22 May 2006 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Patrick deMaynadier, Jane Ohlmansiek, Tarry Feiss, Nick Held, Mike Hall, Jeff Hughes, Robert Laws, and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Also Present: Arnie McGill, Attorney, Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, and Todd Listerman, County Engineer and Transportation Director
Register Publications covered this meeting.
Administrative Items covered first due to two PC members stepping down for the main business of the meeting to follow:
1. OKI draft versions of strategic policies and plans were covered in a meeting with McCormack, Feiss, Bryan Messmore, and OKI Copies in PC member’s packets.
2. Working session 7 PM Wed May 31 to discuss parent tract that commissioners sent back for changes, Regional sewer district, and St. Leon requiring some help with planning.
3. US 50 existing conditions draft and Gateway study documenting every access point on US 50 in the county is on INDOT site and PC website.
4. Enforcement officer will be selected in the next few days- references are being checked.
PROPOSED SR 48 DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRATES THAT MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL ZONING CLASSES MUST BE CREATED IN THE ORDINANCE JUST AS THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROPOSED
[NOTE: While the commissioners are pushing for changes in parent tract language in the zoning ordinance that would essentially allow for piecemeal development with potential drainage and infrastructure issues, the PC is being tied up discussing that instead of working on one of the main zoning ordinance changes proposed in the comprehensive plan. Perhaps multiple R zones need to be added to Wed May 31 agenda at the working session.]
OLD BUSINESS:
Zone change from Ag to R for single-family development on SR48 at 148 on 184.87b acres in Manchester Township. Applicant is Tom Kent- Owners have changed. They are now Boones, Craigs, Powells, and Busses. Rollins has dropped out.
FEISS AND HALL stepped down for this item due to possible conflicts of interest.
The room was full for this item- approximately 50-60 residents.
McCormack gave the overview of changes in the proposed development- the access is single now and will utilize a boulevard style entrance. The proposed 265 units have dropped to what the applicant states in less than 180 at 1.07 units per acre or .933 acres per unit. Street configuration internally is nearly the same. They reduced cul-de-sac to meet ordinance. Craig driveway can move at applicant expense or if not a variance for the entrance might be required. County engineer to give design possibilities to applicant for entrance. New adjoiners were notified due to redesign. Tech review was moved to May meeting, with historical b/u as the reason to allow.
Tom Kent presented two main ideas that MUST happen for his “moderate density” plan to work:
1. The boulevard style entrance has to be approved- with essentially two lanes in and two out.
2. Clustering for part of the development to allow for 3 different products leading to more buffer and more greenspace.
He provided an updated traffic study and also was clear that he wasn’t proposing 180 single acre lots- but a sum total of moderate density as the ENTIRE project is considered.
DeMaynadier asked for Kent’s definition of moderate density. Book says 1-3 acres. Kent said closer to the 1 acre.
DeMaynadier- said that was just on the other side of the line for high-density parameters. He also asked if the purchase of the land was contingent on the proposal being accepted. Kent affirmed that was the case. DeMaynadier noted that the purchase price COULD be changed to reflect whatever the potential for development allowed.
Kent said he planned a homeowners association to handle the ballfields, but there would be no pool in this design. Greenspace and buffers would be handled by covenants on larger exterior lots rather than by HOA. Busse and Kent will share fencing as per township rules. More buffering would be put in some areas with white pines – double rows.
Kent wants to offer a mix of affordable and higher priced homes. Affordable as defined in the comp plan.
Listerman noted that the boulevard was the minimum requirement for a single entrance on this plan. Right turn lanes will be determined at primary approval stage. He also discussed the site distance options with the Craig driveway.
At 8 PM Public input began.
Chet Wolgamot- first Kent said 260 weren’t feasible- now he’s saying 165. We won’t know what’s really feasible… Right now we’re skating on the edge of moderate density.
There needs to be a buffer between rural residential and this contrasting development. Why buffer so much against the farm fields? Do we worry more about field mice than about existing homes? (Mitter stopped him at this point to remind him not to make a joke of the board. Wolgamot apologized for the emotional response. Mitter explained that farm uses were often incompatible with residential- that’s why the farm buffer was important.)
Wolgamot acknowledged that we need R even if doesn’t pay for itself. He went on to say that quality of life in their area will be degraded by this density- “we are not Bright or HVL.” This development would be a toehold so that the next farm sells and so on and we become another Bright. Developers can maximize THEIR profit in this “affordable” price range. The PC has to allow for development that benefits the county. We showed at the last meeting 170 homes available in this price range here. There are 23 home on 5-20 acres around this The average lot size is well above 3 acres.
Current conditions and character- How can this be in character with existing homes?
Most desirable use for the land- This is a new toehold of a new era different from anything along SR48 corridor.
Conservation of property values throughout the jurisdiction- My value will go down because of this. We have 500 people (petition) who understand this concept of value- we hope you do too!
Responsible development- Why allow more and moor minimum value homes that are not needed- is that responsible. Think of how hard people worked going door to door to get 500 signatures- this should give you some idea of how we feel.
We feel better about these changes coming in. We didn’t come here to be patted on the back about our good presentation like last time- we want to be heard! “We need rich people too.”
"This board approved a zone change in Bright (Maxwell’s Hidden Acres on Sneakville) and I went to my first commissioner meeting." The Bright Fire Dept and EMS were turned down – because we have no money- they were given a letter of support to get the money elsewhere. AND IN THE NEXT BREATH they added 300 more homes! (by approving the zone change)
Mitter encouraged Chet Wolgamot to present the rest of his ideas, but Wolgamot thought they might be more emotion than fact. He senses an atmosphere of indifference in the politicians. He did add that we just had a primary election and changed commissioner candidates. He said that if 300 Bright people and 500 in this area don’t like an idea, then something is wrong!
Mitter noted it was frustrating on the PC side of the table too.
Patrick deMaynadier explained the judicial nature of the PC – where they consider facts and the POLITICAL nature of commissioners where the petitions have more effect. Commissioners can look at petitions as a reason to accept or deny. PC cannot.Mitter noted that PC goes to great lengths to listen.
Irwin Diehl- Said he wasn’t active politically for a long time but he is AWAKE now. He has the impression that the county commissioners are not as open as they could be- agendas are not done a week in advance and yet citizens have to sign up a week ahead if they wish to speak on and issue- a catch 22 situation.
Mitter commented that he was on the other side 10-11 years ago and was told by the PC to shut up and sit down. So he got involved, went to the extreme, and ran for office even- “What was I thinking?” (Laughter)
Diehl thanked Kent for the changes so far. He doesn’t like the density being in the front along his and Wolgamot’s and Horizon Way properties. He still thinks there is not adequate transition between these property uses.
Dennis Sparks- lives near the Y- has 3 kids- this would at least double the enrollment at Manchester elementary. Most people move out here to live in a rural environment. You can’t compare Bright to Manchester.
The sewer line has to go back to near Ludlow Hill Park and bring a new or larger one out.
Dorothy Watkins- Horizon Way – We live on 11 acres of AG zoned land. What buffer do we have? (She wasn’t notified due to assessor’s office address errors.) This cul-de-sac is right up against my Ag land. She also wanted shorter meetings. Mitter commented that they are trying to hear everyone- “this is an endurance test.” (Laughter)
Brian Groh- read a prepared statement including these comments: People had to take time from their family and jobs to be here. People are shocked by the disrespect to the community. There are many people who agree- thousands went to the polls to vote for Ralph Thompson. People are ANGRY- there seems to be no reasonable limits, they have to take time away from busy lives to take care of this, and they are connected as never before, by email and Internet now! Do you respect the citizens enough to listen to what we are saying?
Carrie Baylor – Horizon Way- These homes here are $300,000 and up. 14 homes adjacent to this are on 5-10 acres. How can this possibly meet criteria #4 for a zone change? (property values)
Tom Kent is asking you to approve a vision- not a plan. If you are judicial as Patrick said- how can you decide on a vision? My neighbors have horses. The sewer letter says they are SEEKING TO PROVIDE- it is NOT there yet! I liked 2 entrances- now we are back to one and no definition of it- a very rubbery understanding.
YOU CAN’T MEET YOUR OWN CRITERIA FOR A ZONE MAP CHANGE!
At 9 PM Public comment ended.
Kent spoke about leadership creating a comp plan and protecting the rural look. He said that means we will leave some untouched and take other land. 500 petitions are one thing. 48,000 people in this county have spoken through the comp plan.
He plans green space and apologized to some of the residents he hadn’t spoken to yet.
“If we have criteria that we have to MATCH the area beside us, then why have a comp plan?” He believes that moderate density is in the 3 subdivisions around this.
Mitter asked about buffering the Watkins property. Kent showed a ravine there and said no building would occur between about 200-300 ft of that property line.
A discussion occurred on tax parcels vs. lot divisions. Wolgamot finally explained how the small parcels on one owner’s land occurred due to section lines and taxing rules.
Mitter noted this has to be decided on the worst-case scenario- because there is no concept plan submitted.
Plan commission members discussed:
De Maynadier- With no concept plan-= we have to use worst-case scenario.
In reference to the tax lot thing- zone requirement doesn’t say current LOT size the code says “current buildings and structures.”- so tax lot sizes are not a deciding factor.
I’m not averse to R- but density IS an issue here.
Tom Kent is a good businessman- if we decide X lots, then he will only pay Y price for this land.
Cluster would work here- but it depends on how much is in the cluster.
Boulevard entrance is a good OPTION.
I see 60-90 units maybe here.
I don’t see this plan as being that different from the first one.
Hughes – With Ag vs. R- I think this should be R.
Law- I wish the lots were in the plan- with no plan- I have problems with that. Likes the boulevard solution for two entrances and thinks this should be R.
Ohlmansiek- In the master plan we showed this are as potentially for growth and R. I like clusters and greenspace. I wish we had lot sizes on this map! I don’t have an actual number in my mind- I’d like to see a picture of it.
Held- Would be appropriate for R here with clusters, greenspace and buffers. Density issue.
Kraus, Jr. – Comp plan says where infrastructure is in place. This is on a state road. Relatively close to Aurora and Law-bg. We’re not compromising the residential of the county- it’s not like it’s on West County Line.
DeMaynadier noted three options- Favorable- if we can add written commitments or qualifications, Unfavorable, or Unfav and send a signal to come back with a design.
Mitter- It doesn’t meet criteria #2 for current conditions and character and it doesn’t meet #4 for conservation of property values. This must be viewed by ordinance in the worst light (because of no concept plan submission)
If we do R they can have carte blanche to do anything that R allows in the ordinance – apt’s and condos even. The topography is not conducive to all of R. This is not responsible growth and development to do just R.
Following this there were 5 or more attempts to get unfavorable (4-3 vote- 3 nays to UNFAVORABLE were Laws, Hughes, Kraus, Jr.)
It takes 5 to have a majority of the board (total of 9 members)Favorable with 60 units max- failed also due to lack of 2nd.
Favorable with no restrictions failed
UNFAVORABLE and adding sewer line unavailability failed also.
Board was deadlocked and so the matter proceeds to the commissioners with NO RECOMMENDATION.
[NOTE: At no time in this did Kent ask to have this tabled so he could draw up a concept plan. This indicates that he is comfortable going to the commissioners with whatever recommendation he got- even none. There is only one reason that would be the case – if the Commissioners plan to pass it. Potentially, it would seem that there is ample evidence in the record of this meeting that if the commissioners do not specify I fairly low density in their approval, the residents would have cause to seek legal remedy.
It would also seem that if and when Kent returns for primary approval, he could demonstrate an understanding of the surrounding parcels by drawing a plan that truly enhances that community and doesn’t detract from it.]
Meeting adjourned 10:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
18 May 2006 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Meeting Notes
18 May 2006 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Meeting Notes
Present: Hankins, Chairman, Maxwell, Enzweiler, Holland, Pruss, and Fehrman.
Absent: Dennerline
Also present: Lehner, Attorney, Quinn, Engineer, Baer, Health Dept., Messmore, Cty Adm.
Audience included: Tom Kent, Vera Benning, Mr. Z (Starlight Reception Center), Bob Hrezo, Jim West, and Jerry Jacobsen.
Special Requests:
Board went over Peter Ellis, O’Brien Engineering update on Chateau Pomije- trying to extend their pump and haul permit until the sewer access can occur.
Bob Hrezo passed out his detailed portfolio of projects, experience, and credentials of the Hrezo Engineering staff. He asked to be considered for future engineering work and stated he “didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes”, but wanted the board to know that Hrezo Engineering was available to do work on their sewer projects.
Mr. Z- Starlight Reception center- presented his request that the board consider going to Dillsboro for sewer as they have current capacity to p/u about 100 people between him and their lines. He had met with Scott Fortner. Maxwell and Hankins both talked about their meeting with Fortner also and the I&I concerns if they went thru town. Going out west required 3-4 miles more of pipe. They also said Dillsboro had higher sewer bills. R. Z thought there would be decreases as more came on due to higher volume and economy of scale. They will have more info by next meeting.
Old Business:
SDRSD gave then a favorable recommendation and that letter is being presented to Council on Tues when they ask for money.
Stewart St and Cole Lane have 5 contractors bidding to be opened at June 6 meeting. Enzweiler stressed getting ins to cover after construction liabilities if flooding or back-ups occur. Baer to talk to agent at Seitz about this. Lehner said the county engineer said he wasn’t comfortable inspecting the project [NOTE: Wouldn’t this would be outside his job description and add duties to an already full plate?] She also asked Hrezo if Chad Kramer was on his staff and could he inspect? Hrezo said yes and that he could also do it. Hrezo to give them a price on about 2 hours a day.
Some easements needed on Cole Lane because ROW is not big enough. Maxwell informed them that Cty Eng. keeps current records on ROW widths. Unsure about WHO will obtain the easements from discussion.
[NOTE: This project is ready to start- and they don’t have this ready?]
Hankins- Letter to residents in draft form is in packet advising them of bid process and being unsure about fees.
Quinn passed out colored maps of the Aurora interceptor options. Wanted to open cut to save $$s. Creek crossing issues exist- open cuts saving $1.5 mil estimated. ( Environmental impacts?)
Quinn to redraw avoiding creek crossing. Maxwell stated (stressed) that he needs to meet with GRW- there ought to be a discussion with them first. Quinn noted GRW’s pump station had excluded everything we’d bring down US 50. [NOTE: Hence Maxwell stressing GRW involvement in this design and decision. It would be fruitless to work at cross-purposes.]
St. Leon Meeting- Hankins discussed Serenity Ridge crossing LMH territory- so DCRSD will bring feeder to St. Leon for 6-7 homes with no septic sites, that can’t be built yet.
[NOTE: This was a known problem when that sub’n was approved years ago. How did the lots get sold?]
Lisa Lehner to work with John Watson on an interlocal agreement for sewage transport. They need it for activity on SR52. Lehner said that Watson and she agreed to settle on territory to be covered. They will draw lines on maps to show current area and beyond that we will transport to St. Leon.
Hankins note St. Leon does NOT want DCRSD to have equity in the plant, but would allow us to participate in the board of directors. “They see us as a great big guy putting his arms around the little guy and squeezing…”
Enzweiler- we need to stay out of there and let them fund capacity- we pay tap ins and they make money off us. The agreement just has to make sure we have a guaranteed capacity.
Hankins- we don’t want to get in a bidding war with private entities over capacities.
Fehrman- thinks the cty needs some ownership interest in St. Leon – maybe even a plant across the street. Would we have a say in fees or capacity?
Enzweiler- What about DCRSD- we have a big chunk of money invested- we need to concentrate on the bulk coming to SDRSD.
Lehner- we have a lot of debt? Hankins thought $4-5 mil with St. Leon.
Baer asked if Rosewood property was in the county- Yes. They need to keep that in mind with negotiating territories. [NOTE: SD Schools paid approximated half a million for a larger line out that way. Reference school finance officer]
NEW BUSINESS:
Much discussion on setting tap fee- cty range is $360-$4,000. $500 talked about- no decision. Quinn noted MSD in Cincinnati- used $3,000 for NEW homes and less for existing houses. Figuring new homes bear the cost of line extensions and capacity increases required.
Staff will be taking over part of break room downstairs for about 18 months till office space is created.
Maxwell and Hankins - Need to look at Woolpert draft as homework to be sure lines are accurate etc. Maxwell questioned some of the lines. Stays as draft until review.
Fehrman said Aurora was looking to partner with DCRSD- they have no debt now- but are about to incur $3 mil in next few months. Lehner said law on regional sewer districts gives them a lot of flexibility.
Holland will rep the DCRSD at the Moores Hill meeting.
Still having problems with the Rural Development grant and GRW’s apparent lack of info on the filings. [NOTE: This grant may have more problems because of the larger area they took in originally. The income guidelines changed as developers jumped in faster and property got bought for Ameritech etc. An experienced grant writer may be able to quickly ascertain the viability of this grant now.]
Meeting adjourned 8:40 PM
After the meeting I requested a copy of the claims and budget information from the inception of the district to the present time from Doug Baer. When claims are paid at meetings it is often hard to hear and unclear as to what is being paid. Baer has it in Excel format and will email.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Hankins, Chairman, Maxwell, Enzweiler, Holland, Pruss, and Fehrman.
Absent: Dennerline
Also present: Lehner, Attorney, Quinn, Engineer, Baer, Health Dept., Messmore, Cty Adm.
Audience included: Tom Kent, Vera Benning, Mr. Z (Starlight Reception Center), Bob Hrezo, Jim West, and Jerry Jacobsen.
Special Requests:
Board went over Peter Ellis, O’Brien Engineering update on Chateau Pomije- trying to extend their pump and haul permit until the sewer access can occur.
Bob Hrezo passed out his detailed portfolio of projects, experience, and credentials of the Hrezo Engineering staff. He asked to be considered for future engineering work and stated he “didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes”, but wanted the board to know that Hrezo Engineering was available to do work on their sewer projects.
Mr. Z- Starlight Reception center- presented his request that the board consider going to Dillsboro for sewer as they have current capacity to p/u about 100 people between him and their lines. He had met with Scott Fortner. Maxwell and Hankins both talked about their meeting with Fortner also and the I&I concerns if they went thru town. Going out west required 3-4 miles more of pipe. They also said Dillsboro had higher sewer bills. R. Z thought there would be decreases as more came on due to higher volume and economy of scale. They will have more info by next meeting.
Old Business:
SDRSD gave then a favorable recommendation and that letter is being presented to Council on Tues when they ask for money.
Stewart St and Cole Lane have 5 contractors bidding to be opened at June 6 meeting. Enzweiler stressed getting ins to cover after construction liabilities if flooding or back-ups occur. Baer to talk to agent at Seitz about this. Lehner said the county engineer said he wasn’t comfortable inspecting the project [NOTE: Wouldn’t this would be outside his job description and add duties to an already full plate?] She also asked Hrezo if Chad Kramer was on his staff and could he inspect? Hrezo said yes and that he could also do it. Hrezo to give them a price on about 2 hours a day.
Some easements needed on Cole Lane because ROW is not big enough. Maxwell informed them that Cty Eng. keeps current records on ROW widths. Unsure about WHO will obtain the easements from discussion.
[NOTE: This project is ready to start- and they don’t have this ready?]
Hankins- Letter to residents in draft form is in packet advising them of bid process and being unsure about fees.
Quinn passed out colored maps of the Aurora interceptor options. Wanted to open cut to save $$s. Creek crossing issues exist- open cuts saving $1.5 mil estimated. ( Environmental impacts?)
Quinn to redraw avoiding creek crossing. Maxwell stated (stressed) that he needs to meet with GRW- there ought to be a discussion with them first. Quinn noted GRW’s pump station had excluded everything we’d bring down US 50. [NOTE: Hence Maxwell stressing GRW involvement in this design and decision. It would be fruitless to work at cross-purposes.]
St. Leon Meeting- Hankins discussed Serenity Ridge crossing LMH territory- so DCRSD will bring feeder to St. Leon for 6-7 homes with no septic sites, that can’t be built yet.
[NOTE: This was a known problem when that sub’n was approved years ago. How did the lots get sold?]
Lisa Lehner to work with John Watson on an interlocal agreement for sewage transport. They need it for activity on SR52. Lehner said that Watson and she agreed to settle on territory to be covered. They will draw lines on maps to show current area and beyond that we will transport to St. Leon.
Hankins note St. Leon does NOT want DCRSD to have equity in the plant, but would allow us to participate in the board of directors. “They see us as a great big guy putting his arms around the little guy and squeezing…”
Enzweiler- we need to stay out of there and let them fund capacity- we pay tap ins and they make money off us. The agreement just has to make sure we have a guaranteed capacity.
Hankins- we don’t want to get in a bidding war with private entities over capacities.
Fehrman- thinks the cty needs some ownership interest in St. Leon – maybe even a plant across the street. Would we have a say in fees or capacity?
Enzweiler- What about DCRSD- we have a big chunk of money invested- we need to concentrate on the bulk coming to SDRSD.
Lehner- we have a lot of debt? Hankins thought $4-5 mil with St. Leon.
Baer asked if Rosewood property was in the county- Yes. They need to keep that in mind with negotiating territories. [NOTE: SD Schools paid approximated half a million for a larger line out that way. Reference school finance officer]
NEW BUSINESS:
Much discussion on setting tap fee- cty range is $360-$4,000. $500 talked about- no decision. Quinn noted MSD in Cincinnati- used $3,000 for NEW homes and less for existing houses. Figuring new homes bear the cost of line extensions and capacity increases required.
Staff will be taking over part of break room downstairs for about 18 months till office space is created.
Maxwell and Hankins - Need to look at Woolpert draft as homework to be sure lines are accurate etc. Maxwell questioned some of the lines. Stays as draft until review.
Fehrman said Aurora was looking to partner with DCRSD- they have no debt now- but are about to incur $3 mil in next few months. Lehner said law on regional sewer districts gives them a lot of flexibility.
Holland will rep the DCRSD at the Moores Hill meeting.
Still having problems with the Rural Development grant and GRW’s apparent lack of info on the filings. [NOTE: This grant may have more problems because of the larger area they took in originally. The income guidelines changed as developers jumped in faster and property got bought for Ameritech etc. An experienced grant writer may be able to quickly ascertain the viability of this grant now.]
Meeting adjourned 8:40 PM
After the meeting I requested a copy of the claims and budget information from the inception of the district to the present time from Doug Baer. When claims are paid at meetings it is often hard to hear and unclear as to what is being paid. Baer has it in Excel format and will email.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Sun Valley Acres at SR48/SR148
Planning Commission Meeting
Dearborn County Courthouse Annex
Monday, May 22nd, 2006, 7:00pm
This Monday evening, Tom Kent will be re-presenting his modified development proposal for a high density subdivision in the SR48/SR148 junction area in an effort to obtain a favorable recommendation for a zoning change to the properties involved. Citizens interested in learning more about this development or who may wish to express their concerns should same should plan on attending.
Chet Wolgamot
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
16 May 2006 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
16 May 2006 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Hughes (became new president at this meeting), Benning, and Fox
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, Ewbank, Attorney, and Messmore, Administrator
A county officer was also present.
Preceding this meeting (at 5:30 PM) was a continuation of Friday’s special meeting regarding Mike Davis’s appeal regarding his resignation under duress. Benning presided, as she was technically still president at this. He had also questioned whether they could eliminate a highway supervisor position. Ewbank’s research citing IC code 8.17.3.1[Note: I think this is the number he stated- the sound system was acting up again] and he also mentioned other cases allowing counties to combine the duties of engineer and supervisor. Commissioner’s decided to deny the appeal. Fox stated the duress did not come from them nor did the idea of someone filling the highway supervisor position. Benning abstained and requested that the record show that. She did not state WHY she abstained.
Regular meeting:
Commissioners reorganized naming Hughes President due to Benning’s resignation as president. They also named Fox to the Redevelopment Commission replacing Benning on that. Next redevelopment commission meeting is at 9AM May 22 in the Chamber of Commerce offices on Walnut Street.
Hughes yielded time to Joan Seitz, assessor to get appointees to the PTABOA (Property Tax assessment Board of Appeals). Bill Hartwell a farmer from Moores Hill and Benning were suggested by Fox and appointed.
Craig Beckley presented Greg Gavin as the bid winner (though his bid was the midpoint- they felt he met other criteria needed) for the migrant housing project on Beiersdorfer’s Orchard. Cost $197,000. Commissioners approved after questioning pricing differences.
Greg Mathina Bright Fire Chief and Steve Callahan EMS gave a detailed report and requested commissioners support to obtain more funding from Riverboat revenues via Lawrenceburg Bond bank for their expanding needs. Basically they are attempting to step up service by having volunteers stay at the station for $5/hour to decrease response times. They have 75 volunteers and it takes average of about 7 min to get to firehouse and another 8 on average to get to scene. Renovation of the central firehouse to house bunks and a kitchen and showers is needed. They are looking for $1.5 million. Fox said they have no money. Pickens noted that Bright could use their organization under the townships to obtain funding, even though they are unincorporated. Benning said Randy at Ivy Tech could help them with grant funding requests. Commissioners approved Messmore writing an endorsement letter for them and working with them to obtain funding. [NOTE: This entire presentation underscores a problem with overdeveloping Bright. Their population is enough now that they probably should be considering paid staffing of EMS and fire. A second issue is fire hydrants. Drive through Bright- even on the main roads- and see how many hydrants you can count. Then check out the big subdivisions. The answer may surprise you.]
Greg Platt yielded their time on Dutch Hollow Road and agreed to meet with Fox and Todd Listerman to discuss their requests for road improvements. [NOTE: Frank Linkmeyer, a local developer, was sitting with the Dutch Hollow spokesperson (Platt). Shouldn’t these road requests be public knowledge?]
Hidden Acres Subdivision – A citizen group spoke at length reiterating their arguments against a zone change for Maxwell’s development. See notes from Plan commission in April earlier on this blog site for those details. The power point presentation highlighted drainage issues and safety issues with all road accesses. They also noted the school issues with redistricting elementary schools and also the fire EMS presentation earlier in the evening.
Plan commission forwarded this with a favorable recommendation, but requested that they NOT use any of the optional accesses.
Fox stated he’d been out there and thoroughly concurred with the Renck Court Access issues among others.
Maxwell was questioned regarding Renck, the curve access designs, and Grubbs widening. Maxwell stated also (regarding these issues and DRAINAGE ISSUES from Tucker’s previous development)- “IF WE CAN IMPROVE EXISTING CONDITIONS WE WILL DO THAT.”
[NOTE: Problems have been accumulating from old developments. Purely as a function of numbers, there have been traffic and safety issues. Renck COURT residents have an expectation that their road is a cul de sac and shouldn’t be a through street. What needs to be considered however is that this subdivision had numerous potential connections to allow an inner flow of traffic in the Bright area. Nearly all of these were considered to be inadequate by the PC. Randy Maxwell at previous meetings has stressed connectivity. He is right to pursue this goal- because the actual quality of life in the long run- once the area is built out - will be better with connections than with just feeders to the main streets. The PC and Highway Dept. needs to take a long look at the total LOCAL street network in the county and determine how to fix these inadequacies as they schedule paving and widening projects. Something is seriously wrong when a development has that many connections denied.]
Benning thought the issues were well covered. She motioned to uphold the favorable recommendation and approve the zone change reading each of the 5 criteria for zone change but not stating how each was fulfilled. Fox 2nd. Approved.
Text changes to the zoning codes:
The parent tract language was changed to eliminate the 1989 historical starting point references. Minor subdivisions were to have a 2-year period for each division. The commissioners sent both of these items BACK TO THE PC for consideration so that the wait period would be 1 year. They will use a draft form of the minutes drawn up by Messmore to speed up the process and not wait for officially signed minutes for the PC to reconsider the request.
Benning wanted to know why the commissioners couldn’t just do it themselves. Ewbank explained that the state code requires this procedure.
[NOTE: The ramifications of changes in zoning codes require a far more thorough discussion and professional input than commissioners alone could provide. The county planner and staff, the tech review board professionals, and the PC all weigh in as well as citizen input at the PC hearing. The state code is a PROTECTION. It forces an examination of the repercussions of each change.]
Commissioners did approve the 2nd change in zone code to allow surveyors to comply with the need for 100 ft of surrounding property buildings to be noted on their plans for developments without having to use field surveys if the GIS and aerials can locate the buildings accurately. This was to eliminate trespass issues that occur at times.
Todd Listerman- Transportation Dept.-
Annual report prepared by Kin for SBOA was signed.
Paving pricing was approved at a higher amount to account for pricing increases in his request to council. It will be at $42.50 per ton vs. $31 a year ago. Total is $950,000 for a cushion. If prices get worse, then roads will be dropped from the paving list till next year.
[NOTE: Doesn’t putting pricing out like this encourage higher bids?]
2006 Line striping will be 1 coat and annually on roads with >1000ADT. The list was given to commissioners and approved.
Vogelsang Road is completed to cul de sac and gate removed.
Counter was completed on Dutch Hollow also.
Cary Pickens- auditor- presented claims.
No minutes as preparer had surgery.
GFC Contract was signed for $7,000 to prepare budget books.
Moores Hill EMS standard contract signed.
Bryan Messmore-
June agendas will not be on line due to Stephanie’s planned sick time in June. He has not mastered the process of uploading them to the site yet.
Commissioners approved getting the RFQ’s for the EMA building remodeling. He may lease some space from the old IVY tech in the mean time for a couple offices.
Jeff Hughes will sit in on Finance Interviews for 4 hours. This is to select someone to go over the financial status of the county????
Insurance review company needs another $15,000 and still doesn’t have a review of health ins needs in that package yet. Ewbank stressed that they get that done also.
Total cost so far is $30,000 to review Workers Comp, property and liability insurance. [Note: This better be saving a lot of money to justify this expenditure… This is not the first time these have been reviewed.]
Benning read a series of letters she’d received to be sure commissioners had seen them.
IN Housing and Community Dev. Authority found no errors.
Chamber has the Redevelopment Commission Meeting at 9 AM at their office on Walnut on May 22
Dept. of Labor Wage hearings copy to be inserted in minutes.
Highway Dept not responsible for road kill unless it’s a health or safety hazard. If it’s rural they leave it for nature to take its course.
Insurance company safety training- gave high marks to county workers with reflective clothing and enclosed a video of their assessment.
May 18 from 9-12 GIS event to look at regional sharing of materials.
Comcast Cable letter verifying their current status with the county
IDEM sewer permits letter- no details….
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Hughes (became new president at this meeting), Benning, and Fox
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, Ewbank, Attorney, and Messmore, Administrator
A county officer was also present.
Preceding this meeting (at 5:30 PM) was a continuation of Friday’s special meeting regarding Mike Davis’s appeal regarding his resignation under duress. Benning presided, as she was technically still president at this. He had also questioned whether they could eliminate a highway supervisor position. Ewbank’s research citing IC code 8.17.3.1[Note: I think this is the number he stated- the sound system was acting up again] and he also mentioned other cases allowing counties to combine the duties of engineer and supervisor. Commissioner’s decided to deny the appeal. Fox stated the duress did not come from them nor did the idea of someone filling the highway supervisor position. Benning abstained and requested that the record show that. She did not state WHY she abstained.
Regular meeting:
Commissioners reorganized naming Hughes President due to Benning’s resignation as president. They also named Fox to the Redevelopment Commission replacing Benning on that. Next redevelopment commission meeting is at 9AM May 22 in the Chamber of Commerce offices on Walnut Street.
Hughes yielded time to Joan Seitz, assessor to get appointees to the PTABOA (Property Tax assessment Board of Appeals). Bill Hartwell a farmer from Moores Hill and Benning were suggested by Fox and appointed.
Craig Beckley presented Greg Gavin as the bid winner (though his bid was the midpoint- they felt he met other criteria needed) for the migrant housing project on Beiersdorfer’s Orchard. Cost $197,000. Commissioners approved after questioning pricing differences.
Greg Mathina Bright Fire Chief and Steve Callahan EMS gave a detailed report and requested commissioners support to obtain more funding from Riverboat revenues via Lawrenceburg Bond bank for their expanding needs. Basically they are attempting to step up service by having volunteers stay at the station for $5/hour to decrease response times. They have 75 volunteers and it takes average of about 7 min to get to firehouse and another 8 on average to get to scene. Renovation of the central firehouse to house bunks and a kitchen and showers is needed. They are looking for $1.5 million. Fox said they have no money. Pickens noted that Bright could use their organization under the townships to obtain funding, even though they are unincorporated. Benning said Randy at Ivy Tech could help them with grant funding requests. Commissioners approved Messmore writing an endorsement letter for them and working with them to obtain funding. [NOTE: This entire presentation underscores a problem with overdeveloping Bright. Their population is enough now that they probably should be considering paid staffing of EMS and fire. A second issue is fire hydrants. Drive through Bright- even on the main roads- and see how many hydrants you can count. Then check out the big subdivisions. The answer may surprise you.]
Greg Platt yielded their time on Dutch Hollow Road and agreed to meet with Fox and Todd Listerman to discuss their requests for road improvements. [NOTE: Frank Linkmeyer, a local developer, was sitting with the Dutch Hollow spokesperson (Platt). Shouldn’t these road requests be public knowledge?]
Hidden Acres Subdivision – A citizen group spoke at length reiterating their arguments against a zone change for Maxwell’s development. See notes from Plan commission in April earlier on this blog site for those details. The power point presentation highlighted drainage issues and safety issues with all road accesses. They also noted the school issues with redistricting elementary schools and also the fire EMS presentation earlier in the evening.
Plan commission forwarded this with a favorable recommendation, but requested that they NOT use any of the optional accesses.
Fox stated he’d been out there and thoroughly concurred with the Renck Court Access issues among others.
Maxwell was questioned regarding Renck, the curve access designs, and Grubbs widening. Maxwell stated also (regarding these issues and DRAINAGE ISSUES from Tucker’s previous development)- “IF WE CAN IMPROVE EXISTING CONDITIONS WE WILL DO THAT.”
[NOTE: Problems have been accumulating from old developments. Purely as a function of numbers, there have been traffic and safety issues. Renck COURT residents have an expectation that their road is a cul de sac and shouldn’t be a through street. What needs to be considered however is that this subdivision had numerous potential connections to allow an inner flow of traffic in the Bright area. Nearly all of these were considered to be inadequate by the PC. Randy Maxwell at previous meetings has stressed connectivity. He is right to pursue this goal- because the actual quality of life in the long run- once the area is built out - will be better with connections than with just feeders to the main streets. The PC and Highway Dept. needs to take a long look at the total LOCAL street network in the county and determine how to fix these inadequacies as they schedule paving and widening projects. Something is seriously wrong when a development has that many connections denied.]
Benning thought the issues were well covered. She motioned to uphold the favorable recommendation and approve the zone change reading each of the 5 criteria for zone change but not stating how each was fulfilled. Fox 2nd. Approved.
Text changes to the zoning codes:
The parent tract language was changed to eliminate the 1989 historical starting point references. Minor subdivisions were to have a 2-year period for each division. The commissioners sent both of these items BACK TO THE PC for consideration so that the wait period would be 1 year. They will use a draft form of the minutes drawn up by Messmore to speed up the process and not wait for officially signed minutes for the PC to reconsider the request.
Benning wanted to know why the commissioners couldn’t just do it themselves. Ewbank explained that the state code requires this procedure.
[NOTE: The ramifications of changes in zoning codes require a far more thorough discussion and professional input than commissioners alone could provide. The county planner and staff, the tech review board professionals, and the PC all weigh in as well as citizen input at the PC hearing. The state code is a PROTECTION. It forces an examination of the repercussions of each change.]
Commissioners did approve the 2nd change in zone code to allow surveyors to comply with the need for 100 ft of surrounding property buildings to be noted on their plans for developments without having to use field surveys if the GIS and aerials can locate the buildings accurately. This was to eliminate trespass issues that occur at times.
Todd Listerman- Transportation Dept.-
Annual report prepared by Kin for SBOA was signed.
Paving pricing was approved at a higher amount to account for pricing increases in his request to council. It will be at $42.50 per ton vs. $31 a year ago. Total is $950,000 for a cushion. If prices get worse, then roads will be dropped from the paving list till next year.
[NOTE: Doesn’t putting pricing out like this encourage higher bids?]
2006 Line striping will be 1 coat and annually on roads with >1000ADT. The list was given to commissioners and approved.
Vogelsang Road is completed to cul de sac and gate removed.
Counter was completed on Dutch Hollow also.
Cary Pickens- auditor- presented claims.
No minutes as preparer had surgery.
GFC Contract was signed for $7,000 to prepare budget books.
Moores Hill EMS standard contract signed.
Bryan Messmore-
June agendas will not be on line due to Stephanie’s planned sick time in June. He has not mastered the process of uploading them to the site yet.
Commissioners approved getting the RFQ’s for the EMA building remodeling. He may lease some space from the old IVY tech in the mean time for a couple offices.
Jeff Hughes will sit in on Finance Interviews for 4 hours. This is to select someone to go over the financial status of the county????
Insurance review company needs another $15,000 and still doesn’t have a review of health ins needs in that package yet. Ewbank stressed that they get that done also.
Total cost so far is $30,000 to review Workers Comp, property and liability insurance. [Note: This better be saving a lot of money to justify this expenditure… This is not the first time these have been reviewed.]
Benning read a series of letters she’d received to be sure commissioners had seen them.
IN Housing and Community Dev. Authority found no errors.
Chamber has the Redevelopment Commission Meeting at 9 AM at their office on Walnut on May 22
Dept. of Labor Wage hearings copy to be inserted in minutes.
Highway Dept not responsible for road kill unless it’s a health or safety hazard. If it’s rural they leave it for nature to take its course.
Insurance company safety training- gave high marks to county workers with reflective clothing and enclosed a video of their assessment.
May 18 from 9-12 GIS event to look at regional sharing of materials.
Comcast Cable letter verifying their current status with the county
IDEM sewer permits letter- no details….
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Monday, May 15, 2006
St Leon and its Sewer People
St Leon and its Sewer People
The St. Leon Board has offered their explanations to Register Publications concerning forced connections to the St. Leon Sewage System. This present letter is very similar to one submitted to the Batesville Herald Tribune, which was attributed to the thoughts of the St. Leon Town Council but written by their taxpayer-paid lawyer. Register Publications has not seen fit to publish a rebuttal to this one sided explanation which consists of selectively chosen facts to make a case against their neighbors.
Bond deals are not as confusing as presented in their explanation.
The board maintains that in 2003 it was necessary to expand the sewer system. Why it was necessary to expand and take on more debt is unclear. Hazily they mix that questionable necessity with the need for additional sewage facility for the newly constructed East Central Intermediate School. However the school district paid the town of St. Leon over $580,000. The school laid a line of greater diameter than what St Leon’s system had and allowed St. Leon future use of their line for additional connections, which means more income for the St. Leon Sewage system.
The board maintains that the bondholders demanded that all houses in St. Leon and its jurisdiction must connect to the system to insure that the bond holder get their interest payments and that the bonds at their time of expiration will be repurchased thus returning the money loaned via the bonds back to the bondholders.
Bondholders do NOT dictate terms. They simply buy a given bond as it is described in the bond prospectus. If someone interested in a bond does not like the terms of its payments or the risk involved in purchasing the bond they simply don’t buy that bond. This is not complicated.
Since Town Council members are not financially sophisticated, one wonders who aided them or urged them to expand their system in 2003 beyond what the middle school needed and financed. Who urged them to institute coerced sewer connections? Further expansion required the large sums of money that were raised by selling more bonds.
There are some questions about this expansion. Who advised or perhaps urged the Town Council to expand their system. Could it have been developers who wanted sewage for intended tightly packed subdivisions? Could it have been the company that derives income from running and maintaining the sewage system? We will never know answers to those two questions. Was that expansion unnecessary? Was the expansion a mistake?
There are two ways to relieve this crushing burden placed upon our friends and neighbors by the Town Council.
First we could simply let the thing go into bankruptcy. This would entail cessation of interest payments on the bonds, and the elimination of coerced connections with their resultant fees. We would go back to our status prior to 2003, perhaps prior to 1996 - the time of the beginning of the system.
Secondly, we could go to the state and/or Federal Government to try to get them to raise the few million dollars that it would take to buy back the bonds from the bondholders at this time. That would cure the bond requirement that alleges that everyone in St. Leon and in the jurisdiction of the Sewer Board must connect to the system. The sum of money involved would not be much as far as the State or Federal government is concerned. It is an enormous sum of money for a town in a county where the median income as reported in the last census is $43,000.
The proffered idea that the Town Council of St. Leon may offer amortization of the connection fees does not help. The money plus the interest on the loans must still be paid. The letter writers omitted mentioning the crushing costs of buying and maintaining the grinder pump and the cost of excavation to lay a sewage pipe from the property owner’s house to the sewer line. For people who live on low fixed incomes from pensions and those who live from paycheck to paycheck with little to no elasticity in their disposable income in the face of increasing inflation, amortization is no answer. It is demeaning, it is cruel and it demonstrates either an egregious lack of compassion towards their neighbors on the part of these of those coercing sewer connections or it demonstrates their total lack of understanding of what they have done.
Unfortunately, as we try to relieve our friends and neighbors of the cruel and crushing financial burden placed upon them, the company that runs the sewage system for St. Leon has submitted a 37-page proposal to expand the system further. The costs being entertained for this expansion vary from a low of nearly $4 million to a high of well over $5 million.
Who is urging the town council to do this further expansion?
Lastly there is the murky business of the impending lawsuits against our friends and neighbors instigated by this misbegotten project. There are said to be 130 homes according to the Town Council that should be connected. 18 People have been notified of the legal action being taken against them. Is the Town Council going to take action against all 130 of these people or just a few? How have they decided who was to be sued and who was not to be sued at this time? Is the idea that instead of suing all 130 homeowners (who could mount a more economical and powerful defense) they plan to sue small numbers of individuals in court? Perhaps they fear a unified defense from all 130 homeowners against their taxpayer paid law firms.
The coerced connection to a perhaps misbegotten sewer system is an example of the arrogant unrestrained use of power and wealth by those unaccustomed to the use of either or both.
It is unfortunate that this muddled problem has allegedly produced threats, insults, and perhaps business reprisals against the Town Council members. However that fearless president, Harry Truman, said it all with his memorable metaphor: “ If you can’t stand the heat, get of the kitchen.”
Alan Stanley Freemond, Sr.
Jackson Township
The St. Leon Board has offered their explanations to Register Publications concerning forced connections to the St. Leon Sewage System. This present letter is very similar to one submitted to the Batesville Herald Tribune, which was attributed to the thoughts of the St. Leon Town Council but written by their taxpayer-paid lawyer. Register Publications has not seen fit to publish a rebuttal to this one sided explanation which consists of selectively chosen facts to make a case against their neighbors.
Bond deals are not as confusing as presented in their explanation.
The board maintains that in 2003 it was necessary to expand the sewer system. Why it was necessary to expand and take on more debt is unclear. Hazily they mix that questionable necessity with the need for additional sewage facility for the newly constructed East Central Intermediate School. However the school district paid the town of St. Leon over $580,000. The school laid a line of greater diameter than what St Leon’s system had and allowed St. Leon future use of their line for additional connections, which means more income for the St. Leon Sewage system.
The board maintains that the bondholders demanded that all houses in St. Leon and its jurisdiction must connect to the system to insure that the bond holder get their interest payments and that the bonds at their time of expiration will be repurchased thus returning the money loaned via the bonds back to the bondholders.
Bondholders do NOT dictate terms. They simply buy a given bond as it is described in the bond prospectus. If someone interested in a bond does not like the terms of its payments or the risk involved in purchasing the bond they simply don’t buy that bond. This is not complicated.
Since Town Council members are not financially sophisticated, one wonders who aided them or urged them to expand their system in 2003 beyond what the middle school needed and financed. Who urged them to institute coerced sewer connections? Further expansion required the large sums of money that were raised by selling more bonds.
There are some questions about this expansion. Who advised or perhaps urged the Town Council to expand their system. Could it have been developers who wanted sewage for intended tightly packed subdivisions? Could it have been the company that derives income from running and maintaining the sewage system? We will never know answers to those two questions. Was that expansion unnecessary? Was the expansion a mistake?
There are two ways to relieve this crushing burden placed upon our friends and neighbors by the Town Council.
First we could simply let the thing go into bankruptcy. This would entail cessation of interest payments on the bonds, and the elimination of coerced connections with their resultant fees. We would go back to our status prior to 2003, perhaps prior to 1996 - the time of the beginning of the system.
Secondly, we could go to the state and/or Federal Government to try to get them to raise the few million dollars that it would take to buy back the bonds from the bondholders at this time. That would cure the bond requirement that alleges that everyone in St. Leon and in the jurisdiction of the Sewer Board must connect to the system. The sum of money involved would not be much as far as the State or Federal government is concerned. It is an enormous sum of money for a town in a county where the median income as reported in the last census is $43,000.
The proffered idea that the Town Council of St. Leon may offer amortization of the connection fees does not help. The money plus the interest on the loans must still be paid. The letter writers omitted mentioning the crushing costs of buying and maintaining the grinder pump and the cost of excavation to lay a sewage pipe from the property owner’s house to the sewer line. For people who live on low fixed incomes from pensions and those who live from paycheck to paycheck with little to no elasticity in their disposable income in the face of increasing inflation, amortization is no answer. It is demeaning, it is cruel and it demonstrates either an egregious lack of compassion towards their neighbors on the part of these of those coercing sewer connections or it demonstrates their total lack of understanding of what they have done.
Unfortunately, as we try to relieve our friends and neighbors of the cruel and crushing financial burden placed upon them, the company that runs the sewage system for St. Leon has submitted a 37-page proposal to expand the system further. The costs being entertained for this expansion vary from a low of nearly $4 million to a high of well over $5 million.
Who is urging the town council to do this further expansion?
Lastly there is the murky business of the impending lawsuits against our friends and neighbors instigated by this misbegotten project. There are said to be 130 homes according to the Town Council that should be connected. 18 People have been notified of the legal action being taken against them. Is the Town Council going to take action against all 130 of these people or just a few? How have they decided who was to be sued and who was not to be sued at this time? Is the idea that instead of suing all 130 homeowners (who could mount a more economical and powerful defense) they plan to sue small numbers of individuals in court? Perhaps they fear a unified defense from all 130 homeowners against their taxpayer paid law firms.
The coerced connection to a perhaps misbegotten sewer system is an example of the arrogant unrestrained use of power and wealth by those unaccustomed to the use of either or both.
It is unfortunate that this muddled problem has allegedly produced threats, insults, and perhaps business reprisals against the Town Council members. However that fearless president, Harry Truman, said it all with his memorable metaphor: “ If you can’t stand the heat, get of the kitchen.”
Alan Stanley Freemond, Sr.
Jackson Township
Dearborn County 2006 May Primary Election Stats
Dearborn County 2006 May Primary Election Stats
Taken from summary report purchased at the Clerk of Courts Office
Registered voters 36,691
Total Ballots cast 5,521
Republican ballots 4,132 = 74.84%
Democrat ballots 1,375 = 24.90%
Other ballots 14 = .22%
Voter turnout 15.05%
Republican ballot results:
US Senator - Richard Lugar 3,352
US Rep District 6 - George Holland 340 vs Mike Pence 854
Us Rep District 9 - Sam Schultz 604 vs Mike Sodrel 1,656
State Senator- Johnny Nugent 3,468
State Rep District 55- T Scott Bevington 456 vs Tom Knollman 672
State Rep District 68 – Bill Ullrich 1,890
Superior Judge – Sally Blankenship 3,151
Prosecutor – Aaron Negangard 3,167
Auditor – Cary Pickens 2,937
Recorder – Barbara Kaffenberger – 3,013
Sheriff – Linda Estes 928 vs David Lusby 3,115
Assessor – Gary R Hensley, Sr. 2,710
Commissioner District 3- Vera Benning 1,569 vs Ralph Thompson 2,189
County Council District 1- Craig Lysne 375 vs Liz Morris 685
County Council District 4- Dennis A Kraus 682
Clay trustee- Jerry Caldwell 273
Harrison trustee – Tom Cottingham II 192
Logan trustee- Myrtle White 242
Manchester trustee- Nick Werner 222
Miller trustee- Art Little 744
Sparta trustee- Craig Beckley 91
Washington trustee- Clyde Randall 119
Center trustee- Rick Probst 372
Clay board- Scott Fortner 259 and Dorothy Walker 141
Harrison board- Jack Ernst 176
Manchester board- Nancy Pickens 219
Miller board- Randy Bentle 454 and Gary Morris 550
Washington board- Dave Wunderlich 113
Jackson precinct committee- Lynn Deddens 38 vs Shirley King 20
All other boards and trustees had no republican candidates
Democrat ballot results:
US Rep District 6- Ralph Spelbring 68 vs Barry Welsh 100
US Rep District 9 –Gretchen Clearwater 141 vs Baron Hill 895 vs John Hockersmith 32 vs Lendall Terry 59
State Seantor District 43- Lane Siekman 982
State Rep District 55- Dale Lanning 157
State Rep District 68- Bob Bischoff 1,097
Assessor- Joan Seitz- 1,139
Council District 2- Dan Lansing 353
Council District 3- Tom Cheek 374
Center assessor- Jackie Greive 141
Lawrenceburg assessor- Mary Booker 301
Caesar trustee- Sherman Hughes 21
Center trustee- Nancy Fahey Turner 156
Lawrenceburg trustee- Tony Gilb 333
York trustee- Elsie Carr 16 vs Leo Martini 31
Caesar board- Jerald Grace 16 Marilyn Jeffries 24 and Jill Pruss 17
Center board- Ken Greive, Sr. 133 and Doris Schipper 105
Kelso board – Matilda Hoffbauer 77
Lawrenceburg board Dorothy Blackwell 300, James Hamill 253 and Judy Jackson 237
Manchester board- Ike Ellinghausen 78
South Dearborn Schools:
District 1 -Karen Sue Cutter 1043 vs Kevin Elder 950
District 3- (Top two win) Gene Ferfuson 873 vs Karen Loveland 867 vs Michelle Fentress 805 vs Roger Ullrich 1,149
Taken from summary report purchased at the Clerk of Courts Office
Registered voters 36,691
Total Ballots cast 5,521
Republican ballots 4,132 = 74.84%
Democrat ballots 1,375 = 24.90%
Other ballots 14 = .22%
Voter turnout 15.05%
Republican ballot results:
US Senator - Richard Lugar 3,352
US Rep District 6 - George Holland 340 vs Mike Pence 854
Us Rep District 9 - Sam Schultz 604 vs Mike Sodrel 1,656
State Senator- Johnny Nugent 3,468
State Rep District 55- T Scott Bevington 456 vs Tom Knollman 672
State Rep District 68 – Bill Ullrich 1,890
Superior Judge – Sally Blankenship 3,151
Prosecutor – Aaron Negangard 3,167
Auditor – Cary Pickens 2,937
Recorder – Barbara Kaffenberger – 3,013
Sheriff – Linda Estes 928 vs David Lusby 3,115
Assessor – Gary R Hensley, Sr. 2,710
Commissioner District 3- Vera Benning 1,569 vs Ralph Thompson 2,189
County Council District 1- Craig Lysne 375 vs Liz Morris 685
County Council District 4- Dennis A Kraus 682
Clay trustee- Jerry Caldwell 273
Harrison trustee – Tom Cottingham II 192
Logan trustee- Myrtle White 242
Manchester trustee- Nick Werner 222
Miller trustee- Art Little 744
Sparta trustee- Craig Beckley 91
Washington trustee- Clyde Randall 119
Center trustee- Rick Probst 372
Clay board- Scott Fortner 259 and Dorothy Walker 141
Harrison board- Jack Ernst 176
Manchester board- Nancy Pickens 219
Miller board- Randy Bentle 454 and Gary Morris 550
Washington board- Dave Wunderlich 113
Jackson precinct committee- Lynn Deddens 38 vs Shirley King 20
All other boards and trustees had no republican candidates
Democrat ballot results:
US Rep District 6- Ralph Spelbring 68 vs Barry Welsh 100
US Rep District 9 –Gretchen Clearwater 141 vs Baron Hill 895 vs John Hockersmith 32 vs Lendall Terry 59
State Seantor District 43- Lane Siekman 982
State Rep District 55- Dale Lanning 157
State Rep District 68- Bob Bischoff 1,097
Assessor- Joan Seitz- 1,139
Council District 2- Dan Lansing 353
Council District 3- Tom Cheek 374
Center assessor- Jackie Greive 141
Lawrenceburg assessor- Mary Booker 301
Caesar trustee- Sherman Hughes 21
Center trustee- Nancy Fahey Turner 156
Lawrenceburg trustee- Tony Gilb 333
York trustee- Elsie Carr 16 vs Leo Martini 31
Caesar board- Jerald Grace 16 Marilyn Jeffries 24 and Jill Pruss 17
Center board- Ken Greive, Sr. 133 and Doris Schipper 105
Kelso board – Matilda Hoffbauer 77
Lawrenceburg board Dorothy Blackwell 300, James Hamill 253 and Judy Jackson 237
Manchester board- Ike Ellinghausen 78
South Dearborn Schools:
District 1 -Karen Sue Cutter 1043 vs Kevin Elder 950
District 3- (Top two win) Gene Ferfuson 873 vs Karen Loveland 867 vs Michelle Fentress 805 vs Roger Ullrich 1,149
Friday, May 12, 2006
Register/Journal Rebuttal
Choosing to send your child to a private school certainly is a personal choice. Who wouldn’t want to send their child to St. Mary’s. It’s a wonderful small school…only 147 students. Class size ranges from 12-21 students and over the last four years, ISTEP pass rates have ranged from 86.4 to 96%. That is phenomenal. But the fact is, many in our community don’t have that opportunity. Private schools are only open to those who can afford them.
South Dearborn Elementary Schools have been doing a wonderful job. But things aren’t very good in upper grades.
South Dearborn’s overall ISTEP rate was only 65% in 2005. Those low rates are attributed to our High School where many teachers have an average class size of 30 pupils, and some students haven’t had a full year of Math or Language Arts since the sixth grade. Some elementary classrooms at SD have as many as 27 students.
South Dearborn’s suspension rate is 11.6 per 100 students. SD has the 86th highest suspension rate of 298 Indiana School Corporations. Behavior problems are always present in large schools and over crowded class rooms.
Our school board has been trusted with a tremendous amount of money. The per student state support was $4,240 in 2005. The corporation calendar boasts “an annual budget of over $25 Million with buildings and equipment valued in excess of $75 million.” I would guess St. Mary’s operates on a much slimmer per student budget, but manages to do a great job.
SD’s board also has the ability to levy taxes. The tax rate at SD has climbed 6.5 % since 2004 from 1.4338 to 1.528. It did increase, but we didn’t notice because of the assessment mess. It should be noted, that in a school where teachers have as many as 30 students in a classroom, 35.2% of that local money goes to pay debt service and only 42.7% goes to the general fund. The general fund pays teachers and a variety of other expenses. It also should be noted that Lawrenceburg has the lowest school tax rates in the county at 1.3669 AND 65.8% of that goes to their general fund. Lawrenceburg is not disposing of a school building and they have a debt service rate of .2911. Despite what the public has been told, these are largely LOCAL decisions.
If our Center Township School Trustees were sending their children to South Dearborn Middle School, wouldn’t they be a little concerned that the number of suspensions doubled last year from 77 to 158? Wouldn’t they be concerned that 133 SDMS students had more than 10 unexcused absences? If their children had been in a fifth grade classes of 25 at SDMS in 2003, rather than at St. Mary’s in a fifth grade class of 15, would have they been likely to make the first and second motions for a building project landing the corporation in additional debt of 38 million and Aurora Elementary students in a school of nearly 700 students? Would they have asked Aurora teachers for their professional opinion before the decision to convert the middle school to an elementary was made? Who knows?
The board should be working to ensure SD public school students have the same opportunity’s for a high quality education as those who attend that very fine private school in downtown Aurora. The money to make that happen was there in 2003. I’m afraid it’s gone now.
Sincerely,
Karen Loveland
AKA “Sour Grapes”
South Dearborn Elementary Schools have been doing a wonderful job. But things aren’t very good in upper grades.
South Dearborn’s overall ISTEP rate was only 65% in 2005. Those low rates are attributed to our High School where many teachers have an average class size of 30 pupils, and some students haven’t had a full year of Math or Language Arts since the sixth grade. Some elementary classrooms at SD have as many as 27 students.
South Dearborn’s suspension rate is 11.6 per 100 students. SD has the 86th highest suspension rate of 298 Indiana School Corporations. Behavior problems are always present in large schools and over crowded class rooms.
Our school board has been trusted with a tremendous amount of money. The per student state support was $4,240 in 2005. The corporation calendar boasts “an annual budget of over $25 Million with buildings and equipment valued in excess of $75 million.” I would guess St. Mary’s operates on a much slimmer per student budget, but manages to do a great job.
SD’s board also has the ability to levy taxes. The tax rate at SD has climbed 6.5 % since 2004 from 1.4338 to 1.528. It did increase, but we didn’t notice because of the assessment mess. It should be noted, that in a school where teachers have as many as 30 students in a classroom, 35.2% of that local money goes to pay debt service and only 42.7% goes to the general fund. The general fund pays teachers and a variety of other expenses. It also should be noted that Lawrenceburg has the lowest school tax rates in the county at 1.3669 AND 65.8% of that goes to their general fund. Lawrenceburg is not disposing of a school building and they have a debt service rate of .2911. Despite what the public has been told, these are largely LOCAL decisions.
If our Center Township School Trustees were sending their children to South Dearborn Middle School, wouldn’t they be a little concerned that the number of suspensions doubled last year from 77 to 158? Wouldn’t they be concerned that 133 SDMS students had more than 10 unexcused absences? If their children had been in a fifth grade classes of 25 at SDMS in 2003, rather than at St. Mary’s in a fifth grade class of 15, would have they been likely to make the first and second motions for a building project landing the corporation in additional debt of 38 million and Aurora Elementary students in a school of nearly 700 students? Would they have asked Aurora teachers for their professional opinion before the decision to convert the middle school to an elementary was made? Who knows?
The board should be working to ensure SD public school students have the same opportunity’s for a high quality education as those who attend that very fine private school in downtown Aurora. The money to make that happen was there in 2003. I’m afraid it’s gone now.
Sincerely,
Karen Loveland
AKA “Sour Grapes”
Ralph Thompson Thanks the Voters
Republican Candidate for Commissioner Thanks the Voters
I want to thank the Citizens of Dearborn County for placing their trust in me and indicating their desire for a change in the current direction of Dearborn County.
I also want to thank all the people who contributed their time, effort, and financial support for my campaign.
This Primary win is the first step toward putting common sense back into our local government.
Should I be elected in November, I will continue to need the help and support of the Citizens to redirect the government to the right track for the future of Dearborn County.
Ralph E. Thompson, Jr., PE
I want to thank the Citizens of Dearborn County for placing their trust in me and indicating their desire for a change in the current direction of Dearborn County.
I also want to thank all the people who contributed their time, effort, and financial support for my campaign.
This Primary win is the first step toward putting common sense back into our local government.
Should I be elected in November, I will continue to need the help and support of the Citizens to redirect the government to the right track for the future of Dearborn County.
Ralph E. Thompson, Jr., PE
Saturday, May 06, 2006
St. Leon Redevelopment Commission Meeting
St. Leon Redevelopment Commission Meeting May 3, 2006
by: Helen Kremer
St. Leon held the second meeting of the Redevelopment Commission on May 3, 2006.
The St. Leon Redevelopment Commission meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month, at 6 p.m., at the St. Leon Firehouse. There are five members of the Commission. David Alig--President, Cliff Bishop-Vice President, Paul Alig--Secretary/Treasurer, and two other members Jerry Bodicker and Vernon Hensley, John Watson is the attorney.
The Commission was formed because of the town's TIF (Tax Increment Financing) status.
The By-Laws to the St. Leon Redevelopment Commission state:
" I. Purpose
1. The St. Leon Redevelopment Commission (the "Commission") has been formed to carry out the public purposes of clearing, replanning, and redeveloping areas in need of redevelopment; planning, replanning, developing and redeveloping economic development areas; and all other purposes consistent with and as prescribed by the provision of IC 36-7-14 and IC 36-7-25, as amended from time to time (collectively, the "Act").
Paul Alig read the minutes.
John Watson stated the Bond applications were filed. He also stated that Jim West (Dearborn County Economic Development) wants to set up a meeting with a couple of St. Leon Redevelopment members, and maybe he (John Watson) would attend also (if the members wanted him).
John Watson said Jim West wants the meeting set-up so R. Fox (Dearborn County Commissioner), and Brian Messmore (Administrator) could attend.
David Alig said he would email Jim West and set-up a meeting.
JIM WEST DOESN'T WANT AN OPEN MEETING, John Watson told the St. Leon Redevelopment members.
The Redevelopment Commission members discussed they would hear where they are coming from (Dearborn County). Watson said an issue could be sewer expansion. Cliff Bishoff asked what kind of jobs and businesses are we looking for? The members talked about getting jobs for young people in the community. The Redevelopment Commission agreed that David Alig would contact Jim West to set-up a meeting.
If too many members attended the meeting, there would be a quorum (3 members). Because of the Sunshine laws, they would not have a forum. They will listen and hear what they have to say, and bring back the information to discuss at the next Redevelopment Commission meeting.
A general discussion took place regarding towns in the SE Indiana area being considered for a Toyota plant. John Watson stated he has heard these people (Toyota) have not asked for anything.
The members mentioned the hiring of Joe Rathz to write the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and Subdivision ordinances for St. Leon. Also, John Watson told the group that Dearborn County Planning and Zoning office would help St. Leon.
The meeting was adjourned.
St. Leon Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was held at 7:30 p.m.
The members are Cliff Bishoff, Doug Farrow, Kevin Alig, Rodney Eckstein, and Jerry Bulach.
The first issue was billboards-- Larry Weaver (sp.?) wanted permission to have double billboards in the community. Although, Mr. Weaver presented this issue before, the decision was to table his request, and Rodney would investigate further. They will contact Mr. Weaver about a future decision.
Other issues were the addition of a garage, and it met the standards.
The Deddens were to get a legal description of property, and the Commission would sign off on it.
Two issues were discussed about additional lots being divided, and another person requested a swimming pool location--but the applications were not formally brought before the Commission--the applicants have to meet the requirements, and present to the Commission in the proper format
The Commissioners then talked to Mr. Joe Rathz, who will be completing the Comprehensive Plan, and the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. He said it would be completed in four phases. He would do it for $35,000, and he believed it could be done in one year.
He would like a steering committee of 10-15 people (a diverse population) of farmers, a plan commission member, a town council member, stay at home mom, people who commute to the city, people who work near here, etc.)
They will then have 1 or 2 public meetings explaining what they are going to do. They will send out a public survey of 6-8 pages, and distribute as many as possible to get a good representation for the steering committee.
Doug Farrow motioned they hire Mr. Rathz, and Kevin Alig seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned.
by: Helen Kremer
St. Leon held the second meeting of the Redevelopment Commission on May 3, 2006.
The St. Leon Redevelopment Commission meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month, at 6 p.m., at the St. Leon Firehouse. There are five members of the Commission. David Alig--President, Cliff Bishop-Vice President, Paul Alig--Secretary/Treasurer, and two other members Jerry Bodicker and Vernon Hensley, John Watson is the attorney.
The Commission was formed because of the town's TIF (Tax Increment Financing) status.
The By-Laws to the St. Leon Redevelopment Commission state:
" I. Purpose
1. The St. Leon Redevelopment Commission (the "Commission") has been formed to carry out the public purposes of clearing, replanning, and redeveloping areas in need of redevelopment; planning, replanning, developing and redeveloping economic development areas; and all other purposes consistent with and as prescribed by the provision of IC 36-7-14 and IC 36-7-25, as amended from time to time (collectively, the "Act").
Paul Alig read the minutes.
John Watson stated the Bond applications were filed. He also stated that Jim West (Dearborn County Economic Development) wants to set up a meeting with a couple of St. Leon Redevelopment members, and maybe he (John Watson) would attend also (if the members wanted him).
John Watson said Jim West wants the meeting set-up so R. Fox (Dearborn County Commissioner), and Brian Messmore (Administrator) could attend.
David Alig said he would email Jim West and set-up a meeting.
JIM WEST DOESN'T WANT AN OPEN MEETING, John Watson told the St. Leon Redevelopment members.
The Redevelopment Commission members discussed they would hear where they are coming from (Dearborn County). Watson said an issue could be sewer expansion. Cliff Bishoff asked what kind of jobs and businesses are we looking for? The members talked about getting jobs for young people in the community. The Redevelopment Commission agreed that David Alig would contact Jim West to set-up a meeting.
If too many members attended the meeting, there would be a quorum (3 members). Because of the Sunshine laws, they would not have a forum. They will listen and hear what they have to say, and bring back the information to discuss at the next Redevelopment Commission meeting.
A general discussion took place regarding towns in the SE Indiana area being considered for a Toyota plant. John Watson stated he has heard these people (Toyota) have not asked for anything.
The members mentioned the hiring of Joe Rathz to write the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and Subdivision ordinances for St. Leon. Also, John Watson told the group that Dearborn County Planning and Zoning office would help St. Leon.
The meeting was adjourned.
St. Leon Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was held at 7:30 p.m.
The members are Cliff Bishoff, Doug Farrow, Kevin Alig, Rodney Eckstein, and Jerry Bulach.
The first issue was billboards-- Larry Weaver (sp.?) wanted permission to have double billboards in the community. Although, Mr. Weaver presented this issue before, the decision was to table his request, and Rodney would investigate further. They will contact Mr. Weaver about a future decision.
Other issues were the addition of a garage, and it met the standards.
The Deddens were to get a legal description of property, and the Commission would sign off on it.
Two issues were discussed about additional lots being divided, and another person requested a swimming pool location--but the applications were not formally brought before the Commission--the applicants have to meet the requirements, and present to the Commission in the proper format
The Commissioners then talked to Mr. Joe Rathz, who will be completing the Comprehensive Plan, and the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. He said it would be completed in four phases. He would do it for $35,000, and he believed it could be done in one year.
He would like a steering committee of 10-15 people (a diverse population) of farmers, a plan commission member, a town council member, stay at home mom, people who commute to the city, people who work near here, etc.)
They will then have 1 or 2 public meetings explaining what they are going to do. They will send out a public survey of 6-8 pages, and distribute as many as possible to get a good representation for the steering committee.
Doug Farrow motioned they hire Mr. Rathz, and Kevin Alig seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
3 May 2006 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
3 May 2006 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Hughes, Acting President, and Fox
ABSENT: Benning and Pickens [NOTE: There was no county police officer at this meeting]
Also Present: Ewbank, Attorney, Messmore (for half meeting, then went to “Farm and Park Board meeting”), Stephanie Disbro, subbing for Pickens.
GIS – Margaret Minzner- gave an update report detailing progress on parcel data entry, shared costs, and shared data entry saving county dollars, and the new ortho formats. Data is being updated to show new homes and buildings in the county as well.
Linda Johnson and group from Bright (via daughter Allyson and also Norm Andrews) presented their input on the proposed rezoning of land for Maxwell’s Hidden Acres development. The actual rezone hearing ahs been scheduled for May 16th Commissioner’s Meeting due to the time frame requiring public notice publication for the hearing.
The power point presentation included slides detailing:
The existing community was outlined and handouts to commissioners showed 4 subdivisions in Bright with vacant unsold new homes. Buffering and density concerns were discussed including why the landominiums and condos weren’t shown at the PC meeting, when they actually increase the overall density of the project. (These were on the parcel already zoned R and so were not part of the rezone acreage) Slides showed the surrounding acreage pointing out that Ag use and rural lands are on two sides of this project. A horse farm very close to the S curve on the feeder road was pointed out as an issue. Local school system issues were brought up with taxation increases and quality of the education being a concern. Infrastructure was detailed- citing NO HYDRANTS- and that the fire chief wanted them. All volunteer EMS and fire were a concern with the large population. The sewage smell and runoff from LMH’s plant was discussed. Concerns that the county let LMH cover what was county “territory” were brought up. (DCRSD claimed all lands not currently served by sewer in Dec 2005) Flood prone areas were depicted, as were huge drainage issues from Tucker’s adjoining developments and plant. (These pictures and descriptions were detailed- it is clearly a problem) Road accesses were also discussed. Pictures showed the quality of roads, lack of enforcement, and safety issues with kids driving and hill hopping. Allyson ended with a request that they consider the CURRENT homeowners needs and usage of their property as equal to the needs of the sellers.
Norm Andrews petition was to strongly consider the wildlife habitat, the 300 + signers of the petition against the development, and the drainage issues.
Hughes suggested they contact Soil and Water Conservation District. They had- but no reply as yet.
Allyson also asked why the adjoining property owners aren’t given the “required 30 days notice” on these requests. They have little time to prepare their side of the issue.
They are to contact PC about this…
These items will be repeated at the public hearing on May 16th.
Todd Listerman- Transportation Director had 8 items for approval:
1. Commissioners signed the $40,200 contract for Bernardin, Lochmueller, and Assoc to do the design for Stateline and Stephens intersection. Construction to be completed by end of 2006. He’s hoping Macke can get the light in concurrent to some of the construction.
2. Listerman approved to go to Council May 23 to transfer funds to cover the construction costs for #1 above from the MVH subfund (formerly the bituminous fund)
3. Listerman approved to go to Council May 23 to transfer funds to cover removal of an underground gas tank in D-2 garage to be replaced with above ground tank per IDEM and EPA regs. Cost to be approx. $15,000.
4. Listerman approved to go to Council for transfer of funds to replace 2 dump trucks and get the trucks on a rotating schedule of replacement. This was a problem from several years ago when almost all the trucks were replaced in one year. He wants to do a couple each year so as to budget more easily. Amount is about $200,000-using Major Moves money (about half will cover this)
5. The proposed paving list for 2006 was presented: Roads were paved with only one course and no topcoat. Notice most of these roads are in D-2 and 3. Only One is in D-1, but it has a big price tag. One road this year (Fox)and one next year (Rumsey) are being done because they “PROMISED THE RESIDENTS THEY WOULD DO THEM” per Fox. Rumsey Road will be done in 2007. Rumsey Road residents have meeting minutes documenting their requests.
FOX ROAD (0.46 mi) WILL BE IN 2006. [NOTE: WHEN did Fox Road residents get promise this? Are there minutes to corroborate that? Fox Road is already PAVED (to less than 16 ft) and was widened to 16ft. This paving will add pavement to the road. There are few residents on this road. Rick Fox and his brother and their spouses own almost 90 acres that only has access on this road. They do not live on the acreage. Land cannot be developed along a road that does not have adequate width.]
ROADS TO BE PAVED IN 2006 with estimated costs: total about $ $903,000 including additional wedging, striping, and driveways.
District 1-
Sawdon Ridge- $189,108
District 2-Asche - $96,980
Blue Creek - $89.443
Ester Ridge - $16,520
Fox - $42,746
Kueble- $42,891
McManaman - $14,961
Schwipps - $36,241
District 3 –
Grimsley - $9,292
Huesman - $106,867
Ireland - $58,893
Pollard - $43,614
Probst - $16,727
Rice - $12,928
Stewart St- $10,082
Voltz - $10,325
A point system is being used to get all future paving done and a priority list generated. This list finishes up the “old” roads requiring topcoats etc.
6. Listerman approved to request $100-150,000 from Council for Striping on centerlines. He gave a list of striping schedule to the commissioners. Listerman wants it done in the summer to set the paint well. List is based on ADTs greater than 1000.
He also will monitor to this. Cost is 18cents/foot for double yellow lines.
7. Budget adjustments in the dept due to attrition have allowed Listerman to upgrade all laborers to CDL drivers. He wants each to have the additional $954 annual pay and they will now be able to snow plow 24 hour round the clock. 5 people still are in the process of obtaining their CDL this year to be able to drive the trucks.
Engineering and safety training are being funded. He is also using part time summer help for inventory on bridges and data entry. We are getting resource tracking software similar to Rush, Franklin, Ripley counties. This will enable Listerman to see where costs are going and track equipment usage and personnel costs.
8. Listerman is pursuing money to pay for the Bell’s Branch Bridge and sharing costs with Ohio County and the federal funds. He’s taking $45,000 out of the $578,000 cum bridge fund to start this. Construction should begin in 2007. This already has an INDOT DES s #.
Claims and minutes were signed.
Ewbank noted that a suit was dropped from an inmate claiming the law library in the jail was insufficient.
Fox asked about Dutch Hollow road- Listerman said he is waiting on further input from the residents on their requests. Nugent and INDOT are coming to the county to look at intersections on US 50 and Dutch Hollow and also Blair road for safety issues.
Rebecca Laile called Benning regarding assessment issues and Benning asked her to be put under Hughes name at the meeting, She was a no show.
Meeting adjourned at 8 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Hughes, Acting President, and Fox
ABSENT: Benning and Pickens [NOTE: There was no county police officer at this meeting]
Also Present: Ewbank, Attorney, Messmore (for half meeting, then went to “Farm and Park Board meeting”), Stephanie Disbro, subbing for Pickens.
GIS – Margaret Minzner- gave an update report detailing progress on parcel data entry, shared costs, and shared data entry saving county dollars, and the new ortho formats. Data is being updated to show new homes and buildings in the county as well.
Linda Johnson and group from Bright (via daughter Allyson and also Norm Andrews) presented their input on the proposed rezoning of land for Maxwell’s Hidden Acres development. The actual rezone hearing ahs been scheduled for May 16th Commissioner’s Meeting due to the time frame requiring public notice publication for the hearing.
The power point presentation included slides detailing:
The existing community was outlined and handouts to commissioners showed 4 subdivisions in Bright with vacant unsold new homes. Buffering and density concerns were discussed including why the landominiums and condos weren’t shown at the PC meeting, when they actually increase the overall density of the project. (These were on the parcel already zoned R and so were not part of the rezone acreage) Slides showed the surrounding acreage pointing out that Ag use and rural lands are on two sides of this project. A horse farm very close to the S curve on the feeder road was pointed out as an issue. Local school system issues were brought up with taxation increases and quality of the education being a concern. Infrastructure was detailed- citing NO HYDRANTS- and that the fire chief wanted them. All volunteer EMS and fire were a concern with the large population. The sewage smell and runoff from LMH’s plant was discussed. Concerns that the county let LMH cover what was county “territory” were brought up. (DCRSD claimed all lands not currently served by sewer in Dec 2005) Flood prone areas were depicted, as were huge drainage issues from Tucker’s adjoining developments and plant. (These pictures and descriptions were detailed- it is clearly a problem) Road accesses were also discussed. Pictures showed the quality of roads, lack of enforcement, and safety issues with kids driving and hill hopping. Allyson ended with a request that they consider the CURRENT homeowners needs and usage of their property as equal to the needs of the sellers.
Norm Andrews petition was to strongly consider the wildlife habitat, the 300 + signers of the petition against the development, and the drainage issues.
Hughes suggested they contact Soil and Water Conservation District. They had- but no reply as yet.
Allyson also asked why the adjoining property owners aren’t given the “required 30 days notice” on these requests. They have little time to prepare their side of the issue.
They are to contact PC about this…
These items will be repeated at the public hearing on May 16th.
Todd Listerman- Transportation Director had 8 items for approval:
1. Commissioners signed the $40,200 contract for Bernardin, Lochmueller, and Assoc to do the design for Stateline and Stephens intersection. Construction to be completed by end of 2006. He’s hoping Macke can get the light in concurrent to some of the construction.
2. Listerman approved to go to Council May 23 to transfer funds to cover the construction costs for #1 above from the MVH subfund (formerly the bituminous fund)
3. Listerman approved to go to Council May 23 to transfer funds to cover removal of an underground gas tank in D-2 garage to be replaced with above ground tank per IDEM and EPA regs. Cost to be approx. $15,000.
4. Listerman approved to go to Council for transfer of funds to replace 2 dump trucks and get the trucks on a rotating schedule of replacement. This was a problem from several years ago when almost all the trucks were replaced in one year. He wants to do a couple each year so as to budget more easily. Amount is about $200,000-using Major Moves money (about half will cover this)
5. The proposed paving list for 2006 was presented: Roads were paved with only one course and no topcoat. Notice most of these roads are in D-2 and 3. Only One is in D-1, but it has a big price tag. One road this year (Fox)and one next year (Rumsey) are being done because they “PROMISED THE RESIDENTS THEY WOULD DO THEM” per Fox. Rumsey Road will be done in 2007. Rumsey Road residents have meeting minutes documenting their requests.
FOX ROAD (0.46 mi) WILL BE IN 2006. [NOTE: WHEN did Fox Road residents get promise this? Are there minutes to corroborate that? Fox Road is already PAVED (to less than 16 ft) and was widened to 16ft. This paving will add pavement to the road. There are few residents on this road. Rick Fox and his brother and their spouses own almost 90 acres that only has access on this road. They do not live on the acreage. Land cannot be developed along a road that does not have adequate width.]
ROADS TO BE PAVED IN 2006 with estimated costs: total about $ $903,000 including additional wedging, striping, and driveways.
District 1-
Sawdon Ridge- $189,108
District 2-Asche - $96,980
Blue Creek - $89.443
Ester Ridge - $16,520
Fox - $42,746
Kueble- $42,891
McManaman - $14,961
Schwipps - $36,241
District 3 –
Grimsley - $9,292
Huesman - $106,867
Ireland - $58,893
Pollard - $43,614
Probst - $16,727
Rice - $12,928
Stewart St- $10,082
Voltz - $10,325
A point system is being used to get all future paving done and a priority list generated. This list finishes up the “old” roads requiring topcoats etc.
6. Listerman approved to request $100-150,000 from Council for Striping on centerlines. He gave a list of striping schedule to the commissioners. Listerman wants it done in the summer to set the paint well. List is based on ADTs greater than 1000.
He also will monitor to this. Cost is 18cents/foot for double yellow lines.
7. Budget adjustments in the dept due to attrition have allowed Listerman to upgrade all laborers to CDL drivers. He wants each to have the additional $954 annual pay and they will now be able to snow plow 24 hour round the clock. 5 people still are in the process of obtaining their CDL this year to be able to drive the trucks.
Engineering and safety training are being funded. He is also using part time summer help for inventory on bridges and data entry. We are getting resource tracking software similar to Rush, Franklin, Ripley counties. This will enable Listerman to see where costs are going and track equipment usage and personnel costs.
8. Listerman is pursuing money to pay for the Bell’s Branch Bridge and sharing costs with Ohio County and the federal funds. He’s taking $45,000 out of the $578,000 cum bridge fund to start this. Construction should begin in 2007. This already has an INDOT DES s #.
Claims and minutes were signed.
Ewbank noted that a suit was dropped from an inmate claiming the law library in the jail was insufficient.
Fox asked about Dutch Hollow road- Listerman said he is waiting on further input from the residents on their requests. Nugent and INDOT are coming to the county to look at intersections on US 50 and Dutch Hollow and also Blair road for safety issues.
Rebecca Laile called Benning regarding assessment issues and Benning asked her to be put under Hughes name at the meeting, She was a no show.
Meeting adjourned at 8 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS
Dearborn County Government
Primary Election Results
Commissioner- District 3 :
Ralph Thompson defeated incumbent Vera Benning- 58%-42%
Sheriff:
David Lusby defeated Linda Estes 77% -23%
Council District (Bright area)
Liz Morris defeated Craig Lysne 65%-35%
Primary Election Results
Commissioner- District 3 :
Ralph Thompson defeated incumbent Vera Benning- 58%-42%
Sheriff:
David Lusby defeated Linda Estes 77% -23%
Council District (Bright area)
Liz Morris defeated Craig Lysne 65%-35%
Monday, May 01, 2006
VOTE TOMORROW- MAY 2- OR DON'T COMPLAIN
Vote tomorrow- May 2- or don't complain.
You must be interested in local politics or you wouldn't be reading this blog. Tues. May 2 is PRIMARY day. All voters in the county can vote in the primary.
You will be asked which ballot you want- Republican or Democrat.
Only the Republican ballot has choices in the local county elections.
You have a choice for commmissioner-
either RALPH THOMPSON or Vera Benning.
You have a choice for sheriff- Dave Lusby or Donna Estes.
In Bright - you also have a choice for County Council- Liz Morris or Craig Lysne.
Remind your family, friends, and neighbors. Bring a picture ID- like a driver's license. It's the new law.
Exercise your power - vote tomorrow.
You must be interested in local politics or you wouldn't be reading this blog. Tues. May 2 is PRIMARY day. All voters in the county can vote in the primary.
You will be asked which ballot you want- Republican or Democrat.
Only the Republican ballot has choices in the local county elections.
You have a choice for commmissioner-
either RALPH THOMPSON or Vera Benning.
You have a choice for sheriff- Dave Lusby or Donna Estes.
In Bright - you also have a choice for County Council- Liz Morris or Craig Lysne.
Remind your family, friends, and neighbors. Bring a picture ID- like a driver's license. It's the new law.
Exercise your power - vote tomorrow.
A Trend Developing?
One of our serious problems is the dismal educational background, with few exceptions, of the elected officials throughout the county. They don't understand what is needed, pander to the rich and well connected, and they are led around by outside people and developers who have lawyers and accountants to look out for the developers' interests.
Alan Stanley Freemond, Sr.
Jackson Township.
Alan Stanley Freemond, Sr.
Jackson Township.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Everyone has a Story
Time for a Change
A little over two years ago now, I heard about some problems the county had had with trying to put technology to work. I checked into it and found that they did indeed have equipment that had been purchased but never hooked up (e.g. large format scanner for architectural drawings), machines that had never been properly networked together, servers still in need of setup, desktop systems to set up and install. I had some time on my hands so I asked to help out.
Now in the interest of full disclosure, I could have used some full time work back then and I would have loved to have had a job close to home, but I was up front with everybody about that. To my thinking this was a win for everybody. They got a computer systems professional to help out for free, and I got a chance to show what I could do and learn their systems in advance, which I figured would stand me in good stead if they were to decide they needed more permanent help.
During that time, the county had retained a professional consultant (and very pricy by the hour) to advise them as to what they should be doing to improve their technology infrastructure and how to run a business-like information system. He was also, for that time functioning as the de facto IT manager, so I took my tasking from him for about six weeks.
I proceeded to install equipment, configure e-mail addresses, troubleshoot networking problems and all the usual work such things require. I even started working on a county web site – you can still see it ( http://www.dearborncounty.in.gov ) - and actually made a good start on the parks segment ( http://parks.dearborncounty.in.gov ). None of it has been touched since I was asked to leave. Well, all during this time the commissioners discussed and dithered, delayed and debated, with the clock ticking the whole time, the consultant’s bill rising and decisions sorely needing to be made.
I am tempted to elaborate on this story with Vera Benning’s hi-jinks in response to having a volunteer in the house – but that is another story. This one is all about poor management and wasted money.
Given the long history of county funds wasted on failed IT projects, some dating back a decade or more, one would think that someone would have learned a lesson along the way.
Before it was all over, $90K was spent on a consultant who was ignored and then attacked for charging them for his time. He recommended that the county needed a process like any business for dealing with Information Technology and a knowledgeable person who could understand and champion the county’s technical requirements while keeping vendors from raiding the treasury. Under Benning’s influence that initiative died and, as a result of this inaction, the county auditor was permitted to spend an additional sum of over $100K upgrading an obsolete IBM AS400 system that wasn't new in the 80's. Mind you, the system was out of capacity and something needed to be done, but with a timely decision the system could have been replaced with something ten times better for a tenth the cost in hardware and the whole project could probably have been done for half the over all cost of the upgrade -- hardware, software, conversion and all.
I finally had the chance to bring this up with Ms.Benning at the Manchester “Meet the Candidate” night. If you believe her, the Auditor gets to decide what system he wants to use – but that’s like saying they would approve of providing refurbished Model A Fords for the Sheriff for patrol just because he likes them. She also tried to lay it off on Council, they have the purse strings and so they just HAD to waste the money on an antique computer. Somehow, I think Council might have gone along with spending less if given the option. The problem is nobody down there really has any professional knowledge about computers or could put together a better proposal, so how could Council know they had better options?
Some have tried to label the consultant a crook, but who is really to blame if they allowed his time spent to get out of hand, especially if they weren’t going to follow his advise. They just weren’t paying attention… again. They were too busy bickering. In the end, the truth is, they just weren’t competent to deal with computer issues and didn’t have the wisdom to take the steps necessary to provide the county with the kind of information infrastructure the county needs.
All the others who were a part of that debacle are gone now – all but one – I leave it to the voters to handle the one most responsible for getting nothing for money spent, Vera Benning.
Steve Walker
Manchester Township
Other Examples of related waste and inefficiency:
The various departments still have to find and hunt through a giant computer print out of the county accounts, a stack of paper about 3 inches thick, in order to know what their budgets are. This is a dinosaur of the 70’s – in the 21st century this information could and should be viewable online!
Zoning, Building and Health, who all share a role in the permit process, don’t share info as they easily could with computerized workflow, so citizens still play hide and seek with all the bits of the permitting process.
The Recorder still pays a $5 per image royalty fee to an outside vendor for every deed image scanned when it should cost pennies at most.
The county is hosting official information on an offsite web server (Dearborncounty.org), I couldn’t say how much they pay for the service, but they do have their own server that would cost them nothing more.
I am sure there are more if anybody cared to look into it…
A little over two years ago now, I heard about some problems the county had had with trying to put technology to work. I checked into it and found that they did indeed have equipment that had been purchased but never hooked up (e.g. large format scanner for architectural drawings), machines that had never been properly networked together, servers still in need of setup, desktop systems to set up and install. I had some time on my hands so I asked to help out.
Now in the interest of full disclosure, I could have used some full time work back then and I would have loved to have had a job close to home, but I was up front with everybody about that. To my thinking this was a win for everybody. They got a computer systems professional to help out for free, and I got a chance to show what I could do and learn their systems in advance, which I figured would stand me in good stead if they were to decide they needed more permanent help.
During that time, the county had retained a professional consultant (and very pricy by the hour) to advise them as to what they should be doing to improve their technology infrastructure and how to run a business-like information system. He was also, for that time functioning as the de facto IT manager, so I took my tasking from him for about six weeks.
I proceeded to install equipment, configure e-mail addresses, troubleshoot networking problems and all the usual work such things require. I even started working on a county web site – you can still see it ( http://www.dearborncounty.in.gov ) - and actually made a good start on the parks segment ( http://parks.dearborncounty.in.gov ). None of it has been touched since I was asked to leave. Well, all during this time the commissioners discussed and dithered, delayed and debated, with the clock ticking the whole time, the consultant’s bill rising and decisions sorely needing to be made.
I am tempted to elaborate on this story with Vera Benning’s hi-jinks in response to having a volunteer in the house – but that is another story. This one is all about poor management and wasted money.
Given the long history of county funds wasted on failed IT projects, some dating back a decade or more, one would think that someone would have learned a lesson along the way.
Before it was all over, $90K was spent on a consultant who was ignored and then attacked for charging them for his time. He recommended that the county needed a process like any business for dealing with Information Technology and a knowledgeable person who could understand and champion the county’s technical requirements while keeping vendors from raiding the treasury. Under Benning’s influence that initiative died and, as a result of this inaction, the county auditor was permitted to spend an additional sum of over $100K upgrading an obsolete IBM AS400 system that wasn't new in the 80's. Mind you, the system was out of capacity and something needed to be done, but with a timely decision the system could have been replaced with something ten times better for a tenth the cost in hardware and the whole project could probably have been done for half the over all cost of the upgrade -- hardware, software, conversion and all.
I finally had the chance to bring this up with Ms.Benning at the Manchester “Meet the Candidate” night. If you believe her, the Auditor gets to decide what system he wants to use – but that’s like saying they would approve of providing refurbished Model A Fords for the Sheriff for patrol just because he likes them. She also tried to lay it off on Council, they have the purse strings and so they just HAD to waste the money on an antique computer. Somehow, I think Council might have gone along with spending less if given the option. The problem is nobody down there really has any professional knowledge about computers or could put together a better proposal, so how could Council know they had better options?
Some have tried to label the consultant a crook, but who is really to blame if they allowed his time spent to get out of hand, especially if they weren’t going to follow his advise. They just weren’t paying attention… again. They were too busy bickering. In the end, the truth is, they just weren’t competent to deal with computer issues and didn’t have the wisdom to take the steps necessary to provide the county with the kind of information infrastructure the county needs.
All the others who were a part of that debacle are gone now – all but one – I leave it to the voters to handle the one most responsible for getting nothing for money spent, Vera Benning.
Steve Walker
Manchester Township
Other Examples of related waste and inefficiency:
The various departments still have to find and hunt through a giant computer print out of the county accounts, a stack of paper about 3 inches thick, in order to know what their budgets are. This is a dinosaur of the 70’s – in the 21st century this information could and should be viewable online!
Zoning, Building and Health, who all share a role in the permit process, don’t share info as they easily could with computerized workflow, so citizens still play hide and seek with all the bits of the permitting process.
The Recorder still pays a $5 per image royalty fee to an outside vendor for every deed image scanned when it should cost pennies at most.
The county is hosting official information on an offsite web server (Dearborncounty.org), I couldn’t say how much they pay for the service, but they do have their own server that would cost them nothing more.
I am sure there are more if anybody cared to look into it…
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Obviously No Fan of Ms. Benning
...but the job history I hadn't known before...
I've been trying to find a reason to vote for Vera Benning.
First I looked for qualifications to be a County Commissioner.
Let's see - does being a receptionist at H&R Block make the list?
I don't think so.
How about selling garden furniture at Consolidated Grain & Barge?
Not that.
How about managing an apartment complex for retired folks?
We may all get there someday but that doesn't really do it for me either.
Well maybe being in real estate sales is the ticket. We all want someone who will allow more subdivisions! Don't we???
Maybe being a stalwart in the Republican Party should be a qualification.
Knowing how to be a politician and telling people what you think they want to hear might work for some people - but sorry - not for me.
Perhaps I should forget about job history and look for character.
In the not too distant past a committee was formed, at the request of the then commissioners, to do a study and make recommendations on what could be done to make the best use of the County Farm. Vera attended a number of those meetings and promised to support whatever the committee recommended. (Did I mention that she was running for County Commissioner then too?)
Well, she was elected and immediately reneged on that promise.
So much for character!
You know what??
I can't find one single reason to vote for her so I'm just going to stop trying.
Anne Observer
I've been trying to find a reason to vote for Vera Benning.
First I looked for qualifications to be a County Commissioner.
Let's see - does being a receptionist at H&R Block make the list?
I don't think so.
How about selling garden furniture at Consolidated Grain & Barge?
Not that.
How about managing an apartment complex for retired folks?
We may all get there someday but that doesn't really do it for me either.
Well maybe being in real estate sales is the ticket. We all want someone who will allow more subdivisions! Don't we???
Maybe being a stalwart in the Republican Party should be a qualification.
Knowing how to be a politician and telling people what you think they want to hear might work for some people - but sorry - not for me.
Perhaps I should forget about job history and look for character.
In the not too distant past a committee was formed, at the request of the then commissioners, to do a study and make recommendations on what could be done to make the best use of the County Farm. Vera attended a number of those meetings and promised to support whatever the committee recommended. (Did I mention that she was running for County Commissioner then too?)
Well, she was elected and immediately reneged on that promise.
So much for character!
You know what??
I can't find one single reason to vote for her so I'm just going to stop trying.
Anne Observer
Thursday, April 27, 2006
REMINDER- TONIGHT IS MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT
REMINDER- TONIGHT IS MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT
TUES MAY 2nd is the PRIMARY
The Manchester Civic Association has organized a"Meet the Candidates" night for Thursday, April 27th at 7:30pm at the Manchester firehouse near "the store" on SR 48 in Manchester.
This is an opportunity to meet Vera Benning, the sitting District 3 County
Commissioner, and her opponent for the May 2 primary, Ralph Thompson.
Please plan on attending this meeting to voice your concerns to the candidates.
The primary election is open to all voters in the county. Even though commissioners run in a district, ALL voters vote for them. Republican ballots have the contested local races on them- commissioner and sheriff. (Dave Lusby vs. Linda Jordan Estes) For the Bright/HVL area there is also a district council race that is contested. (Liz Morris vs. Craig Lysne)
You must bring a picture ID (such as a driver's license) with you when you vote this year - it's a new law.
TUES MAY 2nd is the PRIMARY
The Manchester Civic Association has organized a"Meet the Candidates" night for Thursday, April 27th at 7:30pm at the Manchester firehouse near "the store" on SR 48 in Manchester.
This is an opportunity to meet Vera Benning, the sitting District 3 County
Commissioner, and her opponent for the May 2 primary, Ralph Thompson.
Please plan on attending this meeting to voice your concerns to the candidates.
The primary election is open to all voters in the county. Even though commissioners run in a district, ALL voters vote for them. Republican ballots have the contested local races on them- commissioner and sheriff. (Dave Lusby vs. Linda Jordan Estes) For the Bright/HVL area there is also a district council race that is contested. (Liz Morris vs. Craig Lysne)
You must bring a picture ID (such as a driver's license) with you when you vote this year - it's a new law.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Interested in Fresh Natural Produce?
Interested in Fresh Natural Produce?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TO: Newspaper Editors
FR: Sister Claire Whalen, Secretary
Food and Growers Association of the Laughery Valley and its Environs (FGA)
812-933-0818; cawhalen@verizon.net
RE: Public Information session, May 9, 2006
DATE: April 26, 2006
Leaders in the Northern Laughery Valley are being invited to attend a panel presentation, “Stimulating the Rural Economy,” to become informed about initiatives to create a Local Food Source in the Laughery Valley. The event will be held May 9, 2006, 6:30-7:45pm
at the Batesville Memorial Building, Council Chambers.
Guests will learn about the first project created by the Food and Growers Association, namely FarmFreshCSA, which is currently taking subscriptions for its program offering fresh, naturally grown produce for twenty weeks, beginning June 7, 2006. They will also learn about possibilities for locally grown produce to be purchased by schools for their lunch programs to improve the nutrition levels of school children. They will see how these local efforts mirror such projects in the state and nation.
The Food and Growers Association of the Laughery Valley and its Environs (FGA) is hosting this event.
Kathy Cooley, RD, dietitian at the Hansen Center in Batesville and president of FGA, will address the connection between eating safe, healthy food with personal health as well as with preserving family farms and caring for the environment.
Joining her on the panel will be the following professionals:
Robert White, State Director for Rural Development, USDA, Indianapolis
John Keeton, Field Coordinator, Purdue’s Ways to Grow and Beyond, Vevay
Richard Adrian, President of Jennings County Growers, North Vernon
Paul Anderson, President, Ripley County Indiana Farm Bureau, Moores Hill
Terry Stephenson, Coordinator, Historic Hoosier Hills, Versailles
Claire Whalen, OSF, Secretary of FGA, Batesville, will serve as moderator
For additional information, call Kathy Cooley at 812-933-3708 or Christine Bruns at 812-934-6590.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TO: Newspaper Editors
FR: Sister Claire Whalen, Secretary
Food and Growers Association of the Laughery Valley and its Environs (FGA)
812-933-0818; cawhalen@verizon.net
RE: Public Information session, May 9, 2006
DATE: April 26, 2006
Leaders in the Northern Laughery Valley are being invited to attend a panel presentation, “Stimulating the Rural Economy,” to become informed about initiatives to create a Local Food Source in the Laughery Valley. The event will be held May 9, 2006, 6:30-7:45pm
at the Batesville Memorial Building, Council Chambers.
Guests will learn about the first project created by the Food and Growers Association, namely FarmFreshCSA, which is currently taking subscriptions for its program offering fresh, naturally grown produce for twenty weeks, beginning June 7, 2006. They will also learn about possibilities for locally grown produce to be purchased by schools for their lunch programs to improve the nutrition levels of school children. They will see how these local efforts mirror such projects in the state and nation.
The Food and Growers Association of the Laughery Valley and its Environs (FGA) is hosting this event.
Kathy Cooley, RD, dietitian at the Hansen Center in Batesville and president of FGA, will address the connection between eating safe, healthy food with personal health as well as with preserving family farms and caring for the environment.
Joining her on the panel will be the following professionals:
Robert White, State Director for Rural Development, USDA, Indianapolis
John Keeton, Field Coordinator, Purdue’s Ways to Grow and Beyond, Vevay
Richard Adrian, President of Jennings County Growers, North Vernon
Paul Anderson, President, Ripley County Indiana Farm Bureau, Moores Hill
Terry Stephenson, Coordinator, Historic Hoosier Hills, Versailles
Claire Whalen, OSF, Secretary of FGA, Batesville, will serve as moderator
For additional information, call Kathy Cooley at 812-933-3708 or Christine Bruns at 812-934-6590.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
24 April 2006 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
24 April 2006 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Patrick deMaynadier (arrived about 7:30 PM), Jane Ohlmansiek, Mike Hall, Jeff Hughes, and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Absent: Tarry Feiss, Nick Held, and Robert Laws. Also Absent: Arnie McGill, Attorney
Also Present: Mark McCormack, Planning Director and Todd Listerman, Transportation Director.
ZONE CHANGE GRANTED, BUT TWO HOURS OF TESTIMONY SHOW ISSUES WITH DRAINAGE, ROAD ACCESS, AND FISCAL PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Approximately 60 people were in attendance for the Zone Change request from Ag to R for single-family homes on One Mile and Sneakville Roads in Logan Township on 108 acres. In addition the 108 acres there is a little over 50 acres already zoned R in this development plan. Randy Maxwell and John Maxwell presented. Randy addressed the access points particularly noting pros and cons of each. It was noted that this development would be “much less dense” than the adjoining Picnic Woods which has 198 acres and 438 units.
17 citizens spoke in opposition and presented over 300 petitions opposed to the zone change.
Dan and Linda Johnson on Grubbs moved to their small farm 8 years ago to escape congestion on the west side of Cincinnati. They noted only parts of the adjoining properties are R. This land butts up against working farms as well. They cite this density as being out of character with the adjoining properties. They questioned the speed of development and that the adjoiners had only 11 days to prepare. They felt this was an inadequate amount of time to address the issues of the residents. Utility capacities, road issues, traffic problems, safety, and taxes were all questioned. Greenspace and buffering were needed. How can they maintain the buffers? Potential problems with drainage were big concerns. Wildlife issues as development drives nature out and nuisances increase as a result. He doesn’t want to lose the quality of life and atmosphere we came for.
Norm Andrews- Mountain Meadows and One-Mile- concerned with sprawl as he moved here 19 years ago to escape that. Concerned with schools, fire and EMS service, and police. So far we haven’t brought much crime with us- but that is changing. Tax increases for schools. Maybe a golf course would be a better use.
Paul Noble – Renck Court – ALSO ON THE SCHOOL BOARD. Noble went into some detail about the school’s current capacities. Bright Elem is at capacity. N Dearborn has 2 classrooms to use, but is at 30 per class. Staffing will be cut perhaps with the budget issues SD board is facing. Still doesn’t know where they are going to get the $2.5 mil the state cut this year. Going to be looking at possibly a couple years of insolvency where the state has to come in.
He was concerned about the entrances to the development- particularly Renck as it is a direct shortcut to Stateline and Jamison. Safety issues with children and walkers and roads with blind curves.
Mitter asked him about how the PC could get better info from school districts to help with development.
Noble disagrees with the form letter approach- noted that we can build a lot of schools- with bonds, but then we have to staff them.
Possibly get the school board and PC members together.
Linda Mitchell- Bright- If they bring a letter from the schools would you really consider it? It seems like those letters and evidence are always ignored.
Asked who pays for Grubbs rd upgrade (Applicant)
Mitchell went on to say that high density does NOT conserve farmland. We are actually using farms to the max and still consuming the land. She quoted from Nugent’s recent mailing addressing property taxes. “…property taxes affect mostly seniors, small business owners, and farmers.” Nugent spoke of income tax as replacement. She noted that if you do that it would be better to attract high income residents with larger homes and less of them. This development does not fit the character of the community.
Daughter of Linda and Dan Johnson- Cleves- works with her parents selling their organic produce. She doesn’t want to move here now that she’s seeing all the overbuilding. She also noted the drainage issues along Grubbs and asked if there were tax incentives for farmers to help with the loss of income this will cause.
Dale Schroeder – Renck Court- noted this road traffic would be in his back yard. Hookup is to Tucker’s sewer. He questioned capacity and permits for this (county has jurisdiction actually, but is letting Tucker service apparently) Wondered what will happen to the water pressure of the EXISTING residents. Noted there were NO FIRE HYDRANTS THERE! He also noted significant examples of flooding and drainage issues in the area.
Tom Perdue – Renck Court – met earlier with Jeff Hughes and Gerald Nixon. Gerald had a letter in the packet. Traffic impact study stated that significant pass thru traffic to Renck Court is not anticipated. The presentation tonight stated the opposite. He did his own “study” and noted all the people questioned would choose Renck as a significant shortcut in travel time. He then showed numerous pictures of the issues on Renck Court.
[NOTE: The are video footages of these county roads from our transportation study. This perhaps would have been good to show at this meeting to demonstrate the road issues.]He noted tree damages from missed turns and snow issues up the hill to a STOP sign.
Dave Voss- Renck Court- Gave detailed discussion citing sections of the county code section 305 j and k on grade exceeding allowed limits for the road. No sign was posted to let us know this could become a thru street. (This was before the new ordinance) He noted this impact and traffic will raise the classes of all these roads and their structures are not commensurate with that.
He wanted to know if transportation dept. had a letter and who would maintain this road?
Mark Gephart – Picnic Woods- said he bought after talking to Mrs. Alexander who said they’d never develop those 50 acres, as it was her father’s wishes.
Brian Comley (sp?)- discussed the vehicles per day generated by this development (over 3,000 trips per day). He noted that in the comp plan Miller and Harrison were the top two townships deficient in park space. He also noted traffic issues at Salt Fork and Stateline.
Terrence Evans – Cedar Ridge – moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. Noted three issues for him were schools, the overloaded sewage plant (bad aroma in summer!), creek will be fed by this sewer drainage, and the traffic overload.
Ralph Thompson – Washington Township –(Republican candidate for commissioner- VOTE IN THE PRIMARY IS MAY 2)Comp plan should be considered. This is similar to the recent Sun Valley Acres proposal. Conservation of property values- what happens to those? Has anything been done to address that? Or considered?
Janice Adams- Garden Meadows – Lives 2 doors from Grubbs Rd and home is 25 ft from centerline of road. Wonders what happens to her home when road is widened.
Donna Aspens – Schoolteacher in city and EC coach. She and bus cannot cross on Renck. DO NOT let it be thoroughfare with that blind turn.
Phil Jackson- Picnic Woods- house has been flooded 12 times! Water runoff is bad now.
Do it the best way to harm the least amount of people. Not against progress. Plan it well. Not a big proponent of how Jerry Tucker did things here.
Bill Moerlein- front yard is a lake- floods 4-5 times a year.
Mitter asked if they’d gone to Soil and Water Board.
Jackson’s Answer- same luck as you have with school board. Sewers back up- been round and round with LMH over it.
Deborah Lee – Cedar Ridge – Sewer is enlarged and no one is notified.
Works at West side Pediatrics and sees traffic issues all the time. Has a son on Fire dept.- have you looked at hydrants and fire protection?
Mark Schum – Sneakville by Grubbs – would like to see bigger homes and bigger lots. Traffic issues would be better with less density. Kids use Mt Pleasant to Sneakville to get around the school buses- RACE home! Cited Thompson article in the paper on profit motives and homes. Other houses on 1 acre close to road- what happens to septic tank when acre is cut back? [NOTE: sewer line may come be by their home and they will be hooked on.]
Public discussion ended at 8:55.
John Maxwell thanked the people for being respectful to himself and his family. Likened this to Park Place- upscale. Noted he’d been contacted by the Rencks 10 months ago and tried to do their best to get access issues ironed out and connectivity accomplished. They bought all the additional property to the west of Grubbs to widen that access. Commented that he sure wasn’t running for office.
Randy Maxwell answered Hughes question about access to Sneakville as have rough topography.
Plan commission went through the connection issues briefly and the rezoning requirements. Most members felt it fit the character. Some questioned the fiscal balance with the current school potential insolvency issue. DeMaynadier noted that the school letter didn’t say they had capacity and it didn’t say they didn’t, which was actually more telling than their usual letters. He’d be more comfortable with less density and more open space in the total plan. Hall wasn’t sure if utilities were sufficient but it would be addressed at sub’n review. Mitter thought it fit the comp plan but was concerned about the schools.
Hall motioned and Ohlmansiek 2nd for a FAVORABLE recommendation to the commissioners for a zone change and also recommended that RENCK COURT AND PICNIC WOODS ROAD would NOT be used as connections. All ayes.
Changes to the zoning ordinances were discussed and passed to go on to commissioners for approval. These included a change in parent tract language with a 2-year limitation between divisions and other setback regulations.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Mark McCormack – noted 15 applications for the enforcement officer from all over the country even. Will interview next week.
He gave out meeting info on 2 OKI meetings- one for master plan information so we can continue working on our land use element. The other was the annual OKI meeting with Mayor Mallory of Cincinnati.
He also noted letters from state and OKI still recognize original VRUC board as the legitimate authority to date. [NOTE: Elections for that come up soon.]
Meeting adjourned at 11 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Patrick deMaynadier (arrived about 7:30 PM), Jane Ohlmansiek, Mike Hall, Jeff Hughes, and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Absent: Tarry Feiss, Nick Held, and Robert Laws. Also Absent: Arnie McGill, Attorney
Also Present: Mark McCormack, Planning Director and Todd Listerman, Transportation Director.
ZONE CHANGE GRANTED, BUT TWO HOURS OF TESTIMONY SHOW ISSUES WITH DRAINAGE, ROAD ACCESS, AND FISCAL PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Approximately 60 people were in attendance for the Zone Change request from Ag to R for single-family homes on One Mile and Sneakville Roads in Logan Township on 108 acres. In addition the 108 acres there is a little over 50 acres already zoned R in this development plan. Randy Maxwell and John Maxwell presented. Randy addressed the access points particularly noting pros and cons of each. It was noted that this development would be “much less dense” than the adjoining Picnic Woods which has 198 acres and 438 units.
17 citizens spoke in opposition and presented over 300 petitions opposed to the zone change.
Dan and Linda Johnson on Grubbs moved to their small farm 8 years ago to escape congestion on the west side of Cincinnati. They noted only parts of the adjoining properties are R. This land butts up against working farms as well. They cite this density as being out of character with the adjoining properties. They questioned the speed of development and that the adjoiners had only 11 days to prepare. They felt this was an inadequate amount of time to address the issues of the residents. Utility capacities, road issues, traffic problems, safety, and taxes were all questioned. Greenspace and buffering were needed. How can they maintain the buffers? Potential problems with drainage were big concerns. Wildlife issues as development drives nature out and nuisances increase as a result. He doesn’t want to lose the quality of life and atmosphere we came for.
Norm Andrews- Mountain Meadows and One-Mile- concerned with sprawl as he moved here 19 years ago to escape that. Concerned with schools, fire and EMS service, and police. So far we haven’t brought much crime with us- but that is changing. Tax increases for schools. Maybe a golf course would be a better use.
Paul Noble – Renck Court – ALSO ON THE SCHOOL BOARD. Noble went into some detail about the school’s current capacities. Bright Elem is at capacity. N Dearborn has 2 classrooms to use, but is at 30 per class. Staffing will be cut perhaps with the budget issues SD board is facing. Still doesn’t know where they are going to get the $2.5 mil the state cut this year. Going to be looking at possibly a couple years of insolvency where the state has to come in.
He was concerned about the entrances to the development- particularly Renck as it is a direct shortcut to Stateline and Jamison. Safety issues with children and walkers and roads with blind curves.
Mitter asked him about how the PC could get better info from school districts to help with development.
Noble disagrees with the form letter approach- noted that we can build a lot of schools- with bonds, but then we have to staff them.
Possibly get the school board and PC members together.
Linda Mitchell- Bright- If they bring a letter from the schools would you really consider it? It seems like those letters and evidence are always ignored.
Asked who pays for Grubbs rd upgrade (Applicant)
Mitchell went on to say that high density does NOT conserve farmland. We are actually using farms to the max and still consuming the land. She quoted from Nugent’s recent mailing addressing property taxes. “…property taxes affect mostly seniors, small business owners, and farmers.” Nugent spoke of income tax as replacement. She noted that if you do that it would be better to attract high income residents with larger homes and less of them. This development does not fit the character of the community.
Daughter of Linda and Dan Johnson- Cleves- works with her parents selling their organic produce. She doesn’t want to move here now that she’s seeing all the overbuilding. She also noted the drainage issues along Grubbs and asked if there were tax incentives for farmers to help with the loss of income this will cause.
Dale Schroeder – Renck Court- noted this road traffic would be in his back yard. Hookup is to Tucker’s sewer. He questioned capacity and permits for this (county has jurisdiction actually, but is letting Tucker service apparently) Wondered what will happen to the water pressure of the EXISTING residents. Noted there were NO FIRE HYDRANTS THERE! He also noted significant examples of flooding and drainage issues in the area.
Tom Perdue – Renck Court – met earlier with Jeff Hughes and Gerald Nixon. Gerald had a letter in the packet. Traffic impact study stated that significant pass thru traffic to Renck Court is not anticipated. The presentation tonight stated the opposite. He did his own “study” and noted all the people questioned would choose Renck as a significant shortcut in travel time. He then showed numerous pictures of the issues on Renck Court.
[NOTE: The are video footages of these county roads from our transportation study. This perhaps would have been good to show at this meeting to demonstrate the road issues.]He noted tree damages from missed turns and snow issues up the hill to a STOP sign.
Dave Voss- Renck Court- Gave detailed discussion citing sections of the county code section 305 j and k on grade exceeding allowed limits for the road. No sign was posted to let us know this could become a thru street. (This was before the new ordinance) He noted this impact and traffic will raise the classes of all these roads and their structures are not commensurate with that.
He wanted to know if transportation dept. had a letter and who would maintain this road?
Mark Gephart – Picnic Woods- said he bought after talking to Mrs. Alexander who said they’d never develop those 50 acres, as it was her father’s wishes.
Brian Comley (sp?)- discussed the vehicles per day generated by this development (over 3,000 trips per day). He noted that in the comp plan Miller and Harrison were the top two townships deficient in park space. He also noted traffic issues at Salt Fork and Stateline.
Terrence Evans – Cedar Ridge – moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. Noted three issues for him were schools, the overloaded sewage plant (bad aroma in summer!), creek will be fed by this sewer drainage, and the traffic overload.
Ralph Thompson – Washington Township –(Republican candidate for commissioner- VOTE IN THE PRIMARY IS MAY 2)Comp plan should be considered. This is similar to the recent Sun Valley Acres proposal. Conservation of property values- what happens to those? Has anything been done to address that? Or considered?
Janice Adams- Garden Meadows – Lives 2 doors from Grubbs Rd and home is 25 ft from centerline of road. Wonders what happens to her home when road is widened.
Donna Aspens – Schoolteacher in city and EC coach. She and bus cannot cross on Renck. DO NOT let it be thoroughfare with that blind turn.
Phil Jackson- Picnic Woods- house has been flooded 12 times! Water runoff is bad now.
Do it the best way to harm the least amount of people. Not against progress. Plan it well. Not a big proponent of how Jerry Tucker did things here.
Bill Moerlein- front yard is a lake- floods 4-5 times a year.
Mitter asked if they’d gone to Soil and Water Board.
Jackson’s Answer- same luck as you have with school board. Sewers back up- been round and round with LMH over it.
Deborah Lee – Cedar Ridge – Sewer is enlarged and no one is notified.
Works at West side Pediatrics and sees traffic issues all the time. Has a son on Fire dept.- have you looked at hydrants and fire protection?
Mark Schum – Sneakville by Grubbs – would like to see bigger homes and bigger lots. Traffic issues would be better with less density. Kids use Mt Pleasant to Sneakville to get around the school buses- RACE home! Cited Thompson article in the paper on profit motives and homes. Other houses on 1 acre close to road- what happens to septic tank when acre is cut back? [NOTE: sewer line may come be by their home and they will be hooked on.]
Public discussion ended at 8:55.
John Maxwell thanked the people for being respectful to himself and his family. Likened this to Park Place- upscale. Noted he’d been contacted by the Rencks 10 months ago and tried to do their best to get access issues ironed out and connectivity accomplished. They bought all the additional property to the west of Grubbs to widen that access. Commented that he sure wasn’t running for office.
Randy Maxwell answered Hughes question about access to Sneakville as have rough topography.
Plan commission went through the connection issues briefly and the rezoning requirements. Most members felt it fit the character. Some questioned the fiscal balance with the current school potential insolvency issue. DeMaynadier noted that the school letter didn’t say they had capacity and it didn’t say they didn’t, which was actually more telling than their usual letters. He’d be more comfortable with less density and more open space in the total plan. Hall wasn’t sure if utilities were sufficient but it would be addressed at sub’n review. Mitter thought it fit the comp plan but was concerned about the schools.
Hall motioned and Ohlmansiek 2nd for a FAVORABLE recommendation to the commissioners for a zone change and also recommended that RENCK COURT AND PICNIC WOODS ROAD would NOT be used as connections. All ayes.
Changes to the zoning ordinances were discussed and passed to go on to commissioners for approval. These included a change in parent tract language with a 2-year limitation between divisions and other setback regulations.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Mark McCormack – noted 15 applications for the enforcement officer from all over the country even. Will interview next week.
He gave out meeting info on 2 OKI meetings- one for master plan information so we can continue working on our land use element. The other was the annual OKI meeting with Mayor Mallory of Cincinnati.
He also noted letters from state and OKI still recognize original VRUC board as the legitimate authority to date. [NOTE: Elections for that come up soon.]
Meeting adjourned at 11 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, April 21, 2006
20 April 2006 Dearborn County Sewer District Meeting Notes
20 April 2006 Dearborn County Sewer District Meeting Notes
Present: Hankins, Chairman, Holland, Enzweiler, Pruss, Fehrman, Maxwell, and Dennerline
Also present: Quinn, Engineer, Baer, Health Dept., Lehner, Att’y and Messmore- liaison with Woolpert and County Adm.
Hankins declared this a working session and all members sat at the side table. It should be noted that decisions were made and votes were taken, so this meeting more properly should not be called a “working session.”
Special Request:
Tom Kent SR 1 Development- NO Show
Lou Anevski, Chateau Pomije Sewer Extension. Presentation was made by Eric Anevski (son) and Peter Ellis, Engineer. The Chateau has been on a pump and haul set up for about 4 years. The property is for sale and Anevski is purchasing it. They have two options to obtain sewers from a 2001 design. 1 is back down N.Dearborn Rd to Dover. The other is down Jacobs Road thru the old road bed to Dog Ridge to the development up there (Maxwell’s) The option to Dog Ridge is probably less challenging, though presents issues with a long line and possible septic issues with times there is no flow. Ellis thinks a 4” line would be adequate to handle the winery. They might be able to serve the church and New Alsace also. St. Leon has been ambivalent about extensions. Hankins noted they expect an agreement with St. Leon soon. Asked about septic issues in the line. Ellis acknowledged this and thought they might have to aerate the line. Winery uses 1500-3000 gal per day and they are designing for 2500 gal per day.
At this point Lehner disclosed that she had done legal work for the winery in the past.
Baer stated that IDEM gave them till the end of June to address the pump and haul or the winery would shut down.
Hankins stated the county fully intends to use ROW for sewer extensions. Sunman won’t go past Jackson Township- this is outside that area.
St. Leon needs to be contacted. The HEALTH DEPT. is in 100% support of this project. Baer also stated the line would revert to the county, once built. [NOTE: Doesn’t that mean it would have to meet cty design standards?]
Dennerline and Holland motioned and seconded to provide the necessary support for them. All ayes.
Anevski asked about Maxwell/Fischer development on Dog Ridge. Maxwell acknowledged that it was his. Monday Anevski and Ellis should meet with Baer to get the design to him and ready to send to IDEM so that they can extend the pump and haul permit until the line is built.
[NOTE: If this line is built down North Dearborn or back through Dog Ridge, does that mean that the properties within 300 ft. of the line will be forced to hook on? Will they have the $4,000 St. Leon tap fee, or is there a different county fee? If they construct a line big enough to take in New Alsace, will they extend that down Yorkridge and force those properties on also? Has Woolpert covered this area in their study to be released on May 4?]
OLD BUSINESS:
Stewart St. and Cole Lane- Quinn talked about inserting a clause in the contract as an incentive to finish on time. May 1, Fehrman is meeting with Hastings and Turner in aurora to talk numbers and decide whose customers these residents will be. State sets the rates- so they know what those are. $101,000 is the Stewart construction cost. Tap ins are $500 (last meeting they were $1500). It was said that homeowners don’t need an easement now because they own the pumps and maintain them not the DCRSD. They are sending letters to citizens and skipping the meeting. Annexation thoughts were discussed with Dennerline repeatedly saying the DCRSD has no control over that. [NOTE: Aurora could have the no remonstrance form letter, if they wanted to, as a condition for taking the sewage.]
Hwy engineer is requiring directional boring along Stewart St. That will have to be hired out- Aurora can’t do that. Board again decided to send this out for bids (same as last meeting)
Baer will write the letter to citizens to tell them bids are going out with construction this summer.
SDRSD Membership – Board members are in the process of answering the 11 questions for SDRSD for the next meeting on May 2 with SDRSD. Hankins said there is general agreement to approve our request for membership plus escrowing funds for buildout. Jacobsen of SDRSD Board informed them that the repair on the sludge pipe break was fixed when it was questioned.
Funding requirements for SDRSD and St. Leon- were over $4M and $1.5-2.5M respectively.
Hankins said Council set aside money last time in the budget for this. On Apr 28th they will turn in their formal request for the money to be considered at Council’s May 23 meeting. They also need Aurora by-pass pipe funds. Hankins noted they needed to be specifically general. Fehrman and Dennerline motioned and 2nded for the paperwork authorizing the money to be signed by Hankins who would work with Lehner to determine the amounts to request and funds to request them from. All approved.
Dennerline said he hoped Sodrel’s office comes through with money. Messmore said all reps received the same map and letter with our requests.
Messmore said David Terrill of the Office of Rural Affairs is meeting here May 1 to try and build a model from what we are trying to accomplish.
Lehner, Messmore, Hankins, and Woolpert going to meet June 14 with Daniel’s chief of staff to see if they can open a few doors for us.
Hankins wants DCRSD board to lobby council members to get the funding.
Messmore said Woolpert would be at the May 4th meeting to give a formal update on their results so far.
Claims paid included $904 liability ins. With Seitz and there is $2000 bonding due in June. Lehner was paid for her Stewart St and Cole Lane work.
Baer asked what to do with individuals who need sewers but are in county territory. Can they attach to other providers? He was told to bring them individually to DCRSD to make their requests. Big discussion on whether they’d be mains or lateral extensions. State would be involved with main extensions. They were also concerned about getting too many little lines all over the place.
Teresa Brady (sp?) taken over at rural development- says we do not meet income level requirements for the grant. They need to get something from Susan Craig to send to her. Lehner to draft letter to GRW to get info. GRW was supposed to get this done on their original contract. Comments about suing GRW…
Letter from John Watson was the attorney from Sunman representing Classic Properties on Blossom Hill. (He called it SR 1 but meant Stateline Road) CTA overlaps with VRUC. Watson believes both have the right to sewer it. Lehner said Watson thinks we are set up with a CTA- we are a “different animal” as a regional sewer district. VRUC’s CTA has not been revoked yet. So we have no obligation to provide service. If that CTA is revoked, the commissioners can acquire it by condemnation or purchase. If the health dept. can prove serious problems, they can also condemn.
Board said Parvin Price (VRUC att’y in INDY) would sue us. Messmore said VRUC had a new attorney. (Ewbank) Answer was- no they have TWO attorneys!
Per Steve Lampert- Greendale- Tom Kent came to the city to see about sewer access. We’ll need a contract with Greendale for transmitting sewage. County has to give a collection letter, Greendale has to give a transport letter, and SDRSD has to give a capacity letter. Lehner to draft DCRSD letter. Holland and Dennerline motioned and 2nded to provide a conditional letter. Kent to lay a mile of line and county will charge a “head tax.” They anticipate 100-150 in development.
Hankins, Quinn, and Fehrman looked at sewer flows around Aurora. Think they understand the patterns. They think they may be able to help County and Aurora at the same time. Discussion of line sizes, siphons, Conwell St, Trestor Hill, Moore Street, and Quinn to design and have some hydraulics engineers double check to see if feasible. Have to be careful not to flood the houses along it…
Fehrman said Aurora is fearful of the fines IDEM is threatening. GRW’s proposals do not help the county- they are strictly for Aurora (who hired them!)
Maxwell was concerned with 2 engineers working on the same things.
Quinn to do the feasibility for $16,000.
Maxwell asked about High Ridge Estates and where the sewage was going. [NOTE: FINALLY, someone sees the PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE!] He was told it’s going over the hill into Hogan Creek and has been for about 20 years!
Hrezo Engineering talked to Hankins about using temporary package plants. [NOTE: An added expense- better to talk to Dillsboro- they are closer.]
NO DECISION.
Meeting adjourned 9 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Hankins, Chairman, Holland, Enzweiler, Pruss, Fehrman, Maxwell, and Dennerline
Also present: Quinn, Engineer, Baer, Health Dept., Lehner, Att’y and Messmore- liaison with Woolpert and County Adm.
Hankins declared this a working session and all members sat at the side table. It should be noted that decisions were made and votes were taken, so this meeting more properly should not be called a “working session.”
Special Request:
Tom Kent SR 1 Development- NO Show
Lou Anevski, Chateau Pomije Sewer Extension. Presentation was made by Eric Anevski (son) and Peter Ellis, Engineer. The Chateau has been on a pump and haul set up for about 4 years. The property is for sale and Anevski is purchasing it. They have two options to obtain sewers from a 2001 design. 1 is back down N.Dearborn Rd to Dover. The other is down Jacobs Road thru the old road bed to Dog Ridge to the development up there (Maxwell’s) The option to Dog Ridge is probably less challenging, though presents issues with a long line and possible septic issues with times there is no flow. Ellis thinks a 4” line would be adequate to handle the winery. They might be able to serve the church and New Alsace also. St. Leon has been ambivalent about extensions. Hankins noted they expect an agreement with St. Leon soon. Asked about septic issues in the line. Ellis acknowledged this and thought they might have to aerate the line. Winery uses 1500-3000 gal per day and they are designing for 2500 gal per day.
At this point Lehner disclosed that she had done legal work for the winery in the past.
Baer stated that IDEM gave them till the end of June to address the pump and haul or the winery would shut down.
Hankins stated the county fully intends to use ROW for sewer extensions. Sunman won’t go past Jackson Township- this is outside that area.
St. Leon needs to be contacted. The HEALTH DEPT. is in 100% support of this project. Baer also stated the line would revert to the county, once built. [NOTE: Doesn’t that mean it would have to meet cty design standards?]
Dennerline and Holland motioned and seconded to provide the necessary support for them. All ayes.
Anevski asked about Maxwell/Fischer development on Dog Ridge. Maxwell acknowledged that it was his. Monday Anevski and Ellis should meet with Baer to get the design to him and ready to send to IDEM so that they can extend the pump and haul permit until the line is built.
[NOTE: If this line is built down North Dearborn or back through Dog Ridge, does that mean that the properties within 300 ft. of the line will be forced to hook on? Will they have the $4,000 St. Leon tap fee, or is there a different county fee? If they construct a line big enough to take in New Alsace, will they extend that down Yorkridge and force those properties on also? Has Woolpert covered this area in their study to be released on May 4?]
OLD BUSINESS:
Stewart St. and Cole Lane- Quinn talked about inserting a clause in the contract as an incentive to finish on time. May 1, Fehrman is meeting with Hastings and Turner in aurora to talk numbers and decide whose customers these residents will be. State sets the rates- so they know what those are. $101,000 is the Stewart construction cost. Tap ins are $500 (last meeting they were $1500). It was said that homeowners don’t need an easement now because they own the pumps and maintain them not the DCRSD. They are sending letters to citizens and skipping the meeting. Annexation thoughts were discussed with Dennerline repeatedly saying the DCRSD has no control over that. [NOTE: Aurora could have the no remonstrance form letter, if they wanted to, as a condition for taking the sewage.]
Hwy engineer is requiring directional boring along Stewart St. That will have to be hired out- Aurora can’t do that. Board again decided to send this out for bids (same as last meeting)
Baer will write the letter to citizens to tell them bids are going out with construction this summer.
SDRSD Membership – Board members are in the process of answering the 11 questions for SDRSD for the next meeting on May 2 with SDRSD. Hankins said there is general agreement to approve our request for membership plus escrowing funds for buildout. Jacobsen of SDRSD Board informed them that the repair on the sludge pipe break was fixed when it was questioned.
Funding requirements for SDRSD and St. Leon- were over $4M and $1.5-2.5M respectively.
Hankins said Council set aside money last time in the budget for this. On Apr 28th they will turn in their formal request for the money to be considered at Council’s May 23 meeting. They also need Aurora by-pass pipe funds. Hankins noted they needed to be specifically general. Fehrman and Dennerline motioned and 2nded for the paperwork authorizing the money to be signed by Hankins who would work with Lehner to determine the amounts to request and funds to request them from. All approved.
Dennerline said he hoped Sodrel’s office comes through with money. Messmore said all reps received the same map and letter with our requests.
Messmore said David Terrill of the Office of Rural Affairs is meeting here May 1 to try and build a model from what we are trying to accomplish.
Lehner, Messmore, Hankins, and Woolpert going to meet June 14 with Daniel’s chief of staff to see if they can open a few doors for us.
Hankins wants DCRSD board to lobby council members to get the funding.
Messmore said Woolpert would be at the May 4th meeting to give a formal update on their results so far.
Claims paid included $904 liability ins. With Seitz and there is $2000 bonding due in June. Lehner was paid for her Stewart St and Cole Lane work.
Baer asked what to do with individuals who need sewers but are in county territory. Can they attach to other providers? He was told to bring them individually to DCRSD to make their requests. Big discussion on whether they’d be mains or lateral extensions. State would be involved with main extensions. They were also concerned about getting too many little lines all over the place.
Teresa Brady (sp?) taken over at rural development- says we do not meet income level requirements for the grant. They need to get something from Susan Craig to send to her. Lehner to draft letter to GRW to get info. GRW was supposed to get this done on their original contract. Comments about suing GRW…
Letter from John Watson was the attorney from Sunman representing Classic Properties on Blossom Hill. (He called it SR 1 but meant Stateline Road) CTA overlaps with VRUC. Watson believes both have the right to sewer it. Lehner said Watson thinks we are set up with a CTA- we are a “different animal” as a regional sewer district. VRUC’s CTA has not been revoked yet. So we have no obligation to provide service. If that CTA is revoked, the commissioners can acquire it by condemnation or purchase. If the health dept. can prove serious problems, they can also condemn.
Board said Parvin Price (VRUC att’y in INDY) would sue us. Messmore said VRUC had a new attorney. (Ewbank) Answer was- no they have TWO attorneys!
Per Steve Lampert- Greendale- Tom Kent came to the city to see about sewer access. We’ll need a contract with Greendale for transmitting sewage. County has to give a collection letter, Greendale has to give a transport letter, and SDRSD has to give a capacity letter. Lehner to draft DCRSD letter. Holland and Dennerline motioned and 2nded to provide a conditional letter. Kent to lay a mile of line and county will charge a “head tax.” They anticipate 100-150 in development.
Hankins, Quinn, and Fehrman looked at sewer flows around Aurora. Think they understand the patterns. They think they may be able to help County and Aurora at the same time. Discussion of line sizes, siphons, Conwell St, Trestor Hill, Moore Street, and Quinn to design and have some hydraulics engineers double check to see if feasible. Have to be careful not to flood the houses along it…
Fehrman said Aurora is fearful of the fines IDEM is threatening. GRW’s proposals do not help the county- they are strictly for Aurora (who hired them!)
Maxwell was concerned with 2 engineers working on the same things.
Quinn to do the feasibility for $16,000.
Maxwell asked about High Ridge Estates and where the sewage was going. [NOTE: FINALLY, someone sees the PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE!] He was told it’s going over the hill into Hogan Creek and has been for about 20 years!
Hrezo Engineering talked to Hankins about using temporary package plants. [NOTE: An added expense- better to talk to Dillsboro- they are closer.]
NO DECISION.
Meeting adjourned 9 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
18 April 2006 US 50 Community Advisory Committee Meeting Notes
These notes were sent to CAC members today regarding our meeting on Tuesday afternoon. The PUBLIC is invited to attend a meeting on April 25 at L-BG High School from 6-8 PM. Please let your friends and neighbors know about this as well. There is info in the Thurs. Register also.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
FROM: Scott Roush, Strand Associates, Inc.
DATE: April 18, 2006
RE: INDOT US 50 Corridor Planning Study and Environmental Assessment
This date a meeting was held at the Adult Learning Center, 311 West Tate Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana from 3:00 – 5:00 with the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to discuss the Purpose and Need of the project. This was the first of three meetings that are required by Indiana’s Streamlined EIS Procedures.
A list of those attending is attached.
The meeting began with a Power Point presentation by Scott Roush (see attached) discussing the results of the Existing Conditions Report and the Purpose and Need statement. The meeting then broke into four small groups with the task of identifying additional issues that affected the operation of US 50. Copies of the draft Existing Conditions Report and the draft Purpose and Need documents were available at each table as well as a blank aerial photograph of the project corridor. Each group then reported a summary of their discussion. Following is a summary of those comments.
· It was suggested that the study should not terminate at I-275. It was suggested that the study be extended to the State Line due to the amount of anticipated development. It was also suggested that SR 1 also be included in this study. SR 1 via Bellview Avenue has a very poor cross section with significant truck traffic. The existing SR 1 bridge over the railroad tracks is a bottleneck.
· The segment of US 50 between Aurora and Wilson Creek Road/Wal Mart entrance should receive additional analysis regarding traffic operations. Specifically, the George Street, SR 148 (Sunnyside Avenue), Wilson Creek Road and Wal Mart entrance (Sycamore Estates) intersections should receive intersection level analysis rather than be included as part of a larger corridor. Additional safety and deficiencies analysis should occur through this segment.
· Chris McHenry should be contacted regarding locations of specific historic structures. Specific structures mentioned were Flowers By Vicki structure and a church in Lawrenceburg.
· Primary issues are congestion on US 50, Bellview Avenue/SR 1 truck traffic and bottlenecks at SR 48 and at Wal Mart.
· There are no good bypass solutions. The River to the south and steep hills to the north make US 50 the only good corridor for improvement.
· Corridor needs access management. Need to limit access at controlled intersections, service roads or combined accesses for 4-5 stores.
· County redevelopment should be included in meetings.
· Portions of US 50 are designated as a National Scenic Byway
· Any proposed improvements should recognize the historic value of individual structures and districts along the study corridor.
· Make sure that the SR 48 realignment is included in project planning.
· In Dillsboro there is poor access to the Solid Waste Management District, the flashing lights that serve Dillsboro and at the casket company during shift changes. Sight distance is also a problem.
· As sewer access is provided along US 50 in the Dillsboro area there will be more access points as economic development occurs. Setbacks should be adequate so that sight distance is not affected.
· There is a cemetery behind Steak & Shake and the overpass in Greendale.
· Hillside development is causing drainage problems due to under sized culverts and erosion
· The Tanners Creek bridge and the floodplain are critical features
· Traffic is currently using Greendale via Ridge Road as a cut through to avoid US 50. This is glutting up existing City streets. Elderly and youth are afraid to drive on US 50.
· Need left and right turn lanes at new developments such as theatre and at Kroger.
Specific Improvement Suggestions
· Turning lane/capacity improvements should be considered at Wilson Creek Road, SR 148 (Sunnyside Road), George Street, and Blair Road in the Aurora area. Add additional capacity from SR 148 to George Street and from Wilson Creek Road to Wal Mart. Also look at new access to Wal Mart from Wilson Creek Road
· The “suicide lane” should be removed and replaced with a median.
· A new bridge over Tanners Creek is needed now. It can’t wait.
· Need computer controlled traffic lights that can adjust signal times based on conditions.
· Cooperate with Ohio to place a new interchange at I-275 and Stephens to take load off of I-275 at SR 1.
Attendance Report
CAC Members
Bill Black, Jr., Dearborn County Emergency Management
Donnie Hastings, Mayor of Aurora
Jennifer Hughes, Dearborn County Soil & Water Conservation District
Jeff Hughes, Dearborn County District 1
LaVerne Kolb, Farm Bureau Inc.
Steven Lampert, City of Greendale
Mark McCormack, Dearborn County Planning & Zoning
Bryan Messmore, Dearborn County
Chris Mueller, County Metro Plan Board
Phil Piche, Grace Church of the Valley
John Rahe, Main Street Aurora
Peter Resnick, Dearborn County Hospital
Michael Rozow, Dearborn County Chamber
Bob Sauerbrey, Miller Township-Citizen
Jay Senitza, Manchester Township
INDOT Representatives
Steve Smith
Mary Jackman
Jim Ude
FHWA
Larry Heil
Other
Erin Peterson, M.E. Companies
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
FROM: Scott Roush, Strand Associates, Inc.
DATE: April 18, 2006
RE: INDOT US 50 Corridor Planning Study and Environmental Assessment
This date a meeting was held at the Adult Learning Center, 311 West Tate Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana from 3:00 – 5:00 with the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to discuss the Purpose and Need of the project. This was the first of three meetings that are required by Indiana’s Streamlined EIS Procedures.
A list of those attending is attached.
The meeting began with a Power Point presentation by Scott Roush (see attached) discussing the results of the Existing Conditions Report and the Purpose and Need statement. The meeting then broke into four small groups with the task of identifying additional issues that affected the operation of US 50. Copies of the draft Existing Conditions Report and the draft Purpose and Need documents were available at each table as well as a blank aerial photograph of the project corridor. Each group then reported a summary of their discussion. Following is a summary of those comments.
· It was suggested that the study should not terminate at I-275. It was suggested that the study be extended to the State Line due to the amount of anticipated development. It was also suggested that SR 1 also be included in this study. SR 1 via Bellview Avenue has a very poor cross section with significant truck traffic. The existing SR 1 bridge over the railroad tracks is a bottleneck.
· The segment of US 50 between Aurora and Wilson Creek Road/Wal Mart entrance should receive additional analysis regarding traffic operations. Specifically, the George Street, SR 148 (Sunnyside Avenue), Wilson Creek Road and Wal Mart entrance (Sycamore Estates) intersections should receive intersection level analysis rather than be included as part of a larger corridor. Additional safety and deficiencies analysis should occur through this segment.
· Chris McHenry should be contacted regarding locations of specific historic structures. Specific structures mentioned were Flowers By Vicki structure and a church in Lawrenceburg.
· Primary issues are congestion on US 50, Bellview Avenue/SR 1 truck traffic and bottlenecks at SR 48 and at Wal Mart.
· There are no good bypass solutions. The River to the south and steep hills to the north make US 50 the only good corridor for improvement.
· Corridor needs access management. Need to limit access at controlled intersections, service roads or combined accesses for 4-5 stores.
· County redevelopment should be included in meetings.
· Portions of US 50 are designated as a National Scenic Byway
· Any proposed improvements should recognize the historic value of individual structures and districts along the study corridor.
· Make sure that the SR 48 realignment is included in project planning.
· In Dillsboro there is poor access to the Solid Waste Management District, the flashing lights that serve Dillsboro and at the casket company during shift changes. Sight distance is also a problem.
· As sewer access is provided along US 50 in the Dillsboro area there will be more access points as economic development occurs. Setbacks should be adequate so that sight distance is not affected.
· There is a cemetery behind Steak & Shake and the overpass in Greendale.
· Hillside development is causing drainage problems due to under sized culverts and erosion
· The Tanners Creek bridge and the floodplain are critical features
· Traffic is currently using Greendale via Ridge Road as a cut through to avoid US 50. This is glutting up existing City streets. Elderly and youth are afraid to drive on US 50.
· Need left and right turn lanes at new developments such as theatre and at Kroger.
Specific Improvement Suggestions
· Turning lane/capacity improvements should be considered at Wilson Creek Road, SR 148 (Sunnyside Road), George Street, and Blair Road in the Aurora area. Add additional capacity from SR 148 to George Street and from Wilson Creek Road to Wal Mart. Also look at new access to Wal Mart from Wilson Creek Road
· The “suicide lane” should be removed and replaced with a median.
· A new bridge over Tanners Creek is needed now. It can’t wait.
· Need computer controlled traffic lights that can adjust signal times based on conditions.
· Cooperate with Ohio to place a new interchange at I-275 and Stephens to take load off of I-275 at SR 1.
Attendance Report
CAC Members
Bill Black, Jr., Dearborn County Emergency Management
Donnie Hastings, Mayor of Aurora
Jennifer Hughes, Dearborn County Soil & Water Conservation District
Jeff Hughes, Dearborn County District 1
LaVerne Kolb, Farm Bureau Inc.
Steven Lampert, City of Greendale
Mark McCormack, Dearborn County Planning & Zoning
Bryan Messmore, Dearborn County
Chris Mueller, County Metro Plan Board
Phil Piche, Grace Church of the Valley
John Rahe, Main Street Aurora
Peter Resnick, Dearborn County Hospital
Michael Rozow, Dearborn County Chamber
Bob Sauerbrey, Miller Township-Citizen
Jay Senitza, Manchester Township
INDOT Representatives
Steve Smith
Mary Jackman
Jim Ude
FHWA
Larry Heil
Other
Erin Peterson, M.E. Companies
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
18 April 2006 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
18 April 2006 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Benning, President, Hughes, and Fox
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, Ewbank, Attorney, and Messmore, Administrator.
Marilyn Bower- Dearborn Highland Arts Council- was granted permission to go to Council on May 23 to request funding for the Gateway for the Arts.
Ms Howard of Dutch Hollow Road and Tim Barrott gave an update on their road issues citing the needs of the firehouse, school bus safety, and mail delivery along the narrow roadway. The requested a stripe down the middle of the road. [NOTE: There are issues with striping roads that do not have two full lanes.] They thanked Listerman for getting some of their needs addressed with signs and ditching. Listerman answered Fox’s question on maintenance issues stating that he was setting up a schedule of sequential road counts over the years so that heir could address road maintenance in order of priority. One of the criteria is vehicular traffic volume.
Mary Meleschi for an “unresolved problem” did not show.
Ms Williams, a Bright resident discussed her pond problem, which she attributes to Tucker development. Apparently the runoff from gutters and roadways is ending up dragging mud and debris into her pond in the Carr, Meyer, Brookstone Way area. She has been working with Jennifer Hughes at Soil and Water and had a large packet of materials regarding violations of Rule 5. Tucker has placed large round hay bales as an attempt to stem the flow- she complained that they filled her pond with hay. They can’t get across their dam at times to get to their home now. Previous commissioners (Shell and Dole) told her it was a civil issue and she needed to sue Tucker. She praised current commissioner Hughes for working hard to help her resolve the problem. She went on to state that she figured Benning wouldn’t help because she’s got a campaign sign on Tucker’s property. She then showed them a picture of the sign. Benning apologized – saying she was sorry the sign bothered her. She also stated that she had a man putting signs up for her and he was selecting the sites. Listerman has replaced two pipes on Meyer road- this apparently is not helping. Ms Williams is dealing with Randy Braun- in Indy. Pickens took her number and he will place calls to see if they can expedite a solution.
Old Business: Todd Listerman gave a report showing no records clear back to the 1800s that show any county road in the area of Railroad in Moore’s Hill. They used surveys, deeds, and aerials. They see the remnants of an old road that went from Moores’s Hill down S Adams to the depot, but there are no maintenance records of any county road where Railroad Lane is. As it is currently 12 ft wide gravel- the county cannot take it in until it would be brought to county specs- 20 ft gravel. Ewbank stated- the question was whether or not it was a county road. The answer is no- so the county will not maintain it.
Claims and minutes were signed.
Hughes asked Bill Black to reiterate to everyone how important it was for NIMS training to be completed. Black tied it to federal funding for the schools as well.
Ewbank noted there were 2 more claims filed against the county and they had resolved another one and settled one with the Clerk’s office.
Benning announced that the commissioners had attended the US 50 Community Advisory Meeting that afternoon and that the public meeting on US 50 for the Corridor Study will be April 25th at LHS from 6-8. She noted the county was 10th fastest growing in the state.
Meeting adjourned 7 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Benning, President, Hughes, and Fox
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, Ewbank, Attorney, and Messmore, Administrator.
Marilyn Bower- Dearborn Highland Arts Council- was granted permission to go to Council on May 23 to request funding for the Gateway for the Arts.
Ms Howard of Dutch Hollow Road and Tim Barrott gave an update on their road issues citing the needs of the firehouse, school bus safety, and mail delivery along the narrow roadway. The requested a stripe down the middle of the road. [NOTE: There are issues with striping roads that do not have two full lanes.] They thanked Listerman for getting some of their needs addressed with signs and ditching. Listerman answered Fox’s question on maintenance issues stating that he was setting up a schedule of sequential road counts over the years so that heir could address road maintenance in order of priority. One of the criteria is vehicular traffic volume.
Mary Meleschi for an “unresolved problem” did not show.
Ms Williams, a Bright resident discussed her pond problem, which she attributes to Tucker development. Apparently the runoff from gutters and roadways is ending up dragging mud and debris into her pond in the Carr, Meyer, Brookstone Way area. She has been working with Jennifer Hughes at Soil and Water and had a large packet of materials regarding violations of Rule 5. Tucker has placed large round hay bales as an attempt to stem the flow- she complained that they filled her pond with hay. They can’t get across their dam at times to get to their home now. Previous commissioners (Shell and Dole) told her it was a civil issue and she needed to sue Tucker. She praised current commissioner Hughes for working hard to help her resolve the problem. She went on to state that she figured Benning wouldn’t help because she’s got a campaign sign on Tucker’s property. She then showed them a picture of the sign. Benning apologized – saying she was sorry the sign bothered her. She also stated that she had a man putting signs up for her and he was selecting the sites. Listerman has replaced two pipes on Meyer road- this apparently is not helping. Ms Williams is dealing with Randy Braun- in Indy. Pickens took her number and he will place calls to see if they can expedite a solution.
Old Business: Todd Listerman gave a report showing no records clear back to the 1800s that show any county road in the area of Railroad in Moore’s Hill. They used surveys, deeds, and aerials. They see the remnants of an old road that went from Moores’s Hill down S Adams to the depot, but there are no maintenance records of any county road where Railroad Lane is. As it is currently 12 ft wide gravel- the county cannot take it in until it would be brought to county specs- 20 ft gravel. Ewbank stated- the question was whether or not it was a county road. The answer is no- so the county will not maintain it.
Claims and minutes were signed.
Hughes asked Bill Black to reiterate to everyone how important it was for NIMS training to be completed. Black tied it to federal funding for the schools as well.
Ewbank noted there were 2 more claims filed against the county and they had resolved another one and settled one with the Clerk’s office.
Benning announced that the commissioners had attended the US 50 Community Advisory Meeting that afternoon and that the public meeting on US 50 for the Corridor Study will be April 25th at LHS from 6-8. She noted the county was 10th fastest growing in the state.
Meeting adjourned 7 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Amendment to Lusby Campaign Form
Lusby Campaign Form Amendment
Dave Lusby- Sheriff is filing an amendment to his campaign form this week showing two major contributions:
$1000 Walton Franks
$1000 Harry Tritschler
Dave Lusby- Sheriff is filing an amendment to his campaign form this week showing two major contributions:
$1000 Walton Franks
$1000 Harry Tritschler
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