20 September 2004 Commissioner Meeting
Present: Dan Batta, Acting Chairman, and Vera Benning. Absent: Karen Shell (Grandson gravely ill at Children’s Hospital) and Cary Pickens, Auditor. Also present: Lorie Howard, County Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Brenda Hensley, acting minute taker for auditor.
Register Publications covered this meeting- watch the newspaper for further coverage of issues from this meeting.
1. Travis Miller- Planning Director- presented the zone change request from Ag to R that received a favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission for Steve and Carol Hapanowicz on North Dearborn Road. The property is next to a residential subdivision, Harley Springs. No public objections. Vera Benning motioned and Batta 2nd to approve including the 5 considerations that must be adhered to according to state law (read by the county attorney) before granting a zone change.
The second item on vacating streets for Dearborn Gravel was not ready to be heard at this time.
2. Lawrenceburg Schools and Greendale City officials presented their request (and frustrations) regarding tax disbursements.
Dan Kuebler- supt. L-bg Schools- spoke of their issues with a major funding battle over the last year. So far in borrowing money, even at low interest rates, they have incurred $136,500 interest fees in ’03 and to date in ’04 incurred $138,997 +. This is just to keep the doors open. He has conversed with Cary Pickens and feels the fault lies in perhaps several places. What can be done- SOON?
Doug Hedrick- Mayor of Greendale’s comments included the fact that G-dale as had to essentially shut down all capital improvements except for the sewer lines and that they did not come to point fingers, but a lot of towns besides G-dale are in trouble due to this. He presented IC to the board and stated that the tax dollars are to be distributed in 51 days once they are collected. Also requested that they hire more people to work longer to get this done!
Phil Weaver, County Treasurer, stated that he’d finished posting records this week- it took time because of all the overpayments, so as records were being posted disbursements had to be reviewed. This posting should be certified to the auditor this week and then auditor sends it to the state for approval. He hopes to have things in place by the end of October.
Joey Lynch, Clerk Treasurer of G-dale- spoke of the intricacies of having to report a negative balance to the state with outstanding loans and its effect on tax rates in the future. She stated that 6 months ago they got these same answers and she feels this is really no answer.
Hedrick noted that the towns have to pay interest on all these loans.
Greg McAdams- L-bg School Board- wanted to know if the auditor and treasurer have used all their available overtime resources.
Al Abdon- G-dale Council- wanted to know if the county could offer additional assistance to Phil Weaver for the next step for ’03-’04 taxes to speed it up.
Tim Denning- President L-bg School Board- wanted to know why all the affected offices in the county were not here tonight. They knew we were coming- we could have covered this better. Lawrenceburg can’t hire the 9 new teachers they need. Referring to the county officials- “We have 2 elected officials who are basically incompetent in their jobs.”
Pat Holland- citizen and Ag teacher in Ripley County- remarked that the state set these rules and THEY should pay the interest on the loans!
Al Abdon remarked that it wasn’t the state’s fault at this point- 82 out of the 92 counties in Indiana have complied already.
The commissioners took their comments under advisement.
[Note: Hopefully, the county understands the seriousness of the impacts of our slow reassessment. Relying on the Riverboat Revenue has lessened the impact to some extent, but not without serious implications on future tax consequences and impacts to the educational process in the city schools and to town tax rates.]
3. Citizen request to go to council for summer art program- no one showed up to speak to this request.
4. MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING- Travis Miller Planning Director. Meeting was advertised. Lisa Lehner gave an overview of the legal process- that the commissioners adopt the plan by resolution and not by ordinance. They do it by majority vote. (It takes two to accept, deny, or amend) She stated that the plan needed certain elements to be covered in it and she believes it covers those elements. She states that additional things can be covered in the plan if the county so desires.
If the plan is rejected or amended it returns to the Plan Commission for consideration.
Travis Miller presented an overview of the plan with slides. He went over the plan, the process, goals, strategies, and guidelines. Land Use performance criteria included the following 5 principles for consideration: slopes, roadways, sanitary sewer, flood plains, and average parcel size. (See the county web site of local libraries for a full copy of the master plan)
Public comment:
[Note: 23 citizens were in attendance- most were from the advisory board itself. None of the developers usually present were in attendance]
Mike Rozow- representing DCEDI (Economic Development Initiative) as a board member- stated that Jim West was unable to attend but sent a written statement that Rozow read into the record. [Note: Commissioners have a copy of this letter] Basically the letter stated that he wanted to be sure that commercial and industrial uses were considered. He was concerned about topographical issues in our county because slopes reduce the available land for these uses. He specifically hoped that the county considered areas for future industrial and commercial use and went on to say that he wanted an overlay map for outlining in black and white where future commercial/industrial uses can occur. [Note: Has anyone considered that drawing lines on maps could infringe on property rights of the owners of those properties? What about market driven requests?]
Chris Mueller- advisory member- spoke with respect to the flexibility of this plan to allow for creative solutions to some of these uses. Using the guidelines in this plan- and the knowledge from years of Plan commission meeting attendance, there were many more areas potentially available to develop than an overlay map might cite. It would be presumptuous to think we know every type of business that might propose to come here. If you use the five principles- you have a strong argument to get your rezone for commercial if you can accommodate all five principles.
Patrick de Maynadier- Plan Commission member- elaborated further and stated that using the verbal guidelines you can essentially create a map of sites.
Tom Osterman- property owner, but non-resident- questioned how we could increase new development and lower taxes and preserve the rural character. He attended a meeting years ago in Yorkville concerning lots of 20-acre minimums etc. and was concerned about the tax consequences now that we are on a market value tax system. It was explained to him that this plan was different from the one discussed in Yorkville- that was the last failed attempt at a master plan.
Vera Benning- County Commissioner- stated that she had several questions. She started with wanting to know if there was a plan for the densely populated areas like Bright and HVL. It was stated that there was none. She wanted to know if there were plans to extend the roads and sewers out into the other parts of the county so development could occur there. She wanted to know how economic development was covered. Travis Miller answered that it was covered in the collective theme- along with the other uses. Benning’s next question was that considering the current demographics, where does the plan have strategies to fix these problems?
Mark Mitter- Plan Commission Chairman- tried to answer the question. Vera Benning stated that she was confused. Mitter stated that he could tell she was confused. He said he was confused by her question. (Discussion at this point seemed to stop, as Benning couldn’t make a clear statement of her issue.)
Dan Batta showed Vera Benning that on page 136 there were references to guidelines to alleviate the problems of some of our demographics.
Nicole Daily- Advisory board member- noted that the plan was a collaboration for all the problems of the county, not just geared to some specific detailed ones.
Bill Ullrich- Council member and Advisory Board member – said he was involved with the plan from the outset, that it was community driven, not driven by an outside consultant, and that it was not going to solve all the problems in the county. He saw it as a tool to address future quality of life issues that come with managing growth. Every situation should stand on its own merit. The plan should provide the least impact to the individual’s property rights and still benefit the community. He thought that adopting the plan along with the DCEDI would be a great way to work hand in hand. He stated also that even though “it’s a plan for the unincorporated areas of the county, those areas are often accessed through the incorporated areas.”
Benning stated- “So if I don’t vote for it- watch out going out the door!”
Tom Osterman- property owner- stated that DCEDI has a remarkable opportunity here- with an interested community of people who worked on this plan. He noted that we would have to take some risks too.
Dan Batta- Commissioner and Plan Commission member- “We have the best case here- we have a development pressure. That means people want to move here.”
Tarry Feiss- Plan Commission member- this plan is a framework- it won’t answer all the problems, but it is flexible and creative. It can last a long time because of its flexibility.
Vera Benning- I’m going to make a motion – I must reject this plan in its current form.
Dan Batta- stated that he could not second that motion- so it failed.
It was decided that the October 4th morning meeting of the commissioners would reconsider the plan when Karen Shell could be present.
Mark Mitter –Plan Commission Chairman- stated that so many people had worked so long and hard on this plan- that it wasn’t a perfect document, but it was flexible and fair. He stated that the plan was done so that parcel sizes were irrelevant and that they’d used guidelines of planning practices instead. He went on to state that with all this work and the money invested by the county in Housing and Transportation studies for the plan, he felt that we were at a point where we have great potential. Then he asked Vera Benning, “You were a part of this process, right?”
Vera Benning asked him why he was addressing her. She stated she didn’t come here for a confrontation.
Mitter stated that he wanted to know the reasons for her desire to reject the plan.
Benning consulted with Lisa Lehner at this point.
She finally asked Mitter if she should send the written questions to him. Batta suggested they go to Travis Miller.
Laverne Kolb stated that the plan was a living document and that it would be reviewed every 5 years or more often if needed.
Vera Benning stated that she didn’t know the legal ramifications of accepting the plan now. What if there was a time delay before it could be changed or complete new plan could be done again… How can you change it?
Chris Mueller- advisory board member- asked if there were criteria for commissioners to consider when adopting a resolution to accept a master plan similar to what is required for a zone change.
Lisa Lehner replied there really was no other criteria. They could reject it if they didn’t like the direction it was giving, even if it satisfied all the elements required of a master plan.
5. County Administrator Lorie Howard waived her report.
6. County Att’y – Lisa Lehner- gave a report on the status of the CMHC issues and paperwork was signed to proceed with that building.
7. Minutes and claims signed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Monday, September 20, 2004
Open Letter to the Sewer Board
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Sewer Board
I would like to take this time to present to you an idea, That I feel will help, not only you the members of the board, but also the residents of the county. What I propose, since forming the new sewer districts is not about new development, that an Impact Fee be place upon all new development wanting to hook into the new sewer system. By charging this fee to new development it will not only pay off the loans faster, but also would reduce the sewer rates that are being proposed to the residents.
What I propose is that a $5000 fee be paid pre unit being built. That’s $5000 for each home, apartment, condo and trailer being added to the sewer system. This fee does not include connection charges, upgrades, or plant expansions. Developers would be responsible for these charges separately.
The construction of just 100 new homes or units would generate the sum of $500,000 - 300 homes or units $1,500,000 - 500 homes or units $2,500,000, 1000 homes or units $5,000,000. If 80% of this is put toward paying off loans and 20% is put toward rate reductions and maintenance. This would get residential cost down to $20 to $25 a month, instead of $63 a month.
I believe that instead of paying 40 years on a loan it could be paid off in 10 to 12 years. Which everyone would benefit. The Developers won’t be out any money, because they will just add it to the selling cost of their homes or units, the residents in turn benefit with cheaper rates.
Once the loans are paid then 50% of the money would go for rate reductions and 50% would go to plant expansion and upkeep and wages.
DAN BROOKS
9/7/2004
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
7 September 2004 Dearborn County Commissioner’s Meeting Notes
7 September 2004 Commissioner’s Meeting
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Vera Benning. Absent: Dan Batta and Lorie Howard County Administrator.
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Lisa Lehner, Attorney.
1. Bill Black- Emergency Management – gave an update on siren exchange (sale) with Lawrenceburg and also the 800 radio system meeting with Commissioners and Council to be scheduled this month.
2. Eric Hartman- got approval to plaster and paint the rotunda with the quotes he obtained.
3. Bill Ewbank -Veteran’s Officer- announced that September 23 the Disabled Veterans Van from Indy would be in town from 10-6 at the Memorial to the Common Man in Lawrenceburg. He also informed commissioners that RSVP was doing a complete mapping of the bricks and donors for him so that when families call, he can tell them where to locate their particular person.
4. Cheryl Lohmiller- Animal Control- needs another cell phone for additional helper. Also reported that currently they house 53 dogs and 48 cats with 6 euthanized. They are looking into getting a security camera and tapes to secure the site at night. Cost is under $200.
5. Ellen Davis- Lifetime Resources- will apply for the 18 person owner qualified grants in the spring.
6. Mike Davis- Highway Dept.- upon Karen Shell’s request provided commissioners with a written report. Work on West Laughery slips nearly complete and crew went to Legion Road where a major problem had to be fixed.
Survey work is beginning on White’s Hill. Davis is going to Soil and Water to be sure they do their permitted work correctly.
Phase 1 paving almost completed. Phase 2 is “in Lisa’s and Lorie’s hands.” He found they had a $62,000 savings doing work in house on 17 miles of roadwork.
There was a $7,000 shortfall on Ennis Road work due to inaccurate estimate of road length in specs. Karen Shell recommended that Davis find money elsewhere to transfer when he makes request to Council- NOT to ask for additional.
No decision today- but there was a big discussion on the 147 account balances etc.
Davis needs to get current amounts and encumbrances.
George Street Bridge project in Aurora- Governor Kiernan’s wife is coming to town with the check Sept. 10. Davis and a commissioner are expected to speak. Vera Benning suggested Dan Batta be their speaker because of all his work on US 50. [NOTE: Not sure what US50 and the bridge path have in common.]
Ebert and Milligan are probable contractors for the Guilford Bridge on Main Street off SR1. Lisa is to review the contract.
Mike is attending a meeting at Purdue on Sept 22 to learn how to tap into money to fix road slips.
Line striping bids were opened and taken under advisement:
Atlantic Construction- $186,770.60
NES Traffic Safety- $70,971.84
[Note: This is a huge difference in price- were the specs clear?]
Phase 2 paving bids were redone and opened:
Rohe: $739,498.35
O’Mara: $753,548.19
Taken under advisement.
7. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- revised agreement with IFA on CMHC housing project that exists on county owned land. She is working on the wording on the covenants and wants the county held harmless should CMHC not properly adhere to the IFA covenants. Taken under advisement.
Plan Commission ordinances already approved were signed.
Lisa advised commissioners of two favorable zone requests and also favorable recommendation on the Master Plan that were to be advertised and held for public hearing next meeting – Sept 20. Travis Miller will give a 45-minute presentation also on the Master plan for the hearing.
8. Cary Pickens- Auditor- submitted claims and payroll for approval. Approximately 10 sets of minutes were to be approved. Most were, leaving a few that Dan Batta had to be present to approve.
9. Vera Benning announced the death of a daughter (Ryan) of a former highway employee, Terry Livingston in a car wreck on the KY Bridge this weekend.
10. Public Comment: Mark Richardson and Keith Mosier of Rohe - wanted to review the bids that were opened today. Lisa Lehner said they couldn’t until they were approved- then they were open to the public. Keith Mosier insisted that once opened at a public meeting, they were open to the public to view. He was denied access to them.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Vera Benning. Absent: Dan Batta and Lorie Howard County Administrator.
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Lisa Lehner, Attorney.
1. Bill Black- Emergency Management – gave an update on siren exchange (sale) with Lawrenceburg and also the 800 radio system meeting with Commissioners and Council to be scheduled this month.
2. Eric Hartman- got approval to plaster and paint the rotunda with the quotes he obtained.
3. Bill Ewbank -Veteran’s Officer- announced that September 23 the Disabled Veterans Van from Indy would be in town from 10-6 at the Memorial to the Common Man in Lawrenceburg. He also informed commissioners that RSVP was doing a complete mapping of the bricks and donors for him so that when families call, he can tell them where to locate their particular person.
4. Cheryl Lohmiller- Animal Control- needs another cell phone for additional helper. Also reported that currently they house 53 dogs and 48 cats with 6 euthanized. They are looking into getting a security camera and tapes to secure the site at night. Cost is under $200.
5. Ellen Davis- Lifetime Resources- will apply for the 18 person owner qualified grants in the spring.
6. Mike Davis- Highway Dept.- upon Karen Shell’s request provided commissioners with a written report. Work on West Laughery slips nearly complete and crew went to Legion Road where a major problem had to be fixed.
Survey work is beginning on White’s Hill. Davis is going to Soil and Water to be sure they do their permitted work correctly.
Phase 1 paving almost completed. Phase 2 is “in Lisa’s and Lorie’s hands.” He found they had a $62,000 savings doing work in house on 17 miles of roadwork.
There was a $7,000 shortfall on Ennis Road work due to inaccurate estimate of road length in specs. Karen Shell recommended that Davis find money elsewhere to transfer when he makes request to Council- NOT to ask for additional.
No decision today- but there was a big discussion on the 147 account balances etc.
Davis needs to get current amounts and encumbrances.
George Street Bridge project in Aurora- Governor Kiernan’s wife is coming to town with the check Sept. 10. Davis and a commissioner are expected to speak. Vera Benning suggested Dan Batta be their speaker because of all his work on US 50. [NOTE: Not sure what US50 and the bridge path have in common.]
Ebert and Milligan are probable contractors for the Guilford Bridge on Main Street off SR1. Lisa is to review the contract.
Mike is attending a meeting at Purdue on Sept 22 to learn how to tap into money to fix road slips.
Line striping bids were opened and taken under advisement:
Atlantic Construction- $186,770.60
NES Traffic Safety- $70,971.84
[Note: This is a huge difference in price- were the specs clear?]
Phase 2 paving bids were redone and opened:
Rohe: $739,498.35
O’Mara: $753,548.19
Taken under advisement.
7. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- revised agreement with IFA on CMHC housing project that exists on county owned land. She is working on the wording on the covenants and wants the county held harmless should CMHC not properly adhere to the IFA covenants. Taken under advisement.
Plan Commission ordinances already approved were signed.
Lisa advised commissioners of two favorable zone requests and also favorable recommendation on the Master Plan that were to be advertised and held for public hearing next meeting – Sept 20. Travis Miller will give a 45-minute presentation also on the Master plan for the hearing.
8. Cary Pickens- Auditor- submitted claims and payroll for approval. Approximately 10 sets of minutes were to be approved. Most were, leaving a few that Dan Batta had to be present to approve.
9. Vera Benning announced the death of a daughter (Ryan) of a former highway employee, Terry Livingston in a car wreck on the KY Bridge this weekend.
10. Public Comment: Mark Richardson and Keith Mosier of Rohe - wanted to review the bids that were opened today. Lisa Lehner said they couldn’t until they were approved- then they were open to the public. Keith Mosier insisted that once opened at a public meeting, they were open to the public to view. He was denied access to them.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, September 03, 2004
US 50 Collaborative Gets Mixed Messages in Update from INDOT Officials
On Sept 2nd INDOT representatives were at a meeting of the collaborative on the US 50 Corridor.
Steve Smith (INDOT) gave an update on the progress (or LACK of progress) on the study.
Joe Hall and Jim Ude of the INDOT district office in Seymour were also present.
Apparently, SIECO/Strand came in with an estimate over $300,000 for a corridor study, when only $250,000 was granted. SIECO/Strand is now going over the scope of work to see what they can eliminate to get down to $250,000. [Note: One might wonder why INDOT is not doing this and rebidding the project. It looks like SIECO is telling INDOT what the project will be rather than INDOT being in charge.]
Governor Kiernan announced the $250,000 for the US 50 study in March 2004. When SIECO/Strand was selected, contract negotiations began and we were told it takes the attorney general’s office 8-12 months to review the contracts. [NOTE: One could wonder how these BIDS go out- don’t they have standard government contracts?] The head of INDOT (Bryan Nichol), by the way, has a law degree.
Notice to proceed with the STUDY won’t occur till Spring 2005.
They have saved time on the environmental assessments by eliminating some of the local input.
A CAC (Community Advisory Committee) of local representatives will be used for feedback and advice. Apparently, this is after they decide what SIECO/Strand wants to study. They will have public information meetings and a project website.
It takes 18 months to do a study. The study won’t be finished until late 2006. The actual work will take another 6-10 years. [Note: Was it our imaginations, or did the widening of US 50 for riverboat traffic proceed far faster than that?]
There were several things they don’t think they can do in the study - no microsimulation, no intersection study for 275, no Tanner’s Creek Bridge, etc. [Note: Just what is costing $250,000?]
When asked if they could combine the connector study dollars with this to achieve the needed scope, we were told that it was IMPOSSIBLE, because the money is from different accounts. [Note: It is interesting that our tax dollars get all these rules applied to them when we are trying to get them back to be used in our own community!]
Aurora Mayor Don Hastings delineated the impact that the choke points on US 50 had on Aurora residents and businesses. It’s killing their economic development.
Scott Foreman, Dillsboro concurred.
Tom Steidel, City Manager of Lawrenceburg talked at length about the Tanner’s Creek Bridge issues and needing a second entryway into the community to be considered in the event that bridge gives out or is blocked by some disaster, thus cutting off access to the hospital area, etc.
Joe Hall of INDOT gave some ideas for short-term improvements and stated that he fought and has the scars to prove it to keep the short-term solutions in the proposal. [Note: Why would he have to fight for something that common sense indicates is necessary?]
Commissioner Dan Batta questioned if INDOT considered the bridge critical. He said he couldn’t tell from INDOT’s response, if they understood what Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and Greendale were concerned about.
Tom Steidel indicated that Lawrenceburg could become involved in short-term solutions and right of way improvements, because they own the right of way.
Steve Smith stated that the answers you get depend on the questions you ask. He said also that if we have consensus on a solution then maybe they could use a different approach and go straight to engineering and an environmental study.
Lawrenceburg Mayor Bill Cunningham discussed some bridge options at Center Street and maybe on Industrial Drive. He thought that Lawrenceburg would be building their own bridge because they have the money and the county doesn’t. [Note: The county is in charge of all bridges in the county and municipalities unless they are federally funded]
When asked if they would consider the locals in their scope of services, Steve Smith said yes. But that would be after SIECO/Strand is finished with them and INDOT has reviewed them. [Note: So what’s the point?]
[Note: In the end it seems that INDOT improvements will take too long to be effective. Input from the locals is negligible and essentially token.
Sadly, the synergy that could be achieved by a new county master plan, the start-up of the DCEDI (economic development initiative), and a collaborative group of governmental officials from the cities, towns, and county will be thwarted by the bureaucratic maze and inertia of INDOT funding mechanisms.
It would seem that we would have to solve our own problems and look for funding sources to accommodate them.]
Steve Smith (INDOT) gave an update on the progress (or LACK of progress) on the study.
Joe Hall and Jim Ude of the INDOT district office in Seymour were also present.
Apparently, SIECO/Strand came in with an estimate over $300,000 for a corridor study, when only $250,000 was granted. SIECO/Strand is now going over the scope of work to see what they can eliminate to get down to $250,000. [Note: One might wonder why INDOT is not doing this and rebidding the project. It looks like SIECO is telling INDOT what the project will be rather than INDOT being in charge.]
Governor Kiernan announced the $250,000 for the US 50 study in March 2004. When SIECO/Strand was selected, contract negotiations began and we were told it takes the attorney general’s office 8-12 months to review the contracts. [NOTE: One could wonder how these BIDS go out- don’t they have standard government contracts?] The head of INDOT (Bryan Nichol), by the way, has a law degree.
Notice to proceed with the STUDY won’t occur till Spring 2005.
They have saved time on the environmental assessments by eliminating some of the local input.
A CAC (Community Advisory Committee) of local representatives will be used for feedback and advice. Apparently, this is after they decide what SIECO/Strand wants to study. They will have public information meetings and a project website.
It takes 18 months to do a study. The study won’t be finished until late 2006. The actual work will take another 6-10 years. [Note: Was it our imaginations, or did the widening of US 50 for riverboat traffic proceed far faster than that?]
There were several things they don’t think they can do in the study - no microsimulation, no intersection study for 275, no Tanner’s Creek Bridge, etc. [Note: Just what is costing $250,000?]
When asked if they could combine the connector study dollars with this to achieve the needed scope, we were told that it was IMPOSSIBLE, because the money is from different accounts. [Note: It is interesting that our tax dollars get all these rules applied to them when we are trying to get them back to be used in our own community!]
Aurora Mayor Don Hastings delineated the impact that the choke points on US 50 had on Aurora residents and businesses. It’s killing their economic development.
Scott Foreman, Dillsboro concurred.
Tom Steidel, City Manager of Lawrenceburg talked at length about the Tanner’s Creek Bridge issues and needing a second entryway into the community to be considered in the event that bridge gives out or is blocked by some disaster, thus cutting off access to the hospital area, etc.
Joe Hall of INDOT gave some ideas for short-term improvements and stated that he fought and has the scars to prove it to keep the short-term solutions in the proposal. [Note: Why would he have to fight for something that common sense indicates is necessary?]
Commissioner Dan Batta questioned if INDOT considered the bridge critical. He said he couldn’t tell from INDOT’s response, if they understood what Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and Greendale were concerned about.
Tom Steidel indicated that Lawrenceburg could become involved in short-term solutions and right of way improvements, because they own the right of way.
Steve Smith stated that the answers you get depend on the questions you ask. He said also that if we have consensus on a solution then maybe they could use a different approach and go straight to engineering and an environmental study.
Lawrenceburg Mayor Bill Cunningham discussed some bridge options at Center Street and maybe on Industrial Drive. He thought that Lawrenceburg would be building their own bridge because they have the money and the county doesn’t. [Note: The county is in charge of all bridges in the county and municipalities unless they are federally funded]
When asked if they would consider the locals in their scope of services, Steve Smith said yes. But that would be after SIECO/Strand is finished with them and INDOT has reviewed them. [Note: So what’s the point?]
[Note: In the end it seems that INDOT improvements will take too long to be effective. Input from the locals is negligible and essentially token.
Sadly, the synergy that could be achieved by a new county master plan, the start-up of the DCEDI (economic development initiative), and a collaborative group of governmental officials from the cities, towns, and county will be thwarted by the bureaucratic maze and inertia of INDOT funding mechanisms.
It would seem that we would have to solve our own problems and look for funding sources to accommodate them.]
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Plan Commission Unanimously Sends Favorable Recommendation for Master Plan
Favorable Recommendation for Master Plan
Plan Commission members present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Mike Hall, Dan Batta, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Nick Held, and Patrick de Maynadier.
Absent: Roger Woodfill and Dave Schmidtgoesling.
Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, Arnie, McGill, Attorney, and Karen Rolfes and Cathy Miller, Planning staff.
Last night (30 August 2004) was the final public hearing by the Plan Commission for the County Master Plan. There will be one more public hearing- probably in mid September -that the County Commissioners will hold before making a final decision regarding accepting the plan.
The public hearing was well attended by approximately 20 citizens plus several members of the advisory board and the Plan Commission. Travis Miller gave a thirty-minute overview of the plan and it’s components. There were also handouts on goals, strategies, and guidelines of the plan.
Residents present had several good questions; many of them were more focused on the zoning ordinances rather than the master plan. Board members explained that the master plan gives the guidelines to use when revamping zoning ordinances and also when making planning decisions particularly zone changes.
Some of the public comments are listed below.
Tom Osterman brought up questions on rural character vs. development and economic development and tax base issues.
John Rahe questioned whether anyone thought that SR129 had affected the rural character of Ripley County.
Rick Pope answered: Not yet, but it will.
Jim B ??? (York Township) – asked about when public facilities and infrastructure will actually improve in some areas of the county. He questioned the information regarding 18-34 year olds leaving the county. Many thought that was due to college and first jobs.
Jerry Benham – thought that the document pleases everybody where they are now. He saw a bias towards high-density housing. He wasn’t sure it gave enough direction as to where we should be going- specifically.
Mark Mitter responded that the DCEDI (Economic Development Initiative) would address some of the economic issues. He also noted that in 5 years when the plan is updated we might shift again.
There were comments regarding why the elected officials didn’t DO more.
Dan Batta noted that sometimes it seemed that the more an official does the less chance they have of being re-elected.
Vera Benning wanted to respond to that comment and stated that she was working hard to get economic development and jobs for our kids.
John Rahe thought that the flexibility of the plan was good. He also brought up the fact that federal transportation dollars are being used to rehab houses in Lawrenceburg, and meanwhile the Tanner’s Creek Bridge that needs work doesn’t have funding.
Rick Fox’s remarks were centered on lot size issues and that the rural areas are locked in unless sewage and slope issues are addressed. He noted that land equals equity.
EG McLaughlin- talked about economic development in the incorporated areas. He noticed that lately there has been more cooperation among the governmental entities and that it was something we haven’t really seen before.
I (Chris Mueller) brought up the concept that a flexible plan gives us more freedom to allow for creativity in development, particularly with mixed-use development. One of the biggest problems with development centers on a lack of creativity including a means to blend in with the character of the community.
Eugene Kuebel – talked about the economics of Ag uses and that they produce more while using less in terms of tax dollars. He cited that it takes 4 times as many dollars for business to equal the impact of one dollar of Ag investment.
Laverne Kolb cited the right to farm law and explained it to the group.
Public discussion ended.
Rick Pope motioned and Nick Held 2nded to send a favorable recommendation for the county master plan to the commissioners. All ayes. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Plan Commission members present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Mike Hall, Dan Batta, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Nick Held, and Patrick de Maynadier.
Absent: Roger Woodfill and Dave Schmidtgoesling.
Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, Arnie, McGill, Attorney, and Karen Rolfes and Cathy Miller, Planning staff.
Last night (30 August 2004) was the final public hearing by the Plan Commission for the County Master Plan. There will be one more public hearing- probably in mid September -that the County Commissioners will hold before making a final decision regarding accepting the plan.
The public hearing was well attended by approximately 20 citizens plus several members of the advisory board and the Plan Commission. Travis Miller gave a thirty-minute overview of the plan and it’s components. There were also handouts on goals, strategies, and guidelines of the plan.
Residents present had several good questions; many of them were more focused on the zoning ordinances rather than the master plan. Board members explained that the master plan gives the guidelines to use when revamping zoning ordinances and also when making planning decisions particularly zone changes.
Some of the public comments are listed below.
Tom Osterman brought up questions on rural character vs. development and economic development and tax base issues.
John Rahe questioned whether anyone thought that SR129 had affected the rural character of Ripley County.
Rick Pope answered: Not yet, but it will.
Jim B ??? (York Township) – asked about when public facilities and infrastructure will actually improve in some areas of the county. He questioned the information regarding 18-34 year olds leaving the county. Many thought that was due to college and first jobs.
Jerry Benham – thought that the document pleases everybody where they are now. He saw a bias towards high-density housing. He wasn’t sure it gave enough direction as to where we should be going- specifically.
Mark Mitter responded that the DCEDI (Economic Development Initiative) would address some of the economic issues. He also noted that in 5 years when the plan is updated we might shift again.
There were comments regarding why the elected officials didn’t DO more.
Dan Batta noted that sometimes it seemed that the more an official does the less chance they have of being re-elected.
Vera Benning wanted to respond to that comment and stated that she was working hard to get economic development and jobs for our kids.
John Rahe thought that the flexibility of the plan was good. He also brought up the fact that federal transportation dollars are being used to rehab houses in Lawrenceburg, and meanwhile the Tanner’s Creek Bridge that needs work doesn’t have funding.
Rick Fox’s remarks were centered on lot size issues and that the rural areas are locked in unless sewage and slope issues are addressed. He noted that land equals equity.
EG McLaughlin- talked about economic development in the incorporated areas. He noticed that lately there has been more cooperation among the governmental entities and that it was something we haven’t really seen before.
I (Chris Mueller) brought up the concept that a flexible plan gives us more freedom to allow for creativity in development, particularly with mixed-use development. One of the biggest problems with development centers on a lack of creativity including a means to blend in with the character of the community.
Eugene Kuebel – talked about the economics of Ag uses and that they produce more while using less in terms of tax dollars. He cited that it takes 4 times as many dollars for business to equal the impact of one dollar of Ag investment.
Laverne Kolb cited the right to farm law and explained it to the group.
Public discussion ended.
Rick Pope motioned and Nick Held 2nded to send a favorable recommendation for the county master plan to the commissioners. All ayes. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
23 August 2004 Plan Commission Meeting Notes
August Plan Commission
For the official minutes visit http://www.dearborncounty.org/planning/.
Minutes are generally posted a month after the meeting.
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Patrick de Maynadier, Roger Woodfill, Mike Hall. Dan Batta arrived late at 8:10 PM. Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
Absent: Dave Schmidtgoesling and Nick Held.
(Register Publications reporter not in attendance.)
Charlie Fehrman was added to the agenda on Monday afternoon as “Charlie Fehrman to address the Plan Commission.” Fehrman spoke at the beginning of the meeting stating that the bylaws for the new EDI (Economic Development Initiative), a public/private organization had openings for a Commissioner and a Council appointee to the 26- member EDI board. (Lorie Howard, County Adm., is the Commissioner’s appointee) He wanted permission to ask Travis Miller to serve as Council’s rep.
I spoke regarding the possibility of an ethical conflict of interest, particularly when future issues regarding land uses or permits come up for a promoted business. Travis Miller and Lorie Howard are VOTING members of the EDI Board.
Rick Pope felt that Travis would step down as soon as a conflict of interest arose.
The Plan Commission unanimously voted to allow Travis Miller to be considered by Council at their meeting tomorrow for this position. Travis Miller indicated that he was willing to serve.
Old Business-
Zone change from A to R for 3- lot subdivision for Hapanowiscz on North Dearborn Rd. adjoining Harley Springs sub’n. No opposition from neighbors. Patrick de Maynadier made sure the 5 reasons for a legal zone change were addressed before voting.
Pope motioned with Feiss 2nd for a favorable recommendation on the zone change and allowing a driveway access variance for the houses, thus eliminating a central driveway. Approved.
New Business:
1. Travis Miller notified the applicant for Golf-View acres (Rollander Enterprises) on Soaphill Rd. that they wouldn’t be heard because their application had no changes that would address the causes for previous denials. Applicant indicated that they understood the reason to withdraw the application, per Travis Miller.
2. Vacating streets for Dearborn Gravel- an M-3 land use in Hardinsburg (Lawrenceburg Township by I-275) for owner Kurt Weismiller. Rick Pope stepped down for this application.
John Seymour- President of Oxbow had no objections as long as they had future access to their lands. Cell tower on the property was also addressed.
Purpose according to Weismiller was to get a clear deed to their lands. They were fixing old discrepancies in the past deeds.
Woodfill motioned and Feiss 2nd to give a favorable recommendation to vacate Elm, Walnut, Front, Main, and the connecting alleys and to work out an agreement with the cell tower owners so that they have clear access. Approved.
[Note: Batta arrived at this point in the meeting.]
3. Aaron and Edna Miller requesting variance for a driveway permit on North Dearborn Road in Kelso Township and certified survey approval. Dennis Kraus, Jr. presenting.
Motions had to be redone on this. Final motion was Batta motioned and Pope 2nd to grant 2 variances as presented. There were no additional driveways, just an altered access to be shared. The non-buildable lot was to be accessed by the shared driveway as proposed. Passed.
4. Prior to this item being heard, Mitter called Tom Kent to the podium to ask if he wanted Patrick de Maynadier to step down, because Patrick had been a remonstrator in the previous applications on this property as a citizen and it had gone to court. Kent said it was not a problem. De Maynadier indicated he was willing to step down, but Kent wanted him to stay on the board for the decision. Kent reiterated firmly that it was “not a problem!”
[NOTE: audience area was full for this part of the meeting and included developers unrelated to the application.]
Primary approval was requested for a 21-lot subdivision called Chapel Thorne Estates on Yorkridge and Geiger Roads in York Township. Tom Kent owner-applicant and survey done by Terry Crouch.
Kent began his presentation by thanking the board for all the work they do. He said that in the past three years he has learned a lot about what they do. He proceeded to agree with nearly everything that the tech review and staff had suggested. There were some issues regarding a lot that was less than 5 acres and Kent explained that it was to preserve a stand of pines surrounding an old pond bed. There was issue with access for one lot onto Geiger Road and Kent explained that it was to avoid tearing down a 50- foot swath of trees to gain access to the main sub’n road. He did not want to go for a zone change to R because he felt that this was an Ag area and he wanted to do something in keeping with that character. He strongly stated that he feels that it is wrong to put an R district out in the middle of Ag! He also mentioned that he wanted covenant #18 to stay to keep people from filling in the road ditches that were designed to preserve the road built. [Note: Since there is evidence that the area has a high water table, these ditches are probably crucial to maintaining a good road.]
He plans to keep the barn for Ag use but wants to fix it up and get rid of the yellow paint.
Not sure what they will do with the house that has been vacant for 2 years.
Patrick de Maynadier wants to be sure all lots are 5 acres or up. Kent stressed that he wanted to preserve natural features also.
Citizens:
Elisa Carr – of Bonnell Road (below the development) thought 5 acres was too small- considering the character of the area. She also warned of changes leading to things like what happened to Fishers, IN.
Eugene Kuebel- a life long resident of Yorkridge and adjoiner read Sen. Nugent’s recent newsletter about farmland preservation. He gave a lengthy description of septic issues and water and creek contamination in the area.
Rosemary Schuck- wanted slower growth in that area and cited what happens when you get a bunch of newcomers to the farm areas- hunting issues and trespass.
Leo Neurohr was not opposed- he brought a sketch showing evidence of dumping in the creek from one of the existing farmers in the area.
Bill Mc? – wanted them to make a good decision for good streets and good homes.
Tim Trabel – Doesn’t want an R zone and likes the pond idea.
Tom Kent told the board there were multiple borings on this site for septic review.
The board then discussed their thoughts:
Pope: thought the pond and trees added to the rural character and was OK with one lot connection to Geiger Rd.
Feiss: agreed with Pope.
Batta: was OK with the lot situation, but had problems with R of this size in Ag. “What’s positive for one person is not always positive for another.” He cited a CatIII collector that was deficient in many aspects (Yorkridge), and the limiting aspects of the soil there with the high water table. He did not feel it was a good public health policy to put that many septic tanks there- too dense.
De Maynadier: wanted lots 17-18 combined or something to get to 5-acre minimum. Cited that this is Ag use as mentioned in Section 2700 then. Was OK with access to Geiger on one lot to save trees.
Woodfill: Wanted to redraw lots to get to the 5-acre minimum.
Hall: wanted 5-acre minimum, but was OK with Geiger access for lot 14, if the sight distance was OK.
Mitter: could combine and reconfigure to get the 5 acres. Had a major concern with soil, but the Health Dept. would have final say there. Road concerns were alleviated by a cut in density. OK with Lot 14 to Geiger.
Pope motioned to allow with staff comments being addressed and to include access to Geiger if sight distance approved. Feiss 2nd. Batta and deMaynadier Nay and Mitter either didn’t vote or said Nay. Motion failed.
DeMaynadier motioned the same but added that all lots had to be a 5-acre minimum. Pope 2nd. Passed with Batta being the only Nay.
Administrative:
Master Plan final hearing to be on August 30 in the Adm. Bldg at 7 PM.
Workshop on August 24th set up and several members attending that evening.
Miller gave a short demo of the GIS that OKI can help with for $9,000 instead of the $200,000 version.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
For the official minutes visit http://www.dearborncounty.org/planning/.
Minutes are generally posted a month after the meeting.
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Patrick de Maynadier, Roger Woodfill, Mike Hall. Dan Batta arrived late at 8:10 PM. Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
Absent: Dave Schmidtgoesling and Nick Held.
(Register Publications reporter not in attendance.)
Charlie Fehrman was added to the agenda on Monday afternoon as “Charlie Fehrman to address the Plan Commission.” Fehrman spoke at the beginning of the meeting stating that the bylaws for the new EDI (Economic Development Initiative), a public/private organization had openings for a Commissioner and a Council appointee to the 26- member EDI board. (Lorie Howard, County Adm., is the Commissioner’s appointee) He wanted permission to ask Travis Miller to serve as Council’s rep.
I spoke regarding the possibility of an ethical conflict of interest, particularly when future issues regarding land uses or permits come up for a promoted business. Travis Miller and Lorie Howard are VOTING members of the EDI Board.
Rick Pope felt that Travis would step down as soon as a conflict of interest arose.
The Plan Commission unanimously voted to allow Travis Miller to be considered by Council at their meeting tomorrow for this position. Travis Miller indicated that he was willing to serve.
Old Business-
Zone change from A to R for 3- lot subdivision for Hapanowiscz on North Dearborn Rd. adjoining Harley Springs sub’n. No opposition from neighbors. Patrick de Maynadier made sure the 5 reasons for a legal zone change were addressed before voting.
Pope motioned with Feiss 2nd for a favorable recommendation on the zone change and allowing a driveway access variance for the houses, thus eliminating a central driveway. Approved.
New Business:
1. Travis Miller notified the applicant for Golf-View acres (Rollander Enterprises) on Soaphill Rd. that they wouldn’t be heard because their application had no changes that would address the causes for previous denials. Applicant indicated that they understood the reason to withdraw the application, per Travis Miller.
2. Vacating streets for Dearborn Gravel- an M-3 land use in Hardinsburg (Lawrenceburg Township by I-275) for owner Kurt Weismiller. Rick Pope stepped down for this application.
John Seymour- President of Oxbow had no objections as long as they had future access to their lands. Cell tower on the property was also addressed.
Purpose according to Weismiller was to get a clear deed to their lands. They were fixing old discrepancies in the past deeds.
Woodfill motioned and Feiss 2nd to give a favorable recommendation to vacate Elm, Walnut, Front, Main, and the connecting alleys and to work out an agreement with the cell tower owners so that they have clear access. Approved.
[Note: Batta arrived at this point in the meeting.]
3. Aaron and Edna Miller requesting variance for a driveway permit on North Dearborn Road in Kelso Township and certified survey approval. Dennis Kraus, Jr. presenting.
Motions had to be redone on this. Final motion was Batta motioned and Pope 2nd to grant 2 variances as presented. There were no additional driveways, just an altered access to be shared. The non-buildable lot was to be accessed by the shared driveway as proposed. Passed.
4. Prior to this item being heard, Mitter called Tom Kent to the podium to ask if he wanted Patrick de Maynadier to step down, because Patrick had been a remonstrator in the previous applications on this property as a citizen and it had gone to court. Kent said it was not a problem. De Maynadier indicated he was willing to step down, but Kent wanted him to stay on the board for the decision. Kent reiterated firmly that it was “not a problem!”
[NOTE: audience area was full for this part of the meeting and included developers unrelated to the application.]
Primary approval was requested for a 21-lot subdivision called Chapel Thorne Estates on Yorkridge and Geiger Roads in York Township. Tom Kent owner-applicant and survey done by Terry Crouch.
Kent began his presentation by thanking the board for all the work they do. He said that in the past three years he has learned a lot about what they do. He proceeded to agree with nearly everything that the tech review and staff had suggested. There were some issues regarding a lot that was less than 5 acres and Kent explained that it was to preserve a stand of pines surrounding an old pond bed. There was issue with access for one lot onto Geiger Road and Kent explained that it was to avoid tearing down a 50- foot swath of trees to gain access to the main sub’n road. He did not want to go for a zone change to R because he felt that this was an Ag area and he wanted to do something in keeping with that character. He strongly stated that he feels that it is wrong to put an R district out in the middle of Ag! He also mentioned that he wanted covenant #18 to stay to keep people from filling in the road ditches that were designed to preserve the road built. [Note: Since there is evidence that the area has a high water table, these ditches are probably crucial to maintaining a good road.]
He plans to keep the barn for Ag use but wants to fix it up and get rid of the yellow paint.
Not sure what they will do with the house that has been vacant for 2 years.
Patrick de Maynadier wants to be sure all lots are 5 acres or up. Kent stressed that he wanted to preserve natural features also.
Citizens:
Elisa Carr – of Bonnell Road (below the development) thought 5 acres was too small- considering the character of the area. She also warned of changes leading to things like what happened to Fishers, IN.
Eugene Kuebel- a life long resident of Yorkridge and adjoiner read Sen. Nugent’s recent newsletter about farmland preservation. He gave a lengthy description of septic issues and water and creek contamination in the area.
Rosemary Schuck- wanted slower growth in that area and cited what happens when you get a bunch of newcomers to the farm areas- hunting issues and trespass.
Leo Neurohr was not opposed- he brought a sketch showing evidence of dumping in the creek from one of the existing farmers in the area.
Bill Mc? – wanted them to make a good decision for good streets and good homes.
Tim Trabel – Doesn’t want an R zone and likes the pond idea.
Tom Kent told the board there were multiple borings on this site for septic review.
The board then discussed their thoughts:
Pope: thought the pond and trees added to the rural character and was OK with one lot connection to Geiger Rd.
Feiss: agreed with Pope.
Batta: was OK with the lot situation, but had problems with R of this size in Ag. “What’s positive for one person is not always positive for another.” He cited a CatIII collector that was deficient in many aspects (Yorkridge), and the limiting aspects of the soil there with the high water table. He did not feel it was a good public health policy to put that many septic tanks there- too dense.
De Maynadier: wanted lots 17-18 combined or something to get to 5-acre minimum. Cited that this is Ag use as mentioned in Section 2700 then. Was OK with access to Geiger on one lot to save trees.
Woodfill: Wanted to redraw lots to get to the 5-acre minimum.
Hall: wanted 5-acre minimum, but was OK with Geiger access for lot 14, if the sight distance was OK.
Mitter: could combine and reconfigure to get the 5 acres. Had a major concern with soil, but the Health Dept. would have final say there. Road concerns were alleviated by a cut in density. OK with Lot 14 to Geiger.
Pope motioned to allow with staff comments being addressed and to include access to Geiger if sight distance approved. Feiss 2nd. Batta and deMaynadier Nay and Mitter either didn’t vote or said Nay. Motion failed.
DeMaynadier motioned the same but added that all lots had to be a 5-acre minimum. Pope 2nd. Passed with Batta being the only Nay.
Administrative:
Master Plan final hearing to be on August 30 in the Adm. Bldg at 7 PM.
Workshop on August 24th set up and several members attending that evening.
Miller gave a short demo of the GIS that OKI can help with for $9,000 instead of the $200,000 version.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, August 20, 2004
Conflict of interest
Ms. Mueller's Note under item 7 (Aug 16 Commissioners meeting) "[Note: If Lisa Lehner is a member of the Initiative, she has invested money in it. If she is the attorney for it also, then should she be advising the county on issues relating to that organization?]" is very much to the point.
The potential for conflict of interest far exceeds that of Mr. Miller. Ms. Lehner, by having invested in the Economic Development Initiative, as well as being the groups Attorney would appear to provide an automatic bias for the actions of the Initiative and a potential conflict of interest with respect to actions which might be appropriate for the County.
Ralph Thompson, PE
A Citizen of Dearborn County
Thursday, August 19, 2004
18 August 2004 Master Plan Public Hearing
First Master Plan Public Hearing
The first of two public hearings for the final draft of the master plan was held at Lawrenceburg High School auditorium Wednesday night. Seven of the Plan Commission members were in attendance to answer questions from the audience, as well as half the advisory board.
Travis Miller gave a power point presentation of the process, components, goals, and strategies of the plan
Questions from the public included issues of road conditions, (particularly mentioning road slips,) which were viewed as impediments to development permits.
Plan commission chairman, Mark Mitter, and member, Rick Pope, (who also has experience on the Soil and Water Conservation Board,) gave detailed explanations of how development requests are evaluated.
Advisory Board member, Bob Sauerbrey, gave the background on slippage issues and explained some of the historical impacts of improper development of hillsides, referring to “short term profits and long term problems” for the county. Hamilton County being built on seven hills and, specifically, Mount Adams was used as an example. It was noted that Cincinnati had the highest rate of slippage issues in the entire country. (Great views often on poor substrate.)
Warren County’s issue with unbridled development was also discussed, as was their current situation with having to use moratoriums on development.
Lastly there was a question about getting cooperation with schools so that they were not all clustered on one campus. Walkability to the schools and the actual size of schools for lower grades were both mentioned.
Travis Miller, Planning Director, saw cooperation as a two-way street. He noted that hopefully, the school boards and administration would see the county plan as something worth considering, particularly because it had input from such a large cross-section of citizens and special interest areas. The planning department, for their part always considers the impact on the school districts- requesting letters from the school superintendent as part of the packet for each development.
The meeting adjourned around 8:30.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
The first of two public hearings for the final draft of the master plan was held at Lawrenceburg High School auditorium Wednesday night. Seven of the Plan Commission members were in attendance to answer questions from the audience, as well as half the advisory board.
Travis Miller gave a power point presentation of the process, components, goals, and strategies of the plan
Questions from the public included issues of road conditions, (particularly mentioning road slips,) which were viewed as impediments to development permits.
Plan commission chairman, Mark Mitter, and member, Rick Pope, (who also has experience on the Soil and Water Conservation Board,) gave detailed explanations of how development requests are evaluated.
Advisory Board member, Bob Sauerbrey, gave the background on slippage issues and explained some of the historical impacts of improper development of hillsides, referring to “short term profits and long term problems” for the county. Hamilton County being built on seven hills and, specifically, Mount Adams was used as an example. It was noted that Cincinnati had the highest rate of slippage issues in the entire country. (Great views often on poor substrate.)
Warren County’s issue with unbridled development was also discussed, as was their current situation with having to use moratoriums on development.
Lastly there was a question about getting cooperation with schools so that they were not all clustered on one campus. Walkability to the schools and the actual size of schools for lower grades were both mentioned.
Travis Miller, Planning Director, saw cooperation as a two-way street. He noted that hopefully, the school boards and administration would see the county plan as something worth considering, particularly because it had input from such a large cross-section of citizens and special interest areas. The planning department, for their part always considers the impact on the school districts- requesting letters from the school superintendent as part of the packet for each development.
The meeting adjourned around 8:30.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
16 August 2004 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Dan Batta.
Absent: Vera Benning
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Lorie Howard, Administrator.
1. Planning and Zoning – Travis Miller – Clarification changes on connections of arterial streets for Article 3 Section 305 M were presented. Batta motioned and Shell 2nd. Passed.
Karen Shell also brought up a complaint by Mike Sizemore concerning dust control on the Sugar Hill Subdivision excavation project. Sizemore claims that Gehring Group doing the excavating is not using the water truck to control dust appropriately. Travis Miller has some language from the DNR regarding state codes on this. Shell asked him to have Plan Commission consider looking into adding it to the subdivision control ordinance, so that these problems can also be handled locally.
2. Lifetime Resources – Ellen Davis – Commissioner’s signed a letter of intent for IFHA owner occupancy rehabilitation grant worth $300,000. Council will be getting a request from Lifetime Resources for the 10% match of $30,000. There is a $15,000 max that can be obtained per house. Finals due in October.
3. County Administrator- Lorie Howard – reported that per Cathy Dils, the YES home septic repairs finished under budget of $15,000.
The IDEM/OKI, big businesses, and municipalities are meeting at the chamber at 10 AM on August 18 to discuss the air quality ratings for Lawrenceburg Township and how to remedy the situation.
Gayle Pennington and Judges are shredding documents per the records destruction ordinance.
Security issues in the Adm. Building – survey responses indicated the staff felt panic buttons were the best solution. Cameras and keypads were only voted on by 4 out of about 12 offices. [NOTE: This addresses personal safety issues of the employees during the day- but the original question seemed to be about access to the building, equipment, and records at night.] Commissioners OK’d panic buttons.
Barry Pruss – sewer board member – turned in his signed conflict of interest form- indicating NO Conflicts. Commissioners accepted it. It will be filed with Clerk’s Office per state law. Karen Shell asked if Rodney Dennerline’s form was in, because she has been getting calls regarding his statement in particular. Lisa Lehner said Dennerline’s was signed. Karen asked why it wasn’t on file at Clerk’s office. Lisa said probably because it had to be accepted by the Health Board first, since they appointed him. [NOTE: State law does not require the appointing board to be notified BEFORE the form is filed. Health Board frequently cancels meetings due to lack of a quorum. That should not hold up Dennerline’s official statement.]
Commissioners signed the contract for $4200 for American Tower (911 building) regarding wireless needs. Plans are to get out of that lease and move to a new 911 place “soon” because of costs.
For 2005 Health Plan- the commissioners OK’d Pinnacle to write up the plan agreement to include a wellness program and also a $1200 HRA for any employee opting out of the plan. The HRA is contributed at a rate of $100 per month- not a lump sum.
4. Highway Dept. – Mike Davis- no written report turned in. (Commissioners requested that at their last meeting) Verbal report on maintenance, line striping, small structures inventory, and mowing progress, included the opening of the Phase 2 bids.
Barrett- $1,238,875.58
Rohe - $859,608.35
O’Mara - $889,398.19
Commissioners will take them under advisement and Lisa Lehner will check bid documents prior to awarding the contract.
White’s Hill contract was passed, as was the notice of award. Contractor- O’Mara – will be required to turn in various submittals on a timeline created in the project. Supervising will be done by the SURVEY GROUP using a junior engineer for 20 hours per week and a project mgr. – Ted Cooley- for 4 hours per week. Cost is hourly rate with a not to exceed clause of $35,156. Commissioners voted to allow Mike Davis to sign this agreement when Lisa finishes the language changes to reflect the not to exceed agreement section.
5. County Attorney- Lisa Lehner- reported that the documents for George St. bridge walkway were finished and set for 5 year term to 12/31/2009. Charlie Fehrman signing them will mean the state attorney general doesn’t have to. The Aurora City Att’y will present this to their council now.
Short Ridge property owner agreement is finished and work can proceed now.
6. Cary Pickens- Auditor- minutes saved for Vera Benning to be available. Claims signed.
7. Commissioners – Economic Development Initiative had a meeting last week and passed their by-laws. Because the county donated money to the organization for three years, Council and Commissioners each get an appointment to the board. They can choose one of their members or a designee. Commissioners chose to send Lorie Howard, the County Adm. he will have voting rights. It was stated that Lisa Lehner is the attorney for the Economic Development Initiative also. [Note: If Lisa Lehner is a member of the Initiative, she has invested money in it. If she is the attorney for it also, then should she be advising the county on issues relating to that organization?]
Discussion included the idea that Charlie Fehrman for Council thought they could send Travis Miller, the County Planning Director. [NOTE: This would present an ethical conflict of interest for Travis Miller. The Planning Office is likely to be involved at some future date in land use or zoning regarding potential sites for economic development. Plan Commission is Miller’s “boss” and the appointment would have to be approved by them. Plan Commission already discussed this with Miller when he was questioned during the early development stages of this Economic Development Organization. It was their feeling that he should not be a member of that group, but could serve their needs, the same as he would for any other county business or citizen.]
8. Public comment – Phil Darling- asked when the county website would be updated to include minutes for commissioner meetings. Commissioners still want minutes to be approved before posting- not drafts. This significantly delays the public’s knowledge of what goes on in these meetings.
Meeting adjourned: 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Dan Batta.
Absent: Vera Benning
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Lorie Howard, Administrator.
1. Planning and Zoning – Travis Miller – Clarification changes on connections of arterial streets for Article 3 Section 305 M were presented. Batta motioned and Shell 2nd. Passed.
Karen Shell also brought up a complaint by Mike Sizemore concerning dust control on the Sugar Hill Subdivision excavation project. Sizemore claims that Gehring Group doing the excavating is not using the water truck to control dust appropriately. Travis Miller has some language from the DNR regarding state codes on this. Shell asked him to have Plan Commission consider looking into adding it to the subdivision control ordinance, so that these problems can also be handled locally.
2. Lifetime Resources – Ellen Davis – Commissioner’s signed a letter of intent for IFHA owner occupancy rehabilitation grant worth $300,000. Council will be getting a request from Lifetime Resources for the 10% match of $30,000. There is a $15,000 max that can be obtained per house. Finals due in October.
3. County Administrator- Lorie Howard – reported that per Cathy Dils, the YES home septic repairs finished under budget of $15,000.
The IDEM/OKI, big businesses, and municipalities are meeting at the chamber at 10 AM on August 18 to discuss the air quality ratings for Lawrenceburg Township and how to remedy the situation.
Gayle Pennington and Judges are shredding documents per the records destruction ordinance.
Security issues in the Adm. Building – survey responses indicated the staff felt panic buttons were the best solution. Cameras and keypads were only voted on by 4 out of about 12 offices. [NOTE: This addresses personal safety issues of the employees during the day- but the original question seemed to be about access to the building, equipment, and records at night.] Commissioners OK’d panic buttons.
Barry Pruss – sewer board member – turned in his signed conflict of interest form- indicating NO Conflicts. Commissioners accepted it. It will be filed with Clerk’s Office per state law. Karen Shell asked if Rodney Dennerline’s form was in, because she has been getting calls regarding his statement in particular. Lisa Lehner said Dennerline’s was signed. Karen asked why it wasn’t on file at Clerk’s office. Lisa said probably because it had to be accepted by the Health Board first, since they appointed him. [NOTE: State law does not require the appointing board to be notified BEFORE the form is filed. Health Board frequently cancels meetings due to lack of a quorum. That should not hold up Dennerline’s official statement.]
Commissioners signed the contract for $4200 for American Tower (911 building) regarding wireless needs. Plans are to get out of that lease and move to a new 911 place “soon” because of costs.
For 2005 Health Plan- the commissioners OK’d Pinnacle to write up the plan agreement to include a wellness program and also a $1200 HRA for any employee opting out of the plan. The HRA is contributed at a rate of $100 per month- not a lump sum.
4. Highway Dept. – Mike Davis- no written report turned in. (Commissioners requested that at their last meeting) Verbal report on maintenance, line striping, small structures inventory, and mowing progress, included the opening of the Phase 2 bids.
Barrett- $1,238,875.58
Rohe - $859,608.35
O’Mara - $889,398.19
Commissioners will take them under advisement and Lisa Lehner will check bid documents prior to awarding the contract.
White’s Hill contract was passed, as was the notice of award. Contractor- O’Mara – will be required to turn in various submittals on a timeline created in the project. Supervising will be done by the SURVEY GROUP using a junior engineer for 20 hours per week and a project mgr. – Ted Cooley- for 4 hours per week. Cost is hourly rate with a not to exceed clause of $35,156. Commissioners voted to allow Mike Davis to sign this agreement when Lisa finishes the language changes to reflect the not to exceed agreement section.
5. County Attorney- Lisa Lehner- reported that the documents for George St. bridge walkway were finished and set for 5 year term to 12/31/2009. Charlie Fehrman signing them will mean the state attorney general doesn’t have to. The Aurora City Att’y will present this to their council now.
Short Ridge property owner agreement is finished and work can proceed now.
6. Cary Pickens- Auditor- minutes saved for Vera Benning to be available. Claims signed.
7. Commissioners – Economic Development Initiative had a meeting last week and passed their by-laws. Because the county donated money to the organization for three years, Council and Commissioners each get an appointment to the board. They can choose one of their members or a designee. Commissioners chose to send Lorie Howard, the County Adm. he will have voting rights. It was stated that Lisa Lehner is the attorney for the Economic Development Initiative also. [Note: If Lisa Lehner is a member of the Initiative, she has invested money in it. If she is the attorney for it also, then should she be advising the county on issues relating to that organization?]
Discussion included the idea that Charlie Fehrman for Council thought they could send Travis Miller, the County Planning Director. [NOTE: This would present an ethical conflict of interest for Travis Miller. The Planning Office is likely to be involved at some future date in land use or zoning regarding potential sites for economic development. Plan Commission is Miller’s “boss” and the appointment would have to be approved by them. Plan Commission already discussed this with Miller when he was questioned during the early development stages of this Economic Development Organization. It was their feeling that he should not be a member of that group, but could serve their needs, the same as he would for any other county business or citizen.]
8. Public comment – Phil Darling- asked when the county website would be updated to include minutes for commissioner meetings. Commissioners still want minutes to be approved before posting- not drafts. This significantly delays the public’s knowledge of what goes on in these meetings.
Meeting adjourned: 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, August 06, 2004
Retirement Benefits for Public Officials?
I hope the discussions of providing health benefits beyond the term office are simply idle discussions.
In the real world (non political) many people who have employment cannot even obtain health benefits through their company and for those that do have health benefits, their benefits cease when they leave their employment (service to their employer), except that they can extend their benefits for 6 months under COBRA, if they pay the full premium.
Why should employment as a public official be any different? Is this simply another way for public officials to gain advantage at the expense of the private citizens who pay taxes?
If elected officials leave their temporary employment with the government, they should be no different from the citizens who elected them to the temporary job.
If extended health coverage is desired for elected officials, why not a plan to provide health coverage for all the citizens of Dearborn County, who leave their employment or better yet all those who are employed and don't have health coverage. Silly suggestion, right?
Ralph Thompson, PE
Monday, August 02, 2004
2 August 2004 County Commissioner Meeting Notes
County Commissioner Meeting
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Vera Benning.
Absent: Dan Batta (mother’s funeral)
Also present: Lorie Howard, Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Brenda Hensley for Cary Pickens, Auditor, who arrived at 10:10.
1. Mike Kramer- Pinnacle Advisory Group- gave a report to commissioners similar to the one he gave to Council last week regarding possible ways to bring down health care costs for the county without cutting into benefits for the employees. The county had 36 claims over $5,000 and 16 claims over $10,000, which he referred to as “shock claims.” Two primary ways that Med Ben recommends are setting up wellness care programs for employees who voluntarily want help in maintaining or achieving better health care for their particular conditions (diabetes, smoking cessation, weight loss, etc.) and using HRA (health care reimbursement accounts) that THE COUNTY pays for with part of the money they save for an employee who opts out of family or single plan coverage. This is provided with tax-free dollars and can only be spent on medically related expenses defined in the plan. Vera Benning asked about the plan that some Argosy employees have. They get a check when they opt out of the coverage that they can spend on anything. It was explained to her that this was taxable income and so the employee would pay tax on the benefit and the employer has to pay social security also on it. Karen Shell wanted to wait for Dan Batta to vote on this at Thursday’s Administrative Focus meeting. Vera Benning didn’t want to vote on it till all the employees could be gathered for a meeting to discuss it. [NOTE: Because this is a plus and nothing is being taken away from any employee, it seems a waste of time to make them sit through an extra meeting during their day.] NO DECISION.
2. Bill Ewbank – Veterans Officer- reported that there was still no resolution to the veterans transportation issue.
3. Animal Control- Lorie Howard reported that Cheryl Lohmiller was on vacation and that Cheryl was using her vacation to paint the animal shelter!!
4. Bill Black- Emergency Management- reported that Dearborn County fared well in the storm last week.
He also reported that PSEG donated $14,000 worth of fire hoses to them to be distributed to county fire departments.
The commissioners signed the paperwork for the grant he’d been holding until the Drug Ordinance was passed. (see note later in this meeting)
5. Susan Craig – SIRPC – Got papers signed for the $30,000 grant to do a feasibility study of the first floor of the YES Home. Stephanie Disbro was slated to attend the Startup meeting in INDY with Cathy Piche and Susan Craig as the county’s representative.
6. Lorie Howard- County Administrator – reported that:
Commissioners and Harrison’s elected officials were meeting Wednesday Aug 4 at 5 PM in the Harrison Community Center to discuss EMS services to be shared with the county. Supposedly there is some discussion over fire services. Apparently West Harrison township has to contract for that themselves.
Tentative meeting set for August 18 at 10 AM at the Chamber offices to discuss how to get our status revised on air quality. AEP, IDEM, our state representative, senator, and other large companies are trying to get together to solve this problem.
The Drug Free Workplace Ordinance (refers to drugs and alcohol) was approved and signed after Lisa Lehner explained that it did NOT apply to elected officials. Cary Pickens, in jest, wiped his brow in a sign of relief.
The credit card policy will be included in the next revision of the HR Plan.
7. Mike Davis – Transportation – stated that Yorkridge Bridge was approved by council to come out of cum bridge. Cary Pickens corrected this to state that he was to advertise out of cum bridge, but that it was not necessarily approved yet.
Roads are being prepared for paving.
White’s Hill Project Bids were opened:
Rohe- Total $828,236.94 plus additional for rock removal, Holton Excavating- $806,768.12 plus additional for rock removal, and O’Mara - $754,240 with no additional for rock removal.
Project awarded to O’Mara pending verification of bid documents and bonds.
Commissioners requested that Mike Davis have a written report for them at their meetings so they had something to work with when people called about projects going on in the county.
8. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- is preparing an ordinance reflecting all county departmental fees in one spot.
She is also preparing a draft agreement to deal with the liability issues for the bike path to be attached to the George St. Bridge. Discussion stated that Barker’s engineering report states that the bridge can handle more weight that it’s posted for. They did actual steel samples from the bridge to verify this. [Note: Am not sure if this covers the connections, bolts etc.] She also stated that if Charlie Fehrman signs off on it for county fiscal body, then they do not have to get the attorney general to do so.
9. Cary Pickens- Auditor- holding minutes, but corrected the Siemen’s section at Vera’s request. Karen Shell was not present for entire meeting, so they will approve minutes when Dan Batta is available.
Claims approved.
Meeting adjourned 10:20 AM
After the meeting I was informed that there has been “some talk” of letting elected officials retire with the county paying continual health coverage as a “reward for all their years of service.” [Note: Yikes!]
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Vera Benning.
Absent: Dan Batta (mother’s funeral)
Also present: Lorie Howard, Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Brenda Hensley for Cary Pickens, Auditor, who arrived at 10:10.
1. Mike Kramer- Pinnacle Advisory Group- gave a report to commissioners similar to the one he gave to Council last week regarding possible ways to bring down health care costs for the county without cutting into benefits for the employees. The county had 36 claims over $5,000 and 16 claims over $10,000, which he referred to as “shock claims.” Two primary ways that Med Ben recommends are setting up wellness care programs for employees who voluntarily want help in maintaining or achieving better health care for their particular conditions (diabetes, smoking cessation, weight loss, etc.) and using HRA (health care reimbursement accounts) that THE COUNTY pays for with part of the money they save for an employee who opts out of family or single plan coverage. This is provided with tax-free dollars and can only be spent on medically related expenses defined in the plan. Vera Benning asked about the plan that some Argosy employees have. They get a check when they opt out of the coverage that they can spend on anything. It was explained to her that this was taxable income and so the employee would pay tax on the benefit and the employer has to pay social security also on it. Karen Shell wanted to wait for Dan Batta to vote on this at Thursday’s Administrative Focus meeting. Vera Benning didn’t want to vote on it till all the employees could be gathered for a meeting to discuss it. [NOTE: Because this is a plus and nothing is being taken away from any employee, it seems a waste of time to make them sit through an extra meeting during their day.] NO DECISION.
2. Bill Ewbank – Veterans Officer- reported that there was still no resolution to the veterans transportation issue.
3. Animal Control- Lorie Howard reported that Cheryl Lohmiller was on vacation and that Cheryl was using her vacation to paint the animal shelter!!
4. Bill Black- Emergency Management- reported that Dearborn County fared well in the storm last week.
He also reported that PSEG donated $14,000 worth of fire hoses to them to be distributed to county fire departments.
The commissioners signed the paperwork for the grant he’d been holding until the Drug Ordinance was passed. (see note later in this meeting)
5. Susan Craig – SIRPC – Got papers signed for the $30,000 grant to do a feasibility study of the first floor of the YES Home. Stephanie Disbro was slated to attend the Startup meeting in INDY with Cathy Piche and Susan Craig as the county’s representative.
6. Lorie Howard- County Administrator – reported that:
Commissioners and Harrison’s elected officials were meeting Wednesday Aug 4 at 5 PM in the Harrison Community Center to discuss EMS services to be shared with the county. Supposedly there is some discussion over fire services. Apparently West Harrison township has to contract for that themselves.
Tentative meeting set for August 18 at 10 AM at the Chamber offices to discuss how to get our status revised on air quality. AEP, IDEM, our state representative, senator, and other large companies are trying to get together to solve this problem.
The Drug Free Workplace Ordinance (refers to drugs and alcohol) was approved and signed after Lisa Lehner explained that it did NOT apply to elected officials. Cary Pickens, in jest, wiped his brow in a sign of relief.
The credit card policy will be included in the next revision of the HR Plan.
7. Mike Davis – Transportation – stated that Yorkridge Bridge was approved by council to come out of cum bridge. Cary Pickens corrected this to state that he was to advertise out of cum bridge, but that it was not necessarily approved yet.
Roads are being prepared for paving.
White’s Hill Project Bids were opened:
Rohe- Total $828,236.94 plus additional for rock removal, Holton Excavating- $806,768.12 plus additional for rock removal, and O’Mara - $754,240 with no additional for rock removal.
Project awarded to O’Mara pending verification of bid documents and bonds.
Commissioners requested that Mike Davis have a written report for them at their meetings so they had something to work with when people called about projects going on in the county.
8. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- is preparing an ordinance reflecting all county departmental fees in one spot.
She is also preparing a draft agreement to deal with the liability issues for the bike path to be attached to the George St. Bridge. Discussion stated that Barker’s engineering report states that the bridge can handle more weight that it’s posted for. They did actual steel samples from the bridge to verify this. [Note: Am not sure if this covers the connections, bolts etc.] She also stated that if Charlie Fehrman signs off on it for county fiscal body, then they do not have to get the attorney general to do so.
9. Cary Pickens- Auditor- holding minutes, but corrected the Siemen’s section at Vera’s request. Karen Shell was not present for entire meeting, so they will approve minutes when Dan Batta is available.
Claims approved.
Meeting adjourned 10:20 AM
After the meeting I was informed that there has been “some talk” of letting elected officials retire with the county paying continual health coverage as a “reward for all their years of service.” [Note: Yikes!]
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
27 July 2004 County Council Notes
County Council
Present: Bill Ullrich, Acting Chairman, Mark Mitter, Dennis Kraus, Bo Lansing, and Aaron Negangard. Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Lorie Howard, County Administrator, also present.
1. Bob Gravogel – Harrison Soccer Ass’n located in West Harrison, IN with about 45% of their kids from Dearborn County requested money for a $16-21,000 playground to serve the needs of families attending the games. After a lengthy description of their history and program, Negangard motioned and Mitter 2nd to grant $10,500 out of youth services. Passed.
2. Mike Kraemer of Pinnacle Advisory Group reported on the current status of the medical benefits program. The county has about twice the normal rate of “shock claims.” Med Ben had some possible solutions to help cut this cost. Instituting a wellness programs with voluntary individualized care plans is one possibility.
The other is starting HRAs- Health reimbursement accounts for employees opting out of the family plan because a spouse already has it. This would give them some tax-free money to pay for their out of pocket medical expenses, such as copays, deductibles, eye care etc. This could save $7,000 per employee in county costs, while giving an additional benefit to the employee. [NOTE: Some of these HRA plans are a “use it or lose it” type plan. If you don’t use or submit the expenses for reimbursement from the account, it stays in the administrator’s account as “profit.” It was not clear from the discussion, what the details of this plan would be.]
3. Mike Hankins- Sewer Board Chairman came accompanied by Rodney Dennerline, Brett Fehrman, Vera Benning (advisory board chair), Lisa Lehner (attorney), and Joe Tierney (GRW consultant).
Requested $357,600 in a “forgivable loan” to cover them to the construction phase of the sewer district. They have applied for a rural development grant and also trying for a dept. of commerce grant. These will be used to pay back part of this loan. [NOTE:Included in this estimate are legal fees for possible condemnation proceedings for about 30 properties (10% of houses). IN law allows for group filings of these condemnations.]
Kraus motioned and Negangard 2nd to TABLE this until budget hearings pending a contract for a LOAN of this money. TABLED.
4. Mike Davis- Highway Dept.- Updated Council on road repairs and on equipment repairs. Chuck- from the county garage gave a summary with examples of parts and costs of some of the vehicle repairs. It was decided to try to standardize vehicles so as to get parts they can keep in stock for rapid repairs. This will be phased in over the next several years as equipment is replaced. Gov’t gets a 35% discount on trucks.
Negangard motioned and Kraus 2nd to:
Deny for now with the intent to readvertize for the Cum Cap Fund for $1,003 for OSHA tank and $5,500 for furnace replacement.
PAY out of 203 account $45,000 for maintenance and repairs to the year’s end, $5,000 for Lexington Rd. slip repair,
TABLE $4,400 for GIS training until August.
All agreed.
Davis gave council a heads up on the Guilford deck replacement and also the triple whipple bridge.
The Phase 2 Road paving list was passed out and discussed. Lorie and Mike both detailed the process that was used to prioritize the roads and justify each as being placed on the list. Three foremen drove the roads TOGETHER to further clarify their status on the list. Negangard asked about whether the commissioners were all in agreement on this. He was told the vote was 2-0, Karen Shell was absent, but had indicated agreement throughout the process. Vera had stated that she likes money equally divided, but that she would vote for the list, and did.
Kraus motioned and Mitter 2nd to approve.
Negangard motioned and Krause2nd to delete the $$ estimates until after bids have arrived.
5. Lorie Howard- Administrator – requested $28,161 to finish out social security for the year, and $3,000 for employee physicals.
Negangard motioned and Kraus 2nd to approve both out of county general and deny it from Riverboat Revenue. Approved.
6. Sheriff Department- presented by Bill Ullrich- requested $20,000 to repair older vehicles. Negangard motioned and Mitter 2nd to approve from Riverboat revenue, but deny from county general. Approved.
7. Courthouse- copier- $8,000. Kraus motioned and Lansing 2nd to deny from cum cap. DENIED.
8. CMHC – requires $96,912 because the state didn’t set their levies properly. Kraus motioned and Lansing 2nd. Approved with Negangard NAY. (Didn’t want to vote on something he didn’t understand)
9. Minutes approved. Lansing abstained, because he was absent last month.
BUDGET HEARINGS at the end of AUGUST.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Bill Ullrich, Acting Chairman, Mark Mitter, Dennis Kraus, Bo Lansing, and Aaron Negangard. Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Lorie Howard, County Administrator, also present.
1. Bob Gravogel – Harrison Soccer Ass’n located in West Harrison, IN with about 45% of their kids from Dearborn County requested money for a $16-21,000 playground to serve the needs of families attending the games. After a lengthy description of their history and program, Negangard motioned and Mitter 2nd to grant $10,500 out of youth services. Passed.
2. Mike Kraemer of Pinnacle Advisory Group reported on the current status of the medical benefits program. The county has about twice the normal rate of “shock claims.” Med Ben had some possible solutions to help cut this cost. Instituting a wellness programs with voluntary individualized care plans is one possibility.
The other is starting HRAs- Health reimbursement accounts for employees opting out of the family plan because a spouse already has it. This would give them some tax-free money to pay for their out of pocket medical expenses, such as copays, deductibles, eye care etc. This could save $7,000 per employee in county costs, while giving an additional benefit to the employee. [NOTE: Some of these HRA plans are a “use it or lose it” type plan. If you don’t use or submit the expenses for reimbursement from the account, it stays in the administrator’s account as “profit.” It was not clear from the discussion, what the details of this plan would be.]
3. Mike Hankins- Sewer Board Chairman came accompanied by Rodney Dennerline, Brett Fehrman, Vera Benning (advisory board chair), Lisa Lehner (attorney), and Joe Tierney (GRW consultant).
Requested $357,600 in a “forgivable loan” to cover them to the construction phase of the sewer district. They have applied for a rural development grant and also trying for a dept. of commerce grant. These will be used to pay back part of this loan. [NOTE:Included in this estimate are legal fees for possible condemnation proceedings for about 30 properties (10% of houses). IN law allows for group filings of these condemnations.]
Kraus motioned and Negangard 2nd to TABLE this until budget hearings pending a contract for a LOAN of this money. TABLED.
4. Mike Davis- Highway Dept.- Updated Council on road repairs and on equipment repairs. Chuck- from the county garage gave a summary with examples of parts and costs of some of the vehicle repairs. It was decided to try to standardize vehicles so as to get parts they can keep in stock for rapid repairs. This will be phased in over the next several years as equipment is replaced. Gov’t gets a 35% discount on trucks.
Negangard motioned and Kraus 2nd to:
Deny for now with the intent to readvertize for the Cum Cap Fund for $1,003 for OSHA tank and $5,500 for furnace replacement.
PAY out of 203 account $45,000 for maintenance and repairs to the year’s end, $5,000 for Lexington Rd. slip repair,
TABLE $4,400 for GIS training until August.
All agreed.
Davis gave council a heads up on the Guilford deck replacement and also the triple whipple bridge.
The Phase 2 Road paving list was passed out and discussed. Lorie and Mike both detailed the process that was used to prioritize the roads and justify each as being placed on the list. Three foremen drove the roads TOGETHER to further clarify their status on the list. Negangard asked about whether the commissioners were all in agreement on this. He was told the vote was 2-0, Karen Shell was absent, but had indicated agreement throughout the process. Vera had stated that she likes money equally divided, but that she would vote for the list, and did.
Kraus motioned and Mitter 2nd to approve.
Negangard motioned and Krause2nd to delete the $$ estimates until after bids have arrived.
5. Lorie Howard- Administrator – requested $28,161 to finish out social security for the year, and $3,000 for employee physicals.
Negangard motioned and Kraus 2nd to approve both out of county general and deny it from Riverboat Revenue. Approved.
6. Sheriff Department- presented by Bill Ullrich- requested $20,000 to repair older vehicles. Negangard motioned and Mitter 2nd to approve from Riverboat revenue, but deny from county general. Approved.
7. Courthouse- copier- $8,000. Kraus motioned and Lansing 2nd to deny from cum cap. DENIED.
8. CMHC – requires $96,912 because the state didn’t set their levies properly. Kraus motioned and Lansing 2nd. Approved with Negangard NAY. (Didn’t want to vote on something he didn’t understand)
9. Minutes approved. Lansing abstained, because he was absent last month.
BUDGET HEARINGS at the end of AUGUST.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
26 July Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Plan Commission:
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Mike Hall, Nick Held, Dan Batta, and Roger Woodfill.
Absent: Patrick de Maynadier, Dave Schmidtgoesling, Tarry Feiss, and Rick Pope.
Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
Meeting began 10 minutes late waiting for a simple quorum to be present (5 members). Minutes were not approved because a quorum of members present at the last meeting was not available.
1. Old business tabled from last meeting:
Lonestar subdivision- 1 lot on SR62 Clay Township with Mary Ridner applicant- was approved with a variance to access SR62 because all other options were exhausted and a 10 ft variance on sight distance. Batta motioned and Woodfill 2nd. All ayes.
2. New business: Request for zone change Ag to Residential and a variance for house location by Steve and Carol Hapanowicz on North Dearborn Road adjoining Harley Springs Subdivision in Logan Township. Presented by Dennis Kraus, Jr. Applicant asked to be tabled when it became clear that there were not 5 votes to approve. (Woodfill was opposed for several reasons) Applicant will pursue other means of accessing North Dearborn Road for next meeting. Batta motioned and Held 2nd to TABLE till next meeting at applicant’s request.
3. Changes to the Subdivision ordinance clarifying language were approved Article 3 Section 305 M to go on to commissioners.
4. Amendments to subdivision ordinance from commissioners back to Plan Commission were approved. Held motioned and Batta 2nd. All ayes. This goes into effect now, because they approved what the commissioners sent back.
Administrative:
Enforcement reports were given out by Mark McCormack.
Ethics talk by Greg Dale on Aug 24th 5:30 – 8 PM was announced for those wishing to attend.
Correspondence from Vicki Reiter and congressman she contacted were presented regarding late meetings and making decisions when tired.
Members were reminded of the Aug 28 Advisory Board meeting to finalize the master plan before the public hearing. Advisory Board meets at Tate St. adult Center 7-9 this Wednesday.
Travis Miller also requested approval to pursue a grant application for GIS funding from special projects for the budget hearings. SIRDP has rural grant money available for creative solutions for economic development in rural areas. Digital parcel mapping ($300,000) and topographical mapping ($150,000) are being requested. It would require a 25% match from the county. Letters of support are being sought for the grant and include assessor, auditor, 911, farm bureau, redevelopment commissions, other municipalities, etc. All these departments can access and use the data ultimately. This is not something extra so much as it is positioning the county for what is needed in the near future. Plan Commission gave their blessing to go on to council with the request at the budget hearings. Application is due by August 31st.
Meeting adjourned 9:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Mike Hall, Nick Held, Dan Batta, and Roger Woodfill.
Absent: Patrick de Maynadier, Dave Schmidtgoesling, Tarry Feiss, and Rick Pope.
Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
Meeting began 10 minutes late waiting for a simple quorum to be present (5 members). Minutes were not approved because a quorum of members present at the last meeting was not available.
1. Old business tabled from last meeting:
Lonestar subdivision- 1 lot on SR62 Clay Township with Mary Ridner applicant- was approved with a variance to access SR62 because all other options were exhausted and a 10 ft variance on sight distance. Batta motioned and Woodfill 2nd. All ayes.
2. New business: Request for zone change Ag to Residential and a variance for house location by Steve and Carol Hapanowicz on North Dearborn Road adjoining Harley Springs Subdivision in Logan Township. Presented by Dennis Kraus, Jr. Applicant asked to be tabled when it became clear that there were not 5 votes to approve. (Woodfill was opposed for several reasons) Applicant will pursue other means of accessing North Dearborn Road for next meeting. Batta motioned and Held 2nd to TABLE till next meeting at applicant’s request.
3. Changes to the Subdivision ordinance clarifying language were approved Article 3 Section 305 M to go on to commissioners.
4. Amendments to subdivision ordinance from commissioners back to Plan Commission were approved. Held motioned and Batta 2nd. All ayes. This goes into effect now, because they approved what the commissioners sent back.
Administrative:
Enforcement reports were given out by Mark McCormack.
Ethics talk by Greg Dale on Aug 24th 5:30 – 8 PM was announced for those wishing to attend.
Correspondence from Vicki Reiter and congressman she contacted were presented regarding late meetings and making decisions when tired.
Members were reminded of the Aug 28 Advisory Board meeting to finalize the master plan before the public hearing. Advisory Board meets at Tate St. adult Center 7-9 this Wednesday.
Travis Miller also requested approval to pursue a grant application for GIS funding from special projects for the budget hearings. SIRDP has rural grant money available for creative solutions for economic development in rural areas. Digital parcel mapping ($300,000) and topographical mapping ($150,000) are being requested. It would require a 25% match from the county. Letters of support are being sought for the grant and include assessor, auditor, 911, farm bureau, redevelopment commissions, other municipalities, etc. All these departments can access and use the data ultimately. This is not something extra so much as it is positioning the county for what is needed in the near future. Plan Commission gave their blessing to go on to council with the request at the budget hearings. Application is due by August 31st.
Meeting adjourned 9:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Thursday, July 22, 2004
22 July 2004 County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Dan Batta, Acting Chairman, and Vera Benning. Karen Shell arrived at 11:30 after checking out a D-1 citizen complaint. Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, County Attorney, and Lorie Howard, County Administrator, also present.
1. Transportation Dept.- Mike Davis – reported that highway crews were called out for storm damage issues last night in the Sparta area. The usual mowing, brush cutting, and maintenance issues are being handled in each district. They are getting some salt damage to oil pans and so they are being replaced with coated ones as needed.
The road-paving list has been summarized and justified using data from the Transportation Assessment study and then driving the actual roads to see what was the current condition. Batta asked that Mike Davis be sure to include the specific surface details, lengths, and sections of each road to be paved when he goes to Council for release of the money. Vera Benning stated that she wants equal dollars to go to each district, but she would vote for this set of roads. Ok’d to go to Council.
The Guilford Bridge on Main Street and SR1 needs to be repaired. The structure is intact but the decking is crumbling. Probable cost is $129,000 if they can close it for a month. To do it in 2 stages and keep the road open costs another $50,000. Painting is $40,000. Council will be advised of the cost estimates.
Triple Whipple still being pursued for repairs.
Whites Hill will start in August.
Chris Ogg from Schneider Consulting gave an update on the TEA applications and the George St. Bridge repairs as well as the bike path to be added to the side. James Barker Associates is assessing the capacity of the bridge for Aurora to be sure it can handle the bike path.
2. Planning and Zoning – Travis Miller- grammatical and clarification changes were added to the ordinance changes requested. Commissioners voted to send this back to the Plan Commission and if they approve of all the changes, it passes without having to come back to commissioners.
Travis Miller also explained the road classification process to Commissioner Benning.
3. Richard Lattire – discussed the problem with a curve on the lower end of Kaiser Drive and the need for guardrail. Several cars have left the road at that area due to slippery conditions and the road itself. Commissioners will have Mike Davis check it out.
4. County Administrator – Lorie Howard- gave a report on the courthouse dept.’s assessment of the problems with Siemens work. Eric Hartman concurred with these details. Discussion on whether or not a suit was needed was held. Decided to hold executive session July 29 at 11:30 AM. Statute of limitations is running out on this issue and Siemens has been unresponsive to letters requesting repairs. Joe Pesch is no longer with the company- apparently Gary Melke is. Cary Pickens is to check out if there is any money left in the bank account from this project and how much was repaid on the overpayment that Siemens repaid to county general and not to the bank.
Security for the adm. Building and courthouse has been proposed. Lorie will get memo to each dept. to see what they think will work best. $11,000 for thumbprints, $16,000 for cameras, and $1400 for panic buttons. An additional $9,000 would cover the courthouse.
Drug Plan for personnel policy will be a stand-alone document for Aug 2 vote.
Lisa Lehner completed a Memo of Understanding with Solid Waste on the leased container trailers. This was signed and approved.
OKI agreement for July 04 –June 05 was signed for $15,789.
Ken Ingram was reappointed to the Hospital Board.
Norman Gellert was reappointed to the Library Board.
5. County Attorney – Lisa Lehner – finishing the Harrassment Policy.
GASBY ordinance prepared and signed to be in compliance with state law on County Inventory and Asset Evaluation.
Still working on the ROW with Irwins for the bridge on Shortridge Road.
Lisa checked O’Mara’s bonding and commissioners signed off on Phase 1 paving to proceed.
Lisa contacted IDEM regarding the clean air act rulings on Lawrenceburg and clarifying the details of AEP’s current status. Lorie Howard is to follow up on this with Mark Geisler- one of the county’s lobbyists. Lorie will try to get the state implementation plan to see what they are saying will be done to be in compliance with the EPA.
6. County Auditor – Cary Pickens- signed off on minutes and claims.
7. Connie Sizemore presented complaints regarding dust issues with the Sugar Ridge subdivision construction. Karen Shell had checked it out and has IDEM sending a letter to be sure the excavators spray water to keep the dust down. Also some Health Dept. issues with mosquitoes in the holding ponds.
Driveway distance to the entrance was also remeasured to be 150 ft.
8. Jim Bloomfield had questions regarding the ROW for sewer district work. After several minutes of discussion he was referred to the sewer board. Lisa answered some of his questions at this time.
Meeting adjourned 12:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
1. Transportation Dept.- Mike Davis – reported that highway crews were called out for storm damage issues last night in the Sparta area. The usual mowing, brush cutting, and maintenance issues are being handled in each district. They are getting some salt damage to oil pans and so they are being replaced with coated ones as needed.
The road-paving list has been summarized and justified using data from the Transportation Assessment study and then driving the actual roads to see what was the current condition. Batta asked that Mike Davis be sure to include the specific surface details, lengths, and sections of each road to be paved when he goes to Council for release of the money. Vera Benning stated that she wants equal dollars to go to each district, but she would vote for this set of roads. Ok’d to go to Council.
The Guilford Bridge on Main Street and SR1 needs to be repaired. The structure is intact but the decking is crumbling. Probable cost is $129,000 if they can close it for a month. To do it in 2 stages and keep the road open costs another $50,000. Painting is $40,000. Council will be advised of the cost estimates.
Triple Whipple still being pursued for repairs.
Whites Hill will start in August.
Chris Ogg from Schneider Consulting gave an update on the TEA applications and the George St. Bridge repairs as well as the bike path to be added to the side. James Barker Associates is assessing the capacity of the bridge for Aurora to be sure it can handle the bike path.
2. Planning and Zoning – Travis Miller- grammatical and clarification changes were added to the ordinance changes requested. Commissioners voted to send this back to the Plan Commission and if they approve of all the changes, it passes without having to come back to commissioners.
Travis Miller also explained the road classification process to Commissioner Benning.
3. Richard Lattire – discussed the problem with a curve on the lower end of Kaiser Drive and the need for guardrail. Several cars have left the road at that area due to slippery conditions and the road itself. Commissioners will have Mike Davis check it out.
4. County Administrator – Lorie Howard- gave a report on the courthouse dept.’s assessment of the problems with Siemens work. Eric Hartman concurred with these details. Discussion on whether or not a suit was needed was held. Decided to hold executive session July 29 at 11:30 AM. Statute of limitations is running out on this issue and Siemens has been unresponsive to letters requesting repairs. Joe Pesch is no longer with the company- apparently Gary Melke is. Cary Pickens is to check out if there is any money left in the bank account from this project and how much was repaid on the overpayment that Siemens repaid to county general and not to the bank.
Security for the adm. Building and courthouse has been proposed. Lorie will get memo to each dept. to see what they think will work best. $11,000 for thumbprints, $16,000 for cameras, and $1400 for panic buttons. An additional $9,000 would cover the courthouse.
Drug Plan for personnel policy will be a stand-alone document for Aug 2 vote.
Lisa Lehner completed a Memo of Understanding with Solid Waste on the leased container trailers. This was signed and approved.
OKI agreement for July 04 –June 05 was signed for $15,789.
Ken Ingram was reappointed to the Hospital Board.
Norman Gellert was reappointed to the Library Board.
5. County Attorney – Lisa Lehner – finishing the Harrassment Policy.
GASBY ordinance prepared and signed to be in compliance with state law on County Inventory and Asset Evaluation.
Still working on the ROW with Irwins for the bridge on Shortridge Road.
Lisa checked O’Mara’s bonding and commissioners signed off on Phase 1 paving to proceed.
Lisa contacted IDEM regarding the clean air act rulings on Lawrenceburg and clarifying the details of AEP’s current status. Lorie Howard is to follow up on this with Mark Geisler- one of the county’s lobbyists. Lorie will try to get the state implementation plan to see what they are saying will be done to be in compliance with the EPA.
6. County Auditor – Cary Pickens- signed off on minutes and claims.
7. Connie Sizemore presented complaints regarding dust issues with the Sugar Ridge subdivision construction. Karen Shell had checked it out and has IDEM sending a letter to be sure the excavators spray water to keep the dust down. Also some Health Dept. issues with mosquitoes in the holding ponds.
Driveway distance to the entrance was also remeasured to be 150 ft.
8. Jim Bloomfield had questions regarding the ROW for sewer district work. After several minutes of discussion he was referred to the sewer board. Lisa answered some of his questions at this time.
Meeting adjourned 12:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, July 09, 2004
6 July 2004 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
6 July 2004 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Dan Batta and Vera Benning, acting president. Absent: Karen Shell
Also present: Cary Pickens, auditor, Lisa Lehner, attorney, and Lorie Howard, county administrator.
1. Planning and Zoning: Travis Miller – gave a short update on the abandonment of the CSX rail lines and answered potential ownership questions regarding liabilities and the need for uses that can revert to the railroad should they need it back. Trails are the most frequent uses, apparently. The park board has also been advised of this potential.
Commissioners want to know how many trestles we would own. Travis stated they could use 10-15,000 in special projects and that Council would need to approve it for this proposal.
2. Veterans – Bill Ewbank- reported that he passed his reserve office training again and that they are still having problems with the van drivers and the need for national standards for volunteer drivers for the veterans.
3. Emergency Management – Bill Black – reported that Dearborn County has been included in the disaster declaration 1520 for storm and flood damage between May 27 and June 25.
Test of the emergency system went well.
He is still working on the mutual aid agreement with the tri-state area. Lisa advised that they need to remember the statute on interlocal agreements when setting this up.
The grant for the 800 system and some GIS is not here yet.
4. Transportation- Mike Davis- Council approved $8,000 to study the Tripple Whipple Bridge repairs after being advised by John Graf of Barth and Associates that they would have to clean it up if it fell into the Creek - and it would be more expensive.
He is going to get with Jewell DuBonis- one of the county’s lobbyists- to help push the TEA grants to help pay for the bike path along the George St. Bridge.
Wilson Creek is still closed for slip repairs etc.
Report included tire and hydraulic repairs, brush cutting and culvert replacements that are proceeding in each district.
5. County Administrator – Lorie Howard – set the date as Thurs July 15 at 1PM to have executive session to interview for county engineer.
RQAW received the signed contract to study the jail expansion from Sheriff Lusby.
Lorie is renegotiating the Harrison EMS contract for the end of this year.
Still working on the impaired workers policy.
Questions involving the security in the administration building surfaced- looking for a way to improve this. [NOTE: County may be able to use a system similar to the schools with cameras etc. particularly in light of the openness of the building during meetings etc.]
Anti-harassment policy for personnel is being written.
Lorie is developing a property policy governing how vehicles, etc. are bought, sold, and transferred.
Commissioners scrapped two vehicles for auction ( 96 Chevy Caprice- canine vehicle and a 96 Jeep Cherokee with 178,000 miles needing rotors replaced) and transferred or retained 4 others.
6. County Attorney – Lisa Lehner- advised commissioners of the impending 90-day deadline to approve or deny the zoning code ordinance changes according to IC 36-7-4-607. This was tabled till the next meeting when Karen Shell could be available. (rescheduled from July 19 to July 22 9:30 AM)
Lisa is trying to keep the Siemens HVAC issue alive. If the statute of limitations runs out before the HVAC is fixed suitably, they county won’t be able to sue. [NOTE: This has been an issue for over a year. Vera Benning reported that the judges have NO PROBLEM AT ALL with the HVAC. They don’t know what the issue is. This makes little sense in light of previous history of those problems. Perhaps a check of each department or office in the Courthouse is in order to see if the HVAC problems are adequately resolved.]
The new software can accommodate the GASB rule so that every department can tag their inventory. Cary Pickens stated this was the case and also noted that it was another UNFUNDED mandate from the state.
Lisa is researching the drainage board at her hourly rate. Commissioners instructed her to limit her scope to the legals of how it is set up. They want Lorie to do the legwork, as their paid employee, thus a cheaper rate.
Lisa advised that they need to think about next year’s holiday schedule so that the courts can set up their calendar.
7. County Auditor – Cary Pickens- signed claims. Held minutes till Karen Shell returns.
8. Joan Seitz – Assessor appeared to ask permission to use commissioner room for overflow on assessment hearings. Approved.
9. Vera Benning – Piper Landing Road and strip mall area questions surrounding its acceptance as a road. There is a condo association and detention ponds etc. there. Commissioners are going to get info from the Planning files from Travis Miller before deciding this.
Vera Benning discussed issues surrounding not getting minutes from their administrative focus meetings and being concerned about decisions made during these meetings. [NOTE: These meetings were NOT to be for major decisions, but for administrative ones.]
Vera Benning elaborated on the acceptance of the roads into the county inventory from Sunrise Estates, Dan Fugate’s subdivision. This was apparently done at the administrative focus meeting and not at a regular commissioner’s meeting.
She stated, “Dan (Batta) was upset and that it was a very unpleasant experience for me.” She further stated that she has issues with these meetings being held in the Transportation Department, out of the public eye. [NOTE: This seemed odd and when I researched it further after the meeting, there were only 2 commissioners at that meeting also- Dan Batta and Vera Benning. There apparently was no agenda, but Fugate was there to get his subdivision roads approved. Questions were related to the actual proof for the highway dept. that the roads were ready to be accepted. Bonds must have lapsed etc.]
At this point I questioned the commissioners about the purpose of the meetings and also reminded them that the minutes were the official legal record of any decisions. If minutes do not exist- it’s as if it didn’t happen.
Vera Benning became quite upset at this point. She terminated my time at the podium.
Lisa Lehner, however, stated that she would check into it.
Before leaving the podium I stated that I was questioning the procedure only- NOT the Sunrise Estates issue specifically.
10. Commissioner Meeting for July 19 at 7 PM is changed to July 22 at 9:30 AM due to a seminar conflict.
Adjourned 11:20 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Dan Batta and Vera Benning, acting president. Absent: Karen Shell
Also present: Cary Pickens, auditor, Lisa Lehner, attorney, and Lorie Howard, county administrator.
1. Planning and Zoning: Travis Miller – gave a short update on the abandonment of the CSX rail lines and answered potential ownership questions regarding liabilities and the need for uses that can revert to the railroad should they need it back. Trails are the most frequent uses, apparently. The park board has also been advised of this potential.
Commissioners want to know how many trestles we would own. Travis stated they could use 10-15,000 in special projects and that Council would need to approve it for this proposal.
2. Veterans – Bill Ewbank- reported that he passed his reserve office training again and that they are still having problems with the van drivers and the need for national standards for volunteer drivers for the veterans.
3. Emergency Management – Bill Black – reported that Dearborn County has been included in the disaster declaration 1520 for storm and flood damage between May 27 and June 25.
Test of the emergency system went well.
He is still working on the mutual aid agreement with the tri-state area. Lisa advised that they need to remember the statute on interlocal agreements when setting this up.
The grant for the 800 system and some GIS is not here yet.
4. Transportation- Mike Davis- Council approved $8,000 to study the Tripple Whipple Bridge repairs after being advised by John Graf of Barth and Associates that they would have to clean it up if it fell into the Creek - and it would be more expensive.
He is going to get with Jewell DuBonis- one of the county’s lobbyists- to help push the TEA grants to help pay for the bike path along the George St. Bridge.
Wilson Creek is still closed for slip repairs etc.
Report included tire and hydraulic repairs, brush cutting and culvert replacements that are proceeding in each district.
5. County Administrator – Lorie Howard – set the date as Thurs July 15 at 1PM to have executive session to interview for county engineer.
RQAW received the signed contract to study the jail expansion from Sheriff Lusby.
Lorie is renegotiating the Harrison EMS contract for the end of this year.
Still working on the impaired workers policy.
Questions involving the security in the administration building surfaced- looking for a way to improve this. [NOTE: County may be able to use a system similar to the schools with cameras etc. particularly in light of the openness of the building during meetings etc.]
Anti-harassment policy for personnel is being written.
Lorie is developing a property policy governing how vehicles, etc. are bought, sold, and transferred.
Commissioners scrapped two vehicles for auction ( 96 Chevy Caprice- canine vehicle and a 96 Jeep Cherokee with 178,000 miles needing rotors replaced) and transferred or retained 4 others.
6. County Attorney – Lisa Lehner- advised commissioners of the impending 90-day deadline to approve or deny the zoning code ordinance changes according to IC 36-7-4-607. This was tabled till the next meeting when Karen Shell could be available. (rescheduled from July 19 to July 22 9:30 AM)
Lisa is trying to keep the Siemens HVAC issue alive. If the statute of limitations runs out before the HVAC is fixed suitably, they county won’t be able to sue. [NOTE: This has been an issue for over a year. Vera Benning reported that the judges have NO PROBLEM AT ALL with the HVAC. They don’t know what the issue is. This makes little sense in light of previous history of those problems. Perhaps a check of each department or office in the Courthouse is in order to see if the HVAC problems are adequately resolved.]
The new software can accommodate the GASB rule so that every department can tag their inventory. Cary Pickens stated this was the case and also noted that it was another UNFUNDED mandate from the state.
Lisa is researching the drainage board at her hourly rate. Commissioners instructed her to limit her scope to the legals of how it is set up. They want Lorie to do the legwork, as their paid employee, thus a cheaper rate.
Lisa advised that they need to think about next year’s holiday schedule so that the courts can set up their calendar.
7. County Auditor – Cary Pickens- signed claims. Held minutes till Karen Shell returns.
8. Joan Seitz – Assessor appeared to ask permission to use commissioner room for overflow on assessment hearings. Approved.
9. Vera Benning – Piper Landing Road and strip mall area questions surrounding its acceptance as a road. There is a condo association and detention ponds etc. there. Commissioners are going to get info from the Planning files from Travis Miller before deciding this.
Vera Benning discussed issues surrounding not getting minutes from their administrative focus meetings and being concerned about decisions made during these meetings. [NOTE: These meetings were NOT to be for major decisions, but for administrative ones.]
Vera Benning elaborated on the acceptance of the roads into the county inventory from Sunrise Estates, Dan Fugate’s subdivision. This was apparently done at the administrative focus meeting and not at a regular commissioner’s meeting.
She stated, “Dan (Batta) was upset and that it was a very unpleasant experience for me.” She further stated that she has issues with these meetings being held in the Transportation Department, out of the public eye. [NOTE: This seemed odd and when I researched it further after the meeting, there were only 2 commissioners at that meeting also- Dan Batta and Vera Benning. There apparently was no agenda, but Fugate was there to get his subdivision roads approved. Questions were related to the actual proof for the highway dept. that the roads were ready to be accepted. Bonds must have lapsed etc.]
At this point I questioned the commissioners about the purpose of the meetings and also reminded them that the minutes were the official legal record of any decisions. If minutes do not exist- it’s as if it didn’t happen.
Vera Benning became quite upset at this point. She terminated my time at the podium.
Lisa Lehner, however, stated that she would check into it.
Before leaving the podium I stated that I was questioning the procedure only- NOT the Sunrise Estates issue specifically.
10. Commissioner Meeting for July 19 at 7 PM is changed to July 22 at 9:30 AM due to a seminar conflict.
Adjourned 11:20 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
28 June 2004 Dearborn County Plan Commission Notes
Dearborn County Plan Commission meeting- 28 June 2004
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Dave Schmidtgoesling, Dan Batta, Tarry Feiss, Rick Pope, Nick Held, and Mike Hall. Also present: Travis Miller, Plan Director and Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
Absent: Patrick deMaynadier and Roger Woodfill.
1. Lonestar Estates- 1 lot subdivision on 4.503 acres in Clay Township on SR 62 owned by Mary Ridner and Carl Clift was tabled after much discussion. Key issues seem to be piecemeal development without an overall plan and curb cuts on a state road. This was the 5th or 6th split from a parent parcel of land over the last few years.
2. Fox Hole Estates - 2 lot subdivision on 16.036 acres in Kelso Township on North Dearborn and McCann Roads, owned by Roger Fox and presented with Carol Morman. Mike Hall abstained- surveyor for the land.
Batta motioned and Rick Pope 2nd to approve with variance requested. Approved.
3. Weldon's Acres- 2 lot subdivision on 15.029 acres in Manchester Township on Schaefer Road and North Manchester Road owned by Delmar Weldon. Mike Hall abstained again as surveyor and Carol Morman presented. Rick Pope motioned and Tarry Feiss 2nd to approve. Approved.
4. Carlee Acres - 10 lot AGRICULTURAL subdivision on 70.295 acres in Manchester Township on Burns Road and SR48 owned by Tom Kent. Burns Rd. is the Old SR48. Kent's plans include an INDOT approved realignment of Burns Rd. so that it meets SR 48 at a proper 90 degree angle. Variances were granted for the ponds on the property and a geotech expert will be on site to supervise using the pond fill and dam areas for the new subdivision roadway. Kent explained in detail the need for each variance as part of the overall design of the Agricultural subdivision.
Neighbor in attendance showed support. Covenants show a clear agricultural purpose for the lots. Rick Pope motioned and Tarry Feiss 2nd to approve. Approval included a 75 ft. variance of SR48, one lot being less than 5 acres, 100 ft allowance for the road segment to Carlee, Lot #10 MUST BE SOLD PRIOR TO THE SALE OF 5 and 6 so as not to be landlocked. It may be combined with 5 or 6 or sold to an adjoiner. All tech and staff requests will be met and a geotech expert will supervise the pond/road construction. Approved.
Administrative:
Enforcement report passed out.
Master Plan Draft passed out for review. Also a copy of slide presentation from HomeBuilders dinner meeting.
Meetings planned:
July 12- Working session on master plan
July 28 - Advisory Board meets and goes over the final draft of the plan before the Public Hearing.
August 2 Working session for Plan Commission to go over Advisory Board issues and comments.
August 18th PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MASTER PLAN
August 30th Plan Commission may continue public hearing if necessary- final meeting before certifying plan to the commissioners.
Sept 20th - County Commissioners get the Master plan to consider for approval.Meeting adjourned 10:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Dave Schmidtgoesling, Dan Batta, Tarry Feiss, Rick Pope, Nick Held, and Mike Hall. Also present: Travis Miller, Plan Director and Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
Absent: Patrick deMaynadier and Roger Woodfill.
1. Lonestar Estates- 1 lot subdivision on 4.503 acres in Clay Township on SR 62 owned by Mary Ridner and Carl Clift was tabled after much discussion. Key issues seem to be piecemeal development without an overall plan and curb cuts on a state road. This was the 5th or 6th split from a parent parcel of land over the last few years.
2. Fox Hole Estates - 2 lot subdivision on 16.036 acres in Kelso Township on North Dearborn and McCann Roads, owned by Roger Fox and presented with Carol Morman. Mike Hall abstained- surveyor for the land.
Batta motioned and Rick Pope 2nd to approve with variance requested. Approved.
3. Weldon's Acres- 2 lot subdivision on 15.029 acres in Manchester Township on Schaefer Road and North Manchester Road owned by Delmar Weldon. Mike Hall abstained again as surveyor and Carol Morman presented. Rick Pope motioned and Tarry Feiss 2nd to approve. Approved.
4. Carlee Acres - 10 lot AGRICULTURAL subdivision on 70.295 acres in Manchester Township on Burns Road and SR48 owned by Tom Kent. Burns Rd. is the Old SR48. Kent's plans include an INDOT approved realignment of Burns Rd. so that it meets SR 48 at a proper 90 degree angle. Variances were granted for the ponds on the property and a geotech expert will be on site to supervise using the pond fill and dam areas for the new subdivision roadway. Kent explained in detail the need for each variance as part of the overall design of the Agricultural subdivision.
Neighbor in attendance showed support. Covenants show a clear agricultural purpose for the lots. Rick Pope motioned and Tarry Feiss 2nd to approve. Approval included a 75 ft. variance of SR48, one lot being less than 5 acres, 100 ft allowance for the road segment to Carlee, Lot #10 MUST BE SOLD PRIOR TO THE SALE OF 5 and 6 so as not to be landlocked. It may be combined with 5 or 6 or sold to an adjoiner. All tech and staff requests will be met and a geotech expert will supervise the pond/road construction. Approved.
Administrative:
Enforcement report passed out.
Master Plan Draft passed out for review. Also a copy of slide presentation from HomeBuilders dinner meeting.
Meetings planned:
July 12- Working session on master plan
July 28 - Advisory Board meets and goes over the final draft of the plan before the Public Hearing.
August 2 Working session for Plan Commission to go over Advisory Board issues and comments.
August 18th PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MASTER PLAN
August 30th Plan Commission may continue public hearing if necessary- final meeting before certifying plan to the commissioners.
Sept 20th - County Commissioners get the Master plan to consider for approval.Meeting adjourned 10:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
22 June 2004 County Council Meeting Notes
22 June 2004 County Council Meeting Notes
Present: Charlie Fehrman, President, Mark Mitter, Aaron Negangard, Bill Ullrich, Tom Cheek, and Dennis Kraus. Absent: Bo Lansing. Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Lorie Howard, County Administrator, also present.
1. Judge Jim Humphrey – Requested additional funds for pauper attorney funds. They had requested $64,000 and another $15,000 for related pauper expenses and the fund was down to $5,100 and $1700 respectively. Conservative estimate was that they would need another $50,000. Negangard motioned and Mitter 2nd. Passed.
Humphrey also noted that there is a state mandated change in court computer software for 2005 or 2006. State will pay for software, but they may need to upgrade the hardware to handle it. Plan for it in 2005 budget.
2. Kathy Nevels- Family Connections- Child Abuse prevention program and prenatal substance abuse and smoking cessation programs. Want to be in our budget for 2005 for $4,000. All offices except for Versailles are closing and their staff is working out of their homes and cars during the bulk of the week now. She will submit their budget to Cary Pickens for budget hearings. They cover 129 families out of 6 counties.
3. Lifetime Resources- Karen Anderson requested to be on 2005 budget for $5,000 and another $5,000 for Catch-a –Ride. Cary Pickens told her that they’d been given and extra $5,000 in 2004 and needed to refund that to the county. He’d questioned it back in February 2004 and it still wasn’t settled. They will submit their budget for consideration also.
4. Heart House- Craig Beckley- requested $5,000 for 2005 budget consideration. Gave a similar report to the one he gave commissioners Monday night. He did go into further detail about the rules of Heart House and how the residents there nicknamed him “warden”.
Tom Cheek asked about cleaning up the grounds around the facility and eliminating the outside burning of trash and junk cars. They are working on those issues. Also Beckley reported that they are using a grant to build a lock and store on site so that will provide some income for the facility. He also gave details on the fees that the residents pay for their programs and will submit a budget to Cary Pickens for consideration in the 2005 county budget.
5. Girl Scouts – Nancy Cross presenting for Becky Mitter. Mark Mitter abstains due to his wife’s’ involvement in the Girl Scout program. They requested $3,000 from the Youth Fund for 2005 budget to help fund their Day Camp program, specifically for equipment needed to run it. Kraus motioned, Negangard 2nd. Passed. Mitter abstained.
6. County Administrator – Lorie Howard – Needed approval to spend the $3200 from County General for Indy Shred to perform records destruction under the supervision of the clerk and the judge. Negangard motioned, Cheek 2nd. Passed.
Tabled from last month- the money requested to correct and error on the payments to Harrison EMS for $32,254 was passed with Ullrich motioning and Mitter 2nd.
Lorie advertised for $32,000 for consideration next month as an additional for shortfall on Social security.
The jail expansion BID – only one- came in from RQAW. Their original bid was for $46,000 with a rebate potentially if they got the job for the construction and this one was for $23,700. She noted that competition worked here- even though others did not bid in the end. Negangard motioned and Cheek 2nd. Passed - to allow Lusby to proceed if the technical review boards evaluation approves the proposal form RQAW. The money is already in the sheriff’s budget.
When asked why the others dropped out of the bidding- Lorie reported that they cited not enough face time in our county and that the expense of the proposal would not be worth it, if there was already another bidder with a track history here. (i.e. RQAW)
Lorie has a draft of the 2005 budget for commissioners and noted that she is moving some items to dept. budgets from the commissioner’s budget. (vehicles and copiers)
She and Charlie met with Med Ben and Pinnacle to project health care costs for next year. They are considering some creative ways to keep coverage but reduce costs through incentives.
The personnel policy is nearing its final draft for review.
Lorie will give copies of resumes for the professional engineer position to council for review.
7. Transportation Department- Mike Davis- requested and additional for $81,732 for vehicle insurance from Fund 146 Contingency money. Cheek motioned, Mitter 2nd. Passed.
Request for $10,000 to finish out the uniform allowances and supplies for 2004. Cheek motioned, Ullrich 2nd. Passed.
FYI- $60,000 budgeted for line striping so far.
Triple Whipple Bridge- history given by John Graf- engineer. 80/20 project and 16% of the 20% is Dearborn County. The cost total in 1994 was estimated at $843,000. In 1998 it was over a million to repair. If it falls in the river- we have to pay to extract it. It will be cheaper to repair than to demolish. Requesting $8,000 for engineering review from Cum Bridge Fund or Special Projects- 203. Cheek motioned and Mitter 2nd to use 204 Fund. Passed. Ultimately Dearborn County's share will probably be around $150,000 on this project. It will become incorporated into the bike trail also.
O’Mara was $99,000 lower than Rohe and will do Phase 1 road paving list. Council OK’d.
This leaves $1.1 million for Phase 2 work out of 147 head tax money. Significant discussion here regarding the derivation of this list on Phase 2 roads. Negangard was under the impression that since Vera Benning wasn’t at the meeting it looked like the other two commissioners railroaded her out of her money. Some comments about politics and lame ducks were further discussed. I (Christine Mueller) spoke at this point to explain the history of the road money and district expenses over the past few years. We further discussed the nearly $2million that D-2 has been shorted in the past and the foremen being told to do work in D-3 without the approval of at least 2 commissioners. Legality of that is questionable. [Note: Foremen should be able to do work based on communications from commissioners – but perhaps that communication should be coming from Davis directly and not a single commissioner. Davis should only be acting on legally voted work. This would prevent further money squabbles.]
Council decided to send the memo commending commissioners on the phase 1 work based on the transportation assessment study data. They further RESPECTFULLY requested that Commissioners review and re-evaluate the Phase 2 list in light of the same data. Cheek motioned, Mitter 2nd. Passed.
They voted to keep Phase 1 going, but to deny any release of 147 money for phase 2 pending reevaluation by the transportation assessment plan. Ullrich motioned, Cheek 2nd. Passed.
8. Charlie Fehrman reported that trailers will be used for the jail overload at $6/day cost rather than housing work release prisoners out of county.
9. Minutes approved.
Meeting adjourned 10 PM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Charlie Fehrman, President, Mark Mitter, Aaron Negangard, Bill Ullrich, Tom Cheek, and Dennis Kraus. Absent: Bo Lansing. Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Lorie Howard, County Administrator, also present.
1. Judge Jim Humphrey – Requested additional funds for pauper attorney funds. They had requested $64,000 and another $15,000 for related pauper expenses and the fund was down to $5,100 and $1700 respectively. Conservative estimate was that they would need another $50,000. Negangard motioned and Mitter 2nd. Passed.
Humphrey also noted that there is a state mandated change in court computer software for 2005 or 2006. State will pay for software, but they may need to upgrade the hardware to handle it. Plan for it in 2005 budget.
2. Kathy Nevels- Family Connections- Child Abuse prevention program and prenatal substance abuse and smoking cessation programs. Want to be in our budget for 2005 for $4,000. All offices except for Versailles are closing and their staff is working out of their homes and cars during the bulk of the week now. She will submit their budget to Cary Pickens for budget hearings. They cover 129 families out of 6 counties.
3. Lifetime Resources- Karen Anderson requested to be on 2005 budget for $5,000 and another $5,000 for Catch-a –Ride. Cary Pickens told her that they’d been given and extra $5,000 in 2004 and needed to refund that to the county. He’d questioned it back in February 2004 and it still wasn’t settled. They will submit their budget for consideration also.
4. Heart House- Craig Beckley- requested $5,000 for 2005 budget consideration. Gave a similar report to the one he gave commissioners Monday night. He did go into further detail about the rules of Heart House and how the residents there nicknamed him “warden”.
Tom Cheek asked about cleaning up the grounds around the facility and eliminating the outside burning of trash and junk cars. They are working on those issues. Also Beckley reported that they are using a grant to build a lock and store on site so that will provide some income for the facility. He also gave details on the fees that the residents pay for their programs and will submit a budget to Cary Pickens for consideration in the 2005 county budget.
5. Girl Scouts – Nancy Cross presenting for Becky Mitter. Mark Mitter abstains due to his wife’s’ involvement in the Girl Scout program. They requested $3,000 from the Youth Fund for 2005 budget to help fund their Day Camp program, specifically for equipment needed to run it. Kraus motioned, Negangard 2nd. Passed. Mitter abstained.
6. County Administrator – Lorie Howard – Needed approval to spend the $3200 from County General for Indy Shred to perform records destruction under the supervision of the clerk and the judge. Negangard motioned, Cheek 2nd. Passed.
Tabled from last month- the money requested to correct and error on the payments to Harrison EMS for $32,254 was passed with Ullrich motioning and Mitter 2nd.
Lorie advertised for $32,000 for consideration next month as an additional for shortfall on Social security.
The jail expansion BID – only one- came in from RQAW. Their original bid was for $46,000 with a rebate potentially if they got the job for the construction and this one was for $23,700. She noted that competition worked here- even though others did not bid in the end. Negangard motioned and Cheek 2nd. Passed - to allow Lusby to proceed if the technical review boards evaluation approves the proposal form RQAW. The money is already in the sheriff’s budget.
When asked why the others dropped out of the bidding- Lorie reported that they cited not enough face time in our county and that the expense of the proposal would not be worth it, if there was already another bidder with a track history here. (i.e. RQAW)
Lorie has a draft of the 2005 budget for commissioners and noted that she is moving some items to dept. budgets from the commissioner’s budget. (vehicles and copiers)
She and Charlie met with Med Ben and Pinnacle to project health care costs for next year. They are considering some creative ways to keep coverage but reduce costs through incentives.
The personnel policy is nearing its final draft for review.
Lorie will give copies of resumes for the professional engineer position to council for review.
7. Transportation Department- Mike Davis- requested and additional for $81,732 for vehicle insurance from Fund 146 Contingency money. Cheek motioned, Mitter 2nd. Passed.
Request for $10,000 to finish out the uniform allowances and supplies for 2004. Cheek motioned, Ullrich 2nd. Passed.
FYI- $60,000 budgeted for line striping so far.
Triple Whipple Bridge- history given by John Graf- engineer. 80/20 project and 16% of the 20% is Dearborn County. The cost total in 1994 was estimated at $843,000. In 1998 it was over a million to repair. If it falls in the river- we have to pay to extract it. It will be cheaper to repair than to demolish. Requesting $8,000 for engineering review from Cum Bridge Fund or Special Projects- 203. Cheek motioned and Mitter 2nd to use 204 Fund. Passed. Ultimately Dearborn County's share will probably be around $150,000 on this project. It will become incorporated into the bike trail also.
O’Mara was $99,000 lower than Rohe and will do Phase 1 road paving list. Council OK’d.
This leaves $1.1 million for Phase 2 work out of 147 head tax money. Significant discussion here regarding the derivation of this list on Phase 2 roads. Negangard was under the impression that since Vera Benning wasn’t at the meeting it looked like the other two commissioners railroaded her out of her money. Some comments about politics and lame ducks were further discussed. I (Christine Mueller) spoke at this point to explain the history of the road money and district expenses over the past few years. We further discussed the nearly $2million that D-2 has been shorted in the past and the foremen being told to do work in D-3 without the approval of at least 2 commissioners. Legality of that is questionable. [Note: Foremen should be able to do work based on communications from commissioners – but perhaps that communication should be coming from Davis directly and not a single commissioner. Davis should only be acting on legally voted work. This would prevent further money squabbles.]
Council decided to send the memo commending commissioners on the phase 1 work based on the transportation assessment study data. They further RESPECTFULLY requested that Commissioners review and re-evaluate the Phase 2 list in light of the same data. Cheek motioned, Mitter 2nd. Passed.
They voted to keep Phase 1 going, but to deny any release of 147 money for phase 2 pending reevaluation by the transportation assessment plan. Ullrich motioned, Cheek 2nd. Passed.
8. Charlie Fehrman reported that trailers will be used for the jail overload at $6/day cost rather than housing work release prisoners out of county.
9. Minutes approved.
Meeting adjourned 10 PM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Who Will Pay for the Cost of Development?
Mr. Freemon' posting of June 4, 2004, is correct; but, does not go nearly far enough. The cost of $6,500 per pupil is correct; however, the average household has 2.3 children in school at an annual cost of approximately $15,000. This does not include any capital cost requirements for new school facilities to house the added students.
In addition, new hosing will add to the County's cost for police, fire departments, emergency life and rescue services. Some of these are presently volunteer; but, as the housing increases these will increasingly have to become funded out of taxes to provide more full time personnel.
Also, with each new house add two plus vehicles on the county roads, causing an increase in road maintenance and as subdivisions are added the roads in those subdivisions will be added to the County roads for maintenance.
Sewers will become another expense.
Also, while not paid for by taxes, other utilities will need to expand and while these are currently provided by private companies, the cost of the expansion will be covered by the public in the form of increased rates.
Each new house will add significantly more to the taxpayer cost and increase taxes, unless the cost of the house is well beyond the range of most prospective home owners.
The push for the development of Dearborn County will probably become stronger, since Butler, Hamilton and Clermont Counties in Ohio and Campbell, Kenton and eastern Boone Counties in Northern Kentucky are already significantly developed and Warren County in Ohio, currently experiencing the problems of burgeoning development (lagging utilities, increased public service costs, increased traffic, etc.) are declaring moratoriums on building. The next areas include western Boone County in Kentucky and Franklin and Dearborn Counties in Indiana. As we all know, Dearborn is the most readily accessible of the three areas.
We can look forward to Dearborn County to become the next County with the problems of development and the associated increase in taxes, traffic, etc.
Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
21 June 2004 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Karen Shell, President, Dan Batta, and Vera Benning. Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, County Attorney, and Lorie Howard, County Administrator.
[Note: I arrived after the road discussion]
1. Transportation Director- Mike Davis presented the Phase two road paving list that was discussed at the 4PM working meeting. Commissioners approved the list to go to Council for their approval prior to beginning. The list was weighted in favor of D-2 and D-1 because of the differences in their road money expenses over the past few years. The list included Sand Run, DeHill, Renier, East, Sneakville, Autumn Way, Gibson, Gabbard, and Sykes in D-1. In D-2 there were Legion, Asche, St. Peters, Martha Drive, Bess, Earl, Eugene, Shangri-La Blue Creek, and North Dearborn. D-3 had Old 350, Rice, and Akes.
[NOTE: This list went to Council on 22 June 2004 and they sent it back for review, wanting to see it looked at in relation to the Transportation Assessment Study- see notes under Council Meeting]
2. Regional Sewer District update included a request by Doug Baer and Mike Hankins to be considered in the 2005 budget. Commissioners seemed to think that they could perhaps consider staffing in the budget, but not capital improvements. Taxpayers were not supposed to have to subsidize growth, but commissioners felt that they should also help provide the necessary services for the safety and welfare of the public. Commissioners supported the concept of getting loans from the Lawrenceburg Bond bank. Sewer Board approved to go to Council to request $100,000 of the $420,000 they will ultimately need. Lisa Lehner reported that at the first easement meeting- they obtained about 60 properties ROW and approximately 120 people attended.
3. Heart House- Craig Beckley gave a report on the first 27 months of Heart House. 330 people were served, 80 from Dearborn County. This added up to nearly 6,000 night stays and saved the county nearly $200,000 as opposed to a hotel at $35/night. He noted that in this business there were more failures than successes, but that the successes made it worthwhile. They asked for $5,000 in the commissioner’s budget. Benning motioned, Batta 2nd. OK’d.
4. Emergency Management – Bill Black- Commissioner’s signed and Emergency Management Proclamation. Black reported that they have had grants of over $400,000 coming in this year to help out including $189,000 for Homeland security.
5. Lorie Howard- County Administrator reported. She and Charlie Fehrman met with Kramer of Pinnacle Advisory and noted that medical costs for the county are budgeted at $1.7 million and they are projected to be at $1.8 million this year. Currently we are still under budget.
They are moving some items out of the commissioner budget and putting them back into the dept. budgets- examples were vehicles, tires, copiers, etc. Budget due July 1.
Personnel Policy revisions are still going on, as is the Drug and workplace Safety Plans.
Bids on the Courthouse expansion were due by 4 PM Tues. for Council review. They anticipate 3-5 bids including RQAW, which was at $46,000 initially with a rebate on the actual construction management if they got that job as well.
6. Lisa Lehner reported that the coroner suit issue had received an opinion from the judge. Other suits regarding accidents on county roads were submitted to the insurance company for help with defense payment.
The Plan Commission ordinance for revising the Zone codes was prepared, but they will sign it in July prior to the 90 day deadline.
Lisa is looking into a Drainage Board and will seek Jennifer Hughes help from Soil and Water Board.
7. Claims and Minutes were approved.
8. Vera Benning wanted to know if Commissioner’s approved of her handling the sewer board issues so far. Commissioners stated that they had set the board up and trusted that they would do the right things.
9. Karen Shell stated that Moore’s Hill needed a letter of support to go to Council to obtain funding for Carnegie Hall repairs. OK’d.
Meeting adjourned 9:05 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Monday, June 07, 2004
7 June 2004 Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Karen Shell, President, Vera Benning, and Dan Batta. Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Lorie Howard, County Administrator
1. Veteran’s Office- Bill Ewbank stated that the driver’s van program may be ‘dead in the water” due to drivers possible having to have near CDL certification. He’s still trying to get further information on this.
2. Animal Control – Cheryl Lohmiller reported that a new full timer was hired- Becky Foster. Two people were going out on calls now due to a dog bite that Cheryl received last month. She wants back up for potentially dangerous animal collections.
Mark Seiler did a survey for the expansion of the shelter and consulting with County Farm Board to be sure it fits their plans also. John Maxwell’s company has been out to see what type of building might be built there for the shelter. [NOTE: This probably has to go out for bid]
233 people visited the shelter last month.
3. Emergency Management – Bill Black reported that the FEMA certification class is completed and others are interested for the next class. Lisa Lehner is working with him on the Hazmat First Responders agreement. Commissioners have a disk and proclamation to be signed after they review it.
4. Highway Dept.- Mike Davis- gave the 2003 annual report to commissioners and it was signed to go on to INDOT etc.
Davis reported that there was a fair amount of work in D-3 to be done after last week’s storm damage. Also Bridge 16 in D-3 is being replaced.
There have been a rash of flat tires on county equipment lately.
They have a new engineer working on White’s Hill to work out a way to shorten the project and accommodate the problem of ROW that cannot be obtained.
Inspections on Sugar Ridge continue as excavating goes on. They will need to close Stateline just below HVL to get the sewer access also. Signs will be posted warning of this a few days in advance.
Zimmer Tractor will be selling them a new brush cutter (rotary style) to replace the scissors type one- this will cost about $10,000 and should save man-hours in clean up and removal from the old scissors style cutter.
Sunrise Estate is seeking road acceptance into the county and apparently have addressed the hwy dept. concerns. Commissioners will check this out further.
5. United Consulting- Jeff Larasen reported that the $40,000 to do 200 small structure inventory for the county hwy dept. is needing nearly $26,000 more to finish the project. There are about 120-150 more small structures than they thought. Extras go at $175 each approximately. July 12th is the estimated completion date. A draft plan will be submitted at the Thurs. meeting on the first 200 structures and they will also demonstrate HOW this report can be utilized to prioritize the maintenance of these small overpasses, culverts and bridges. (4-19 ft in span). [Note: Does Council need to be approached for more money?]
6. Planning and Zoning – Travis Miller presented the technical cleanup on the roadway sections of the ordinances. The plan is to make the language match up to the transportation study classification system. Jamison Road was added as an arterial.
They also addressed how the private streets would be handled in the county. Currently a private street can be 16-18 ft wide with a 50 ft. ROW and chip seal for 6 houses or less. Proposed is to make it 20 ft and asphalt for the same number of homes. The thought is that in the future- these streets may end up as public streets and need to match up to county specs.
Batta stated that in rural areas the private street might be a better road than the one it is accessing!
Lisa Lehner wanted to know who decides the roadway classification and the design. Travis stated that the hwy engineer and planning director can recommend but that the Plan Commission decides, by law.
Lisa and Travis reminded the commissioners that this was certified to them on April 30th and they have 90 days from then to act or it will be in effect automatically.
Vera wanted to know how it could be repealed. Lisa said the commissioners could send a request to the Plan Commission to review that, have a hearing, and then come back to the commissioners again with a recommendation for their approval.
Dan wanted to know how they would know what collectors might turn into arterials in 20 years.
I spoke at public comment time reminding them that the Plan Commission has typically required minimal access to collector roads with combined drives and unified accesses from the subdivisions they review, in anticipation of this potential issue.
Tabled this for further review.
7. Lifetime Resources – Karen Anderson gave report and requested to go to Council for $10,000 for both Lifetime resources and Catch – a – Ride combined. OK’d.
Julie Schaefer said they have 90 days to get Transit worked into the County Emergency Disaster plans. She was referred to Bill Black for that.
8. County Administrator- Lorie Howard- Requested $3200 to go to Council to fund records destruction- OK’d.
The Jail Expansion Board is on target to award a contract by July 2 for the planning phase.
She and Lisa, Cary, and Dennis Dunlap will present a final draft to dept. heads for the personnel policy in July. They may look into an EAP program (Employee Assistance program for alcohol and drug abuse so that an affected county employee may get help and retain his/her job. Grants possible.
9. County Auditor – Cary Pickens- Minutes and claims approved.
$1,000 signed for brucellossis and TB for cattle as mandated by law.
Paving bids were opened by Lorie Howard and Rohe was $273,132.40. O’Mara was $172,793.02. They will be reviewed in detail and decided at the June 21st meeting.
10. Vera Benning wanted to know if the buildings would be closed for Reagan’s funeral. Commissioners decided to have a memorial service at noon that day instead. Judge Humphrey will be asked to preside.
11. At Karen Shell’s request, Dan Batta motioned to have him replace her on the Plan Commission Board. Vera did not second it. Karen Shell 2nded and it passed 2-1.
Meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
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