Kathy Scott Listens to Concerns at Women of Dearborn County Social

Kathy Scott and the Women of Dearborn County - April 20, 2008 Meeting/Social Notes
provided by Helen Kremer, Logan Township

Kathy Scott introduced herself to the women at the Tate Center. Kathy stated that she has lived in the county for 15 years, and came here because of the rural area. She also explained that when she attended meetings before the Plan Commission and Board of Commissioners, she witnessed, or was subject to, bad experiences. Kathy informed the women that she investigates issues, knows the codes and ordinances, and decided to step-up to be a candidate. She told the women that this meeting was for all of them, and she wanted to hear about their concerns.

The concerns of the women at the meeting are as follows:

1. Problems with density. Overcrowding in the schools, roads are too busy, there is a drain on emergency services.

2. Sewer issues and their ramifications, especially for the rural areas of the county. The 300 feet from property line for hook-ups was discussed, and the fact that grinder pumps are a poor choice. One woman shared that a friend of hers had to install a new grinder pump and it cost her $1,200.

A discussion followed regarding LMH, and some believed, in the beginning, the lines were not adequate. Those who use that sewage system believe rates are set, and all this hooks into water bills. Many women did not think that IDEM inspects as thoroughly as they should.

3. The fact was discussed that Jeff Hughes believes in the rights of the property owner. But the opinion of those involved with issues before the Board of Commissioners was that Jeff Hughes supports seller's rights, not owner's rights. The consensus was that public officials should know that neighbors of the sellers have rights too.

Kathy explained that she believes too often zoning, and other issues are voted upon too fast. People on these boards can agree to disagree, and they should let some of these issues sit for awhile. She believes in a good process. She works three nights a week, and will have the time to study the issues.

The women continued with their concerns:

4. The issue of Vieste was discussed and the fact that the entire issue was known by realtors and economic development people before the land owners. The plan for the Northwest Quadrant was decided behind closed doors. There was a lot of money paid out to Vieste, and for what?

5. A brief discussion was held regarding the hiring of Kinnett to take over the position from West. The women noted that Kinnett and Rozow of the Chamber of Commerce, inferred in one of the local newspapers, that they had a more realistic vision (map?) for the County.

6. The issue was brought up regarding Rick Fox and Jeff Hughes not signing-off on the Land Use Plan stating it wasn’t representative of the people in the County.

Mark McCormack and the Planning and Zoning Office worked very hard to make the entire process public with mailings and announcements. But there was a group who did not want the Land Use map which was voted upon and chosen by the Advisory Group.

Kathy said that is an example of manipulative behavior.

Discussion continued regarding the concerns of the group.

7. The general consensus was that the entire process for zoning changes, Tech Review meetings, and Plan Commission presentations, need to “tighten up”. The fact is that developers work on a project for months before a new project, or a proposed zoning change comes before the Plan Commission, after being reviewed by the Technical Review Committee. People living next door to these projects, or the neighbors in the area, are not aware of what is being planned. If you live right next to the property, you receive a certified letter about three weeks before the project goes to the Plan Commission. But others are affected too! Should there not be a process where neighbors, and those living next to the area, are informed earlier than three weeks?

8. Many people are not aware they can attend Technical Review Meetings. At these meetings, very often not all the members attend. The suggestion was that all members of this committee should attend all meetings. Also, it has been noted that the developer, or whoever is there at the meeting with a project, sometimes does not have all the information together, or it is not complete. Often the Tech Review members table the issue. The women at the meeting today believe that in all cases, if all the information is not there, the members of the Technical Review Committee should end the meeting, tabling the issue, and inform the applicant that everything needs to be in order.

The women believe that a “no-nonsense” attitude would reinforce and demonstrate the professionalism of the Tech Review Committee. That would put to rest the fear of many people in the county, who believe that because developers and public officials work with the same issues and are often together at the Administration building, the “playing field” is not equal.

9. Bringing information to the Plan Commission – often citizens have information that is pertinent to the application, and they bring the information the night the Plan Commission is going to vote on the issue. Often, time is given to read the information, but not all members read it thoroughly, and they honestly do not have the time to think of all the consequences. When meaningful information is brought before the Commission, the suggestion is they should table the issue and give it the thought it deserves.

10. Also, there are often many conditions placed upon an approval. The Planning and Zoning office has this responsibility. But this is a monumental job—most approvals have a list, and it is important that these lists be kept and all conditions met. Discussion was made that perhaps a citizen group could be formed to make sure all the conditions and issues are solved as intended by the Plan Commission.

11. One of the women attending has property with serious drainage problems from a development, and so does one of her neighbors. Soil Conservation was called but the problems continue. Her question was, what happens when they discharge water into Tanners Creek?

12. Issues of no sidewalks, or no shoulders on roadways, as well as roads without room for two cars were of great concern to many at the meeting.

13. Variances are another issue. Many times a developer can’t get what he/she wants, or plans poorly--then a variance is given. Variances are to be given only in special circumstances.

14. When the Tech Review Committee gives an unfavorable recommendation to The Plan Commission, each member of the Plan Commission should give their individual explanation of why they are approving a zone change, ignoring the recommendation of the Tech Review Committee.

The same should be with the Board of Commissioners. If the Plan Commission recommends or does not recommend a change, each Commissioner should give an explanation based on ordinances, and facts stating why they did not follow the recommendations.

Kathy Scott interrupted to say that the process should be followed, and exceptions not made. An example is the road issue. There is a list of road repairs which has been recommended by the County Engineer, but Rick Fox has changed the list, and placed other road issues ahead of the roads that Todd Listerman wanted to repair first.

Discussion followed regarding public officials responsibility to all of the people.

15. One member of the group lives in Lawrenceburg, and has contacted numerous city officials concerning homes next to her. The issues are slum lords, drugs, and vandalism. She has contacted the police, one policeman did help her. But she has been threatened by neighbors, and has had no response from city officials regarding her issues. She has been contacted by the slum lord to sell her property, at a very low price, but she does not want to move. She has invested money into her property and has made her home here.

The suggestion was made that she schedule an appointment with the Mayor of Lawrenceburg at one of the “see the Mayor sessions”, and also go to the Lawrenceburg Council. Many in the group offered to attend any meeting with her.

The allotted time ran out, and Kathy Scott thanked all of the women who attended. The women shared their personal contact information. Kathy gave everyone extra handouts to pass along to those who couldn’t attend, and business cards.

Everyone thanked Kathy Scott for running for Commissioner, and for the opportunity to share their concerns and issues of importance.

Helen Kremer
Logan Township