DATE: November 4, 2005
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Hankins, Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman - arrived later, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, others in audience.
(Note: Meeting was held at the table at the side of the Commissioners Meeting Room and some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes for Oct. 20, 2005 were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,928__ in Seed Money Account and $229.82(?) in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account and $74,000 moved to an interest bearing Account.
Tom Kent:
TK is working on a project on Salt Fork Rd. He showed a vicinity map (SR 1 & Georgetown Road) to add 6400’ to proposed development with ‘Hilltop’ entrance from SR 1.TK received a letter from Greendale Board of Works indicating they can serve the area. Will need to coordinate with the County Planning Commission and the Board of Health. Will be approximately 155 lots, not engineered yet. Considering 141 single family and 120 Condos. TK will add a line (gravity ) down to the pump station.
DCRSD indicated there are problems in Guilford approx. 2 miles up the road. They may want to ‘tack on’ some load. Guilford is a ‘target area’. They will need to understand the effluent flow to properly size pipes. There are ‘about 30 homes in Guilford and about a dozen along the way.’ They can only oversize the pipe by 25%.
TK has some additional property to develop, if the ‘County’ would help pay. DCRSD guesses its about a $400,000 project and they are not sure it can pay for itself. Perfect North Slopes has already run a new line. DCRSD feels it should encompass the County.
Tom Quinn:
The drawings for US 50 are nearly done. The line will run down the center of US 50 and use directional boring. The line should be a 3” based on flow; but, the state may require a 4”. Stewart has gas and water on opposite sides and a water line on the creek bank. Cole Lane has shale about 4’ down. Use pits and bore out both directions. Can bore about 500’. DCRSD signed the construction application
No further work has been done on the interceptor for Aurora and Cochran St. Will coordinate with Randy Turner. GRW apparently has nothing on paper yet.
Variance:
IDEM is being careful and the variance is not yet approved. Taking longer than expected. Once this is approved, should apply for the next one to speed up process. The variance will serve as a certificate of capacity for Aurora.
St. Leon:
DCEDI wants to set up a commercial park near St. Leon. The ‘political powers’ want DCRSD to provide the sewers down SR 1 to a 300 acre area for an industrial park. St. L. has their capacity already promised. Need to expand the scope of the study to include the TIF. St. L wants to work with DCRSD to expand St. L. sewer. DCRSD would participate in the cost of the study ($5,500 additional) . The ‘County’ (Note: just who the ‘County’ is was not defined) wants to see this happen. They have a large number (Note: number of what not specified) that want to relocate to Dearborn County. Pat Holland and Greg Vollmer questioned proceeding with this at this time . Finish Cole lane and Stewart St. first. Can the sewers be paid from the TIF? A portion only. The ‘County’ would have to come up with some money or ‘work ‘ the Lawrenceburg bond bank for some money. ‘County’ has some ownership. If the District expands DCRSD should be an equity customer. Item Tabled.
VRUC Letter of Understanding:
LL has met with a representative of VRUC to revise the L of U. Paragraph 5 (the penalty structure for I & I) was unworkable. Also issues on paragraph 11 (Not authorized to operate in the area yet). Talked with Floyd ______. HVL has 14 sections, 12 lift stations and about 50 miles of sewers. The northwest areas appear to be in the worst condition VRUC will start there. VRUC has done some work, They have replaced some lines and resealed some manholes. Valleywoods is not included. They plan to work on three sections at a time (about 20 to 20%). Some sections will fix quickly and some may take two years. They will camera and smoke test lines. They think they may have broken laterals or illegal storm tie-ins. Not sure how much is inflow versus infiltration.
The ‘most favored nation status’ was questioned. VRUC ‘just wants to be treated equal’. VRUC wants benefits provided to others, if others get better down the road. Want the penalty changed to could be charged. VRUC will need to be metered to determine their flow since the proposed interceptor would be metered at the fairgrounds and others could be added in between.
DCRSD will bear half the engineering cost. Preliminary drawings by GRW should be recovered as a basis. Lawrenceburg may give money from the bond bank to move this along. DCRSD moved to accept the Letter of Understanding. VRUC wants the L of U Tuesday for the VRUC Board meeting..
County
DCEDI has suggested a look at combined sewage throughout Dearborn County to improve efficiency and funding.
RFQ:
RFPs are being prepared for three firms: Woolpert, Black & Vietch & GRW (Note: This is the firm they complained about not finalizing numbers and finishing work.) RFP is for countywide assessment of capabilities and liabilities. ‘Political encouragement’ is being applied to proceed ‘with haste’. LL suggested bypassing the RFP process. The Board approved proceeding with the RFPs. RFPs due November 22, 2005.
Consolidation of the County:
Consolidation is being considered. They are looking at Northern KY as a model. That was handled by one of the three firms receiving the RFPs. The goal is to consolidate the County into one entity. Sunman has petitioned for more area in Dearborn County. They extend approx. 10 miles outside ___ boundary. St. L boundary almost meets Greendale. Need a ‘clearing house’ for information to coordinate projects. If DCRSD expands it territory, ‘it will control the sewers’.
Regional Sewer Conference:
Brian (Messmore?) and LL will meet with Lynne Newlon to attend.
Tom Quinn:
Quinn is a PE now. (NOTE: That means he was practicing without a license prior to now).
Letter to Ken Lee(?):
Letter to Ken Lee(?) to see if DCRSD can review improvements or plans. They want to know if expanding countywide can provide notice of any new applications. LL indicated, if an objection is filed after the review period, it will probably be read.
Aurora Interceptor:
DCRSD needs hard copy plans that can lead to a solution. Randy Turner has plans (by GRW). Need to contact. Want to use hydraulics from Trestor Hill to eliminate a lift station.
VRUC Metering:
VRUC will become a customer of DCRSD. DCRSD will be customer of Lawrenceburg. DCRSD will have to pay any overages. VRUC needs to be metered and will have to pay twice the excess charge.
Projects:
Need to break down billings into three categories for the projects. Need to pay bills from Dearborn County Fund. Need to move funds from the interest account. Approved.
SDRSD:
BF & MH met with Fichtman(?) and Jacobsen. SRSD has plans to expand by 1.5 million gallons. DCRSD maybe can use 0.5 million of that capacity. SDRSD has a ‘high tech’ program to treat sludge. The meeting was cordial and the subject of membership for DCRSD was broached. SDRSD said bring $$$! SDRSD will have fixed costs and fees for flows into the system.
District Expansion:
Should DCRSD apply for expansion to encompass all of county except existing CTAs? This would make DCSRD able to cover more areas. They would have to expand to cover VRUC, the TIF district and the 350 interceptor anyway. IDEM would probably approve. The y would need county support (Council & Commissioners). There is concern for another regional sewer district in the north west (Note: A new district would have to go through public notice, the Commissioners and IDEM first). Could do all except existing CTAs and still do separate projects.
(Note: A year and half ago Mike Hankins (for the Board) denied they were looking at other areas. This proves their lie.)
Baer: Already committed to VRUC, why not the do the County now, be comprehensive.
Holland: Wait and finish the current projects first.
Hankins: Why three adds when one will cover all now.
Vollmer: Proceed to save time & money. Can proceed on other projects and have the authority and control for engineering for new subdivisions. DCRSD would have the power to control. Force the new systems to be deeded to DCRSD to own, maintain, operate and bill.
Pruss: IDEM is no help. Aurora interceptor important. All runs down to Lawrenceburg. ____
Fehrman: Dillsboro is working on their own. Blame engineering (NOTE: GRW?) and Aurora for current problems. People are going to have to pay. DCRSD will look at ___ but, sub (division?) will have to pump. Lawrenceburg is going to expand, they have promised capacity to the Condos and are running out of capacity. Maybe the Bond bank will help. When the (gambling) money goes the County will be in trouble. Taxes will go sky high and the County still won’t have enough. $100,000,000 is not half enough to sewer the County
Tabled.
St. Leon Study:
Previously tabled item. Should $5,500 be spent? If the study indicates a capacity requirement, St. L will want DCRSD to pay for the increased capacity. Projections are for 1/3 of capacity. ‘Politicians’ in the County want to make this happen. DCRSD does not want to participate without equity. ‘County’ is pushing for sewage expansion. DCRSD should participate to the extent of the $5,500 for the study only if Jim West provides the money or the County - Rick Fox. (Note: Mr. Fox was mentioned directly and another politician ‘who has to get reelected” - Vera Benning?’ as the politicians pushing for the expansion.) DCRSD will reject the current letter of agreement and revise per preceding discussion. ‘Representatives from the County’ said if you need money, its there. Pay out of County money (needed for Cole Lane and Stewart St.). Explore the study basis with the ability to commit up to $5,500 is approved.
Meeting Adjourned.
PS: The county wide expansion was tabled; but, LL and BF took a prepared letter to the Commissioners at the next Commissionrs’ meeting to have them approve and sign for a request to expand to cover all the county except the existing CTAs. Where did the meeting take place to approve this action. LL indicated DCRSD needed to proceed before the laws change in January and the have to notify the people. Why are they afraid to have the people know what’s going on?
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
1 November 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
1 November 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator and Ewbank, Attorney.
Absent: Pickens, Auditor (Stephanie Disbro took minutes)
Benning announced that there may be changes in the meeting agenda tonight. (Mike Hankins and Brett Fehrman from the County Sewer Board had just arrived.)
1. The proposed changes to section 2546 of the zoning ordinance allowing rigid lockable swimming pool covers modeled after the state codes was passed based on the Plan Commission’s recommendations to approve it.
2. Travis Miller, Planning Director, also answered question regarding the ordinance and procedures on minor vs. major subdivisions based on questions from Hughes. Further research on past reasoning, others counties regulations, and plan commission members thoughts will be looked into by Miller. Hughes felt that it was discriminatory to consider all divisions of a parent tract based on 1989 dates – the point in time that plats were recorded with numbers so that parent tracts could actually be verified. [NOTE: It is interesting that Hughes has gotten complaints that it is discriminatory. The original discussions were to remove family divisions of land because they favored families and discriminated against others who wanted to divide without family as recipients.]
3. Maxwell Construction was not present for the Harvest Ridge Subdivision regarding the INDOT Disclosures for Roadway Improvements to Schuman and Trojan Rds. Bryan Messmore presented the material for signature. Tech review including the highway dept staff approved the plans. [NOTE: These plans reportedly have NO EMINENT DOMAIN included. The improvements have a variance that will allow less land to be used for the turn lanes.] Commissioners signed the agreement with INDOT.
4. Bill Black presented the bid recommendation for 800 MgHz radio system. Commissioners approved MobileComm for $255,655 They also signed the notice to proceed.
The NIMS resolution was signed and all departments that are to be trained have the option of online training for free. Several departments are now considered first responders (ex. Health Dept)
Commissioners directed Black to get with Pickens to get an account number assigned to a non-reverting fund for his savings towards a mobile command unit. Ewbank will write up the resolution for this.
5. Todd Listerman presented the Transportation Dept.’s reorganization plans and new staffing table of responsibilities. He also is now the point authority for the highway dept. Commissioners approved.
He will update the commissioners bimonthly at their meetings. Bids were approved for FYDA Freightliner for 2 chassis, cabs that accept snow plows and 10 ft truck beds for a total of $111,014.
Kaffenberger Trucking got the bid for $60,590 for saltboxes, and 11 ft plows, etc. Both were considered the lowest and best bid.
6. Mark Seiler presented Eagles Nest Drive and Arbor Ridge Estates Subdivision for acceptance into County Maintenance. Both have maintenance bonds for a period of time after acceptance based on their initial construction dates with regard to the ordinance at the time. The target is for two-year maintenance bonds on roadways after acceptance to insure quality per Todd Listerman.Both road systems - Approved.
The Triple Whipple Bridge (Bridge 95) has escalated to nearly twice its original estimated cost to repair. The 80 federal/20 local financing for $700,000 won’t get close to covering enough of the $1,300,000 current estimates. (It may be no longer “cheaper to keep her”)Of the 20 % Ohio County will do 20% and Dearborn 80 %.
The state has lost paperwork etc in the changeover and so they are starting over with an agreement for ROW acquisition. Commissioners agreed. Listerman noted that these federal dollars are Enhancement Funds- not regular Transportation dollars as in highway construction projects. Ewbank noted they should research funding, Ohio County possibly funding more, lifting and moving the bridge to the side as they did the Guilford Bridge, demolition, and decide if it’s really worth it.
7. Benning asked for Mike Hankins, Sewer Board President, to give commissioners an update (THIS WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
Hankins stated they were making progress on the West Aurora project for Cole and Stewart Lanes. They should have an answer in 90 days regarding the rural development grant request that has been out for 17 months now. He noted there were bureaucratic problems with the Regional sewer district and the Cochran St lift station in Aurora. They need to get money to upgrade the lift station there so they can pass their sewage on thru it to SDRSD. They have a variance so far to get the project started and this will cover the 340 homes on the west Aurora project. He then invited commissioners to attend at any time- the sewer board meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs. of each month in the Commissioners room. [NOTE: What happened to High Ridge Estates- they were the original reason the sewer board started a district on that side of the county. Questions have surfaced concerning how any people will be served in Dennerline’s trailer park on Cole Lane, noting that Dennerline serves on this board.]
8. Claims signed.
9. Bryan Messmore asked the board to approve JR Holdcraft to the Animal Control Board at the request of its members. Holdcraft, a L-bg Councilman, was approved.
County cell phones seem to be an issue with some needing new phones because theirs aren’t working “as well as they should be.” Verizon is the carrier and with 70 cell phones it would seem they would accommodate repairs r replacements as needed without having an entire new 2-year contract. Stephanie Disbro states they can’t seem to find a salesman to take care of them. Messmore will check into this further.
The annual bids for standard items will go out this month to be opened Dec 6th and awarded on the 20th.
10. Ewbank reported that Higgins form Schiff Insurance will set specs for the county’s health, casualty, workers comp, and liability for them and meet in 3 weeks. The Freedom of Speech lawsuit with the county is still pending in federal court. Planning and Zoning may be amending some ordinances as a result.
Ewbank has also fielded questions on recording issues with assessor and recorder.
11. Benning and Stephanie Disbro announced that the Christmas party will be Dec 14 from 12-2 during staff lunches and staff pays for their own food.
Due to Advertising fees, the commissioners need to request additional appropriations to finish out the year. Bryan will go to Council for this. It was noted that they are $7216 less than last year’s advertising expenses still.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator and Ewbank, Attorney.
Absent: Pickens, Auditor (Stephanie Disbro took minutes)
Benning announced that there may be changes in the meeting agenda tonight. (Mike Hankins and Brett Fehrman from the County Sewer Board had just arrived.)
1. The proposed changes to section 2546 of the zoning ordinance allowing rigid lockable swimming pool covers modeled after the state codes was passed based on the Plan Commission’s recommendations to approve it.
2. Travis Miller, Planning Director, also answered question regarding the ordinance and procedures on minor vs. major subdivisions based on questions from Hughes. Further research on past reasoning, others counties regulations, and plan commission members thoughts will be looked into by Miller. Hughes felt that it was discriminatory to consider all divisions of a parent tract based on 1989 dates – the point in time that plats were recorded with numbers so that parent tracts could actually be verified. [NOTE: It is interesting that Hughes has gotten complaints that it is discriminatory. The original discussions were to remove family divisions of land because they favored families and discriminated against others who wanted to divide without family as recipients.]
3. Maxwell Construction was not present for the Harvest Ridge Subdivision regarding the INDOT Disclosures for Roadway Improvements to Schuman and Trojan Rds. Bryan Messmore presented the material for signature. Tech review including the highway dept staff approved the plans. [NOTE: These plans reportedly have NO EMINENT DOMAIN included. The improvements have a variance that will allow less land to be used for the turn lanes.] Commissioners signed the agreement with INDOT.
4. Bill Black presented the bid recommendation for 800 MgHz radio system. Commissioners approved MobileComm for $255,655 They also signed the notice to proceed.
The NIMS resolution was signed and all departments that are to be trained have the option of online training for free. Several departments are now considered first responders (ex. Health Dept)
Commissioners directed Black to get with Pickens to get an account number assigned to a non-reverting fund for his savings towards a mobile command unit. Ewbank will write up the resolution for this.
5. Todd Listerman presented the Transportation Dept.’s reorganization plans and new staffing table of responsibilities. He also is now the point authority for the highway dept. Commissioners approved.
He will update the commissioners bimonthly at their meetings. Bids were approved for FYDA Freightliner for 2 chassis, cabs that accept snow plows and 10 ft truck beds for a total of $111,014.
Kaffenberger Trucking got the bid for $60,590 for saltboxes, and 11 ft plows, etc. Both were considered the lowest and best bid.
6. Mark Seiler presented Eagles Nest Drive and Arbor Ridge Estates Subdivision for acceptance into County Maintenance. Both have maintenance bonds for a period of time after acceptance based on their initial construction dates with regard to the ordinance at the time. The target is for two-year maintenance bonds on roadways after acceptance to insure quality per Todd Listerman.Both road systems - Approved.
The Triple Whipple Bridge (Bridge 95) has escalated to nearly twice its original estimated cost to repair. The 80 federal/20 local financing for $700,000 won’t get close to covering enough of the $1,300,000 current estimates. (It may be no longer “cheaper to keep her”)Of the 20 % Ohio County will do 20% and Dearborn 80 %.
The state has lost paperwork etc in the changeover and so they are starting over with an agreement for ROW acquisition. Commissioners agreed. Listerman noted that these federal dollars are Enhancement Funds- not regular Transportation dollars as in highway construction projects. Ewbank noted they should research funding, Ohio County possibly funding more, lifting and moving the bridge to the side as they did the Guilford Bridge, demolition, and decide if it’s really worth it.
7. Benning asked for Mike Hankins, Sewer Board President, to give commissioners an update (THIS WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
Hankins stated they were making progress on the West Aurora project for Cole and Stewart Lanes. They should have an answer in 90 days regarding the rural development grant request that has been out for 17 months now. He noted there were bureaucratic problems with the Regional sewer district and the Cochran St lift station in Aurora. They need to get money to upgrade the lift station there so they can pass their sewage on thru it to SDRSD. They have a variance so far to get the project started and this will cover the 340 homes on the west Aurora project. He then invited commissioners to attend at any time- the sewer board meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs. of each month in the Commissioners room. [NOTE: What happened to High Ridge Estates- they were the original reason the sewer board started a district on that side of the county. Questions have surfaced concerning how any people will be served in Dennerline’s trailer park on Cole Lane, noting that Dennerline serves on this board.]
8. Claims signed.
9. Bryan Messmore asked the board to approve JR Holdcraft to the Animal Control Board at the request of its members. Holdcraft, a L-bg Councilman, was approved.
County cell phones seem to be an issue with some needing new phones because theirs aren’t working “as well as they should be.” Verizon is the carrier and with 70 cell phones it would seem they would accommodate repairs r replacements as needed without having an entire new 2-year contract. Stephanie Disbro states they can’t seem to find a salesman to take care of them. Messmore will check into this further.
The annual bids for standard items will go out this month to be opened Dec 6th and awarded on the 20th.
10. Ewbank reported that Higgins form Schiff Insurance will set specs for the county’s health, casualty, workers comp, and liability for them and meet in 3 weeks. The Freedom of Speech lawsuit with the county is still pending in federal court. Planning and Zoning may be amending some ordinances as a result.
Ewbank has also fielded questions on recording issues with assessor and recorder.
11. Benning and Stephanie Disbro announced that the Christmas party will be Dec 14 from 12-2 during staff lunches and staff pays for their own food.
Due to Advertising fees, the commissioners need to request additional appropriations to finish out the year. Bryan will go to Council for this. It was noted that they are $7216 less than last year’s advertising expenses still.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
24 October 2005 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
24 October 2005 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Jeff Hughes, Acting Chairman, Mike Hall, Nick Held, Tarry Feiss, Robert Laws, and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Absent: Mark Mitter, Patrick deMaynadier, and Jane Ohlmansiek
Also Present: Travis Miller, Planning Director
Arnie McGill, Attorney, and Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, were not present.
1. Andy Scholle represented Alan and Marcia Stenger who were stuck in Key West, FL due to the hurricane. Permission to access Chesterville Rd., a collector and a driveway variance of less than 230 feet from existing driveways in Sparta Township was requested. No public comment.
As this was the 9th parcel to be created from the parent tract, permission was also needed to create the 9th lot, because it is a major subdivision at this point.
Kraus, Jr. motioned and Held 2nd to approve as long as the Health Dept. approves a 2nd septic site. Passed
Administrative:
1. Travis Miller presented the agenda for the Nov 5th Future Land Use Map workshop for the advisory board and Plan Commission. Public may attend this- but can only participate via written comments during the workshop. Time is 10:30-3 PM at Lawrenceburg High School. Lunch provided by Hava Java for the advisory board and the plan commission. This is the final work for the advisory board prior to the land use maps going for public meetings, which will be in December or January. Tarry Feiss is unable to attend and Robert Law’s attendance is still in question.
2. The draft calendar for the 2006 meeting schedule was passed out to be approved at the November meeting.
3. Annual report is being prepared and Travis requested a short bio from 2 members who haven’t completed theirs yet.
4. Hamilton Co. has Greg Dale for their final seminar this year. Bob Laws has attended all 4 seminars this year. He and Patricia Baker from the BZA (new members this year) are attending this final seminar.
5. Travis Miller discussed the orthophotography options for GIS data. They have not submitted a contract yet, but will check into the prices compared to the previous versions they’d considered.
6. School district issues were discussed, particularly in light of recent large developments proposed in the Sunman Dearborn district and their building issues and teacher layoffs.
Plan commission members noted they have no jurisdiction in these issues. [NOTE: Isn’t this similar to the issues with roads and sewers, where Health Dept, IDEM, and INDOT or County Highway and Commissioners decide? The Plan Commission can turn a request down, when they see the dept with jurisdiction has not achieved – or has no plans to achieve- a significant change in the infrastructure. Common sense should prevail in these cases. It would seem to be irresponsible to flood a school system, where the tax base cannot keep up with the building needs and/or the staff salaries. A better mix of uses is needed in that district or else it needs to be subdivided or reapportioned with districts in the rest of the county.]
7. A letter from a resident regarding the tabled Buckhead Development was discussed briefly. Mike Hall wanted to respond to it personally. [NOTE: I discussed the ethics considerations of this with him after the meeting, as it was a tabled item and plan commission members are not to have ex parte discussions on pending issues. They will probably check this with Arnie McGill, Attorney.]
Meeting adjourned. 8:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Jeff Hughes, Acting Chairman, Mike Hall, Nick Held, Tarry Feiss, Robert Laws, and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Absent: Mark Mitter, Patrick deMaynadier, and Jane Ohlmansiek
Also Present: Travis Miller, Planning Director
Arnie McGill, Attorney, and Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, were not present.
1. Andy Scholle represented Alan and Marcia Stenger who were stuck in Key West, FL due to the hurricane. Permission to access Chesterville Rd., a collector and a driveway variance of less than 230 feet from existing driveways in Sparta Township was requested. No public comment.
As this was the 9th parcel to be created from the parent tract, permission was also needed to create the 9th lot, because it is a major subdivision at this point.
Kraus, Jr. motioned and Held 2nd to approve as long as the Health Dept. approves a 2nd septic site. Passed
Administrative:
1. Travis Miller presented the agenda for the Nov 5th Future Land Use Map workshop for the advisory board and Plan Commission. Public may attend this- but can only participate via written comments during the workshop. Time is 10:30-3 PM at Lawrenceburg High School. Lunch provided by Hava Java for the advisory board and the plan commission. This is the final work for the advisory board prior to the land use maps going for public meetings, which will be in December or January. Tarry Feiss is unable to attend and Robert Law’s attendance is still in question.
2. The draft calendar for the 2006 meeting schedule was passed out to be approved at the November meeting.
3. Annual report is being prepared and Travis requested a short bio from 2 members who haven’t completed theirs yet.
4. Hamilton Co. has Greg Dale for their final seminar this year. Bob Laws has attended all 4 seminars this year. He and Patricia Baker from the BZA (new members this year) are attending this final seminar.
5. Travis Miller discussed the orthophotography options for GIS data. They have not submitted a contract yet, but will check into the prices compared to the previous versions they’d considered.
6. School district issues were discussed, particularly in light of recent large developments proposed in the Sunman Dearborn district and their building issues and teacher layoffs.
Plan commission members noted they have no jurisdiction in these issues. [NOTE: Isn’t this similar to the issues with roads and sewers, where Health Dept, IDEM, and INDOT or County Highway and Commissioners decide? The Plan Commission can turn a request down, when they see the dept with jurisdiction has not achieved – or has no plans to achieve- a significant change in the infrastructure. Common sense should prevail in these cases. It would seem to be irresponsible to flood a school system, where the tax base cannot keep up with the building needs and/or the staff salaries. A better mix of uses is needed in that district or else it needs to be subdivided or reapportioned with districts in the rest of the county.]
7. A letter from a resident regarding the tabled Buckhead Development was discussed briefly. Mike Hall wanted to respond to it personally. [NOTE: I discussed the ethics considerations of this with him after the meeting, as it was a tabled item and plan commission members are not to have ex parte discussions on pending issues. They will probably check this with Arnie McGill, Attorney.]
Meeting adjourned. 8:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, October 21, 2005
DCRSD Meeting Notes for October 20, 2005
DATE: October 20, 2005
Board members Present: Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman - Acting Chair, David Entzweiler, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, Jeff Bittner, VRUC, Vera Benning, Jeff Hughes, others in audience.
(Note: Some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,931.48 in Seed Money Account and $75,961.03 in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account.
Variance:
The City of Aurora has provided the variance to add sewage from Stewart Road and Cole Lane for submission to IDEM. IDEM appears to be in favor and an answer is expected by November 3rd. Debbie Dubinsky(?) is the person at IDEM.
VRUC Letter of Understanding:
LL (Lisa Lehner) has been discussing revisions with VRUC. They talked about the penalty structure for I & I. They wanted to break the service area into sections and work on sections with reporting of the results. Wanted to change to penalties could be assessed. Additional charges would be passed through to VRUC. They have enough consensus to move forward.
Jeff Bittner said they have determined which sections need the most work. They plan to ‘TV’ the lines and then fix either using VRUC staff of by Contractor. They plan to start with section 11 & 12 this year. The L of U provides the framework to move forward.
New sanitary permit:
Sending a letter to IDEM on the permit for the SR.46 & 1 with collection lines into St. Leon. Notified Levi Solcraft(??) RSD wanted to be notified, but, were not sure RSD had any standing. A letter will be drafted to Ken Lee(?) to request DCRSD be notified directly in future of any work in the County. It is too late to file on this permit by time limit; but, IDEM may allow comment. St. Leon did not object to permit and they suspect it may be turned over to St. Leon. DCRSD is trying to consolidate the County.
Aurora Interceptor Line:
RD spoke to Randy Turner about the interceptor. Considering using an 8" line ___ with vacuum purge near "Hopping's" on US 50. Also talked about a 'reversal' at Conwell Street. A tank may need to placed at "Hopping's" in case of buildup and may have to treat the holdings. Need to do everything to help finalize.
Interceptor along Rt. 350:
No discussion.
RFQ:
Six RFQs wee sent out, five returned. Top three firms were Woolpert, Black & Vietch & GRW (Note: This is the firm they complained about not finalizing numbers and finishing work.) All top three have offices in Cincinnati. DE will meet with the firms regarding what the Board wants and expects.
Claims:
Attorney - $1719.21, approved to pay (Note: Lehner has been paid $37,946.86 from May 2003 to the end of 2004 and $17,109.94 through September 2005 for a total of $55,056.80 in fees.)
Aaron Koslowsky(?):
Aaron Koslowski(?), regarding Conaway Property wanted to know when the sewer line down Huesman Road was to be installed. They are planning on reopening the campgrounds and were looking for sewer availability to determine if they needed public sewer or onsite treatment. With the bottleneck in Aurora, RSD has no time frame for the Huesman Rd. line.
St. Leon:
St. Leon (Frank Leoni) requested to indicate how much capacity needed to serve additional area in Dearborn County. Estimated 550__gallons ___. ___working on additional discussion between St. L & DCRSD regarding Commercial area (TIF0 near I 74. There is currently no source of income; but, could pay when income is generated. The usage would be light industry, would change the treatment requirements. The TIF was created by DC to develop commercial (approx. 350 acres) ___ surrounded by St. L. This was put on the 'back burner'. The have people wanting sewers and it is not feasible to become involved now; but, might be a future opportunity. St. L wanted a resolution as to whether DCRSD wanted to be a part of the treatment option. Should DCRSD expand its boundaries to force St. L to notify of any plans to expand and so they can't run lines elsewhere in the county? Pat Holland opposed growing to big so that DCRSD can't accomplish anything. PH said boundaries would be ridiculous, especially bounding by areas, such as ridges where construction is likely to occur.
DCRSD is trying to get control of the County. Want something be passed to get control of the County or force notification. Inform IDEM DCRSD is an interested party. LL to contact St. L.
VRUC:
VRUC had indicated in their newsletter that DCRSD would take over VRUC. DCRSD contacted Jerry Hacker and they had to print a retraction.
SDRSD:
DCRSD to contact SDRSD to see about getting a non voting member status. DCRSD doesn't have cash to buy into SDRSD. Will contact Dennis Fichtner(?) indicating they can't afford to buy in; but, would like a non voting membership.
Tom Kent:
TK is working on a project on Salt Fork Rd. approx. 1 1/4 mile line to Greendale. Lampert (Greendale City Manager) recommended to talk to County. Greendale wants DCRSD to give permission. DCRSD has no territorial authority over tunincorporatedis an unicorporated area and Greendale does not plan to annex. This could be a stepping stone for DCRSD. If they want to control, would have add area; but, there is no income to solve the problems. Again question, should DCRSD expand boundaries. There is no rate structure, if DCRSD took over it would be responsible for maintenance, etc. Would only consider accepting line debt free. Growth could be moving north. Hold off till enough funds are collected. TK has some additional property to develop. Invite TK to next meeting. Guilford is a target area next.
Tom Quinn:
Mr. Quinn's credentials are not yet approved. He called today and the Engineering Board was meeting; but, he would have to be notified in writing and pay an additional registration fee. If not registered, he could hire an associate, who is licensed in Indiana. DE expressed concern about hiring associate.
Meeting Adjourned.
PS: I was talking with Jeff Hughes, Commissioner in the Corridor when Vera Benning, Commissioner interrupted and said she had to talk to Jeff. Does this constitute a meeting without public notice, since a quorum of Commissioners were meeting at a public location? Was DCRSD to be discussed, in which Benning has a particular interest?
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Board members Present: Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman - Acting Chair, David Entzweiler, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, Jeff Bittner, VRUC, Vera Benning, Jeff Hughes, others in audience.
(Note: Some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,931.48 in Seed Money Account and $75,961.03 in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account.
Variance:
The City of Aurora has provided the variance to add sewage from Stewart Road and Cole Lane for submission to IDEM. IDEM appears to be in favor and an answer is expected by November 3rd. Debbie Dubinsky(?) is the person at IDEM.
VRUC Letter of Understanding:
LL (Lisa Lehner) has been discussing revisions with VRUC. They talked about the penalty structure for I & I. They wanted to break the service area into sections and work on sections with reporting of the results. Wanted to change to penalties could be assessed. Additional charges would be passed through to VRUC. They have enough consensus to move forward.
Jeff Bittner said they have determined which sections need the most work. They plan to ‘TV’ the lines and then fix either using VRUC staff of by Contractor. They plan to start with section 11 & 12 this year. The L of U provides the framework to move forward.
New sanitary permit:
Sending a letter to IDEM on the permit for the SR.46 & 1 with collection lines into St. Leon. Notified Levi Solcraft(??) RSD wanted to be notified, but, were not sure RSD had any standing. A letter will be drafted to Ken Lee(?) to request DCRSD be notified directly in future of any work in the County. It is too late to file on this permit by time limit; but, IDEM may allow comment. St. Leon did not object to permit and they suspect it may be turned over to St. Leon. DCRSD is trying to consolidate the County.
Aurora Interceptor Line:
RD spoke to Randy Turner about the interceptor. Considering using an 8" line ___ with vacuum purge near "Hopping's" on US 50. Also talked about a 'reversal' at Conwell Street. A tank may need to placed at "Hopping's" in case of buildup and may have to treat the holdings. Need to do everything to help finalize.
Interceptor along Rt. 350:
No discussion.
RFQ:
Six RFQs wee sent out, five returned. Top three firms were Woolpert, Black & Vietch & GRW (Note: This is the firm they complained about not finalizing numbers and finishing work.) All top three have offices in Cincinnati. DE will meet with the firms regarding what the Board wants and expects.
Claims:
Attorney - $1719.21, approved to pay (Note: Lehner has been paid $37,946.86 from May 2003 to the end of 2004 and $17,109.94 through September 2005 for a total of $55,056.80 in fees.)
Aaron Koslowsky(?):
Aaron Koslowski(?), regarding Conaway Property wanted to know when the sewer line down Huesman Road was to be installed. They are planning on reopening the campgrounds and were looking for sewer availability to determine if they needed public sewer or onsite treatment. With the bottleneck in Aurora, RSD has no time frame for the Huesman Rd. line.
St. Leon:
St. Leon (Frank Leoni) requested to indicate how much capacity needed to serve additional area in Dearborn County. Estimated 550__gallons ___. ___working on additional discussion between St. L & DCRSD regarding Commercial area (TIF0 near I 74. There is currently no source of income; but, could pay when income is generated. The usage would be light industry, would change the treatment requirements. The TIF was created by DC to develop commercial (approx. 350 acres) ___ surrounded by St. L. This was put on the 'back burner'. The have people wanting sewers and it is not feasible to become involved now; but, might be a future opportunity. St. L wanted a resolution as to whether DCRSD wanted to be a part of the treatment option. Should DCRSD expand its boundaries to force St. L to notify of any plans to expand and so they can't run lines elsewhere in the county? Pat Holland opposed growing to big so that DCRSD can't accomplish anything. PH said boundaries would be ridiculous, especially bounding by areas, such as ridges where construction is likely to occur.
DCRSD is trying to get control of the County. Want something be passed to get control of the County or force notification. Inform IDEM DCRSD is an interested party. LL to contact St. L.
VRUC:
VRUC had indicated in their newsletter that DCRSD would take over VRUC. DCRSD contacted Jerry Hacker and they had to print a retraction.
SDRSD:
DCRSD to contact SDRSD to see about getting a non voting member status. DCRSD doesn't have cash to buy into SDRSD. Will contact Dennis Fichtner(?) indicating they can't afford to buy in; but, would like a non voting membership.
Tom Kent:
TK is working on a project on Salt Fork Rd. approx. 1 1/4 mile line to Greendale. Lampert (Greendale City Manager) recommended to talk to County. Greendale wants DCRSD to give permission. DCRSD has no territorial authority over tunincorporatedis an unicorporated area and Greendale does not plan to annex. This could be a stepping stone for DCRSD. If they want to control, would have add area; but, there is no income to solve the problems. Again question, should DCRSD expand boundaries. There is no rate structure, if DCRSD took over it would be responsible for maintenance, etc. Would only consider accepting line debt free. Growth could be moving north. Hold off till enough funds are collected. TK has some additional property to develop. Invite TK to next meeting. Guilford is a target area next.
Tom Quinn:
Mr. Quinn's credentials are not yet approved. He called today and the Engineering Board was meeting; but, he would have to be notified in writing and pay an additional registration fee. If not registered, he could hire an associate, who is licensed in Indiana. DE expressed concern about hiring associate.
Meeting Adjourned.
PS: I was talking with Jeff Hughes, Commissioner in the Corridor when Vera Benning, Commissioner interrupted and said she had to talk to Jeff. Does this constitute a meeting without public notice, since a quorum of Commissioners were meeting at a public location? Was DCRSD to be discussed, in which Benning has a particular interest?
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Monday, October 17, 2005
Future Land Use Map Focus Groups Notes on Web
The first three focus groups for the Future Land Use Map for the County Master Plan have met and the minutes that Travis Miller has summarized are on the county planning web site: http://www.dearborncounty.org/planning/
Agriculture, Open Space/Parks, and Residential are finished. Commercial meets this Friday at the Lawrenceburg Library from 2-5. Check with the Planning Office before attending to be certain the time hasn't changed.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Agriculture, Open Space/Parks, and Residential are finished. Commercial meets this Friday at the Lawrenceburg Library from 2-5. Check with the Planning Office before attending to be certain the time hasn't changed.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
11 October 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
11 October 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, and Ewbank, Attorney.
Absent: Messmore, Administrator
This agenda was rearranged and assessor report added. Also the Emergency Management request for advertised bids to be opened was not on the agenda and was NOT heard. (See note at end)
1. US 50 Corridor Study- tabled from last meeting was represented by Travis Miller. Miller explained the coordination of the County’s study with OKI and the INDOT study on US 50 Corridor, showing the need for both and the possibility of improved economic development along the corridor if the county study is done too. The scope of work for the INDOT version being awarded to SIECO/ STRAND does not concern itself with land uses- just with moving traffic and environmental concerns.
Miller also stated that the INDOT version has 3 chances for public input in 18 months. He stressed that the 9-month study for the county will have more public input and that the new Tanner’s Creek bridge location is to be decided in the first 3 months. INDOT wasn’t sure another bridge would be needed- they aren’t to that point in their study. [NOTE: It seems ludicrous- it even defies common sense- that a 2nd crossing over Tanner’s Creek wouldn’t be necessary in the most populous section of the county. It literally could cut off the economic life of the county. INDOT should know this.]
Bob Koehler of OKI also spoke citing that this will add value to the INDOT study.
Commissioners voted to approve the memorandum of understanding with OKI to do the study. Council approved the funding already.
2. Joan Seitz, Assessor was added to the agenda- reported that a PTABOA (Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals) would need to have 2 freeholders with appropriate backgrounds appointed to it. She gave out info to the commissioners for future appointments.
3. Listerman gave the Hwy Dept recommendation to accept O’Mara as the bid winner for Sawdon Ridge widening and paving. Inspections will be in-house. Commissioners approved.
4. Bids for trucks and bedliners were opened and taken under advisement until next meeting:
Two trucks:
Freightliner- $108.870
McCluskey- $106,000
TriState- $112,348
Miami Valley Int’l - $126,416
Sterling Int’l - $121,810
Bedliners(dumps, snow plows, salt boxes):
Kaffenberger: $58,600 with an option for stainless steel for the salt trucks.
5. PAWS still has not decided whether to use the DC Foundation to raise money for the animal shelter building. Fred McCarter at the foundation is checking with his boards to see if they could accommodate this request. Bill Ullrich (Council member who sits on Animal Control) stated that the Council has an account that is in place and could be used for this to eliminate the middleman in the fund raising. Fox was concerned that the public would think TAX money was spent on it if the county fund was paying it- co-mingling money perhaps. Ewbank was pushing the foundation process again. He thinks it will be a source for matching money as well as safer for the contributors and a source for people’s wills to donate. The possibility of using a trust fund at a bank was considered. [NOTE: Is the money insured in the foundation, the way it would be if invested in a bank?]
PAWS was given the OK to unveil the plan at the Bark and Wine next week. No collections would be done with the county’s blessing until the fund investment is settled and operational cost estimates are completed.
6. Pickens wanted all ordinances to be recorded at the Recorders Office- no cost to county. He is also looking to put minutes on better paper- linen stock like in the old days to survive longer. This is REALLY expensive paper per Pickens.
7. Hughes asked about Stateline and Stephens Road and turn lanes etc. They are looking to use the savings from White’s Hill there per Pickens. Still checking on those monies. [NOTE: It appears that the road accounts are being moved around a fair amount. White’s Hill had extras on it- where did the “savings” come from?]
8. Benning brought up 911 moving to the jail space and Sheriff Lusby wanting to be able to discipline them as they were under his roof now. Fox and Hughes wanted to investigate that further, as they thought Charlie Ashley was in charge. Benning said that 911 is a VOLUNTEER BOARD. There is a specified set of people on it per Bill Black. [Note: Commissioners appoint members to it. Why have two bosses for these workers?]
9. Benning asked Hughes to bring up Pruss Road (in District 3.) He stated that the county maintains the first 100 ft.
Benning went on to talk about vacating the old road and accepting the NEW ROAD WHICH HAS NO NAME. [NOTE: She’s referring to what they previously were calling Rump Road over a year ago. It accessed her daughter and son-in-law’s property and the properties of a neighbor who has moved to Miller Township. It seems like every tie we get new highway people or new commissioners, this Pruss Road issue comes up with Benning, who also lives near there as do her in-laws.]
NO decision.
10. Bill Black asked about opening the 800 MgHz bids as he had advertised them for that meeting with bids to be awarded by Friday. Benning said that would be next meeting, he was not on the agenda. [NOTE: Joan Seitz wasn't either. Neither was Pruss Road. Next meeting is advertised as CLAIMS ONLY]
Commissioners quickly adjourned at that point. [NOTE: Benning then went over to Ewbank at his seat and exchanged the kind of elaborate handshake routine that I have previously witnessed only in gang members, teenage boys, fraternity brothers, and movies with secret societies. One can only wonder what that was about!]
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, and Ewbank, Attorney.
Absent: Messmore, Administrator
This agenda was rearranged and assessor report added. Also the Emergency Management request for advertised bids to be opened was not on the agenda and was NOT heard. (See note at end)
1. US 50 Corridor Study- tabled from last meeting was represented by Travis Miller. Miller explained the coordination of the County’s study with OKI and the INDOT study on US 50 Corridor, showing the need for both and the possibility of improved economic development along the corridor if the county study is done too. The scope of work for the INDOT version being awarded to SIECO/ STRAND does not concern itself with land uses- just with moving traffic and environmental concerns.
Miller also stated that the INDOT version has 3 chances for public input in 18 months. He stressed that the 9-month study for the county will have more public input and that the new Tanner’s Creek bridge location is to be decided in the first 3 months. INDOT wasn’t sure another bridge would be needed- they aren’t to that point in their study. [NOTE: It seems ludicrous- it even defies common sense- that a 2nd crossing over Tanner’s Creek wouldn’t be necessary in the most populous section of the county. It literally could cut off the economic life of the county. INDOT should know this.]
Bob Koehler of OKI also spoke citing that this will add value to the INDOT study.
Commissioners voted to approve the memorandum of understanding with OKI to do the study. Council approved the funding already.
2. Joan Seitz, Assessor was added to the agenda- reported that a PTABOA (Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals) would need to have 2 freeholders with appropriate backgrounds appointed to it. She gave out info to the commissioners for future appointments.
3. Listerman gave the Hwy Dept recommendation to accept O’Mara as the bid winner for Sawdon Ridge widening and paving. Inspections will be in-house. Commissioners approved.
4. Bids for trucks and bedliners were opened and taken under advisement until next meeting:
Two trucks:
Freightliner- $108.870
McCluskey- $106,000
TriState- $112,348
Miami Valley Int’l - $126,416
Sterling Int’l - $121,810
Bedliners(dumps, snow plows, salt boxes):
Kaffenberger: $58,600 with an option for stainless steel for the salt trucks.
5. PAWS still has not decided whether to use the DC Foundation to raise money for the animal shelter building. Fred McCarter at the foundation is checking with his boards to see if they could accommodate this request. Bill Ullrich (Council member who sits on Animal Control) stated that the Council has an account that is in place and could be used for this to eliminate the middleman in the fund raising. Fox was concerned that the public would think TAX money was spent on it if the county fund was paying it- co-mingling money perhaps. Ewbank was pushing the foundation process again. He thinks it will be a source for matching money as well as safer for the contributors and a source for people’s wills to donate. The possibility of using a trust fund at a bank was considered. [NOTE: Is the money insured in the foundation, the way it would be if invested in a bank?]
PAWS was given the OK to unveil the plan at the Bark and Wine next week. No collections would be done with the county’s blessing until the fund investment is settled and operational cost estimates are completed.
6. Pickens wanted all ordinances to be recorded at the Recorders Office- no cost to county. He is also looking to put minutes on better paper- linen stock like in the old days to survive longer. This is REALLY expensive paper per Pickens.
7. Hughes asked about Stateline and Stephens Road and turn lanes etc. They are looking to use the savings from White’s Hill there per Pickens. Still checking on those monies. [NOTE: It appears that the road accounts are being moved around a fair amount. White’s Hill had extras on it- where did the “savings” come from?]
8. Benning brought up 911 moving to the jail space and Sheriff Lusby wanting to be able to discipline them as they were under his roof now. Fox and Hughes wanted to investigate that further, as they thought Charlie Ashley was in charge. Benning said that 911 is a VOLUNTEER BOARD. There is a specified set of people on it per Bill Black. [Note: Commissioners appoint members to it. Why have two bosses for these workers?]
9. Benning asked Hughes to bring up Pruss Road (in District 3.) He stated that the county maintains the first 100 ft.
Benning went on to talk about vacating the old road and accepting the NEW ROAD WHICH HAS NO NAME. [NOTE: She’s referring to what they previously were calling Rump Road over a year ago. It accessed her daughter and son-in-law’s property and the properties of a neighbor who has moved to Miller Township. It seems like every tie we get new highway people or new commissioners, this Pruss Road issue comes up with Benning, who also lives near there as do her in-laws.]
NO decision.
10. Bill Black asked about opening the 800 MgHz bids as he had advertised them for that meeting with bids to be awarded by Friday. Benning said that would be next meeting, he was not on the agenda. [NOTE: Joan Seitz wasn't either. Neither was Pruss Road. Next meeting is advertised as CLAIMS ONLY]
Commissioners quickly adjourned at that point. [NOTE: Benning then went over to Ewbank at his seat and exchanged the kind of elaborate handshake routine that I have previously witnessed only in gang members, teenage boys, fraternity brothers, and movies with secret societies. One can only wonder what that was about!]
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Two Duplexes granted approval in Ag zones
11 October 2005 Dearborn County BZA Notes
Two Duplexes granted approval in Ag zones
Present: Jim Deaton, Chairman, Mike Hall, Jane Ohlmansiek, Jake Hoog, and Patricia Baker. Also present: Arnie McGill, Att’y and Travis Miller, Planning Director.
Mark McCormack was absent.
1. Front yard variance for a garage closer to the road for Daniel Badinghaus on Sneakville Road in Miller Township was approved. Ohlmansiek motioned, Hall 2nd. All ayes.
2. Conditional use to allow a duplex on 15 acres of Ag zoned land in Jackson Township owned by Carol Vassil was approved after much discussion centering on potential rentals later, rather than a family plan now. 5 neighbors spoke in opposition. Mike Hall stepped down, as he was surveyor for this land. Ohlmansiek motioned, Hoog 2nd. 3 ayes. Baker Nay. Baker felt that it did not meet all the criteria of a conditional use, as it was different in function and character from the rest of the properties that were already in use.
3. Conditional use for a duplex on 2 acres of the 119.95 total of Beiersdorfer’s property in York Township was approved. Two neighbors and one via phone were in opposition citing noise issues with singing and late night parties at the current trailer. The current use was approved in 1982. Deaton read the VERY SKETCHY minutes on that. As the use was the same, but the building was an improvement, the board felt the duplex should be allowed. (This duplex- though two 3- bedroom units functions more like a dormitory) Hoog motioned and Ohlmansiek 2nd to approve per site plan (no additions). All ayes.
4. Front yard variance for Marvin Guss Sr on Market St in Center Township was approved per site plan. Hall motioned and Baker 2nd. All ayes.
Administrative:
Kaiser and Kroger of TEK Development complained about the lack of screening for Tedesco’s strip center and Shell gas near Sneakville Rd. Apparently Tedescos have not complied with all the requirements of their approval and over a year has elapsed regarding the screening and fence between them and the condos TEK is trying to market.
Legal proceedings are beginning this month.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Two Duplexes granted approval in Ag zones
Present: Jim Deaton, Chairman, Mike Hall, Jane Ohlmansiek, Jake Hoog, and Patricia Baker. Also present: Arnie McGill, Att’y and Travis Miller, Planning Director.
Mark McCormack was absent.
1. Front yard variance for a garage closer to the road for Daniel Badinghaus on Sneakville Road in Miller Township was approved. Ohlmansiek motioned, Hall 2nd. All ayes.
2. Conditional use to allow a duplex on 15 acres of Ag zoned land in Jackson Township owned by Carol Vassil was approved after much discussion centering on potential rentals later, rather than a family plan now. 5 neighbors spoke in opposition. Mike Hall stepped down, as he was surveyor for this land. Ohlmansiek motioned, Hoog 2nd. 3 ayes. Baker Nay. Baker felt that it did not meet all the criteria of a conditional use, as it was different in function and character from the rest of the properties that were already in use.
3. Conditional use for a duplex on 2 acres of the 119.95 total of Beiersdorfer’s property in York Township was approved. Two neighbors and one via phone were in opposition citing noise issues with singing and late night parties at the current trailer. The current use was approved in 1982. Deaton read the VERY SKETCHY minutes on that. As the use was the same, but the building was an improvement, the board felt the duplex should be allowed. (This duplex- though two 3- bedroom units functions more like a dormitory) Hoog motioned and Ohlmansiek 2nd to approve per site plan (no additions). All ayes.
4. Front yard variance for Marvin Guss Sr on Market St in Center Township was approved per site plan. Hall motioned and Baker 2nd. All ayes.
Administrative:
Kaiser and Kroger of TEK Development complained about the lack of screening for Tedesco’s strip center and Shell gas near Sneakville Rd. Apparently Tedescos have not complied with all the requirements of their approval and over a year has elapsed regarding the screening and fence between them and the condos TEK is trying to market.
Legal proceedings are beginning this month.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Thursday, October 06, 2005
DCRSD Meeting Notes
DATE: October 6, 2005
Board members Present: Mike Hankins, Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman, David Entzweiler, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, Jerry Hacker, VRUC, others in audience.
(Note: Some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,939.28 in Seed Money Account and $76,014.03 in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account.
Variance:
The City of Aurora is preparing a variance to add sewage from Stewart Road and Cole Lane to the _______ (couldn’t hear) Street Lift Station. As soon as it is finished, the Mayor will sign and forward to the DCRSD (RSD) for submission to IDEM. Tom Quinn has already begun engineering for the work for Cole Lane and Stewart Street. LL will make sure all is in order. LL asked if the Board needed to extend the Contract time for Tom Quinn. Mr. Quinn does yet have his engineering license in Indiana. RSD will need to contact all affected parties and property owners. Plans and specifications should be ready November 1, 2005. Status of project is unsure since IDEM must approve all.
County Community Sewer Meeting Update:
No new information, met with Jim West, DCEDI, but, no discussion.
Meetings were being held with entities through out the County on a one on one basis. ( Note: no records of the meetings were indicated.) There is difficulty between VRUC and Greendale. Met with Mel Davis of Lawrenceburg regarding a new trunk line from Oberting Road to the Fair Grounds. There is a Letter of Understanding with VRUC to build the line. LL reviewed L of U. They will enter into a Contract with VRUC and SDRSD in the end to provide service. VRUC would not have to build a treatment plant. (Note: Why build a treatment plant or a new line when a line exists to Greendale? What will Greendale have to say?)
Jerry Hacker wanted to see a copy of the L of U. LL handed a copy to Mr. Hacker. They needed commitment from SDRSD and VRUC before they will undertake engineering. RSD is concerned about VRUCs inflow & infiltration (I & I problem). VRUC will need to fix or will face penalties. LL to e-mail a copy to Jeff Bittner. The Project is not in the District, RSD will need to amend the District.
Aurora Interceptor Line:
Fehrman talked to Aurora about their plan to run an interceptor to Conwell St. via US 50in lieu of by _____Run. Randy Turner was asked if SDRSD is ready to proceed and affirmed it was. Aurora is under a Order from IDEM and has a fine and schedule for correction of the Notice of Violation.
Combined sewer problem in down town will take up to 10 years to resolve. Aurora cannot handle any more sewage. Only an interceptor can help. The Aurora Utility Board is ‘broke’. RSD might consider cost sharing. RSD to try to obtain current engineering from Aurora. Aurora cannot unincorporate areas and give them back to the County. RSD might need written permission to share engineering. GRW had done some work previously. RD to talk to Randy Turner to coordinate. Phase I for Aurora should be about 15 months and cost approx. $3.5M. Aurora apparently cannot get the money. Lawrenceburg has $18M from gambling and is going to ‘cut out’ all others including the County.
Interceptor along Rt. 350:
There was discussion about an interceptor along Rt. 350 to handle continuous flow and cross the bridge . The work would need to be done during school shut down. ____ use gravity flow and possibly pick up Moores Hill IDEM wants a min. 8” Line, a 10” or 12’ line would be preferred. (Note: This is also outside the District.)
Without IDEM approval they cannot serve Highridge Estates. Highridge Estates may have to be condemned. (This was one of the avowed purposes of this District to solve the Highridge Estates problem.)
St. Leon:
Discussions were held with St. Leon, Frank Leoni, about SL’s ability to expand. They want to expand to handle a commercial area for development. A TIF area. SL is looking for help. A 325 acre area for Commercial development (approx. 0.5M gallon flow0 with industrial type treatment requirements.
____ gravity main on Rt. 46 (8”) does have capacity for growth.
Sawdon Ridge to be extended for future development____ .
IDEM as approved a Construction Permit for Grayhill Robbins (?) at 46 & 1 inside St. Leon. RSD wanted ability to review or appeal. There is another meeting____ to appeal this decision.. LL to talk to Lynne Newlon, IDEM.
RFQ:
Jordan Jones(?) is criticizing LL for not returning calls. LL refused to accept. Call should go to DE. RFQ was sent out to six firms to respond by October 15, 2005 (five will respond). If JJ(?) can’t understand, they probably can’t handle the work.
Letter of Understanding:
VRUC didn’t like paragraph 5 of L of U. LL to ____.
Meeting Adjourned.
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Board members Present: Mike Hankins, Barry Pruss, Rodney Dennerline, Pat Holland, Brett Fehrman, David Entzweiler, Greg Volmer
Others Present: Lisa Lehner, Doug Baer, Tom Quinn - Quinn Engineering, Jerry Hacker, VRUC, others in audience.
(Note: Some of the Board members did not speak up or clearly and there were multiple conversations at times. There are gaps in the information denoted by ________ .)
Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report indicated $366,939.28 in Seed Money Account and $76,014.03 in Lawrenceburg Community Grant Fund Account.
Variance:
The City of Aurora is preparing a variance to add sewage from Stewart Road and Cole Lane to the _______ (couldn’t hear) Street Lift Station. As soon as it is finished, the Mayor will sign and forward to the DCRSD (RSD) for submission to IDEM. Tom Quinn has already begun engineering for the work for Cole Lane and Stewart Street. LL will make sure all is in order. LL asked if the Board needed to extend the Contract time for Tom Quinn. Mr. Quinn does yet have his engineering license in Indiana. RSD will need to contact all affected parties and property owners. Plans and specifications should be ready November 1, 2005. Status of project is unsure since IDEM must approve all.
County Community Sewer Meeting Update:
No new information, met with Jim West, DCEDI, but, no discussion.
Meetings were being held with entities through out the County on a one on one basis. ( Note: no records of the meetings were indicated.) There is difficulty between VRUC and Greendale. Met with Mel Davis of Lawrenceburg regarding a new trunk line from Oberting Road to the Fair Grounds. There is a Letter of Understanding with VRUC to build the line. LL reviewed L of U. They will enter into a Contract with VRUC and SDRSD in the end to provide service. VRUC would not have to build a treatment plant. (Note: Why build a treatment plant or a new line when a line exists to Greendale? What will Greendale have to say?)
Jerry Hacker wanted to see a copy of the L of U. LL handed a copy to Mr. Hacker. They needed commitment from SDRSD and VRUC before they will undertake engineering. RSD is concerned about VRUCs inflow & infiltration (I & I problem). VRUC will need to fix or will face penalties. LL to e-mail a copy to Jeff Bittner. The Project is not in the District, RSD will need to amend the District.
Aurora Interceptor Line:
Fehrman talked to Aurora about their plan to run an interceptor to Conwell St. via US 50in lieu of by _____Run. Randy Turner was asked if SDRSD is ready to proceed and affirmed it was. Aurora is under a Order from IDEM and has a fine and schedule for correction of the Notice of Violation.
Combined sewer problem in down town will take up to 10 years to resolve. Aurora cannot handle any more sewage. Only an interceptor can help. The Aurora Utility Board is ‘broke’. RSD might consider cost sharing. RSD to try to obtain current engineering from Aurora. Aurora cannot unincorporate areas and give them back to the County. RSD might need written permission to share engineering. GRW had done some work previously. RD to talk to Randy Turner to coordinate. Phase I for Aurora should be about 15 months and cost approx. $3.5M. Aurora apparently cannot get the money. Lawrenceburg has $18M from gambling and is going to ‘cut out’ all others including the County.
Interceptor along Rt. 350:
There was discussion about an interceptor along Rt. 350 to handle continuous flow and cross the bridge . The work would need to be done during school shut down. ____ use gravity flow and possibly pick up Moores Hill IDEM wants a min. 8” Line, a 10” or 12’ line would be preferred. (Note: This is also outside the District.)
Without IDEM approval they cannot serve Highridge Estates. Highridge Estates may have to be condemned. (This was one of the avowed purposes of this District to solve the Highridge Estates problem.)
St. Leon:
Discussions were held with St. Leon, Frank Leoni, about SL’s ability to expand. They want to expand to handle a commercial area for development. A TIF area. SL is looking for help. A 325 acre area for Commercial development (approx. 0.5M gallon flow0 with industrial type treatment requirements.
____ gravity main on Rt. 46 (8”) does have capacity for growth.
Sawdon Ridge to be extended for future development____ .
IDEM as approved a Construction Permit for Grayhill Robbins (?) at 46 & 1 inside St. Leon. RSD wanted ability to review or appeal. There is another meeting____ to appeal this decision.. LL to talk to Lynne Newlon, IDEM.
RFQ:
Jordan Jones(?) is criticizing LL for not returning calls. LL refused to accept. Call should go to DE. RFQ was sent out to six firms to respond by October 15, 2005 (five will respond). If JJ(?) can’t understand, they probably can’t handle the work.
Letter of Understanding:
VRUC didn’t like paragraph 5 of L of U. LL to ____.
Meeting Adjourned.
Notes by: Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
October2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
4 October2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator, and Ewbank, Attorney
Absent: Pickens, Auditor. Stephanie Disbro was subbing for Pickens.
1. Sawdon Ridge widening bids were opened and taken under advisement until the Oct 11 meeting. O’Mara bid $96,878.52 and Rohe bid $149,475.50. [NOTE: Bid numbers this far apart should be checked out- something in the specs might be a problem.]
2. Work Force One- tabled from the previous meeting was reopened and the paperwork signed. DL Ransom from Dillsboro is the business representative and Vera Benning is the Elected Official Contact.
3. Burns Road issues with signage at SR48 due to Carlee Acres subdivision were finalized. Tom Kent redid the signage per INDOT and MTCD (federal Manual for Traffic Control Devices) guidelines. Residents expressed concern over stopping at he top of the hill in bad weather times and would prefer a yield sign. Safety issues with the new subdivision however require the new stop signs.
4. Janet Luebbe of PAWS and Daryl Sears of Creative Shelter Architects (Montgomery Ohio) presented the drawings and plans for the proposed new animal shelter. PAWS would run fundraisers for the 17,00 sq ft $1.3-1.6 million project. Issues discussed included geothermal heating to lower costs and have a 5-year payback time and sewage issues. Animal Shelter Director- Cheryl Lohmiller noted they would need one more full timer by 2007 and some part time weekend help also. Fox was concerned with costs of utilities, etc and the taxpayer consequences if we are also building a new jail complex. There is about $100,000 in the county funds for the shelter use and $40,000 in PAWS account. Benning wanted to be sure they consulted Council as well. PAWS noted that they needed to see commissioner’s first- which was why they were there. Ewbank suggested they set up fundraising through the Dearborn County Foundation to avoid any potential improprieties and also to maximize donations from wills and bequests. Fundraising is starting in October. Commissioners took this under advisement until Oct 11 commissioners meeting.
5. Minutes and Claims- claims were signed except for Felling Hotel $8,000, Michelle ??? a public defender, and a Voyager Fleet card bill. Because the claims were around $4 million, Benning stated they needed to go through them carefully. [NOTE: Shouldn’t they ALWAYS go through them carefully?]
6. Messmore- Administrator- announced that the Transportation Steering Committee met and the PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE FINAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN is set for Oct 11 from 1-4 PM in the Commissioners meeting room. The plan then goes to OKI by the end of the year.
Residential and Commercial Focus groups meet for the future land use plan this month and the PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN WILL BE A WORKSHOP on NOV. 5th form 9 to 3 at Lawrenceburg High School.
Messmore stated that even though it was not on the agenda- they had met with AFLAC and Colonial insurance for the county health care supplement and wanted to move forward with Colonial. Commissioners approved that choice.
Travis Miller will come to the Oct 11 meeting to go thru the supplemental study to the US 50 Corridor study to focus on the land use portion. Council approved $400,000 with the stipulation that a site for a 2nd bridge across Tanner’s Creek be found within 3 months of the study being started. OKI will manage this study. The idea is to make the road and bridge plans coincide with land uses that exist and are planned. This was tabled until Travis Miller presents on Oct 11. [NOTE: INDOT has totally stalled on the US 50Corridor Study. It should be noted that the scope of work in the INDOT version falls far short of what is needed to do a comprehensive plan of US 50 and any bypasses or alternate routes. This is why the county is stepping in to assess the needs that INDOT won’t.]
6. Ewbank reported that Barnes and Thornburgh is proceeding through the court system with the federal lawsuit case against the county for the sign on Barber Road. No new tort claims.
7. Hughes wanted the county to put taxes on a website so that the office staff wouldn’t have so much time away from tasks. Residents could look up their own taxes online.
Messmore reported that GIS committee is working on this by assessing the needs of each office staring with the assessor so they can fix this comprehensively. The goal is to improve customer service via the Internet.
Stephanie Disbro is getting a list of all county appointed Boards and members together. Hughes wants resumes on file for people who want to be on these boards.
8. Fox discussed county road issues- he wanted to be sure that roads we have approved at a public meeting should be done. He doesn’t want the dollars going elsewhere. “We have to be people of our words…money should be locked up on these…HANDS OFF for other projects…the safety net has to be big enough to finish the projects.”
Hughes wants a turn lane at Stateline and HVL/Stephens road so as not to have cars stacked back to US 50 for Left turners. Todd Listerman reiterated the long term plans. Ewbank noted that Greendale controls Stateline to HVL. Davis said they are working with Greendale. The developer paid for the light- BUT NOT THE TURN LANE! [NOTE: How did THAT happen? Usually a development that changes traffic counts to that degree is required to help with the costs of improvements to the infrastructure.]
9. Benning reported Triple Whipple Bridge and INDOT meeting is on Oct 6. Records destruction committee will oversee the blueprint destruction from the Building Dept. at 11:30 on Oct 6 also.
Meeting adjourned 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Messmore, Administrator, and Ewbank, Attorney
Absent: Pickens, Auditor. Stephanie Disbro was subbing for Pickens.
1. Sawdon Ridge widening bids were opened and taken under advisement until the Oct 11 meeting. O’Mara bid $96,878.52 and Rohe bid $149,475.50. [NOTE: Bid numbers this far apart should be checked out- something in the specs might be a problem.]
2. Work Force One- tabled from the previous meeting was reopened and the paperwork signed. DL Ransom from Dillsboro is the business representative and Vera Benning is the Elected Official Contact.
3. Burns Road issues with signage at SR48 due to Carlee Acres subdivision were finalized. Tom Kent redid the signage per INDOT and MTCD (federal Manual for Traffic Control Devices) guidelines. Residents expressed concern over stopping at he top of the hill in bad weather times and would prefer a yield sign. Safety issues with the new subdivision however require the new stop signs.
4. Janet Luebbe of PAWS and Daryl Sears of Creative Shelter Architects (Montgomery Ohio) presented the drawings and plans for the proposed new animal shelter. PAWS would run fundraisers for the 17,00 sq ft $1.3-1.6 million project. Issues discussed included geothermal heating to lower costs and have a 5-year payback time and sewage issues. Animal Shelter Director- Cheryl Lohmiller noted they would need one more full timer by 2007 and some part time weekend help also. Fox was concerned with costs of utilities, etc and the taxpayer consequences if we are also building a new jail complex. There is about $100,000 in the county funds for the shelter use and $40,000 in PAWS account. Benning wanted to be sure they consulted Council as well. PAWS noted that they needed to see commissioner’s first- which was why they were there. Ewbank suggested they set up fundraising through the Dearborn County Foundation to avoid any potential improprieties and also to maximize donations from wills and bequests. Fundraising is starting in October. Commissioners took this under advisement until Oct 11 commissioners meeting.
5. Minutes and Claims- claims were signed except for Felling Hotel $8,000, Michelle ??? a public defender, and a Voyager Fleet card bill. Because the claims were around $4 million, Benning stated they needed to go through them carefully. [NOTE: Shouldn’t they ALWAYS go through them carefully?]
6. Messmore- Administrator- announced that the Transportation Steering Committee met and the PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE FINAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN is set for Oct 11 from 1-4 PM in the Commissioners meeting room. The plan then goes to OKI by the end of the year.
Residential and Commercial Focus groups meet for the future land use plan this month and the PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN WILL BE A WORKSHOP on NOV. 5th form 9 to 3 at Lawrenceburg High School.
Messmore stated that even though it was not on the agenda- they had met with AFLAC and Colonial insurance for the county health care supplement and wanted to move forward with Colonial. Commissioners approved that choice.
Travis Miller will come to the Oct 11 meeting to go thru the supplemental study to the US 50 Corridor study to focus on the land use portion. Council approved $400,000 with the stipulation that a site for a 2nd bridge across Tanner’s Creek be found within 3 months of the study being started. OKI will manage this study. The idea is to make the road and bridge plans coincide with land uses that exist and are planned. This was tabled until Travis Miller presents on Oct 11. [NOTE: INDOT has totally stalled on the US 50Corridor Study. It should be noted that the scope of work in the INDOT version falls far short of what is needed to do a comprehensive plan of US 50 and any bypasses or alternate routes. This is why the county is stepping in to assess the needs that INDOT won’t.]
6. Ewbank reported that Barnes and Thornburgh is proceeding through the court system with the federal lawsuit case against the county for the sign on Barber Road. No new tort claims.
7. Hughes wanted the county to put taxes on a website so that the office staff wouldn’t have so much time away from tasks. Residents could look up their own taxes online.
Messmore reported that GIS committee is working on this by assessing the needs of each office staring with the assessor so they can fix this comprehensively. The goal is to improve customer service via the Internet.
Stephanie Disbro is getting a list of all county appointed Boards and members together. Hughes wants resumes on file for people who want to be on these boards.
8. Fox discussed county road issues- he wanted to be sure that roads we have approved at a public meeting should be done. He doesn’t want the dollars going elsewhere. “We have to be people of our words…money should be locked up on these…HANDS OFF for other projects…the safety net has to be big enough to finish the projects.”
Hughes wants a turn lane at Stateline and HVL/Stephens road so as not to have cars stacked back to US 50 for Left turners. Todd Listerman reiterated the long term plans. Ewbank noted that Greendale controls Stateline to HVL. Davis said they are working with Greendale. The developer paid for the light- BUT NOT THE TURN LANE! [NOTE: How did THAT happen? Usually a development that changes traffic counts to that degree is required to help with the costs of improvements to the infrastructure.]
9. Benning reported Triple Whipple Bridge and INDOT meeting is on Oct 6. Records destruction committee will oversee the blueprint destruction from the Building Dept. at 11:30 on Oct 6 also.
Meeting adjourned 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
South Dearborn School Board Meeting - 10/03/05
1. Minutes Approved
2. Resolution unanimously approved to give Todd Bowers, South Dearborn Middle School Principal, power to act as an agent on behalf of South Dearborn Community School Corporation in small claims court for the purpose of suing parents who have not paid the book rental fees.
3. Resolution unanimously approved to give Tom Book, Superintendent of South Dearborn Community Schools, authority to reduce lines one and two of the budget at the Tax Board Hearing. (I believe lines one and two of the budget are Instruction Regular Programs and Instruction Special Programs...in other words they fund teacher salaries. In my opinion other areas of the budget should be trimmed...not any direct student services.)
4. Crystal Lewis was hired to a Drill Team position. Unanimously approved.
5. The proposal to hire Kristen Magic to a Drill Team position was unanimously tabled. The Board had concerns about her parents being listed as her only references. They also had concerns about her age. They wanted a more complete application and more information before approving her appointment.
6. It was proposed Seth Ketchum, the brother of current head football coach, be hired as the Freshman Basketball Coach, an assistant position to Coach Archer. Seth is currently serving as an assistant football coach.
Sue Cutter raised concerns that the same application used to hire him as a football assistant was presented for the Basketball Position. The board knows nothing of his basketball qualifications.
A motion was made to table the resolution to hire Seth Ketchum.
The point was made that conditioning for basketball has already started.
Terry Luhrsen pointed out that Head Coaches have been told to hire who they want.
The main problem with the hire was a matter of paperwork.
Gene Ferguson expressed his disapproval that Rob Morehead (SDHS Principal) and Foster Harris (SDHS Athletic Director) had sent a recommendation to hire this individual with incomplete paperwork.
Tom Book pointed out that practice in the past has been to use applications on file to assign lay coaches to other duties after their initial hire.
Karla Raab spoke in defense of the Principals stating they have been working under considerable hardship this year. They lost an assistant principal to an injury and they have also been dealing with the construction. (My opinion...short and long term disability insurance should be paying the injured principal. If the position is essential another individual should have been hired as an acting associate principal. This should not have had an impact on the corporation budget.)
Terry Luhrsen expressed his concern that failing to hire this individual would hurt the kids. He doesn’t want that to happen.
Daryl Cutter said the coach had previously been approved and it wasn’t necessary to approve him for this second position. (It is a different position. A different job. Since he has already been approved once perhaps he can also fill the position as a drill team instructor. The board knows even less about his basketball qualifications, than they knew about Ms. Magic’s Drill Team Qualifications. What they know is Mr. Archer wanted to hire Seth Ketchum and Mr. Reynolds wanted to hire Ms. Magic. Is this a double standard?)
Rodger Ullrich stated he didn’t recall ever bringing a coach back to the board to be re-approved. (I recall the board meeting they failed to extend the Basketball Coaching Contract of an individual with several boys on his team who wanted to speak in defense of their Coach. Wasn’t that bringing a coach back to the board to be re-approved?)
The motion to table failed and the board aloud the hire of Seth Ketchum as a Basketball Coach.
7. The motion to Pay vouchers was unanimously approved.
8. The Post Secondary Enrollment Policy recommended by the Indiana School Board’s Association was noted and board members were asked to review the policy for later approval. (This policy was not read aloud. Perhaps it should be. The public will be unaware of what policy the board has passed if they fail to share it with the public.)
9. Construction Report.
Pool was promised complete by October 1. There is water in the pool and it is being tested. The carpet and tile has been and is being cleaned. Construction work is still ongoing in the area. But it has been said the pool would be ready next week. (That is October 10.)
From the discussion regarding installation of glass it appears the Gymnasium will not be complete by the start of Basketball Season.
Verkler representative stated they have begun working with the Bonding Agency with regards to the Glazing Company. (Due to delays.)
Lurhsen insisted temporary glass be installed at no additional cost to the Corporation and the Gymnasium be ready by November 1st.
Lurhsen and Ferguson both expressed concern about Epoxy being applied in the building at this time. Individuals have told them it is making people sick.
Change Orders were briefly discussed, but costs were not shared with the public.
10. Drawings for Aurora Water Tower Easement with ingress and egress were supplied by Corporation Attorney Kim Smaltz. (Note she is also Aurora City Attorney.)
Resolution was unanimously passed to give Bob Rollins authority to execute the Mylar.
(This is the water tower that South Dearborn is contributing land and money to build. It will also raise Aurora Water Rates. This water tower will be in Hogan Township. Hogan has a water company too. What are the implications?)
11. Dearborn Community Foundation awarded a $750,000 Lilly Grant to help the three school corporations improve attendance and reduce drop out rate.
12. The Career Center has a promotional CD showcasing their programs. Mr. Book offered to allow board members to borrow it.
13. Enrollment report is complete. The ADM (Average Daily Membership...Kindergarten children are counted as 1/2 a student) is down by 62 1/2 students. This is a 2% drop from last year. It was noted last year there was a 50 student increase in the ADM from the year before.
Drops in enrollment at Moorse Hill and Aurora were noted. Also the graduation of a large class.
Daryl Cutter looked at drops in enrollment from last years freshmen class to this years sophomore class and etc. These drops were not large, but they were significant.
Both Daryl Cutter and Pat Rahe were concerned with the Drop Out Rate. Rahe wanted to know what reasons were being given in the exit interviews for the drop outs. Tom Book assumed the interviews were happening and the question was being asked, but he didn’t know the answer. (Reducing the Drop Out Rate was voted the number one priority of the board. Shouldn’t Mr. Book be exploring this?)
Karla Raab wants the Trimester Schedule revisited. The principals of the Middle and High Schools have been asked to bring information to the board about the trimester schedule. (Trimesters are very unpopular with many parents and some teachers. High School ISTEP scores continue to hover below average and so do SAT scores.)
Pat Rahe said we can do better with quality.
Karla Raab thinks a Gifted and Talented Instructor could bring students back to our schools. She wants the school to be best for all of the students. (In my opinion, One Gifted and Talented Instructor for 1,500 elementary school students can not solve this problem. Class size needs to be decreased in some grades and schools, And for part of the day, everyday, in each elementary school students need to be grouped with students of like ability to be instructed in Language Arts and Math at the appropriate level.)
Rahe wants our graduates better prepared to write. She spoke of a former student who thought she was well prepared for college level writing but found she was not.
Raab would like to see the formation of a school improvement group including citizens, teachers, administrators and board members.
Book dismissed the idea...saying it had already been done with public law 221.
Raab’s concern seemed to be more community involvement.
Gene Ferguson stated that he thinks that “overwhelmingly the community is pleased” with the quality of education South Dearborn is providing. His communication indicated that in our community the children are not capable of reaching that higher level.
Rahe expressed concerns about getting parents motivated to help their children. (In my opinion it is the school’s responsibility to provide a first class education for every child regardless of the level of parent cooperation, socioeconomic status or involvement.)
Lurhsen wanted to know what all day kindergarten would cost. Book said five teachers would need to be hired. Administrators acted as if the money couldn’t be found. Daryl Cutter said class size would have to go up in other areas. (They ignored the fact that the state does provide grants for full day kindergarten.)
Raab (a certified Kindergarten Teacher) said all day kindergarten is difficult for the age. (Several years ago the kindergarten teachers recommended a 5 1/2 hour extended kindergarten program. That is what our children need. They don’t need all day. Parents may need it for Day Care purposes, but children do not.)
Heller (administrative assistant to Book) talked about all day kindergarten providing more Art, Music and Socialization. (That is exactly was Kindergarten Students need. They already have too much ABC and 123. If our students are to succeed, we must be age appropriate.)
Bob Rollins (administrative assistant) said we need a little of all of these things...full day kindergarten, nurses in every building, and guidance councilors. But there is a difference between what we need and our ability to pay for it.
(Please don’t forget they just issued Bonds that sold at over 40 million dollars for a building project that adds no new programs and no new building capacity. The board approved budget has a $3.147 million increase in capital project funding and a $1.215 million increase in debt service funding. Before this building project South Dearborn already had more debt than 90 percent of Indiana Schools and 11 cents of every dollar spent per pupil was going towards debt service. The $4.362 million dollar increase in this years budget related to this building project could have gone a VERY LONG WAY to improve direct student services.)
14. Mr. Book told the Board the Wilson Center is an education service center that does much more than rent films and videos. It helps the school buy certain equipment and supplies at a discount.
15. Next Board Meeting November 7 will be help at 7:30 at Aurora Elementary School.
The public will be invited to share with the board what they would like done with Aurora Elementary School when the building is vacated.
Board members indicated many organizations want the building, but don’t want to pay for it. One board member actually was approached by someone who wanted to buy it.
(At the Tax Board Meeting in Indianapolis where the building project was given funding approval. A member of that Board stated the building must be offered to the township at no cost if it was acquired from the township at the time schools were consolidated.)
The board wants to make it known, there are “no done deals.”
(Prepared by Karen Loveland)
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
26 September 2005 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
26 September 2005 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Jeff Hughes, Mike Hall, Jane Ohlmansiek, Robert Laws, Patrick deMaynadier (arrived at 7:25 PM), Nick Held, Tarry Feiss and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Also present: Travis Miller, Plan Director, Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
1. Nearly Three Hour Debate – and 156 Lot Subdivision is Tabled
Andy Temmel (Red Pine Properties LLC) with Terry Crouch (The Survey Co) requested Primary approval of Sugar Pine (previously known as Heritage Ridge requested under a different owner)
Sugar Pine is located at the corner of Augusta Drive and Stateline Road in Miller Township. Approximately 50 residents of HVL, Bright, Greendale, and Sugar Ridge were in attendance and many spoke in opposition citing issues with the connector road to HVL’s PRIVATE road system, VRUC not having all their permits in place and not having a treatment plant built, school overcrowding, and drainage issues.
Speakers included:
Craig Lysne for HVL POA, noting that HVL will put up a gate at Ridgecrest to prohibit access and does not want to turn that road over to the county.
Maria LaRosa – HVL resident- stated that Rupel put the paper road in so that HVL could expand onto that property possibly someday, NOT for public to access HVL.
Joanne Caudil- was concerned about detention basins in areas already having drainage issues and who will maintain them.
Richard Butler- att’y for Greendale covering for Steve Lampert Utility Director who was not available- stressed the permit status and that VRUC MIGHT have a plant started by fall of 2006. He quoted a letter from Jeff Bittner from VRUC June 2005 stating that VRUC will seek temporary capacity from the entities serving them (i.e. G-dale!) at SDRSD. Butler stated that Greendale IS NOT agreeing to transport. He gave pictures of overflow into Double Lick Creek and also the recent Katrina rainfall overflow into HVL LAKE! He cited Escherichia coli counts of 30,000/100 ml. (Legal limit is reportedly 253/100 ml). He went on to state that Greendale does not have the capacity to take this on even if they wanted to. They are regularly exceeding capacity.
Linda Mitchell- Noted that high density is OK IF roads, sewers, and schools have capacity. The eastern side of the county has issues with all three. The “need” for homes does not exist- it is really that Ohioans “want” homes here. She reminded Jeff Hughes of his campaign on property rights and that if the schools were jeopardized, then development would need to be controlled.
Bonnie ??? and Dave ???? – noted their issues were already addressed.
Stew Owens – owner of adjoining 21 acres with greenhouse and pond- wanted to be included in all reviews of drainage as it is already an issue for his property and this will adversely affect him.
Jim Maupin – read a prepared statement that he submitted for the record. Points included : The builder’s perspective- that it is good for the builder, that realtors make money, but that the residents will be stuck with the problems. He noted the traffic study on Stateline Rd rates it as a LOS (level of service) E on and A-F scale. This will make it an F. He noted that there is a growing group against the VRUC sewage plant with over 800 petitions so far.
Debbie McQueen - “This is a situation where you should ask yourselves not can I, but should I?” Sewage, schools, roads in and out. This is still only a one-way tract with HVL closed off. Stateline road is slipping on the hill. Sugar ridge has access at the bottom by HVL entrance, but this is at the top. Emergency personnel coverage will be difficult and traffic counts bring the LOS to an F with this.
Jean Aichman (sp?) – Safety issues- her mailbox on Stateline has been knocked down 4 times this year- the road is too narrow.
Robert Cannon – asked about detention areas and water pressure- especially if theirs is low now.
Jerry Jacobson- VRUC has no sewer capacity it goes through Greendale. VRUC has 3 realtors on their board and some if not all are employed by the same company selling this land! A package plant in HVL is just another pollution possibility in Double Lick Creek and will hurt Greendale’s safety and health.
Dave McKammer (sp?) – Roads, schools, and sewers – conditions are not ripe for development.
Tracy Robbins – primarily a personal concern about how close these houses will be to her property. Also retention basins and school capacity issues.
Public discussion ended at 8:40.
Tremmel and Crouch discussed detention basins, and Tremmel said he was not willing to do extra to get improvements on Stateline- he had already purchased additional land to get turn lanes. Tremmel said he had his letter from VRUC and they should base decision on it! [NOTE: Plan Commissions exist for this reason- there needs to be a board to apply common sense and be willing to dig for the answers, rather than just shuffle papers with some bureaucrat’s signature and stamp of approval.]
Mitter noted that they can’t- if there is conflicting information.
Butler reiterated in great detail the VRUC issues and also that Double Lick Creek runs dry often and VRUC will be dumping “treated” water to that. [NOTE: The implication is that VRUC ‘s history is less than stellar….]Board took a 10- minute break at 9:15
Plan Commission Member’s comments:
Kraus, Jr.- had no problem- thought they could get to the conflicting sewer info at the plan improvement stage in-house. [NOTE: What???????] also can get connectivity on a temporary basis even if gated- for emergencies only.
Laws- wants connectivity and a temporary turnaround as a minimum. “The sewer letter says WILL- not DOES have…” [NOTE: Laws gets it!]
Feiss – thought 1971 board had foresight in putting paper access there for HVL. Thinks the applicant has tried to correct previous issues, in favor of making it contingent on sewer access…
Hughes – sewer issues, road issues, may eventually get negotiated…
Mitter- narrow frontage and small improvements on Stateline there- but the impact is HUGE.
De Maynadier – thinks the application is deficient under section 216 – the letter from VRUC is not sufficient. He also noted Section 135 and the land use portion of the Comp Plan that states they should allow new development ONLY WHERE THERE IS ADEQUATE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE!
Held – sewage is a mess- temp road is a minimum consideration.
Ohlmansiek – sewer “iffy” at this point. Infrastructure should precede development! We need connectivity, but certainly understand HVL position on their roads. They have difficulty maintaining them now.
Hall – lined up with Augusta Drive now, and bought land to do so. We made it contingent on sewer before in Aurora. That doesn’t make it right though. He doesn’t want to FORCE HVL to connect roads.
Mitter- sewer big issue- St. Leon and Aurora had plants that only required expansion- so contingency there was different. Here there is no plant and “Plan B” thru Greendale is also NOT an option. Connectivity is important. The whole school issue is a joke- and not a funny one! [NOTE: SD Schools letter indicated capacity at ECHS but no mention of any anywhere else.]
DeMaynadier- An issue this big should be decided here- not passed on to Travis and staff.
Hall motioned and Kraus,Jr. 2nd to table for 60 days max. to get letter substantiating sewer and connectivity issues to be resolved. All ayes to TABLE.
2. Doris Bedinghaus’s request to convert a farm access to a residential driveway for her son on North Dearborn Road (a collector) in Harrison Township passed.
3. Proposed changes to the swimming pool ordinance to allow mechanical covers instead of fences passed with a favorable to go to the commissioners for possible implementation into the zone book. This will match the zone book with the building codes and state law.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Focus groups are going well- for future land use workshop which will be on Saturday November 5th.
The first deputy position is filled- Karen Abbott will begin Oct 5. Her experience includes work with Ewbank Land title Co, Aurora Casket, and the county recorder’s office.
Meeting adjourned 10:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Jeff Hughes, Mike Hall, Jane Ohlmansiek, Robert Laws, Patrick deMaynadier (arrived at 7:25 PM), Nick Held, Tarry Feiss and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Also present: Travis Miller, Plan Director, Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
1. Nearly Three Hour Debate – and 156 Lot Subdivision is Tabled
Andy Temmel (Red Pine Properties LLC) with Terry Crouch (The Survey Co) requested Primary approval of Sugar Pine (previously known as Heritage Ridge requested under a different owner)
Sugar Pine is located at the corner of Augusta Drive and Stateline Road in Miller Township. Approximately 50 residents of HVL, Bright, Greendale, and Sugar Ridge were in attendance and many spoke in opposition citing issues with the connector road to HVL’s PRIVATE road system, VRUC not having all their permits in place and not having a treatment plant built, school overcrowding, and drainage issues.
Speakers included:
Craig Lysne for HVL POA, noting that HVL will put up a gate at Ridgecrest to prohibit access and does not want to turn that road over to the county.
Maria LaRosa – HVL resident- stated that Rupel put the paper road in so that HVL could expand onto that property possibly someday, NOT for public to access HVL.
Joanne Caudil- was concerned about detention basins in areas already having drainage issues and who will maintain them.
Richard Butler- att’y for Greendale covering for Steve Lampert Utility Director who was not available- stressed the permit status and that VRUC MIGHT have a plant started by fall of 2006. He quoted a letter from Jeff Bittner from VRUC June 2005 stating that VRUC will seek temporary capacity from the entities serving them (i.e. G-dale!) at SDRSD. Butler stated that Greendale IS NOT agreeing to transport. He gave pictures of overflow into Double Lick Creek and also the recent Katrina rainfall overflow into HVL LAKE! He cited Escherichia coli counts of 30,000/100 ml. (Legal limit is reportedly 253/100 ml). He went on to state that Greendale does not have the capacity to take this on even if they wanted to. They are regularly exceeding capacity.
Linda Mitchell- Noted that high density is OK IF roads, sewers, and schools have capacity. The eastern side of the county has issues with all three. The “need” for homes does not exist- it is really that Ohioans “want” homes here. She reminded Jeff Hughes of his campaign on property rights and that if the schools were jeopardized, then development would need to be controlled.
Bonnie ??? and Dave ???? – noted their issues were already addressed.
Stew Owens – owner of adjoining 21 acres with greenhouse and pond- wanted to be included in all reviews of drainage as it is already an issue for his property and this will adversely affect him.
Jim Maupin – read a prepared statement that he submitted for the record. Points included : The builder’s perspective- that it is good for the builder, that realtors make money, but that the residents will be stuck with the problems. He noted the traffic study on Stateline Rd rates it as a LOS (level of service) E on and A-F scale. This will make it an F. He noted that there is a growing group against the VRUC sewage plant with over 800 petitions so far.
Debbie McQueen - “This is a situation where you should ask yourselves not can I, but should I?” Sewage, schools, roads in and out. This is still only a one-way tract with HVL closed off. Stateline road is slipping on the hill. Sugar ridge has access at the bottom by HVL entrance, but this is at the top. Emergency personnel coverage will be difficult and traffic counts bring the LOS to an F with this.
Jean Aichman (sp?) – Safety issues- her mailbox on Stateline has been knocked down 4 times this year- the road is too narrow.
Robert Cannon – asked about detention areas and water pressure- especially if theirs is low now.
Jerry Jacobson- VRUC has no sewer capacity it goes through Greendale. VRUC has 3 realtors on their board and some if not all are employed by the same company selling this land! A package plant in HVL is just another pollution possibility in Double Lick Creek and will hurt Greendale’s safety and health.
Dave McKammer (sp?) – Roads, schools, and sewers – conditions are not ripe for development.
Tracy Robbins – primarily a personal concern about how close these houses will be to her property. Also retention basins and school capacity issues.
Public discussion ended at 8:40.
Tremmel and Crouch discussed detention basins, and Tremmel said he was not willing to do extra to get improvements on Stateline- he had already purchased additional land to get turn lanes. Tremmel said he had his letter from VRUC and they should base decision on it! [NOTE: Plan Commissions exist for this reason- there needs to be a board to apply common sense and be willing to dig for the answers, rather than just shuffle papers with some bureaucrat’s signature and stamp of approval.]
Mitter noted that they can’t- if there is conflicting information.
Butler reiterated in great detail the VRUC issues and also that Double Lick Creek runs dry often and VRUC will be dumping “treated” water to that. [NOTE: The implication is that VRUC ‘s history is less than stellar….]Board took a 10- minute break at 9:15
Plan Commission Member’s comments:
Kraus, Jr.- had no problem- thought they could get to the conflicting sewer info at the plan improvement stage in-house. [NOTE: What???????] also can get connectivity on a temporary basis even if gated- for emergencies only.
Laws- wants connectivity and a temporary turnaround as a minimum. “The sewer letter says WILL- not DOES have…” [NOTE: Laws gets it!]
Feiss – thought 1971 board had foresight in putting paper access there for HVL. Thinks the applicant has tried to correct previous issues, in favor of making it contingent on sewer access…
Hughes – sewer issues, road issues, may eventually get negotiated…
Mitter- narrow frontage and small improvements on Stateline there- but the impact is HUGE.
De Maynadier – thinks the application is deficient under section 216 – the letter from VRUC is not sufficient. He also noted Section 135 and the land use portion of the Comp Plan that states they should allow new development ONLY WHERE THERE IS ADEQUATE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE!
Held – sewage is a mess- temp road is a minimum consideration.
Ohlmansiek – sewer “iffy” at this point. Infrastructure should precede development! We need connectivity, but certainly understand HVL position on their roads. They have difficulty maintaining them now.
Hall – lined up with Augusta Drive now, and bought land to do so. We made it contingent on sewer before in Aurora. That doesn’t make it right though. He doesn’t want to FORCE HVL to connect roads.
Mitter- sewer big issue- St. Leon and Aurora had plants that only required expansion- so contingency there was different. Here there is no plant and “Plan B” thru Greendale is also NOT an option. Connectivity is important. The whole school issue is a joke- and not a funny one! [NOTE: SD Schools letter indicated capacity at ECHS but no mention of any anywhere else.]
DeMaynadier- An issue this big should be decided here- not passed on to Travis and staff.
Hall motioned and Kraus,Jr. 2nd to table for 60 days max. to get letter substantiating sewer and connectivity issues to be resolved. All ayes to TABLE.
2. Doris Bedinghaus’s request to convert a farm access to a residential driveway for her son on North Dearborn Road (a collector) in Harrison Township passed.
3. Proposed changes to the swimming pool ordinance to allow mechanical covers instead of fences passed with a favorable to go to the commissioners for possible implementation into the zone book. This will match the zone book with the building codes and state law.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Focus groups are going well- for future land use workshop which will be on Saturday November 5th.
The first deputy position is filled- Karen Abbott will begin Oct 5. Her experience includes work with Ewbank Land title Co, Aurora Casket, and the county recorder’s office.
Meeting adjourned 10:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, September 23, 2005
NOTES COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING September 20,2005
I was unable to cover this meeting and Ralph Thompson graciously did so and submitted the following notes. Chris Mueller
COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING September 20,2005
PRESENT: Vera Benning, Rick Fox, Jeff Hughes Commissioners; Robert Ewbank, County Attorney; Brian Messmore, County Administrator and Cary Pickens, County Auditor
Work Force One
Jean Boyle, Department of Work Force One (WFO), Madison IN was seeking a signature for the new plan for WFO. the new plan reorganizes from 16 Boards to 11 growth Districts. Dearborn County is part of Region 9. The new plan is set up to start July, 2006. Ms. Boyle has been meeting with County Commissioners and Mayors of towns with populations over 5,000 to have them read and sign the agreement. Each County is to select an elected official to serve on the council. Vera Benning volunteered to be the elected official. Also, a business representative should be selected to represent the business interests. Vera Benning indicated she had someone in mind; but, a name was not provided. Someone to represent the County businesses or the developers? Also, the County has to decide to select a Procuring Fiscal Agent or use the State Agent to oversee the funds. If they Commissioners select an agent, they are liable; whereas, if the State agent is used the Governor is held liable. All Commissioners wanted the State Agent. Fox and Hughes had not read the document and the decision was held over till the October 4th meeting (Ms Boyle was trying to collect all the signatures by September30th). The board will oversee how WFO funds are spent to foster economic development.
Criminal Investigation Fund Shane McHenry, Prosecutor’s Office.
Dearborn County needs to establish an ordinance to legally continue the Criminal Investigations Fund. The account is a non reversing account receiving funds from seized property (under the Dept. of Justice rules from criminal activities) and using the funds for law enforcement purposes (buy weapons, communications equipment, etc., pay travel expenses, training, salary & overtime, reward money for sting operations, buy money). The ordinance will resolve a conflict with the State Board of Accounts allowing the Fund to continue.
The fund can only handle claims made by the Sheriff with the approval of the Commissioners.
Motion by Fox, Seconded by Hughes, all in favor.
Burns Road Stop Sign Mr. Leslie Stewart, Citizen
Mr. Stewart read a petition by the residents of Burns Road (and the school bus & propane delivery drivers) opposed to the stop sign added on Burns Rd. The sign is 60 feet from IN 48 and at the top of the hill. Mr. Stewart described a series of calls to various agencies (INDOT, County Highway Dept., Planning Commission, Etc.) with no one apparently knowing how it got there or why. Bureaucracy and red tape. The problem appears to be the Carney? Acres (CA) subdivision, which will add approx. 56 houses and 100 cars a day. The intersection comes into a corner of Burns Rd. Mr. Stewart suggest a “Stop except on right turn” or a yield sign for CA. Mike Davis indicated the signs were put up by the CA Contractor per the Planning Commission requirements for permit approval (PC required Contractor to pay for intersection inprovements). Why is a Contractor installing signs on a County Road? The Commissioners feel it is a poorly laid out intersection and needs a sign. Cheaper than fixing the intersection. Todd Listerman, County Engineer, will review intersection and sign options in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and make recommendations to the Commissioners. NOTE: Hopefully, action will be by County Highway department and not a Contractor, as happened before.
AFLAC Barbara Wilson & Vernon Wallis?
Ms Wilson presented Company information on AFLAC (Advertisement) and brief information on supplemental insurance benefit programs that could be offered to County employees (by payroll deduction and not paid for by the County). The Company has 9 products to sell and indicates a stable cost structure and portability. More information on their products and a quote will be provided to Brian Messmore.
Claims and Minutes Cary Pickens
No minutes were submitted
Claims were submitted for signature.
Auction Brian Messmore
The tentative date was set for October 29, 2005. No indication of what was being auctioned.
Land Use Plan Brian Messmore
The Land Use Plan is in the Focus Group Workshop phase. They are working toward Public Open Houses in mid November and referral to the Commissioners in January 2006.
Transportation Brian Messmore
Continuing work on the draft plan. Next meeting September 29, 2005, then an interactive Community Workshop. Working toward inclusion in OKI 2030 Regional Plan.
Emergency Management Office and Storage Brian Messmore
Investigating building for approx. 9,000 square foot of office and 9,000 square foot of storage. Messmore sending out RFQ for construction or renovation of building. Specifications by Messmore. NOTE: Practicing engineering without a license? Benning questioned Messmore further. Now sending out RFP for preliminary study.
Health Care Brian Messmore
County currently has Pinnacle and will need to proceed with Pinnacle for the year 2006. Pinnacle has two options: A higher deductible with no change in premiums or A higher premium with no change in premiums. If Pinnacle is contracted the County will be locked in for a year. The costs are currently within budget. The County self insures for the first $75,000 so excessive health care problems could cause budget to be exceeded.
Hughes was in favor of open competition for the Health contract. He was advocating a selection process through competition; but, the selection had to be made now to get everything ready for December 31, 2005. NOTE: The County (Commissioners?) should have been actively pursuing competitive bidding to provide selection in time.
Ewbank is heading an investigation to review all insurances for the County to determine need, level of coverage, adequacy and appropriateness of the insurances. Hopefully this will be done in a timely manner to allow open competition in the future.
Motion to accept Pinnacle by Fox, seconded by Hughes, all in favor.
Robert Ewbank
FEMA has sent notice to the County (via Dan Batta’s home address) demanding an investigation into a house constructed in the Whitewater flood plain in 1998. The homeowner applied for refinance and flood insurance review indicated the home was in the flood plain. The home is on piers and the homeowner indicated he was not in the 100 year flood plain (presumably because he thought he was above it?) and the County signed off on the permit without catching the problem. Mr. Miller and the Surveyor have determined the house is in the flood plain in violation.
Mr. Ewbank has tried to contact the FEMA Director ( who is in New Orleans), to indicate there are procedures in place to prevent further occurrences. The structure may have to be moved, torn down or a variance obtained. The cost may be borne by the homeowner or the County. NOTE: The County is the expert not the homeowner, will the County step up to its responsibility for its mistake?
Three new tort claims were submitted to the insurance.
Hughes
No issues.
Fox
No issues.
Benning
Annual Conference of Commissioners conflicts with October 18th meeting. To be able to award the bids for Sawdon Ridge (opening on October 4) the meeting has been rescheduled to October 11, 2005 and a meeting will be held October 18, 2005 with Fox and Hughes for Claims only.
Pickens suggested amending the Credit Card Ordinance to have the Department heads issue County Credit Cards to necessary personnel in lieu of current system per the State Board of Accounts. Bills on County business (and all County correspondence) should be sent to County office (previous misuse of credit cards). Action???
A signature was requested for approval of a motion of DCEDI to waive its annual meeting and retain the present officers until the next meeting. Since DCEDI is a corporation and Dearborn County is a member the request was sent. Ewbank indicated not necessary; but, would cause no harm. Motion to sign by Fox, seconded by Hughes, all in favor.
Meeting Adjourned.
Notes by Ralph E. Thompson, Jr.
COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING September 20,2005
PRESENT: Vera Benning, Rick Fox, Jeff Hughes Commissioners; Robert Ewbank, County Attorney; Brian Messmore, County Administrator and Cary Pickens, County Auditor
Work Force One
Jean Boyle, Department of Work Force One (WFO), Madison IN was seeking a signature for the new plan for WFO. the new plan reorganizes from 16 Boards to 11 growth Districts. Dearborn County is part of Region 9. The new plan is set up to start July, 2006. Ms. Boyle has been meeting with County Commissioners and Mayors of towns with populations over 5,000 to have them read and sign the agreement. Each County is to select an elected official to serve on the council. Vera Benning volunteered to be the elected official. Also, a business representative should be selected to represent the business interests. Vera Benning indicated she had someone in mind; but, a name was not provided. Someone to represent the County businesses or the developers? Also, the County has to decide to select a Procuring Fiscal Agent or use the State Agent to oversee the funds. If they Commissioners select an agent, they are liable; whereas, if the State agent is used the Governor is held liable. All Commissioners wanted the State Agent. Fox and Hughes had not read the document and the decision was held over till the October 4th meeting (Ms Boyle was trying to collect all the signatures by September30th). The board will oversee how WFO funds are spent to foster economic development.
Criminal Investigation Fund Shane McHenry, Prosecutor’s Office.
Dearborn County needs to establish an ordinance to legally continue the Criminal Investigations Fund. The account is a non reversing account receiving funds from seized property (under the Dept. of Justice rules from criminal activities) and using the funds for law enforcement purposes (buy weapons, communications equipment, etc., pay travel expenses, training, salary & overtime, reward money for sting operations, buy money). The ordinance will resolve a conflict with the State Board of Accounts allowing the Fund to continue.
The fund can only handle claims made by the Sheriff with the approval of the Commissioners.
Motion by Fox, Seconded by Hughes, all in favor.
Burns Road Stop Sign Mr. Leslie Stewart, Citizen
Mr. Stewart read a petition by the residents of Burns Road (and the school bus & propane delivery drivers) opposed to the stop sign added on Burns Rd. The sign is 60 feet from IN 48 and at the top of the hill. Mr. Stewart described a series of calls to various agencies (INDOT, County Highway Dept., Planning Commission, Etc.) with no one apparently knowing how it got there or why. Bureaucracy and red tape. The problem appears to be the Carney? Acres (CA) subdivision, which will add approx. 56 houses and 100 cars a day. The intersection comes into a corner of Burns Rd. Mr. Stewart suggest a “Stop except on right turn” or a yield sign for CA. Mike Davis indicated the signs were put up by the CA Contractor per the Planning Commission requirements for permit approval (PC required Contractor to pay for intersection inprovements). Why is a Contractor installing signs on a County Road? The Commissioners feel it is a poorly laid out intersection and needs a sign. Cheaper than fixing the intersection. Todd Listerman, County Engineer, will review intersection and sign options in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and make recommendations to the Commissioners. NOTE: Hopefully, action will be by County Highway department and not a Contractor, as happened before.
AFLAC Barbara Wilson & Vernon Wallis?
Ms Wilson presented Company information on AFLAC (Advertisement) and brief information on supplemental insurance benefit programs that could be offered to County employees (by payroll deduction and not paid for by the County). The Company has 9 products to sell and indicates a stable cost structure and portability. More information on their products and a quote will be provided to Brian Messmore.
Claims and Minutes Cary Pickens
No minutes were submitted
Claims were submitted for signature.
Auction Brian Messmore
The tentative date was set for October 29, 2005. No indication of what was being auctioned.
Land Use Plan Brian Messmore
The Land Use Plan is in the Focus Group Workshop phase. They are working toward Public Open Houses in mid November and referral to the Commissioners in January 2006.
Transportation Brian Messmore
Continuing work on the draft plan. Next meeting September 29, 2005, then an interactive Community Workshop. Working toward inclusion in OKI 2030 Regional Plan.
Emergency Management Office and Storage Brian Messmore
Investigating building for approx. 9,000 square foot of office and 9,000 square foot of storage. Messmore sending out RFQ for construction or renovation of building. Specifications by Messmore. NOTE: Practicing engineering without a license? Benning questioned Messmore further. Now sending out RFP for preliminary study.
Health Care Brian Messmore
County currently has Pinnacle and will need to proceed with Pinnacle for the year 2006. Pinnacle has two options: A higher deductible with no change in premiums or A higher premium with no change in premiums. If Pinnacle is contracted the County will be locked in for a year. The costs are currently within budget. The County self insures for the first $75,000 so excessive health care problems could cause budget to be exceeded.
Hughes was in favor of open competition for the Health contract. He was advocating a selection process through competition; but, the selection had to be made now to get everything ready for December 31, 2005. NOTE: The County (Commissioners?) should have been actively pursuing competitive bidding to provide selection in time.
Ewbank is heading an investigation to review all insurances for the County to determine need, level of coverage, adequacy and appropriateness of the insurances. Hopefully this will be done in a timely manner to allow open competition in the future.
Motion to accept Pinnacle by Fox, seconded by Hughes, all in favor.
Robert Ewbank
FEMA has sent notice to the County (via Dan Batta’s home address) demanding an investigation into a house constructed in the Whitewater flood plain in 1998. The homeowner applied for refinance and flood insurance review indicated the home was in the flood plain. The home is on piers and the homeowner indicated he was not in the 100 year flood plain (presumably because he thought he was above it?) and the County signed off on the permit without catching the problem. Mr. Miller and the Surveyor have determined the house is in the flood plain in violation.
Mr. Ewbank has tried to contact the FEMA Director ( who is in New Orleans), to indicate there are procedures in place to prevent further occurrences. The structure may have to be moved, torn down or a variance obtained. The cost may be borne by the homeowner or the County. NOTE: The County is the expert not the homeowner, will the County step up to its responsibility for its mistake?
Three new tort claims were submitted to the insurance.
Hughes
No issues.
Fox
No issues.
Benning
Annual Conference of Commissioners conflicts with October 18th meeting. To be able to award the bids for Sawdon Ridge (opening on October 4) the meeting has been rescheduled to October 11, 2005 and a meeting will be held October 18, 2005 with Fox and Hughes for Claims only.
Pickens suggested amending the Credit Card Ordinance to have the Department heads issue County Credit Cards to necessary personnel in lieu of current system per the State Board of Accounts. Bills on County business (and all County correspondence) should be sent to County office (previous misuse of credit cards). Action???
A signature was requested for approval of a motion of DCEDI to waive its annual meeting and retain the present officers until the next meeting. Since DCEDI is a corporation and Dearborn County is a member the request was sent. Ewbank indicated not necessary; but, would cause no harm. Motion to sign by Fox, seconded by Hughes, all in favor.
Meeting Adjourned.
Notes by Ralph E. Thompson, Jr.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Update on the Future Land Use Portion of the County Master Plan
Update on the Future Land Use Portion of the County Master Plan
The Kick Off meeting for the Future Land Use Plan was August 18th. Following that are 4 focus groups set to meet. The first was Open Space and Parks, which met on Sept 13th.
Agriculture will meet Sept 20 from 5-8 PM at the Lawrenceburg Library. Residential will be on Oct 6 and Commercial will be on Oct 21st. Both are from 2-5 PM at the Lawrenceburg Library.
These meetings are open to public VIEWING, but if you are not part of the focus group, your comments need to be submitted in writing to the Planning Office.
Summaries of each focus meeting will be posted online at the Planning Office website - http://www.dearborncounty.org/planning/
Members of the Advisory Board can access them there or request a copy from the Planning office.
The Advisory Board will take the results of these meetings and meet sometime in November to discuss the future land use map before it goes out for public input.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
The Kick Off meeting for the Future Land Use Plan was August 18th. Following that are 4 focus groups set to meet. The first was Open Space and Parks, which met on Sept 13th.
Agriculture will meet Sept 20 from 5-8 PM at the Lawrenceburg Library. Residential will be on Oct 6 and Commercial will be on Oct 21st. Both are from 2-5 PM at the Lawrenceburg Library.
These meetings are open to public VIEWING, but if you are not part of the focus group, your comments need to be submitted in writing to the Planning Office.
Summaries of each focus meeting will be posted online at the Planning Office website - http://www.dearborncounty.org/planning/
Members of the Advisory Board can access them there or request a copy from the Planning office.
The Advisory Board will take the results of these meetings and meet sometime in November to discuss the future land use map before it goes out for public input.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Thursday, September 15, 2005
DCRSD Board Meeting Minutes - Sept 15
REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT
SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 - 7:00 PM
215 B WEST HIGH ST
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mike Hankins
Barry Pruss
Rodney Dennerline
Pat Holland
Brett Fehrman
David Enzweiler
ALSO PRESENT:
Lisa Lehner
Doug Baer
Tom Quinn
CALL TO ORDER, CHAIRMAN HANKINS Meeting called to Order by Chairman Hankins at 7:00p.m.
MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 1. 2005 MEETING
Motion to accept the minutes of the September 1. 2005. meeting as they stand by Mr. Enzweiler. seconded by Mr. Fehrman. all ayes, motion carries
TREASURER'S REPORT - BARRY PRUSS
Seed money balance $366,939.28
Grant money balance $75.951.81
OLD BUSINESS
EASEMENT WORDING REVIEW - LISA LEHNER
Mrs. Lehner will look into the need to change the wording of the easement and call Mr. Quinn on the second.
STATUS ON ENGINEERING STUDY FOR "BIG PICTURE" - MIKE HANKINS
Chairman Hankins brought to the floor discussion on request for proposal vs. request for qualifications. Mr. Enzweiler stated that RFQ will not obtain pricing information.
Chairman Hankins stated there needs to be a good faith effort to contact numerous engineering firms for this project.
Chairman Hankins received commitment form Lawrenceburg to fund the study of the county sewers. Mr. Hankins believes there should be a 45 day time line established to get this project under way.
Discussion ensued on what parts of the county should be included in the study.
Chairman Hankins suggested that if the cost difference was not great. the entire county should be included. Mr. Dennerline suggested this is supposed to be a county wide plan. therefore the entire county should be included.
Chairman Hankins suggested that a new method, pipe bursting, may be a way to save neighborhoods from being tom up while construction is being done. This may be appealing to the Hidden Valley area.
Mr. Baer brought an application for funding.
Ms. Lehner stated she has asked Lawrenceburg City Counsel to vote in 2005 for the district to be in a line item in 2006 and provide the acceptance in writing.
IRSDA ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE - DOUG BAER
Mr. Dennerline made a motion to send Mr. Holland. Mr. Baer. and Mr. Enzweiler to this meeting and pay for it. seconded by Mr. Fehrman, all ayes, motion carries.
FUNDING OPTIONS FOR SEWER STUDY - LISA LEHNER
Ms. Lehner states the need to obtain updated plans from GRW and to get a rate consultant. Then there would be the possibility of a 20 year bond bank.
Mr. Dennerline suggested the need to get figures for the Aurora Interceptor.
Ms. Lehner stated a letter of intent was brought up to VRUC and their attorney said they would be willing to sign it.
Chairman Hankins suggested having Jerry. Sam. and Floyd at the next meeting. Ms. Lehner will have the Letter of Intent ready for them to sign.
OTHER ITEMS AT THE CHAIRMAN'S DISCRESSION
SPECIFICATIONS - TOM QUINN
Mr. Quinn had specs ready for review. He needs to know where gas and water lines are run. Mr. Fehrman will set up a meeting for residents of Cole Ln. and Stewart St. at the Aurora Firehouse September 27 at 7:00 p.m.
SPECIAL REQUEST - TOM LAROSA
Mr. Larosa came to the meeting due to talk of a sewage treatment plant in Hidden Valley. Chairman Hankins advised him of the prior discussions on the subject. Mr. Larosa advised he and some others have gathered nearly 700 signatures in protest. Mr. Dennerline requested a copy when they are finished collecting signatures.
AGREED ORDER TO ARURORA FROM IDEM
Mr. Dennerline asked Mr. Baer to get a copy and fax it to Ms. Lehner.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Enzweiler made a motion to adjourn. seconded by Mr. Fehrman. all ayes. motion carries.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 - 7:00 PM
215 B WEST HIGH ST
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mike Hankins
Barry Pruss
Rodney Dennerline
Pat Holland
Brett Fehrman
David Enzweiler
ALSO PRESENT:
Lisa Lehner
Doug Baer
Tom Quinn
CALL TO ORDER, CHAIRMAN HANKINS Meeting called to Order by Chairman Hankins at 7:00p.m.
MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 1. 2005 MEETING
Motion to accept the minutes of the September 1. 2005. meeting as they stand by Mr. Enzweiler. seconded by Mr. Fehrman. all ayes, motion carries
TREASURER'S REPORT - BARRY PRUSS
Seed money balance $366,939.28
Grant money balance $75.951.81
OLD BUSINESS
EASEMENT WORDING REVIEW - LISA LEHNER
Mrs. Lehner will look into the need to change the wording of the easement and call Mr. Quinn on the second.
STATUS ON ENGINEERING STUDY FOR "BIG PICTURE" - MIKE HANKINS
Chairman Hankins brought to the floor discussion on request for proposal vs. request for qualifications. Mr. Enzweiler stated that RFQ will not obtain pricing information.
Chairman Hankins stated there needs to be a good faith effort to contact numerous engineering firms for this project.
Chairman Hankins received commitment form Lawrenceburg to fund the study of the county sewers. Mr. Hankins believes there should be a 45 day time line established to get this project under way.
Discussion ensued on what parts of the county should be included in the study.
Chairman Hankins suggested that if the cost difference was not great. the entire county should be included. Mr. Dennerline suggested this is supposed to be a county wide plan. therefore the entire county should be included.
Chairman Hankins suggested that a new method, pipe bursting, may be a way to save neighborhoods from being tom up while construction is being done. This may be appealing to the Hidden Valley area.
Mr. Baer brought an application for funding.
Ms. Lehner stated she has asked Lawrenceburg City Counsel to vote in 2005 for the district to be in a line item in 2006 and provide the acceptance in writing.
IRSDA ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE - DOUG BAER
Mr. Dennerline made a motion to send Mr. Holland. Mr. Baer. and Mr. Enzweiler to this meeting and pay for it. seconded by Mr. Fehrman, all ayes, motion carries.
FUNDING OPTIONS FOR SEWER STUDY - LISA LEHNER
Ms. Lehner states the need to obtain updated plans from GRW and to get a rate consultant. Then there would be the possibility of a 20 year bond bank.
Mr. Dennerline suggested the need to get figures for the Aurora Interceptor.
Ms. Lehner stated a letter of intent was brought up to VRUC and their attorney said they would be willing to sign it.
Chairman Hankins suggested having Jerry. Sam. and Floyd at the next meeting. Ms. Lehner will have the Letter of Intent ready for them to sign.
OTHER ITEMS AT THE CHAIRMAN'S DISCRESSION
SPECIFICATIONS - TOM QUINN
Mr. Quinn had specs ready for review. He needs to know where gas and water lines are run. Mr. Fehrman will set up a meeting for residents of Cole Ln. and Stewart St. at the Aurora Firehouse September 27 at 7:00 p.m.
SPECIAL REQUEST - TOM LAROSA
Mr. Larosa came to the meeting due to talk of a sewage treatment plant in Hidden Valley. Chairman Hankins advised him of the prior discussions on the subject. Mr. Larosa advised he and some others have gathered nearly 700 signatures in protest. Mr. Dennerline requested a copy when they are finished collecting signatures.
AGREED ORDER TO ARURORA FROM IDEM
Mr. Dennerline asked Mr. Baer to get a copy and fax it to Ms. Lehner.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Enzweiler made a motion to adjourn. seconded by Mr. Fehrman. all ayes. motion carries.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
School Board Meeting
Notes September 12, 2005
South Dearborn Community School Corporation
School Board Meeting
1. Minutes Unanimously Approved
2. Policy Changes recommended by the Indiana School Boards Association. Six changes recommended. They read the titles only and approved all six unanimously.
Only real concern with policy changes came from Terry Luhrsen regarding injectible medications to be administered by school staff trained by a Registered Nurse. He questioned if that was really good enough. Answer seemed to be that’s what the statute says...so that’s good enough. (Perhaps Mr. Luhrsen would like to see RNs in all of our schools. I know I would like to see that.)
All policy changes were related to changes in state law. (Unfortunately I don’t know what they are.)
3. FCCLA Cluster Meeting Field Trip Nov. 9-13 to Hartford by way of New York City by charter bus approved unanimously. If trip is not funded by grant it will cost $315 per student.
4. Donation of $3,630 for Tennis Court Screens accepted.
5. Donation of $46.93 to SDMS accepted from Target.
6. Discussion of Disposal of Weight Room Equipment. The plan is to sell equipment to the City of Aurora for $1. Aurora plans to give to the fire department. Equipment is still being used.
Pat Rahe wants administration to ask if it is needed in any other place at South Dearborn. She suggested the equipment be placed in teacher lounges.
Daryl Cutter thought the equipment should be offered to all the Fire Departments.
The item was tabled.
New weight room equipment is ready. But administration has asked that delivery be delayed.
Administration denied Football team has not had access to weight room as reported in the newspaper. They claimed there was only a week or a weekend without weight room access.
7. Budget...Unanimously approved. They had the public hearing and a budget workshop for the board. (Perhaps the workshop should have been public.) No real discussion
8. School Calendar. Building Administrators recommended adding missed days to the end of the year. Terry Larsen indicated his plans were already made. His kids won’t be in school those three days. And the board or administration (I don’t know who he was referring to) would have to answer to his daughter for messing up her twelve years of perfect attendance.
9. Vouchers paid. Karla Raab was wondering about Character Education Supplies for Manchester School. She would like their program extended to other schools if it works out well.
10. Verkler gave construction update.
There was discussion about recess at the Middle School...Students rushed out of Cafeteria and sit in Gym for 12 minutes. (There is no way to have a safe and effective recess with 300 students in a gymnasium...my personal opinion here) Children can’t go outside due to construction.
11. SAT report. They did not share the graphs with the public. From the discussion, it was obvious scores are not as high as previous year. Verbal is lower. Math is higher. (This information will be available on IDEANET under K-12 school data. I don’t know how long it will be before this is published by the DOE.)
12. There was a discussion about Advanced Placement Classes. Some wanted to know why we only offered two. They think teachers needed special certification. (Maybe we don’t have enough appropriate subject area teachers in the High School for the program.)
13. They discussed upcoming teacher in-service. Poverty and writing for the ISTEP will be subject.
14. South Dearborn was one of the 19 school districts in the state that narrowed the achievement gap. (The poverty gap was narrowed. I think we can thank Aurora Teachers for that.)
Submitted by Karen Loveland
Thursday, September 08, 2005
6 September 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
6 September 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, Messmore, Administrator, and Ewbank, Attorney.
1. Commissioners voted to deny all 3 health claims appeals from their Executive session.
2. Gayle Pennington, Treasurer- updated commissioners on tax collection. All done in house now- and should be in the mail in late Sept- early Oct. BOTH 2005 installments are due in November.
3. Pinnacle Advisory- Mike Kramer- gave a concise explanation of the health care cost containment plan. Council requested he do something to be able to stay within a set amount of money. The bottom line: There can be a core plan with decreased benefits or a core plan with increased employee contribution amounts. They are also working on disease management and need to know the commissioner’s preferences by October. Cost increases are about 9.5% per year- under the national average of 13-15%. [NOTE: Perhaps two options could be given- and employees could CHOOSE which they prefer- the increased contribution for higher benefits or the decreased benefits for lower contribution amounts. Many employers offer these choices]
Benning asked Kramer about possibly health insurance for “people who worked for the county for a number of years and were retiring without any insurance.” Pickens stated this would be for NEXT year’s budget hearing in 2006 to take effective 2007. [NOTE: Guess which commissioner’s term ends in December 2006? This is not a good way to reduce taxpayer costs. It is also a benefit that many large businesses are unable to continue to fund. It will also greatly increase the amount of insurance costs to the county as a whole, because the risk is greater the older the covered person is. The entire group then absorbs that cost increase in premiums. The county needs to stay in line with what the rest of society is doing.]
4. Health Dept.- Doug Baer- presented an interpretation drawn by Butler- their att’y- regarding 2ndary site requirements on old lots that they want to grandfather and require only one site. They are still reviewing all building permits and if they fine septic problems they HAVE to be fixed. This includes Section 2576 from the zoning ordinance.
Hughes asked about getting septic or sewage to the D-1 garage site. Benning mentioned pump and haul as an option. Baer noted that pump and haul could only be temp solution- for 2 years max. They have to permanently fix the problem and that would require acquiring more ground, as the ground there has been disturbed too much to be a good leach site.
Benning also asked about the County Regional sewer District. Baer reported that Cole Lane and Stewart St were small enough to try to fit into Aurora with their overflow issues, but that IDEM wouldn’t allow High Ridge- which was the REAL reason the sewer district began out there. He also stated there is a movement to have the county coordinate bringing ALL the sewer entities in the county under one roof. Funding to coordinate this isn’t available yet. Baer wants IDEM to allow them to fix HighRidge and grant a variance for overflows, which are intermittent- rather than allow continuous sewage pollution as is occurring now. [NOTE: Perhaps the money needs to be sought to bypass the overflow and pump straight to SDRSD in Lawrenceburg. Maybe the COUNTY needs to become a member of that.]
5. United Fund- Lynn Deddens asked permission to fundraise with the county employees with the option of payroll deduction. Contributing is optional. Commissioners OK with this.
6. Sheriff’s Dept- recommended NorCom for the security camera bids. OK with commissioners.
7. Bill Black presented the 911 new communications system- Because of a QPA (Quantity Purchasing Agreement) that the state has with MobilCom (Motorola products)- Black is recommending them for the contract. They do not have to bid because of the QPA. Ewbank noted that they should also mention health safety and welfare of county citizens and the savings on tower rent as they move the 911 from Pribble Road to the jail. Antennas will move to the L-bg water tank- for free. They save $30,000 on lines to Dillsboro and other outlying towns. L-Bg has committed $1 million- still need $48,000. Approved- contingent on Lawrenceburg’s money. [NOTE: There seems to be more and more ways the open bidding process can be avoided lately. This goes for “contracts for services” too that bypass the open door laws- as in the recent agreement with DC Economic Development Initiative. The government seems to be getting far less transparent in their dealings. On the plus side here- Mobilcom (Motorola) is considered the top dog in this business.]Sept. is National Preparedness Month- commissioner’s signed proclamation.
8. Brent Roberts of Butler, Fehrman, and Siefert (sp?)- passed out info on their firm’s engineering and planning services and noted his office is in Jeffersonville.
9. Lifetime Resources- Luan Male- asked to be able to resubmit the Owner Occupied Housing Grant as the state or the mail lost the last one and they had to redo it- Approved.
Hughes asked her to set up Catch a Ride for Logan Housing residents to get to the Logan Supermart. Male noted that they could call for service anytime.
10. Pictometry- Craig Wittmer- presented a slide show of aerial oblique images of land. This patented system could do the entire county for $100,000. He noted it was a great tool for assessors and auditors because you see more than the rooftops that an aerial orthogonal image produces. It is also good for 911 and GPS locations. He can be contacted thru Margaret at the Planning Office or Bill Black.
Claims were approved and minutes signed.
Messmore noted an auction was planned for late October including 9 vehicles.
Ewbank is dealing with a FEMA letter that was addressed to former commissioner Batta regarding 1 1999 bldg permit issued to a house built in the flood plain in the Whitewater River area.
Hughes asked about getting ordinance numbers on the violations issued by the building inspector, so people can read up on the violation. Ewbank noted they have appeals processes too.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Benning, President, Fox and Hughes.
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, Messmore, Administrator, and Ewbank, Attorney.
1. Commissioners voted to deny all 3 health claims appeals from their Executive session.
2. Gayle Pennington, Treasurer- updated commissioners on tax collection. All done in house now- and should be in the mail in late Sept- early Oct. BOTH 2005 installments are due in November.
3. Pinnacle Advisory- Mike Kramer- gave a concise explanation of the health care cost containment plan. Council requested he do something to be able to stay within a set amount of money. The bottom line: There can be a core plan with decreased benefits or a core plan with increased employee contribution amounts. They are also working on disease management and need to know the commissioner’s preferences by October. Cost increases are about 9.5% per year- under the national average of 13-15%. [NOTE: Perhaps two options could be given- and employees could CHOOSE which they prefer- the increased contribution for higher benefits or the decreased benefits for lower contribution amounts. Many employers offer these choices]
Benning asked Kramer about possibly health insurance for “people who worked for the county for a number of years and were retiring without any insurance.” Pickens stated this would be for NEXT year’s budget hearing in 2006 to take effective 2007. [NOTE: Guess which commissioner’s term ends in December 2006? This is not a good way to reduce taxpayer costs. It is also a benefit that many large businesses are unable to continue to fund. It will also greatly increase the amount of insurance costs to the county as a whole, because the risk is greater the older the covered person is. The entire group then absorbs that cost increase in premiums. The county needs to stay in line with what the rest of society is doing.]
4. Health Dept.- Doug Baer- presented an interpretation drawn by Butler- their att’y- regarding 2ndary site requirements on old lots that they want to grandfather and require only one site. They are still reviewing all building permits and if they fine septic problems they HAVE to be fixed. This includes Section 2576 from the zoning ordinance.
Hughes asked about getting septic or sewage to the D-1 garage site. Benning mentioned pump and haul as an option. Baer noted that pump and haul could only be temp solution- for 2 years max. They have to permanently fix the problem and that would require acquiring more ground, as the ground there has been disturbed too much to be a good leach site.
Benning also asked about the County Regional sewer District. Baer reported that Cole Lane and Stewart St were small enough to try to fit into Aurora with their overflow issues, but that IDEM wouldn’t allow High Ridge- which was the REAL reason the sewer district began out there. He also stated there is a movement to have the county coordinate bringing ALL the sewer entities in the county under one roof. Funding to coordinate this isn’t available yet. Baer wants IDEM to allow them to fix HighRidge and grant a variance for overflows, which are intermittent- rather than allow continuous sewage pollution as is occurring now. [NOTE: Perhaps the money needs to be sought to bypass the overflow and pump straight to SDRSD in Lawrenceburg. Maybe the COUNTY needs to become a member of that.]
5. United Fund- Lynn Deddens asked permission to fundraise with the county employees with the option of payroll deduction. Contributing is optional. Commissioners OK with this.
6. Sheriff’s Dept- recommended NorCom for the security camera bids. OK with commissioners.
7. Bill Black presented the 911 new communications system- Because of a QPA (Quantity Purchasing Agreement) that the state has with MobilCom (Motorola products)- Black is recommending them for the contract. They do not have to bid because of the QPA. Ewbank noted that they should also mention health safety and welfare of county citizens and the savings on tower rent as they move the 911 from Pribble Road to the jail. Antennas will move to the L-bg water tank- for free. They save $30,000 on lines to Dillsboro and other outlying towns. L-Bg has committed $1 million- still need $48,000. Approved- contingent on Lawrenceburg’s money. [NOTE: There seems to be more and more ways the open bidding process can be avoided lately. This goes for “contracts for services” too that bypass the open door laws- as in the recent agreement with DC Economic Development Initiative. The government seems to be getting far less transparent in their dealings. On the plus side here- Mobilcom (Motorola) is considered the top dog in this business.]Sept. is National Preparedness Month- commissioner’s signed proclamation.
8. Brent Roberts of Butler, Fehrman, and Siefert (sp?)- passed out info on their firm’s engineering and planning services and noted his office is in Jeffersonville.
9. Lifetime Resources- Luan Male- asked to be able to resubmit the Owner Occupied Housing Grant as the state or the mail lost the last one and they had to redo it- Approved.
Hughes asked her to set up Catch a Ride for Logan Housing residents to get to the Logan Supermart. Male noted that they could call for service anytime.
10. Pictometry- Craig Wittmer- presented a slide show of aerial oblique images of land. This patented system could do the entire county for $100,000. He noted it was a great tool for assessors and auditors because you see more than the rooftops that an aerial orthogonal image produces. It is also good for 911 and GPS locations. He can be contacted thru Margaret at the Planning Office or Bill Black.
Claims were approved and minutes signed.
Messmore noted an auction was planned for late October including 9 vehicles.
Ewbank is dealing with a FEMA letter that was addressed to former commissioner Batta regarding 1 1999 bldg permit issued to a house built in the flood plain in the Whitewater River area.
Hughes asked about getting ordinance numbers on the violations issued by the building inspector, so people can read up on the violation. Ewbank noted they have appeals processes too.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Thursday, September 01, 2005
DCRSD Board Meeting Minutes - Sept 1
REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT
September 1, 2005 - 7:00 P.M.
215B WEST HIGH STREET
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mike Hankins
Pat Holland
Barry Pruss
Brett Fehrman
Rodney Dennerline
ALSO PRESENT
Doug Baer
Lisa Lehner
Tom Quinn
Ken Schneider
* Chairman Hankins called the meeting to order.
* Minutes - Motion was made to correct the amount in the treasurer's report. and accept the minutes by Mr. Fehrman. seconded by Mr. Holland. all ayes. motion accepted. The correct balance was $366.939.28.
* There was no change in the Treasurer's Report from last month
OLD BUSINESS
* Review of Quinn Contract for Services - Chairman Hankins
Ms. Lehner stated that because this was a professional service it did not have
to be bid out.
The contract has the scope of services is in phases. The contract states it will take 30 days for completion. Design. Bidding. And construction management is included in the contract.
Mr. Hankins pointed out that construction supervision is not included. Ms. Lehner talked to Rick Fox and Bryan Messmore. Who both agree the county engineer can be used for the construction supervision.
Ms. Lehner stated the next step is to sign the Notice to Proceed. Mr. Dennerline moved to accept the contract. Mr. Pruss seconded. All ayes. Motion carries.
The Notice To Proceed was signed for all three phases by Chairman Hankins.
Mr. Quinn suggested there be 2 separate meetings for Cole Ln. and Stewart St. so pan of the audience would not be bored with the presentation/questions.
Ms. Lehner will look into the verbage of the easement to see if the district is responsible for servicing the grinder pumps that will be given to the residents. The suggestion was made that names for servicing companies be given to residents for if breakage should occur.
Special Guest Ken Schneider was introduced.
The Petition for Variance was given to Patricia Coghill with the request to forward it to Donnie Hastings.
Mr. Fehrman stated it will be going in front of the Aurora Utility Board on September 12, 2005.
Chairman Hankins stated the application to Rural Development says the district is building a treatment plant. Joe Tierney will amend the application. Mr. Hankins requested a bulleted list of what is needed to complete the application.
* Update on Comprehensive Sewer Meeting - Chairman Hankins
Mr. Hankins stated the political powers want a consolidated sewage system throughout the county. He also states he has been given the impression the district will be involved and primarily responsible for the consolidation. There needs to be an engineering plan for Cochran Street to present to Federal Representatives for funding.
Mr. Hankins stated there will be a committee formed to interview engineering firms to do said plan. He appointed Dave Enzweiler and Pat Holland to this committee. Mr. Enzweiler will send requests for qualifications to different firms.
NEW BUSINESS
* Other Items at the Chairman's Discression
Ms. Lehner stated the district needs to get on the agenda for the commissioner's meeting. Mr. Baer suggested the district come with him on September 6.2005.
Ms. Lehner will set up a meeting with Mike Sodrel's office. and will contact Brian Messmore to get dollar amount for line item of RSD.
Chairman Hankins believes the interceptor will be accepted by the state.
Chairman Hankins stated 2 more houses want to be part of the district on Lower Dillsboro Road. The second house would force it to become a main line extension.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Mr. Dennerline. seconded by Mr. Holland. all ayes. motion carries.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
September 1, 2005 - 7:00 P.M.
215B WEST HIGH STREET
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mike Hankins
Pat Holland
Barry Pruss
Brett Fehrman
Rodney Dennerline
ALSO PRESENT
Doug Baer
Lisa Lehner
Tom Quinn
Ken Schneider
* Chairman Hankins called the meeting to order.
* Minutes - Motion was made to correct the amount in the treasurer's report. and accept the minutes by Mr. Fehrman. seconded by Mr. Holland. all ayes. motion accepted. The correct balance was $366.939.28.
* There was no change in the Treasurer's Report from last month
OLD BUSINESS
* Review of Quinn Contract for Services - Chairman Hankins
Ms. Lehner stated that because this was a professional service it did not have
to be bid out.
The contract has the scope of services is in phases. The contract states it will take 30 days for completion. Design. Bidding. And construction management is included in the contract.
Mr. Hankins pointed out that construction supervision is not included. Ms. Lehner talked to Rick Fox and Bryan Messmore. Who both agree the county engineer can be used for the construction supervision.
Ms. Lehner stated the next step is to sign the Notice to Proceed. Mr. Dennerline moved to accept the contract. Mr. Pruss seconded. All ayes. Motion carries.
The Notice To Proceed was signed for all three phases by Chairman Hankins.
Mr. Quinn suggested there be 2 separate meetings for Cole Ln. and Stewart St. so pan of the audience would not be bored with the presentation/questions.
Ms. Lehner will look into the verbage of the easement to see if the district is responsible for servicing the grinder pumps that will be given to the residents. The suggestion was made that names for servicing companies be given to residents for if breakage should occur.
Special Guest Ken Schneider was introduced.
The Petition for Variance was given to Patricia Coghill with the request to forward it to Donnie Hastings.
Mr. Fehrman stated it will be going in front of the Aurora Utility Board on September 12, 2005.
Chairman Hankins stated the application to Rural Development says the district is building a treatment plant. Joe Tierney will amend the application. Mr. Hankins requested a bulleted list of what is needed to complete the application.
* Update on Comprehensive Sewer Meeting - Chairman Hankins
Mr. Hankins stated the political powers want a consolidated sewage system throughout the county. He also states he has been given the impression the district will be involved and primarily responsible for the consolidation. There needs to be an engineering plan for Cochran Street to present to Federal Representatives for funding.
Mr. Hankins stated there will be a committee formed to interview engineering firms to do said plan. He appointed Dave Enzweiler and Pat Holland to this committee. Mr. Enzweiler will send requests for qualifications to different firms.
NEW BUSINESS
* Other Items at the Chairman's Discression
Ms. Lehner stated the district needs to get on the agenda for the commissioner's meeting. Mr. Baer suggested the district come with him on September 6.2005.
Ms. Lehner will set up a meeting with Mike Sodrel's office. and will contact Brian Messmore to get dollar amount for line item of RSD.
Chairman Hankins believes the interceptor will be accepted by the state.
Chairman Hankins stated 2 more houses want to be part of the district on Lower Dillsboro Road. The second house would force it to become a main line extension.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Mr. Dennerline. seconded by Mr. Holland. all ayes. motion carries.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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