1 SEPT 2026 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

 

1 SEPT 2026 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

 Livestreams can be found @

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

Present:  Duane Bischoff, acting chairman, and Kevin Turner

ABSENT: Jim Thatcher

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator.

Jeff Cotton, Commissioner Candidate, was also present.

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.

OLD BUSINESS

Applications for EMT Sponsorships, Jason Sullivan, EMA/EMS Director -Jason Sullivan- There were changes in the draft made by Baudendistel.  Turner said he had read it and was I favor. Approved.

NEW BUSINESS

Discussion on Board Appointment Process- Jim tasked him last year per Bischoff and he put in a rough idea of the application  and Turner had recommended a background check by local sheriff’s office be added. Baudendistel said they might want to reference this in the code of ordinances as we are formalizing the process of using applications for boards. They would also send this on to other boards. If there is a FOIA use here- so they will eliminate home addresses on applications if those records are requested.  Decided to Table this for further review and get the changes put in. 

Sue Hayden said the application applies to member positions that are at the end of their term. Baudendistel said there is a new IN Code that went in saying that if a member is appointed by a board , they can only be removed by that same board. He clarified that does not apply to those members that have completed their term. This applies to mid term replacements only. Only a few members are up for reappointment now. TABLED 

Discussion on Public Notices Posted on Website- Bischoff- starting on  January 1, 2027- they can be posted on the website instead of the local paper. Turner thinks they should do both. He said to remember not everyone has access to the internet. We still have the newspaper because the printed word is good. He asked the opinion of the auditor. She said the reasoning was to save money. No offense to Marc (Emral- from the paper). Will learn more at conference when they go there. Sue Hayden- We still have to put the annual meetings notice at the beginning of the year.  Bischoff- wants it to be as many places as we can to get that notice out.  Baudendistel referenced- House Act 1210 and IC 5-3-1- 1.5  takes effect July 1, 2027. Publish n any one of the following: newspaper, locality newspaper and the county website. Something to keep an eye on for future. TABLED for further discussion- and also for Jim Thatcher to be present. 

Lawrenceburg Library Appointment for Susan Ketcham- Sue Hayden presented. She replaced Gary Gellert. Term begins again in January. Approved to reappoint her. 

ADMINISTRATOR- Sue Hayden- nothing more 

AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold  -Claims/Payroll and August 18th Minutes- APPROVED

ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel-nothing

PUBLIC COMMENT: Brandon Lang- resident Lake Tambo Rd and paid Consultant working with Linnea Energy to secure the rights of landowners to develop their land for solar. Read County website Commissioners page- First item is that they are to promote the growth and development of a strong and vibrant economy. 

Comprehensive plan is to influence policy decisions on development on housing, transportation, utility infrastructure, recreation, and land use. And it’s concepts should be continuously evaluated as needs arise, adjustments should be made. Guiding principles include designation of appropriate locations for potential uses of land and coordinating them with existing and future placement of utilities. [NOTE: the utilities mentioned here are for the use of the residents of the county.] 

The infrastructure for the future Sunman Solar is already in place and has been there for nearly 100 years in my field. 

It also states you are to strengthen the economic base of the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county thru well planned industrial, commercial, and residential development. We have a disproportional high residential tax burden and solar brings with it tax base without tax burden. There is no traffic, no kids in schools, no increased water demands, no people in hospital beds. Solar tax revenue goes straight to offsetting residential tax burden.

I sent you- Economic impact study. In summary:

121new local jobs during construction for county and 327 for the state. $37.4 million in total local taxes for all taxing districts for the life of the project. Includes $23million for schools, $8.8 million for the county and $2 million township, and $2,8 million for library. 

Reminded them Focus area # 1 is economic development.

Lang went on to note that Solar is not asking for tax abatements. But he brought up as comparisons new Redevelopment project for Givaudan Flavors which did get a tax abatement from County Council. He said  he has gone in there competitors for 15 years. These packages are shipped as hazardous, flammable, and corrosive. There are smells. You don’t get any of this with solar panels.

Spot zoning industrial facility was granted at PC and is not even a mile from where the solar facility is - for a pole barn manufacturing facility. Permanent pole barns. And could cover every inch of farmland with permanent pole barns. Solar panels are temporary. 

So I ask you which of these preserves farmland? Just want people to think with an open mind. 

Your original Article 19 invited these solar people here. And they came- they are here and they have invested heavily. They are showing you how they can benefit the ENTIRE county. It’s a huge opportunity for all of us. I hope you consider that. 

LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION: Guilford Bridge should be open soon per Todd Listerman, County Engineer. 

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Bischoff- Citizens Advisory meeting tomorrow night and every Wednesday until done EXCEPT Sept 9 as PC meeting Wednesday Sept 9 in special meeting. Goal is to be done before it comes to Commissioners. 

ADJOURN- 8:55 AM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

AGENDA 1 SEPT 2026 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes

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AGENDA 

DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING 

September 1, 2026

8:30 a.m. Henry Dearborn Room 

Dearborn County Government Center 

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

1. CALL TO ORDER 

 

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

 

1. TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE

1. OLD BUSINESS

• Applications for EMT Sponsorships, Jason Sullivan, EMA/EMS Director 

1. NEW BUSINESS

• Discussion on Board Appointment Process

• Discussion on Public Notices Posted on Website

• Lawrenceburg Library Appointment for Susan Ketcham

VI. ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden

VII. AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold

• Claims/Payroll/Minutes

VIII. ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel 

IX. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION 

X. PUBLIC COMMENT

XI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS  

XII. ADJOURN

24 August 2026 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

 

24 August 2026 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

Present: Dennis Kraus, Jr., Chairman,Mark Lehman, Joe Vogel, Russell Beiersdorfer, Sabrina Gregory, Jake Hoog, Dan Lansing, Jim Thatcher, and Eric Lang

Also Present:  Nicole Daily, Planning and Zoning Director, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney. Also Commissioner Duane Bischoff was present.  Commissioner Candidate Jeff Cotton was also present. Approximately 60 people were in the audience.

Baudendistel read the Title VI statement as legally required.

Kraus reminded people to be courteous to all the speakers so everyone can be heard. 

ACTION ON MINUTES: none

OLD BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

 1. Request: Zone Map Amendment request from Agriculture (A) district to a Light Industrial (I-1) district, for the purpose of a metal roofing, siding and custom trim, with kits and materials, along with future fabrication business 

Applicant: Seig Surveying Owner: Joseph Burdette and Amy Jo Fletcher Site Location: 11719 SR 48 Parcel: 15-05-19-700-018.000-019 & 15-05-19-300-016.000-019 (portions of both lots) Township: Manchester Size of Rezone: 18.76 acres 

Nicole Daily presented: 4 pages of information on the plans. 

Rob Seig, Surveyor, represented for the Owners. He agreed with what Daily presented. They own adjacent property to the west of this. Existing business in Ripley County and they have overgrown that. The septic is for A 3 bedroom home and needs to be revised for commercial etc. Been in business since 2021. They have some of their own crew that works with this as well as having this for other contractors This is build out that will be used soon. They will erect a 7 ft fence along the setback line. They will have buffer yards and landscaping. They plan to work within the areas less visible from the road and neighbors. They will probably want to extend the paving time limit to get buildings all in first and compacted before paving. They want to bring products to this area that support Ag uses. This will also provide jobs. 50 percent is probably the maximum surface acreage. Detention and retention is on the southern part of the property  and he is confident they can expand it if needed. 

Amy Fletcher (co-owner)owns 2-3 parcels to the west of this. She has business too. If they were to get more in the future, they will have to come back to get permission. 

Board finishes their questions and opened Public Discussion:

Woman asked about a noise ordinance with  metal fabrication and also the changing of more of our AG land. 

Closed Public Discussion:

Daily brought forth the Noise Ordinance for the Board. Only commercial noise complaints were2-3 in last 5 years was for the flour mill out in West Harrison TIF.

Per Seig- Hours of operation  M-F from 7-4  and limited hours on Saturday. They have 10-20 customers.day. Anticipate 30. Cars mostly and trucks with trailers, about 1 semi a week delivering material. They have. Metal press- some cutting but well set back from neighbors. This will mostly be on the south end of the property. Radio in the shop is louder than the equipment. 

Per Seig- Lighting will be needed- and they will do what code requires. They will direct lighting inward to the property.

Baudendistel- They can include written commitments in the rezone. For Zone MAP amendments the choices are Fav, Unfav or No recommendation. And the commissioners have to base their vote on what was sent to them. ONLY ON ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS can commissioners add their own changes and approved them. NOT for this Map amendment. If they need more time to get the concrete areas in - they will need to go to BZA beyond 2 years. 

Anything beyond 50 % maximum on the impervious surfaces will require them coming back to the PC.  

Mark Lehman motioned for a Favorable recommendation for rezone Ag H to I-1 for the Metal Fabricating Business with the following written commitments. All outdoor storage areas defined and solid fence as buffers. List of permitted uses adhered to in statement R3, Gravel only for 2 years  and then go to BZA if it needs to be extended, Limit size of the impervious uses, excluding the driveway existing on these plans outside the setback, to 50% of the total area and within setbacks Citing article 5. Beiersdorfer 2nded.  Thatcher abstains, Gregory NAY, the rest are Ayes. Approved the Fav Recommendation.

This will be certified by the Sept 15th meeting for Commissioners.  

7:30 PM

ADMINISTRATIVE:

 Citizen Solar Representatives: A citizen has requested the following individuals serve as their representatives to provide a presentation to the Board. The group has been allotted a total of 30 minutes, which shall both the presentation and any questions and answers from the Board. These presenters are as follows:

 Environmental Topic: Jennifer Loeffler with Energy Renewal Partners, LLC - Background of 14 years with environmental. Section 19- Woodland preservations aligns with 36-7-4-601. Supports preservation of woodland habitat. Thinks there are provisions that will not survive legal challenge. 

Existing ordinance allows timber production.

Does woodland requirement fit? A 30% woodland preservation requirement exceeds what the current ordinance requires for health safety and welfare. 

Requires the ordinance match up to these same purposes. So the ordinance has to rest on solid legal footing. Has to match up to the state requirements in above IC code.

Cited other regs that protect wetlands etc. To keep it durable and defensible PC should  stay within flood plain regs, woodlands, etc. 

Road set back and enhanced landscape screening -and unintended environmental impacts of urban berms as it has a greater amount of ground disturbance. It’s important to disturb as little ground as possible. Urban berms upset existing water runoff. And can generate erosion. It would also require bringing in fill imported from offsite areas. Fill can add contaminants from outside the area. Disruption of hydrology too. 

Minimum setbacks from floodplain. Some conflicts in this with ordinance. 50 ft of a water feature don’t create a hazard in her experience. Sees no strong link tying this to health safety and welfare. 

19-0-6.5- Define the flood plain boundaries being regulated. She recommends the use Army Corps of Engineers and EPA and IDEM requirements for wetland identification. 

  

Safety Topic: Michael Townsend with Jensen Hughes, Inc. He is an expert in fire and safety. They have 2000 employees. A few comments of ordinance. How many risks travel by schools on a daily basis? If you are with the 2mile distance of a school, the fire dept. Ponds can be used for fire water- they do not require one. The $100,000 required is not ordinary. The training is what is required to fight the fires for these Solar Farms. 

Property Values Topic: Nick Kirkland with Kirkland Appraisals. Look at actual uses and compare the property value changes. At about 200 ft with a vegetative buffer supports no impact to property value. Focus on 19.35g. It might take longer than 6 months to sell properties- and still not affect property value. If the overall market goes down, that affects it too. We’ve looked at this issue a lot- it’s what we do. Thinks a good neighbor agreement would be a flat payment to the neighbors from the solar facility each year. This eliminates the appraisers getting the money. 

Construction: Ryan Kelly with MASTEC • - 30 minutes is up- he cannot speak.

Eric Lang- Following FEMA minimums is NOT the best way to do things- NOTE what happened with recent 500 year flood event. Using his engineering- in the past- saved a 16 million building. Enough said.  

The Plan Commission has received a completed draft of the Solar Energy Systems Ordinance for review and consideration. 

During the August Plan Commission meeting, the Commission will review the draft ordinance and may receive comments, suggestions, and recommendations. 

No action or vote was taken on the draft Solar Energy Systems Ordinance at the August meeting. 

Scheduled a SPECIAL Sept 9 PC meeting on Solar Ordinance at 6 PM. 

Nicole asked board if they want to take comments section by section. Agreed apparently.

8:15 PM

Started with 1900- page 1 Purpose and Intent:

Emily Hartman- agrees with the intent. Will email her version of how it should read to them as it was read fast.

Topher Anderson- with Indiana Land Liberty Coalition——(does he live here? ) Said the ordinance purpose is to keep out solar farms.

No one else wants to speak to page 1. 

Section 1902-Definitions 

Page 2 Take “etc.” out and get specific. 

Page 3 Project site size needs to be cleaned up. What needs to be included in the site size calculation- access roads, detention ponds, easements of underground utilities, perimeter fencing, landscaping setbacks, and so forth…..

Page 4 eliminate the last sentence. 

Public comment- Emily Hartman- definitions in original solar ordinance were on better track. Thinks they should  be based more on size and who served. Concerned about the loopholes we are creating with this.

Also thinks we should have a definition of prime farmland. 

Daily said they are having trouble getting %ages on map. 13% is classified in the county - of prime soils. Another 6% are prime IF DRAINED. Cannot figure out how to regulate it. 

Emily will send them the USDA definition. 

Baudendistel - said Title 7 b 6 f part 657 section 657.5 has the definition of prime and unique farmland.

Bobby Rauen- look at Madison County’s - Look at different classifications of solar systems for example Commercial Large- is anything greater than 20 acres. 

Brandon Lang- Look at Beacon GIS online and see what is my land versus their land.

Close Public discussion.

8:50 PM

Section - 1904- intent was to show the systems that do not require ZONING permits- just building ones for example - Rooftop solar. 

Section 1906- page 6 penalty follows state statute for enforcement. Have consistency of heights. They want to have a structural engineer to evaluate it. Projects need an engineer’s stamp for major site plans. 

Page 7 remove “etc.”

Who is Tech review committee? - Nicole Daily- All dept heads and soil and water, county engineer, health, building inspector. 

All agreed it was a “Good place to stop.”

Meeting adjourned at 9 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

19 August 2026 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Meeting Notes

 

19 August 2026 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District Meeting Notes

Present: 

Brett Fehrman, Acting Chairman, Steward Cline, Russell Beiersdorder, Jeff Stenger, and Doug Baer   

ABSENT: Steve Renihan, Jeff Bittner, and Board Attorney, Frank Kramer

Also present: Christy and Kevin of Hrezo Engineering, Jeff Meinders, and Doug Price

Stenger read the Public Access Statement as legally required.

Minutes: August 5th Approved

Cline asked about whether the accountant got the minutes of the meeting and said revenue is about the same as the expenses for the year. It appears our expenses have caught up with our revenue. 

Public Comment: Conrad Curtis from Dillsboro- near SEIData. Dillsboro wants to annex him but it was too expensive to get gravity sewer for them. He is 2/10th of a mile east of SEIData. There are 2 other neighbors and he would pay for 2 more systems on his land. Discussion regarding a nearby manhole- about 800 ft. and it belongs to Dillsboro?? DCRSD will inquire to Dillsboro on Conrad Curtis’s behalf to see what they can offer maybe. 

Project Updates: Christy presented:

Guilford- The tanks recovered now and they are working on the electric and Jeff Meinders is getting the site ready. They are grading water off them hillside and toward the creek direction. Tanks are completely back up. The can get gas from OVG (Ohio Valley Gas). Downspouts are being diverted from the site and under the maintenance road. Issue with electric and coming generators. Asking about the transfer switch for the generator. Meinders said that switch is coming with the generator. They need to know the start up limit on that. 

Do we have a one year warranty period, including EarthTek? Cline wants to know. They want an operating and maintenance manual from Chaffee. They want to keep the data to know how it operates normally. Fehrman- wants the pumps and the generator timing looked at to be sure the pumps last a long time. 

Kevin will have processes to be sure the pumps don’t float. They will be looking at the water levels from rain etc. Kevin said as long as the tanks remain full- that should work. Operating procedures for Doug Price to follow. He said there are ones similar at Milan- so he is familiar. 

High Ridge WWTP -

High Ridge west Expansion - 

Moores Hill

Dillsboro- Christy- Grinders are in at Dillsboro- but not hooked up yet. Cline asked about- Commercial agreements and user agreements are with Frank Kramer. Both commercial customers- capacity fee is part of the business arrangement with them. Final agreed EDUs for each commercial user- needed from Christy. Invoices from Dillsboro hopefully by then. They have a few more things- and laterals to do out there.

Finances: Kevin presented:

$15,014.31- Change order 13 for Guilford - Kevin prepared. Approved. 

$ 3,641.00- Change order 14 -NET CREDIT for the building holes etc. for air intake after the UV system. Approved 

$26,170.12 Guilford estimate Approved

$136,911.07 Lake Dildear pay estimate Approved

New Business: Baer- lady on Cheryl Wade Lane and neighbor -  Schneiders want to be on the Dildear line. There is a line in front of them,- can do it with a lateral there. Cline wants to have user agreements drawn up and recorded on those owners in case properties are sold in the future too. 

Office Update: Baer- Office computer crashed. Need to get a new one. Cline said- give Kelly an option for a laptop. Stenger- Make sure it has dual hard drives for back-up. Make sure new equipment is compatible with software upgrades coming per Cline. 

Claims: Baer: Guilford- $9,149 was paid out of their interest. Not part of ARPA construction.

$99,000 out still in engineering costs

Still in the red in legals- railroad and easements (so pay out of interest)

Whatever the number left is coming out of contingency. This keeps the board updated.  They want the final pay out on the 17th.

Fehrman- needs Kelly to get documents on the 40 year payback on Steward St and Cole Lane. Trying to get this cleared off. 6% interest. They are almost 20 years into it. 

$82.27 Lake Dildear claims approved.

$139.54 Guilford claims approved.

Discretion of the Board: 

Adjourn: 6:35 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township