26 June 2006 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

26 June 2006 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

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

Approximately 20 people were present.

Zone Change from Ag to Residential for a maximum of 65 homes on 127.172 acres in Miller Township on SR1, Salt Fork, and Cambridge was given a unanimous FAVORABLE recommendation to the commissioners with several stipulations that the applicant had proposed. Owner- Wayne Ferguson.

Public speaking in opposition ( Lonnie Mitchell, Bob Billups (sp?), Scott Warning, George Steffan, Mike Cain, Mike Henson (current owner of Wingate property), Cynthia Fox, Robert Craig, Fifi Biehle, Gary Reeves, Dave Fragel) cited runoff concerns, wildlife habitat degradation, traffic safety with SR1 and the nearby dangerous intersections at Georgetown and Salt Fork, steep slope being denuded to get a view of PNS and Tanner Valley, Cambridge Rd being a “16’ buggy path with questionable ROW- possible 28 ft., possible problems obtaining sewers in near future, school overcrowding at Sunman Dearborn district, line of sight issues with trees, guardrail removal and fill required for turn lanes, creek issues and topography at entrance with adjoining neighbor.

Rick Pope spoke in favor of the plan, but asked why boulevard had to be the entire access length. Thought this would be high end and fiscally responsible at $300,000 homes and up with $80,000 for 1.5 acre lots. Not too many kids added to schools, because people with kids can’t afford these homes.

Board questioned Tom Kent on various points for about an hour and obtained suitable answers. The bulk of the board was adamant that turn lanes be required. [NOTE: This is a good idea- by contrast, the state has not gotten turn lanes on any of their intersections onto SR1 nor have they corrected them to perpendicular access. Work on the bridge at Greendale is in process, while Salt Fork Bridge and that dangerous intersection are still on hold. Tarry Feiss questioned highway workers on that and they were reportedly surprised when they saw which bridge was being done first. This may be because of the ranking for road projects on the 2030 plan. Plan Commission may want to look at that plan again if they think there is a problem with development and the rankings of projects.]

Feiss motioned with the stipulations as above and Hall 2nd. All ayes Favorable recommendation with the following stipulations per applicant’s proposal:
1. Certification of land use restricted to 65 lots max, 2. Sewage provided, 3. Both L and R turn lanes be provided on SR 1, 4. Future connectivity to Cambridge Road be set aside and gated at this time, 5. No grading on land of 20% slope or greater, and 6. Entrance on SR 1 be boulevard style for the entire length of the access and design approved by county engineer.

ADMINISTRATIVE:
Discussion on whether or not commissioners can send a zone change back to the PC to be reconsidered. Indiana Code mentioned and probability of having to start over with request. Lawsuit mentioned from when Schmidt redevelopment on White’s Hill had commissioners do stipulations, which they are not allowed to do by state law. Hughes was questioning possibilities.

McCormack informed board that the code changes weren’t advertised and so would have to be moved to July meeting.

Rules on major and minor site plans were passed out for the PC to review for July.

Non-commercial signage changes in ordinance were given out- as prepared by Ewbank for the commissioners following the Dorothy White lawsuit pertaining to first amendment rights. Changes to section 2015 and article 27 definitions were included. Dorothy White was in attendance for this. These will be advertised for July meeting also.

July meeting is split between July 24 and July 31 because of too many large cases.

Kate Rademacher was introduced to the board as the new enforcement officer.

McCormack is trying to set up a meeting with school boards and superintendents similar to the sewer company meetings a couple years ago. Hoping for August time frame.

Budget will be completed by Friday.

Meeting with St. Leon’s attorney and also W. Harrison – probably going to share the cost for ½ a planner and the county will help manage their planning issues. This will be discussed at budget hearings.

Talking to DCEDI to see if they want to partner on fiscal impact study for the county.

Sugar Ridge coming in for another waiver of buffer between condos and golf course. Apparently Sugar Ridge has had numerous changes and splits. Board discussed fees escalating when more than one replat is sought. No decision.

Meeting adjourned 10:40 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township