14 November 2024 Dearborn County Council Meeting Notes

 

14 November 2024 Dearborn County Council Meeting Notes

Present: Liz Morris, President, Dennis Kraus. Sr., Dan Lansing, Kevin Turner, Tim Doll, Mark Dole, and Glenn Wright. 

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor

Title VI Statement read as legally required

REDUCE of ARPA FUNDS $49,133.71 out of Fund 8980- Approved

Additionals:

Commissioners: Council agreed to take these 2 items separately with Kevin Turner voting Nay

Bright EMS & Fire-Emergency Unit ($352,532)- Dan Lansing asked about the price increases. Chief Kendall said that the price went up from $283,114. And now the manufacturers at Ford went from van to F series chassis. This wet from $327,000 and the to $352,532 this summer price increase. Now tag $352 532 went to $361,000 now. They did 2 summer fundraisers for the $8,600 and $7,000 radio system. Need a new cot but $50,000 for a new cot. So $65,000 is being funded by the dept fundraisers. Bright has 2 functioning units with 2 cots only and the 3rd 2011 unit is there also.That is to be replaced at some point. It is not uncommon for us to have 2 squads out at a time. Glenn Wright asked about the ambulances being the county property after they are done with it. Andy Baudendistel will work with him on the language for that agreement. It’s like a right of first  refusal.This is something the consultant has recommended. Approved the $352,532 with the county attorney wording the agreement that the county has right of first refusal.

Aurora EMS- Emergency Unit ($256,840.70) & Discussion of an Appointment of a member to serve on Board of Directors of the Aurora Emergency Rescue Unit. Matt Pyles from Aurora noted that they have a $19,000 possibility in their contract if it’s more. He has a different manufacturer with Medex. $313,537 is their total but they already have money saved for part of it. Approved the $2566,840.70 with the county attorney wording the agreement that the county has right of first refusal. 

The appointment of a member to serve on a board of directors from Council. They are having a City council Pam Hartford and Mayor will have access to citizen on it too. Asked for a Commissioner also which is Jim Thatcher ( or a person selected by Commissioners to be on it as they will discuss at Tuesday meeting. They are using an EMS Director structure now. This is like Ohio County Rescue does it too. They want it to help with transparency.Chief Kendall of Bright noted that they use business people in the  community to avoid conflict for interest. Liz Morris didn’t think Council needed to be on it- but Council did.  Kevin Turner will be on it. Approved. 

Circuit Court- Judge Negangard presented

Transfer-$4500 Contract for research attorney 1001.11400.000.025 to 1001.31500.000.025- Approved

Pauper Attorney- $25,000 (1001)- For this year about $19,000 short and need to cover 2025 too. Approved from County General

Jury Management System Software-$80,000(1001)- Approved this from money to be under regular software which was already there from Jazz Update 

Resolution 2024-002- $16,718-( coming from Ohio County) Judge Negangard- Approving Interlocal Agreement with Ohio County Concerning both Ohio and Dearborn utilizing part-time drug testing employees. Ohio County will cover a portion of their salaries.Baudendistel explained- This is tied to the agreement for 2024 but adding he part time drug testers. Approved

Interlocal Agreement between Dearborn and Ohio Counties-Supplementing 7 full time Circuit Court employees and Southeast Regional Community Corrections part-time drug testing employees. Approved

Juvenile Center- Education Services $15,000 (1001) Judge Negangard  Brought in $200,000 for out of county juveniles and price increased for them. Leah Bailey found money so the $35,000 was reduced to $15,000. Invites them to come in a see it- lots of changes and classes, art, music, gardening, military recruiters, etc and get them outside. They take in people from all over the state.  12-15 population. Usually 2-3 from our county. Approved

Dec 12th at 11AM Christmas Party at Circuit Court Offices- invitation to the county council from Judge Negangard.

Prosecutor-$10,562 Deputy Prosecutor & 2 Law School Interns (1001) Lynn Deddens outlined the issues with Attorney changeover and pregnancy issue. Approved Out of County General.

Superior Court II- $6,000 Research Attorney for Special Projects (4913) - Leah Bailey for Judge McLaughlin. Approved.

Superior Probation-$47,205 Health Benefits (2101 PUF)- Approved

Southeast Regional Community Corrections- Steve Kelly presented. these first 3 are from user fees

Part-time Wages-$16,148 (4919 User Fees)- $15 to $17/hr raised. 

Drug Testing-$30,000 (4919 User Fees)- About $70,000 per year

GPS Monitoring-$25,000(4919 User Fees)- $260,000 spent each year and Negangard is using his more than previous judges. Approved all 3 above from 4919

$86,000- Health Benefits (Opioid Settlement Unrestricted Fund 1238)- these are pilot program from state in 2010- They spent about $200,000 on Health Insurance. They were short $86,000 for these 13 employees. This is for grabs funded positions. Approved and also $47,000 for drug Court Health insurance $47,205 out of 2101- Approved

$97,000-IRACS Program (Opioid Settlement Unrestricted Fund 1238)- This is a one time funding. We do not want to drain this fund. They have to get their 30% match elsewhere in 2025. They need the funding to get this money. This was started in Choices and they need a recovery program and is now with One Voice locally. He wants a monthly invoice from One Voice to monitor this recovery program. The County Auditor will pay that monthly then. Approved

Building-$30,000 New Vehicle (1001)- Connie Fromhold reminded he needed this at budget- Approved

Sheriff-Transfer $17,000 (1170.34200 to 1170.45100) Insurance settlement to be used for a new vehicle. This was received from a vehicle that was totaled. Approved

Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center-$60,000 Inmate Medical Expenses (1001) Leah Bailey presented - Approved out of County General.

Veterans Service- $300 Supplies (1001) Leah Bailey - Approved

Highway- $146,056.22 Purchase of Equipment (8950) Leah Bailey transfer to ARPA moneys.  Approved

Highway Transfers: Total $2.1 million 

$1,500,000-Matching funds for Lower Dillsboro Slide-7303.41500 to 7303.32962

$268,000 Matching funds for Bridge #64 Sneakville Rd -7303.41500 to 7303.32954

$380,000 Matching funds for Bridge #33 North Hogan-7303.41500 to 7303.32960

Approved all 3 items above

Purdue Extension Office-$3,530 Copier Maintenance (1001)- Leah Bailey - she bought copier with grant so this is just maintenance agreement. Includes ink, toner, and servicing- Approved.

DCRSD Amendment for Guilford and Lake Dilldear- Total $777,521.34 ( $150,000 Dilldear and $627,521.34 Guilford. These are going from DCRSD ARPA to County General for Highway Bridge letting in December. They will agree on it tonight but it will be advertised for the Dec 12, 9 AM meeting for approval.  Approved.

Andy Baudendistel told Council about he and Anthony Smart are looking into the money that DCRC owes back to DCRSD for sewer line DCRSD paid for in West Harrison TIF and the money  should be paid back. Number is possibly $3 million. Just letting them know that DCRSD needs the money for other projects that they had put on old when they used it for DCRC sewer line to Harrison for TIF district 

One Dearborn- Stellar Pathways Update- Mike Perleberg passed out the proposal and they are in competition for this in January 2025. Approx $8 million is available. We have engaged 1000’s of Dearborn County residents via survey and with pop up events, and 3 Schools with 7 and 8th grade kids. Vision Statement on p7. About 80% are in favor or supportive of the vision statement. 

Page 8 has overview of various investments we are proposing. Bright Meadows Park improvements is a big one on that. Senior apartments in Dearborn Village, and rental occupied  housing in Greendale and Dillsboro. 

He gave a chart about how they arrived at ours. Parks and Trails Funding for Bright Meadows Park. Land Water Conservation Fund - can be done for the walking path enhancements at Bright Meadows. DCRC provided $100,000 for Bright Meadows Park. This will net $200,000 then. They have a concept plan.- but it may look different than that. Looking about reviving the Bright Community Festival there. Morris said that would likely have a parking issue if it was a big event. Maybe new swing sets and amphitheater. But that only goes so far- Stellar wants to have more input with a Bright plan there that is happening with the DCRC. So maybe could look at ways to get there on foot or bike too. We have 3 target investment areas in the county, so that gives a more regional coverage. Turner said the ones suggested for Dillsboro will be great too as they are the gathering area for Caesar Creek and parts of Washington Township too. Greendale and Dillsboro Main Streets Programs help too. Perleberg- Need programming to activate that space. Bright Area Business Ass’n helps too. Kraus noted the asphalt trail and its condition.  Lansing asked if it was a negative that we have Riverboat Revenue. Perleberg noted that some of these places only get a littler bit of that- but they are leveraging that money to get more and better place- making. This helps places that don’t see as much revenue from the state.

Wright asked about the RFP for a Bright Master Plan. Perleberg said that will probably take place next year with the DCRC running that. There is a $350,000 match for Bright Park so could get $700,000 total to spend. 

Rob- Calvert  President of County Park Board- asked about reviving the Bright Festival that Brian De Bruler  has brought up. He is worried about the liability issues. Bob Ewbank their attorney said this would be a good thing and legally they would be covered. Next meeting is Dec 5th at Ewbanks Office for Park Board. Invited them to come. Liz Morris- The land by Fire Dept that was a park was given to Fire Dept years ago. She said shuttles would be needed. He is inviting DeBruler and Commissioners and Council if they need to weigh in on it. Baudendistel said that the Park Board has powers and they don’t allow alcohol in county parks- so they have to decide if they would allow it and also set limits on time to end etc. Going to have Ewbank talk to the Attorney for the organizers- Kirchgassner. They are concerned about where the fund raiser money goes. The church lots can be used for shuttles maybe- as they did for other fundraisers. Ended with the meeting at Ewbank’s  office on Dec 5 to discuss further. 

Wright asked about Dillsboro EMS and status for county- Thatcher is working on it. But there was no knowledge of what the Dillsboro EMS is doing per the Council 

Auditor- Minutes- Approved. 

2025 Meeting dates- Approved

Tuesday- January 28, 2025 @ 5:00pm (Reorganizational Meeting)

Tuesday February 25, 2025 @ 5:00pm (if needed)

Tuesday- March 25, 2025 @ 5:00pm (if needed)

Thursday- May 15, 2025 @ 5:00pm

Monday thru Friday- August 5, 2025 10:30 to 4:30

August 4,6,7,8, 2025 @ 9:00-4:30 as needed (Budget Workshops)

Friday, August 22, 2025 @9:00am (Budget Hearing)

Friday, September 5, 2025 @9:00am (Budget Adoption

Thursday-November 13, 2025 @ 5:00pm 

Late Arrival-2025 salary Ordinance - Approved

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

Letter from Hilda Jimenez and Tyler Costa Regarding Bright Area Redevelopment Proposal for TIF

  11/7/2024

Hilda J Palacios Jimenez & Tyler Costa

Property: 1772 Jamison Rd. West Harrison, IN

Parcel in question: 15-01 -35-302-004.000-06    (5.4070 acres)

Subject: Concern Regarding Bright Area Redevelopment Proposal

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed redevelopment plan for the Bright area. I recently became aware of this initiative on November 6, 2024, through a social media post. Upon reading the details, I was deeply disturbed by what appears to be a proposal more focused on increasing profits for developers rather than genuinely improving the quality of life for current residents.

What struck me most was the lack of direct communication with those of us who will be most affected by these changes. My property is mentioned in the redevelopment documents, yet I did not receive any formal notification from the authorities or developers regarding how my land would be impacted. This lack of transparency and outreach is disheartening, especially considering that many of us have invested in this community and built our lives here.

I am particularly troubled by the timing of the public meetings related to this proposal, which were held at times when working residents like me would be unable to attend. This appears to be an undemocratic process, where decisions are being made without the meaningful input of those most impacted.

As I reviewed the 34-page document outlining the redevelopment plans, several concerns stood out to me:

1. Loss of Community Character: The proposal seems to prioritize economic growth over preserving the rural, small-town charm that so many of us love about Bright. Many of us chose to live here for the tranquility, natural beauty, and sense of community. We value the slower pace of life and don’t mind traveling a little further for work in exchange for the peace and beauty of the area. This development threatens to turn Bright into a mini-city, eroding the qualities that made it a desirable place to live in the first place.
2. Increased Traffic and Strain on Resources: The proposed changes will inevitably lead to more traffic, congestion, and pressure on local resources. These are problems that we are not prepared to handle, and they will diminish the overall quality of life that we currently enjoy.
3. Property Values and Tax Increases: While the proposal suggests that property values will rise and that new jobs will be created, it fails to consider the financial burden this will place on current residents. If property taxes increase and home values rise, many long-term residents may be forced to sell due to rising costs. Furthermore, for those of us who wish to stay, such changes would make it financially untenable to remain in our homes.
4. Concerns Regarding My Property: My personal concern is the future of my property. I have worked hard to create a home where I can live in harmony with nature. I have no intention of selling, and I do not wish to see my property taken from me. If I were to sell, I would require a price far beyond what is reasonable, simply to replace the unique environment I have here.

In addition, I would have appreciated a more detailed explanation of how my property is specifically affected by these plans, as well as the options available to me as a homeowner. Learning about these plans via social media, rather than through formal communication, only added to my frustration.

At this point, I urge you to reconsider moving forward with this redevelopment project. While I understand the concerns regarding population growth and the need for housing, I believe there are alternative solutions that can address these issues without compromising the unique qualities of our community. For example, I believe that limiting the number of rental properties owned by individuals and prioritizing local homeowners could help alleviate housing shortages while preserving the area’s character.

In addition, while job creation is important, many residents, myself included, are content to commute to nearby cities for work in exchange for the peace and serenity that Bright offers. The current development plan seems to ignore this balance.

Finally, I respectfully request that you consider leaving my land untouched. I would also like to know whether this redevelopment could require me to seek legal counsel to protect my rights as a property owner. I am prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the Bright area retains its charm, sense of community, and quality of life.

I sincerely hope that you will take my concerns into account before making any further decisions. As residents, we deserve better communication, transparency, and consideration for the future of our homes and our community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Hilda J. Palacios Jimenez

12 November 2024 Dearborn County Redevelopment Meeting Notes

 

12 November 2024 Dearborn County Redevelopment Meeting Notes

Present: Jim Deaton, Chairman, Dave Deddens, Jim Mansfield, Mark Dole in Florida and on the phone for meeting , and Daryl Cutter (non- voting school board member)

ABSENT: Jim Helms

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

There was a full room this morning. Approximately 60 plus Brights residents were present.

Title VI statement read as legally required.

EXECUTIVE SESSION @ 8:30 a.m. preceded this meeting 

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;

IC § 5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (4) (A) 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

Order of Agenda May be altered to accommodate advertised time of Public Hearing

 Memorandum for Executive Session- Board 

 Action from Executive Session- ACCEPTED THE CUSHMAN WAKEFIELD CONTRACT FOR TIF 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-October 8th- APPROVED

CLAIMS AND FINANCIALS

Claims: $3,800.00 to BakerTilly for TIF neutralization and $320.00 to Bayer Becker for 10/8/24 meeting attendance.    Total: $4,120.00- APPROVED 

PUBLIC HEARING 9:10 a.m. - Regarding the Bright Economic Development Plan, Economic Development Area, and Allocation Area

Open Public Hearing- Deaton explained the process about TIF process. First Identify and investigate a need for a TIF, Identify area for the TIF plan. Find out if TIF plan corresponds to the County Master Plan. Then g to Commissioners and see if they approve. We do not talk to teh public until we know we can do it. 

This is the first time we are doing that. This is the first time we are doing it this way- because it is a different kind of TIF. The last thing needed is a confirmation resolution. 

We are a 5 member board and we are appointed by Commissioners and Council- and are all volunteers. 

Deaton - also stated the definition of a TIF district and then showed a diargam of how the TIF works. The increase in tax base after the TIF start date goes to DCRC for use in that TIF. They use it for infrastructure, property , public safety, amenities, incentives and work force development. Ij Bright its s for infrastructure and placemaking. They contacted Becker Bayer to investigate the need and deficiencies. They listed the same ones that are in the study. They are TIFing mainly for infrastructure due to stormwater issues and road deficiencies along Professional Park Drive etc. They are also looking at Placemaking investments like trail widening in the Park, street widening, street lights and crosswalks. The money comes from commercial and industrial development. 

The But/For But for the TIF, his project or investment would not take place. 

The study was done in a small area - but the blue lone area is the area they can spend the money. 

Talked about TIF for 25 years and then taxes go back to the county. He did talk about the entities receiving the property tax 

$48,440 annually will come from this per Baker Tilley Analysis. 

He also showed the increased revenue from the new industries also. 

Then showed what happens with no TIF.

TIF does not increase property taxes per Purdue Research Center. 

Income for day to day in schools does not come from property tax. 

$2.85 million is not obligated o be spent. 

He said it will not increase property taxes. New developments will have nothing to do with that - unless it is something we haven’t seen. Potential investment in the Bright area will increase as people will want to live there as infrastructure and amenities improve. 

The TIF will require them to hire a professional plan for Bright. If you were an incorporated community, you would be doing this- but we are doing it as you are in the county and that is why we are doing this.

Open for Public Comments- 

Patricia Little: Township trustee- this TIF is not in her township. Denise is the Harrison Township Trustee which is in TIF. The TIF flatlines what the township will receive for 25 years. Trustees use this for public safety services etc. So far no TIF money has been used for the trustee services for public safety from the county TIFs. She thinks elected representative should have a seat at the table. This is the 3rd TIF district that goes on Harrison Township. 

Denise- Harrison Township trustee. I just found out about this. She would like to know about this. We have a TIF in West Harrison where Whitewater Mills located. They had to contract with West Harrison to cover that plant for Fire Protection. She talked about why the school board member was on the board but not a trustee.

Chief Fire/EMS Kendall Eberhadt- We only get funding from township trustees for fire. Gross income is $300,000/yr and it does not cover us. There is EMS funding in the new county LIT. We are at a crossroads- our run numbers have increased due to development. 1600 runs last year. Does anyone know what a fore truck costs- $1,000,000. This does not include supplies and tools. We respond to Harrison calls. We are not against the TIF, but we want someone to take notice of fire dept and EMS- since it is on the list of things you can fund include us. <Applause>

Brian DeBruler- Study of CFI Clark County School Corp 2019 speaking to the school funding effects- similar to the Fire Chief’s thoughts.

Drove from Fla to get to this meeting. 2019 - 894 TIFs in the county. Majority operate day cities and towns.Lived in Bright for 52 years. Mansfield and Dole live in Bright. He asked questions regarding property acquisition. No intention to do that per Deaton. Referenced the I-74 corridor study. People say they want more rural area and at some point we will cross over chatline where people no longer see it as an escape a desirable place. Deaton stopped him at 5 months with him being able to come back up later. <Applause>

Deaton said we agree with much that is being said.

Henry Caudill- Tri Township Water District member. Seems like it is a done deal and why have we not been contacted. We spent over $1,000,000 for a new tower. Is this going to take the people’s property? Why were we not aware? 

Deaton- We are not in charge of people moving not Bright and we should not have done this until this point. 

Richard Barnes ( goes by Matt) - Money of $48,000 per year- won’t cover drainage ditches. We are talking about a lot of money that is needed for the plan. There would be have to e a lot of business investment to get the plan done. Then there is police, fire, ems, etc. Taxes - sooner or later- are going to be the answer. Cedes his time to Brian De Bruler.

Deaton- We can only do whatever we can do with what ever have.

Brian De Bruler- The focus of this is to address issues on Professional Park Drive. At Plan Commission for the 12 townhouses proposed there  residents from Memorial Drive and McGrue Drive. At the meeting involving this it was brought up about the optics of having one of the primary people had family and another one from One Dearborn were both the only bidders for the 1 acre property with a plan.  De Bruler said that maybe the community valued the greenspace and not developed. Deaton said that it needs to be mowed and Deddens said the Park was not interested. 

Cutter-School Funding was explained better after De Bruler stated that 150 homes approved in Grubbs Estates and thus there will need more school space. Cutter acknowledged that the property taxes could go for 

Shelly from Merrilees- Where is the property from the road coming from for the road widening? Neither she nor Bob from Auto Center have no property to give. 

Regina from that road also has issues with road widening and asked about all thee xempt people on this property list. Like county lands and churches. 

Man from Bright- did not catch his name- he has sat through Planning meetings over property on that road that HE himself had to pay to fix up road etc. in 2015 to build and now the townhomes are getting TIF so they can build. He set up the entire issue of you saying there is the TIF to fix roads were not tied to the townhouses.He moved to Bright in 2012- and he had thought to buy that townhouse 1 acre because Perleberg told him that it had to start to be built in a 5 month window. He was adamant that this TIF was started because of the townhouses that Perleberg's brother was planning to build.

Jim Mansfield- Said he wants to keep the money up in Bright. That’s why he wants to be on this board. He does not want to incorporate. That would really raise taxes.   

Patricia Little- The DCRC can borrow money against the future TIF money. The hospital office building up there needs this also. 

Deaton- Yes there are ways to get things done. Perleberg reminded him that DCRC has cash on hand. 

Hilda Jimenez read her letter that was previously submitted. She had  outlined all her concerns. <Applause> For the complete letter see the post following these meeting notes. She had sent it as she had to work today- but later decided that this issue was too important and took part of the day off work.

Close Public Comments

Close Public Hearing- Deaton said there would be no vote this morning on this- so most of the public departed for work/home. After they left the board voted to TABLE.

Confirmatory Resolution 2024-DCRC-004 for Bright TIF- TABLED until the next DCRC meeting - which is in December unless they call a special meeting. 

OLD BUSINESS:

2025 Budget for Spending Plan- Perleberg said this has to be done for the state per new law. This is to be filed with DLGF. He worked on it with consultation with Deaton. Approved.

Bayer Becker Update-Working on a task regarding the billboards. Have to work with Wingate and Dyke Industries and DCRC property. Have to get trees trimmed? Approved $5400

Cushman Wakefield Contract- done above after Executive session

NEW BUSINESS:

ONE DEARBORN REPORT:

Stellar Pathways and DCRC Match- $100,000 approved for Bright MeadowsPark coming out of the cash balance fund. Approved. 

Gage Pace- One Dearborn -DCRC Approved getting an appraisal for the 3 acre site on Campus Dr by the hospital.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT- nothing more

OTHER BUSINESS- none

ADJOURNMENT - 11 AM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

AGENDA- November 25th Dearborn County Plan Commission

 

PLAN COMMISSION AGENDA

 Monday, November 25, 2024 6:00 P.M. 

*Location: Henry Dearborn Meeting Room; 

Dearborn County Government Center 

A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

B. ROLL CALL 

C. ACTION ON MINUTES—September 23, 2024 

D. OLD BUSINESS – NONE 

E. NEW BUSINESS – 1. Request: Zone Map Amendment from Agriculture Homestead (AH) to Community Business (B-1) Applicant/Owner: AR Engineering / Bradford & Amanda Poorman Site Location: SR 48 Parcel: #15-05-33-200-029.000-019 Township: Manchester Size: 3+/- acres Existing Zoning: Agriculture Homestead (AH)

F. ADMINISTRATIVE

 Presentation by OneDearborn for the Harrison Brookville Access Management Plan 

 2025 Meeting Schedule 

 Discuss Update to the Comprehensive Plan through 2025. 

 Review, discuss and recommend changes to the Zoning Ordinance, Article 8—Floodplain Regulations 

 Review and discuss multiple changes to Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations based on new State Code related to development on slopes up to 25%.