19 OCTOBER 2021 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES
Present: Art Little, and Rick Probst (acting president)
Also present: Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator
ABSENT:Jim Thatcher (illness) and Connie Fromhold, Auditor
TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.
OLD BUSINESS- none
NEW BUSINESS
Villages of Sugar Ridge Discussion- Dennis Richter- Dennis Richter asked to be put on the agenda for a discussion regarding issues and problems residents in the Villages of Sugar Ridge are having with a builder. He has become a “spokesperson” for the homeowners affected by this builder. Several property owner’s that adjoin lot 54 may speak as well as a few that have been damaged by him.
His experience with the county has been good helping him with their issues with their builder up there, We have a builder in our community that has left property damage to the adjoining properties. They have issues with the golf course also. The county has had issues with the golf cart path. He’s like a bull in a china shop- breaking a lot of things out there. Soil erosion issue as he has back filled properties that are drainage areas. Would like to see problems corrected prior to him building more. Our mission today is to inform and request.
Property in question is less than half the size of those around it. It’s not good for future development. This was a green space in the community and cared for by the community ever since developer, Macke, went bankrupt.There may be a court action by the people who have been taking care of it.
They have an issue with the plot- that needs a correction - before anyone starts building on that thing.
Hidden Valley has an architectural committee that works hand in hand with the county. In Sugar Ridge they don’t have an appetite for HOAs. We are asking for time- to do the research before this gets done. It’s a good community- and we have a little slice of heaven up there. We have an unheavenly body up there and we need some archangels to do battle. Laughter.
Mike Griffin- lives at 121 Oakmont and is next to Mr Weis’s lot. He got a variance to build the house he wants. Weiss needed a variance from him and the other neighbor, Rick. Weiss wanted $28,000 for the lot that he had paid $17,000 for a month ago. He put rocks there to annoy Griffin and said they needed to be off his property or he’d call the police.
Rick moved there about 3 years ago with Sequoia as builders. I had to make 7% brick and made it the way the county wanted it. I asked him nicely to not be on my lot - he needed a survey. He was dropping boulders on my property. Someone has to check things. Maybe hold his permit to get things checked.
Dennis Richter said that there is not homogeneous coding up there.
Dave Mink- He’s been a Hamilton County Inspector. He thinks the county inspectors are overwhelmed. Have never seen anything like this being approved. This builder is getting away with a lot of misrepresentation of practices. There is no unity on the way he puts a building together. Somebody needs to keep an eye on this builder. I’ve seen too much of his practices and his abilities. His wrap and Tyvek are issues. Shingles are not appropriate. etc. In this house there is large settlement on the Right Rear corner of the house. There are a number of encroachments on neighbors properties. I moved in May and looked at these lots. There is a number of trailers, rocks etc there that were supposed to be moved by Oct 16.There is equipment and staging materials on the lots.
Lonnie- a builder and remodeler in the county for 40 years. You don’t have to have a licensed surveyor to plot your house on your lot. You should have to do this to get the setbacks right. I live right across the street from this house. DNR sent out a game warden about the erosion control issues. If we can’t turn to our county for help, who do we turn to? He is essentially storing all his equipment there. You guy’s have run into this guy before in HVL. He thinks he can get away with anything. Many people say we have to do a civil suit. We’d like to have his permit held for 30-60 days. He will start as soon as he can and leave the foundation open.
Rick Murphy- produced the drawings for commissioners. Lived there for 15 years. Had to get a variance to have their houses set back where they are. Macke screwed a lot of people. All we are looking for is someone to help us keep this nice community. About 85% retired there.
Rick from next door to this guy- the county had given them the pages of requirements we had to adhere to. Builder Weiss needs to obey also.
Dennis Richter- you are our guys- you are the ones we need to help us. Don’t let the monster in.
Probst- Thanked everyone for coming- You are the eyes. This allows us to try to take some actions, which we have to think about. Asked Baudendistel whether they could stretch time. Baudendistel said they have to find out if there is a permit issue.
Richter extended a personal invitation to them to see the community. They have 36 buildings going up there.
Baudendistel-If any of you have any evidence of permit violations let us know. Inspections are public records.
Resident from Sugar Ridge - He has siding on the whole house. There are 8 different sets of covenants and restrictions in the community per Baudendistel.
Richter- looking for more of a political than legal solution. Baudendistel said he has to inform commissioners of their legal options.
Richter- Setback is wrong off of Augusta for his property.Thinks he has a friend in the county- getting away with this.
Mark McCormack, Planning Director- took exception with the comment that there was friend in the office. McCormack said they have a history of taking people to court when they need to. Trying to hold people to the standards of the code. WE need to have information that shows a violation.
[NOTE: PUD- planned unit development for Sugar Ridge. HVL has one set of rules for all of their homes. Sugar Ridge has numerous sets of covenants. The developer or HOA or homeowners themselves enforce the covenants and restrictions. Problem is that Macke is bankrupt- and their is no HOA in this section ????? ]
Probst thanked them for coming out and giving them information to look at and see what they can do. No action taken.
ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden- for Gerald Bruns- Knights of Columbus 1231 Twelfth Annual Prayer on the Square January 21, 2022 at 10 AM- approved.
AUDITOR –Hayden presented for Fromhold -Claims/Payroll and October 5th Minutes approved
ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel - none
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS-
Little- couldn’t hear his comment.
Probst- recognized and thanked Park Board for all the work they do. There is a Park Board vacancy and they are looking for a member that has to be a Democrat. Need some one to do this.
County Planning and Zoning - has a final workshop on Saturday Oct 23 at LBG Library 10-12.
Greater Cinti Airport will be at first Nov meeting to talk about changes that affect us here.
Covid- continue to take protective measures.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- Listerman - Quote for Structure at Weisburg. Bridge #135 to be completed in 16 weeks. End of Feb or first part of March.
2 quotes- $121,046.48 Civilcon and $145,194.45 E3 Bridge.
Have selected an aluminum box culvert for this. Asked for Civilcon to be approved and signed. Funding already secured from Council. Approved. Listerman will order it tomorrow. Also update it on the website.
Noticed on SR 48 by Manchester School a number of accidents. Talked to INDOT to see if there is anything they can do to help that curve. They will add additional arrows etc. This is by the ball field. These should have extra luminescence for at night.
Hope to hear from Community Crossings grants soon.
PUBLIC COMMENT- Josh Holland- has still not received and acknowledgment of the request for info he submitted per his statements at last meeting. Oct 5th at Law Enforcement Center is where it was submitted Probst will see what he can find in the next couple days. If not- Contact the appropriate person. He might then go to Public Access Counselor.
ADJOURN- 6:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
