21 August 2025 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Meeting Notes

 

21 August 2025 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Meeting Notes

Board

Steve Renihan President County Commissioners 12-31-2027

Doug Baer Treasurer  County Board of Health 12-31-2027 

Brett Fehrman VP & Secretary City of Aurora 12-31-2025 

Jeff Bittner Board  County Council 12-31-2026 

Steward Cline Board  County Commissioners 12-31-2025 

ABSENT: Russell Beiersdorder -Board County Commissioners 12-31-2025 and Jeff Stenger- Board County Council 12-31-2028

Board Attorney - Frank Kramer

Also present: Mike Hrezo of Hrezo Engineering 

Renihan read the Public Access Statement as legally required.

Minutes: August 7th Minutes TABLED due to missing a member from that meeting needed to make a quorum from that meeting

Public Comment: none

Project Updates: Mike Hrezo presented  

Lake Dildear update 9/3 meeting scheduled with SEI Data out there to go over what is going to happen out there on US 50.(Dillsboro Plant gets this) Concern over the air release valve. He will show them where that is going. This has nothing to do with the easement. 

Guilford- Mike Hrezo- getting calls from homeowners as they are excited about getting on the line- also the fire dept out there wants to be sure lift station is out of flood plain. (It is) Several meets with contractor coordinating. Fehrman was asking about tank orientation out there. 12 ft diameter tanks. Working with Chaffee to be sure they don’t affect the connection to the plant negatively. Be sure to get Chaffee to show how they go in- don’t let them get set wrong. 

High Ridge WWTP -Has not been able to get more done on the expansion as he had several people out of office lately. Still getting to it. 

Steward Cline - Brock contacted by him about asset management plan. $16,500 to Hrezo to have it by Nov 2025 for preliminary engineering report  and NTE $10,000 for Steve Brock CPA ATTY for asset management plan. He wants to get this done by November. These are required for other grants etc. Renihan wants to be sure they allocate the expenditures appropriately in the operating budgets of these projects. Approved. 

Jeff Bittner wants to keep addressing the I and I on High Ridge too.Looking at cost of expanding holding tanks there. 

Renihan - If we are unsuccessful in first round we can still use this info and update it for the next round. 

Brett Fehrman- wants to know cost of an individual magnet meter to measure input and output from the house to calculate I and I. Is it thousands or ?? Someone checking into that. 

Doug said- IDEM goes through our reports every year. We get bumped for any coli tests that were bad. Chlorine tablets getting stuck in the tubes. IDEM would like to see it go UV instead of Chlorine. The letter has findings and Doug had to explain each of those issues in 8 days.That was submitted by email today. We are running the whole plant now and not just the one basin. More customers - the more waste. They get a truck down there for that. Bushes etc coming over the road there- Need to clear it out. Renihan wants board to go out there to see the operation. Make sure IDEM knows how to get a hold of us.  

Doug watched the fill at plant during a heavy rain- pretty sure Timberview downspouts are part of the problem. Digester might need to be part of PER (preliminary engineering report.) 

New Business: Cline said- Kelly gave them a list of accounts of over $200. Include a letter in Sept billing notifying them they need to pay in 30 days or set them up for lien. Making it a standard policy. Approved. 

Cline - Get bills in mail in Sept- one week later due to update and wants to let customers have 7 days leeway just for that month. Approved.  

Office Update:Doug Baer  $70.92- billing adjustments- Approved. 

Claims: $15.48 on operating claims. Approved.

No Guilford or Lake Dildear Claims. 

Discretion of the Board: Jeff Meinders- Mr Haake was here on Mt Tabor last month. How do you want us to service them? Board wants him served to be our customer- not via Huesman.  Maybe put the Huesman customers in the preliminary engineering report. Agreed. Aurora is having capacity issues.

Brett Fehrman- This coming Monday there is a special meeting with DCRC Redevelopment and Bright Fire Dept asking for money from them. He wants them to be aware as we need to seek the money back from the funds we gave them years back. Renihan said that DCRSD could ask for DCRC funds to help with some of these sewer line extensions. 

Renihan thanked everyone for all the projects and work going and we are on target pretty well. 

Adjourn: 6:10 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

LOGAN TOWNSHIP MEETING 8/21/25 at 7 PM

 

UPDATE FOR LOGAN TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS

LOGAN TOWNSHIP board meeting on 8/21/2025 at 7:00 p.m. Location 25969 Dole Rd. (North DearbornLibrary). Agenda: Capital improvement plan requirements and deadlines. Budgets and financial records, fire funding and territories.

DCRC CALLS SPECIAL MEETING ( NOT Execurive session) August 25, 2025 - BRIGHT FIRE DEPT GRANT MONEY REQUEST

 

Public Notice

The Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission will hold a special meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to 

consider a grant request from the 

Bright Fire Department.

The meeting will take place at the 

Dearborn County Government Center, 

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, IN 

 Henry Dearborn Meeting Room 

located on the first floor.

Livestreams can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@DCRC-r9p

NAME	POSITION	APPOINTING AUTHORITY	TERM EXPIRATION
Jim Deaton	President	Commissioners	12/31/2025
Jim Mansfield	Vice President	Commissioners	12/31/2025
Dennis Kraus, Jr.	Secretary	Council	12/31/2025
Tom Tepe	Member	Commissioners	12/31/2025
Trevor Bischoff	Member	Commissioners	12/31/2025
Jordan Hoffman	Member	Council	12/31/2025
Doug Baker	Member	Council	12/31/2025
Daryl Cutter	Non-Voting School Board Member	Commissioners	12/31/2026

FOOD FOR THOUGHT- POLARIZATION- AN AVIAN PARABLE

"Among the sources of political polarization is the quantity of privileges that the political machinery is delegated with distributing. A higher pile of goodies attracts more special interests and their lobbyists. It is not that geese are particularly greedy, they simply respond to incentives."

Reprinted with permission of IPR

Polarization: An Avian Parable Fighting over a fixed prize leaves no room for reconciliation of differences and indeed increases the degree of disagreement.

by Nathanael Snow, Ph.D.

Over the White River on the east side of Muncie a bridge spans connecting the Kitselman Trail to the Cardinal Greenway. The Canada geese below responded with some interest to the first bits of stale bread I tossed down. As I manifested as the source of manna by throwing more morsels to the combative flock, other birds joined the fray. The more crumbs the greater the combat. When the crusts were gone the honks of demand persisted.

Among the sources of political polarization is the quantity of privileges that the political machinery is delegated with distributing. A higher pile of goodies attracts more special interests and their lobbyists. It is not that geese are particularly greedy, they simply respond to incentives.

Among the harms counted by economists when analyzing this phenomenon are the taxes that must be collected to accumulate the pile of goodies. Taxes, from a purely economic point of view, are harmful because they foreclose upon various exchanges, that should they obtain, would have generated mutual benefits to both exchanging parties. The distribution of goodies is also considered harmful because some exchanges obtain that the parties involved would have considered wasteful but for the subsidy.

Less frequently will the political economist point out that the energies expended in the battle for the benefits are energies that could have been put to productive activities. And one may generally have to consult a political scientist to also learn that fighting over a fixed prize leaves no room for reconciliation of differences and indeed increases the degree of disagreement. Hence, polarization.

No one directly involved in the battle has an individual incentive to back away, or to promote policies that reduce the size or scope of government. Nobel Laureate James M. Buchanan with co-author Richard Wagner explained that we can expect “Democracy in Deficit” (1977) perpetually.

When we advocate for an increase in spending for our favorite flavor of stale bread, we ought to consider that we invite a similar appeal by those who have different preferences. Among the costs we must calculate the losses from taxes, the waste from subsidies, the lost productivity expended on lobbying, but also the harm to our democratic republic that we observe in lost civility and increase polarization.

Instead, we can each contemplate what privileges we can do without, unilaterally, to help restore and preserve good governance.


Nathanael Snow, an adjunct scholar of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, is Assistant Teaching Professor of Economics at Ball State University and Affiliated Scholar with the Institute for the Study of Political Economy. He researches the constitution of informal social groups the political economy of Archbishop Richard Whately, and the economic history of the abolition of slavery.

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19 AUGUST 2025 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

 19 AUGUST 2025 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

Livestreams can be found @

https://www.youtube.com/@DearbornCountyGov-47025/streams

Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Duane Bischoff, and Kevin Turner

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

Property on Westside Drive- Aurora- Baudendistel - last meeting discussed there was an owner who would like to buy it. Mayor of Aurora has expressed interest in the property to Todd Listerman, and talked about clean up and kayaking there. (There was an old road there many years ago- it’s been closed off.)

Discussion - The adjoining property owner wants to buy it and  Baudendistel noted it would be just easier to give it to Aurora and Commissioners wanted options on how to decide this. Thatcher - I'm not a lawyer, I have a conscience. <Laughter>

Per Andy- 3 options —put it up for sale to anyone OR agree to transfer to Aurora DCRC OR just have the county to keep it. He will get a couple quotes for appraisals from Meghan in assessors office.DCRC has appraisers also. Discussed that they can do bids or auction.Also discussed puting conditions on a sale and having executive session for that is possible per Baudendistel. TABLED for further information 

 

NEW BUSINESS

Jack’s Forever 3 Foundation Annual Run/Walk - Sept 13th- Linda Fox- Sue Hayden presented as Fox was not here. Similar to previous years since 2010 when the little boy was killed on North Dearborn Rd. 8;30 -10:30 and sheriff is OK. Approved 

Grant Application Approval- Redevelopment READI 2.0 Grant for Moore Drive- Jim Deaton- President DCRC and Jordan Hoffman, Member DCRC- Deaton was the only one here, This grant is for $250,000 from READI 2.0. They are putting in a new Moore’s Drive to get it wide enough for semis. DCRC is putting in $500,000. Approved to seek the grant.

Director of Planning and Zoning- Nicole Daily- Amendment to Subdivision Control Ordinance: Article 2, sections 200 and 260, Article 6 Definitions, and Article 3 Section 315

Amendment to Zoning Ordinance Article 25 Section 2551 and Article 27 - Definitions

They made allowances for farmers working unbuildable lots but living further away from these farmed lots could still own those lots, though they were not adjoining them. Pond regulations for new ponds but not existing ones. They can require easements with maintenance agreements on old ponds too when their are lot splits. 950 sq ft minimum in the ordinance. They were asked recently if that was including the 2nd floor. Some of this meets the state’s definition of this also. Multi story still ends up being 950. For the multi story will be per unit.The PC forwarded a favorable recommendation to the commissioners, with Thatcher abstaining on PC vote. 

Ordinance to Amend Zoning Ordinance with all of the above items in it was Approved with the amendment with the clarification of “per unit” on the minimum sq ft definitions. If the PC is OK with the amendment it stands once they approve the amendment. No need to come back to Commissioners.  

Revised Interlocal Agreement with Aurora adding MS4 Assistance- Nicole Daily- this is for permitting assistance as we move thru MS4 process. They asked for this as County P and Z does Aurora’s permitting. They want the MS4 coordinator to assist on this also.The interlocal is going to be expiring at the end of this year- They are redoing this to extend it to the end of 2026 and included the increased rate. Aurora already agreed to this and signed it. Commissioners approved.  

Revised Contract with Beacon Web site with Schneider- Nicole Daily- Schneider came to her with a bundle agreement. There is a one time set up fee. Most of these new tools are a nightly sync for changes from auditor and assessor. It was going to add $15,000/year. The bundle is a better deal. That adds $3300. Tools are things like the extract tool. This will have a charge as well. The applicant can pay for the data extracted. Now Nicole does not have to do that by hand. Some tools are only available if they have a paid subscription. Realtors and contractors will have a revolving ad they can have on there too. The one time set up fee is $4894. They are paying this now and things will be ready by January 1. Property taxes will be able to be paid from that site too. Approved and signed the basic bundle for the Beacon Website.

Ordinance to Amend 70.06 in Code of Ordinances- Traffic Signs and Signals- Baudendistel- there are cleaned up items and the blind and/or deaf child sign regs. Approved and signed. 

Ordinance to Amend Chapter 90.99 in Code of Ordinances- Animals- Baudendistel-we found that people are happy to just pay tickets over and over. The grace periods changed also, and eliminated them if there are 3 strikes in 12 months- then they go to city court. Fine schedule amount changes $100, $300, etc.  Trying to get positive changes after the first offense. Steve Hofstetter- Animal Control talked about the old regs and now they go to court instead of a 3rd violation. Here is a 14 day grace period to pay first offense fine. There is a fine up to $1000 on a Class B offense. Plus Court costs. Class C has max of $500 on 3rd offense. So far they have not had to take an animal. They would be on a do not adopt list at PAWS. Approved the amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance- effective January 1, 2026.  

Purdue Pharma Ballot- Baudendistel- There is a ballot and a participation form. This is separate from the money we get from opioid settlement. This is a bankruptcy form. This is separate from the national one. This has to be returned by September. Participation form is giving up your rights to go against Purdue Pharma or the Sackler Family. The money to state and local has been increased. The motion to execute the participate in the release form and the ballot.  

Emergency Need to Upgrade Fire System Panels - Sue Hayden has a quote from Siemens who installed it. This will be compatible also. Johnson Controls was contacted. Commissioners Declared this as an emergency per Baudendistel. The 2 quotes were requested. One did not come in time. Approved Siemens quote  of $144,905.42 to upgrade the fire system. 

ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden- 2026 Title VI Implementation Plan Update / Resolution- to get Federal funding you have to have this done annually. INDOT requires this. You also sign assurances for all the contracts that Listerman engages with. Commissioners Approved and signed, 

AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold  -Claims/Payroll and August 5th Minutes-Approved

Health Grant Approval- Safe Sleep Environment Program- Fromhold presented- no county matches. Approved $67,766.18 grant.

Employee Holiday Calendar 2026- Approved

ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- quick update. 911 dispatch approvals have all come in except for St Leon, Lawrenceburg and West Harrison. He’s contacting them all. 

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Bischoff- thanked Sue that she stays up on the  County Facebook page that they started up this year. 

LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION: Chris Heitmeyer NCIC and IDACS management control  agreement sent notice to her that was signed by Jared Teaney and he needs a new on signed by the 3 commissioners and Chris now that he took it over. It is also signed by the cities and towns. Commissioners signed it.

PUBLIC COMMENT: none

ADJOURN- 7:15 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

AGENDA- 22 August 2025 9 AM Dearborn County Council Budget Hearing

 

All livestreams can be found @

https://www.youtube.com/@DearbornCountyGov-47025

DEARBORN COUNTY COUNCIL

BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22nd, 2025 @ 9:00AM

HENRY DEARBORN ROOM

DEARBORN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

165 MARY ST, LAWRENCEBURG, INDIANA 

CALL TO ORDER- 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE- 

Budget Public Hearing:

Motion to open Public Hearing-

Motion to Close Public Hearing-

Recorder- $ 2153 (1189-21519-000-005) Transfer money to pay a part-time person.

AUDITOR- Health Grant & Circuit Breaker review.

ADJOURNMENT-