26 February 2007 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Hall, Chairman, Mitter, de Maynadier, Feiss, Nelson, Held, Thompson, Kraus, Jr.
ABSENT: Laws
Also present: McCormack, Plan Director, Rademacher, Enforcement Officer, and McGill Attorney
Meeting minutes were approved with corrections including one from Mitter noting that he stepped down to avoid an appearance of impropriety and NOT for a conflict of interest.
The room was full- primarily for the Tucker/Schmidt zone change.
[NOTE: PC needs to vote to tell staff to allow only a reasonable amount of material at each meeting. The rest can move to the next meeting on a 1st come 1st served basis.
NO GOOD DECISIONS CAN BE MADE AFTER 4 HOURS OF MEETING!
This meeting lasted 5.5 hours. PC members have jobs, applicants have jobs, and citizens have jobs. Keeping people out that late on a work night is unreasonable. If an item is tabled at the applicant’s request they go to the end of the service line. Applicants need to be completely prepared. There is an inordinate amount of negotiating going on at these meetings. Items tabling and coming back 3 and 4 times are ridiculous, in my opinion. The PC is not here to redesign projects and this isn’t Let’s Make a Deal.]
Old Business scheduled to be reopened.
1. Zone map amendment for 32 acres from H-1 to M-1 for Mariah Development with Bayer Becker presenting for owners, which include Tim and Todd Kramer. Location is in the TIF district on SR1 and Old SR1 (Sawmill Road). Lisa Lehner was also in attendance and is the attorney for the owners as well as the attorney for DCEDI, who supported the Mariah application in previous meetings. She didn’t state which attorney hat she was wearing tonight- DCEDI’s or the owners of Mariah Park.
Mitter noted that because the last application hearing was in Nov prior to 2 new board members, he thought the board needed to hear the entire application over. He also said that he was stepping down and leaving the room and would address the letter from Lisa Lehner in their file AFTER the decision was made. Mitter left the room.
[NOTE: There is a 2 and 1/8 page letter from Lehner concerning her opinion regarding Mitter’s ability to speak regarding Mariah Business Park in the file dated 21 Feb 2007. The letter is public record and can be obtained from the Planning Office. Lehner cites case law regarding due process but does not cite the state law on conflict of interest, though she alleges he has one in her letter. Mitter, like any citizen, should have the right to speak as a citizen from the audience, if he steps down from the board and does not vote. Lehner wanted the board to deny Mitter that right. Mitter chose to leave the room so as to allow the board to hear the case without prejudice. Later in the meeting Lehner attempted to disallow an email response from an adjoining property owner to be part of the record. One wonders if anyone is allowed to speak in opposition to Lehner’s client.]
The board decided to hear the case in its entirety. They weren’t sure if they’d hear both cases on Mariah Park tonight as board members were concerned that if the zone change failed or some conditions changed it could affect the primary plat approval on the 2nd piece. McCormack said he warned the applicant regarding this more than once – the applicant still wanted both on the agenda. Board decided to look at the options on the 2nd case AFTER the first one was decided.
McCormack presented the entire case again with 16 letters to adjoiners and one letter in the packet from Mrs. Deville, an adjoiner unavailable for the meeting tonight. Transportation studies were assessed for light industrial as it producers more traffic than heavy. Items in M-1 section were removed by the applicant from consideration for possible uses - #s 3,4,8,9,21,23,30,32,33,and 35. They did not remove conditional uses, which would require BZA approval. McCormack discussed gradient issues, geotech and hillside guidelines for the area around the interstate. There were some items that still needed to be addressed including distance and access points on SR 1 and ld SR1, no letter from the schools, the letter from the fire and EMS saying they’d “do their best” to serve but they are a volunteer organization. There is a 350 ft variance needed on part of the road section and a LOS of F on the L turn access to SR 1. There is a 300,000 sq ft bldg proposed. There is a proposed R in and R out access for old SR 1.
Nelson noted that H-1 would allow a Home Depot and that has significant traffic. [NOTE: It was unclear if Nelson was assuming that it would be granted because the zone allows it. If there were safety issues with the road it would seem that even an allowed use might not get permitted.]
Todd Listerman spoke in detail regarding the traffic study and his disagreement with calculations on storage (stacking lanes). He said just because you don’t have room for it doesn’t mean it isn’t needed. With the history of accidents along the SR 1 corridor he doesn’t want to add any more problem spots. [NOTE: That’s so obviously common sense and logical, it’s a wonder the applicant is even arguing the opposing viewpoint.]
Listerman went on regarding what happens with LOS F on access to a highway and why people start to take chances when they have to wait too long for L turn egress, choosing to pull out into gaps in traffic too small for safe egress. [NOTE: More common sense.]
Feiss asked if SR 1 was a collector or connector. Listerman replied it was a Category 3 rural arterial that connects US 50 and I-74.
Thompson asked about concerns with I-74 interchange enhancements in the future. Listerman thought they’d be far enough away to not affect this.
Nelson asked about 2 L turn lanes. Listerman said there would still need to be stacking lanes.
Nicole Daily of Bayer Becker presented for the owners giving an overview and then went into the specific issues of contention. Daily said they were in close contact with the school and that school was fine with all the M-1 uses. Mariah is giving property to help with road issues, but she disagrees with Listerman’s assessment.
Etta Reed- for Bayer Becker- traffic engineer came to the podium to address those issues. They compared traffic in 2007, 2011 and 2016 with and without buildout to get at numbers for the study. Then they proposed mitigating solutions to the problems. Reed said the intersection warranted a signal today (stoplight). She noted that the L turn lane is only a LOS of F at rush hours. People COULD go to Old SR 1 to exit instead and be signalized there. There are no willing sellers in adjoining owners to get better access. She referred to this as an URBAN RESTRICTED AREA and said that drivers will slow down and anticipate turners in and out in that area. [NOTE: Maybe by 2016 it will be urbanized, but it isn’t now. Also if it is urbanized, then there is more traffic and fewer gaps to access the road. Doesn’t that make the problem worse?]
Traffic counts were lowered because of a by-pass reduction- Reed said this is because people come to this are on their way to something else and so you don’t have to count them all as NEW traffic.
Public comment:
John Taphorn- asked about detention areas and water flow from this to areas around the interstate. Hall explained they would have to control this.
Earl Dawson- didn’t like the 2 accesses as designed noting it’s tough for L turns on SR1.
Board discussion:
Thompson- concerned with traffic and the different assessments. He’s not sure the gaps will be there for the L turners. Also concerned with volatile pharmaceuticals and solvents in some M-1 uses still open for this and the proximity to the school. Didn’t see Bright EMS letter in his packet .
Held- agrees with Thompson on traffic- and conflicting statements.
Nelson- Traffic is a component that could be designed around- Home depot could come in now- what would happen there? He thinks neighbors could use Mariah Lane also eventually.
Feiss- Asked pointed question about a traffic signal Traffic and school issues for her.
DeMaynadier- also saw biologicals on the list as being issues potentially close to a school. Traffic and school concerns.
Kraus, Jr.- Would like to know what would go next to that school. Plans don’t show adjoiners could use that driveway.
Daily went on about this- couldn’t follow the logic – excuses about the neighbors not selling- not sure she answered the question really.
Kraus, Jr. – It’s unsafe.
Daily said the water issues and sizing for fire would depend on the fire dept. study. [NOTE: The VOLUNTEER FD is going to pay for a study?]
Feiss- Persisted on the light.
Daily and Reed- not sure what studies need to go to INDOT to get this.
Feiss- WILL THERE BE A LIGHT THERE?
Rosenberger- also of Bayer Becker- We can’t answer that right now- we’re here for a rezone- stay focused on that.
[NOTE: Yikes!- Don’t they think the safety issues of the road access are part of a zone change?]
Feiss- Are you applying for a light permit?
Rosenberger.- NO.
Thompson and DeMaynadier asked about #6,7,and 12 with biotech, plastics, and paints etc. by the school and because of the volunteer Fire dept.
We have to look at current uses in the area and compatibility as in the school- for a zone change.
Listerman came to the podium to explain the warrant process for stoplights with INDOT. INDOT looks to the locals to do zoning and access management. They don’t do that. Note US 50 and what happens when locals don’t control this.
Thompson and Listerman asked also about whether the gas station owner at Old SR1 would want the rest of the complex coming through his lot to access SR 1 from that side.
Thompson asked if the board wanted the letter from Pam Deville read into the public record. They said yes and he summarized her opposition as an adjoining owner due to dangerous road access, contaminants, health issues, noise. She would prefer an office park type use. She was concerned with using land next to the school and would it hamper school expansions. She also questioned why the applicant was allowed to be considered if he was in violation of the law with ATVs…
At this point Thompson was interrupted with Lisa Lehner standing up and saying- “ I OBJECT!”
Lehner said the Public Comment was closed and this shouldn’t be allowed.
[NOTE: Yikes! This isn’t a courtroom. Does Lehner just want to shut down all comments noting the lawsuit between the county and the Kramers regarding their alleged illegal land uses as a recreational area in York township?]
The board noted that the letter was part of the public record.
De Maynadier motioned and Thompson 2nd to give an UNFAVORABLE recommendation because the plan doesn’t meet the Section 540 criteria for a zone change, there was insufficient info regarding uses and so they couldn’t evaluate the compatibility with the neighborhood (schools) and the most desirable use for the land. Further there are traffic concerns and variance issues. ALL AYES.
2. The Mariah Park request for primary Plat was tabled at the request of the applicant.
Lehner then conferred with the board – McGill was called over. The audience asked if this was a PUBLIC Meeting. Mitter – who was back at the board now- said – let it go to the board and McGill.
[NOTE: Lehner was trying to get Mitter’s comments regarding her letter to stop. She wanted it to not be part of the public record. The letter IS public record per the board as it is part of the file and part of the fact finding of the case. If it were not public record I wonder if it could be said that it was an attempt to influence PC members on this case? State law states that it is illegal to attempt to influence PC board members outside the meeting.]
3. Item 3 on changes to zoning and subdivision ordinance was tabled.
New Business: 9:30 PM
1. Stenger presenting for modifications of Bruns Meadows Subdivision regarding changes in a driveway access on Old Sr1 was approved. There were no issues- just relocation of a shared access.
2. Jeff Tucker presented a 3rd attempt to get 56 acres rezoned from Ag to R for White Farm Development on Short/Gaynor ridge, and North Dearborn Roads.
42 letters mailed out and 35 returned. The main changes to this development that was originally at 131, then 108 homes is that they are at 94 homes and no accesses to streets other that the 2 on Gaynor Ridge. All driveways are internal to the development. More buffering and larger lots (0.6 acres) are on the outer perimeters with berms and trees proposed. [NOTE: Berms against a 2 story house? Most trees planted on berms will have moisture and root issues ultimately.]
Tucker explained how this fits the criteria for a zone change ending with responsible growth and development in the master plan means “Put stuff where there’s stuff.”
He said they could grade the property and take trees out to help Short road site distances and money is being donated for schools and road dept to help with those issues. No dollar figure was offered at this meeting. Tucker thinks this fits with all the rezones granted in the past year. He mentions this again at the end of the meeting. The changes he cites are all Maxwell developments- some as far away as DogRidge road. [NOTE: Is Tucker basically asking: Why is Maxwell allowed to and I’m not?]
Tucker stated that he owns the property outright and passed out a concept development plan.
PUBLIC Comment:
Glen Crocker – speaking for the group- used an aerial map of the Logan Township and Bright area to show how this area is still rural. He enlarged the area with the proposed subdivision to show its incompatibility with the area even with the other subdivisions in the area. He also noted the visual impact of the proposal. If 45 acres are tillable then 45 are buildable. In the area there are 38 on 100 acres and 19 on 45. This will be 94 on 56 acres. Do we need 94 house here? No matter how many trees or bunkers you are trying to hide something that shouldn’t be here in the first place. It will not complement the surroundings. This is an awesome piece of land and it would work if it were in Bright. What do we have here now and what do we need is what responsible growth is about. Crocker talked to SD adm. and he said the cup is full and we can’t turn the faucet off. There are at least 2,200 lots UNSOLD for development in SD school district.
Tom Gaynor- Livestock farm- safety issues on Gaynor Ridge. Moving farm equipment hard enough now. Property is passed to families here.
Bob Gaynor- School district has the highest tax rate in the entire region- passed out data. Lawrenceburg pays $600+ less that we do on $200,000 valuation. Dense housing doesn’t fit tax wise or community wise.
Sheila Henderson- owns 33 acres on Gaynor Ridge. “It’s about me.” I view a field now and I know it will change, but would prefer a reduced number. Wants a rural way f life for her kids. She is 6th generation of Becks in the area- they are there for the long haul. Asked the board to give us a boost so we are not so resentful of the folks coming in.
Steve Kuhns- opposed due to visibility issues- too many homes, and wants one of the entrances to be off Gaynor Ridge and moved to North Dearborn for safety reasons.
Bill Williams- too high density a sea of houses plunked in the middle of Ag. Unfairness- the schools are saturated and the local’s taxes go up to pay for all of this.
These won’t pay for their impact.
He applauds Tuckers attempts to fix Short road access.
End Public Discussion:
Thompson asked about average density and McCormack showed him the slide calculations.
Tucker said he wished the property wasn’t surrounded by a whole bunch of people he knows and likes.
He says it’s a transition area between Bright and ??? He studied County permits and says they average 0.6 school age kids per home. [ NOTE: Is that across the board in the county or just in the Bright area? I would bet that in Bright the homes built cater to young families.]
Tucker insists that this rezone is in line with all the others in the area. [NOTE: There are areas of the county that are “ready” for development- and there are areas of the county with farming communities of closely related families. When lots are being divided for family members and when groups are sharing farming business activities, the county developers need to realize this is NOT an area ready for development. It’s not always about the infrastructure – which most often is translated as sewers. Has anyone considered the idea of a large lot – 5 acres or more- Ag use subdivision for this ground? That might be compatible and the price may be recouped for the land acquisition.]
PC members were all concerned with density and when polled thought ¾ to 1-acre lots minimum would be possible to consider. Some wanted 1-3 acres. Board didn’t like to negotiate this.
Tucker asked to be tabled for up to 90 days . Thompson and DeMaynadier motioned and 2nd to allow tabling for 90 days. All ayes.
THREE MEMBERS (De Maynadier, Held, and Feiss) HAD TO LEAVE as it was 11:45 PM. Two had work or trip plans and one was ill. Maxwell elected to proceed with the 5 remaining members, which required a unanimous vote. He said he could table it if it came to that.
3. Randy Maxwell presented primary plat for Mount Pleasant road for 190 lots with several unbuildable for accesses and for open spaces on 114 acres called Morgan’s Ridge on the former Farm Golf Course property.
20 letters sent out and 16 returned plus one letter in the file.
Density is 1.6 units per acre.
Maxwell wants to phase the development and go less that the required 30 in the first phase due to building market slump.
Public Comment:
Richard Johnson- Received his answer on about 6 acres of ponds being drained
Dan Howe- Concerned with density, the local bar in the property area and nearly having a deadly accident due to a drunk driver. He noted that what we all moved here for is disappearing. He lives on 1 acre.
Mike Bader- Density issues – slides don’t do justice to Mount Pleasant- hill hopping and width issues. He built orchards with the intention of staying there and wasn’t looking for all these people. Are the sewer plants big enough to take all this effluent?
Board Discussion:
Mitter asked about road improvements to Mount Pleasant. Maxwell said it was #3 in written commitments.
Kraus Jr. Wanted section of road and hill cut down by Ruth Blvd.
Maxwell said power lines and a home 50 ft from road preclude that.
Maxwell said they may just write a check to highway and have them do the work.
Maxwell wants to phase in 18 homes instead of 30.
Mitter motioned and Nelson 2nd to approve the primary plat with a variance to phase in 18 lots (10%) instead of 30. All ayes.
Administrative:
MASTER PLAN- advisory Board meets March 7th at 7 PM in Adm bldg to finalize plans for open houses.
Mailers going out to the citizens for Master Plan Open Houses:
Dates are:
Sat March 17th at EC from 1-4 PM
Wed March 21st at Manchester Elementary on SR 48 from 6-9PM
Sat March 24th at L-bg HS from 9-12 noon.
A copy of the area around Spangler Road that Dillsboro annexed was passed out.
A draft response to Karen Davis- Public Access Counselor was passed out in answer to allegations in a formal complaint filed by Commissioner Jeff Hughes on Open Door issues at a pre- meeting meeting just before the Jan 31st Advisory Board Meeting. [NOTE: PC members usually go in to get packets and decide how to divide up the tables for discussions etc. before these meetings. The door was closed due to noise in the hallway and so potential violations of the Open door law are being checked.]
Meeting adjourned at 12:30 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Conversation with a Commissioner at Library
My first "Conversation with a Commissioner" is Wed. Feb 28th at the Lawrenceburg Library from 6:30-8 PM. All citizens are welcome to come with questions, opinions, or comments.
Ralph Thompson, Commissioner, District 3
Ralph Thompson, Commissioner, District 3
Friday, February 23, 2007
Bill to address serial meetings loophole
Bill to address serial meetings loophole
Scheduled for Senate vote next week
SB 103, authored by Sen. Beverly Gard, R-Greenfield, must be passed by the Senate by Wednesday Feb 28th. Please contact your state senator(s) and urge them to support this bill. (contact info below) This needs to be done as soon as possible because Wednesday, Feb. 28 is the deadline for Senate approval.
This bill would accomplish two goals:
Prohibit governing bodies of public agencies from conducting business through the use of series of meetings (while never allowing a quorum to be present) that closes the door to the discussion of the issues in the face of the public. Those who have used this tactic argue they did not violate the Open Door Law because there never was a quorum present to trigger the law. But the tactic, solely intended to skirt the law, clearly tramples the intent of the law - “It is the intent of this chapter (Open Door Law) that the official action of public agencies be conducted and taken openly . . . in order that the people may be fully informed.
Prohibit members of governing bodies of public agencies from voting in public meetings by telephone or Internet connections unless the General Assembly has given specific permission. There is accountability when a commissioner, council member, board member, etc. must cast a vote on a controversial matter in person before interested citizens.
This bill does not prohibit individual conversations between two county commissioners or town board members. It does not prohibit a mayor from having discussions with individual council members. Chance or social gatherings would not trigger a violation. Carpooling to events would not be a problem, Caucus meetings would not be a problem.
What you should do:
Have a conversation with your senator(s) or at least get a message to he/she/them. If you don’t see them over the weekend, the Senate switchboard number is (317) 232-9400 or (800) 382-9467. Try to determine whether they favor the concept or identify concerns they have. Ask that they vote for approval of S.B. 103.
Local Officials Contact info:
Sen. Johnny Nugent 537-0628 or 800-382-9467 S43@in.gov
Rep Bob Bischoff 537-2061 or 800-382-9842 H68@in.gov
Rep Tom Knollman 800-382-9841 H55@in.gov
Remember commissioners and council had serial meetings with Vieste recently rather than open public discussions. This could put a stop to that practice.
Scheduled for Senate vote next week
SB 103, authored by Sen. Beverly Gard, R-Greenfield, must be passed by the Senate by Wednesday Feb 28th. Please contact your state senator(s) and urge them to support this bill. (contact info below) This needs to be done as soon as possible because Wednesday, Feb. 28 is the deadline for Senate approval.
This bill would accomplish two goals:
Prohibit governing bodies of public agencies from conducting business through the use of series of meetings (while never allowing a quorum to be present) that closes the door to the discussion of the issues in the face of the public. Those who have used this tactic argue they did not violate the Open Door Law because there never was a quorum present to trigger the law. But the tactic, solely intended to skirt the law, clearly tramples the intent of the law - “It is the intent of this chapter (Open Door Law) that the official action of public agencies be conducted and taken openly . . . in order that the people may be fully informed.
Prohibit members of governing bodies of public agencies from voting in public meetings by telephone or Internet connections unless the General Assembly has given specific permission. There is accountability when a commissioner, council member, board member, etc. must cast a vote on a controversial matter in person before interested citizens.
This bill does not prohibit individual conversations between two county commissioners or town board members. It does not prohibit a mayor from having discussions with individual council members. Chance or social gatherings would not trigger a violation. Carpooling to events would not be a problem, Caucus meetings would not be a problem.
What you should do:
Have a conversation with your senator(s) or at least get a message to he/she/them. If you don’t see them over the weekend, the Senate switchboard number is (317) 232-9400 or (800) 382-9467. Try to determine whether they favor the concept or identify concerns they have. Ask that they vote for approval of S.B. 103.
Local Officials Contact info:
Sen. Johnny Nugent 537-0628 or 800-382-9467 S43@in.gov
Rep Bob Bischoff 537-2061 or 800-382-9842 H68@in.gov
Rep Tom Knollman 800-382-9841 H55@in.gov
Remember commissioners and council had serial meetings with Vieste recently rather than open public discussions. This could put a stop to that practice.
Commissioners Hold Open Working Session on Justice Center
Dearborn County Commissioners Working Meeting on the Capital Project Plan for Justice Center is March 1, 2007 at 1:00 pm. This meeting is open to the public.
County Council Cancels Tues Feb 27th Meeting
Dearborn County Council is NOT meeting on Feb 27th regarding the vote for funding the NW Quadrant. The meeting has been postponed indefinitely.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
20 February 2007 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
20 February 2007 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Hughes, Chairman, Fox, and Thompson
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, Ewbank, Attorney, and Messmore, Administrator.
1. Commissioners preceded this meeting with an executive session. At this public meeting they decided to deny one Med Ben claim and table the other for further information. They also decided to give ranking information to Messmore on assistant candidates and he will then be authorized to hire the appropriate candidate.
2. Hughes then read a memo about hearing the people AFTER the public meeting is closed. He said it might violate Open Door Law. Thompson asked for some clarification- and Hughes explained that the meeting would be adjourned and then he’d stay to hear the public. That means only he could be there and no other commissioner could, because it was no longer a public meeting and they’d be receiving information.
[NOTE: Jeff Hughes stated in a recent editorial in the local newspaper:
“I thought I had made myself as accessible as possible. But I realized after the meeting, that if there still is a perception that my fellow citizens cannot reach me then I must do more. Therefore, at the next commissioners’ meeting Tuesday, Feb. 6, I will make the following proposals. First, to keep the current procedures in place for the official commissioners’ meeting, giving those on the agenda the attention they deserve. Then, after the agenda is completed and the official business is closed, WE open the podium to anyone who wants to voice concerns on any issue they desire. This format will allow US to conduct the county’s business and also give time to those who want an opportunity to speak to their elected OFFICIALS.”
Notice he says WE, US, and OFFICIALS, all plural.
Will the real Jeff Hughes please stand up? Does he want to hear the public or not? Did he write the editorial and then take some heat from his fellow “I -don’t- need-to- hear- from- the-public- they- elected- me- to- do- the- job- for- 4 –years- so –they- must –agree- with –everything- I- think-and- do” commissioner? Is Hughes afraid to stand by his words?]
3. Ruth Ann Batta received permission to approach Council for Youth Funds for the summer art programs she runs.
4. Ron Timms gave a presentation on the workings of Region 9 Workforce One and Commissioners appointed Richard Craig to fill out the unexpired term of a member who had moved out of state. Terms are for 2 years. This one ends July 2007.
Work
Region 9 is bounded by I-74, I-65- and the Ohio River essentially. They bring over $1 million into this area and do retraining, job searching, aid for disabled workers to find jobs, etc. They run it through grants funding programs in embedded systems, Jump Start, Dream and Do It through Ivy Tech, and so on. Their grants are significant sums. Some are about $1 million, others as much as $23 million spread over their 11 regions in the state.
5. Mark McCormack- Zoning Control Ordinance Changes for section 520 on zone change application clarifications and on Article 10 and 27 for Animals being kept in Residential Zones were both tabled for more information. Fox was concerned about the animal issues and wanted it coordinated with Animal Control and Health Dept. The Zoning Board wanted to get out of that enforcement altogether. Commissioners seem to want to be sure nothing is left out. A resident of Miller Township spoke on the issue of a neighbor with 5 dogs numerous cats, 40 rabbits, 2 goats, and mini horses- all on ONE ACRE. He noted he got no help from Health Dept or Animal Control- only the zoning board. Ewbank suggested they define the terms and animals better- look at it as if you were the judge in a court. McCormack is going to seek input from Health and Animal Control.
Commissioners did approve the certification changes for survey’s to match the Auditor’s office certifications. Pickens approved of it also.
McCormack noted that any changes they wish to make have to be forwarded to him at a public meeting, before he takes it back to PC and also noted that there were time issues. If they didn’t take action in 90 days from certification, the changes go through as the PC recommended- by law.
6. Margaret Minzner- GIS- they did NOT discuss IT services contract as listed on the agenda- the commissioners did approve her doing more research on the parcels project as there were more needs than originally advertised.
7. Lusby requested commissioners approved both commissary bids for the jail- Approved. He also commended Listerman and Highway dept. for snow removal.
Thompson also thanked Lusby for the professional manner that the sheriff’s officer exhibited in notifying him of his brother’s death last week. Lusby will thank Officer Fogel. (sp?)
8. Bill Ewbank- Veteran’s Officer received permission to decided to accept the DAV donated vehicle for one of 3 in their veteran’s services fleet. There are issues with the federal gov’t wanting it returned and the having a verbal OK to keep it. Ewbank ( Att’y) suggested to his brother that he hold the van hostage and make them come for it.
9. Animal Control Board- Fox decided to stay as Commissioner appointee on it.
10. Bill Black- EMA- received approval for 10 people to be reappointed to his advisory board. They meet 4 x a year. He’s also getting costs of recent snow emergency form all municipalities etc to submit to the state. If state exceeds $7 million they can get federal aid. He also commended Listerman and Highway as well as the 3 shelters that opened to help those without heat. REMC seems to be the biggest problem area in electricity. There is also a weather spotter’s class Wed evening. (Feb 21)
11. Todd Listerman- Transportation Dept-
Hughes congratulated him- “accolades to you and the dept.” thanking them for implementing the rules that the commissioners had already set up last year on snow days.
Commissioners OK’d Bridge inspection contracts with American Consulting Engineers of INDY with Thompson abstaining as he has done work with the Cincinnati Office of this company.
Cost is to be $97,670 for phase 1 in 2007. They will also get another one in 2009. 80% gets reimbursed but Listerman has to pay up front, so he needs to approach Council for an additional to cover this till federal highway funds come back on it. OK’d to go to Council also.
This project includes the 8 fracture critical bridges out of 103 total.
The Stateline Stephens intersection work was awarded to Rohe paving- the low bidder on Listerman’s recommendation. Rohe was $238,854.48 and O Mara was $343,332.65. Project to be completed June 15, 2007.
Listerman finished the pavement grading report- copies are available in Excel format form the highway dept. County has 495 miles of roads.
404 miles asphalt full depth, 13 miles less than 4 inches asphalt, 41 miles gravel, 36 miles chip seal, and ½ mile concrete.
Listerman will try to get a system of maintenance set up. Only has $650,000 to $700,000 to work with annually.
Fox praised Listerman- saying how far the county has come in their highway work and that Listerman was exceptional.
12. Jim Kinker gave a follow up on Jenny Lynn- he met with Tucker and they agreed to fix drainage issues. Neighbors are OK with that.
13. Carl Bohman- NW Quadrant resident:
wanted to give commissioners a little food for thought. He gave figures showing that for every $1.00 of taxes taken in that government services pay out $1.50 for houses, $0.70 for industrial, and $0.20-.30 for agriculture. He is originally from Decatur County and also owns land there. He noted that Decatur County is largely industrial with Delta and machine shops, and also Ag. Their taxes are as high there as they are here. He heard on the radio that Honda doesn’t support the NW Quadrant, it affects their labor pool, and that their infrastructure and suppliers are already in place. He stated that directly contradicts what Vieste and west are telling them. He thinks the commissioners should talk to ordinary Decatur citizens regarding Honda. They know their taxes will go up to pay for services and schools. The common ordinary citizens pay for this. Local citizens here are losing control of the policy makers because the big boys have the money and the power. He says his opinion of politicians is that if you give them a $1million they will spend $1 million and one.
Bohman then asked Hughes if he was in favor of the NW Quadrant. Hughes said he thinks there are things to consider there and it might be a good thing. Hughes said the actual landowners will make the decision.
Fox’s reply was he was in favor if we get the right thing to move there. “We need willing sellers.”
Bohman said that this is “God’s country here and this will affect our lives.”
Thompson stated that he was opposed to it as constituted. He doubts there are willing sellers- so far the evidence seems to indicate the opposite is true.
Bohman said there have been no formal information releases from Commissioners or Council- they are just getting 2nd hand info. We want to be updated. “I get scared.”
Pickens said Council is meeting next Tuesday the 27th at 6PM in Adm Building to decide whether or not to fund the NW Quadrant.
[NOTE: Commissioners have already accepted the report. If Council funds it- then it does not come back to commissioners. They already decided to spend the money if Council funds it. Vieste has been paid $22,500 in previous claims and just received another payment approved last night on their original contract.]
14. Existing zoning ordinance 2576 on water supply and sewage disposal is being reworded and commissioners will look over Ewbank’s wording for advertising and approval at a later meeting. [NOTE: By law, Commissioners may initiate this change, but it still has to go to the PC for a public hearing and recommendation before commissioners can approve it. This change is an attempt to change the blanket policy of Health Board inspections on septic tanks when a permit is being sought for a pole barn or other structures where septic capacities are not pertinent. Surveys or sworn statements as to locations of leach fields, alternate fields available, and the tank showing they are not in the building site area should be sufficient.]
15. Auditor: Claims signed – minutes for last meeting were tabled. Fox had issues with something that was in them. Thompson had submitted changes and corrections prior to the meeting and those were completed. There was some discussion about the tape going off in the meeting also by Hughes.
Lewes and Kappes contract signed again for lobbyist services. Contract with OKI signed. Contract with St Leon emergency services signed.
16. Messmore- Administrator- ESCO recording services will be completed next week for the commissioners meeting room. [NOTE- Will this fix the microphones and speakers?]
17. Ewbank- water easements around the hospital are not ready for signatures. Only one small claims case filed against the county.
Letters signed for Lifetime Resources because they were under a deadline for a federal grant. These letters attest to the fact that the homes being rehabbed are not on historic preservation lists.
Commissioners OK’d State NCIC and IDACS management control agreement and 911 dispatch for Charlie Ashley.
Thompson announced his first "Conversation with a Commissioner" is Wed. Feb 28th at the Lawrenceburg Library 6:30-8 PM.
Pickens read into the public record the following facts on their annual report:
County General 200 had $16,005829.70 in receipts and $14,218,553.67 in Disbursements.
Gross Receipts for the County in 2006 were $119,062,801.58 and Gross Disbursements were $122,579,797.30. The deficit is made up from excess from the year before and/or money that the state still owes the county per Pickens.
Meeting adjourned 9 PM
People stayed afterward to converse with Hughes and with Thompson SEPARATELY.
Fox left immediately.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Hughes, Chairman, Fox, and Thompson
Also Present: Pickens, Auditor, Ewbank, Attorney, and Messmore, Administrator.
1. Commissioners preceded this meeting with an executive session. At this public meeting they decided to deny one Med Ben claim and table the other for further information. They also decided to give ranking information to Messmore on assistant candidates and he will then be authorized to hire the appropriate candidate.
2. Hughes then read a memo about hearing the people AFTER the public meeting is closed. He said it might violate Open Door Law. Thompson asked for some clarification- and Hughes explained that the meeting would be adjourned and then he’d stay to hear the public. That means only he could be there and no other commissioner could, because it was no longer a public meeting and they’d be receiving information.
[NOTE: Jeff Hughes stated in a recent editorial in the local newspaper:
“I thought I had made myself as accessible as possible. But I realized after the meeting, that if there still is a perception that my fellow citizens cannot reach me then I must do more. Therefore, at the next commissioners’ meeting Tuesday, Feb. 6, I will make the following proposals. First, to keep the current procedures in place for the official commissioners’ meeting, giving those on the agenda the attention they deserve. Then, after the agenda is completed and the official business is closed, WE open the podium to anyone who wants to voice concerns on any issue they desire. This format will allow US to conduct the county’s business and also give time to those who want an opportunity to speak to their elected OFFICIALS.”
Notice he says WE, US, and OFFICIALS, all plural.
Will the real Jeff Hughes please stand up? Does he want to hear the public or not? Did he write the editorial and then take some heat from his fellow “I -don’t- need-to- hear- from- the-public- they- elected- me- to- do- the- job- for- 4 –years- so –they- must –agree- with –everything- I- think-and- do” commissioner? Is Hughes afraid to stand by his words?]
3. Ruth Ann Batta received permission to approach Council for Youth Funds for the summer art programs she runs.
4. Ron Timms gave a presentation on the workings of Region 9 Workforce One and Commissioners appointed Richard Craig to fill out the unexpired term of a member who had moved out of state. Terms are for 2 years. This one ends July 2007.
Work
Region 9 is bounded by I-74, I-65- and the Ohio River essentially. They bring over $1 million into this area and do retraining, job searching, aid for disabled workers to find jobs, etc. They run it through grants funding programs in embedded systems, Jump Start, Dream and Do It through Ivy Tech, and so on. Their grants are significant sums. Some are about $1 million, others as much as $23 million spread over their 11 regions in the state.
5. Mark McCormack- Zoning Control Ordinance Changes for section 520 on zone change application clarifications and on Article 10 and 27 for Animals being kept in Residential Zones were both tabled for more information. Fox was concerned about the animal issues and wanted it coordinated with Animal Control and Health Dept. The Zoning Board wanted to get out of that enforcement altogether. Commissioners seem to want to be sure nothing is left out. A resident of Miller Township spoke on the issue of a neighbor with 5 dogs numerous cats, 40 rabbits, 2 goats, and mini horses- all on ONE ACRE. He noted he got no help from Health Dept or Animal Control- only the zoning board. Ewbank suggested they define the terms and animals better- look at it as if you were the judge in a court. McCormack is going to seek input from Health and Animal Control.
Commissioners did approve the certification changes for survey’s to match the Auditor’s office certifications. Pickens approved of it also.
McCormack noted that any changes they wish to make have to be forwarded to him at a public meeting, before he takes it back to PC and also noted that there were time issues. If they didn’t take action in 90 days from certification, the changes go through as the PC recommended- by law.
6. Margaret Minzner- GIS- they did NOT discuss IT services contract as listed on the agenda- the commissioners did approve her doing more research on the parcels project as there were more needs than originally advertised.
7. Lusby requested commissioners approved both commissary bids for the jail- Approved. He also commended Listerman and Highway dept. for snow removal.
Thompson also thanked Lusby for the professional manner that the sheriff’s officer exhibited in notifying him of his brother’s death last week. Lusby will thank Officer Fogel. (sp?)
8. Bill Ewbank- Veteran’s Officer received permission to decided to accept the DAV donated vehicle for one of 3 in their veteran’s services fleet. There are issues with the federal gov’t wanting it returned and the having a verbal OK to keep it. Ewbank ( Att’y) suggested to his brother that he hold the van hostage and make them come for it.
9. Animal Control Board- Fox decided to stay as Commissioner appointee on it.
10. Bill Black- EMA- received approval for 10 people to be reappointed to his advisory board. They meet 4 x a year. He’s also getting costs of recent snow emergency form all municipalities etc to submit to the state. If state exceeds $7 million they can get federal aid. He also commended Listerman and Highway as well as the 3 shelters that opened to help those without heat. REMC seems to be the biggest problem area in electricity. There is also a weather spotter’s class Wed evening. (Feb 21)
11. Todd Listerman- Transportation Dept-
Hughes congratulated him- “accolades to you and the dept.” thanking them for implementing the rules that the commissioners had already set up last year on snow days.
Commissioners OK’d Bridge inspection contracts with American Consulting Engineers of INDY with Thompson abstaining as he has done work with the Cincinnati Office of this company.
Cost is to be $97,670 for phase 1 in 2007. They will also get another one in 2009. 80% gets reimbursed but Listerman has to pay up front, so he needs to approach Council for an additional to cover this till federal highway funds come back on it. OK’d to go to Council also.
This project includes the 8 fracture critical bridges out of 103 total.
The Stateline Stephens intersection work was awarded to Rohe paving- the low bidder on Listerman’s recommendation. Rohe was $238,854.48 and O Mara was $343,332.65. Project to be completed June 15, 2007.
Listerman finished the pavement grading report- copies are available in Excel format form the highway dept. County has 495 miles of roads.
404 miles asphalt full depth, 13 miles less than 4 inches asphalt, 41 miles gravel, 36 miles chip seal, and ½ mile concrete.
Listerman will try to get a system of maintenance set up. Only has $650,000 to $700,000 to work with annually.
Fox praised Listerman- saying how far the county has come in their highway work and that Listerman was exceptional.
12. Jim Kinker gave a follow up on Jenny Lynn- he met with Tucker and they agreed to fix drainage issues. Neighbors are OK with that.
13. Carl Bohman- NW Quadrant resident:
wanted to give commissioners a little food for thought. He gave figures showing that for every $1.00 of taxes taken in that government services pay out $1.50 for houses, $0.70 for industrial, and $0.20-.30 for agriculture. He is originally from Decatur County and also owns land there. He noted that Decatur County is largely industrial with Delta and machine shops, and also Ag. Their taxes are as high there as they are here. He heard on the radio that Honda doesn’t support the NW Quadrant, it affects their labor pool, and that their infrastructure and suppliers are already in place. He stated that directly contradicts what Vieste and west are telling them. He thinks the commissioners should talk to ordinary Decatur citizens regarding Honda. They know their taxes will go up to pay for services and schools. The common ordinary citizens pay for this. Local citizens here are losing control of the policy makers because the big boys have the money and the power. He says his opinion of politicians is that if you give them a $1million they will spend $1 million and one.
Bohman then asked Hughes if he was in favor of the NW Quadrant. Hughes said he thinks there are things to consider there and it might be a good thing. Hughes said the actual landowners will make the decision.
Fox’s reply was he was in favor if we get the right thing to move there. “We need willing sellers.”
Bohman said that this is “God’s country here and this will affect our lives.”
Thompson stated that he was opposed to it as constituted. He doubts there are willing sellers- so far the evidence seems to indicate the opposite is true.
Bohman said there have been no formal information releases from Commissioners or Council- they are just getting 2nd hand info. We want to be updated. “I get scared.”
Pickens said Council is meeting next Tuesday the 27th at 6PM in Adm Building to decide whether or not to fund the NW Quadrant.
[NOTE: Commissioners have already accepted the report. If Council funds it- then it does not come back to commissioners. They already decided to spend the money if Council funds it. Vieste has been paid $22,500 in previous claims and just received another payment approved last night on their original contract.]
14. Existing zoning ordinance 2576 on water supply and sewage disposal is being reworded and commissioners will look over Ewbank’s wording for advertising and approval at a later meeting. [NOTE: By law, Commissioners may initiate this change, but it still has to go to the PC for a public hearing and recommendation before commissioners can approve it. This change is an attempt to change the blanket policy of Health Board inspections on septic tanks when a permit is being sought for a pole barn or other structures where septic capacities are not pertinent. Surveys or sworn statements as to locations of leach fields, alternate fields available, and the tank showing they are not in the building site area should be sufficient.]
15. Auditor: Claims signed – minutes for last meeting were tabled. Fox had issues with something that was in them. Thompson had submitted changes and corrections prior to the meeting and those were completed. There was some discussion about the tape going off in the meeting also by Hughes.
Lewes and Kappes contract signed again for lobbyist services. Contract with OKI signed. Contract with St Leon emergency services signed.
16. Messmore- Administrator- ESCO recording services will be completed next week for the commissioners meeting room. [NOTE- Will this fix the microphones and speakers?]
17. Ewbank- water easements around the hospital are not ready for signatures. Only one small claims case filed against the county.
Letters signed for Lifetime Resources because they were under a deadline for a federal grant. These letters attest to the fact that the homes being rehabbed are not on historic preservation lists.
Commissioners OK’d State NCIC and IDACS management control agreement and 911 dispatch for Charlie Ashley.
Thompson announced his first "Conversation with a Commissioner" is Wed. Feb 28th at the Lawrenceburg Library 6:30-8 PM.
Pickens read into the public record the following facts on their annual report:
County General 200 had $16,005829.70 in receipts and $14,218,553.67 in Disbursements.
Gross Receipts for the County in 2006 were $119,062,801.58 and Gross Disbursements were $122,579,797.30. The deficit is made up from excess from the year before and/or money that the state still owes the county per Pickens.
Meeting adjourned 9 PM
People stayed afterward to converse with Hughes and with Thompson SEPARATELY.
Fox left immediately.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Monday, February 12, 2007
Pending Snow Cancels County Council Meeting Tuesday
County Council Meeting Cancelled
Dearborn County Council Meeting set for Tuesday Feb 13th at 6 PM is cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Dearborn County Council Meeting set for Tuesday Feb 13th at 6 PM is cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
KICKBACKS OR PAY TO PLAY?
KICKBACKS OR PAY TO PLAY?
submitted by Alan S. Freemond, Sr.
Jackson Township
The late actor Claude Raines said it all “I am shocked, shocked” We have the strange situation of the following four companies, none based anywhere near Dearborn County donating significant amounts of money in an attempt to defeat a candidate for county commissioner, Ralph Thompson. They are, surprise, surprise:
London Witte Group- $500
Level 5 Engineering- $500
PSA Dewberry Engineering - $500
Jungclaus Campbell- $500.
All of them are gorging at the Dearborn County public trough, all contracted by our county administration.
The question is why did they donate against Thompson? Better yet why did they donate at all? Normally one would think that engineering companies and financial advisors such as these four mentioned above would be happy to have a commissioner who is an engineer and who holds a degree in Business administration. They could talk the same technical language, and have productive meetings of this public-private accord. But no they didn’t want such an individual. What is it that made them go against a peer?
Was it the principals of these companies or their handlers, such as the central committee of the Dearborn County RINO party, or the potent, wealthy, well-educated DCEDI membership that feared Thompson might punch holes in their dreams of more riches?
I think that, though these four companies are within their legal rights and ethical rights to donate where they wish, this smells like a bad processing day at the St. Leon Sewer works. To avoid perceptions of impropriety of the County commissioners, and/or on the part of county officials, the commissioners should request that these 4 companies withdraw from doing business for Dearborn County. They have lost the trust and respect of any number of Dearborn Countians.
The cozy cronyism of the local RINO party machine must be crushed.
The DCEDI, and its handmaidens, the county commissioners, should have had an investigation into the backgrounds of the principals of these companies before engaging them. After all they are advising on huge sums of money, taxpayers’ money. What do we know about these guys other than what they have told us?
One seemed to have spent an inordinate amount of verbiage about his regard for a town in Italy on the Adriatic Sea, Vieste, whence his family came. Who cares about that?
After all, if these people put money into a campaign against a qualified candidate in favour of a candidate who is a developer and technically less qualified than his opponent, who knows where else they have put money or will put money or its equivalent?
Alan Stanley Freemond, Sr
Tanners Creek Farm
Jackson Township
submitted by Alan S. Freemond, Sr.
Jackson Township
The late actor Claude Raines said it all “I am shocked, shocked” We have the strange situation of the following four companies, none based anywhere near Dearborn County donating significant amounts of money in an attempt to defeat a candidate for county commissioner, Ralph Thompson. They are, surprise, surprise:
London Witte Group- $500
Level 5 Engineering- $500
PSA Dewberry Engineering - $500
Jungclaus Campbell- $500.
All of them are gorging at the Dearborn County public trough, all contracted by our county administration.
The question is why did they donate against Thompson? Better yet why did they donate at all? Normally one would think that engineering companies and financial advisors such as these four mentioned above would be happy to have a commissioner who is an engineer and who holds a degree in Business administration. They could talk the same technical language, and have productive meetings of this public-private accord. But no they didn’t want such an individual. What is it that made them go against a peer?
Was it the principals of these companies or their handlers, such as the central committee of the Dearborn County RINO party, or the potent, wealthy, well-educated DCEDI membership that feared Thompson might punch holes in their dreams of more riches?
I think that, though these four companies are within their legal rights and ethical rights to donate where they wish, this smells like a bad processing day at the St. Leon Sewer works. To avoid perceptions of impropriety of the County commissioners, and/or on the part of county officials, the commissioners should request that these 4 companies withdraw from doing business for Dearborn County. They have lost the trust and respect of any number of Dearborn Countians.
The cozy cronyism of the local RINO party machine must be crushed.
The DCEDI, and its handmaidens, the county commissioners, should have had an investigation into the backgrounds of the principals of these companies before engaging them. After all they are advising on huge sums of money, taxpayers’ money. What do we know about these guys other than what they have told us?
One seemed to have spent an inordinate amount of verbiage about his regard for a town in Italy on the Adriatic Sea, Vieste, whence his family came. Who cares about that?
After all, if these people put money into a campaign against a qualified candidate in favour of a candidate who is a developer and technically less qualified than his opponent, who knows where else they have put money or will put money or its equivalent?
Alan Stanley Freemond, Sr
Tanners Creek Farm
Jackson Township
COUNCIL MEETING FOR NW QUADRANT FEB 13th
Dearborn County Council meets at 6 PM on Tuesday February 13th in the Adm Bldg to decide on what direction to take regarding the tabled NW Quadrant funding from the Vieste report.
This meeting was set up at the Jan 23rd Council meeting when that part of the funding and decision to proceed was tabled pending a meeting headed by Councilman Mark Mitter.
This meeting was set up at the Jan 23rd Council meeting when that part of the funding and decision to proceed was tabled pending a meeting headed by Councilman Mark Mitter.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Commissioners Meeting Postponed
Commissioners Meeting for tonight has been postponed. Commissioners will meet to sign claims only. A level 1 snow emergency has been declared in Dearborn County.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Woolpert Study for Consolidating Wastewater Systems for DCRSD
Woolpert Study for Consolidating Wastewater Systems for DCRSD
Woolpert presented their report to the public at a special DCRSD meeting 25 January 2007 at 7 PM. This is a summary of
points of interest in that report.
[NOTE: Woolpert is one of a select group of consultants who have NOT shown up on any campaign finance sheets
for local candidates. This is at least one indication that this company was chosen without any monetary strings to local officials.
Other consultants who have contributed to local candidates in the past include: The Vieste report (Vieste, Level 5 Engineering, PSA Dewberry), the financial firm for the capital plan (London Witte), the jail study (RQAW), the courthouse renovation (Siemens), the EMS building design plan (DLZ), and county lobbyists (Barnes and Thornburgh, etc), have all shown up on various political candidate finance forms as contributors. At least Woolpert’s selection as a consultant seems to have occurred without conflict of interest.
There are issues with the projections of development based on master plan maps that were still in draft phases. The DCRSD Board also seemed to be steering this plan away from some possibly more logical and cost effective ways to handle some of these areas. This may account for the cost of the study and also the selection of certain alternatives or the lack of consideration given to other options at all, particularly along the Guilford plan area and the High Ridge area.]
Though its title indicates consolidation was studied, it does not recommend consolidation in the report. Woolpert studied several alternatives on some areas and less on others. They made a final recommendation on each of the 4 areas needing or eventually needing sewers. Total cost of the study was $170,000.
[NOTE: Woolpert Study was to be finished in Sept 2006. The NW Quadrant was added to the study.]
Page 1 of the report says: “County officials stated the overriding goal for the project was to develop a centralized public sewer agency that would have authority, financial capability, and staff to plan, operate, and administer public wastewater facilities throughout Dearborn County.”
The 3 main updated goals of the study were listed on page 3:
1. Provide wastewater collection and treatment where there are public health concerns and where water quality is impaired.
2. Accommodate economic development, providing wastewater collection and treatment facilities for proposed and planned areas of commercial development.
3. Document the advantages and disadvantages of administrative and physical consolidation of existing sewer districts.
Woolpert lists existing sewer treatment areas and their capacities and problems. They recognized that the existing plants probably could not be physically consolidated.
The 4 areas studied were High Ridge Estates, Guilford, the W Harrison TIF, and the NW Quadrant.
Because of topography issues (hilly terrain) some type of pressurized system is necessary in many areas. This would be a localized system of small gravity sewers flowing into a pump station or a grinder pump/pressure sewer system. Lifetime costs and capital costs were both considered in the evaluation.
Woolpert used the Master Plan’s guiding principles, picking out the ones that were noteworthy for their study. They also used the existing land use map. (see pages 7 and 8)
The projection of future land use however was illustrated with a map from the Master Plan Advisory Committee work that is not final and has not been commented upon by the public. Page 9 notes: “ that this map “became a critical guide for projecting the locations of future development and the need for future wastewater systems service areas.”
Woolpert then suggested a modified development pattern shown on their map in Appendix B.
Woolpert went on to get population projections by township for 2020 and 2030 but it is unclear why the percentages vary so widely between townships. Jackson Township has the highest population growth rates at 3% per year from 2000-2020 and 2% per year from 2020-2030. [NOTE: Are they figuring increased people due to increased commercial/industrial growth?] Logan and Miller are the next highest percentages.
Woolpert’s maps left a large area out of the sewer business – Manchester Township and parts of York and Hogan predominantly. They are apparently slated for low density and Ag.
The 3 TIF districts have the following amounts of available acreage listed in the report:
Aurora TIF has 725 acres open for FUTURE industrial use.
W. Harrison TIF has about 300 acres available to develop.
The St. Leon TIF- acreage available not listed.
The NW Quadrant has over 5000 acres with about 4000 developable.
[NOTE: There may be some issues with IDEM allowing these WWTP along Tanner’s Creek where flow rates at various times of the year might be a significant issue with pollution.]
The final Wastewater system capital projects recommendations and their costs are:
1. High Ridge Estates and US 50 Corridor conveyed to a NEW local treatment plant- $2,626,700
2. Guilford Community and new REGIONAL treatment plant at SR1 and Pribble- $12,941,000
3. W Harrison TIF- feed to St. Leon plant - $1,370,000
4. NW Quadrant- plant at Trackville and SR46 - $9,750,000
TOTAL Capital costs (NOT operating costs)- $26,688,400
Sewer rate and tap in figures across the county vary widely and are shown in a chart on page 36 of the report.
Financing options mentioned include:
Development Block Grants
Rural Development Program
Federal earmarking of projects on Congressional legislation, State of IN revolving loan program for WWTP improvement projects
Grants or loans from local entities.
There are 60 days to comment on this report (60 days from 25 January) Comments should be addressed to the DCRSD in care of Doug Baer at the Health Dept at the County Adm Bldg, 215 West High Street, Lawrenceburg IN, 47025. Reports are available in the county libraries for viewing, and copies (both digital and hard copy) can be obtained at the DCRSD office or through the county administrator, Bryan Messmore.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Woolpert presented their report to the public at a special DCRSD meeting 25 January 2007 at 7 PM. This is a summary of
points of interest in that report.
[NOTE: Woolpert is one of a select group of consultants who have NOT shown up on any campaign finance sheets
for local candidates. This is at least one indication that this company was chosen without any monetary strings to local officials.
Other consultants who have contributed to local candidates in the past include: The Vieste report (Vieste, Level 5 Engineering, PSA Dewberry), the financial firm for the capital plan (London Witte), the jail study (RQAW), the courthouse renovation (Siemens), the EMS building design plan (DLZ), and county lobbyists (Barnes and Thornburgh, etc), have all shown up on various political candidate finance forms as contributors. At least Woolpert’s selection as a consultant seems to have occurred without conflict of interest.
There are issues with the projections of development based on master plan maps that were still in draft phases. The DCRSD Board also seemed to be steering this plan away from some possibly more logical and cost effective ways to handle some of these areas. This may account for the cost of the study and also the selection of certain alternatives or the lack of consideration given to other options at all, particularly along the Guilford plan area and the High Ridge area.]
Though its title indicates consolidation was studied, it does not recommend consolidation in the report. Woolpert studied several alternatives on some areas and less on others. They made a final recommendation on each of the 4 areas needing or eventually needing sewers. Total cost of the study was $170,000.
[NOTE: Woolpert Study was to be finished in Sept 2006. The NW Quadrant was added to the study.]
Page 1 of the report says: “County officials stated the overriding goal for the project was to develop a centralized public sewer agency that would have authority, financial capability, and staff to plan, operate, and administer public wastewater facilities throughout Dearborn County.”
The 3 main updated goals of the study were listed on page 3:
1. Provide wastewater collection and treatment where there are public health concerns and where water quality is impaired.
2. Accommodate economic development, providing wastewater collection and treatment facilities for proposed and planned areas of commercial development.
3. Document the advantages and disadvantages of administrative and physical consolidation of existing sewer districts.
Woolpert lists existing sewer treatment areas and their capacities and problems. They recognized that the existing plants probably could not be physically consolidated.
The 4 areas studied were High Ridge Estates, Guilford, the W Harrison TIF, and the NW Quadrant.
Because of topography issues (hilly terrain) some type of pressurized system is necessary in many areas. This would be a localized system of small gravity sewers flowing into a pump station or a grinder pump/pressure sewer system. Lifetime costs and capital costs were both considered in the evaluation.
Woolpert used the Master Plan’s guiding principles, picking out the ones that were noteworthy for their study. They also used the existing land use map. (see pages 7 and 8)
The projection of future land use however was illustrated with a map from the Master Plan Advisory Committee work that is not final and has not been commented upon by the public. Page 9 notes: “ that this map “became a critical guide for projecting the locations of future development and the need for future wastewater systems service areas.”
Woolpert then suggested a modified development pattern shown on their map in Appendix B.
Woolpert went on to get population projections by township for 2020 and 2030 but it is unclear why the percentages vary so widely between townships. Jackson Township has the highest population growth rates at 3% per year from 2000-2020 and 2% per year from 2020-2030. [NOTE: Are they figuring increased people due to increased commercial/industrial growth?] Logan and Miller are the next highest percentages.
Woolpert’s maps left a large area out of the sewer business – Manchester Township and parts of York and Hogan predominantly. They are apparently slated for low density and Ag.
The 3 TIF districts have the following amounts of available acreage listed in the report:
Aurora TIF has 725 acres open for FUTURE industrial use.
W. Harrison TIF has about 300 acres available to develop.
The St. Leon TIF- acreage available not listed.
The NW Quadrant has over 5000 acres with about 4000 developable.
[NOTE: There may be some issues with IDEM allowing these WWTP along Tanner’s Creek where flow rates at various times of the year might be a significant issue with pollution.]
The final Wastewater system capital projects recommendations and their costs are:
1. High Ridge Estates and US 50 Corridor conveyed to a NEW local treatment plant- $2,626,700
2. Guilford Community and new REGIONAL treatment plant at SR1 and Pribble- $12,941,000
3. W Harrison TIF- feed to St. Leon plant - $1,370,000
4. NW Quadrant- plant at Trackville and SR46 - $9,750,000
TOTAL Capital costs (NOT operating costs)- $26,688,400
Sewer rate and tap in figures across the county vary widely and are shown in a chart on page 36 of the report.
Financing options mentioned include:
Development Block Grants
Rural Development Program
Federal earmarking of projects on Congressional legislation, State of IN revolving loan program for WWTP improvement projects
Grants or loans from local entities.
There are 60 days to comment on this report (60 days from 25 January) Comments should be addressed to the DCRSD in care of Doug Baer at the Health Dept at the County Adm Bldg, 215 West High Street, Lawrenceburg IN, 47025. Reports are available in the county libraries for viewing, and copies (both digital and hard copy) can be obtained at the DCRSD office or through the county administrator, Bryan Messmore.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, February 02, 2007
February 1, 2007 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District (DCRSD) Meeting Notes
February 1, 2007 Dearborn County Regional Sewer District (DCRSD) Meeting Notes
submitted by Helen Kremer, Logan Township
Present: Hankins, Chairman; Dennerline, Pruss, Enzweiler, Fehrman
(Members Maxwell and Adams were absent)
Also Present: Kramer, Attorney; Baer, Health Dept.; Quinn, Engineer, and Benning, Secretary.
At 7 p.m. Hankins called the meeting to order. Hankins asked members to approve the minutes of the January 4, and January 25, 2007 meetings. Members approved the minutes—all ayes.
The Treasurer’s report was presented.
Mr. Thom Hammond, a citizen of the county, requested to make a presentation to the DCRSD Board, and Mr. Hankins introduced him.
Hammond stated that at a Commissioner’s Meeting in January, he brought up, and asked Hughes and Fox to comment on eminent domain. Fox said the county has never forced anyone and (eminent domain) was not intended to be used in Dearborn County. Hammond continued he was surprised at the comment, and Bryan Messmore invited him to make an introduction to the Dearborn County Sewer group. What Hammond was impressed with was the way they (DCRSD) handled this situation. You listen to people and ask questions, you do not let the attorney run the show. That is not what happens at St. Leon meetings.
Hammond continued that he thought they (Hammond’s group and DCRSD) could work together. Hammond explained that he was chosen to represent a group of people for the purpose of self-defense. They had to seek legal counsel. On April 11, 2005, 116 people from West Harrison, Brookville and St. Leon, received certified letters stating they had 90 days to connect (to the St. Leon Sewer system). They (St. Leon) demanded $4,000 tap in cost, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Summary lists include trenching, labor, grinder pumps, closing and filling septic systems. The real expense for about 100 feet of line is from $8,000-$10,000. Some people would need to pay $25,000 to $35,000. This is a tremendous burden and out-of-pocket expense. Hammond said his group feels it is unfair because others paid $400 for a connection.
Hankins told Mr. Hammond that they are familiar with St. Leon, and at the beginning there was a window of opportunity for people to sign on.
Hammond replied that some people wanted to hook up, and others wanted to do something else. Tap fees now are $4,000. Hammond told Hankins if they are familiar with it, he will move on.
Hammond said the State statute said owners may connect. St. Leon’s statute states they “shall” connect. This is a significant, Constitutional issue, enforcing a law on people that do not live in town. There’s also a question of how town council members were elected. Hammond thinks the county needs to know. The President of the St. Leon Council, Carl Douglas Farrow, turned down the request to hook on and fought it legally. They dropped the lawsuit against him, and he was hooked up with all benefits, when the rest of us were being charged $4,000. Hammond explained that there is a huge distrust in all of this, and the county needs to be aware.
Hammond stated he saw the Vieste report, and the plans for Dearborn County’s NW quadrant, because of Honda. There is hope to grow Dearborn County with infrastructure improvement. Hammond asked the questions, “How can you stand by and let St. Leon take property, and how does the outside world see us?”
Hammond said he attended a workshop at Perfect North Slopes regarding septic systems, presented by the Health Department last year. At the workshop, it was stated that 1/3 of American homes have septic systems and they are working all right. Hammond brought up the perception people have, who live outside of the county, and then he showed the Channel 9 news program which filmed the St. Leon meeting that demonstrated the way those opposing the connections to the sewer system were treated.
Hammond continued that persons have had liens placed on their property, and their attorney has taken care of it. There have been threats of a person’s property being placed for a sheriff’s sale. There are many people affected who are on fixed incomes. If we had not organized and received legal representation, most people would not have the resources to defend themselves. Other situations were described. Hammond stated all of these issues have affected them deeply. He believes John Watson, the St. Leon attorney is spearheading all of this. A Summary Judgment was filed. There could be lawsuits. This has been a nightmare. Hammond thought that since the DCRSD was at the county level they could do something for them—bend some ears and influence people to solve problems, not create bigger problems.
Hankins asked when did the wording “may” vs. “shall” come into effect—1996?
Hammond said stronger wording was used to get customers.
Hankins stated he believed Watson told him that during the bonding process, the decision was made by the people reviewing the bonds. Hankins asked the attorney, Mr. Kramer, if that was true. Mr. Kramer replied he did not know.
Hammond stated he thought the pay back has come due on the bonds, they have to have other resources, and they are increasing user fees.
Hankins said that St. Leon has one of the highest rates in the county. St. Leon’s rates are high.
Hammond said they shouldn’t attach the full burden on the people. Also, at St. Leon, Board members are the highest paid in the county. Farrow voted a 26% increase. They also receive $100 for every meeting they attend. They have EES from Lebanon, OH for engineers—they are paying consultant rates, which are high. The question is whom do they answer to? Who are they accountable to? Hammond suggested first and foremost, amend an ordinance to reverse the trend if you are zoned rural. Have discovery sessions with other townships in the county, and go to the state for bond dollars. If the county wants to grow, have all new builds—every new subdivision, put the costs into the cost of the house. All new builds have to comply—not take people who have a septic system. No one is looking at this logically.
Hankins asked if installation were less expensive, would people consider going on to the sewer system. He looked at Cliff Eibeck in the audience.
Cliff Eibeck said no—I have a septic system.
Hankins told Hammond he would give him five more minutes, and then they had to address other issues.
Hammond said that the town clerk stated people in St. Leon are not paying their user fees. Hammond said if we do not pay our telephone bill they cut us off. St. Leon should collect user fees. Hammond continued this is a town run amok
Dennerline stated there are intergovernmental agreements and you cannot cut people off easily. St. Leon is served by North Dearborn, and the water company. Moores Hill, etc., has the same problem. People pay their water bill, but not the sewer bill. No one wants to pay the sewer bill. Most people don’t like to pay bills. We’ve had people here (contractors, bond companies?) who have said you have to charge $75 a month for a sewer bill—we showed them the door. Using local talent is cheaper, outside talent costs an arm and a leg. I heard 3-4 years ago, the Health Dept. was asked to check into homes with septic. We are not going to be an enforcement agency for St. Leon. There is a similar problem at HVL. They have a terrible problem, and to fix it they have to charge more. It all boils down to management and money. When they hire outside help, they are operating within the law.
Hammond said come up with a most effect remedy—we are having a dialog here. We need gentlemen with wisdom, and experience. The most effective remedy is to put pressure on Fox, Bischoff, and Nugent. You have more influence, allow people with working septic systems to be left alone.
Hankins said one of the issues is that they are all not living in St. Leon.
Dennerline said we do not have an answer here, and neither does anyone else.
Mary Lynn Myrtle (sp.) said it is not just an issue of not being able to afford the connections. The way the system in run at St. Leon is a problem. One gentleman had people over for Thanksgiving one year, and they could not use their bathrooms. St. Leon didn’t get back to them for two weeks. We know our septic systems work, but we do not want to be on St. Leon because of the way it is run.
A discussion was held again asking if people there would get on if rates were reasonable. Hammond said he was a target, and if he got on the system, and had trouble it could be a problem. Hammond continued, we need to get these wounds healed up, and with the new St. Leon TIF district maybe something can be done.
Dennerline stated we (the DCRSD Board) believe most people should be on sewer. Studies show that most septic systems don’t work well.
Mr. Imfeld stated St. Leon should use new development for income, and grandfather us in. Just make this go away.
Mr. Lawson stated he believed St. Leon needed customers, and didn’t want to lay new pipe.
Hankins commended them on their fortitude, and said they will be having upcoming meetings with people from St. Leon and we will approach this subject.
Serenity Ridge
Tom Quinn’s update stated they had two options: 1) approximately $39,000 divided by 7 lots equaled approximately $5,500 per lot;
2) 19 lots for a total cost of $55,200, which equaled $2,905 per lot.
LMH petitioned the Indiana Regulatory Commission to serve Serenity Ridge—the hearing is in May.
Hankins stated the process (for the people in the audience), a final study has to go to the State, a professional engineering seal is required and IDEM approval.
A discussion took place regarding not all homeowners/future homeowners agreeing to participate, some people may be holding back.
Dennerline said that this is very economical, and Enzweiler stated property values will increase.
Stewart Street and Cole Lane
The weather has affected the process. Work cannot be completed because boring equipment doesn’t work well in cold weather, and the materials used become too brittle.
Aurora Contract
Hankins stated they had all the details worked out, but Aurora returned the contract requesting the County Commissioners to consider and sign it.
Enzweiler wanted to know why the County Commissioners?
Dennerline added they (DCRSD) are a separate government entity. Fehrman asked for Kramer’s advice.
Kramer, the attorney, stated it is not legally required.
Dennerline did not want to set a precedent where the Commissioners have to sign.
Kramer stated it would not be a binding precedent. Aurora views this as the county’s money, not a bonded project, which is why they want the Commissioners to sign.
Discussion regarding the area where there are damaged septic systems and people don’t want to hook up. Hankins questioned how are we going to get them to hook up? Doug Baer said it is not like in St. Leon where systems (septic) are functioning. Hankins told Baer to draft a letter regarding awareness of problems, and enforcement, and have ready by next Board meeting.
Dennerline said that he was to meet with the Commissioners at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday regarding an economic advantage discussion.
New Business
A new letterhead was approved (Fehrman motioned, Enzweiler seconded the motion). Doug Baer told Hankins he would get them new business cards from an economical source. Hankins also asked him to get nameplates for the members because people from St. Leon asked him to identify Board members.
Regarding claims, Baer said regarding the 2007 Budget—additional funds will be transferred by projects, to keep better tabs. The Vera Benning charge will be DCRSD’s charge, taking those charges out of the Environmental Funds. Each project will have a line item. They discussed the need to set up an account with Fifth Third. Baer said he had to buy a new file cabinet (there may have been other items to pay—conversations were inaudible). Fehrman motioned to pay the bills, and Enzweiler seconded the motion—all ayes.
Discretion of the Chairman
Hankins said that he would call a couple of the Commissioners regarding the letter to be signed by them.
I asked why they did not discuss the St. Leon Interlocal Agreement on the Agenda. Hankins said they must have overlooked it.
St. Leon Interlocal Agreement
Hankins asked Mr. Kramer if he had any information from Mr. Watson.
Mr. Kramer said they are waiting for the Woolpert Study.
Dennerline asked if we wanted to get into an agreement with St. Leon, and get into all of this.
Kramer commented they have had enough; they are not going to expand.
Hankins said we are paying for expansion.
Enzweiler said we have the right to have a person on their board. Kramer stated there could be a sub-board, or a seat on the Board.
Hankins said we need to have a voice, and our interests addressed with economic development, and the TIF district.
Dennerline asked Kramer if he has been working on an agreement. Kramer said it needs work. Hankins told him to draft a response to St. Leon.
Dennerline stated this group hammering on us—like it or not, we’re buying into it. Hankins said we have to resolve it.
Dennerline said they just want to fight—how can we solve it? Do you know Frank? Kramer replied he did not, but that’s what they were asking us to do.
Consensus was they needed someone on St. Leon’s Board. Enzweiler mentioned Maxwell because he knows all those folks.
Kramer said he would work on the agreement. Hankins said they would have to find someone for the seat on the St. Leon Board.
Baer said they could not have the room on February 15, for the meeting. Hankins said they will cancel the February 15 meeting, and the next meeting will be the first Thursday in March.
Vera Benning said copies of the Woolpert study were in all of the libraries in Dearborn County.
Mark Stenger, representing Ameritech, said they would like to make available their services to the DCRSD Board to find solutions as fast and as economically as possible.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Helen Kremer
Logan Township
submitted by Helen Kremer, Logan Township
Present: Hankins, Chairman; Dennerline, Pruss, Enzweiler, Fehrman
(Members Maxwell and Adams were absent)
Also Present: Kramer, Attorney; Baer, Health Dept.; Quinn, Engineer, and Benning, Secretary.
At 7 p.m. Hankins called the meeting to order. Hankins asked members to approve the minutes of the January 4, and January 25, 2007 meetings. Members approved the minutes—all ayes.
The Treasurer’s report was presented.
Mr. Thom Hammond, a citizen of the county, requested to make a presentation to the DCRSD Board, and Mr. Hankins introduced him.
Hammond stated that at a Commissioner’s Meeting in January, he brought up, and asked Hughes and Fox to comment on eminent domain. Fox said the county has never forced anyone and (eminent domain) was not intended to be used in Dearborn County. Hammond continued he was surprised at the comment, and Bryan Messmore invited him to make an introduction to the Dearborn County Sewer group. What Hammond was impressed with was the way they (DCRSD) handled this situation. You listen to people and ask questions, you do not let the attorney run the show. That is not what happens at St. Leon meetings.
Hammond continued that he thought they (Hammond’s group and DCRSD) could work together. Hammond explained that he was chosen to represent a group of people for the purpose of self-defense. They had to seek legal counsel. On April 11, 2005, 116 people from West Harrison, Brookville and St. Leon, received certified letters stating they had 90 days to connect (to the St. Leon Sewer system). They (St. Leon) demanded $4,000 tap in cost, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Summary lists include trenching, labor, grinder pumps, closing and filling septic systems. The real expense for about 100 feet of line is from $8,000-$10,000. Some people would need to pay $25,000 to $35,000. This is a tremendous burden and out-of-pocket expense. Hammond said his group feels it is unfair because others paid $400 for a connection.
Hankins told Mr. Hammond that they are familiar with St. Leon, and at the beginning there was a window of opportunity for people to sign on.
Hammond replied that some people wanted to hook up, and others wanted to do something else. Tap fees now are $4,000. Hammond told Hankins if they are familiar with it, he will move on.
Hammond said the State statute said owners may connect. St. Leon’s statute states they “shall” connect. This is a significant, Constitutional issue, enforcing a law on people that do not live in town. There’s also a question of how town council members were elected. Hammond thinks the county needs to know. The President of the St. Leon Council, Carl Douglas Farrow, turned down the request to hook on and fought it legally. They dropped the lawsuit against him, and he was hooked up with all benefits, when the rest of us were being charged $4,000. Hammond explained that there is a huge distrust in all of this, and the county needs to be aware.
Hammond stated he saw the Vieste report, and the plans for Dearborn County’s NW quadrant, because of Honda. There is hope to grow Dearborn County with infrastructure improvement. Hammond asked the questions, “How can you stand by and let St. Leon take property, and how does the outside world see us?”
Hammond said he attended a workshop at Perfect North Slopes regarding septic systems, presented by the Health Department last year. At the workshop, it was stated that 1/3 of American homes have septic systems and they are working all right. Hammond brought up the perception people have, who live outside of the county, and then he showed the Channel 9 news program which filmed the St. Leon meeting that demonstrated the way those opposing the connections to the sewer system were treated.
Hammond continued that persons have had liens placed on their property, and their attorney has taken care of it. There have been threats of a person’s property being placed for a sheriff’s sale. There are many people affected who are on fixed incomes. If we had not organized and received legal representation, most people would not have the resources to defend themselves. Other situations were described. Hammond stated all of these issues have affected them deeply. He believes John Watson, the St. Leon attorney is spearheading all of this. A Summary Judgment was filed. There could be lawsuits. This has been a nightmare. Hammond thought that since the DCRSD was at the county level they could do something for them—bend some ears and influence people to solve problems, not create bigger problems.
Hankins asked when did the wording “may” vs. “shall” come into effect—1996?
Hammond said stronger wording was used to get customers.
Hankins stated he believed Watson told him that during the bonding process, the decision was made by the people reviewing the bonds. Hankins asked the attorney, Mr. Kramer, if that was true. Mr. Kramer replied he did not know.
Hammond stated he thought the pay back has come due on the bonds, they have to have other resources, and they are increasing user fees.
Hankins said that St. Leon has one of the highest rates in the county. St. Leon’s rates are high.
Hammond said they shouldn’t attach the full burden on the people. Also, at St. Leon, Board members are the highest paid in the county. Farrow voted a 26% increase. They also receive $100 for every meeting they attend. They have EES from Lebanon, OH for engineers—they are paying consultant rates, which are high. The question is whom do they answer to? Who are they accountable to? Hammond suggested first and foremost, amend an ordinance to reverse the trend if you are zoned rural. Have discovery sessions with other townships in the county, and go to the state for bond dollars. If the county wants to grow, have all new builds—every new subdivision, put the costs into the cost of the house. All new builds have to comply—not take people who have a septic system. No one is looking at this logically.
Hankins asked if installation were less expensive, would people consider going on to the sewer system. He looked at Cliff Eibeck in the audience.
Cliff Eibeck said no—I have a septic system.
Hankins told Hammond he would give him five more minutes, and then they had to address other issues.
Hammond said that the town clerk stated people in St. Leon are not paying their user fees. Hammond said if we do not pay our telephone bill they cut us off. St. Leon should collect user fees. Hammond continued this is a town run amok
Dennerline stated there are intergovernmental agreements and you cannot cut people off easily. St. Leon is served by North Dearborn, and the water company. Moores Hill, etc., has the same problem. People pay their water bill, but not the sewer bill. No one wants to pay the sewer bill. Most people don’t like to pay bills. We’ve had people here (contractors, bond companies?) who have said you have to charge $75 a month for a sewer bill—we showed them the door. Using local talent is cheaper, outside talent costs an arm and a leg. I heard 3-4 years ago, the Health Dept. was asked to check into homes with septic. We are not going to be an enforcement agency for St. Leon. There is a similar problem at HVL. They have a terrible problem, and to fix it they have to charge more. It all boils down to management and money. When they hire outside help, they are operating within the law.
Hammond said come up with a most effect remedy—we are having a dialog here. We need gentlemen with wisdom, and experience. The most effective remedy is to put pressure on Fox, Bischoff, and Nugent. You have more influence, allow people with working septic systems to be left alone.
Hankins said one of the issues is that they are all not living in St. Leon.
Dennerline said we do not have an answer here, and neither does anyone else.
Mary Lynn Myrtle (sp.) said it is not just an issue of not being able to afford the connections. The way the system in run at St. Leon is a problem. One gentleman had people over for Thanksgiving one year, and they could not use their bathrooms. St. Leon didn’t get back to them for two weeks. We know our septic systems work, but we do not want to be on St. Leon because of the way it is run.
A discussion was held again asking if people there would get on if rates were reasonable. Hammond said he was a target, and if he got on the system, and had trouble it could be a problem. Hammond continued, we need to get these wounds healed up, and with the new St. Leon TIF district maybe something can be done.
Dennerline stated we (the DCRSD Board) believe most people should be on sewer. Studies show that most septic systems don’t work well.
Mr. Imfeld stated St. Leon should use new development for income, and grandfather us in. Just make this go away.
Mr. Lawson stated he believed St. Leon needed customers, and didn’t want to lay new pipe.
Hankins commended them on their fortitude, and said they will be having upcoming meetings with people from St. Leon and we will approach this subject.
Serenity Ridge
Tom Quinn’s update stated they had two options: 1) approximately $39,000 divided by 7 lots equaled approximately $5,500 per lot;
2) 19 lots for a total cost of $55,200, which equaled $2,905 per lot.
LMH petitioned the Indiana Regulatory Commission to serve Serenity Ridge—the hearing is in May.
Hankins stated the process (for the people in the audience), a final study has to go to the State, a professional engineering seal is required and IDEM approval.
A discussion took place regarding not all homeowners/future homeowners agreeing to participate, some people may be holding back.
Dennerline said that this is very economical, and Enzweiler stated property values will increase.
Stewart Street and Cole Lane
The weather has affected the process. Work cannot be completed because boring equipment doesn’t work well in cold weather, and the materials used become too brittle.
Aurora Contract
Hankins stated they had all the details worked out, but Aurora returned the contract requesting the County Commissioners to consider and sign it.
Enzweiler wanted to know why the County Commissioners?
Dennerline added they (DCRSD) are a separate government entity. Fehrman asked for Kramer’s advice.
Kramer, the attorney, stated it is not legally required.
Dennerline did not want to set a precedent where the Commissioners have to sign.
Kramer stated it would not be a binding precedent. Aurora views this as the county’s money, not a bonded project, which is why they want the Commissioners to sign.
Discussion regarding the area where there are damaged septic systems and people don’t want to hook up. Hankins questioned how are we going to get them to hook up? Doug Baer said it is not like in St. Leon where systems (septic) are functioning. Hankins told Baer to draft a letter regarding awareness of problems, and enforcement, and have ready by next Board meeting.
Dennerline said that he was to meet with the Commissioners at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday regarding an economic advantage discussion.
New Business
A new letterhead was approved (Fehrman motioned, Enzweiler seconded the motion). Doug Baer told Hankins he would get them new business cards from an economical source. Hankins also asked him to get nameplates for the members because people from St. Leon asked him to identify Board members.
Regarding claims, Baer said regarding the 2007 Budget—additional funds will be transferred by projects, to keep better tabs. The Vera Benning charge will be DCRSD’s charge, taking those charges out of the Environmental Funds. Each project will have a line item. They discussed the need to set up an account with Fifth Third. Baer said he had to buy a new file cabinet (there may have been other items to pay—conversations were inaudible). Fehrman motioned to pay the bills, and Enzweiler seconded the motion—all ayes.
Discretion of the Chairman
Hankins said that he would call a couple of the Commissioners regarding the letter to be signed by them.
I asked why they did not discuss the St. Leon Interlocal Agreement on the Agenda. Hankins said they must have overlooked it.
St. Leon Interlocal Agreement
Hankins asked Mr. Kramer if he had any information from Mr. Watson.
Mr. Kramer said they are waiting for the Woolpert Study.
Dennerline asked if we wanted to get into an agreement with St. Leon, and get into all of this.
Kramer commented they have had enough; they are not going to expand.
Hankins said we are paying for expansion.
Enzweiler said we have the right to have a person on their board. Kramer stated there could be a sub-board, or a seat on the Board.
Hankins said we need to have a voice, and our interests addressed with economic development, and the TIF district.
Dennerline asked Kramer if he has been working on an agreement. Kramer said it needs work. Hankins told him to draft a response to St. Leon.
Dennerline stated this group hammering on us—like it or not, we’re buying into it. Hankins said we have to resolve it.
Dennerline said they just want to fight—how can we solve it? Do you know Frank? Kramer replied he did not, but that’s what they were asking us to do.
Consensus was they needed someone on St. Leon’s Board. Enzweiler mentioned Maxwell because he knows all those folks.
Kramer said he would work on the agreement. Hankins said they would have to find someone for the seat on the St. Leon Board.
Baer said they could not have the room on February 15, for the meeting. Hankins said they will cancel the February 15 meeting, and the next meeting will be the first Thursday in March.
Vera Benning said copies of the Woolpert study were in all of the libraries in Dearborn County.
Mark Stenger, representing Ameritech, said they would like to make available their services to the DCRSD Board to find solutions as fast and as economically as possible.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Helen Kremer
Logan Township
Thursday, February 01, 2007
CHAMBER NOTICE ON DCEDI MEDIA COVERAGE
CHAMBER NOTICE ON DCEDI MEDIA COVERAGE
Economic development issues in Dearborn County have prompted media attention in recent days. We thought you might enjoy watching, reading and listening to some of the coverage.
Jim West, President of the Dearborn County Economic Development Initiative, makes some key points that are often lost in the emotion of this discussion ... specifically, no one is advocating the use of eminent domain to acquire land for development ... the Honda plant in Greensburg presents Dearborn County with an opportunity to attract Honda suppliers and others, and it is important to take steps to ensure that opportunities for the right kind of development investment are not lost.
Here are links to some of the media coverage ... click on them, or copy and paste them into your browser.
Cincinnati Business Courier. Jan. 26, 2007. See attached Adobe Acrobat PDF file.
Business Matters, WCET-TV. Jim West talks with Business Courier Publisher and host Doug Bolton. Recorded Jan. 25, 2007. http://www.cetconnect.org/cetconnect_video.asp?ID=807
Eagle Radio 99.3. Jim West interview. www.eaglecountryonline.com
Michael Rozow, Jr.
President / COO
Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce
320 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
812-537-0814
800-322-8198
Economic development issues in Dearborn County have prompted media attention in recent days. We thought you might enjoy watching, reading and listening to some of the coverage.
Jim West, President of the Dearborn County Economic Development Initiative, makes some key points that are often lost in the emotion of this discussion ... specifically, no one is advocating the use of eminent domain to acquire land for development ... the Honda plant in Greensburg presents Dearborn County with an opportunity to attract Honda suppliers and others, and it is important to take steps to ensure that opportunities for the right kind of development investment are not lost.
Here are links to some of the media coverage ... click on them, or copy and paste them into your browser.
Cincinnati Business Courier. Jan. 26, 2007. See attached Adobe Acrobat PDF file.
Business Matters, WCET-TV. Jim West talks with Business Courier Publisher and host Doug Bolton. Recorded Jan. 25, 2007. http://www.cetconnect.org/cetconnect_video.asp?ID=807
Eagle Radio 99.3. Jim West interview. www.eaglecountryonline.com
Michael Rozow, Jr.
President / COO
Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce
320 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
812-537-0814
800-322-8198
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)