22 August 2005 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

22 August 2005 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Jeff Hughes, Mike Hall, Jane Ohlmansiek, Robert Laws, Patrick deMaynadier, and Dennis Kraus, Jr.
Absent: Nick Held and Tarry Feiss
Also present: Travis Miller, Plan Director, Mark McCormack, Enforcement Officer, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.

Two out of three requests for Ag subdivision lots approved.

1. Carol Vassil’s request for 2-lot panhandle division of Francis Estates on West County Line Rd in Jackson Township was discussed at length with representation from attorney, John Watson. 4 neighbors spoke in opposition, similar to what was mentioned in previous requests for this land division. (Desire to keep it large lots, open, drainage issues, bought their lands with understanding this was one lot. De Maynadier motioned and Ohlmansiek 2nd to deny. based on failure to meet the standards of Sect 165 of the sub’n control ordinance. Unanimously denied, chair had to vote to get 5 votes. (They did not prove extraordinary circumstances.) Mike Hall and Dennis Kraus Jr. both stepped down for this request.

2. Robert and Jane Statlander’s request for 1 lot subdivision (Spotted Horse Acres) on Bond Road in Miller Township was approved quickly. No public opposition. Archie Crouch representing the owners showed that all potential shared driveway options had been exhausted and Bond Road was shown to have no major traffic issues. APPROVED.

3. Paul Weaver, represented by Roger Woodfill for a 3- lot minor division on Chesterville Road was also approved unanimously. No public opposition. Kraus, Jr. motioned and Hughes 2nd. APPROVED.

Administrative:

1. Karen Rolfes is retiring on Sept 2 due to health reasons. Travis Miller is running an ad in the Enquirer. Travis went on at length about Karen’s organizational skills, procedures, and managerial capabilities, stating that trying to fill her shoes will be difficult. Rolfes has been with the Planning Office for 9 years.
[NOTE: I personally have seen the Planning Office both before and after Karen Rolfes was on staff. A good part of the success of that office in maintaining continuity and also in their technological ability to handle the increased development in the county is due to Karen’s work ethic and skills. The public users of that office will miss her as well. Her professional behavior and attention to detail are legendary!]

2. Miller was pleased with the public turnout for the Future Land Use meeting last Thursday. He presented the proposed Advisory Board for approval, which was granted by the Plan Commission. City and Towns have also added representatives to this part of the master plan process.

3. Focus Groups are needed for each of the 4 land use types (Ag, Commercial, Residential, and Open/Greenspace.)
Brainstorming with the board and Mark Neff and myself produced a list of potential citizens and professionals for each focus group. Travis Miller and staff will follow up on those leads.

4. West Harrison and St. Leon are still working with our planning office to get various levels of expertise to handle their permitting and zoning issues. McGill is reviewing language of agreements with them and potential fee schedules.

5. Sept 8 – Decatur County- Travis requested a rep to go with him to present Dearborn County’s report. Purdue’s Bob McCormack is presenting a land use video as well.

6. Performance reviews of staff were performed again in July prior to the budget hearings and Miller passed those out to the board.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township