Letter to the Editor: A Level Developmental Field

Letter to the Editor:A Level Developmental Field

Dear Editor:

At risk of dampening the boosterism generated by the multi-million dollar Regional Cities hoopla, we offer this counter proposal written by our adjunct scholar Fred McCarthy for a dedicated issue of The Indiana Policy Review:

“The State of Indiana announces a new policy for business development. In the belief that businesses locate or expand more productively using long-term, genuine economic logic, we will no longer offer temporary tax incentives. Instead, we pledge the efforts of government to create and maintain the best business climate for you. Within the limits of fairness and justice, rules and regulations inhibiting such productive operations will be reduced or eliminated whenever possible. Grants, abatements, subsidies and other tax gimmicks that depress governmental revenues and increase other taxpayers’ bills will cease. On the other hand, be assured that tax dollars you may pay in the future will never directly finance your competitor. All private businesses will be treated in the same way.”

Craig Ladwig
The Indiana Policy Review Foundation
26-/417-4094

 

The Indiana Policy Review Foundation exists solely to conduct and distribute research on Indiana issues. Nothing written here is to be construed as reflecting the views of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation or as an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any bill before the legislature or to further any political campaign.

New connector road only one option | Dearborn County Register

New connector road being studied by OKI and the County.

Advisory Board members are listed as well as public meetings proposed as they progress.



New connector road only one option | Dearborn County Register

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

(Alternates are listed in parenthesis)

Kevin Lynch: Dearborn County commissioner

Todd Listerman: Dearborn County engineer

Liz Morris (Allen Goodman): Dearborn Co. Council

Mark McCormack (Nicole Daily): DC Plan Commission

Eric Kranz (Andrea Ewan): DC Chamber of Commerce

Michael Kreinhop: Dearborn Co. sheriff

Jennifer Hughes (Mary Booker): DC Soil and Water

Jim Ude (Terry Summers): INDOT Seymour District

Michelle Allen: Federal Highway Administration

Greg Gronwall (Celeste Calvitto): Bright Business Assoc.

Kevin Glick: Bright Volunteer Fire Department

William R. Hursong: City of Harrison

Harley Uhlmansiek (Jan Uhlmansiek): Farm Bureau

Marilyn Hyland (Charles Hunter): Genesee & Wyoming Railroad

Dale Lutz: Resident At Large

Jeff Stenger: Resident At Large

Randy Maxwell (John Maxwell): Resident At Large

John Stenger (John Browner): Sycamore Gas Company

Cari Vuko (Kurt Kegerreis): SE Ind. Workforce Investment

Dr. Andrew Jackson: Sunman-Dearborn Schools

15 December 2015 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes

15 December 2015 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes

Present: Shane McHenry, President, Art Little, and Kevin Lynch

Also present: Gayle Pennington, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Terri Randall, Administrator ( who arrived at 5:30 PM) 

John Maxwell and  Brad Rullman were present. Liz Morris was present from Council. DLZ was also present via Scott Carnegie.

OLD BUSINESS:

Amendment to Chapter 70- Traffic Rules Ordinance Book- Baudendistel met with Listerman,Highway Engineer, Lusby, and Van Winkle at Sheriff Dept and they repealed the old section and fixed it so that recreational vehicles are essentially equipped with safety equipment like cars and could operate at speeds posted on the roads allowing them. Recreational off highway vehicles are defined. Statute requires a license and insurance. Golf carts at 16 and Off roads were suggested by McHenry to be for 18 and over. It was discussed. They will have to be registered. They kept the age at 16. Passed. McHenry thanked all the committee members for their efforts on this. 

Contract with FSSA Re: Inmate Application for Medicaid- TABLED until next meeting.

Knights of Columbus Request to hold Annual Prayer on the Square at Veteran’s Memorial- Jan 22 at 10 AM. Gerald Bruns does this every year. Lynch wanted Bruns to be there for the request. McHenry presented for him as he told Sue Hayden to tell him he would. Passed. 

NEW BUSINESS:

WorkForce Development Initiative “Skill Up” - Matt Wurth- Applying for  a grant over in Scottsburg and it covers parts of Region 9 and 10. Only needs a support letter- not asking for any money. This is to cover 7 counties. This is going to be an industry specific grant. They have Ripley and Ohio county and Susan Craig at SIRPC. They offer welding training in their facility from IVY Tech. This is a new type of grant for us. They are also a business incubator. They run IU Southeast in their programs. Last year they did over 100 people. Commissioners approved signing the letter of support.

Miller Township Advisory Board Vacancy- Goodman resigned to go onto Council. Carl Andry was appointed to the board.

NACO- National Association of Counties Membership- Pennington said that it seems like NACO doesn’t do much for us. They are there to help with AIC and our federal funding. NACO has prescription cards for our taxpayers. If we participate in the marketing program we could get money back like about $5000. The dues are about $900. Commissioners approved the membership. Pennington goes to the national meetings if it is within driving distance. She said they have really good workshops. She said a lot of people participate in our county. They have a 90 day termination clause. Caremark Health is part of the Rx program. Commissioners signed the agreement.

Barnes and Thornburg- 2 Contracts- McHenry said that we dropped back to one lobbyist and dropped Lewes and Kappes. Lynch agreed with McHenry that they have been very responsive. $5,000 per month and $3,000/month. That’s $96,000/year. Approved.

Agreement for the Bright Connector Study for$160,000- 20% is $40,000 (our share)- Lynch presented and the agreement was signed. 

Proclamation for Indiana Bicentennial- McHenry read it in its entirety. Dec 11, 2015 official kickoff of the bicentennial. This is the 199th anniversary of Indiana’s statehood. Approved his signature.

5:35 PM 

ADMINISTRATOR- Terri Randall- DLZ Architects- Courthouse Annex Design Development Acceptance. Randall said the schematic design was finished and design development was this current phase. Typically the architects fees are on the front end mostly and Maxwell’s fees are in phases for the construction management. She turned it over to Scott Carnegie. They are looking for and acceptance of this to move forward for design development. Maxwell will also give the budget.

Scott Carnegie- The phase after this is the construction documents, then bidding, the administration. One central entry with security for public. Staff has three other entry points. The front entry is the round rotunda still. They plan to stain the brick on the adm. bldg. to match. 

Brad Rullman from Maxwell presented the budget and says that they are tracking right on the $11.2 million project cost. Looking for the final drawing phase in Feb- March and bidding March- April. If they approve in mid April they can construct starting in May. Takes 18 months. 14 months to build the addition and 4 months to renovate the courthouse itself after that. 

Randall said that the parking analysis was done and submitted to Lawrenceburg and they accepted it. This meets their parking requirements. This was helped by having the EMA lot paved. This was done verbally- they sell have to go thru all the Planning and Zoning meetings. 

Commissioners accepted the Courthouse Annex design as presented. They also authorized DLZ and Maxwell to proceed with the construction documentation phase of the project. 

6 PM

Highway Dept- McHenry went over the bids for the Highway Dept on aggregates and paving and they were all accepted as presented.

AUDITOR- Gayle Pennington- who had to leave and Randall passed out the claims for her. All claims approved. Minutes of the Dec 1 meeting were approved. 

ATTORNEY- Andy Baudendistel- the professional surveyors association awarded Mike Hall the Professionalism award posthumously. They also name date award after him.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Moment of silence for Charlie Thayer- longest standing Council member in Indiana for 40 years. Both Lynch and McHenry commended him.

Lynch said the county had a luncheon that was well attended ( Christmas Party) on Friday. Thanks to all. And Merry Christmas.

Little said there was tons of food. He wanted people to remember why we are celebrating Christmas and hoped every child has a toy under the tree and hope no child goes hungry.

McHenry said that the Maintenance Dept. does a huge amount of work on the Christmas party, 

PUBLIC COMMENT- Liz Morris - donated her bicentennial desk set to the commissioners who accepted it. Debbie Smith has planned some nice things for the summer for the torch at the bicentennial. 

LATE ARRIVAL- none

Meeting Adjourned at 6:12 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

Agenda 15 Dec Commissioners Meeting Includes Courthouse Annex Design Development

Commissioners Meeting Includes Courthouse Annex Design Development

AGENDA

DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

5:00 p.m., Commissioners Room

County Administration Building

215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. OLD BUSINESS

1.  Amendment to Chapter 70 / Traffic Rules of Ordinance Book

2.  Contract w/FSSA Re: Inmate Application for Medicaid

3.  K of C Request to hold 6th Annual “Prayer on Square” at Veteran’s Memorial Area

IV. NEW BUSINESS

1.  Workforce Development Initiative “Skill Up” – Matt Wurth

2.  Miller Township Board Vacancy

3.  NACO – National Association of Counties Membership 

4.  Barnes & Thornburg (2) Contracts

V. ADMINISTRATOR – Terri Randall

1.  DLZ – Courthouse Annex Design Development Acceptance

VI. AUDITOR – Gayle Pennington

1.  Claims/Minutes

VII. ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel

VIII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

IX. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

X. PUBLIC COMMENT 

XI. ADJOURN

10 December 2015 Dearborn County Redevelopment Meeting Notes

10 December 2015 Dearborn County Redevelopment Meeting Notes

Present: Dave Deddens, Chairman, Jim Helms, John Rahe, Jim Deaton, Alan Goodman (replacing Lyness)

ABSENT AS USUAL: Dusty Burress (non- voting school board member) [NOTE: Burress has only been present once when he was appointed. This member needs to be replaced with someone who can represent the schools interest.]

Also present: Terri Randall, county administrator and economic development director, Sue Hayden, minute taker, Leah Bailey, covering for Auditor and DCRC treasurer.

ABSENT: Andrea Ewan, Attorney

Meeting started at 10:10 AM

Deadens welcomed Alan Goodman

APPROVAL OF MINUTES- October 19 and November 12 meeting minutes were approved. DCRC board needed a quorum of members who had been at those meetings to approve.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none

CLAIMS AND FINANCIALS:Randall said they needed to approve these claims to close out the years end. $8495.99 and appraisals were to be paid out of the West Harrison TIF money. These claims will be paid by the end of the year even though they haven’t got all the appraisals in yet. They are due before years end.

NEW BUSINESS: none

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER’S REPORT:Terri Randall commented on Hayden’s music box with wonderful Christmas music. Randall said it had been a great year esp for her. Lots of learning and stress especially with her health respiratory problems at the end of the fall. She thinks we are under-resourced in economic development in a big way. The board has been sort of burdened as we are not looking at just the county but also the cities and towns DCRC. 

She said the REDI $10,000 is the best money they have ever spent. There is a confidential lead coming into the Aurora Industrial Park due to REDI. That will be announced soon. They have improved the way they can respond to leads. 

They had a major lead from Cincinnati, and she knew it would be better in Greendale than in West Harrison. And she has done an incredible amount of work on that with Al Abdon. It will also bring many high paying jobs- and they will need homes in the county. This is the first round- and we may not get the deal- it’s very competitive. She said it has been extremely gratifying to work for you this year. 

Skally’s has been a bit challenging- ordinances on the bonds - she felt she wasn’t able to give it the attention it deserved until she was over her illness- but it is moving forward.The bakery hopes to break ground in the spring- March. 

Back on the Aurora Industrial Park soon.

Rahe asked if the Aurora Industrial Project was pubic yet. As it was already being discussed among the public in the area. Randall said they asked for no public announcement yet. They may need to build more than they thought and more employees. The state has talked about sourcing their project out of Indiana too. The state incentives aren’t all in yet. 

Jim Helms said he had donated the bagels to the food pantry and they were well received. (Skally’s bagels) The bond issue on that project will be at council.

Helms said he appreciated all that Randall has done- Rahe concurred- you get all the work done and we just come here and vote- that’s all we do. Randall said - they can get as engaged as much as they want.

Randall said she will have Janelle here from REDI to take about their information before we resign the contract. They will also get the meeting schedule set up.

Randall said Gayle Pennington has been an incredible help to her. There are reports due in January and in March. 

Umbaugh has worked on the Aurora TIF- it is in good shape. One or two little minor things fixed. May have to have Jason Semler from Umbaugh out for Council on Skally’s. They may need to get some parcels out of the TIF and others into the TIF. Just lay it on the table and investigate a couple parcels etc. 

She said if anyone wants to call the realtor out there on Aurora let me know. Rahe said maybe he can help with some. Make some calls. 

Terri said she can give Alan an orientation. And he needs to get bonded. New statute requirement and we need to create ordinances about that. Maybe get a blanket bond for all. They need to get clerk or Gayle to swear Goodman in. (They are behaving as if he’s permanent, though Council has to vote on the appointment in January first.)

She also invited them to County Christmas party tomorrow.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT- none

OTHER BUSINESS- none

ADJOURNMENT - Meeting ended at 10:45PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

Dc Redevelopment Meeting Called For Dec 10 at 10 AM

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission

has called a meeting to be held

Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 10 a.m.

3rd Floor Commissioners Room, County

Administration Building.

TAX ABATEMENTS:A RACE TO THE BOTTOM

Tax Abatements: A Race to the Bottom by Barry Keating, Ph.D. reprinted with permission of IPR- Indiana Policy Review The tallest and most prominent building in South Bend is the Chase Tower. The Tower is also known for inoperable elevators and a crumbling façade; the occupancy rate is about 50 percent. The Summit Club, once located on the Tower's top floor, was considered the most elite restaurant in town. Now the building is only a sad reminder of a better past, but soon it could be an even more painful reminder. The South Bend Common Council is considering a tax abatement to the company that bought the Tower out of foreclosure. A tax abatement forgives or partially reduces property taxes for a period of time. Most states award abatements of up to 10 or 12 years. The maximum abatement permitted in Indiana exempts all taxes due in the first year to finance any improvements, followed with reductions in subsequent years such that in the 11th year no deductions remain. Tax abatements have become a staple device for local governments seeking to attract businesses. However, the effectiveness of abatements or the interest of the general public is seldom considered. My Common Council apparently makes decisions based on the recommendations of the local economic development authority and pressure from vested interests. For cities like South Bend, abatements are likely a zero-sum game in which cities compete in offering the largest and longest abatements to potential business entrants. The only real beneficiaries are the businesses themselves and possibly the government officials granting abatements. This process truly earns the label of “corporate welfare." When governments subsidize businesses in this manner they subvert the normal operations of a free market. Instead of firms making decisions about where to locate based upon the economic attractiveness of a location, businesses are led instead to base their decisions on which municipality offers the largest abatement package. Decision-makers, underestimating the real comparative advantages offered by the locality to particular industries, are most likely to offer abatements. And, it is precisely those firms, controlled by managers with short-term personal considerations, that will be enticed to accept abatements as opposed to locating where they could be most productive. It is astonishing that cities actually look forward to post-abatement time when these businesses will begin paying property taxes. Ironically, these firms also look forward to the expiration of the abatement: It represents an opportunity for the firm to “go shopping” again and see what other localities might offer in terms of incentives. There is some evidence that tax abatements actually increase the likelihood that firms relocate. In addition, a University of Michigan study indicates that “a significant number of abatements have been given to companies that have gone out of business.” So, if tax abatements are so ineffective, why do we still use them? The answer clearly lies in examining the winners and losers totax abatement. City officials are desperate to attract, or appear to attract, business activity of almost any nature. They perceive abatements as a means of competing with other towns, and thus a necessary cost. City and development officials, as well, like to believe or make others believe that they possess unique leadership ability and special insight in awarding benefits to certain industries. The problem, of course, is that in granting exceptions to paying property taxes they make citizens and existing businesses poorer yet. Abatements actually shift the tax burden to local households and firms. Tax abatements starve municipal budgets that depend upon property-tax receipts to provide critical public services such as street maintenance, police and fire protection. In addition, they erode the parks, libraries, and community centers that form the "social cement" of a town. Property taxes are generally thought to be regressive, i.e.,those with little income pay a larger percentage of that income in property taxes than do wealthier citizens. Thus, abatements shift the tax burden to the least wealthy. In Philadelphia, which is regarded to have the most generous tax abatement program in the country, the Pew Trust reports that 36 percent of residents indicate that they would “definitely/probably leave” in the next five to 10 years. A public school official expressed surprise at the amount of unpaid property taxes in Indiana as compared with districts in other states with which he was associated. This writer is unaware of studies researching this issue, but noncompliance is a reasonable hypothesis to consider when so many exceptions have been made in releasing some from property taxes. Is there an alternative to this race to the bottom? Sixty years ago, Zug, one of 26 cantons in Switzerland, was one of the poorest areas in the country. But Zug lowered both its corporate and personal taxes; it lowered them until its taxes were about 50 percent below the Swiss average. The canon also made building permits easy to get. What happened? Businesses moved to Zug; corporate headquarters were moved to Zug. The number of firms doing business in Zug skyrocketed; jobs rose 20 percent in just six years. Perhaps Indiana cities should at least consider that the answer to their ills might be less government (a lot less) rather than more of what has caused so much pain in the past. Barry P. Keating, Ph.D., an adjunct scholar of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, is professor of finance at the University of Notre Dame. He was an expert guest at the foundation's Dec. 3 seminar on local economic development.

1 December 2015 Dearborn County Council Meeting Notes

1 December 2015 Dearborn County Council Meeting Notes

Present: , President, Dennis Kraus. Sr., Dan Lansing, Liz Morris, Charlie Keyes, Ryan Brandt, Alan Goodman, and Bill Ullrich. 

Also present: Gayle Pennington, Auditor and Teresa Randall, County Administrator

Dennis Kraus presided over the meeting as acting president. He welcomed Alan Goodman as new Council president. Charlie Keyes said that he thought they should appoint a president to fill the spot. Dennis Kraus said that as acting president, he disagreed and thought they should do it in January. He was offended, but later apologized about getting upset. Keyes persisted and the council asked who would fill the board spots.Goodman resigned from Sheriff’s merit board. He will fill Lyness’s other spots per his discussion with Kraus prior to this meeting.  

Election of new president- will occur in January reorganization meeting.

Superior Court 2- Judge Sally McLaughlin- Public defenders, Petit jurors, and their meals, overtime - this was approved at the last meeting but wasn’t advertised- so now it is OK per Pennington.

Maintenance- Eric Hartman- utility bills and part time maintenance- Pennington presented.These were discussed at previous meeting. $3,100 needed for part time- that is being paid out of overtime.$3100 is approved. $80,000 for utilities approved.

Coroner- Steve Callahan- part time wages, autopsies, drug testing - $4,000 for testing, $3,500 wages, $17,000 autopsies. All three approved. 

Emergency Management- Jason Sullivan- Tornado siren- Dillsboro- $22,913.24 is the quote from Mobilcomm. Tabled at Kraus’s suggestion until January when they see what the Riverboat money account is.Brandt voted Nay.  Discussion form Morris regarding this being old school and there should be better technology. Ullrich said that many people here are still old school regarding cel phone notification options. 

Superior Court probation- Steve Kelly- Grant distribution- changed felony levels from A-D now being 1-6. 360 offenders a year will be serving time locally now rather than in the state prison systems. Grant received $58,100 for a dual role for a probation officer who now works for us part time. She knows that once the grant goes away in 2 years possibly. $500,000 of community corrections budget is actually grant funds per Kelly! Ullrich said he wished they’d increase funding for supervisors in our jail. Kelly said they had a good meeting today with state legislators to increase funding for JCAP program. Kelly won’t replace the part timer that is becoming a full timer now. That position was funded by probation user fees- so that money will be saved. Approved the grant fund. 

Sheriff/Jail- Mike Kreinhop- Body armor, inmate medical care, inmate bedding and clothing. Kraus asked the sheriff if he’d already purchased the body armor- YES. Kreinhop said that it’s mandated. The vests expire after 5 years and have to be replaced. This purchase is for 23 vests. Several had expired vests. Morris wanted him to stagger this for budgetary purposes. Goodman asked if they had multiple bids. Kreinhop said yes. They used commissary funds for 2 other vests. Morris asked for receipts and expenditures from commissary- as this has been a grey area for her. Kreinhop said they used these funds for many purposes in the jail. They keep two vests in the jail also. The rest are for road officers. Approved the body armor for$16,559.28. Apparently there is no recycle value on the old vests either. Morris also said she thought they should have been asked before it was bought also. Medical Care in the jail- $33,000 approved. Inmate bedding and clothing for $2500  was not approved.They approved $1500 for clothing and bedding with Lansing Nay (They had requested $15,000 at budget and got $12,500. This should bring them to their original request per Kreinhop) Council agreed the $2500 seems too high with average of $1000 a month plus a little more.  

Park Board- Jim Red Elk- utilities and budget shortfall per diem- They overspent $560. $864 would be in their other accounts to cover the utilities if transferred. Council approved $500 for utilities. They will also transfer the unspent funds over to the utility account. $100 was approved for the per diem account. 

Planning and Zoning- Mark McCormack- Legal services- Lansing said they want $1000 for code enforcement on county cases in unincorporated area. A lot is on a property outside Aurora. Approved. 

Auditor- Gayle Pennington- Minutes from the August 12 meeting was approved. October 7 meeting minutes approved. October 23 budget approval meeting approved. 

Salary ordinance has to be approved at the last meeting of the year. Council approved Pennington’s exact salary budget for 2016. Goodman abstained as he wasn’t present for the budget hearings. Settlement was finished and first received by the state. 

The next meeting was set for January reorganization on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM still. January 26th is the first Council meeting. 

Goodman disclosed his conflict of interest to the council and that he has resigned from Merit Board. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

Summary Report p 2 ofDearborn County Bridges

State Comparison of Bridges
No. of Bridges
142 average all counties
102 Dearborn County

Average Age
43 yrs - all counties
51 yrs - Dearborn County

Bridges Greater than 50 years old
27.5% all counties
42% Dearborn County

Average ADT ( average daily traffic)
1,560 all counties
760 Dearborn County

Load Posted Bridges (restricts weight limits)
10.7% all counties
21% Dearborn County

Sufficiency Rating of less than 50
15.3% all counties
20% Dearborn County

Summary of Bridges Built by Decade
1870- 2
1880- 1
1890- 1
1900-1
1910- 8
1920- 8
1930- 7
1940 - 9
1950 -3
1960 3
1970 -9
1980- 17
1990 -20
2000- 7 
2010- 6

SUMMARY P1 of COUNTY BRIDGE REPORT

1 December 2015 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes

1 December 2015 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes

Present: Shane McHenry, President, (arriving late from airport hopefully), Art Little, and Kevin Lynch

Also present: Gayle Pennington, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Terri Randall, Administrator ( arrived at 8:40 AM)

Kevin Lynch acting president until McHenry arrives. He never arrived.

OLD BUSINESS:

Amendment to Chapter 70 Traffic Rules Ordinance Book- TABLED paper Baudendistel’s request

Contract with FSSA RE: Inmate Applications for Medicaid- TABLED as no new info received yet per Baudendistel

NEW BUSINESS:

Knights of Columbus Request to hold annual “Prayer on the Square” at Veteran’s Memorial Area- no one here to a dress this

OKI 2018 Appointment- Lynch said he is willing too continue. Approved.

SIRPC 2016 Appointment- (SE Indiana Regional Planning Commission)- Little approved

Board of Health Reappointment- Dr Steve Eliaison reappointed

Plan Commission Appointment- Mark Lehman is Republican and Russell Beiersdorfer is Independent- both were reappointed

BZA Appointment- Phil Darling Democrat was reappointed

Resolution giving authorization to execute Homeland Security Grants (EMA)- Permission for President of Commissioners or the Auditor in the president’s absence would have permission to sign off electronically- Approved.

Commissioners 2016 Meeting Schedule- Times are the same as 2015. Approved. 

HIGHWAY DEPT. Todd, Listerman, County Engineer:

Acceptance of Morgan’s Ridge Drive (Morgan’s Ridge Sub’n)- off Mt Pleasant Road built by Maxwell Development- 0.25 miles approved

Acceptance of Leah Drive, Melanie Meadows Drive and Grubbs Road (Hidden Acres Sub’n)- off Grubbs Road off Sneakville Road developed by Maxwell Development. Grubbs Road extended from 0.27 to 0.511 miles, Leah Drive for 0.39 miles and Melanie Meadows for 0.098miles. Approved.

Presentation by United Consulting Engineers- 2015 Bridge Inspection Report- 8 copies of the binders were prepared and they have a summary that is easier to go through. The county is in compliance. 102 bridges. 21 are posted for less than 16 tons. Two bridges replaced since 2013. County has 4 bridges watching. Maintenance work is scheduled in this report. Priority schedule for replacement and for maintenance. Top 3 bridges on the replacement list are #5 East Laughery,138 Bonnell over Branch of West Tanners Creek, and 77 Wolfing Rd over Taylor Creek. There is a new program from the state inspections so reports look a little different. There is a printed out county map with all bridges noted. All plans in Todd’s office are scanned in the thumb drive in each binder. There is an interactive pdf on the thumb drive too to see each bridge’s inspection report. They will have 16 bridges in 2016 for the feds new 12 month inspection rule as opposed to state’s 24 month rule.This is because those 16 bridges have something that is severe enough to require annual inspection!! They are always available for assistance as problems come up. 

42% of bridges over 50 years of age per Listerman. Three bridges were related this year not in this inspection study. Bridge 9 Sagamaw, 61 Kaiser,  38 Schwipps.

ADMINISTRATOR- Terri Randall- Dec 15th on Commissioners 5 PM meeting- DLZ will be here to present the work product on the design development phase of the ANNEX for commissioner’s approval. They have met with the staff and judges etc over there to get the actual room space designed. The budget is getting refined by Maxwell to review that at the meeting. Specs will be then done. She said she can’t compliment the prosecutor, judges and clerk enough for all their input. 

Dillsboro EMS- Tackett was elected as the new president so they will have  special meeting Tues Jan 12, 2016 at 6:30 PM at Dillsboro town hall. Commissioners will be advertised so they can be present.

Legislative session beginning and with McMillan not being there for carrying the torch for criminal justice funding. Barnes and Thornburg will be there. She is setting a meeting for this.

She thanked them for their patience while she was sick the past several weeks. 

AUDITOR- Gayle Pennington- Claims and Minutes from Nov 4 and Nov 17 were approved.All money from settlement has been distributed to all units. Kudos to auditor and treasurer’s staff- FIRST in the state to get our settlement finished and 3 days quicker than last time. Little said it really helps to keep all the financials finished before the end of the year for the townships.

ATTORNEY- Andy Baudendistel- Uniform Conflict of Interest Statement- from Alan Goodman- new Councilman and also on Board of Health. He is refusing the per diem from Board of Health. (as he is on 2 boards now until a new member can take his place) Commissioners accepted the Statement on Goodman.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- 

Art Little- said he hoped all had a Happy Thanksgiving- remember what we have to be thankful for and Merry Christmas- and remember the reason for the season for a moment.

Kevin Lynch said that coaches and team of EC football congratulated for getting as far as they did.

He added that as Terri said - 11:30-1  is legislative luncheon today- thanked the Beacon for being a sponsor of that. 

PUBLIC COMMENT-none

LATE ARRIVAL— Terri Randall- at IAC meeting this week Wed and Thurs- we have been 1 of 3 counties in the state for the work we have been doing around the county for quality vignettes from  Allen County, Dearborn County, and one other. Kelli Will from event center and Commissioner Lynch filmed ours for that meeting. Lynch said- it shows we have  good team and its being recognized. We had input from Greendale, Lawrenceburg, and others. 

Meeting Adjourned at 9:15 AM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township