15 MARCH 2022 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES
Present: Jim Thatcher, President, and Art Little
ABSENT: Rick Probst- Baudendistel explained that Probst cannot longer participate via telephone as the Covid Emergency orders have lapsed.
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
Proclamations- Olympians Justin Schoenefeld and Nick Goepper- Commissioners approved both and signed them. They were not present to receive them tonight. Thatcher said it really was an accomplishment for two kids form the Midwest to achieve these honors at the Olympics.
Whereas, Justin Schoenefeld is a Freestyle Skier that was raised in the County of Dearborn, State of Indiana; and
Whereas, the XXIV Olympic Winter Games were held in Beijing, China from February 4, 2022 through February 20, 2022; and
Whereas, Justin Schoenefeld represented the United States of America in the Mixed Team Aerials and Men’s Aerials Skiing events at the XXIV Olympic Winter Games; and Whereas, Justin Schoenefeld, made his FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup debut in January, 2019 in Lake Placid, New York and won his first World Cup event in February, 2020 in Minsk, Belarus; and
Whereas, on February 10, 2022, Justin Schoenefeld secured the Gold Medal in the Mixed Team Aerials event as the final skier for the United States of America and, in doing so, became the first athlete from the State of Indiana to win a Gold Medal in the Olympic Winter Games; and
Whereas, Justin Schoenefeld displayed calmness and determination in writing his own name in the Olympic history books and should be honored for accomplishing such a remarkable feat.
Therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners of Dearborn County, Indiana that Justin Schoenefeld should be honored and recognized as the first Winter Olympics Gold Medalist from the State of Indiana and for the way that he represented the citizens of Dearborn County, Indiana and the United States of America at the XXIV Olympic Winter Games…
Whereas, Nick Goepper is a Freestyle Skier that was raised in the County of Dearborn, State of Indiana; and
Whereas, the XXIV Olympic Winter Games were held in Beijing, China from February 4, 2022 through February 20, 2022; and
Whereas, Nick Goepper represented the United States of America in the Big Air and Slopestyle Skiing events at the XXIV Olympic Winter Games; and
Whereas, Nick Goepper previously won the Bronze Medal at the XXII Olympic Winter Games and the Silver Medal at the XXIII Olympic winter games; and
Whereas, on February 15, 2022, Nick Goepper won the Silver Medal in the Slopestyle Skiing event at the XXIV Olympic Winter Games with a score of 86.48 on his second run; and
Whereas, Nick Goepper continues to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter what those dreams may be and no matter where you grow up; and
Whereas, Nick Goepper continues to represent Dearborn County, Indiana, on the grandest of world stages, with dignity and humility.
Therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners of Dearborn County, Indiana that Nick Goepper should be honored and recognized as a three-time Olympic Medalist and for the way that he represented the citizens of Dearborn County, Indiana and the United States of America at his third Olympic Winter Games…
Benefits Plan Broker- Three brokers gave presentation on March 8, 2022; APEX, Hylant and Pinnacle. A group consisting of Commissioner Jim Thatcher, Council Members Allen Goodman and Tim Doll, County Administrator Sue Hayden, Auditor Connie Fromhold and HR/Payroll Deputy Kim Werner sat in on the presentations and were able to ask/answer questions of the brokers. This group will meet to give a recommendation to the Commissioners. Baudendistel recommended they take time to review these proposals before deciding at a future meeting.
Ordinance Amending Section 3.18 of Personnel Policies Handbook- outlining when and how emergency closures will occur. Baudendistel revised this to reflect what really happens during closures. President of Commissioners discusses the closure with other commissioners and emergency dept and highway dept and any other reelected official or dept head who can provide beneficial input. Commissioners approved.
ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden- she said Rick Probst wanted this shared today. Indiana Homeland Security is taking applications from 3/15-4/15 and residential safe room installation costs will be rebated up to $5,000. Recipients will be selected at random. More info on the county website.
AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold -Claims/Payroll and March 1st Minutes approved. Hayden reviewed the claims in Probst’s absence and said they were all clear.
ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- NYL Pension Contract- Transfer DCH Employees from Pension Plan to Annuity- NY Life Insurance will administer $37,141,648.36. The contract #GA-34483 needs signed as the final administrative step. Bill Ritzmann has signed it also. Commissioners signed it. Hayden will send it on to Mike Schwebler.
Dearborn County can vote for the Board of Directors of New York Life per Baudendistel. Commissioners declined to vote on them.
County Assessor has had contact from Hollywood Casino on property taxes. He asked the assessor to reach out to an attorney should this be a filing an appeal for property tax reduction. Baudendistel thought they needed this due to Sara Schrieber was tech attorney she selected to look for. This will be on an as needed basis. Fees are 250-300 per hour. Haller Holban (sp?) îs the law firm. Engagement letter signed by commissioners should they need them.
IC - 3-9-4-17 civil penalties for election board so they want to establish a Campaign Finance Enforcement Fund should the board assess any civil penalties. Per Pennington, candidates get a packet and reminders are sent to candidates for filings. So they should be aware of what they need to do. Commissioners approved setting up this fund.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Little- Need prayers and support for Ukrainians.
Thatcher- Commended the Health Dept on how they handled getting us through the Covid pandemic. Hopes we won’t have another surge in the fall. He also hopes for peace in the Ukraine.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
PUBLIC COMMENT - Steve and Jenny Linz ( former property owners in Dearborn County- from the Stop the Dump. Wanted to know the county’s position on that. Commissioners did send letters out to the appropriate agencies. Indiana EPA did come down to look at it also. The county has no standing in this per Thatcher though they have sent letters of support. They have sent letters regarding the transportation increases. Thatcher said the county has taken a position but there is nothing we can do to halt that.
ADJOURN-5:35 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
