26 November 2019 DC Council Meeting Notes

26 November 2019 Dearborn County Council Meeting Notes

Present: Liz Morris, President, Dan Lansing, Kevin Turner, Tim Doll, Alan Goodman, and Bill Ullrich. 

ABSENT: Dennis Kraus, Sr

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor and Leah Bailey, Financial Comptroller

Commissioners Thatcher and Probst were also in the audience

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE-  read as required by law

Aurora EMS- Ed Opp-$ 65,000 from Public Safety for additional staff - Opp gave an overview of how they were trying to be manned 24/7 for many years. They also back up the other volunteers. Over 1000 calls a year now. Two additional full time people is what he is asking for. He has gone to Aurora for funding for this also. Aurora approved their $65,000 for their half of the 2 people and volunteers and they will review it after 2 years. 992 runs to date this year. They also make a lot of call outside the city. That’s why they are seeking money from the county also. He would like terms similar to Aurora so it is reviewed in 2 years. Council said by law they cannot distribute Public Safety money to municipalities. Aurora gets their Public safety share and this year it was $315,000. So he should try to get it from that. They can try to re present before July 1??? It’s not a 50/50 split by runs. There are about 150 runs outside Aurora. They separate by zip code and so some of the Aurora zip code might be outside city limits. Council thinks that breaking it down to the runs outside Aurora that are listed in that zip code might help to bolster their case. Opp may come back at a later date. 

Additional Appropriations:

Superior Court II- Judge Sally McLaughlin-

 $50,000 Public Defender fees- found out that they need less - $24,000. Approved.

 $30,000 Security Changes for Hoosier Square- Probation Building. McLaughlin outlined all the logistics of where the scanning goes on with respect to the security detail. They are using a combination of funding to try to remedy this. Maxwell was consulted about how to do this. The county can do $20,000 and Probation and other fees can do $10,000. Ullrich motioned and Doll 2nd for $20,000. Approved. 

Baudendistel was contacted by Steve Kelly on pre-trial release Rule 26 changes. Indiana gave Dearborn and Ohio county grants for $60,000 each to do assessments to try to find mental health and addiction issues etc. These assessment people will be employees of those counties. They want to combine the money for these two counties because they share the courts etc. This interlocal agreement outlines how this all works. Ohio County money will be kept separate in case they want to have it change back to them. It is actually spent 50/50 in their plans.These are judicial grants from the Supreme Court. McLaughlin weighed in on how many people now are in jail awaiting a trial or hearing now for smaller issues. She says it’s much better here than in other counties. This will also be presented to Ohio County for their grant. Council passed a resolution to pass the agreement. They also passed the grant application for the $60,000 grant.   

Sheriff- Jon Winkler - Jail Commander. 

 $24,890 Inmate Safety Rec Yard- because an inmate made a significant hole in it a while ago. Putting cinder block there and then they can do rec together. Two control centers cannot intermingle one is maximum security and one is minimum security so this wall dividing the yard will make staff be able to watch them together. The wall has been gone for 4 years in the old jail side. Goodman wants 3 bids - not just one. Tabled until March or April meeting. 

 $120,000 Touch Screen Door Panels and computers- doors and intercoms operate off these since 2014. Power outage and power glitch doors just open. This was installed in 2012 and extended in 2014. This company is the best one out there, but it’s pricey.John Lee- IT person has reviewed this. Long discussion of the problems and etc safety issues. Approved. 

 $43,700 Jail Doors- In the old jail. Asking for 12 doors in high security areas. If there is a lock down in the jail or a combative inmate they need a pass through slot to put food trays in or hygiene products in or also be able to put restraints on a combative inmate before opening the door and moving them. Approved. 

Highway- Tim Greive, Superintendent

$61,000 for Dump truck replacement. Ratified- already approved. 

$ 704,426-  Cook Road Slip - this is an emergency situation. The homes there will have no way out if this gets worse. 5 year performance guarantee on this. We have used this company several times before. Had one warranty claim and they honored it. Approved. 

Todd Listerman-Grant Application for Bridge #33, 80/20 match, $500,000 is county match. Connie Fromhold presented for Todd Listerman. Approved.

Maintenance- $25,000 Repairs & Maintenance- Leah Bailey presented. Eric Hartmann is usually very  frugal. Approved out of Cum Courthouse to finish the year. 

Coroner- $5,382 Part-time Deputy- Leah Bailey presented this to finish out the year for his runs. Approved out of County General.

Clerk- $1,224 transfer (18500 Overtime) to (30902 Absentee Voter Board)- Leah Bailey presented- just a transfer- Approved. 

EMA -Jason Sullivan-  $140,000 Siren Replacement- 5 Sirens There are 35 sirens in the county. 30 are since 2001. All surrounding counties have outdoor sirens. This comes out of the Public Safety LIT ( Local Income tax) Approved. 

 $ 5,000 Update Mobile Command Phones- Nuvo phones. These can be made to be backup for 911. Commended Jason for getting getting al the funding he has. Approved out of Public Safety LIT. 

Juvenile Center- $8,319 Overtime- Tracy Agner- will use $3K form holiday pay fund. Only need $5319 which can be gotten from a transfer from 11305 fund for the rest. Approved.   

Aurora Public Library- Mary Fields to replace Maureen Eller as Aurora Library Trustee. Approved. Excellent appointment. 

Dearborn County Regional Sewer District- Steve Renihan - Elects to nominate Bill Shelton for position on the board to fill Art Wenzel’s term until 2021. Approved. 

Extension Office- Liz Beiersdorfer- presented to be proactive about future needs. Purchase copiers and updated computers with grants. They will need computers in 2021. Copiers will be good for 4-5 years. Down the line they will have no money for these. Also looking at retirements in office staff- someone who has been there 49 years and another in 35 years. Looking for a person eventually for 2 full time secretaries. $2,000 annually would cover computers. Purdue covers the maintenance agreements. She negotiates hard with the maintenance vendors. Park Board is housed in the County Extension Office. Volunteer hours to 4 H- (1064 hours) and Master Gardeners Program. Council thanked her for the presentation and giving them a heads up on future needs.

Auditor- Connie Fromhold, minutes from September 20, 2019- approved.

Schedule organizational meeting for January 28, 2020 @ 6:30. Approved.

Connie Fromhold, transfer $14,000 (11400 Part-time) to (36100 Public Finance Consultant)- approved.

Updated Salary Ordinances approved. 

Board of Commissioners- GIS Perpetuation Fund & Fee Schedule for Council approval. Updates who actually sits on GIS Board. It also authorizes how they have outsourced to Schneider to run GIS- Approved. 

Ordinance # 2019-010 amending Innkeepers tax to be collected by the Department of Revenue.Approved.

Ordinance 2019-011 Amending Councils Ordinance 1-1999 permitting blanket bonds for Elected 

Officials to be covered under a crimes policy.Approved. 

SIRPC- 2020 appointment to their board. Dennis Kraus Sr appointed go the board. Morris commented that he was doing a good job. 

PUBLIC COMMENT- Jessica Schaffer new district coordinator for soil and water conservation district. Wants to rebuild some partnerships. Council appreciated that. 

Board wished Alan Goodman Happy Birthday. 

ADJOURN: 8:32 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

AGENDA- Nov 26th DC Council Meeting

DEARBORN COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday November 26, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

Henry Dearborn Room

Dearborn County Government Center

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

CALL TO ORDER: Liz Morris, President, Allen Goodman, Vice President, Bill Ullrich, Dennis Kraus, Kevin Turner, Dan Lansing, Tim Doll, Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Leah Bailey, Financial Controller.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE- 

Aurora EMS- Ed Opp-$ 65,000 from Public Safety for additional staff.

Additional Appropriations:

Superior Court II- Judge Sally McLaughlin-

 $50,000 Public Defender

 $30,000 Security Changes for Hoosier Square

Sheriff- Jon Winkler

 $24,890 Inmate Safety Rec Yard

 $120,000 Touch Screen Door Panels

 $43,700 Jail Doors

Highway- Tim Greive

$61,000 for Dump truck replacement. 

$ 704,426- Cook Road Slip

Todd Listerman-Grant Application for Bridge #33, 80/20 match, $500,000 county match.

Maintenance- $25,000 Repairs & Maintenance

Coroner- $5,382 Part-time Deputy

Clerk- $1,224 transfer (18500 Overtime) to (30902 Absentee Voter Board)

EMA - $140,000 Siren Replacement- 5 Sirens

            $ 5,000 Update Mobile Command Phones

Juvenile Center- $8,319 Overtime

Aurora Public Library- Mary Fields to replace Maureen Eller as Aurora Library Trustee. 

Dearborn County Regional Sewer District- Steve Renihan

Elects to nominate Bill Shelton for position on the board to fill Art Wenzel’s term.

Extension Office- Liz Beiersdorfer

Auditor- Connie Fromhold, minutes from September 20, 2019

Schedule organizational meeting for January 28, 2020 @ 6:30.

Connie Fromhold, transfer $14,000 (11400 Part-time) to (36100 Public Finance Consultant)

Board of Commissioners- GIS Perpetuation Fund & Fee Schedule for Council approval.

Ordinance # 2019-010 amending Innkeepers tax to be collected by the 

Department of Revenue.

Ordinance 2019-011 Amending Councils Ordinance 1-1999 permitting blanket bonds for Elected 

Officials to be covered under a crimes policy.

SIRPC- 2020 appointment to their board.

PUBLIC COMMENT- 

ADJOURN: 

Does IN Tax Its Residents More or Less Than Other States?

Does Indiana Tax Its Residents
More Or Less than Other States

by Maryann O. Keating, Ph.D.

Larry DeBorg and Tamara Ogle of Purdue University presented a comprehensive webinar last month entitled “On Local Government: A Look at State and Local Taxes in Indiana.” It is worthwhile summarizing a few of their findings.  

The webinar, sponsored by Community Development Extension, asked, “How high or low are Indiana’s taxes compared with other states?” It analyzed Indiana’s tax regime both in terms of economic incentives and in taxes paid by low income households.  

In 2016, residents in Indiana’s four surrounding states paid higher percentages of their personal income in state and local taxes. Hoosiers, like those in Texas and Utah, remitted approximately 8.5 percent to 10 percent of their incomes to local and state government. Those living in New York, North Dakota, Maine, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Vermont paid 11 percent or more.      
 
However, Indiana’s 7 percent sales-tax rate is tied for 2nd highest in the U.S. Indiana relies more heavily on general sales taxes than most other states. Except for groceries, the Indiana sales tax is widely applied to most goods and services. A wide sales-tax base is desirable given economists’ fear of distortions resulting from exemptions granted certain industries.  

Fortunately, local cities or counties within Indiana do not have a sales tax in addition to the general sales tax. Indiana is also less likely than other states to depend on selective miscellaneous or motor vehicle taxes.    

Indiana’s income tax is a flat tax, meaning that higher income households pay more but at the same rate as lower income households. Although Indiana remains in the bottom third of states relying on income-tax revenue, it is one of the few states in which some towns and counties assess an additional local income tax.    

Local property tax rates in Indiana are capped, but obviously the amount paid depends heavily on how property is assessed.  Property values in Indiana tend to be low relative to the rest of the country, and the amount collected as a percent of home values is 0.82 percent. This is well below the average U.S. rate.

A chart breaks down the shares of total tax revenue collected by various types of state and local taxes in Indians and for the whole of the U.S. It shows that compared with Indiana, states as a whole depend more on property and less on sales taxes. It shows as well that the share paid on individual and corporate income taxes exceeds that of the U.S. as a whole.  

The Purdue webinar went on to show that Indiana taxes are pretty evenly balanced between types of taxes as compared with states such as  New Hampshire with no general sales tax but raising 65 percent of its state and local revenue with property taxes.  

Taxes should have low collection costs for both taxpayers and government. In addition, taxes can be evaluated on two criteria: first, on non-interference with household and business private decision-making; and secondly, on fairness both in terms of services received and in not contributing to income inequality. Two organizations that evaluate state and local taxes are the Tax Foundation and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).   

The Tax Foundation in 2019 rated Indiana 10th best of all states in having a healthy business climate.  Indiana achieved this ranking for the most part due to relatively low rates applied broadly and for having flat rates on individual and corporate income.  

On the other hand, ITEP ranks Indiana 12th worse in terms of promoting post-tax income equality. The 20 percent of Indiana households at the bottom of the income scale pay between 12 and 13 percent of their before-transfer income in state and local income taxes; whereas the high income top 20 percent of households pay somewhere between 7 and 8 percent. The difference to a large degree results from Indiana’s reliance on regressive sales taxes. Lower income people spend rather than save and hence pay a higher share of their income in sales taxes. In addition, Indiana does not compensate for its regressive sales tax with progressive higher income-tax rates.  Indiana does, however, offer a refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.  

Indiana ranks above neighboring states, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Illinois, in terms of Business Tax Climate and above Illinois in terms of ITEP’s Tax Equality Ranking. The Purdue study singles out Utah for further analysis, because it manages to attain the same relatively high ranking as Indiana on Business Climate but ranks much higher in terms of Tax Equality. Utah’s low income families benefit from income-tax credits and deductions and a lower sales-tax rate. 
 
Factors unrelated to tax structure can affect the variation in taxes paid as a percentage of income between low- and high-income households. For example, Utah’s pre-tax median income is relatively high allowing some lower income households to save as well as spend. Also, pre-tax income equality in Utah exceeds that of any other state in the country; thus, differences between households in the percentages of income paid in state and local taxes tend to be smaller.    

How state and local spending reallocates income between households is a completely different story and beyond the scope of how tax revenue is collected. Hoosiers need to decide the extent to which both the state and local tax and spending regimes reflect personal priorities. 

Meanwhile, we might derive some satisfaction in knowing that as a percentage of personal income we presently enjoy relatively low taxes compared with other states and the country in general.  

Maryann O. Keating, Ph.D., a resident of South Bend and an adjunct scholar of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, is co-author of “Microeconomics for Public Managers,” Wiley/Blackwell.

(Chart Source: “On Local Government: A Look at State and Local Taxes in Indiana," Purdue Extension, Oct. 16, 2019.)

19 November 2019 AEP SITE CLEANUP PRESENTATION and DC Commissioners Meeting Notes

19 November 2019 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Art Little, and Rick Probst

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.

OLD BUSINESS-  none

NEW BUSINESS

YES Home Project Updates- Tamara Taylor- passed out info to Commissioners - maintenance and repairs- roof completed and the garage roof and gutters are finished. Rebuilding the doors to basement from outside and secured. Old water line that fed boiler cut out. Windows (about 20) around foundation with grating and these are being closed in. Excavation and drainage improved. Window replacement with grant from Community Foundation. Grant for doors to be replaced. Chimney needs to be removed or tuck pointed. No purpose for it. Probably tuck point and cap as it is cheaper. Occupancy certificate needed for the insurance transfer.  

Blighted Property- Old North Dearborn Elementary School @ 5687 North Dearborn Rd- Nicole Daily, Zoning Administrator

From OCRA they have a Four factor analysis, Appointment of Public Hearing Officer to hold public meetings about the school if necessary in the process, Authorization of Submission to get updates when the grant is awarded and completed in 18 months, and Resolution for Spot Blight so this is not a whole area of blight. Health Dept and Building Inspector involved. There is black mold in the one floor and carpets and asbestos. 70,000 sq ft of flooring with asbestos in it and some piping that will require abatement first. Gym floor buckling. Commissioners approved and signed off on Public Hearing officers (Susan Craig or Nicole Daily), submission authorization, four factor analysis, and the resolution for spot blight. 

Cook Road Repair - Highway Supt- Tim Grieve- wants to approach Council for additional money for repair on 2 major slips with 536 ft to fix. Two bids. Also installing guardrail. Commisisoners declared an emergency on Cook Road to repair. there are 7 landowners behind the slip and won’t be able to get out or get services. If it completely collapses it will cost far more- millions of dollars. GSI- $704,000 plus with no guard rail in the bid.  McAllister was $2,548,000 plus. Both are still in the area to be able to start on this. 5 year guarantee on the GSI fix. Piering would require large amounts of concrete up that little road as specified in the McAllister type fix. 

Commissioners signed the emergency resolution for Cook Road after Baudendistel read it into the record. Grieve was approved to approach Council for the money. GSI is the lowest bid. 

Highway Engineer - Todd Listerman: represented by Sue Hayden-

Amendment #2 LPA Contract Bridge #5 East Laughery Creek Road- INDOT contract. The original was in 2014. It increased the amount of money also. Approved and signed.

Grant/Federal Aid- Bridge #33 North Hogan Replacement- Match is $400,000 and requesting $2 million. Approved the grant application. 

ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden: 

Midwest Data Support Contract- same as previous years - for 2020 and verbiage added for tech services. $4,500 /year, $99/hr, and $75/ hr for remote work. Approved.

SIRPC 2020 Rep appointment-  SE Indiana Regional Planning Commission - Art Little was reappointed to that board.

Health Board Appointment- Dr Eliason- was reappointed to the Health Board for 3 years.

AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold  -Claims and Minutes from November 6th were approved. The claims schedule for 2020 was approved. 

ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- nothing this evening.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION- TIM MALONEY- HOOSIER ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL- TANNERS CREEK PLANT CLEANUP UPDATE- Hoosier Environmental Council does statewide work to shape environmental policy in Indiana since 1983. They were not here to address the Port but the clean-up would affect when and if the Port could locate there.One of the things they have worked on for many years is coal ash. CCRs or coal combustion residual waste is a major pollutant after coal is burned. 

In 2009 it got national attention when a billion gallons of coal ash got dumped into in the Emery River. This waste stream was largely unregulated by the federal government up to then. Ash can cause contamination via  fugitive dust, surface water, ground water, and spills. Coal ash is small- 1 micrometer, so it can get deep into lungs when you breathe it.

Indiana has 86 closed coal ash impoundments, the largest amount of any state in U.S. Indiana has had 2 major spills to White River. 17 power plant site have confirmed contamination of groundwater. Town of Pines by Lake Michigan is a Super Fund site by EPA. Most residents of Pines have water brought in from Michigan City now though some are still getting bottled water. 

States and power companies are currently excavating numerous sites around US  and putting it in lined secure areas. 

Federal  rules in 2015 and Indiana rules have closure plans to close in place or mine it to move it to engineered, safely lined sites. 

Tanners Creek LLC initially thought they were not subject to federal rules but now knows they are subject to federal rules. Their Fly Ash pond has had some spills this summer that were cleaned up Main fly ash pond is unlined pond. Tanners Creek LLC  is attempting to close in place. IDEM is monitoring that process and various permits have been issued  and revised etc. Maloney listed the the timeline of those quickly.

There is a permitted landfill at the AEP site and they were denied the ability to get more brought in from OHIO, due to letters and concerns from the locals here. (which would have added to our pollution issue) 

Tanners Creek Plant - has coal ash is sitting in and saturated by groundwater. When coal ash is dry, it can be managed. When it gets wet the metals leach out leading to environmental problems. (It is hard to see how coal ash could stay dry in a flood plain.)

Boring samples show coal ash down to about 40 ft. Groundwater is above some of this so the coal ash is in the groundwater. River and groundwater are exchanging levels as the rains and dry spells come and go.

Recorded near the landfill - Boron 2.6  which is close to the 3 limit.

Arsenic .027 so its twice the drinking water standard. 

Typical flow is toward Aurora and LMS wells. When the groundwater is high the flow goes in other directions. When floods occur it goes backward toward the river.

Mayor Hastings of Aurora wrote a letter to IDEM regarding cleanup- as coal ash is starting to affect their wells. They are cleaning it out so it is not in the final drinking water. City of Lawrenceburg is not at immediate risk at this time. 

The only way to reduce the risk from these sites is to dig it up and moved to lined sites. 

The river area is not a secure area for this type of CCR storage. 30 year monitoring time is all Tanners Creek LLC is required to do post closure. (so if you build business in the area and it fails in 30 years, what happens?)

20 mil PVC liner on the one pond the other is unlined. 

Maloney urged them to dig it up and move it for a safe fix. 

Questions from the audience- Aurora Mayor elect Drury, Bill Ullrich, County Council, myself, were answered - Commissioners didn’t have questions. Mr Maloney was limited to about 20 minutes for his presentation.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Little- Miller Township fixed cemeteries looking good.

Thatcher- holidays are time for family and friends. Ken Madden started a group for people to come to the Adult Center from 12-4 on Christmas Day to socialize. Calling it “A Christmas With Friends” Wants people to get the word out for people who don’t have anyone to share Christmas with.

LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none

PUBLIC COMMENT- none

ADJOURN- 6:28 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

18 November 2019 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

18 November 2019 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

Present: Dennis Kraus, Jr., Chairman, Russell Beiersdorfer, Mark Lehman, Michael Lynch, Jake Hoog, Bill Ullrich, Jim Thatcher, and Eric Lang

ABSENT: John Hawley

Also Present: Mark McCormack, Plan Director, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.

Title VI Statement read as required by law.

ACTION ON MINUTES- Minutes from October meeting were approved

OLD BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS: The case below was withdrawn by the Applicant:

Request: Waiver from Article 3, Section 315c of the Subdivision Control Ordinance for the purpose of creating a nonconforming panhandle tract for building purposes. Applicant: Seig Surveying Owners: Timothy & Janette Colgate Site Location: 4392 Mulberry Lane Legal: Sec. 5, T 6N, R 1W, Parcel# 15-06-05-500-005.000-020 Township: Miller Zoning: Agricultural (A) Size: 61.184 Acres

ADMINISTRATIVE:

Proposed changes regarding minimum square footage requirements for residential uses and Manufactured and Mobile Homes; Article 25, Table 25.1 and Section 2564 of the Zoning Ordinance; Article 27 Definitions (Manufactured and Mobile Homes)- this ties in to the minimum sized home they were discussing. McCormack discussed the HUD requirements and the minimum square footage of the nome would have to be 400 sq ft minimum (there is also a 320 sq ft for FHA financed homes)  instead of the old 950 sq ft that was in the ordinance. Bill Shelton, Building Inspector, explained some of the rules for the tiny homes. He said he had seen a small home of 600 sq ft one floor and loft of 200 sq ft. Lang said they run into problems wit the foundations, coated blocks, and tie downs on the mobile homes meeting HUD requirements. Mortgages can be a problem if they don’t meet the government backed mortgage rules. Codes might need to be there to protect people from themselves. Some of the requirements are cheaper to do ahead of placing the home on the site and more expensive after the fact - like 10 times the cost. Shelton said they can suggest to the state to put some of this in code. The one they were discussing was a 1996 standard and this could really help owners at resale time. Shelton proposed getting the code revised and submitted to the state for consideration. Lang will help him. Shelton said that they will implement the idea at the desk as a suggestion right now so that they will be prepared when they resell some day. Shelton was fine with the 400 sq ft minimum. The Planning ordinance will not have the HUD requirements in it as the Building Dept. will take care of this. The Planning Board chose Option 1 as presented for the rewrite of the mobile home square footage requirements. Board approved sending a favorable recommendation to the commissioners for this change. All single family homes shall have  a minimum of 400 sq ft in size not including garage. They also amended Table 25-1 and forwarded a favorable recommendation to Commissioners for the as well. 

Proposed changes regarding setbacks for accessory structures that house animals; Sections 910, 1010, and 1030 of the Zoning Ordinance; Article 27 Definitions (Kennel)- some relatively minor changes were proposed regarding the number of domesticated animals being kept and the distance they need to be from lot lines. Board sent changes to Commissioners with Favorable recommendations. 

Proposed Access Points on Local Roads Section 2416 #2 was proposed to have a change to reflect having a second access if they have at least 150 ft of frontage. This was not on agenda but could be forwarded tonight. Planning Board forwarded changes with a favorable recommendation.  

Discussion regarding the acreage and setback requirements for ponds; Article 25, Section 2554 of the Zoning Ordinance- this will be handled at a later meeting. No meeting in December as there are no cases.  

Updates, related to Planning & Zoning staff activities:

1. Trying to do something for the property owners in Langley Heights.
2. Submitted the 2050 Plan to OKI. Also had a meeting for Trails including cities and towns. May also do some changes to ordinances for trails or alternatives for sidewalks. Need plans to get grants for funding sources for the trails.
3. 2020 Census work and meeting with community reps for the census. Wanting to be sure we get a good count for our funding for transportation etc 50,000 is a cut-off point for some grants. Some of these kick you into higher categories. 
4. North DearbornWater rules are causing some issues. They need to update their by-laws. It is causing variance requests with BZA. Your meter has to be on your property is one rule. This must relate to private lines???? This is proceeding slowly through getting changes done. 
5. Meeting tomorrow night at Commissioners will have an update on the Port site at old AEP and the clean up process from Hoosier Environmental Council, Tim Maloney speaking. Several Plan Commission representatives will be there as well as Nicole Daily.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM 

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg 

What's Happening with the Clean Up at the Tanners Creek Plant Site in Lawrenceburg?

What's Happening with the Clean Up at the Tanners Creek Plant Site in Lawrenceburg?

An Update on CleanUp Process at the Tanners Creek Plant Site
 ( Old AEP site) in Lawrenceburg will be the subject of a Special Presentation by Tim Maloney from the Hoosier Environmental Council in Indianapolis to the Dearborn County Commissioners. This will be during their regular meeting on Tuesday Nov 19th starting at 5 PM. The meeting takes place in the Henry Dearborn Room at the Dearborn County Government Center, 125 Mary Street- across from the Lawrenceburg Library.

AGENDA 19 November 2019 DC Commissioners Meeting

AGENDA

DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

November 19, 2019 - Wednesday

5:00 p.m. Henry Dearborn Room

Dearborn County Government Center

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

VII. NEW BUSINESS

1.  YES Home Project Updates – Tamara Taylor

2.  Blighted Property @ 5687 N. Dearborn Rd. - Nicole Daily, Zoning Administrator

1.  Four Factor Analysis

2.  Appointment of Public Hearing Officer

3.  Authorization of Submission

4.  Resolution for Spot Blight

3.  Cook Road Repair - Highway Superintendent, Tim Greive

4.  Highway Engineer, Todd Listerman

1.  Amendment #2 LPA Contract – Bridge #5, East Laughery Creek Road

2.  Grant / Federal Aid - Bridge #33, N. Hogan Road Replacement

VIII. ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden

1.  Midwest Data Support Contract

2.  SIRPC 2020 Rep Appointment

3.  Health Board Appointment – Dr. Eliason

IX. AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold

1.  Claims/Payroll/Minutes

X. ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel

XI. SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Tanners Creek Cleanup Update - Tim Malone, Hoosier Environmental Council

XII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

XIII. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENT

XV. ADJOURN

14 November 2019 Dearborn County Redevelopment Meetin

14 November 2019 Dearborn County Redevelopment Meeting Notes

Present: Jim Deaton, Chairman, Dave Deddens, Diane Bender, Alan Goodman, and Jim Helms.

ABSENT: Jamie Graf (non- voting school board member)

Also present:Sue Hayden, county administrator and minute taker, Andrea Ewan, attorney, Connie Fromhold, Auditor and DCRC treasurer.

Title VI statement read as legally required.

EXECUTIVE SESSION @ 8:00 a.m. 

IC §5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (2) (D) which pertains to discussing strategy with the respect to the purchase or lease of real property by the governing body up to the time a contract or option to purchase or lease is executed by the parties.  And also, IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (4) to discuss interviews and negotiations with industrial or commercial prospects or agents of industrial or commercial prospects by the Indiana economic development corporation, the office of tourism development, the Indiana finance authority, an economic development commission, a local economic development organization (as defined in IC 5-28-11-2(3)), or a governing body of a political subdivision.  

Memorandum from executive session- was approved stating that they did not deviate from the advertised content at the meeting.

Action from executive session- none taken.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES- September 12 meeting minutes approved. 

CLAIMS AND FINANCIAL REVIEW- claim from Baker and Tilly -(formerly Umbaugh) for Whitewater Bond Work and the landscaping company for mowing- approved. Financials passed out. No questions on them.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS: Blighted Property Program- Nicole Daily, Zoning Administrator - summary of the light elimination program was given to the board. Moving into 2020 has left $130,000 surplus to do 6 additional homes in 2020. There are 2 homes in Guilford that were flooded in 2018 and the damages are over 50% of the structure value. One is insured and one is not. They can go through the buyout program FEMA has that will demo the homes and turns it over to county with building restrictions as they are in flood plain. Can also work with redevelopment to purchase the properties for redevelopment. Elevation is 494ft. Base elevation is 494.4ft= so they could put 2 ft of fill on to develop. No septic could be used here. Only works if sewers come in. The program only lasts until 2020. Mortgage is paid off on the one with insurance. Match from property owners is 10% and their volunteer hours figure in to that match also. Have to know where the mortgage is on these properties. Four more structures that she will be taking out also. The board members are taking this under advisement for now. Not sure what they would do with the property. But it would protect property values there and get it back on tax rolls eventually perhaps.

DCRC wanted to see if the program could be used for the old house on the stone property. They would have to do a public hearing and a public partner agreement for it. Then she’d do a bid package for asbestos testing. And bid for demo. Program is strict on asbestos. Old septic tanks have to be removed- 3 septic tanks. Also includes tree removal if part of the property. Nicole will have to do inspection on West Harrison. 

Last day of January is the final date they could decide on what the board wants to do.  

ONE DEARBORN REPORT:Randall let them know that St. Leon site will undergo a $10,000 Duke Site Readiness program. They have someone who is actually looking at that site.This would be good for the TIF up there.  

ATTORNEY’S REPORT- none

OTHER BUSINESS- next meeting will be before Thanksgiving. Next regular meeting is Jan 9th. The meetings will be the 2nd Thursday every other month at 8 AM

ADJOURNMENT -  9:40 AM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

AGENDA November 18th Plan Commission Meeting

PLAN COMMISSION AGENDA

 Monday, November 18th, 2019 7:00 P.M.

 *Location: Henry Dearborn Meeting Room, 1st floor of new building addition (on the left)
in the Dearborn County Government Center

 A. ROLL CALL

B. ACTION ON MINUTES

C. OLD BUSINESS – NONE TO BE RE-OPENED

D. NEW BUSINESS Request: Waiver from Article 3, Section 315c of the Subdivision Control Ordinance for the purpose of creating a nonconforming panhandle tract for building purposes. Applicant: Seig Surveying Owners: Timothy & Janette Colgate Site Location: 4392 Mulberry Lane Legal: Sec. 5, T 6N, R 1W, Parcel# 15-06-05-500-005.000-020 Township: Miller Zoning: Agricultural (A) Size: 61.184 Acres

E. ADMINISTRATIVE Ordinances
 Proposed changes regarding minimum square footage requirements for residential uses and Manufactured and Mobile Homes; Article 25, Table 25.1 and Section 2564 of the Zoning Ordinance; Article 27 Definitions (Manufactured and Mobile Homes)
  Proposed changes regarding setbacks for accessory structures that house animals; Sections 910, 1010, and 1030 of the Zoning Ordinance; Article 27 Definitions (Kennel)
  Discussion regarding the acreage and setback requirements for ponds; Article 25, Section 2554 of the Zoning Ordinance
 Updates, related to Planning & Zoning staff activities

AGENDA Nov 14 DC Redevelopment Commission Meeting and Executive Session

 AGENDA

DEARBORN COUNTY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS MEETING

November 14, 2019

9:00 a.m. 1^st Floor Henry Dearborn Room

Dearborn County Government Center

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

EXECUTIVE SESSION @ 8:00 a.m. 

IC §5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (2) (D) which pertains to discussing strategy with the respect to the purchase or lease of real property by the governing body up to the time a contract or option to purchase or lease is executed by the parties.  And also, IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (4) to discuss interviews and negotiations with industrial or commercial prospects or agents of industrial or commercial prospects by the Indiana economic development corporation, the office of tourism development, the Indiana finance authority, an economic development commission, a local economic development organization (as defined in IC 5-28-11-2(3)), or a governing body of a political subdivision.  

1.     Call to order

1.     Title VI Statement for Compliance

1.     Memorandum for Executive Session

1.     Action from Executive Session

1.     Approval of Minutes

1.  September 12, 2019 Meeting

1.     Claims & Financials

1.  Claims

2.  Financial Review

1. VII.Unfinished Business 

1. VIII.New Business

1.  Blighted Property Program- Nicole Daily, Zoning Administrator

1.     One Dearborn Report 

1.  Updates

1.     Attorney’s Report

1.     Other Business

1. XII.Adjournment

6 November 2019 DC Commissioners Meeting Notes

6 November 2019 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Art Little, and Rick Probst

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.

OLD BUSINESS

Acceptance of Bids- SIRPC- Kerry McConnell- SE Indiana Regional Planning Commission Kerry for Patty Jackson- from last meeting. She presented each of the addresses and the lowest bidders and their bids. Commissioners approved the Owner occupied rehab program and those bids. One of the bidders withdrew his bids for some of the properties and only did 2 properties per Baudendistel.  

NEW BUSINESS

Election Updates-  Clerk of Courts Gayle Pennington - 26% turnout and in 2015 was a 29% turnout. Got all positive feedback for the voting system. Election staff will be heading to conference next month. Uneventful election. 

Extension Office Contract with Purdue and Dearborn County- Liz Beiersdorfer presented the contractual agreement. This has been done annually since 1902. No questions for her. She thanked them for their support. Commissioners approved the contract and Thatcher signed all copies. 

County Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) EMA Director, Jason Sullivan sent copies and Probst made a few changes which were incorporated. Administrative changes and corrections were just what was made. Next year there will be a revision of this plan. This updates the plan to 2019. Last update was in 2013. It has to be signed by 2 of the 3 current commissioners. Approved and signed.  

Highway Engineer- Todd Listerman:

LPA Consulting Contract Bridge #64 Sneakville Road last year we were awarded federal funds. USI Consulting was the design firm selected. $71,700 is the INDOT contracted amount. This is preliminary design to decide how to do the bridge. After that they do a supplemental when they have the plan. We pay 20% of this amount as it is an 80/20 contract. Approved and signed. 

CCMG 2019-2 INDOT LPA Contract - Awarded $999,884 for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. This does portions of Jamison Road, Kaiser Rd, Kelcey Rd, County Farm, North Hogan, and Rubel Road. We provide an equal amount to this contract to do these roads.

Completed Pavement Access Management Plan and uploaded so they will be available for the next years Community Crossings Money.

Call for federal aid to apply for funds for Bridge #33 on North Hogan. It’s a new structure as the old one is too far gone. This will be scheduled for 2026. 

2019 Bridge Inspection Update from American Structurepointe. Brand new bridges go out 48 months. Most are on 2 year cycle and some are in a condition that warrants 12 month inspections. There is a thumb drive available in Sue Hayden’s office if anyone wants to review the inspections in detail or seek out a particular bridge. Ryan Cummins and Derrick Day presented. 101 active structures with one closed structure. 5 fracture critical truss structures and Bridge 95 which is the closed truss structure. 13 bridges are annual. 15-18 bridges in poor condition. Majority in fair and 25 in good condition. These ratings affect how to get federal dollars for repair and replacement. 75 year life cycle of each bridge. Looking at options to keep fair ones in the fair category longer. 22 structures have been reconstructed for replaced in last 10 years. 18need $11million of construction costs not counting design. Add another 50% in costs for design, ROW and acquisition and mitigation problems for wetlands. There is a schedule for these bridges to be worked on and funding received. Old Kuebel Road Bridge is to be removed so it will fall off the report. Coming up with funding determines what gets done and when. Small bridge crew of 4 people was eliminated over the years due to attrition. Bridge crew could do the maintenance items. Many counties are reactivating the bridge crews for the summer. Cleaning the bridges and getting salt and debris out of the bridge joints. Trees and scrub removal eliminates scour. We do some work with highway crew- just do not have a dedicated crew. Riprap, painting patching epoxy thin deck overlays at 5-10 years. they have done several overlays in past years via contracted work. Salt penetration is a degradation problem. There are 10 more structures that will have a lower weight limit now due to new requirements. Bridge 33 and another one have been lowered due to condition. Emergency vehicles here max out at 39-40 tons. Maintenance for salt issues extends the life a bridge much farther out. Similar to chip sealing. 

Letter of Notification between BOC and 95th Civil Affairs Brigade- Rick Probst - Going to be in SE Indiana are doing some exercises looking at some of our vulnerabilities. Jason Sullivan and Probst are pints of contact. 2/19-3/4 will be here doing their exercises. Letter of notification was acknowledged. They will let us know of the vulnerabilities they find. 

OKI 2020 Board of Commissioners Representative Appointment - Sue Hayden presented. This expires in January. Rick Probst is current and was reappointed by commissioners. 

Ratify Signature on Support Letter for Hydrogen Super Highway- Sue Hayden presented. In mid October- Jim Jung asked them to support this project. Lawrenceburg had applied for a grant. Letter to be sent to Director of Transportation Ciao.  

ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden- nothing more

AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold  -Claims/Minutes from October 15th approved.

Veterans Grant Application for $ 6000 approved. 

ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- nothing

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- 

Probst- nice event at YES Home and the McLaughlin Rec Center there dedicated. Roof replacement $43,105 paid off there by Commissioners

Vance Tousey  Event also nice.

Aurora Casket site-  On site Emergency exercise with several fire depts. and HAZMAT teams etc 

Housing Study results from One Dearborn presented last week.

Monday at 11 AM Veterns day observance at Courthouse

Another presentation  of hazardous materials 

Saturday Aurora Lions Club Pancake breakfast.

Little- reiterated the Hazmat exercise was good

Thatcher- congrats in uneventful voting session and Aurora Lions Pancake breakfast 

LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none

PUBLIC COMMENT

Asked what the Hydrogen Super highway is. - a prototype rail system fueled by hydrogen. 

ADJOURN- 10 AM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township