17 November 2005 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Board Meeting Notes
Members present: Mike Hankins, Chairman, Pat Holland, Dave Enzweiler, Brett Fehrman, Barry Pruss, and Rodney Dennerline.
Absent: Greg Vollmer
Also present: Doug Baer and John Grace from Health Dept, Lisa Lehner, Board Att’y, and Tom Quinn, engineer.
VRUC was NOT present at this meeting. Craig Lysne was present primarily representing the POA.
The treasurer’s report was followed by Hankins stating that they had apportioned money and put some into savings to gain more interest.
Lisa Lehner read the statement into the record of the request that the DCRSD Board made to the Commissioners and the Commissioners approved at their Thurs evening meeting.
I asked the Board where LMH utilities fit in this scenario, as they are not a municipality nor served by SDRSD.
Lehner stated that it wasn’t a problem, as they don’t need to mention LMH. If they get within 300 ft. of them, they could be forced to hook on to the DCRSD, BUT THEY WOULDN’T HAVE TO ENFORCE THAT ON LMH IF THEY DIDN”T WANT TO. [NOTE: LMH needs to be notified that they have just been absorbed into the wording of this new DCRSD territory, before IDEM grants the approval. It seems unfair that neither the unincorporated county citizens nor the private utilities were notified of this action.]
Pat Holland expressed concerns with taking on more area when they hadn’t finished their original projects. Enzweiler kind of agreed, but thought they could do both so that they could have control of the entire county. Hankins felt that expansion wouldn’t prevent them from finishing the original project. [NOTE: There was a lot of talk about being IN CONTROL of the entire county.]
Dennerline motioned and Enzweiler 2nd to accept the commissioner’s request. 5 ayes and one nay. (Holland was Nay)
Hankins reported that IDEM granted their petition for a variance for the Cochran station at Aurora. They hope to get a rural development grant to fund the design and construction of that project. There are conditions on page 2 of the order from IDEM relating to that variance.
Lehner thought that because it takes so long to get variances (18 months) that they should apply right away for variances on their other projects. [NOTE: What other projects? Why do they need so many variances?]
VRUC was not present to discuss their letter of understanding with DCRSD. [NOTE: Is this because the proxy votes are all approved and the board is about to change?]
Steve Lampert, City Manager of Greendale was not present but sent a letter to the Board in care of Mike Hankins.This letter VERY TACTFULLY expressed 3 main concerns of Greendale: [NOTE: If anyone has a word document version of this letter, email it to me and I will be happy to post it in it's entirety on the blog.]
1. They hoped the county would prioritize areas in desperate need of service (via a master plan) [NOTE: FINALLY someone mentions a master plan!] and work with other municipalities and private utilities to service them. They also hoped they would cooperate with Aurora’s needed improvements to provide a win/win for both parties.
2. They were concerned with package plants and saw a regional approach as being an answer to prevent degradation of streams and water supplies. They hoped the county would use two large providers in the county to service the areas needed. (St. Leon and SDRSD)
3. They were concerned with the VRUC and DCRSD making an agreement that would by-pass Greendale by installing a DUPLICATE line. They wanted a more logical approach herein Greendale would work with DCRSD to service HVL.
VRUC item comes up again at the end of the meeting.
Roger ____ from Sunman discussed Sunman’s desire to cooperate with DCRSD in covering the western sides of Manchester and Jackson Townships from Negangard’s Corner to Weisberg Road to Lawrenceville to I-74. They currently serve Bear Creek Sub’n in Dearborn County. There is a public meeting in Sunman Town Hall on Nov 28th at 5PM with IDEM officials present- including Lynn Newland, Connie Stephens, and bob Jordan.
Hankins stated he wants Sunman to service the NW corner of the county- Jackson Township.
John Rumsey from Moore’s Hill introduced his replacement rep (he’s moving), Paul Grimsley. They still don’t have the results of GRW’s study yet; The DCRSD was to pay half of the study so they submitted a bill for $3700 to DCRSD. Holland motioned and Enzweiler 2nd to pay the $3700 out of the 207 account. All ayes.
More discussion on the bottleneck at Aurora and how it affects getting a feeder line down SR350. Joe Tierney of GRW is working with Aurora to solve that problem.
Mike Noel updated the board on his trailer park permits and plans to abandon their package plant to hook onto the county line to Aurora as soon as he can. He’s replacing their old lines out there and Baer suggested he meter the main one so that it will be set for the final hook-up with DCRSD.
Enzweiler reported that RFPs were sent out 2 weeks ago with results due by Nov 29. They will have some info ready for the next meeting.
Tom Quinn gave the engineering report. He met with Todd Listerman- County Engineer. County will hold off paving Stewart until the lines are in. The county does NOT want them to put lines down the center of Cole Lane as it was recently paved. (2 years ago)
They have to bore lines- no road cuts.
They plan a 3”forced main but may need a 4” because of potential further development. They were concerned with lowering the velocity in the line.
Quinn passed out cost estimates for designing a pipeline to by-pass Aurora for a cost not to exceed $16,000. (They are tired of waiting on GRW to produce any results for Aurora, so this may speed up that bottleneck solution.) They need to utilize public ROW per Quinn.
DCRSD is working (helping to pay) with St. Leon to redesign the plant to accommodate the 350-acre TIF district in their area. THERE IS NO FORMAL AGREEMENT YET.
Lawrenceburg is committed to fund a study of the assets and liabilities of a countywide sewer district.
Lisa Lehner met one of the governor’s aides and will go to Indy next Wednesday. No one was available to go with her at this time…. Hankins thought it was great to get a contact to have the governor’s ear.
County Council told them they could pay themselves a per-diem ($50) per meeting out of the DCRSD’s own funds. Total cost would be about $8400 per year. NO board member was willing to discuss that tonight… [NOTE: It is appropriate for board members to get a per diem to cover their trip and potential meal on the way plus time. $50 is what other boards are getting. Perhaps the members felt intimidated with the audience there and the budget being as tight as it was. Somehow the attorneys and consultants aren’t worried about that! Those bills are quite significant.]
Doug Baer announced the methadone awareness presentation open to the public on Nov 28 Agner Hall at 5:30 PM
Lehner reported that she’d revised the Letter of Understanding with VRUC but has received no response from them.
Craig Lysne (head of POA and member of VRUC) spoke up at this point and said that at their last meeting VRUC said that if there were no agreement reached by Feb. they would continue with building their own treatment plant! They are attempting to change the VRUC Board so that the new board can negotiate with Greendale and SDRSD.
Hankins stated that DCRSD doesn’t want to get into personal issues with those two boards. “We could run a parallel sewer line – but why? We would like to see you resolve your differences.” We DO want to stop overflows to Double Lick Creek.
On the issue of funding- Hankins noted that federal funding is headed south due to Katrina.
Dennerline noted that VRUC has a large problem and health issues need to be addressed. As it is they are spending money on attorney fees that could be better spent on solving their I and I problems.
They again mentioned issues in Guilford. [NOTE: WHERE exactly IS the Guilford issue with sewage? No one seems to know.]
Lysne questioned the lake pollution issue and stated that he has tested the lake right by the pipes and it is clean. He stated that the POA Attorney is Steve Shriver of Dinsmore and Scholl (sp?) but that even though the POA is against the efforts of the current VRUC, the POA has not used attorneys yet.
Maria LaRosa reported that they have devised a new VRUC board that has met preliminarily with Greendale. They have also submitted the petition and call for a public meeting.
Hankins noted it was $2 million from Lawrenceburg to build the extra pipeline and this money would be better spent addressing I and I problems and using the current Greendale access.
Everyone seemed surprised that VRUC and Greendale were not present. [NOTE: Perhaps VRUC’s attorney,Parvin Price, told VRUC that the petitions and proxies were legitimate and the board knows they are on the way out.]
DCRSD will move forward with the line if needed. There are 5000 people in HVL and they grow at about 40 lots per year now. They figure build out in 5 years per Lysne. He reported that Sammy Gutzweiler told Lawrenceburg that VRUC could take all the sewers from the northern part of Dearborn County at a recent meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, November 18, 2005
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
15 November 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
15 November 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
NOTE ITEM 7 BELOW for COUNTY WIDE SEWER DISTRICT, WHICH WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Present: Hughes, Acting President, and Fox.
Also Present: Stephanie Disbro, to record minutes (Pickens absent), Messmore, Administrator, and Ewbank, Attorney
Absent: Pickens, Auditor (out due to evaluation for possible heart attack) and Benning (headache and nosebleed)
1. Margaret Minzner- presented an update on the progress of data integration and interdepartmental evaluation of workflows and data sharing possibilities to improve efficiency and customer service. They hope to refine the data flow charts after visiting depts. and want to have the taxes at least- online by Spring 2006 per Bryan Messmore.In response to Fox’s question regarding using other county’s info, Minzner noted that Monroe County has done some of this already and it can be checked out online.
Messmore estimates the cost to be somewhere less than $100,000. Fox wanted to know how long it would take to achieve payback on the system, in terms of employee’s costs etc. Messmore to check out.
2. County Farm Timber Sale- Mike Heffelmire not present- nothing discussed.
3. Pinnacle Advisory- Mike Kramer presented the renewal of the county health insurance with a recommendation that they switch from Mutual of Omaha to GE for their carrier. Network of services and providers to remain the same. He noted that we have a very RICH benefit package here compared to the mainstream company policies, but that the commissioners and council wanted to keep things that way. Commissioners approved the renewal with GE for 2006.
4. Transportation Dept.- Todd Listerman, Cty Eng.- presented an update on FOX ROAD maintenance. Dividing FOX into three sections Kuebel to Bonnell, Kuebel to the cul de sac at 21116 FOX RD (the hill section), and the upper section from the cul de sac to Yorkville Road. He recommended the county maintain and do snow removal for the upper and lower sections but not the hill which is mostly dirt mixed with gravel. Since there is no money and this is not on a priority list, they want to keep the ROW and brush cut and grade it as they are able. If money becomes available they will consider it later for improvements. Fox noted that some people want to build homes off this, but it can’t safely be plowed. Commissioners ratified Listerman’s recommendations.
Listerman also addressed the protesting of snow removal claims for 2004. (Big snow around Christmas 2004) He noted with 24-29’ of snow last year the county had called contractors in to help with snow removal. He stated that he was told that they were told they would be paid FEMA rates and thought that perhaps they didn’t know what those rates would be. Some billed between $85-125 per hour and were not happy with the lower payments. He intends to post these rates and an Operator II class fee to show what payments will be this year. He will send these to the companies who helped out and ask if they want to be on the emergency list for this year. He hopes this will clarify the rates adequately. [NOTE: This happened prior to Listerman’s hire. These guys came out during Christmas holidays to clear snow. It seems that the county needs to consider further payment for that holiday possibly. It would also be interesting to find out what these operators were told when the county was desperate to get help last year…It would not be a good thing to lose seasonal help.]
5. CVTB- Mike Rozow- had no info to share. They signed contract at the end of the meeting.
6. Mayor of Aurora- Donnie Hastings- not present- no discussion.
7. Regional Sewer District- Update- Rodney Dennerline (not present) and Doug Baer.
Baer gave a health dept update on methadone presentation for staff and employees Mon Nov 28th at Agner Hall from 5- 7:30.
Brett Fehrman gave a brief update on the DCRSD stating that they expected to get the IDEM variance this week for Cole Lane and Stewart and that the Aurora Dev. Funding should get notice in the next 60 days or so. They were seeking RFPs for a consultant to consolidate their efforts.
They are considering amending the district boundaries to include all unincorporated areas in the county. They think that Manchester and Guilford are hot spots. [NOTE: For what?] They meet Thurs. night and need guidance Moores Hill may join SDRSD instead of redoing their plant.
Lisa Lehner, DCRSD att’y, briefly elucidated the process of going county-wide and PASSED OUT THE WORDING FOR THE COUNTY TO REQUEST IT, so that DCRSD could take that signed letter to IDEM and quickly get the entire unincorporated county into the district ASAP. The new law that requires notification of the residents in the area goes into effect Jan 2006, so they wanted to do it now. [NOTE: Why is everyone so afraid to let the PEOPLE affected by their decisions KNOW what they are going to do to them?]
Lehner explained that once a political entity requested the district expansion, all she has to do is take that and the sewer board minutes and submit them to IDEM to get the district approved. Lehner met with IDEM this afternoon (Tues) and explained that the DCRSD is getting A LOT OF REQUESTS and that they would rather not do this piecemeal. Any district within 300 ft of the county would have to work with the county now. She also stated they wanted to eliminate the threat of package plants that can be built in the county.
[NOTE: Do they even know when the last package plant was approved in the county? IDEM was over 6 years behind in their inspections of package plants in our region 10 years ago. They noted at that time that they were loath to approve any new ones because of this inspection problem. Recent requests for plants have been turned down.]
It was also noted that Ripley County (Sunman) was extending CTA into Dearborn County and they wanted to prevent that.
[Note: Sunman’s sewers CTA was shown extending into Jackson Township at the recent master plan future land use workshop.]
Lehner also noted that they could revise the territory they cover and cut it back at a later date.
[Note: Was this to make commissioners feel safer signing off on this?]
Commissioners approved the request and signed Lehner’s letter PREPARED for them.
[NOTE: This item was NOT on the agenda- there was no public notice. The paper was not present at this meeting. They did not reference anything in the master plan regarding sewer infrastructure recommendations. The discussion does not, in any way, demonstrate that the county sewer board is ready to take such a big step in administration. In fact, the DCRSD has not even been able to accomplish their first goal- fixing the High Ridge estates problem so as not to have to condemn those properties. They have not obtained the necessary grants that were practically promised by their original consultant. It seems almost arrogant for the board to assume that they have the expertise to take over the entire county at this point. It appears they still have some learning to do. Does this prevent SDRSD from extending to any other areas now? There are far too many unanswered questions and very little PUBLIC discussion.]
8. Messmore- Administrator- noted that insurance consultants will present at the Dec 6 meeting regarding the county’s insurance needs.
Dept. heads were requesting a credit card policy and Messmore wanted to pull ordinances and draft a new policy. Fox was against it. Hughes said he could research it and send it to his attention.
The County Extension office lease contract was signed for lease space the new Aurora Municipal Bldg.
9. Ewbank, Att’y- met with Messmore and Lou Broghammer of the County Park Board regarding turning the County Farm into a County Park- they will come to the Dec 6th meeting to discuss this. Kraus, Jr. has already resurveyed the county farm property and the YES home and garage and animal shelter.
10. The yearly agreement with the CVTB, Chamber, and Redevelopment Commission was signed for the same amount as last year. Council had already appropriated the money. It goes to Council next. Pickens has the annual audit of this per Rozow.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
NOTE ITEM 7 BELOW for COUNTY WIDE SEWER DISTRICT, WHICH WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Present: Hughes, Acting President, and Fox.
Also Present: Stephanie Disbro, to record minutes (Pickens absent), Messmore, Administrator, and Ewbank, Attorney
Absent: Pickens, Auditor (out due to evaluation for possible heart attack) and Benning (headache and nosebleed)
1. Margaret Minzner- presented an update on the progress of data integration and interdepartmental evaluation of workflows and data sharing possibilities to improve efficiency and customer service. They hope to refine the data flow charts after visiting depts. and want to have the taxes at least- online by Spring 2006 per Bryan Messmore.In response to Fox’s question regarding using other county’s info, Minzner noted that Monroe County has done some of this already and it can be checked out online.
Messmore estimates the cost to be somewhere less than $100,000. Fox wanted to know how long it would take to achieve payback on the system, in terms of employee’s costs etc. Messmore to check out.
2. County Farm Timber Sale- Mike Heffelmire not present- nothing discussed.
3. Pinnacle Advisory- Mike Kramer presented the renewal of the county health insurance with a recommendation that they switch from Mutual of Omaha to GE for their carrier. Network of services and providers to remain the same. He noted that we have a very RICH benefit package here compared to the mainstream company policies, but that the commissioners and council wanted to keep things that way. Commissioners approved the renewal with GE for 2006.
4. Transportation Dept.- Todd Listerman, Cty Eng.- presented an update on FOX ROAD maintenance. Dividing FOX into three sections Kuebel to Bonnell, Kuebel to the cul de sac at 21116 FOX RD (the hill section), and the upper section from the cul de sac to Yorkville Road. He recommended the county maintain and do snow removal for the upper and lower sections but not the hill which is mostly dirt mixed with gravel. Since there is no money and this is not on a priority list, they want to keep the ROW and brush cut and grade it as they are able. If money becomes available they will consider it later for improvements. Fox noted that some people want to build homes off this, but it can’t safely be plowed. Commissioners ratified Listerman’s recommendations.
Listerman also addressed the protesting of snow removal claims for 2004. (Big snow around Christmas 2004) He noted with 24-29’ of snow last year the county had called contractors in to help with snow removal. He stated that he was told that they were told they would be paid FEMA rates and thought that perhaps they didn’t know what those rates would be. Some billed between $85-125 per hour and were not happy with the lower payments. He intends to post these rates and an Operator II class fee to show what payments will be this year. He will send these to the companies who helped out and ask if they want to be on the emergency list for this year. He hopes this will clarify the rates adequately. [NOTE: This happened prior to Listerman’s hire. These guys came out during Christmas holidays to clear snow. It seems that the county needs to consider further payment for that holiday possibly. It would also be interesting to find out what these operators were told when the county was desperate to get help last year…It would not be a good thing to lose seasonal help.]
5. CVTB- Mike Rozow- had no info to share. They signed contract at the end of the meeting.
6. Mayor of Aurora- Donnie Hastings- not present- no discussion.
7. Regional Sewer District- Update- Rodney Dennerline (not present) and Doug Baer.
Baer gave a health dept update on methadone presentation for staff and employees Mon Nov 28th at Agner Hall from 5- 7:30.
Brett Fehrman gave a brief update on the DCRSD stating that they expected to get the IDEM variance this week for Cole Lane and Stewart and that the Aurora Dev. Funding should get notice in the next 60 days or so. They were seeking RFPs for a consultant to consolidate their efforts.
They are considering amending the district boundaries to include all unincorporated areas in the county. They think that Manchester and Guilford are hot spots. [NOTE: For what?] They meet Thurs. night and need guidance Moores Hill may join SDRSD instead of redoing their plant.
Lisa Lehner, DCRSD att’y, briefly elucidated the process of going county-wide and PASSED OUT THE WORDING FOR THE COUNTY TO REQUEST IT, so that DCRSD could take that signed letter to IDEM and quickly get the entire unincorporated county into the district ASAP. The new law that requires notification of the residents in the area goes into effect Jan 2006, so they wanted to do it now. [NOTE: Why is everyone so afraid to let the PEOPLE affected by their decisions KNOW what they are going to do to them?]
Lehner explained that once a political entity requested the district expansion, all she has to do is take that and the sewer board minutes and submit them to IDEM to get the district approved. Lehner met with IDEM this afternoon (Tues) and explained that the DCRSD is getting A LOT OF REQUESTS and that they would rather not do this piecemeal. Any district within 300 ft of the county would have to work with the county now. She also stated they wanted to eliminate the threat of package plants that can be built in the county.
[NOTE: Do they even know when the last package plant was approved in the county? IDEM was over 6 years behind in their inspections of package plants in our region 10 years ago. They noted at that time that they were loath to approve any new ones because of this inspection problem. Recent requests for plants have been turned down.]
It was also noted that Ripley County (Sunman) was extending CTA into Dearborn County and they wanted to prevent that.
[Note: Sunman’s sewers CTA was shown extending into Jackson Township at the recent master plan future land use workshop.]
Lehner also noted that they could revise the territory they cover and cut it back at a later date.
[Note: Was this to make commissioners feel safer signing off on this?]
Commissioners approved the request and signed Lehner’s letter PREPARED for them.
[NOTE: This item was NOT on the agenda- there was no public notice. The paper was not present at this meeting. They did not reference anything in the master plan regarding sewer infrastructure recommendations. The discussion does not, in any way, demonstrate that the county sewer board is ready to take such a big step in administration. In fact, the DCRSD has not even been able to accomplish their first goal- fixing the High Ridge estates problem so as not to have to condemn those properties. They have not obtained the necessary grants that were practically promised by their original consultant. It seems almost arrogant for the board to assume that they have the expertise to take over the entire county at this point. It appears they still have some learning to do. Does this prevent SDRSD from extending to any other areas now? There are far too many unanswered questions and very little PUBLIC discussion.]
8. Messmore- Administrator- noted that insurance consultants will present at the Dec 6 meeting regarding the county’s insurance needs.
Dept. heads were requesting a credit card policy and Messmore wanted to pull ordinances and draft a new policy. Fox was against it. Hughes said he could research it and send it to his attention.
The County Extension office lease contract was signed for lease space the new Aurora Municipal Bldg.
9. Ewbank, Att’y- met with Messmore and Lou Broghammer of the County Park Board regarding turning the County Farm into a County Park- they will come to the Dec 6th meeting to discuss this. Kraus, Jr. has already resurveyed the county farm property and the YES home and garage and animal shelter.
10. The yearly agreement with the CVTB, Chamber, and Redevelopment Commission was signed for the same amount as last year. Council had already appropriated the money. It goes to Council next. Pickens has the annual audit of this per Rozow.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Meeting notes for past DCRSD meetings now available
The Meeting notes for the 9/1/2005, 9/15/ 2005, and 10/6/2005 meetings of the DCRSD are in the Monthly archives.
Of particular note in the September 1st meeting notes is the Hankin's statement " the political powers want a consolidated sewage system throughout the county." He also stated "he has been given the impression the district will be involved, and primarily responsible for the consolidation."
Of particular note in the September 15th meeting notes is the engineering study for the "Big Picture" to study the entire county.
Of particular note in the September 1st meeting notes is the Hankin's statement " the political powers want a consolidated sewage system throughout the county." He also stated "he has been given the impression the district will be involved, and primarily responsible for the consolidation."
Of particular note in the September 15th meeting notes is the engineering study for the "Big Picture" to study the entire county.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
School Board Needs Hearing Checkup
I missed you at the School Board Meeting held at Aurora Elementary.
Five people spoke at the part of the meeting intended for public comment about use of the school building.
Aurora's Mayor asked that the school corporation trade the deed for the elementary building to the city in exchange for taking the debt acquired by the corporation for the water tower.
definite uses of the building were not discussed, but it was noted the building is zoned B-2 and the city is very concerned about the fate of the building. They are willing to work with an appropriate buyer.
Two individuals spoke asking that the building not be used as low income housing.
I spoke and was interrupted in the middle by board president Daryl Cutter. I asked him to please let me continue. Later you will find my comments regarding the building.
Another individual asked when South Dearborn acquired this building and the schools were consolidated. I believe they said it happened in 1968. They also wanted to know when the building was built. The dedication plaque says 1962.
When Kathy Plummer spoke to the board regarding Little League's use of the fields, she passionately pleaded that the green space containing the ball fields be deeded to the City of Aurora or little league, to insure Aurora children would have a place to play ball.
Other items were discussed, but I became a poor note taker when I spotted Bob Fehrman in the back of the room. I went back and apologized for running against him. The board is worse now tnan it ever has been. If I hadn't run against him, perhaps he would have retained his seat and there would have been at least two board members willing to stand up and question the administration. Currently, only Terry Luhrson does this. Perhaps a board with Terry Luhrson and Bob Fehrman could have saved considerable tax dollars and led to more improvements in our schools.
IF YOU FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT ANYTHING OUR SCHOOL SHOULD BE DOING AND IS NOT, OR SHOULDN'T BE DOING AND IS...OR ABOUT HOW THE VACATED AURORA ELEMENTARY SHOULD BE USED, PLEASE WRITE THE BOARD. IF YOU NEED ADDRESSES AND CAN'T FIND THEM, CONTACT ME AND I WILL GET THE ONCE I HAVE TO YOU.
My comments to the board: In an article published in a Cincinnati Newspaper in 2003, former Superintendent Dave Koehler said Aurora Elementary is a good building, but we have outgrown it. In 2003 the public was told Aurora Elementary was simply in bad shape and must be replaced. The citizen panel was offered three options... 1. Make major additions and renovations to Aurora Elementary, leave current middle school alone, and make additions and renovations to the High School. 2. Build a new Elementary on the High School Campus, move the ninth grade to the middle school, move grades 4,5 & 6 to the new elementary and make renovations to the High School. 3. Convert the Middle School to an Elementary, build a Junior High, make additions and renovations to the High School. Option three was chosen. One of the major objectives of the project was to make Aurora Elementary like the other Corporation Elementary Schools. This objective is not met...Yes, students K-6 will meet in the same building, but Aurora Elementary will have 650+ students at all times. This is nearly double the size of the other three elementary schools. Due to size, Aurora students will continue to get a far different elementary experience than students in the other schools. I met with the administration after the hearing. They also indicated they did expect eventual growth in the area and planned to add a sixth grade wing to the new Junior High as growth occurred. Due to the site the building has been placed on, building another wing is quite unlikely. It appears the administration still expects great growth in our district in a very few years. They have projected a 60 million-dollar in property valuation in the next few years. There are nearly 300 new homes planned for Washington Township. If this growth becomes a reality, South Dearborn will be faced with unacceptable overcrowding at Aurora Elementary. The new arrangement is only expected to accommodate 700 students. In 2003 there were 663 K-6 students enrolled in the Aurora enrollment area. Leaving additional capacity of only 37 students. A housing project of 280 homes will produce far more than 37 new students for Aurora. I believe South Dearborn Citizens would be served far better with four equally populated K-3 elementary schools, and the need for extensive and expensive remodeling of the Middle School could be avoided by converting it to a true Middle School serving all corporation 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Each of the elementary schools should become a true early childhood education center, serving children from birth through the third grade. Parents should be able to bring their special needs children to each of these schools for full access to state funded First Steps programs. These schools should house high quality Head Start Programs. The health clinics in these schools should provide speech and hearing screenings, basic eye exams, lead screenings, and immunizations, including flu shots for the local community. Rooms should be reserved in each of these schools for community after and before school activities. Only the Senior Citizens of Moores Hill currently have a local Senior Nutrition and Activity Center. This short fall in local services to our seniors could be overcome by providing a nutrition program in each of our elementary schools for senior citizens. The majority of our tax bill goes to school funding. If our four elementary schools become true community centers, we will maximize the value of these buildings to each of the four communities served by South Dearborn Community School Corporation. |
Mrs. Loveland recently attended a School Board Meeting and forwarded an account of her experience there.
A. Citizen
Monday, November 07, 2005
Foundering Finances
Chandra Mattingly’s story “Utility faces foundering finances” on the front page of The Register hit a sour note for this utility customer.
I found Ms. Mattingly’s use of the word “foundering” very interesting. According to Webster’s, the word founder means “1. to stumble, fall, or go lame 2. to become stuck as in soft ground; bog down 3. to fill with water and sink; said of a ship 4. to become sick from overeating; used esp. of livestock 5. to break down; collapse; fail.”
I fail to accept the claim that Aurora Sewer and Water Rates are “low.” We have lived in the same Aurora home for 14 years. When we purchased our home, we couldn’t get anyone to tell us what utilities for our home would cost. A former resident of Aurora had warned us the cost of utilities could be nearly as much as our house payment.
We were horrified when we received our second water and sewer bill. It totaled more than $80. We were certain it must be some sort of mistake. It wasn’t a mistake. Today’s water and sewer bill was $102.89. In my opinion, these rates are not low.
As the article stated, Aurora Utilities has been carrying Aurora City expenses for years. I had suspected that. The Utility bill has been a second tax bill.
I have a few suggestions to solve the utility budget crisis.
1. Don’t read all the meters in the same week of the month. Meter reading should take place every business day of the month.
2. Don’t make all utility bills due the same week of the month. Bills should also come due every business day of the month.
3. If you adopt numbers one and two, you can easily reduce your work force by a few employees. Remember, the mission of the utility department is to provide utilities at a reasonable cost, not to provide jobs.
4. Aurora belongs to a Sewer District made up of several municipalities and a major business. I believe private citizen’s are footing too much of the expense related to sewer treatment from the whisky plant. This amounts to corporate welfare. Industry needs to pay for the service they receive.
5. Aurora ought to be looking to purchase gas from a supplier directly. Why do we pay the middle man, Lawrenceburg Gas?
6. The city needs to cover it’s own expenses and not tax it’s citizens indirectly through the Utility company.
As for Ken Gividen’s editorial “Higher taxes dog governor,” when it comes to the property tax issue Mr. Gividen is clueless. Dearborn County has two School Corporations who carry more debt than 90% of Indiana schools. As Mr. Gividen put it himself, this debt is a result of “floating bonds to construct gaudy school buildings.” That 20 percent subsidy in property taxes has allowed local governments to spend 20 percent more than local communities notice. In the long run this 20% subsidy has resulted in overpriced school buildings and other unwise spending by local governments.
Businesses look at much more than the bottom line when they build a factory. They also look at total quality of life and the quality of the work force. Inefficient governments hurt both.
Sadly, Aurora Utilities is not the only thing that is “foundering” in Dearborn County.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
VRUC-DCRSD Letter of Understanding
LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
DEARBORN COUNTY REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT
AND VALLEY RURAL UTILITY COMPANY
This Agreement is made this _____ day of __________, 2005 between the Dearborn County Regional Sewer District (“Dearborn Regional”) and the Valley Rural Utility Company (“Valley Rural”) (collectively “the Parties”).
WHEREAS, Dearborn Regional operates a sewer district located near the Valley Rural Sewer District and Lawrenceburg Sewer District;
WHEREAS, Valley Rural needs operating capacity that is available through the Lawrenceburg Sewer District;
WHEREAS, Valley Rural desires to use Dearborn Regional to connect to the Lawrenceburg Sewer District; and
WHEREAS, Dearborn Regional desires to construct, operate and maintain, and to take such actions necessary to construct, operate and maintain, sewer service lines and related facilities for the sole purpose of allowing Valley Rural to use such lines and facilities (collectively known as the "Facilities") at this time.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and promises contained herein, the Parties agree:
1. Dearborn Regional and Valley Rural shall negotiate and enter into an agreement with Lawrenceburg Sewer District for the use of its sewer service facilities.
2. Dearborn Regional shall obtain engineering specifications and plans demonstrating the design necessary to allow Valley Rural's use of the Facilities.
3. After approval by its counsel, Valley Rural will execute all agreements defining the terms and conditions of the use of Dearborn Regional’s Facilities.
4. Upon the execution of all necessary agreements, and the successful negotiation of a price or rate of use and of construction, maintenance and operation, Dearborn Regional shall allow Valley Rural to use its Facilities as a connection to Lawrenceburg Sewer District. Valley Rural shall pay to Dearborn Regional for the use, construction, maintenance and operation of such Facilities in amounts agreed upon by the Parties in an agreement pursuant to Paragraph 7 hereof. Such payments shall include, but not be limited to, payment of any and all excess capacity charges, fees, penalties and expenses incurred by Dearborn Regional caused by Valley Rural’s infiltration and inflow.
5. The Parties shall enter into a written agreement as set forth in Paragraph 7 hereof requiring that Valley Rural shall make capital improvements to its collection system annually to repair, replace, and rehabilitate the present collection system to decrease infiltration and inflow. Valley Rural’s service area consists of the area known as Certificate of Territory Authority granted by Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. There are fourteen (14) sections as identified by Valley Rural based upon its twelve (12) lift stations. eleven (11) sections as identified by Valley Rural based upon its eleven (11) lift stations. Valley Rural and Dearborn Regional shall agree in a written agreement to a schedule of such repair, replacement and/or rehabilitation to decrease infiltration and inflow. Such schedule would include, but not be limited to, Valley Rural scoping and assessing the system in each section, identifying problems in each section and repairing and rehabilitating such problems in each section within a time period agreed upon by the Parties in such written agreement. If Valley Rural fails to comply with such schedule, then Valley Rural could be charged by shall pay Dearborn Regional a penalty of two (2) times the excess capacity charge or charges billed by the Lawrenceburg Sewer District to Dearborn Regional until section is finished. This penalty would be in addition to any other amounts owed by Valley Rural to Dearborn Regional under such written agreement.
6. Prior to the commencement of any construction on the Dearborn Regional Facilities, the Parties will be provided proof of Lawrenceburg Sewer District’s approval of the agreement between Dearborn Regional and Valley Rural.
7. Prior to the commencement of any construction on the Dearborn Regional Facilities, the Parties will execute a written agreement specifying all terms and conditions of the use of, and the construction, maintenance and operation of Dearborn Regional Facilities by Valley Rural.
8. If Valley Rural determines that it is in its best interest to no longer pursue an agreement with Dearborn Regional for the use of the Facilities, and Dearborn Regional has incurred expense in developing the plans, specifications and/or the design of its Facilities, then Valley Rural shall reimburse Dearborn Regional for such expenses.
9. Each party represents and warrants that it has authority to enter into this Agreement.
10. Each of the Parties shall, upon the request of any other, execute, acknowledge and deliver any other documents or instruments that may be reasonably required to effect the intent of this Agreement, including, without limitation, any such documents or instruments which are required under applicable law.
11. The Parties understand that Dearborn Regional does not currently have authority to operate in the portion of Dearborn County where it is anticipated that the Facilities will be located. This Letter of Understanding is contingent upon Dearborn Regional obtaining such authority to operate in this portion of Dearborn County and is contingent upon Dearborn Regional obtaining any and all interests in real estate necessary for the construction of the Facilities. If the parties enter into a contract to proceed with the construction of the Facilities, then Dearborn Regional shall attempt to obtain authority to operate in such portion of Dearborn County and to obtain any and all interests in real estate necessary for the construction of the Facilities. Valley Rural agrees to cooperate with Dearborn Regional in obtaining such authority to operate and in obtaining any interests in real estate for the construction of the Facilities.
12. General Provisions
a. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the local laws of the State of Indiana and all Parties irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the Dearborn County Courts and applicable federal courts for the resolution of any dispute relating to this Agreement.
b. This Agreement sets forth an entire understanding of the Parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof. No terms, conditions or warranties, other than those contained herein, and no amendments of modifications hereto shall be binding unless made in writing and signed by the Parties hereto.
c. Unless otherwise provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any of a Party’s rights and obligations hereunder may be assigned; provided, however, the Agreement shall extend to, be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto, and their successors, heirs, legal representatives, executors and administrators.
d. If any provisions of this Agreement are held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present to future laws, now or hereafter in effect, such provision shall be fully severable and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof. The remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom.
e. No delay or omission on the part of any party in exercising any rights hereunder will operate as a waiver by such party of such right or any other right. Waiver on any one occasion by any party will not be construed as a bar to or waiver by such party of any remedy and all remedies are cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently.
f. The captions contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect or relate to the interpretation hereof.
g. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute the same document.
h. This agreement is contingent upon the approval by the City of Lawrenceburg of the agreement between Dearborn Regional and Valley Rural.
i. Most favored nation status.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
DEARBORN COUNTY REGIONAL SEWER
DISTRICT
DEARBORN COUNTY REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT
AND VALLEY RURAL UTILITY COMPANY
This Agreement is made this _____ day of __________, 2005 between the Dearborn County Regional Sewer District (“Dearborn Regional”) and the Valley Rural Utility Company (“Valley Rural”) (collectively “the Parties”).
WHEREAS, Dearborn Regional operates a sewer district located near the Valley Rural Sewer District and Lawrenceburg Sewer District;
WHEREAS, Valley Rural needs operating capacity that is available through the Lawrenceburg Sewer District;
WHEREAS, Valley Rural desires to use Dearborn Regional to connect to the Lawrenceburg Sewer District; and
WHEREAS, Dearborn Regional desires to construct, operate and maintain, and to take such actions necessary to construct, operate and maintain, sewer service lines and related facilities for the sole purpose of allowing Valley Rural to use such lines and facilities (collectively known as the "Facilities") at this time.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and promises contained herein, the Parties agree:
1. Dearborn Regional and Valley Rural shall negotiate and enter into an agreement with Lawrenceburg Sewer District for the use of its sewer service facilities.
2. Dearborn Regional shall obtain engineering specifications and plans demonstrating the design necessary to allow Valley Rural's use of the Facilities.
3. After approval by its counsel, Valley Rural will execute all agreements defining the terms and conditions of the use of Dearborn Regional’s Facilities.
4. Upon the execution of all necessary agreements, and the successful negotiation of a price or rate of use and of construction, maintenance and operation, Dearborn Regional shall allow Valley Rural to use its Facilities as a connection to Lawrenceburg Sewer District. Valley Rural shall pay to Dearborn Regional for the use, construction, maintenance and operation of such Facilities in amounts agreed upon by the Parties in an agreement pursuant to Paragraph 7 hereof. Such payments shall include, but not be limited to, payment of any and all excess capacity charges, fees, penalties and expenses incurred by Dearborn Regional caused by Valley Rural’s infiltration and inflow.
5. The Parties shall enter into a written agreement as set forth in Paragraph 7 hereof requiring that Valley Rural shall make capital improvements to its collection system annually to repair, replace, and rehabilitate the present collection system to decrease infiltration and inflow. Valley Rural’s service area consists of the area known as Certificate of Territory Authority granted by Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. There are fourteen (14) sections as identified by Valley Rural based upon its twelve (12) lift stations. eleven (11) sections as identified by Valley Rural based upon its eleven (11) lift stations. Valley Rural and Dearborn Regional shall agree in a written agreement to a schedule of such repair, replacement and/or rehabilitation to decrease infiltration and inflow. Such schedule would include, but not be limited to, Valley Rural scoping and assessing the system in each section, identifying problems in each section and repairing and rehabilitating such problems in each section within a time period agreed upon by the Parties in such written agreement. If Valley Rural fails to comply with such schedule, then Valley Rural could be charged by shall pay Dearborn Regional a penalty of two (2) times the excess capacity charge or charges billed by the Lawrenceburg Sewer District to Dearborn Regional until section is finished. This penalty would be in addition to any other amounts owed by Valley Rural to Dearborn Regional under such written agreement.
6. Prior to the commencement of any construction on the Dearborn Regional Facilities, the Parties will be provided proof of Lawrenceburg Sewer District’s approval of the agreement between Dearborn Regional and Valley Rural.
7. Prior to the commencement of any construction on the Dearborn Regional Facilities, the Parties will execute a written agreement specifying all terms and conditions of the use of, and the construction, maintenance and operation of Dearborn Regional Facilities by Valley Rural.
8. If Valley Rural determines that it is in its best interest to no longer pursue an agreement with Dearborn Regional for the use of the Facilities, and Dearborn Regional has incurred expense in developing the plans, specifications and/or the design of its Facilities, then Valley Rural shall reimburse Dearborn Regional for such expenses.
9. Each party represents and warrants that it has authority to enter into this Agreement.
10. Each of the Parties shall, upon the request of any other, execute, acknowledge and deliver any other documents or instruments that may be reasonably required to effect the intent of this Agreement, including, without limitation, any such documents or instruments which are required under applicable law.
11. The Parties understand that Dearborn Regional does not currently have authority to operate in the portion of Dearborn County where it is anticipated that the Facilities will be located. This Letter of Understanding is contingent upon Dearborn Regional obtaining such authority to operate in this portion of Dearborn County and is contingent upon Dearborn Regional obtaining any and all interests in real estate necessary for the construction of the Facilities. If the parties enter into a contract to proceed with the construction of the Facilities, then Dearborn Regional shall attempt to obtain authority to operate in such portion of Dearborn County and to obtain any and all interests in real estate necessary for the construction of the Facilities. Valley Rural agrees to cooperate with Dearborn Regional in obtaining such authority to operate and in obtaining any interests in real estate for the construction of the Facilities.
12. General Provisions
a. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the local laws of the State of Indiana and all Parties irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the Dearborn County Courts and applicable federal courts for the resolution of any dispute relating to this Agreement.
b. This Agreement sets forth an entire understanding of the Parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof. No terms, conditions or warranties, other than those contained herein, and no amendments of modifications hereto shall be binding unless made in writing and signed by the Parties hereto.
c. Unless otherwise provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any of a Party’s rights and obligations hereunder may be assigned; provided, however, the Agreement shall extend to, be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto, and their successors, heirs, legal representatives, executors and administrators.
d. If any provisions of this Agreement are held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present to future laws, now or hereafter in effect, such provision shall be fully severable and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof. The remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom.
e. No delay or omission on the part of any party in exercising any rights hereunder will operate as a waiver by such party of such right or any other right. Waiver on any one occasion by any party will not be construed as a bar to or waiver by such party of any remedy and all remedies are cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently.
f. The captions contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect or relate to the interpretation hereof.
g. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute the same document.
h. This agreement is contingent upon the approval by the City of Lawrenceburg of the agreement between Dearborn Regional and Valley Rural.
i. Most favored nation status.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
DEARBORN COUNTY REGIONAL SEWER
DISTRICT
DCRSD November 4, 2005 Meeting Notes
DATE: November 4, 2005
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Hankins, Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman - arrived later, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, others in audience.
(Note: Meeting was held at the table at the side of the Commissioners Meeting Room and some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes for Oct. 20, 2005 were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,928__ in Seed Money Account and $229.82(?) in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account and $74,000 moved to an interest bearing Account.
Tom Kent:
TK is working on a project on Salt Fork Rd. He showed a vicinity map (SR 1 & Georgetown Road) to add 6400’ to proposed development with ‘Hilltop’ entrance from SR 1.TK received a letter from Greendale Board of Works indicating they can serve the area. Will need to coordinate with the County Planning Commission and the Board of Health. Will be approximately 155 lots, not engineered yet. Considering 141 single family and 120 Condos. TK will add a line (gravity ) down to the pump station.
DCRSD indicated there are problems in Guilford approx. 2 miles up the road. They may want to ‘tack on’ some load. Guilford is a ‘target area’. They will need to understand the effluent flow to properly size pipes. There are ‘about 30 homes in Guilford and about a dozen along the way.’ They can only oversize the pipe by 25%.
TK has some additional property to develop, if the ‘County’ would help pay. DCRSD guesses its about a $400,000 project and they are not sure it can pay for itself. Perfect North Slopes has already run a new line. DCRSD feels it should encompass the County.
Tom Quinn:
The drawings for US 50 are nearly done. The line will run down the center of US 50 and use directional boring. The line should be a 3” based on flow; but, the state may require a 4”. Stewart has gas and water on opposite sides and a water line on the creek bank. Cole Lane has shale about 4’ down. Use pits and bore out both directions. Can bore about 500’. DCRSD signed the construction application
No further work has been done on the interceptor for Aurora and Cochran St. Will coordinate with Randy Turner. GRW apparently has nothing on paper yet.
Variance:
IDEM is being careful and the variance is not yet approved. Taking longer than expected. Once this is approved, should apply for the next one to speed up process. The variance will serve as a certificate of capacity for Aurora.
St. Leon:
DCEDI wants to set up a commercial park near St. Leon. The ‘political powers’ want DCRSD to provide the sewers down SR 1 to a 300 acre area for an industrial park. St. L. has their capacity already promised. Need to expand the scope of the study to include the TIF. St. L wants to work with DCRSD to expand St. L. sewer. DCRSD would participate in the cost of the study ($5,500 additional) . The ‘County’ (Note: just who the ‘County’ is was not defined) wants to see this happen. They have a large number (Note: number of what not specified) that want to relocate to Dearborn County. Pat Holland and Greg Vollmer questioned proceeding with this at this time . Finish Cole lane and Stewart St. first. Can the sewers be paid from the TIF? A portion only. The ‘County’ would have to come up with some money or ‘work ‘ the Lawrenceburg bond bank for some money. ‘County’ has some ownership. If the District expands DCRSD should be an equity customer. Item Tabled.
VRUC Letter of Understanding:
LL has met with a representative of VRUC to revise the L of U. Paragraph 5 (the penalty structure for I & I) was unworkable. Also issues on paragraph 11 (Not authorized to operate in the area yet). Talked with Floyd ______. HVL has 14 sections, 12 lift stations and about 50 miles of sewers. The northwest areas appear to be in the worst condition VRUC will start there. VRUC has done some work, They have replaced some lines and resealed some manholes. Valleywoods is not included. They plan to work on three sections at a time (about 20 to 20%). Some sections will fix quickly and some may take two years. They will camera and smoke test lines. They think they may have broken laterals or illegal storm tie-ins. Not sure how much is inflow versus infiltration.
The ‘most favored nation status’ was questioned. VRUC ‘just wants to be treated equal’. VRUC wants benefits provided to others, if others get better down the road. Want the penalty changed to could be charged. VRUC will need to be metered to determine their flow since the proposed interceptor would be metered at the fairgrounds and others could be added in between.
DCRSD will bear half the engineering cost. Preliminary drawings by GRW should be recovered as a basis. Lawrenceburg may give money from the bond bank to move this along. DCRSD moved to accept the Letter of Understanding. VRUC wants the L of U Tuesday for the VRUC Board meeting..
County
DCEDI has suggested a look at combined sewage throughout Dearborn County to improve efficiency and funding.
RFQ:
RFPs are being prepared for three firms: Woolpert, Black & Vietch & GRW (Note: This is the firm they complained about not finalizing numbers and finishing work.) RFP is for countywide assessment of capabilities and liabilities. ‘Political encouragement’ is being applied to proceed ‘with haste’. LL suggested bypassing the RFP process. The Board approved proceeding with the RFPs. RFPs due November 22, 2005.
Consolidation of the County:
Consolidation is being considered. They are looking at Northern KY as a model. That was handled by one of the three firms receiving the RFPs. The goal is to consolidate the County into one entity. Sunman has petitioned for more area in Dearborn County. They extend approx. 10 miles outside ___ boundary. St. L boundary almost meets Greendale. Need a ‘clearing house’ for information to coordinate projects. If DCRSD expands it territory, ‘it will control the sewers’.
Regional Sewer Conference:
Brian (Messmore?) and LL will meet with Lynne Newlon to attend.
Tom Quinn:
Quinn is a PE now. (NOTE: That means he was practicing without a license prior to now).
Letter to Ken Lee(?):
Letter to Ken Lee(?) to see if DCRSD can review improvements or plans. They want to know if expanding countywide can provide notice of any new applications. LL indicated, if an objection is filed after the review period, it will probably be read.
Aurora Interceptor:
DCRSD needs hard copy plans that can lead to a solution. Randy Turner has plans (by GRW). Need to contact. Want to use hydraulics from Trestor Hill to eliminate a lift station.
VRUC Metering:
VRUC will become a customer of DCRSD. DCRSD will be customer of Lawrenceburg. DCRSD will have to pay any overages. VRUC needs to be metered and will have to pay twice the excess charge.
Projects:
Need to break down billings into three categories for the projects. Need to pay bills from Dearborn County Fund. Need to move funds from the interest account. Approved.
SDRSD:
BF & MH met with Fichtman(?) and Jacobsen. SRSD has plans to expand by 1.5 million gallons. DCRSD maybe can use 0.5 million of that capacity. SDRSD has a ‘high tech’ program to treat sludge. The meeting was cordial and the subject of membership for DCRSD was broached. SDRSD said bring $$$! SDRSD will have fixed costs and fees for flows into the system.
District Expansion:
Should DCRSD apply for expansion to encompass all of county except existing CTAs? This would make DCSRD able to cover more areas. They would have to expand to cover VRUC, the TIF district and the 350 interceptor anyway. IDEM would probably approve. The y would need county support (Council & Commissioners). There is concern for another regional sewer district in the north west (Note: A new district would have to go through public notice, the Commissioners and IDEM first). Could do all except existing CTAs and still do separate projects.
(Note: A year and half ago Mike Hankins (for the Board) denied they were looking at other areas. This proves their lie.)
Baer: Already committed to VRUC, why not the do the County now, be comprehensive.
Holland: Wait and finish the current projects first.
Hankins: Why three adds when one will cover all now.
Vollmer: Proceed to save time & money. Can proceed on other projects and have the authority and control for engineering for new subdivisions. DCRSD would have the power to control. Force the new systems to be deeded to DCRSD to own, maintain, operate and bill.
Pruss: IDEM is no help. Aurora interceptor important. All runs down to Lawrenceburg. ____
Fehrman: Dillsboro is working on their own. Blame engineering (NOTE: GRW?) and Aurora for current problems. People are going to have to pay. DCRSD will look at ___ but, sub (division?) will have to pump. Lawrenceburg is going to expand, they have promised capacity to the Condos and are running out of capacity. Maybe the Bond bank will help. When the (gambling) money goes the County will be in trouble. Taxes will go sky high and the County still won’t have enough. $100,000,000 is not half enough to sewer the County
Tabled.
St. Leon Study:
Previously tabled item. Should $5,500 be spent? If the study indicates a capacity requirement, St. L will want DCRSD to pay for the increased capacity. Projections are for 1/3 of capacity. ‘Politicians’ in the County want to make this happen. DCRSD does not want to participate without equity. ‘County’ is pushing for sewage expansion. DCRSD should participate to the extent of the $5,500 for the study only if Jim West provides the money or the County - Rick Fox. (Note: Mr. Fox was mentioned directly and another politician ‘who has to get reelected” - Vera Benning?’ as the politicians pushing for the expansion.) DCRSD will reject the current letter of agreement and revise per preceding discussion. ‘Representatives from the County’ said if you need money, its there. Pay out of County money (needed for Cole Lane and Stewart St.). Explore the study basis with the ability to commit up to $5,500 is approved.
Meeting Adjourned.
PS: The county wide expansion was tabled; but, LL and BF took a prepared letter to the Commissioners at the next Commissionrs’ meeting to have them approve and sign for a request to expand to cover all the county except the existing CTAs. Where did the meeting take place to approve this action. LL indicated DCRSD needed to proceed before the laws change in January and the have to notify the people. Why are they afraid to have the people know what’s going on?
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Hankins, Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman - arrived later, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, others in audience.
(Note: Meeting was held at the table at the side of the Commissioners Meeting Room and some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes for Oct. 20, 2005 were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,928__ in Seed Money Account and $229.82(?) in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account and $74,000 moved to an interest bearing Account.
Tom Kent:
TK is working on a project on Salt Fork Rd. He showed a vicinity map (SR 1 & Georgetown Road) to add 6400’ to proposed development with ‘Hilltop’ entrance from SR 1.TK received a letter from Greendale Board of Works indicating they can serve the area. Will need to coordinate with the County Planning Commission and the Board of Health. Will be approximately 155 lots, not engineered yet. Considering 141 single family and 120 Condos. TK will add a line (gravity ) down to the pump station.
DCRSD indicated there are problems in Guilford approx. 2 miles up the road. They may want to ‘tack on’ some load. Guilford is a ‘target area’. They will need to understand the effluent flow to properly size pipes. There are ‘about 30 homes in Guilford and about a dozen along the way.’ They can only oversize the pipe by 25%.
TK has some additional property to develop, if the ‘County’ would help pay. DCRSD guesses its about a $400,000 project and they are not sure it can pay for itself. Perfect North Slopes has already run a new line. DCRSD feels it should encompass the County.
Tom Quinn:
The drawings for US 50 are nearly done. The line will run down the center of US 50 and use directional boring. The line should be a 3” based on flow; but, the state may require a 4”. Stewart has gas and water on opposite sides and a water line on the creek bank. Cole Lane has shale about 4’ down. Use pits and bore out both directions. Can bore about 500’. DCRSD signed the construction application
No further work has been done on the interceptor for Aurora and Cochran St. Will coordinate with Randy Turner. GRW apparently has nothing on paper yet.
Variance:
IDEM is being careful and the variance is not yet approved. Taking longer than expected. Once this is approved, should apply for the next one to speed up process. The variance will serve as a certificate of capacity for Aurora.
St. Leon:
DCEDI wants to set up a commercial park near St. Leon. The ‘political powers’ want DCRSD to provide the sewers down SR 1 to a 300 acre area for an industrial park. St. L. has their capacity already promised. Need to expand the scope of the study to include the TIF. St. L wants to work with DCRSD to expand St. L. sewer. DCRSD would participate in the cost of the study ($5,500 additional) . The ‘County’ (Note: just who the ‘County’ is was not defined) wants to see this happen. They have a large number (Note: number of what not specified) that want to relocate to Dearborn County. Pat Holland and Greg Vollmer questioned proceeding with this at this time . Finish Cole lane and Stewart St. first. Can the sewers be paid from the TIF? A portion only. The ‘County’ would have to come up with some money or ‘work ‘ the Lawrenceburg bond bank for some money. ‘County’ has some ownership. If the District expands DCRSD should be an equity customer. Item Tabled.
VRUC Letter of Understanding:
LL has met with a representative of VRUC to revise the L of U. Paragraph 5 (the penalty structure for I & I) was unworkable. Also issues on paragraph 11 (Not authorized to operate in the area yet). Talked with Floyd ______. HVL has 14 sections, 12 lift stations and about 50 miles of sewers. The northwest areas appear to be in the worst condition VRUC will start there. VRUC has done some work, They have replaced some lines and resealed some manholes. Valleywoods is not included. They plan to work on three sections at a time (about 20 to 20%). Some sections will fix quickly and some may take two years. They will camera and smoke test lines. They think they may have broken laterals or illegal storm tie-ins. Not sure how much is inflow versus infiltration.
The ‘most favored nation status’ was questioned. VRUC ‘just wants to be treated equal’. VRUC wants benefits provided to others, if others get better down the road. Want the penalty changed to could be charged. VRUC will need to be metered to determine their flow since the proposed interceptor would be metered at the fairgrounds and others could be added in between.
DCRSD will bear half the engineering cost. Preliminary drawings by GRW should be recovered as a basis. Lawrenceburg may give money from the bond bank to move this along. DCRSD moved to accept the Letter of Understanding. VRUC wants the L of U Tuesday for the VRUC Board meeting..
County
DCEDI has suggested a look at combined sewage throughout Dearborn County to improve efficiency and funding.
RFQ:
RFPs are being prepared for three firms: Woolpert, Black & Vietch & GRW (Note: This is the firm they complained about not finalizing numbers and finishing work.) RFP is for countywide assessment of capabilities and liabilities. ‘Political encouragement’ is being applied to proceed ‘with haste’. LL suggested bypassing the RFP process. The Board approved proceeding with the RFPs. RFPs due November 22, 2005.
Consolidation of the County:
Consolidation is being considered. They are looking at Northern KY as a model. That was handled by one of the three firms receiving the RFPs. The goal is to consolidate the County into one entity. Sunman has petitioned for more area in Dearborn County. They extend approx. 10 miles outside ___ boundary. St. L boundary almost meets Greendale. Need a ‘clearing house’ for information to coordinate projects. If DCRSD expands it territory, ‘it will control the sewers’.
Regional Sewer Conference:
Brian (Messmore?) and LL will meet with Lynne Newlon to attend.
Tom Quinn:
Quinn is a PE now. (NOTE: That means he was practicing without a license prior to now).
Letter to Ken Lee(?):
Letter to Ken Lee(?) to see if DCRSD can review improvements or plans. They want to know if expanding countywide can provide notice of any new applications. LL indicated, if an objection is filed after the review period, it will probably be read.
Aurora Interceptor:
DCRSD needs hard copy plans that can lead to a solution. Randy Turner has plans (by GRW). Need to contact. Want to use hydraulics from Trestor Hill to eliminate a lift station.
VRUC Metering:
VRUC will become a customer of DCRSD. DCRSD will be customer of Lawrenceburg. DCRSD will have to pay any overages. VRUC needs to be metered and will have to pay twice the excess charge.
Projects:
Need to break down billings into three categories for the projects. Need to pay bills from Dearborn County Fund. Need to move funds from the interest account. Approved.
SDRSD:
BF & MH met with Fichtman(?) and Jacobsen. SRSD has plans to expand by 1.5 million gallons. DCRSD maybe can use 0.5 million of that capacity. SDRSD has a ‘high tech’ program to treat sludge. The meeting was cordial and the subject of membership for DCRSD was broached. SDRSD said bring $$$! SDRSD will have fixed costs and fees for flows into the system.
District Expansion:
Should DCRSD apply for expansion to encompass all of county except existing CTAs? This would make DCSRD able to cover more areas. They would have to expand to cover VRUC, the TIF district and the 350 interceptor anyway. IDEM would probably approve. The y would need county support (Council & Commissioners). There is concern for another regional sewer district in the north west (Note: A new district would have to go through public notice, the Commissioners and IDEM first). Could do all except existing CTAs and still do separate projects.
(Note: A year and half ago Mike Hankins (for the Board) denied they were looking at other areas. This proves their lie.)
Baer: Already committed to VRUC, why not the do the County now, be comprehensive.
Holland: Wait and finish the current projects first.
Hankins: Why three adds when one will cover all now.
Vollmer: Proceed to save time & money. Can proceed on other projects and have the authority and control for engineering for new subdivisions. DCRSD would have the power to control. Force the new systems to be deeded to DCRSD to own, maintain, operate and bill.
Pruss: IDEM is no help. Aurora interceptor important. All runs down to Lawrenceburg. ____
Fehrman: Dillsboro is working on their own. Blame engineering (NOTE: GRW?) and Aurora for current problems. People are going to have to pay. DCRSD will look at ___ but, sub (division?) will have to pump. Lawrenceburg is going to expand, they have promised capacity to the Condos and are running out of capacity. Maybe the Bond bank will help. When the (gambling) money goes the County will be in trouble. Taxes will go sky high and the County still won’t have enough. $100,000,000 is not half enough to sewer the County
Tabled.
St. Leon Study:
Previously tabled item. Should $5,500 be spent? If the study indicates a capacity requirement, St. L will want DCRSD to pay for the increased capacity. Projections are for 1/3 of capacity. ‘Politicians’ in the County want to make this happen. DCRSD does not want to participate without equity. ‘County’ is pushing for sewage expansion. DCRSD should participate to the extent of the $5,500 for the study only if Jim West provides the money or the County - Rick Fox. (Note: Mr. Fox was mentioned directly and another politician ‘who has to get reelected” - Vera Benning?’ as the politicians pushing for the expansion.) DCRSD will reject the current letter of agreement and revise per preceding discussion. ‘Representatives from the County’ said if you need money, its there. Pay out of County money (needed for Cole Lane and Stewart St.). Explore the study basis with the ability to commit up to $5,500 is approved.
Meeting Adjourned.
PS: The county wide expansion was tabled; but, LL and BF took a prepared letter to the Commissioners at the next Commissionrs’ meeting to have them approve and sign for a request to expand to cover all the county except the existing CTAs. Where did the meeting take place to approve this action. LL indicated DCRSD needed to proceed before the laws change in January and the have to notify the people. Why are they afraid to have the people know what’s going on?
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
1 November 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
1 November 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator and Ewbank, Attorney.
Absent: Pickens, Auditor (Stephanie Disbro took minutes)
Benning announced that there may be changes in the meeting agenda tonight. (Mike Hankins and Brett Fehrman from the County Sewer Board had just arrived.)
1. The proposed changes to section 2546 of the zoning ordinance allowing rigid lockable swimming pool covers modeled after the state codes was passed based on the Plan Commission’s recommendations to approve it.
2. Travis Miller, Planning Director, also answered question regarding the ordinance and procedures on minor vs. major subdivisions based on questions from Hughes. Further research on past reasoning, others counties regulations, and plan commission members thoughts will be looked into by Miller. Hughes felt that it was discriminatory to consider all divisions of a parent tract based on 1989 dates – the point in time that plats were recorded with numbers so that parent tracts could actually be verified. [NOTE: It is interesting that Hughes has gotten complaints that it is discriminatory. The original discussions were to remove family divisions of land because they favored families and discriminated against others who wanted to divide without family as recipients.]
3. Maxwell Construction was not present for the Harvest Ridge Subdivision regarding the INDOT Disclosures for Roadway Improvements to Schuman and Trojan Rds. Bryan Messmore presented the material for signature. Tech review including the highway dept staff approved the plans. [NOTE: These plans reportedly have NO EMINENT DOMAIN included. The improvements have a variance that will allow less land to be used for the turn lanes.] Commissioners signed the agreement with INDOT.
4. Bill Black presented the bid recommendation for 800 MgHz radio system. Commissioners approved MobileComm for $255,655 They also signed the notice to proceed.
The NIMS resolution was signed and all departments that are to be trained have the option of online training for free. Several departments are now considered first responders (ex. Health Dept)
Commissioners directed Black to get with Pickens to get an account number assigned to a non-reverting fund for his savings towards a mobile command unit. Ewbank will write up the resolution for this.
5. Todd Listerman presented the Transportation Dept.’s reorganization plans and new staffing table of responsibilities. He also is now the point authority for the highway dept. Commissioners approved.
He will update the commissioners bimonthly at their meetings. Bids were approved for FYDA Freightliner for 2 chassis, cabs that accept snow plows and 10 ft truck beds for a total of $111,014.
Kaffenberger Trucking got the bid for $60,590 for saltboxes, and 11 ft plows, etc. Both were considered the lowest and best bid.
6. Mark Seiler presented Eagles Nest Drive and Arbor Ridge Estates Subdivision for acceptance into County Maintenance. Both have maintenance bonds for a period of time after acceptance based on their initial construction dates with regard to the ordinance at the time. The target is for two-year maintenance bonds on roadways after acceptance to insure quality per Todd Listerman.Both road systems - Approved.
The Triple Whipple Bridge (Bridge 95) has escalated to nearly twice its original estimated cost to repair. The 80 federal/20 local financing for $700,000 won’t get close to covering enough of the $1,300,000 current estimates. (It may be no longer “cheaper to keep her”)Of the 20 % Ohio County will do 20% and Dearborn 80 %.
The state has lost paperwork etc in the changeover and so they are starting over with an agreement for ROW acquisition. Commissioners agreed. Listerman noted that these federal dollars are Enhancement Funds- not regular Transportation dollars as in highway construction projects. Ewbank noted they should research funding, Ohio County possibly funding more, lifting and moving the bridge to the side as they did the Guilford Bridge, demolition, and decide if it’s really worth it.
7. Benning asked for Mike Hankins, Sewer Board President, to give commissioners an update (THIS WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
Hankins stated they were making progress on the West Aurora project for Cole and Stewart Lanes. They should have an answer in 90 days regarding the rural development grant request that has been out for 17 months now. He noted there were bureaucratic problems with the Regional sewer district and the Cochran St lift station in Aurora. They need to get money to upgrade the lift station there so they can pass their sewage on thru it to SDRSD. They have a variance so far to get the project started and this will cover the 340 homes on the west Aurora project. He then invited commissioners to attend at any time- the sewer board meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs. of each month in the Commissioners room. [NOTE: What happened to High Ridge Estates- they were the original reason the sewer board started a district on that side of the county. Questions have surfaced concerning how any people will be served in Dennerline’s trailer park on Cole Lane, noting that Dennerline serves on this board.]
8. Claims signed.
9. Bryan Messmore asked the board to approve JR Holdcraft to the Animal Control Board at the request of its members. Holdcraft, a L-bg Councilman, was approved.
County cell phones seem to be an issue with some needing new phones because theirs aren’t working “as well as they should be.” Verizon is the carrier and with 70 cell phones it would seem they would accommodate repairs r replacements as needed without having an entire new 2-year contract. Stephanie Disbro states they can’t seem to find a salesman to take care of them. Messmore will check into this further.
The annual bids for standard items will go out this month to be opened Dec 6th and awarded on the 20th.
10. Ewbank reported that Higgins form Schiff Insurance will set specs for the county’s health, casualty, workers comp, and liability for them and meet in 3 weeks. The Freedom of Speech lawsuit with the county is still pending in federal court. Planning and Zoning may be amending some ordinances as a result.
Ewbank has also fielded questions on recording issues with assessor and recorder.
11. Benning and Stephanie Disbro announced that the Christmas party will be Dec 14 from 12-2 during staff lunches and staff pays for their own food.
Due to Advertising fees, the commissioners need to request additional appropriations to finish out the year. Bryan will go to Council for this. It was noted that they are $7216 less than last year’s advertising expenses still.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator and Ewbank, Attorney.
Absent: Pickens, Auditor (Stephanie Disbro took minutes)
Benning announced that there may be changes in the meeting agenda tonight. (Mike Hankins and Brett Fehrman from the County Sewer Board had just arrived.)
1. The proposed changes to section 2546 of the zoning ordinance allowing rigid lockable swimming pool covers modeled after the state codes was passed based on the Plan Commission’s recommendations to approve it.
2. Travis Miller, Planning Director, also answered question regarding the ordinance and procedures on minor vs. major subdivisions based on questions from Hughes. Further research on past reasoning, others counties regulations, and plan commission members thoughts will be looked into by Miller. Hughes felt that it was discriminatory to consider all divisions of a parent tract based on 1989 dates – the point in time that plats were recorded with numbers so that parent tracts could actually be verified. [NOTE: It is interesting that Hughes has gotten complaints that it is discriminatory. The original discussions were to remove family divisions of land because they favored families and discriminated against others who wanted to divide without family as recipients.]
3. Maxwell Construction was not present for the Harvest Ridge Subdivision regarding the INDOT Disclosures for Roadway Improvements to Schuman and Trojan Rds. Bryan Messmore presented the material for signature. Tech review including the highway dept staff approved the plans. [NOTE: These plans reportedly have NO EMINENT DOMAIN included. The improvements have a variance that will allow less land to be used for the turn lanes.] Commissioners signed the agreement with INDOT.
4. Bill Black presented the bid recommendation for 800 MgHz radio system. Commissioners approved MobileComm for $255,655 They also signed the notice to proceed.
The NIMS resolution was signed and all departments that are to be trained have the option of online training for free. Several departments are now considered first responders (ex. Health Dept)
Commissioners directed Black to get with Pickens to get an account number assigned to a non-reverting fund for his savings towards a mobile command unit. Ewbank will write up the resolution for this.
5. Todd Listerman presented the Transportation Dept.’s reorganization plans and new staffing table of responsibilities. He also is now the point authority for the highway dept. Commissioners approved.
He will update the commissioners bimonthly at their meetings. Bids were approved for FYDA Freightliner for 2 chassis, cabs that accept snow plows and 10 ft truck beds for a total of $111,014.
Kaffenberger Trucking got the bid for $60,590 for saltboxes, and 11 ft plows, etc. Both were considered the lowest and best bid.
6. Mark Seiler presented Eagles Nest Drive and Arbor Ridge Estates Subdivision for acceptance into County Maintenance. Both have maintenance bonds for a period of time after acceptance based on their initial construction dates with regard to the ordinance at the time. The target is for two-year maintenance bonds on roadways after acceptance to insure quality per Todd Listerman.Both road systems - Approved.
The Triple Whipple Bridge (Bridge 95) has escalated to nearly twice its original estimated cost to repair. The 80 federal/20 local financing for $700,000 won’t get close to covering enough of the $1,300,000 current estimates. (It may be no longer “cheaper to keep her”)Of the 20 % Ohio County will do 20% and Dearborn 80 %.
The state has lost paperwork etc in the changeover and so they are starting over with an agreement for ROW acquisition. Commissioners agreed. Listerman noted that these federal dollars are Enhancement Funds- not regular Transportation dollars as in highway construction projects. Ewbank noted they should research funding, Ohio County possibly funding more, lifting and moving the bridge to the side as they did the Guilford Bridge, demolition, and decide if it’s really worth it.
7. Benning asked for Mike Hankins, Sewer Board President, to give commissioners an update (THIS WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
Hankins stated they were making progress on the West Aurora project for Cole and Stewart Lanes. They should have an answer in 90 days regarding the rural development grant request that has been out for 17 months now. He noted there were bureaucratic problems with the Regional sewer district and the Cochran St lift station in Aurora. They need to get money to upgrade the lift station there so they can pass their sewage on thru it to SDRSD. They have a variance so far to get the project started and this will cover the 340 homes on the west Aurora project. He then invited commissioners to attend at any time- the sewer board meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs. of each month in the Commissioners room. [NOTE: What happened to High Ridge Estates- they were the original reason the sewer board started a district on that side of the county. Questions have surfaced concerning how any people will be served in Dennerline’s trailer park on Cole Lane, noting that Dennerline serves on this board.]
8. Claims signed.
9. Bryan Messmore asked the board to approve JR Holdcraft to the Animal Control Board at the request of its members. Holdcraft, a L-bg Councilman, was approved.
County cell phones seem to be an issue with some needing new phones because theirs aren’t working “as well as they should be.” Verizon is the carrier and with 70 cell phones it would seem they would accommodate repairs r replacements as needed without having an entire new 2-year contract. Stephanie Disbro states they can’t seem to find a salesman to take care of them. Messmore will check into this further.
The annual bids for standard items will go out this month to be opened Dec 6th and awarded on the 20th.
10. Ewbank reported that Higgins form Schiff Insurance will set specs for the county’s health, casualty, workers comp, and liability for them and meet in 3 weeks. The Freedom of Speech lawsuit with the county is still pending in federal court. Planning and Zoning may be amending some ordinances as a result.
Ewbank has also fielded questions on recording issues with assessor and recorder.
11. Benning and Stephanie Disbro announced that the Christmas party will be Dec 14 from 12-2 during staff lunches and staff pays for their own food.
Due to Advertising fees, the commissioners need to request additional appropriations to finish out the year. Bryan will go to Council for this. It was noted that they are $7216 less than last year’s advertising expenses still.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
24 October 2005 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
24 October 2005 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Jeff Hughes, Acting Chairman, Mike Hall, Nick Held, Tarry Feiss, Robert Laws, and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Absent: Mark Mitter, Patrick deMaynadier, and Jane Ohlmansiek
Also Present: Travis Miller, Planning Director
Arnie McGill, Attorney, and Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, were not present.
1. Andy Scholle represented Alan and Marcia Stenger who were stuck in Key West, FL due to the hurricane. Permission to access Chesterville Rd., a collector and a driveway variance of less than 230 feet from existing driveways in Sparta Township was requested. No public comment.
As this was the 9th parcel to be created from the parent tract, permission was also needed to create the 9th lot, because it is a major subdivision at this point.
Kraus, Jr. motioned and Held 2nd to approve as long as the Health Dept. approves a 2nd septic site. Passed
Administrative:
1. Travis Miller presented the agenda for the Nov 5th Future Land Use Map workshop for the advisory board and Plan Commission. Public may attend this- but can only participate via written comments during the workshop. Time is 10:30-3 PM at Lawrenceburg High School. Lunch provided by Hava Java for the advisory board and the plan commission. This is the final work for the advisory board prior to the land use maps going for public meetings, which will be in December or January. Tarry Feiss is unable to attend and Robert Law’s attendance is still in question.
2. The draft calendar for the 2006 meeting schedule was passed out to be approved at the November meeting.
3. Annual report is being prepared and Travis requested a short bio from 2 members who haven’t completed theirs yet.
4. Hamilton Co. has Greg Dale for their final seminar this year. Bob Laws has attended all 4 seminars this year. He and Patricia Baker from the BZA (new members this year) are attending this final seminar.
5. Travis Miller discussed the orthophotography options for GIS data. They have not submitted a contract yet, but will check into the prices compared to the previous versions they’d considered.
6. School district issues were discussed, particularly in light of recent large developments proposed in the Sunman Dearborn district and their building issues and teacher layoffs.
Plan commission members noted they have no jurisdiction in these issues. [NOTE: Isn’t this similar to the issues with roads and sewers, where Health Dept, IDEM, and INDOT or County Highway and Commissioners decide? The Plan Commission can turn a request down, when they see the dept with jurisdiction has not achieved – or has no plans to achieve- a significant change in the infrastructure. Common sense should prevail in these cases. It would seem to be irresponsible to flood a school system, where the tax base cannot keep up with the building needs and/or the staff salaries. A better mix of uses is needed in that district or else it needs to be subdivided or reapportioned with districts in the rest of the county.]
7. A letter from a resident regarding the tabled Buckhead Development was discussed briefly. Mike Hall wanted to respond to it personally. [NOTE: I discussed the ethics considerations of this with him after the meeting, as it was a tabled item and plan commission members are not to have ex parte discussions on pending issues. They will probably check this with Arnie McGill, Attorney.]
Meeting adjourned. 8:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Jeff Hughes, Acting Chairman, Mike Hall, Nick Held, Tarry Feiss, Robert Laws, and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Absent: Mark Mitter, Patrick deMaynadier, and Jane Ohlmansiek
Also Present: Travis Miller, Planning Director
Arnie McGill, Attorney, and Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, were not present.
1. Andy Scholle represented Alan and Marcia Stenger who were stuck in Key West, FL due to the hurricane. Permission to access Chesterville Rd., a collector and a driveway variance of less than 230 feet from existing driveways in Sparta Township was requested. No public comment.
As this was the 9th parcel to be created from the parent tract, permission was also needed to create the 9th lot, because it is a major subdivision at this point.
Kraus, Jr. motioned and Held 2nd to approve as long as the Health Dept. approves a 2nd septic site. Passed
Administrative:
1. Travis Miller presented the agenda for the Nov 5th Future Land Use Map workshop for the advisory board and Plan Commission. Public may attend this- but can only participate via written comments during the workshop. Time is 10:30-3 PM at Lawrenceburg High School. Lunch provided by Hava Java for the advisory board and the plan commission. This is the final work for the advisory board prior to the land use maps going for public meetings, which will be in December or January. Tarry Feiss is unable to attend and Robert Law’s attendance is still in question.
2. The draft calendar for the 2006 meeting schedule was passed out to be approved at the November meeting.
3. Annual report is being prepared and Travis requested a short bio from 2 members who haven’t completed theirs yet.
4. Hamilton Co. has Greg Dale for their final seminar this year. Bob Laws has attended all 4 seminars this year. He and Patricia Baker from the BZA (new members this year) are attending this final seminar.
5. Travis Miller discussed the orthophotography options for GIS data. They have not submitted a contract yet, but will check into the prices compared to the previous versions they’d considered.
6. School district issues were discussed, particularly in light of recent large developments proposed in the Sunman Dearborn district and their building issues and teacher layoffs.
Plan commission members noted they have no jurisdiction in these issues. [NOTE: Isn’t this similar to the issues with roads and sewers, where Health Dept, IDEM, and INDOT or County Highway and Commissioners decide? The Plan Commission can turn a request down, when they see the dept with jurisdiction has not achieved – or has no plans to achieve- a significant change in the infrastructure. Common sense should prevail in these cases. It would seem to be irresponsible to flood a school system, where the tax base cannot keep up with the building needs and/or the staff salaries. A better mix of uses is needed in that district or else it needs to be subdivided or reapportioned with districts in the rest of the county.]
7. A letter from a resident regarding the tabled Buckhead Development was discussed briefly. Mike Hall wanted to respond to it personally. [NOTE: I discussed the ethics considerations of this with him after the meeting, as it was a tabled item and plan commission members are not to have ex parte discussions on pending issues. They will probably check this with Arnie McGill, Attorney.]
Meeting adjourned. 8:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, October 21, 2005
DCRSD Meeting Notes for October 20, 2005
DATE: October 20, 2005
Board members Present: Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman - Acting Chair, David Entzweiler, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, Jeff Bittner, VRUC, Vera Benning, Jeff Hughes, others in audience.
(Note: Some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,931.48 in Seed Money Account and $75,961.03 in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account.
Variance:
The City of Aurora has provided the variance to add sewage from Stewart Road and Cole Lane for submission to IDEM. IDEM appears to be in favor and an answer is expected by November 3rd. Debbie Dubinsky(?) is the person at IDEM.
VRUC Letter of Understanding:
LL (Lisa Lehner) has been discussing revisions with VRUC. They talked about the penalty structure for I & I. They wanted to break the service area into sections and work on sections with reporting of the results. Wanted to change to penalties could be assessed. Additional charges would be passed through to VRUC. They have enough consensus to move forward.
Jeff Bittner said they have determined which sections need the most work. They plan to ‘TV’ the lines and then fix either using VRUC staff of by Contractor. They plan to start with section 11 & 12 this year. The L of U provides the framework to move forward.
New sanitary permit:
Sending a letter to IDEM on the permit for the SR.46 & 1 with collection lines into St. Leon. Notified Levi Solcraft(??) RSD wanted to be notified, but, were not sure RSD had any standing. A letter will be drafted to Ken Lee(?) to request DCRSD be notified directly in future of any work in the County. It is too late to file on this permit by time limit; but, IDEM may allow comment. St. Leon did not object to permit and they suspect it may be turned over to St. Leon. DCRSD is trying to consolidate the County.
Aurora Interceptor Line:
RD spoke to Randy Turner about the interceptor. Considering using an 8" line ___ with vacuum purge near "Hopping's" on US 50. Also talked about a 'reversal' at Conwell Street. A tank may need to placed at "Hopping's" in case of buildup and may have to treat the holdings. Need to do everything to help finalize.
Interceptor along Rt. 350:
No discussion.
RFQ:
Six RFQs wee sent out, five returned. Top three firms were Woolpert, Black & Vietch & GRW (Note: This is the firm they complained about not finalizing numbers and finishing work.) All top three have offices in Cincinnati. DE will meet with the firms regarding what the Board wants and expects.
Claims:
Attorney - $1719.21, approved to pay (Note: Lehner has been paid $37,946.86 from May 2003 to the end of 2004 and $17,109.94 through September 2005 for a total of $55,056.80 in fees.)
Aaron Koslowsky(?):
Aaron Koslowski(?), regarding Conaway Property wanted to know when the sewer line down Huesman Road was to be installed. They are planning on reopening the campgrounds and were looking for sewer availability to determine if they needed public sewer or onsite treatment. With the bottleneck in Aurora, RSD has no time frame for the Huesman Rd. line.
St. Leon:
St. Leon (Frank Leoni) requested to indicate how much capacity needed to serve additional area in Dearborn County. Estimated 550__gallons ___. ___working on additional discussion between St. L & DCRSD regarding Commercial area (TIF0 near I 74. There is currently no source of income; but, could pay when income is generated. The usage would be light industry, would change the treatment requirements. The TIF was created by DC to develop commercial (approx. 350 acres) ___ surrounded by St. L. This was put on the 'back burner'. The have people wanting sewers and it is not feasible to become involved now; but, might be a future opportunity. St. L wanted a resolution as to whether DCRSD wanted to be a part of the treatment option. Should DCRSD expand its boundaries to force St. L to notify of any plans to expand and so they can't run lines elsewhere in the county? Pat Holland opposed growing to big so that DCRSD can't accomplish anything. PH said boundaries would be ridiculous, especially bounding by areas, such as ridges where construction is likely to occur.
DCRSD is trying to get control of the County. Want something be passed to get control of the County or force notification. Inform IDEM DCRSD is an interested party. LL to contact St. L.
VRUC:
VRUC had indicated in their newsletter that DCRSD would take over VRUC. DCRSD contacted Jerry Hacker and they had to print a retraction.
SDRSD:
DCRSD to contact SDRSD to see about getting a non voting member status. DCRSD doesn't have cash to buy into SDRSD. Will contact Dennis Fichtner(?) indicating they can't afford to buy in; but, would like a non voting membership.
Tom Kent:
TK is working on a project on Salt Fork Rd. approx. 1 1/4 mile line to Greendale. Lampert (Greendale City Manager) recommended to talk to County. Greendale wants DCRSD to give permission. DCRSD has no territorial authority over tunincorporatedis an unicorporated area and Greendale does not plan to annex. This could be a stepping stone for DCRSD. If they want to control, would have add area; but, there is no income to solve the problems. Again question, should DCRSD expand boundaries. There is no rate structure, if DCRSD took over it would be responsible for maintenance, etc. Would only consider accepting line debt free. Growth could be moving north. Hold off till enough funds are collected. TK has some additional property to develop. Invite TK to next meeting. Guilford is a target area next.
Tom Quinn:
Mr. Quinn's credentials are not yet approved. He called today and the Engineering Board was meeting; but, he would have to be notified in writing and pay an additional registration fee. If not registered, he could hire an associate, who is licensed in Indiana. DE expressed concern about hiring associate.
Meeting Adjourned.
PS: I was talking with Jeff Hughes, Commissioner in the Corridor when Vera Benning, Commissioner interrupted and said she had to talk to Jeff. Does this constitute a meeting without public notice, since a quorum of Commissioners were meeting at a public location? Was DCRSD to be discussed, in which Benning has a particular interest?
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Board members Present: Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman - Acting Chair, David Entzweiler, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, Jeff Bittner, VRUC, Vera Benning, Jeff Hughes, others in audience.
(Note: Some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,931.48 in Seed Money Account and $75,961.03 in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account.
Variance:
The City of Aurora has provided the variance to add sewage from Stewart Road and Cole Lane for submission to IDEM. IDEM appears to be in favor and an answer is expected by November 3rd. Debbie Dubinsky(?) is the person at IDEM.
VRUC Letter of Understanding:
LL (Lisa Lehner) has been discussing revisions with VRUC. They talked about the penalty structure for I & I. They wanted to break the service area into sections and work on sections with reporting of the results. Wanted to change to penalties could be assessed. Additional charges would be passed through to VRUC. They have enough consensus to move forward.
Jeff Bittner said they have determined which sections need the most work. They plan to ‘TV’ the lines and then fix either using VRUC staff of by Contractor. They plan to start with section 11 & 12 this year. The L of U provides the framework to move forward.
New sanitary permit:
Sending a letter to IDEM on the permit for the SR.46 & 1 with collection lines into St. Leon. Notified Levi Solcraft(??) RSD wanted to be notified, but, were not sure RSD had any standing. A letter will be drafted to Ken Lee(?) to request DCRSD be notified directly in future of any work in the County. It is too late to file on this permit by time limit; but, IDEM may allow comment. St. Leon did not object to permit and they suspect it may be turned over to St. Leon. DCRSD is trying to consolidate the County.
Aurora Interceptor Line:
RD spoke to Randy Turner about the interceptor. Considering using an 8" line ___ with vacuum purge near "Hopping's" on US 50. Also talked about a 'reversal' at Conwell Street. A tank may need to placed at "Hopping's" in case of buildup and may have to treat the holdings. Need to do everything to help finalize.
Interceptor along Rt. 350:
No discussion.
RFQ:
Six RFQs wee sent out, five returned. Top three firms were Woolpert, Black & Vietch & GRW (Note: This is the firm they complained about not finalizing numbers and finishing work.) All top three have offices in Cincinnati. DE will meet with the firms regarding what the Board wants and expects.
Claims:
Attorney - $1719.21, approved to pay (Note: Lehner has been paid $37,946.86 from May 2003 to the end of 2004 and $17,109.94 through September 2005 for a total of $55,056.80 in fees.)
Aaron Koslowsky(?):
Aaron Koslowski(?), regarding Conaway Property wanted to know when the sewer line down Huesman Road was to be installed. They are planning on reopening the campgrounds and were looking for sewer availability to determine if they needed public sewer or onsite treatment. With the bottleneck in Aurora, RSD has no time frame for the Huesman Rd. line.
St. Leon:
St. Leon (Frank Leoni) requested to indicate how much capacity needed to serve additional area in Dearborn County. Estimated 550__gallons ___. ___working on additional discussion between St. L & DCRSD regarding Commercial area (TIF0 near I 74. There is currently no source of income; but, could pay when income is generated. The usage would be light industry, would change the treatment requirements. The TIF was created by DC to develop commercial (approx. 350 acres) ___ surrounded by St. L. This was put on the 'back burner'. The have people wanting sewers and it is not feasible to become involved now; but, might be a future opportunity. St. L wanted a resolution as to whether DCRSD wanted to be a part of the treatment option. Should DCRSD expand its boundaries to force St. L to notify of any plans to expand and so they can't run lines elsewhere in the county? Pat Holland opposed growing to big so that DCRSD can't accomplish anything. PH said boundaries would be ridiculous, especially bounding by areas, such as ridges where construction is likely to occur.
DCRSD is trying to get control of the County. Want something be passed to get control of the County or force notification. Inform IDEM DCRSD is an interested party. LL to contact St. L.
VRUC:
VRUC had indicated in their newsletter that DCRSD would take over VRUC. DCRSD contacted Jerry Hacker and they had to print a retraction.
SDRSD:
DCRSD to contact SDRSD to see about getting a non voting member status. DCRSD doesn't have cash to buy into SDRSD. Will contact Dennis Fichtner(?) indicating they can't afford to buy in; but, would like a non voting membership.
Tom Kent:
TK is working on a project on Salt Fork Rd. approx. 1 1/4 mile line to Greendale. Lampert (Greendale City Manager) recommended to talk to County. Greendale wants DCRSD to give permission. DCRSD has no territorial authority over tunincorporatedis an unicorporated area and Greendale does not plan to annex. This could be a stepping stone for DCRSD. If they want to control, would have add area; but, there is no income to solve the problems. Again question, should DCRSD expand boundaries. There is no rate structure, if DCRSD took over it would be responsible for maintenance, etc. Would only consider accepting line debt free. Growth could be moving north. Hold off till enough funds are collected. TK has some additional property to develop. Invite TK to next meeting. Guilford is a target area next.
Tom Quinn:
Mr. Quinn's credentials are not yet approved. He called today and the Engineering Board was meeting; but, he would have to be notified in writing and pay an additional registration fee. If not registered, he could hire an associate, who is licensed in Indiana. DE expressed concern about hiring associate.
Meeting Adjourned.
PS: I was talking with Jeff Hughes, Commissioner in the Corridor when Vera Benning, Commissioner interrupted and said she had to talk to Jeff. Does this constitute a meeting without public notice, since a quorum of Commissioners were meeting at a public location? Was DCRSD to be discussed, in which Benning has a particular interest?
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Monday, October 17, 2005
Future Land Use Map Focus Groups Notes on Web
The first three focus groups for the Future Land Use Map for the County Master Plan have met and the minutes that Travis Miller has summarized are on the county planning web site: http://www.dearborncounty.org/planning/
Agriculture, Open Space/Parks, and Residential are finished. Commercial meets this Friday at the Lawrenceburg Library from 2-5. Check with the Planning Office before attending to be certain the time hasn't changed.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Agriculture, Open Space/Parks, and Residential are finished. Commercial meets this Friday at the Lawrenceburg Library from 2-5. Check with the Planning Office before attending to be certain the time hasn't changed.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
11 October 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
11 October 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, and Ewbank, Attorney.
Absent: Messmore, Administrator
This agenda was rearranged and assessor report added. Also the Emergency Management request for advertised bids to be opened was not on the agenda and was NOT heard. (See note at end)
1. US 50 Corridor Study- tabled from last meeting was represented by Travis Miller. Miller explained the coordination of the County’s study with OKI and the INDOT study on US 50 Corridor, showing the need for both and the possibility of improved economic development along the corridor if the county study is done too. The scope of work for the INDOT version being awarded to SIECO/ STRAND does not concern itself with land uses- just with moving traffic and environmental concerns.
Miller also stated that the INDOT version has 3 chances for public input in 18 months. He stressed that the 9-month study for the county will have more public input and that the new Tanner’s Creek bridge location is to be decided in the first 3 months. INDOT wasn’t sure another bridge would be needed- they aren’t to that point in their study. [NOTE: It seems ludicrous- it even defies common sense- that a 2nd crossing over Tanner’s Creek wouldn’t be necessary in the most populous section of the county. It literally could cut off the economic life of the county. INDOT should know this.]
Bob Koehler of OKI also spoke citing that this will add value to the INDOT study.
Commissioners voted to approve the memorandum of understanding with OKI to do the study. Council approved the funding already.
2. Joan Seitz, Assessor was added to the agenda- reported that a PTABOA (Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals) would need to have 2 freeholders with appropriate backgrounds appointed to it. She gave out info to the commissioners for future appointments.
3. Listerman gave the Hwy Dept recommendation to accept O’Mara as the bid winner for Sawdon Ridge widening and paving. Inspections will be in-house. Commissioners approved.
4. Bids for trucks and bedliners were opened and taken under advisement until next meeting:
Two trucks:
Freightliner- $108.870
McCluskey- $106,000
TriState- $112,348
Miami Valley Int’l - $126,416
Sterling Int’l - $121,810
Bedliners(dumps, snow plows, salt boxes):
Kaffenberger: $58,600 with an option for stainless steel for the salt trucks.
5. PAWS still has not decided whether to use the DC Foundation to raise money for the animal shelter building. Fred McCarter at the foundation is checking with his boards to see if they could accommodate this request. Bill Ullrich (Council member who sits on Animal Control) stated that the Council has an account that is in place and could be used for this to eliminate the middleman in the fund raising. Fox was concerned that the public would think TAX money was spent on it if the county fund was paying it- co-mingling money perhaps. Ewbank was pushing the foundation process again. He thinks it will be a source for matching money as well as safer for the contributors and a source for people’s wills to donate. The possibility of using a trust fund at a bank was considered. [NOTE: Is the money insured in the foundation, the way it would be if invested in a bank?]
PAWS was given the OK to unveil the plan at the Bark and Wine next week. No collections would be done with the county’s blessing until the fund investment is settled and operational cost estimates are completed.
6. Pickens wanted all ordinances to be recorded at the Recorders Office- no cost to county. He is also looking to put minutes on better paper- linen stock like in the old days to survive longer. This is REALLY expensive paper per Pickens.
7. Hughes asked about Stateline and Stephens Road and turn lanes etc. They are looking to use the savings from White’s Hill there per Pickens. Still checking on those monies. [NOTE: It appears that the road accounts are being moved around a fair amount. White’s Hill had extras on it- where did the “savings” come from?]
8. Benning brought up 911 moving to the jail space and Sheriff Lusby wanting to be able to discipline them as they were under his roof now. Fox and Hughes wanted to investigate that further, as they thought Charlie Ashley was in charge. Benning said that 911 is a VOLUNTEER BOARD. There is a specified set of people on it per Bill Black. [Note: Commissioners appoint members to it. Why have two bosses for these workers?]
9. Benning asked Hughes to bring up Pruss Road (in District 3.) He stated that the county maintains the first 100 ft.
Benning went on to talk about vacating the old road and accepting the NEW ROAD WHICH HAS NO NAME. [NOTE: She’s referring to what they previously were calling Rump Road over a year ago. It accessed her daughter and son-in-law’s property and the properties of a neighbor who has moved to Miller Township. It seems like every tie we get new highway people or new commissioners, this Pruss Road issue comes up with Benning, who also lives near there as do her in-laws.]
NO decision.
10. Bill Black asked about opening the 800 MgHz bids as he had advertised them for that meeting with bids to be awarded by Friday. Benning said that would be next meeting, he was not on the agenda. [NOTE: Joan Seitz wasn't either. Neither was Pruss Road. Next meeting is advertised as CLAIMS ONLY]
Commissioners quickly adjourned at that point. [NOTE: Benning then went over to Ewbank at his seat and exchanged the kind of elaborate handshake routine that I have previously witnessed only in gang members, teenage boys, fraternity brothers, and movies with secret societies. One can only wonder what that was about!]
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, and Ewbank, Attorney.
Absent: Messmore, Administrator
This agenda was rearranged and assessor report added. Also the Emergency Management request for advertised bids to be opened was not on the agenda and was NOT heard. (See note at end)
1. US 50 Corridor Study- tabled from last meeting was represented by Travis Miller. Miller explained the coordination of the County’s study with OKI and the INDOT study on US 50 Corridor, showing the need for both and the possibility of improved economic development along the corridor if the county study is done too. The scope of work for the INDOT version being awarded to SIECO/ STRAND does not concern itself with land uses- just with moving traffic and environmental concerns.
Miller also stated that the INDOT version has 3 chances for public input in 18 months. He stressed that the 9-month study for the county will have more public input and that the new Tanner’s Creek bridge location is to be decided in the first 3 months. INDOT wasn’t sure another bridge would be needed- they aren’t to that point in their study. [NOTE: It seems ludicrous- it even defies common sense- that a 2nd crossing over Tanner’s Creek wouldn’t be necessary in the most populous section of the county. It literally could cut off the economic life of the county. INDOT should know this.]
Bob Koehler of OKI also spoke citing that this will add value to the INDOT study.
Commissioners voted to approve the memorandum of understanding with OKI to do the study. Council approved the funding already.
2. Joan Seitz, Assessor was added to the agenda- reported that a PTABOA (Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals) would need to have 2 freeholders with appropriate backgrounds appointed to it. She gave out info to the commissioners for future appointments.
3. Listerman gave the Hwy Dept recommendation to accept O’Mara as the bid winner for Sawdon Ridge widening and paving. Inspections will be in-house. Commissioners approved.
4. Bids for trucks and bedliners were opened and taken under advisement until next meeting:
Two trucks:
Freightliner- $108.870
McCluskey- $106,000
TriState- $112,348
Miami Valley Int’l - $126,416
Sterling Int’l - $121,810
Bedliners(dumps, snow plows, salt boxes):
Kaffenberger: $58,600 with an option for stainless steel for the salt trucks.
5. PAWS still has not decided whether to use the DC Foundation to raise money for the animal shelter building. Fred McCarter at the foundation is checking with his boards to see if they could accommodate this request. Bill Ullrich (Council member who sits on Animal Control) stated that the Council has an account that is in place and could be used for this to eliminate the middleman in the fund raising. Fox was concerned that the public would think TAX money was spent on it if the county fund was paying it- co-mingling money perhaps. Ewbank was pushing the foundation process again. He thinks it will be a source for matching money as well as safer for the contributors and a source for people’s wills to donate. The possibility of using a trust fund at a bank was considered. [NOTE: Is the money insured in the foundation, the way it would be if invested in a bank?]
PAWS was given the OK to unveil the plan at the Bark and Wine next week. No collections would be done with the county’s blessing until the fund investment is settled and operational cost estimates are completed.
6. Pickens wanted all ordinances to be recorded at the Recorders Office- no cost to county. He is also looking to put minutes on better paper- linen stock like in the old days to survive longer. This is REALLY expensive paper per Pickens.
7. Hughes asked about Stateline and Stephens Road and turn lanes etc. They are looking to use the savings from White’s Hill there per Pickens. Still checking on those monies. [NOTE: It appears that the road accounts are being moved around a fair amount. White’s Hill had extras on it- where did the “savings” come from?]
8. Benning brought up 911 moving to the jail space and Sheriff Lusby wanting to be able to discipline them as they were under his roof now. Fox and Hughes wanted to investigate that further, as they thought Charlie Ashley was in charge. Benning said that 911 is a VOLUNTEER BOARD. There is a specified set of people on it per Bill Black. [Note: Commissioners appoint members to it. Why have two bosses for these workers?]
9. Benning asked Hughes to bring up Pruss Road (in District 3.) He stated that the county maintains the first 100 ft.
Benning went on to talk about vacating the old road and accepting the NEW ROAD WHICH HAS NO NAME. [NOTE: She’s referring to what they previously were calling Rump Road over a year ago. It accessed her daughter and son-in-law’s property and the properties of a neighbor who has moved to Miller Township. It seems like every tie we get new highway people or new commissioners, this Pruss Road issue comes up with Benning, who also lives near there as do her in-laws.]
NO decision.
10. Bill Black asked about opening the 800 MgHz bids as he had advertised them for that meeting with bids to be awarded by Friday. Benning said that would be next meeting, he was not on the agenda. [NOTE: Joan Seitz wasn't either. Neither was Pruss Road. Next meeting is advertised as CLAIMS ONLY]
Commissioners quickly adjourned at that point. [NOTE: Benning then went over to Ewbank at his seat and exchanged the kind of elaborate handshake routine that I have previously witnessed only in gang members, teenage boys, fraternity brothers, and movies with secret societies. One can only wonder what that was about!]
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Two Duplexes granted approval in Ag zones
11 October 2005 Dearborn County BZA Notes
Two Duplexes granted approval in Ag zones
Present: Jim Deaton, Chairman, Mike Hall, Jane Ohlmansiek, Jake Hoog, and Patricia Baker. Also present: Arnie McGill, Att’y and Travis Miller, Planning Director.
Mark McCormack was absent.
1. Front yard variance for a garage closer to the road for Daniel Badinghaus on Sneakville Road in Miller Township was approved. Ohlmansiek motioned, Hall 2nd. All ayes.
2. Conditional use to allow a duplex on 15 acres of Ag zoned land in Jackson Township owned by Carol Vassil was approved after much discussion centering on potential rentals later, rather than a family plan now. 5 neighbors spoke in opposition. Mike Hall stepped down, as he was surveyor for this land. Ohlmansiek motioned, Hoog 2nd. 3 ayes. Baker Nay. Baker felt that it did not meet all the criteria of a conditional use, as it was different in function and character from the rest of the properties that were already in use.
3. Conditional use for a duplex on 2 acres of the 119.95 total of Beiersdorfer’s property in York Township was approved. Two neighbors and one via phone were in opposition citing noise issues with singing and late night parties at the current trailer. The current use was approved in 1982. Deaton read the VERY SKETCHY minutes on that. As the use was the same, but the building was an improvement, the board felt the duplex should be allowed. (This duplex- though two 3- bedroom units functions more like a dormitory) Hoog motioned and Ohlmansiek 2nd to approve per site plan (no additions). All ayes.
4. Front yard variance for Marvin Guss Sr on Market St in Center Township was approved per site plan. Hall motioned and Baker 2nd. All ayes.
Administrative:
Kaiser and Kroger of TEK Development complained about the lack of screening for Tedesco’s strip center and Shell gas near Sneakville Rd. Apparently Tedescos have not complied with all the requirements of their approval and over a year has elapsed regarding the screening and fence between them and the condos TEK is trying to market.
Legal proceedings are beginning this month.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Two Duplexes granted approval in Ag zones
Present: Jim Deaton, Chairman, Mike Hall, Jane Ohlmansiek, Jake Hoog, and Patricia Baker. Also present: Arnie McGill, Att’y and Travis Miller, Planning Director.
Mark McCormack was absent.
1. Front yard variance for a garage closer to the road for Daniel Badinghaus on Sneakville Road in Miller Township was approved. Ohlmansiek motioned, Hall 2nd. All ayes.
2. Conditional use to allow a duplex on 15 acres of Ag zoned land in Jackson Township owned by Carol Vassil was approved after much discussion centering on potential rentals later, rather than a family plan now. 5 neighbors spoke in opposition. Mike Hall stepped down, as he was surveyor for this land. Ohlmansiek motioned, Hoog 2nd. 3 ayes. Baker Nay. Baker felt that it did not meet all the criteria of a conditional use, as it was different in function and character from the rest of the properties that were already in use.
3. Conditional use for a duplex on 2 acres of the 119.95 total of Beiersdorfer’s property in York Township was approved. Two neighbors and one via phone were in opposition citing noise issues with singing and late night parties at the current trailer. The current use was approved in 1982. Deaton read the VERY SKETCHY minutes on that. As the use was the same, but the building was an improvement, the board felt the duplex should be allowed. (This duplex- though two 3- bedroom units functions more like a dormitory) Hoog motioned and Ohlmansiek 2nd to approve per site plan (no additions). All ayes.
4. Front yard variance for Marvin Guss Sr on Market St in Center Township was approved per site plan. Hall motioned and Baker 2nd. All ayes.
Administrative:
Kaiser and Kroger of TEK Development complained about the lack of screening for Tedesco’s strip center and Shell gas near Sneakville Rd. Apparently Tedescos have not complied with all the requirements of their approval and over a year has elapsed regarding the screening and fence between them and the condos TEK is trying to market.
Legal proceedings are beginning this month.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Thursday, October 06, 2005
DCRSD Meeting Notes
DATE: October 6, 2005
Board members Present: Mike Hankins, Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman, David Entzweiler, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, Jerry Hacker, VRUC, others in audience.
(Note: Some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,939.28 in Seed Money Account and $76,014.03 in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account.
Variance:
The City of Aurora is preparing a variance to add sewage from Stewart Road and Cole Lane to the _______ (couldn’t hear) Street Lift Station. As soon as it is finished, the Mayor will sign and forward to the DCRSD (RSD) for submission to IDEM. Tom Quinn has already begun engineering for the work for Cole Lane and Stewart Street. LL will make sure all is in order. LL asked if the Board needed to extend the Contract time for Tom Quinn. Mr. Quinn does yet have his engineering license in Indiana. RSD will need to contact all affected parties and property owners. Plans and specifications should be ready November 1, 2005. Status of project is unsure since IDEM must approve all.
County Community Sewer Meeting Update:
No new information, met with Jim West, DCEDI, but, no discussion.
Meetings were being held with entities through out the County on a one on one basis. ( Note: no records of the meetings were indicated.) There is difficulty between VRUC and Greendale. Met with Mel Davis of Lawrenceburg regarding a new trunk line from Oberting Road to the Fair Grounds. There is a Letter of Understanding with VRUC to build the line. LL reviewed L of U. They will enter into a Contract with VRUC and SDRSD in the end to provide service. VRUC would not have to build a treatment plant. (Note: Why build a treatment plant or a new line when a line exists to Greendale? What will Greendale have to say?)
Jerry Hacker wanted to see a copy of the L of U. LL handed a copy to Mr. Hacker. They needed commitment from SDRSD and VRUC before they will undertake engineering. RSD is concerned about VRUCs inflow & infiltration (I & I problem). VRUC will need to fix or will face penalties. LL to e-mail a copy to Jeff Bittner. The Project is not in the District, RSD will need to amend the District.
Aurora Interceptor Line:
Fehrman talked to Aurora about their plan to run an interceptor to Conwell St. via US 50in lieu of by _____Run. Randy Turner was asked if SDRSD is ready to proceed and affirmed it was. Aurora is under a Order from IDEM and has a fine and schedule for correction of the Notice of Violation.
Combined sewer problem in down town will take up to 10 years to resolve. Aurora cannot handle any more sewage. Only an interceptor can help. The Aurora Utility Board is ‘broke’. RSD might consider cost sharing. RSD to try to obtain current engineering from Aurora. Aurora cannot unincorporate areas and give them back to the County. RSD might need written permission to share engineering. GRW had done some work previously. RD to talk to Randy Turner to coordinate. Phase I for Aurora should be about 15 months and cost approx. $3.5M. Aurora apparently cannot get the money. Lawrenceburg has $18M from gambling and is going to ‘cut out’ all others including the County.
Interceptor along Rt. 350:
There was discussion about an interceptor along Rt. 350 to handle continuous flow and cross the bridge . The work would need to be done during school shut down. ____ use gravity flow and possibly pick up Moores Hill IDEM wants a min. 8” Line, a 10” or 12’ line would be preferred. (Note: This is also outside the District.)
Without IDEM approval they cannot serve Highridge Estates. Highridge Estates may have to be condemned. (This was one of the avowed purposes of this District to solve the Highridge Estates problem.)
St. Leon:
Discussions were held with St. Leon, Frank Leoni, about SL’s ability to expand. They want to expand to handle a commercial area for development. A TIF area. SL is looking for help. A 325 acre area for Commercial development (approx. 0.5M gallon flow0 with industrial type treatment requirements.
____ gravity main on Rt. 46 (8”) does have capacity for growth.
Sawdon Ridge to be extended for future development____ .
IDEM as approved a Construction Permit for Grayhill Robbins (?) at 46 & 1 inside St. Leon. RSD wanted ability to review or appeal. There is another meeting____ to appeal this decision.. LL to talk to Lynne Newlon, IDEM.
RFQ:
Jordan Jones(?) is criticizing LL for not returning calls. LL refused to accept. Call should go to DE. RFQ was sent out to six firms to respond by October 15, 2005 (five will respond). If JJ(?) can’t understand, they probably can’t handle the work.
Letter of Understanding:
VRUC didn’t like paragraph 5 of L of U. LL to ____.
Meeting Adjourned.
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Board members Present: Mike Hankins, Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman, David Entzweiler, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, Jerry Hacker, VRUC, others in audience.
(Note: Some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,939.28 in Seed Money Account and $76,014.03 in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account.
Variance:
The City of Aurora is preparing a variance to add sewage from Stewart Road and Cole Lane to the _______ (couldn’t hear) Street Lift Station. As soon as it is finished, the Mayor will sign and forward to the DCRSD (RSD) for submission to IDEM. Tom Quinn has already begun engineering for the work for Cole Lane and Stewart Street. LL will make sure all is in order. LL asked if the Board needed to extend the Contract time for Tom Quinn. Mr. Quinn does yet have his engineering license in Indiana. RSD will need to contact all affected parties and property owners. Plans and specifications should be ready November 1, 2005. Status of project is unsure since IDEM must approve all.
County Community Sewer Meeting Update:
No new information, met with Jim West, DCEDI, but, no discussion.
Meetings were being held with entities through out the County on a one on one basis. ( Note: no records of the meetings were indicated.) There is difficulty between VRUC and Greendale. Met with Mel Davis of Lawrenceburg regarding a new trunk line from Oberting Road to the Fair Grounds. There is a Letter of Understanding with VRUC to build the line. LL reviewed L of U. They will enter into a Contract with VRUC and SDRSD in the end to provide service. VRUC would not have to build a treatment plant. (Note: Why build a treatment plant or a new line when a line exists to Greendale? What will Greendale have to say?)
Jerry Hacker wanted to see a copy of the L of U. LL handed a copy to Mr. Hacker. They needed commitment from SDRSD and VRUC before they will undertake engineering. RSD is concerned about VRUCs inflow & infiltration (I & I problem). VRUC will need to fix or will face penalties. LL to e-mail a copy to Jeff Bittner. The Project is not in the District, RSD will need to amend the District.
Aurora Interceptor Line:
Fehrman talked to Aurora about their plan to run an interceptor to Conwell St. via US 50in lieu of by _____Run. Randy Turner was asked if SDRSD is ready to proceed and affirmed it was. Aurora is under a Order from IDEM and has a fine and schedule for correction of the Notice of Violation.
Combined sewer problem in down town will take up to 10 years to resolve. Aurora cannot handle any more sewage. Only an interceptor can help. The Aurora Utility Board is ‘broke’. RSD might consider cost sharing. RSD to try to obtain current engineering from Aurora. Aurora cannot unincorporate areas and give them back to the County. RSD might need written permission to share engineering. GRW had done some work previously. RD to talk to Randy Turner to coordinate. Phase I for Aurora should be about 15 months and cost approx. $3.5M. Aurora apparently cannot get the money. Lawrenceburg has $18M from gambling and is going to ‘cut out’ all others including the County.
Interceptor along Rt. 350:
There was discussion about an interceptor along Rt. 350 to handle continuous flow and cross the bridge . The work would need to be done during school shut down. ____ use gravity flow and possibly pick up Moores Hill IDEM wants a min. 8” Line, a 10” or 12’ line would be preferred. (Note: This is also outside the District.)
Without IDEM approval they cannot serve Highridge Estates. Highridge Estates may have to be condemned. (This was one of the avowed purposes of this District to solve the Highridge Estates problem.)
St. Leon:
Discussions were held with St. Leon, Frank Leoni, about SL’s ability to expand. They want to expand to handle a commercial area for development. A TIF area. SL is looking for help. A 325 acre area for Commercial development (approx. 0.5M gallon flow0 with industrial type treatment requirements.
____ gravity main on Rt. 46 (8”) does have capacity for growth.
Sawdon Ridge to be extended for future development____ .
IDEM as approved a Construction Permit for Grayhill Robbins (?) at 46 & 1 inside St. Leon. RSD wanted ability to review or appeal. There is another meeting____ to appeal this decision.. LL to talk to Lynne Newlon, IDEM.
RFQ:
Jordan Jones(?) is criticizing LL for not returning calls. LL refused to accept. Call should go to DE. RFQ was sent out to six firms to respond by October 15, 2005 (five will respond). If JJ(?) can’t understand, they probably can’t handle the work.
Letter of Understanding:
VRUC didn’t like paragraph 5 of L of U. LL to ____.
Meeting Adjourned.
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
October2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
4 October2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator, and Ewbank, Attorney
Absent: Pickens, Auditor. Stephanie Disbro was subbing for Pickens.
1. Sawdon Ridge widening bids were opened and taken under advisement until the Oct 11 meeting. O’Mara bid $96,878.52 and Rohe bid $149,475.50. [NOTE: Bid numbers this far apart should be checked out- something in the specs might be a problem.]
2. Work Force One- tabled from the previous meeting was reopened and the paperwork signed. DL Ransom from Dillsboro is the business representative and Vera Benning is the Elected Official Contact.
3. Burns Road issues with signage at SR48 due to Carlee Acres subdivision were finalized. Tom Kent redid the signage per INDOT and MTCD (federal Manual for Traffic Control Devices) guidelines. Residents expressed concern over stopping at he top of the hill in bad weather times and would prefer a yield sign. Safety issues with the new subdivision however require the new stop signs.
4. Janet Luebbe of PAWS and Daryl Sears of Creative Shelter Architects (Montgomery Ohio) presented the drawings and plans for the proposed new animal shelter. PAWS would run fundraisers for the 17,00 sq ft $1.3-1.6 million project. Issues discussed included geothermal heating to lower costs and have a 5-year payback time and sewage issues. Animal Shelter Director- Cheryl Lohmiller noted they would need one more full timer by 2007 and some part time weekend help also. Fox was concerned with costs of utilities, etc and the taxpayer consequences if we are also building a new jail complex. There is about $100,000 in the county funds for the shelter use and $40,000 in PAWS account. Benning wanted to be sure they consulted Council as well. PAWS noted that they needed to see commissioner’s first- which was why they were there. Ewbank suggested they set up fundraising through the Dearborn County Foundation to avoid any potential improprieties and also to maximize donations from wills and bequests. Fundraising is starting in October. Commissioners took this under advisement until Oct 11 commissioners meeting.
5. Minutes and Claims- claims were signed except for Felling Hotel $8,000, Michelle ??? a public defender, and a Voyager Fleet card bill. Because the claims were around $4 million, Benning stated they needed to go through them carefully. [NOTE: Shouldn’t they ALWAYS go through them carefully?]
6. Messmore- Administrator- announced that the Transportation Steering Committee met and the PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE FINAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN is set for Oct 11 from 1-4 PM in the Commissioners meeting room. The plan then goes to OKI by the end of the year.
Residential and Commercial Focus groups meet for the future land use plan this month and the PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN WILL BE A WORKSHOP on NOV. 5th form 9 to 3 at Lawrenceburg High School.
Messmore stated that even though it was not on the agenda- they had met with AFLAC and Colonial insurance for the county health care supplement and wanted to move forward with Colonial. Commissioners approved that choice.
Travis Miller will come to the Oct 11 meeting to go thru the supplemental study to the US 50 Corridor study to focus on the land use portion. Council approved $400,000 with the stipulation that a site for a 2nd bridge across Tanner’s Creek be found within 3 months of the study being started. OKI will manage this study. The idea is to make the road and bridge plans coincide with land uses that exist and are planned. This was tabled until Travis Miller presents on Oct 11. [NOTE: INDOT has totally stalled on the US 50Corridor Study. It should be noted that the scope of work in the INDOT version falls far short of what is needed to do a comprehensive plan of US 50 and any bypasses or alternate routes. This is why the county is stepping in to assess the needs that INDOT won’t.]
6. Ewbank reported that Barnes and Thornburgh is proceeding through the court system with the federal lawsuit case against the county for the sign on Barber Road. No new tort claims.
7. Hughes wanted the county to put taxes on a website so that the office staff wouldn’t have so much time away from tasks. Residents could look up their own taxes online.
Messmore reported that GIS committee is working on this by assessing the needs of each office staring with the assessor so they can fix this comprehensively. The goal is to improve customer service via the Internet.
Stephanie Disbro is getting a list of all county appointed Boards and members together. Hughes wants resumes on file for people who want to be on these boards.
8. Fox discussed county road issues- he wanted to be sure that roads we have approved at a public meeting should be done. He doesn’t want the dollars going elsewhere. “We have to be people of our words…money should be locked up on these…HANDS OFF for other projects…the safety net has to be big enough to finish the projects.”
Hughes wants a turn lane at Stateline and HVL/Stephens road so as not to have cars stacked back to US 50 for Left turners. Todd Listerman reiterated the long term plans. Ewbank noted that Greendale controls Stateline to HVL. Davis said they are working with Greendale. The developer paid for the light- BUT NOT THE TURN LANE! [NOTE: How did THAT happen? Usually a development that changes traffic counts to that degree is required to help with the costs of improvements to the infrastructure.]
9. Benning reported Triple Whipple Bridge and INDOT meeting is on Oct 6. Records destruction committee will oversee the blueprint destruction from the Building Dept. at 11:30 on Oct 6 also.
Meeting adjourned 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator, and Ewbank, Attorney
Absent: Pickens, Auditor. Stephanie Disbro was subbing for Pickens.
1. Sawdon Ridge widening bids were opened and taken under advisement until the Oct 11 meeting. O’Mara bid $96,878.52 and Rohe bid $149,475.50. [NOTE: Bid numbers this far apart should be checked out- something in the specs might be a problem.]
2. Work Force One- tabled from the previous meeting was reopened and the paperwork signed. DL Ransom from Dillsboro is the business representative and Vera Benning is the Elected Official Contact.
3. Burns Road issues with signage at SR48 due to Carlee Acres subdivision were finalized. Tom Kent redid the signage per INDOT and MTCD (federal Manual for Traffic Control Devices) guidelines. Residents expressed concern over stopping at he top of the hill in bad weather times and would prefer a yield sign. Safety issues with the new subdivision however require the new stop signs.
4. Janet Luebbe of PAWS and Daryl Sears of Creative Shelter Architects (Montgomery Ohio) presented the drawings and plans for the proposed new animal shelter. PAWS would run fundraisers for the 17,00 sq ft $1.3-1.6 million project. Issues discussed included geothermal heating to lower costs and have a 5-year payback time and sewage issues. Animal Shelter Director- Cheryl Lohmiller noted they would need one more full timer by 2007 and some part time weekend help also. Fox was concerned with costs of utilities, etc and the taxpayer consequences if we are also building a new jail complex. There is about $100,000 in the county funds for the shelter use and $40,000 in PAWS account. Benning wanted to be sure they consulted Council as well. PAWS noted that they needed to see commissioner’s first- which was why they were there. Ewbank suggested they set up fundraising through the Dearborn County Foundation to avoid any potential improprieties and also to maximize donations from wills and bequests. Fundraising is starting in October. Commissioners took this under advisement until Oct 11 commissioners meeting.
5. Minutes and Claims- claims were signed except for Felling Hotel $8,000, Michelle ??? a public defender, and a Voyager Fleet card bill. Because the claims were around $4 million, Benning stated they needed to go through them carefully. [NOTE: Shouldn’t they ALWAYS go through them carefully?]
6. Messmore- Administrator- announced that the Transportation Steering Committee met and the PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE FINAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN is set for Oct 11 from 1-4 PM in the Commissioners meeting room. The plan then goes to OKI by the end of the year.
Residential and Commercial Focus groups meet for the future land use plan this month and the PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN WILL BE A WORKSHOP on NOV. 5th form 9 to 3 at Lawrenceburg High School.
Messmore stated that even though it was not on the agenda- they had met with AFLAC and Colonial insurance for the county health care supplement and wanted to move forward with Colonial. Commissioners approved that choice.
Travis Miller will come to the Oct 11 meeting to go thru the supplemental study to the US 50 Corridor study to focus on the land use portion. Council approved $400,000 with the stipulation that a site for a 2nd bridge across Tanner’s Creek be found within 3 months of the study being started. OKI will manage this study. The idea is to make the road and bridge plans coincide with land uses that exist and are planned. This was tabled until Travis Miller presents on Oct 11. [NOTE: INDOT has totally stalled on the US 50Corridor Study. It should be noted that the scope of work in the INDOT version falls far short of what is needed to do a comprehensive plan of US 50 and any bypasses or alternate routes. This is why the county is stepping in to assess the needs that INDOT won’t.]
6. Ewbank reported that Barnes and Thornburgh is proceeding through the court system with the federal lawsuit case against the county for the sign on Barber Road. No new tort claims.
7. Hughes wanted the county to put taxes on a website so that the office staff wouldn’t have so much time away from tasks. Residents could look up their own taxes online.
Messmore reported that GIS committee is working on this by assessing the needs of each office staring with the assessor so they can fix this comprehensively. The goal is to improve customer service via the Internet.
Stephanie Disbro is getting a list of all county appointed Boards and members together. Hughes wants resumes on file for people who want to be on these boards.
8. Fox discussed county road issues- he wanted to be sure that roads we have approved at a public meeting should be done. He doesn’t want the dollars going elsewhere. “We have to be people of our words…money should be locked up on these…HANDS OFF for other projects…the safety net has to be big enough to finish the projects.”
Hughes wants a turn lane at Stateline and HVL/Stephens road so as not to have cars stacked back to US 50 for Left turners. Todd Listerman reiterated the long term plans. Ewbank noted that Greendale controls Stateline to HVL. Davis said they are working with Greendale. The developer paid for the light- BUT NOT THE TURN LANE! [NOTE: How did THAT happen? Usually a development that changes traffic counts to that degree is required to help with the costs of improvements to the infrastructure.]
9. Benning reported Triple Whipple Bridge and INDOT meeting is on Oct 6. Records destruction committee will oversee the blueprint destruction from the Building Dept. at 11:30 on Oct 6 also.
Meeting adjourned 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
South Dearborn School Board Meeting - 10/03/05
1. Minutes Approved
2. Resolution unanimously approved to give Todd Bowers, South Dearborn Middle School Principal, power to act as an agent on behalf of South Dearborn Community School Corporation in small claims court for the purpose of suing parents who have not paid the book rental fees.
3. Resolution unanimously approved to give Tom Book, Superintendent of South Dearborn Community Schools, authority to reduce lines one and two of the budget at the Tax Board Hearing. (I believe lines one and two of the budget are Instruction Regular Programs and Instruction Special Programs...in other words they fund teacher salaries. In my opinion other areas of the budget should be trimmed...not any direct student services.)
4. Crystal Lewis was hired to a Drill Team position. Unanimously approved.
5. The proposal to hire Kristen Magic to a Drill Team position was unanimously tabled. The Board had concerns about her parents being listed as her only references. They also had concerns about her age. They wanted a more complete application and more information before approving her appointment.
6. It was proposed Seth Ketchum, the brother of current head football coach, be hired as the Freshman Basketball Coach, an assistant position to Coach Archer. Seth is currently serving as an assistant football coach.
Sue Cutter raised concerns that the same application used to hire him as a football assistant was presented for the Basketball Position. The board knows nothing of his basketball qualifications.
A motion was made to table the resolution to hire Seth Ketchum.
The point was made that conditioning for basketball has already started.
Terry Luhrsen pointed out that Head Coaches have been told to hire who they want.
The main problem with the hire was a matter of paperwork.
Gene Ferguson expressed his disapproval that Rob Morehead (SDHS Principal) and Foster Harris (SDHS Athletic Director) had sent a recommendation to hire this individual with incomplete paperwork.
Tom Book pointed out that practice in the past has been to use applications on file to assign lay coaches to other duties after their initial hire.
Karla Raab spoke in defense of the Principals stating they have been working under considerable hardship this year. They lost an assistant principal to an injury and they have also been dealing with the construction. (My opinion...short and long term disability insurance should be paying the injured principal. If the position is essential another individual should have been hired as an acting associate principal. This should not have had an impact on the corporation budget.)
Terry Luhrsen expressed his concern that failing to hire this individual would hurt the kids. He doesn’t want that to happen.
Daryl Cutter said the coach had previously been approved and it wasn’t necessary to approve him for this second position. (It is a different position. A different job. Since he has already been approved once perhaps he can also fill the position as a drill team instructor. The board knows even less about his basketball qualifications, than they knew about Ms. Magic’s Drill Team Qualifications. What they know is Mr. Archer wanted to hire Seth Ketchum and Mr. Reynolds wanted to hire Ms. Magic. Is this a double standard?)
Rodger Ullrich stated he didn’t recall ever bringing a coach back to the board to be re-approved. (I recall the board meeting they failed to extend the Basketball Coaching Contract of an individual with several boys on his team who wanted to speak in defense of their Coach. Wasn’t that bringing a coach back to the board to be re-approved?)
The motion to table failed and the board aloud the hire of Seth Ketchum as a Basketball Coach.
7. The motion to Pay vouchers was unanimously approved.
8. The Post Secondary Enrollment Policy recommended by the Indiana School Board’s Association was noted and board members were asked to review the policy for later approval. (This policy was not read aloud. Perhaps it should be. The public will be unaware of what policy the board has passed if they fail to share it with the public.)
9. Construction Report.
Pool was promised complete by October 1. There is water in the pool and it is being tested. The carpet and tile has been and is being cleaned. Construction work is still ongoing in the area. But it has been said the pool would be ready next week. (That is October 10.)
From the discussion regarding installation of glass it appears the Gymnasium will not be complete by the start of Basketball Season.
Verkler representative stated they have begun working with the Bonding Agency with regards to the Glazing Company. (Due to delays.)
Lurhsen insisted temporary glass be installed at no additional cost to the Corporation and the Gymnasium be ready by November 1st.
Lurhsen and Ferguson both expressed concern about Epoxy being applied in the building at this time. Individuals have told them it is making people sick.
Change Orders were briefly discussed, but costs were not shared with the public.
10. Drawings for Aurora Water Tower Easement with ingress and egress were supplied by Corporation Attorney Kim Smaltz. (Note she is also Aurora City Attorney.)
Resolution was unanimously passed to give Bob Rollins authority to execute the Mylar.
(This is the water tower that South Dearborn is contributing land and money to build. It will also raise Aurora Water Rates. This water tower will be in Hogan Township. Hogan has a water company too. What are the implications?)
11. Dearborn Community Foundation awarded a $750,000 Lilly Grant to help the three school corporations improve attendance and reduce drop out rate.
12. The Career Center has a promotional CD showcasing their programs. Mr. Book offered to allow board members to borrow it.
13. Enrollment report is complete. The ADM (Average Daily Membership...Kindergarten children are counted as 1/2 a student) is down by 62 1/2 students. This is a 2% drop from last year. It was noted last year there was a 50 student increase in the ADM from the year before.
Drops in enrollment at Moorse Hill and Aurora were noted. Also the graduation of a large class.
Daryl Cutter looked at drops in enrollment from last years freshmen class to this years sophomore class and etc. These drops were not large, but they were significant.
Both Daryl Cutter and Pat Rahe were concerned with the Drop Out Rate. Rahe wanted to know what reasons were being given in the exit interviews for the drop outs. Tom Book assumed the interviews were happening and the question was being asked, but he didn’t know the answer. (Reducing the Drop Out Rate was voted the number one priority of the board. Shouldn’t Mr. Book be exploring this?)
Karla Raab wants the Trimester Schedule revisited. The principals of the Middle and High Schools have been asked to bring information to the board about the trimester schedule. (Trimesters are very unpopular with many parents and some teachers. High School ISTEP scores continue to hover below average and so do SAT scores.)
Pat Rahe said we can do better with quality.
Karla Raab thinks a Gifted and Talented Instructor could bring students back to our schools. She wants the school to be best for all of the students. (In my opinion, One Gifted and Talented Instructor for 1,500 elementary school students can not solve this problem. Class size needs to be decreased in some grades and schools, And for part of the day, everyday, in each elementary school students need to be grouped with students of like ability to be instructed in Language Arts and Math at the appropriate level.)
Rahe wants our graduates better prepared to write. She spoke of a former student who thought she was well prepared for college level writing but found she was not.
Raab would like to see the formation of a school improvement group including citizens, teachers, administrators and board members.
Book dismissed the idea...saying it had already been done with public law 221.
Raab’s concern seemed to be more community involvement.
Gene Ferguson stated that he thinks that “overwhelmingly the community is pleased” with the quality of education South Dearborn is providing. His communication indicated that in our community the children are not capable of reaching that higher level.
Rahe expressed concerns about getting parents motivated to help their children. (In my opinion it is the school’s responsibility to provide a first class education for every child regardless of the level of parent cooperation, socioeconomic status or involvement.)
Lurhsen wanted to know what all day kindergarten would cost. Book said five teachers would need to be hired. Administrators acted as if the money couldn’t be found. Daryl Cutter said class size would have to go up in other areas. (They ignored the fact that the state does provide grants for full day kindergarten.)
Raab (a certified Kindergarten Teacher) said all day kindergarten is difficult for the age. (Several years ago the kindergarten teachers recommended a 5 1/2 hour extended kindergarten program. That is what our children need. They don’t need all day. Parents may need it for Day Care purposes, but children do not.)
Heller (administrative assistant to Book) talked about all day kindergarten providing more Art, Music and Socialization. (That is exactly was Kindergarten Students need. They already have too much ABC and 123. If our students are to succeed, we must be age appropriate.)
Bob Rollins (administrative assistant) said we need a little of all of these things...full day kindergarten, nurses in every building, and guidance councilors. But there is a difference between what we need and our ability to pay for it.
(Please don’t forget they just issued Bonds that sold at over 40 million dollars for a building project that adds no new programs and no new building capacity. The board approved budget has a $3.147 million increase in capital project funding and a $1.215 million increase in debt service funding. Before this building project South Dearborn already had more debt than 90 percent of Indiana Schools and 11 cents of every dollar spent per pupil was going towards debt service. The $4.362 million dollar increase in this years budget related to this building project could have gone a VERY LONG WAY to improve direct student services.)
14. Mr. Book told the Board the Wilson Center is an education service center that does much more than rent films and videos. It helps the school buy certain equipment and supplies at a discount.
15. Next Board Meeting November 7 will be help at 7:30 at Aurora Elementary School.
The public will be invited to share with the board what they would like done with Aurora Elementary School when the building is vacated.
Board members indicated many organizations want the building, but don’t want to pay for it. One board member actually was approached by someone who wanted to buy it.
(At the Tax Board Meeting in Indianapolis where the building project was given funding approval. A member of that Board stated the building must be offered to the township at no cost if it was acquired from the township at the time schools were consolidated.)
The board wants to make it known, there are “no done deals.”
(Prepared by Karen Loveland)
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