24 February 2020 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Dennis Kraus, Jr., Chairman, Russell Beiersdorfer, John Hawley, Mark Lehman, Michael Lynch, Jake Hoog, Bill Ullrich, and Jim Thatcher
ABSENT: Eric Lang
Also Present: Mark McCormack, Plan Director, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.
ACTION ON MINUTES - none to approve. Draft minutes will be out later this week for next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS: none
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Ordinances:
Proposed changes regarding Site Plan Review process; Article 23, Sections 2305, 2310, and 2315- Minor changes in 2305 to match up with state codes, 2310 has a couple procedural clarifications in site plan reviews, 2315 had changes in the timing of the application and approval process.
Thatcher had some questions that were brought up as he was hearing complaints about all the time it takes to get through the processes. Board noted that the county moves faster than most areas around us- especially across the state line. There are longer times required if there is a flood plane issue or a zone change. Incomplete information or missing information can sow the process also. Thatcher noted that he was just asking as he had been approached about this.
Tabling that extends beyond 90 days has been an issue in the past. Sometimes the ones with conditions can create a host of issue also when they are not met. Fees will be assessed for additional reviews in some cases.
Lehman said they have issues getting all the utility letters for subdivision reviews. McCormack said they will get to that in the subdivision review process later.
Ullrich and Lehmann took turns made motions to pass favorable recommendations to approve the changes in each of the 3 sections including the highlighted texts. Unanimous approval of each of the 3 motions.
Proposed changes regarding roof and subsurface drainage; Article 3, Section 325.5 C. of the Subdivision Control Ordinance regarding residential lot grading, erosion control, and drainage. County Engineer, Stormwater Coordinator, and others have been wanting these changes for quite a while, because of issues from where people are putting their perimeter drains too close to streets and rights of way. Kraus, Jr. noted that they don’t have a good way to enforce this. Planning and Zoning doesn’t do onsite inspections of these items. It seems that building or highway dept are most affected by this. Wood Ridge Subdivision was discussed with examples of some of these issues. McCormack wants to have a discussion with tech review on how to inspect and enforce this. Historically, Planning asks building inspectors to flag drainage items so that the county engineer or Planning goes out to inspect it. This code then enables enforcement.
Hoog asked about clarifying whether they needed both sets of directions on the discharge of the water. McCormack said the highway dept wanted it to be sure it stressed keeping it away from the street. Beiersdorfer asked about the 3 different setbacks. Kraus, Jr. said there are issues with stormwater and how far and fast it can go. Motions made by Beiersdorfer and Lehmann to give a favorable recommendation to commissioners on the proposed changes. Passed.
Discussion and recommendations regarding a potential Zoning Ordinance & Map Project—focused on updating the County’s Agricultural and Residential Zoning Districts - McCormack went to 3 different groups to get 3 estimates from American Structurepointe, Taylor Seeker Williams joined with GRW lowest bid , and Calfy Zoning a law based firm from Cincinnati, lowest on option a and highest bid on option b. 4 public workshops - 6 public workshops in each proposal. Text changes and map changes. $3000 is the dollar difference among the 3. Kraus, Jr. wants to have someone form Indiana. McCormack knows the project leaders for the 2 IN firms. There has been a lot of turnover in Structurepointe in last couple years. He also knows the one form GRW and they did a good on Moores Hill. He also knows more people in that firm. They are both good groups. Discussion about what the master plan recommendations were regarding using the current land use plan to drive some of the rezones. Also to not just order a zone map or overlays to rile up people. Commissioners are funding these studies. Trying to get the public involved and advised of the meetings and workshops will go by newspaper, radio, etc. Possibly put signs out as in zone changes or developments.
Board sent a favorable recommendation to Commissioners for Taylor Seeker Williams and GRW for the Zoning Map Project for Ag and Residential Zone additions to the County map.
Updates, related to Planning & Zoning staff activities
McCormack trying to get a new assistant planners Derrick went to become Aurora’s City Manager
Have an intern and she’s been helpful and updating the community profile. This can be slid into the Comp plan also and is on the web page.
New code enforcement person has been hired. References spoke well of her also She used to collect child support payments.
All the planning bills that they were worried about that took out Home Rule were killed. This is a good thing.
OKI transportation plan needs input so trying to get more people to take the survey on their site.
Hoping to have an annual report on PZ soon.
Baudendistel will not be here for March meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
