11 January 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes

11 January 2005 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes

Present: Vera Benning, President, Jeff Hughes and Rick Fox.
Brenda Hensley was minute taker for Cary Pickens, Auditor. Bob Ewbank sat in the Att’y chair.

Vera Benning- opened the meeting with a prepared statement about reorganization, which she defined as putting together a team. She stated that taxpayers voted them in and that they were going to make economic growth a priority. Using the Biblical quote that a house divided against itself will not stand, she stated that it was imperative that the team pull together and that they intended to move forward in a positive and fair manner. She gave the prepared statement to Brenda to include in the official minutes.

New appointments:
[NOTE: There were no discussions regarding any of these appointments. It appeared that there were decisions made prior to this meeting]
Vera Benning- President of Commissioners
Bob Ewbank- County Attorney
Jeff Hughes - Plan Commission Rep for Commissioners
Tabled BZA appointment
Jeff Hughes- OKI Board of Trustees Rep
Rick Fox- Animal Control
Vera Benning- Convention and Tourism Board
All three commissioners sit on Solid Waste Board
Rick Fox- Emergency Mgmt Advisory Board
Tabled Juvenile Advisory Board
Jim West- Redevelopment Commission
Don Townsend- Building Dept. Director
(Al Werner retired)

Reappointments:
Bill Ewbank- VA Officer
Bill Black- Emergency Mgmt. (courtesy vote-only)
Bryan Messmore – County Administrator – effective Jan 21 -
[NOTE: Lorie Howard was notified that she was no longer county administrator prior to this meeting by Jeff Hughes and Bob Ewbank. As Ewbank had not been appointed yet as county attorney, and there was no public meeting (other than the reorganization meeting) after the executive session held at 6PM, how and when did commissioners decide legally to terminate the county administrator?]
Mike Davis- Hwy Director
Rick Fox- DC Economic Development Initiative
Vera Benning- Redevelopment Commission- Commissioner Rep
Jeff Hughes – SEIRPC
Vera Benning- Common Wage Board
Ed Brack- Park Board
Jim Dole- Alcohol Beverage Board- even though term doesn’t end till 1/06
Dan Strub- HHH- even though term not up yet
Barry Pruss -Sewer Board- even though term not up till 2008
Rick Fox- County Farm Board

Treasurer’s Report- found later by Ewbank at his seat- tabled to review for next meeting

Bill Black- Emergency Mgmt- asked to speak regarding an emergency declaration for snow and flooding so that if a disaster is declared we will be eligible for funding. Fox motioned and Hughes 2nd to sign this.

Commissioner’s Meeting Schedule is now changed to the 1st and 3rd Tues of each month at 6:30 PM. No more morning meetings. July will have one meeting dues to a convention that the commissioners attend.

Hospital Board meeting is set for Jan 26th at 5:30 PM for dinner. Commissioners and related staff are invited.

Public Official Bonds for Treasurer Gayle Pennington and Clerk Phil Weaver were signed.

December 6th meeting minutes were tabled.
Claims were signed.

Citizens were reminded that if they wish to be placed on the agenda they must call the commissioner’s office one week prior to the meeting.

Ewbank told commissioners they should make a call for any old or new business. Vera Benning brought up White’s Hill, but noted that it couldn’t be discussed because Mike Davis was no longer present.

Meeting adjourned 8:05 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township