective right here in Indiana. This is what I heard and saw over the past weekend.

I counted 72 American flags flying on my short cul-de-sac, not counting red, white and blue bunting and ribbons nor the U.S. Army flag flown by my veteran neighbor. There were plenty more throughout my addition.

My wife and I attended our minor league baseball team’s annual Fourth of July home game in downtown Fort Wayne, a sellout as always. The stadium provides the best seats for the city’s fireworks display, with their launching being carefully coordinated with the end of the baseball game. The home team TinCaps lost but that didn’t dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm. There was a stirring tribute to military personnel and veterans in attendance. And, of course, nearly everyone wore red, white and blue.

People seemed to be in good moods everywhere this weekend, even those working in retail outlets. Were they extra friendly due to the holiday or was I just looking for the good in my fellow man? Either way, it’s a plus for patriotism.

The number of personal fireworks displays all over town was stunning. How much money did these people spend to provide a show for their friends and neighbors? Even though a modicum of restraint would have been welcome, especially during the week leading up to the Fourth and after midnight on Independence Day proper, I would rather hear all the fireworks than face a community that just doesn’t care about celebrating our independence.

One of the most divisive issues today is immigration. I have an opinion for the long-term solution to this but won’t presume to offer it here. Instead, I would rather think about why these millions have risked so much to come here, whether legally or illegally. Could it be that America offers more liberty, more economic freedom, more personal safety, a higher standard of living and so forth than wherever they used to call home? Isn’t this attestation of America’s continuing to be that city on a hill dreamed of by the early European settlers? I can’t but conclude that “these huddled masses” are indeed “yearning to breathe free” and it’s the United States that best can deliver on this promise.

I’m no doctor and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn last night but I will give a mental-health prescription anyway. Pull the plug on your cable TV even if only for one day. Don’t get into any political discussions with anyone, even those with whom you know you agree. Smile at everyone you meet. Think only good thoughts about others and your own situation. Be thankful you live here and not where your immigrant ancestors did.

Maybe I just moved Thanksgiving Day into July. And maybe that holiday ought to be celebrated monthly. It can be, and it doesn’t take an act of Congress or a presidential declaration for all us to do so.

God bless America!

Mark Franke, M.B.A., an adjunct scholar of the Indiana Policy Review and its book reviewer, is formerly an associate vice-chancellor at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

 

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The Indiana Policy Review Foundation is a nonprofit education foundation focused on state and municipal issues. It is free of outside control by any individual, organization or group. It exists solely to conduct and distribute research on Indiana issues. Opinions expressed in signed articles do not necessarily represent the views of the editors, the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, or its board of directors. Nothing in this journal, whether in print or pixels, is an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any bill or influence the election of any candidate.

AGENDA - July 8th DC Redevelopment Meeting

  AGENDA

DEARBORN COUNTY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS MEETING

July 8, 2021

9:00 a.m. Henry Dearborn Room

Dearborn County Government Center

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

EXECUTIVE SESSION @ 8:00 a.m. 

IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (4) to discuss interviews and negotiations with industrial or commercial prospects or agents of industrial or commercial prospects by the Indiana economic development corporation, the office of tourism development, the Indiana finance authority, an economic development commission, a local economic development organization (as defined in IC 5-28-11-2(3)), or a governing body of a political subdivision; 

IC §5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (2) (D) which pertains to discussing strategy with the respect to the purchase or lease of real property by the governing body up to the time a contract or option to purchase or lease is executed by the parties

1.     Call to order

1.     Title VI Statement for Compliance

1.     Memorandum for Executive Session

1.     Action from Executive Session
2.     Approval of Minutes for May 13, 2021 Meeting

1.     1.  Claims – Signarama $4,460 - Johnson Fork billboard rehab and lighting; One Dearborn $10,000 - 2^nd quarter billing.  

2.  Financials – Review

1. VII.Old Business 

1. VIII.New Business

1.  2022 Budget 

1.     One Dearborn Report

1.     Attorney’s Report

1.     Other Business

1. XII.Adjournment

6 JULY 2021 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

 6 JULY 2021 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Art Little, and Rick Probst

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.

PUBLIC HEARING - PETITION TO VACATE A PORTION OF RIGHT OF WAY ON HICKORY AND BUNKUM DRIVES IN HICKORY HILLS SUBDIVISION- Baudendistel presented in Rob Sieg’s (surveyor) absence. This is correcting he old cul de sac that was leftover. It was a unanimous vote for favorable recommendation to vacate the ROW. Seig arrived to answer questions if needed. The vacated portion stays with the Willworth property. Probst asked if we need the ROW back in the future does the county have to purchase it? YES. But the utilities that are in there they remain. Water and telephone and a third utility easement are still intact per Seig. Public hearing was closed. Commissioners approved the vacation of the ROW. 

OLD BUSINESS-

Economic Development Agreement with Dyke Industries tabled from June 22 meeting - Diane Bender of DCRC - Council has approved the economic revitalization area. Need an agreement to formalize the commitments that formalize the abatement and the promises that Dyke previously made. This is formalizing it in one document  and the Commissioners are the group that do this. No discussion- Approved and signed.

NEW BUSINESS

Updates from Soil and Water- Jennifer Hughes,Stormwater Coordinator and Ken Gunkel, Board Member- Jennifer- said the have emergency watershed protection funds for storm wash outs. they did a River Sweep and cleaned up Lesko Park. Pollinator Workshop Aug 14th at Echoville farms in Sunman. Also doing these at Libraries. They have a monthly newsletter that you can sign up for. The want all bird feeders removed due to songbird deaths. Cutter and Jeffrey Farms in Farmers Retreat are being recognized. 

Vicki thru NRCS handles the program on the emergency funds for washouts. Listerman will check with Tim to be sure we are using this. 

MS4 will have  significant financial impact. Lawrenceburg is preparing for this. Probst said this will take a full time MS4 coordinator. Hidden Valley is ready in this. They need to have some basic paperwork for this and then you have to have a stormwater management plan with in a year. She has been working with tech committee at planning and zoning to get these ordinance started. You can also hire a contractor to help you. Baudendistel said he’s pretty sure that it will take a company to come in and help as it is so technical. She’s encouraging people to work together. County has not been notified yet that they have to do this yet. Hayden asked about getting that group together that was set up a while back. 

There are 22 different designations and it’s based on the US census. Our area goes up into Logan and down into Aurora. EPA has made them get MS4 out of Administrative Code now. 

Gunkel passed out wildflower packets to commissioners and staff for pollinator gardens.

New Heart House Director-Wyatt Sampson to be introduced by Craig Beckley, who  said he was former County Commissioner and retiring as Director of Heart House. He praised Sue Hayden for how much she helps him. He also brought up the controversy over the Outer Loop Highway and said that now 20 years later people agree with the idea as it was turned into the new connection with Markland Dam.

[NOTE: Mr Beckley seems to be rewriting history regarding the” controversial” part of that old plan. For those of us who were taking notes back then, “his” idea of an extension that cut through the heart of farmland all the way to I-74 was an unacceptable duplication of SR 101 just across the county line.] 

Employment rate of homeless for past 19 years they have a very high rate. They make the people be responsible. Recidivism is 5%. This compares favorably to the 30-35% of most shelters. 

Passed 70% at getting them homes and jobs. They never turn down a child. They have had over 5000 homeless individuals in the past 19 years. He retires in 8 weeks. His family wants him to retire. They found a replacement in Wyatt Sampson. It’s a stressful job. Sampson is ex- military and he’s used to stress. He will take Heart House to new levels. 

Wyatt Sampson- look forward to continuing and improving Heart House. 

Probst asked about his military experience - 2.5 years US Navy. 

Sue Hayden extended her offer to help Sampson.

Funding- Ed Opp, Aurora Emergency Rescue- inundated with a lot of calls outside their service area. They have been having to hire people to replace volunteers as they have fewer and fewer of them. Dillsboro has needed more help now. They (Hayden and Probst) talked about the money that is based on EMS and then the money based on runs. They think that he should be asking for the Runs Funds to be boosted. And they need to request that from Council. That fund was established maybe 15 years ago. 

They do not want to increase the funds per unit ( the $20,000) for each EMS vehicle. Opp wants to use the money from the Public Safety tax- and last year he thinks the jail got it all. Commissioners asked about all the grant opportunities too. Opp is utilizing that. 

Commissioners approved allowing Opp to approach Council for increased funding. 

Disaster Emergency Declaration Ratification - Jason Sullivan, EMA Director- Even though they probably won’t get FEMA disaster funds, Commissioners ratified the declaration. There’s at least $2 million in repairs needed.  

Cyclical Reassessment Bid Awards- Megan Acra, Assessor- presented the bids for the next 4 years. Now with Tyler Technologies. Lexar and Tyler Technologies. $1500 difference 792400

793952. Tyler is a little bit higher, but they have been very responsive over the years. They meet all deadlines also. Commissioners approved the bid from Tyler Technologies. 

Highway Engineer, Todd Listerman: 

Bid Award Small structure #121- Alan’s Branch Road- 3 bids - Rohe $544,352.25 Lowest

Mcallister $572,315.75, and Sunesis $700,553.50. (does a lot of state work)

Commissioners approved Paul Rohe’s bid to be done before the end of the year per Listerman.

Request to Approach Council - $250,000 for design of Bridge #135 Weisburg Road- this is the one washed out in the 7+ inches of rain. Tim is getting with $6,700 to remove the structure. Expensive because of the ROW of railroad tracks and utilities too. It should be under $250,000 for design but needs to have a cushion. INDOT has been notified that is a CLOSED bridge for now. Approved for NTE $250,000 to approach Council. 

Bridge #213 Bischoff Hill Road was hit hard with 2 storms. Creek is causing erosion north of the bridge and lost rip rip and protection of the bridge. Prices to correct the north bank and set abutment for NTE $150,000. Utilities are there also. This is required just to repair. The project will need more design eventually. Commissioners approved going to Council.

Vacation for Listerman next week in SC if hurricane doesn’t take it away.

Community Crossings opened up and he’s preparing for that. 

19 of the 44 roads are patched and paved. Sealing will occur at the end of the preliminary work. It should be finished in August.

Covered Bridge Certification - Connie Fromhold, Auditor- $1,850 annually received for it. Approved.

ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden:

OKI 2022 Agreement- $16,442 - this is a fiscal year. The rate is determined by the census. About $0.17/person per Probst. [NOTE: 50,000 people divided by $16,442 = $0.32884 - so about $0.33/ person ] Rate is same for last 18 years. Approved.

Support Letter for 2022 Grant Application for Community Corrections and Court Services- Steve Kelly - $552,317 applied again this year same as last year. 3 grants make up this total amount. Approved and signed the letters of support and they have permission to approach Council. 

AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold  -Claims/Payroll and June 15th Minutes and special meeting Tuesday June 27th- approved

ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- nothing

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS-

Little- Bad weather noticed a lot of limbs and cleanup.Thx for the cleanup

Probst- Understaffed and underpaid - thx 

Thatcher agreed.

LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none

PUBLIC COMMENT- none

ADJOURN- 10:30 AM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township