6 April 2010 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Ralph Thompson, President, Tom Orschell, and Jeff Hughes
Also present: Mike Witte, Attorney and Bill Ewbank, County Coordinator.
ABSENT: Gayle Pennington, Auditor (illness.) Cathy Heist serving for her tonight.
OLD BUSINESS:
Purchasing Agency Ordinance- Witte said no further questions from last month. Personal services contracts are to be reviewed by the attorney and approved (or not) by commissioners. Commissioners vacated and amended the purchase agency ordinance regarding personal services contracts. Commissioners passed a new ordinance requiring that all personal services contracts including those less than a year in duration that could be negotiated by dept head will all come to commissioners for approval.
Cathy Dwyer and Jan McMullin –gave info on the Clothes Line Display on Friday for awareness of violence against women especially sexual violence and rape. They will be doing Take Back the Night at Tate Street next week too. Indiana will have a new license plate also to end violence.
Ordinance regarding fee for tax list tabled due to Pennington being back in the hospital. Witte told commissioners that he has gone over this with her. This fee is to cover the work involved in preparing these lists for requesters. He thinks they can do it, as she is Ok with the ordinance. Commissioners untabled this and then approved it.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioners ratified Ralph Thompson as OKI Committee member for Clean Water Act.
Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month. There is as major federal grant and the month of MAY will be proclaimed as Mental Health Awareness Month for children and youth and their families. Movie month in Aurora for these families on May 15th- weather pending. Commissioners approved.
Ruth Ann Batta was approved to go to Council for Summer Art Program that she has held for 23 or 24 years. Last 7 years have been funded with a grant from Council. Had 96 last summer. This summer they get to tour animation dept at Ball State. Request will be for $2000.
Corporate Cost Solutions- Bill Ewbank presented proposal to audit our workers comp for the past 3 years to determine if the premium calculations have been correct. May get refunds or lower future rates. Contingency arrangement is that they get 50% of what they save us over the 3 year period evaluated. Witte reviewed the contract per Ewbank. They claim between a 10-20% recovery. Our premium is about $300,000. Tabled so that Hughes and Orschell could meet with the company or they will be scheduled to present at next meeting.
Bill Black- EMA Contract signatures- district wide grant for $680,000 for all 12 counties. A video conferencing setup is include in this. About $800,000 was requested. County will administer it- but it is for the entire district. Grant signed.
Black had done quarterly reports for 10 different grants. Harrison received their certification from the state now. Would like the commissioners to set a date for an auction as Listerman has unloaded many vehicles there. Ewbank will coordinate an auction date and see if other depts have material to be auctioned. Hughes asked about getting vehicles for other government agencies also.
Margaret Minzner GIS Updates and working with Aurora. Parcel project will be delivered by Sidwell on the 21st. Have to decide what to do about maintenance of the parcels. She doesn’t want it to take too long and lose what accuracy they have. There are about 3 people certified. Need to get more people certified.
Minzner spoke with Randy Turner and Mayor Hastings in Aurora- there are layers of GIS they are interested in having. They are willing to help fund this, if they can find people to do this. Digital sewer, water, and utility lines would be useful. This would improve data for all work in the area. She will proceed with checking into this as commissioners agreed
.
Paul Pearson- Spy Glass- Communications Auditing Company. They look at phone bills, and any communication bills to see if they can cut or reduce the bill. He has spoken with Ewbank and Thompson. They audit our records looking for unused lines, faxes, modems, etc. The recommendations come back- if the county approves, they will then work with the phone companies etc. Retroactive statements- get a 50% share of what they save. Going forward they charge the monthly savings times 12 as their fee. No charge if they don’t find anything. Witte has reviewed the contract. If we want a cell phone audit- there is a flat fee- because thesecontracts usually end at different times- fee is $4,000 for that. Commissioners decided to sign a contract to audit the landline communications- not the wireless yet.
PERF (public Employees Retirement Fund) – authorizing agent- no longer necessary as Auditor has been appointed and does this.
Highway Dept- Todd Listerman gave a 40-minute report followed by public for 15 minutes on Collier Ridge Red Bridge comments.
Annual salt bid went out and will know sometime in June who the supplier will be for next winter.
Working on a $10,000 grant application with PZ help to get a new salt facility at Randall.
Hartford Bridge on Ohio County side- and our side-to be fixed with no cost to us. Have to certify that we own the approach there. State just needs the ROW agreement from county.
April 14- public meeting at North Dearborn Library to present the Stateline road improvement plans for the heart of Bright business area.
Hired a co-op student this summer. Imperative to meet new mandates for signage requirements he learned road school. Engineering student from Rose Hulman who lives in Bright will be doing that.
Highway Maintenance worker spot that is vacant and needs commissioners’ approval to go to Council to fill this. Commissioners approved.
Red Bridge at Collier Ridge – problem discovered by Doug Graf- cord had fractured. Listerman and Grieve went out to inspect it 10 days ago on a Sunday. Trying to get federal funds for this- but none appear available. Going to Seymour tomorrow to seek them again.
County bridges $700-750,000 per year from property taxes received from 3.5 cents rate and we can go to 10 cents max. No one wants to raise taxes. $1.7-1.9 million needed annually. This is the 4th bridge in the last 2 years we’ve had to close - Holt, Kuebel, Lower Dillsboro, and now this one.
This one could be a connector and may raise its priority. This is the 3rd time he will go to INDOT for this bridge. Collier Ridge only carries about 200 vpd. That may work against us. He will be at Seymour District tomorrow with Thompson to try to get this funded. Shortridge Bridge has plans from years ago- also needs to be replaced. Hughes noted it takes a long time to get federal funding. Todd said that had been shortened to about 3-4 years. Red Bridge takes about $950,000 for just the structure. (Something like what they fixed on Chesterville)
Hughes thinks we should try to go to Council to get this done with our funds maybe and not realign perhaps. This would keep it open. Federal does give us 80/20 but also more rules to follow and more expense. Some requirements have been taken out to speed things up at INDOT. This is a country-wide problem.
Thompson said they will try to avail the county of funds tomorrow. Council does not meet till May. This is a historic- non-select bridge- but there are many like this- not like the Triple Whipple or Guilford Covered Bridge.
Orschell asked if someone would be able to tear it down for what it’s worth. Thompson said the problem will be lead paint on the bridge. Worse the bridge is- the higher it will be rated in one category in the rating system with INDOT. We have 8 fracture critical bridges in the county that have to have more inspection done every two years. The old truss bridges run $8-10,000 on inspections.
Neighbors (about 25 showed up) using Collier Ridge spoke asking about the ratings showing deficiencies on the bridge and explanations of their meaning. Todd said it was structurally deficient if 50% or less. Todd looks at the reports to see what the county is required to do. He will check with INDOT about the official and unofficial comments as they seem to be contradictory on this bridge. Comments include the fact that this is a problem known for a long time. Fire dept access is an issue, as are truck routes. Perhaps just fix it with something similar to what they have now. Manchester will be first responders because the fire trucks can’t go over the bridge as rated regarding weight. Comment that Pribble and Kaiser also limit truck traffic due to winding road. This leaves no good connection for SR 48 for deliveries. Worried that INDOT said if the bridge not fixed in 5 years they just chalk it up. The governor’s office said there was $650 million in stimulus. ( this has been spent or allocated already) Bischoff said he’d like to be at the meeting when the commissioners went. Thompson said he had talked to Bischoff and he needed a month notice to get to the meeting. Scenic and good environment. Most people happy with a one lane bridge. Get it done as soon as possible. School bus issues now because of the bridge being out. Now a 13-mile trip. Todd had contacted Sunman Dearborn- Chris Wilson about a turn-around there to let kids out. An engineer living on the road gave detailed ideas of how the bridge could be repaired. He stated that the cord was broken a long time- not recently – in his opinion. The question is whether we fix it short term or long term. Lower the weight limit to 5,000 lbs maybe. A certified structural engineer would have to look at it per Thompson.
Listerman will try to get an operating budget for bridges from Council- he doesn’t have one currently in the budget. A woman noted you have to wait 6 weeks to get to Council?? You probably could do better with a hand out on the road collecting…. (laughter)
Auditor- Claims approved. No minutes were prepared.
Attorney- Witte – still have the grant approval ordinance to be prepared. Probably have it next meeting. No appeal on the Greg Davis case. County is out of that now.
State legislature created a loophole for charitable organizations to get refund on property taxes. Woodland Hills Nursing Home applied for this. The legislature closed the loophole and reversed what they did last year. County no longer has to worry about this property tax loss possibility.
County Coordinator- Bill Ewbank- Commissioner Orschell had requested a working session to develop a new ordinance regarding the new animal shelter run by PAWS. Wants to schedule it for April 20th at 1 PM. Approved.
Veterans Fund donations from Cary Pickens have been substantial nearly $22,000 to date received from 60 donors so far.
Commissioner Hughes- nothing
Commissioner Orschell- nothing
Commissioner Thompson- Veteran’s Officer Appointment- Mike Burgess- a military resume and also corporate human resources experience. Many qualified candidates and his stood out in that group. Commissioners approved and he will report at 8:30 AM.
Signature for Reaction PC Contracts not done- as contracts have not arrived yet.
Late Arrivals- none
Public Comment- none
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Agenda for April 9 Information Technology Infrastructure – Region 9 Feedback Session
Information Technology Infrastructure – Region 9
Community Feedback Session
Agenda
April 9, 2010
Presentation to be made during the April 9, 2010 Region 9 Workforce Board
Meeting at Ivy Tech Community College/ Riverfront Campus, 50 Walnut St.,
Lawrenceburg, IN………………………………4th floor Business Conference Center
10:00 am Introductions and Acknowledgements Dave Galle
10:10 am EcO15 Needs Assessment for Education Jim Goldman
10:30 am ENABLE - Strategic Design for Southeast IN
Current State/ Desired State/ Gap Analysis
Migration Plan
Funding Considerations
11:10 am Open Discussion - Q & A All
11:20 am Community Response Dave Galle
11:30 am Adjourn
RSVP: Andrea at the Dearborn Community Foundation Office by April 6, 2010
(812) 539-4115
Community Feedback Session
Agenda
April 9, 2010
Presentation to be made during the April 9, 2010 Region 9 Workforce Board
Meeting at Ivy Tech Community College/ Riverfront Campus, 50 Walnut St.,
Lawrenceburg, IN………………………………4th floor Business Conference Center
10:00 am Introductions and Acknowledgements Dave Galle
10:10 am EcO15 Needs Assessment for Education Jim Goldman
10:30 am ENABLE - Strategic Design for Southeast IN
Current State/ Desired State/ Gap Analysis
Migration Plan
Funding Considerations
11:10 am Open Discussion - Q & A All
11:20 am Community Response Dave Galle
11:30 am Adjourn
RSVP: Andrea at the Dearborn Community Foundation Office by April 6, 2010
(812) 539-4115
Broadband Capacity in Region 9 Assessment Available
Dearborn County Community Leaders:
Some of you are aware of the recent study underwritten by the EcO15 Initiative to assess Region 9's broadband capacity relative to the educational and community needs within each county of the region. This study and the design phases are now complete thanks to the help provided by many of you in the initial community meeting sessions held in the earlier part of this year by Mr. Jim Goldman at our Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce Office. The results of Jim's findings while conducting an IT Infrastructure Needs Assessment and his recommendations for broadband development within our region will be the focus of a 90 minute session to be presented on April 9, 2010 at the Region 9 Workforce Board Meeting to be convened at Ivy Tech Community College at the Riverfront Campus, 50 Walnut Street in Lawrenceburg. There will also be time included for additional community input and general Q & A.
You plus any others who are interested in hearing Mr. Goldman's report findings and recommendations to bring "true" high-speed broadband connectivity to Southeastern Indiana, are cordially invited to do so on April 9th. While the Region 9 Workforce Board will conduct their need business earlier in the morning.....they expect that at 10:00 am Mr. Goldman will be scheduled to begin his presentation in the Business Conference Center (4th floor) at the ITCC Riverfront Campus in Downtown Lawrenceburg. A copy of the presentation agenda is available.
If you and/or any of your associates are interested in attending....I ASK YOU TO PLEASE CALL ANDREA AT THE DEARBORN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OFFICE TO RSVP YOUR INTENT TO ATTEND BY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6TH. The Foundation Office Number is (812) 539-4115.
Attached to this email is a preliminary agenda for the the Region 9 Workforce Board Meeting....please use this as a reminder of this important presentation.
Finally, please accept a sincere "Thank you" from your Dearborn County Eco15 Coordinator for your involvement and interest in the development of this IT Infrastructure Plan. Your continued interest and support will spirit the future development and design of a "true" high-speed broadband plan that will promote human and economic development throughout the region.
Thank you,
Mark J. Neff
Dearborn County EcO15 Coordinator
Dearborn Community Foundation
322 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
(812) 539-4115 Foundation Office
(812) 539-4119 Fax
(812) 584-7629 Cell Phone
www.dearborncf.orgwww.eco15.org
Some of you are aware of the recent study underwritten by the EcO15 Initiative to assess Region 9's broadband capacity relative to the educational and community needs within each county of the region. This study and the design phases are now complete thanks to the help provided by many of you in the initial community meeting sessions held in the earlier part of this year by Mr. Jim Goldman at our Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce Office. The results of Jim's findings while conducting an IT Infrastructure Needs Assessment and his recommendations for broadband development within our region will be the focus of a 90 minute session to be presented on April 9, 2010 at the Region 9 Workforce Board Meeting to be convened at Ivy Tech Community College at the Riverfront Campus, 50 Walnut Street in Lawrenceburg. There will also be time included for additional community input and general Q & A.
You plus any others who are interested in hearing Mr. Goldman's report findings and recommendations to bring "true" high-speed broadband connectivity to Southeastern Indiana, are cordially invited to do so on April 9th. While the Region 9 Workforce Board will conduct their need business earlier in the morning.....they expect that at 10:00 am Mr. Goldman will be scheduled to begin his presentation in the Business Conference Center (4th floor) at the ITCC Riverfront Campus in Downtown Lawrenceburg. A copy of the presentation agenda is available.
If you and/or any of your associates are interested in attending....I ASK YOU TO PLEASE CALL ANDREA AT THE DEARBORN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OFFICE TO RSVP YOUR INTENT TO ATTEND BY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6TH. The Foundation Office Number is (812) 539-4115.
Attached to this email is a preliminary agenda for the the Region 9 Workforce Board Meeting....please use this as a reminder of this important presentation.
Finally, please accept a sincere "Thank you" from your Dearborn County Eco15 Coordinator for your involvement and interest in the development of this IT Infrastructure Plan. Your continued interest and support will spirit the future development and design of a "true" high-speed broadband plan that will promote human and economic development throughout the region.
Thank you,
Mark J. Neff
Dearborn County EcO15 Coordinator
Dearborn Community Foundation
322 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
(812) 539-4115 Foundation Office
(812) 539-4119 Fax
(812) 584-7629 Cell Phone
www.dearborncf.orgwww.eco15.org
DRAFT Agenda April 6 Commissioners Meeting
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
April 6, 2010
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indian
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER
OLD BUSINESS
1. Purchasing Agency Ordinance
2. Cathy Dwyer & Jan McMullin – Clothes Line Display
3. Ordinance regarding fee for tax list
NEW BUSINESS
1. Ratify OKI Committee member for Clean Water Act
2. Proclamation for Mental Health Month
3. Ruth Ann Batta – Summer Art Program
Request to go to Council
Corporate Cost Solutions
Bill Black, EMA
Contract signatures
Margaret Minzner, GIS
Updates and Working with City of Aurora
Paul Pearson - Spy Glass
PERF – Authorizing Agent
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Red Bridge discussion
AUDITOR - Claims/Minutes
ATTORNEY
County Coordinator – Bill Ewbank
COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
1. Veterans Officer Appointment
2. Signatures for Reaction PC contracts
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
April 6, 2010
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indian
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER
OLD BUSINESS
1. Purchasing Agency Ordinance
2. Cathy Dwyer & Jan McMullin – Clothes Line Display
3. Ordinance regarding fee for tax list
NEW BUSINESS
1. Ratify OKI Committee member for Clean Water Act
2. Proclamation for Mental Health Month
3. Ruth Ann Batta – Summer Art Program
Request to go to Council
Corporate Cost Solutions
Bill Black, EMA
Contract signatures
Margaret Minzner, GIS
Updates and Working with City of Aurora
Paul Pearson - Spy Glass
PERF – Authorizing Agent
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Red Bridge discussion
AUDITOR - Claims/Minutes
ATTORNEY
County Coordinator – Bill Ewbank
COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
1. Veterans Officer Appointment
2. Signatures for Reaction PC contracts
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURN
HVL HOSTS A MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT
HVL is hosting a Meet the Candidates Night on April 27 at 7 PM on the lower level of their Community Center at 19303 Schmarr Drive (off Alpine, near Willies)
The public is invited.
The public is invited.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
WHO IS STALLING THE JUSTICE CAMPUS PLANS?
Below is an email from Aaron Negangard to the Commissioners via their Adm Ass't:
-----Original Message-----
From: Aaron Negangard
To: 'Sue Hayden'; denny1225@hotmail.com; 'Liz Morris' ; 'Tom Cheek' ; 'Judge Humphrey ' ; 'Judge Sally Blankenship' ; 'Judge Jonathan Cleary' ; 'Barb Kaffenberger' ; 'Gayle Pennington' ; cfryman@dearborncounty.in.gov; 'Gary Hensley' ; 'Phil Weaver ' ; 'Terri Dillard' ; 'Bill Black' ; 'Bill Ewbank' ; 'Sheriff Lusby' ; 'David Hall ' ; 'Mark McCormack' ; 'Sandy Leptak' ; tagnes@dearborncounty.in.gov; bblair@dearborncounty.in.gov; mkreinhop@dearborncounty.in.gov; 'Jeff Hughes' ; 'Ralph Thompson' ; 'Tom Orschell'
Cc: 'Bret Dodd'
Sent: Mon, Mar 29, 2010 11:58 pm
Subject: RE: Upcoming Charette Meetings
Dear Sue:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the “charette”. Given that County Council voted in July, 2009 to have the “charette” in 45 days of that meeting, I am glad that it has finally been scheduled. However, I am concerned that County Council member Liz Morris will not be able to attend. I am also concerned because it is my understanding that both Sheriff David Lusby and Chief Deputy Mike Kreinhop will not be able to attend as well. It would seem to me that it would be better to find out what dates would be available for all team members and then pick a date. This was not done. This is too important a process to schedule this with little notice to the team members. If we are to come up with a decision that is in the best interests of the citizens of this county, then I believe it is critical to include all the team members. Could you please ask the Commissioners for me why they cannot schedule this matter at a time that is more convenient for all the team members? Since 9 months have transpired since County Council’s vote, I do not understand why it is suddenly so urgent that less than 2 weeks notice was given to team members. Please advise as to whether or not the County Commissioners are interested from hearing from all the team members and whether they are willing to reschedule to allow everyone input in this very important process. Thank you for your time.
Aaron Negangard
[NOTE: In my opinion, Negangard seems to "forget" that when they couldn't get a date until after the primary elections ( political reasons?), the commissioners asked the JUDGES to pick the date.
The sheriff is leaving office- Kreinhop MAY get elected and May not- they can send someone else to represent the sheriff's dept. IF it is really important these people would MAKE the time for it. This charette date was selected almost a month ago at the commissioners last evening meeting in early March.
Liz Morris is a council person- send someone else from council as her alternate.
Two weeks notice is all an employee gives when they quit. And yet some can't seem to set plans for a Saturday for this. Negangard wants all team members available- well that is nearly impossible, but there should be able to be a decent turnout.
Charettes were proposed by Charlie Fehrman- 9 months ago- for Negangard and the judges to get their concerns heard.
And who was in a hurry before????? Negangard and the judges were. They need their space concerns addressed.
It's time to quit playing games. Telling everyone that Lawrenceburg will pay for all of this is wrong. The price tag is too high. The taxpayers don't want more taxes. The bonds coming due will only cover about 1/3 of it's estimated price tag if you include the jail expansion.
Elected officials need to be fiscally responsible. They serve the taxpayers- not the other way around. The commissioners and Council have to make the decision. They want officials and staff input.
Get to the charettes that as a group you asked for and that Council (in the name of taxpayers) is PAYING for, and do the work needed to solve the space problems. Stop stalling.]
Below is the original email sent out to formally get RSVPs from the charette team members:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sue Hayden [mailto:shayden@dearborncounty.in.gov]
Sent: None
To: denny1225@hotmail.com; Liz Morris; Tom Cheek; Judge Humphrey ; Judge Sally Blankenship; Judge Jonathan Cleary; Aaron Negangard; Barb Kaffenberger; Gayle Pennington; cfryman@dearborncounty.in.gov; Gary Hensley; Phil Weaver ; Terri Dillard; Bill Black; Bill Ewbank; Sheriff Lusby; David Hall ; Mark McCormack; Sandy Leptak; tagnes@dearborncounty.in.gov; bblair@dearborncounty.in.gov; mkreinhop@dearborncounty.in.gov; 'Jeff Hughes'; 'Ralph Thompson'; Tom Orschell
Cc: 'Bret Dodd'
Subject: Upcoming Charette Meetings
The Dearborn County Board of County Commissioners invites you (attached list of Charette Teams/Members) to participate in a Charette (attached Charette agenda) on Saturday April 10th. “Charette” is a term used to define a focused period of effort dedicated to solving a design or planning problem by a group of interested parties. In this case, the challenge to this group of participants is to contribute to determining the best means to address the county’s space needs. Please confirm your participation with Sue Hayden by or before Thursday April 1st. If you can not attend, please advise Sue and suggest a possible representative from your department for substitution consideration, thank you.
Sue Hayden
Dearborn County
Administrative Assistant
215 B West High Street
Lawrenceburg, In 47025
812-537-1040 ext.0
fax- 812-532-2003
-----Original Message-----
From: Aaron Negangard
To: 'Sue Hayden'
Cc: 'Bret Dodd'
Sent: Mon, Mar 29, 2010 11:58 pm
Subject: RE: Upcoming Charette Meetings
Dear Sue:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the “charette”. Given that County Council voted in July, 2009 to have the “charette” in 45 days of that meeting, I am glad that it has finally been scheduled. However, I am concerned that County Council member Liz Morris will not be able to attend. I am also concerned because it is my understanding that both Sheriff David Lusby and Chief Deputy Mike Kreinhop will not be able to attend as well. It would seem to me that it would be better to find out what dates would be available for all team members and then pick a date. This was not done. This is too important a process to schedule this with little notice to the team members. If we are to come up with a decision that is in the best interests of the citizens of this county, then I believe it is critical to include all the team members. Could you please ask the Commissioners for me why they cannot schedule this matter at a time that is more convenient for all the team members? Since 9 months have transpired since County Council’s vote, I do not understand why it is suddenly so urgent that less than 2 weeks notice was given to team members. Please advise as to whether or not the County Commissioners are interested from hearing from all the team members and whether they are willing to reschedule to allow everyone input in this very important process. Thank you for your time.
Aaron Negangard
[NOTE: In my opinion, Negangard seems to "forget" that when they couldn't get a date until after the primary elections ( political reasons?), the commissioners asked the JUDGES to pick the date.
The sheriff is leaving office- Kreinhop MAY get elected and May not- they can send someone else to represent the sheriff's dept. IF it is really important these people would MAKE the time for it. This charette date was selected almost a month ago at the commissioners last evening meeting in early March.
Liz Morris is a council person- send someone else from council as her alternate.
Two weeks notice is all an employee gives when they quit. And yet some can't seem to set plans for a Saturday for this. Negangard wants all team members available- well that is nearly impossible, but there should be able to be a decent turnout.
Charettes were proposed by Charlie Fehrman- 9 months ago- for Negangard and the judges to get their concerns heard.
And who was in a hurry before????? Negangard and the judges were. They need their space concerns addressed.
It's time to quit playing games. Telling everyone that Lawrenceburg will pay for all of this is wrong. The price tag is too high. The taxpayers don't want more taxes. The bonds coming due will only cover about 1/3 of it's estimated price tag if you include the jail expansion.
Elected officials need to be fiscally responsible. They serve the taxpayers- not the other way around. The commissioners and Council have to make the decision. They want officials and staff input.
Get to the charettes that as a group you asked for and that Council (in the name of taxpayers) is PAYING for, and do the work needed to solve the space problems. Stop stalling.]
Below is the original email sent out to formally get RSVPs from the charette team members:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sue Hayden [mailto:shayden@dearborncounty.in.gov]
Sent: None
To: denny1225@hotmail.com; Liz Morris; Tom Cheek; Judge Humphrey ; Judge Sally Blankenship; Judge Jonathan Cleary; Aaron Negangard; Barb Kaffenberger; Gayle Pennington; cfryman@dearborncounty.in.gov; Gary Hensley; Phil Weaver ; Terri Dillard; Bill Black; Bill Ewbank; Sheriff Lusby; David Hall ; Mark McCormack; Sandy Leptak; tagnes@dearborncounty.in.gov; bblair@dearborncounty.in.gov; mkreinhop@dearborncounty.in.gov; 'Jeff Hughes'; 'Ralph Thompson'; Tom Orschell
Cc: 'Bret Dodd'
Subject: Upcoming Charette Meetings
The Dearborn County Board of County Commissioners invites you (attached list of Charette Teams/Members) to participate in a Charette (attached Charette agenda) on Saturday April 10th. “Charette” is a term used to define a focused period of effort dedicated to solving a design or planning problem by a group of interested parties. In this case, the challenge to this group of participants is to contribute to determining the best means to address the county’s space needs. Please confirm your participation with Sue Hayden by or before Thursday April 1st. If you can not attend, please advise Sue and suggest a possible representative from your department for substitution consideration, thank you.
Sue Hayden
Dearborn County
Administrative Assistant
215 B West High Street
Lawrenceburg, In 47025
812-537-1040 ext.0
fax- 812-532-2003
Monday, March 29, 2010
Gayle Pennington Elected Auditor
Republican Party met this evening and elected Gayle Pennington to fill out the remainder of Cary Picken's term as Auditor.
Pennington is the lone candidate in the primary election for Auditor this year.
She is currently Treasurer.
Republicans will have to meet again to fill the Treasurer's position.
Pennington is the lone candidate in the primary election for Auditor this year.
She is currently Treasurer.
Republicans will have to meet again to fill the Treasurer's position.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tom Knollman State Representative in District 55 on the flypod.com
Greetings to our listeners and subscribers --
POLITICALLY CORRECT: TOM KNOLLMAN -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Republican candidate Tom Knollman. Mr. Knollman is the incumbent running for re-election for State Representative in District 55. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46612
POLITICALLY CORRECT: TOM KNOLLMAN -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Republican candidate Tom Knollman. Mr. Knollman is the incumbent running for re-election for State Representative in District 55. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46612
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
COMMISSIONER ORSCHELL UPDATES CITIZENS ON theflypod.com
Show #1 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: TOM ORSCHELL, COUNTY COMMISSIONER -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Commissioner Orschell. They discuss a variety of topics relevant to citizens of Dearborn County. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46500
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46500
Monday, March 22, 2010
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING RED BRIDGE ON COLLIER RIDGE ROAD
The steel truss bridge (#55) on Collier Ridge ( the Red Bridge) is closed indefinitely due to irreparable structural damage. The bottom chord of one truss has totally failed at the bearing plate and the other chord at the bearing plate is completely fractured. The structure is unsafe to carry any traffic and will require replacement.
The County Highway Engineer, Todd Listermann, will be meeting with INDOT in April, to again request Federal funding assistance to help cover the cost of replacement. Federal Highway funds (administered by the State) for the replacement was sought about 2 years ago when the County proceeded with the repair of the slide area on the Collier Ridge hill. The bridge replacement was not considered to be a high enough priority for the County to receive funding at that time. Mr. Listerman will be making a plea for increased priority because of the failure.
The replacement plan includes widening the bridge to 2 lanes and realigning the bridge for better traffic flow and safety. The bridge condition and replacement issues will be discussed at the April 6th Commissioners meeting.
Ralph Thompson
Commissioner
The County Highway Engineer, Todd Listermann, will be meeting with INDOT in April, to again request Federal funding assistance to help cover the cost of replacement. Federal Highway funds (administered by the State) for the replacement was sought about 2 years ago when the County proceeded with the repair of the slide area on the Collier Ridge hill. The bridge replacement was not considered to be a high enough priority for the County to receive funding at that time. Mr. Listerman will be making a plea for increased priority because of the failure.
The replacement plan includes widening the bridge to 2 lanes and realigning the bridge for better traffic flow and safety. The bridge condition and replacement issues will be discussed at the April 6th Commissioners meeting.
Ralph Thompson
Commissioner
RED BRIDGE ON COLLIER RIDGE CLOSED
Effective Sunday morning, the Red Bridge on Collier Ridge is permanently closed due to irreparable structural damage and will have to be completely replaced. This according to Todd Listermann, who was on site when I arrived there.
Johnny Schott
Manchester Township
Johnny Schott
Manchester Township
Friday, March 19, 2010
Health Care Bill Available online- all 153 pages of it
Health Care Reconcilation Bill (153 pages) is available online at:
http://documents.nytimes.com/health-care-reconciliation-bill?ref=policy#p=1
http://documents.nytimes.com/health-care-reconciliation-bill?ref=policy#p=1
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
16 March 2010 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
16 March 2010 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Ralph Thompson, President, Tom Orschell, and Jeff Hughes
Also present: Mike Witte, Attorney. Auditor’s meeting duties covered by Cathy from Planning dept.
NOTE: Cary Pickens, Auditor, passed away earlier this month.
OLD BUSINESS:
Purchasing agency ordinance- Mike Witte- County Attorney- submitted 2 separate proposals after last meeting- received no critique from anyone yet. Here to take questions. Alternate version gives discretion to officeholders or dept. heads to negotiate contracts for 1 year or less. Hughes likes checks and balances to have it come before the commissioners. Any contract longer than a year is only binding with a bond or if there is language saying it is contingent on funding by County Council. Witte advises signing off on written contracts for services. Hughes questioned the $25,000 limits too. Tabled so the commissioners could review it.
NEW BUSINESS
Treasurer – Gayle Pennington- Ordinance for Real Estate Companies – TABLED at Pennington’s request
PAWS – Sandy Carly- Discussion on refund of $1million plus interest donated from Lawrenceburg as they are using it for their shelter. Commissioners approved the transfer of the money back to PAWS.
Reaction PC – Maintenance Contract- Mr. Wyly’s proposal for additional function that was requested. They are in their 3rd training session for the county website over in the library. Adding logging of user changes so that all changes are documented. Takes about 8 hours to set this up- $480. Adding user permission pages to the site- so that only certain pages are allowed to that person. This would make it so users only see what they are able to access. This is more intrusive to fix. After discounts this is about 15 hours work for $900. Could also have multiple permissions this would take about 20 hours 4 weeks time and $1200. Access permissions can occur overnight- not much delay for new people.
Maintenance contract is their commitment to the county- host it, make sure it’s up and running and make back-up. Use brinkster so they have a 99% uptime rate except for maintenance times. Daily back-up of the site. You can recover that for up to 3 days and then that is gone. At most you could lose 3 days worth of data. No charge if it is their fault- if it’s something the county user did- there is a $250 charge per instance. Premium support package unlimited phone and email support during business hours and response within one day. Will do extra training and new employees. $120 per hour for major changes and $80 for minor ones. Can get analytics on usage and hits per page. Base support is $1500 per year and the premium is $3,000 per year. If there is a termination they will give them DVD etc.
Have been supporting the old site during the upgrade for a little over $700- that would be included if they use the premium support package.
Commissioners opted to do the premium maintenance package for the first year (running from Feb 1st so that commissioners decide each Jan on their renewals) due to the number of questions employees will have with training. There will be a 2.5 year pay back even with additional features compared to the old system. Cost is $3000 per year. They also decided on the increased level of security and logging in user changes for $1680.
Terry Lyons – 17543 Ellinghausen Rd.- Manchester- Feb had 2 major snows- wife had to leave to be sure she could get her mother to hospital for surgery. Snow came that Sunday night. By Tues neighbor got stuck, mail lady got stuck, and wife couldn’t come home 2 county plows stuck on that street. By Wed his wife came home- got stuck- but they got her out. Still no road plowed. By Sunday still not plowed. More snow. All streets clean – even side streets except theirs by then. ( 11 days) Life squad couldn’t get back that road- when the baby had accidentally swallowed pills. They had to get out with a neighbor on the fire squad. Called dispatch and Grieve and it was cleaned by the next day then. Todd Listerman will look into it.
DCRSD – Steve Renihan- High Ridge plant is substantially completed. Request to go to Council for 2 change orders directly related to project $2,600 for collection system to TV it. Should last monger than they had originally thought- it’s a 30 year old system. $2500 to extend fence around the shed because of the types of chemicals stored there- as kids in neighborhood play there. Keystone billing- recommended by state board of accounts. They need checks and balances in place due to staff running it. This will serve any future sites as well. $10,400 seed money for High Ridge for Operations and Maintenance acc’t. After 6 months this money will pay back and they will send it back to council ( it’s a loan). Estimates $2000 for property insurance on the actual plant. Eventually that will be under O&M. Renihan needs a bond as he is also signing on accounts with the treasurer being ill.
Second phase of High Ridge will be done by mid to end of April. By May when Council meets this should be done. Todd Listerman said Highway signed off on permit to go ahead out there yesterday. Commissioners approved Renihan to go to Council for DCRSD for $22,060 total.
ANIMAL CONTROL – Marlene Underwood- passed out numbers of animal in – 93 dogs in Jan- 14 euthanized- adopted 66. Cats 40 in 17 euthanized and more adopted than came in. ( 2009 numbers)
Jan Dogs 77% adopted 18%euthanized. Cats 135% adopted 12 %euthanized
Feb Dogs 48% adopted 11%euthanized. Cats 81%adopted and 12% euthanized
Have not euthanized for space in a long long time.
50% dog and 75% cats in Butler County euthanization rate.
Last couple weeks had issues with kennel cough. Separated cats with respiratory ills.
Brown Mackey College came out to test animals.
Bites: 3 dog to dog and 7 dog to human and one cat to human
Current population 55 dogs and 27 cats.
Kitten season is coming up.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman gave a15-minute report.
Gave card to Mr. Lyons to call him if any problems on Ellinghausen Road.
Checking on salt program again- did find a Bloomington supplier thru Grieve for past snow. Will sign vendor in Bloomington and also with the state.
Working with Barth and assoc to get a contract to resurface North Dearborn road in case stimulus will come up. Big question if Stimulus II will go up. Cost is max $2500- no more. Talked to others at road school- many are paying $15-20,000 because they are hiring consultants to do ALL the work. Listerman has already done the leg work- so it only costs us about $2500. This will still be able to be used in the future. Commissioners decided to back off on this for now- due to uncertainty about stimulus.
Need to have inventory completed by 2011 on signs for the state. Will hire another intern this summer to complete this work. To stay in compliance they will redo signs on road sections every 10 years. Already in process on this for past few years.
Speed limits are 30 mph urban sections and 55mph on non-urban if not posted. These can be changed if traffic studies have been done. Will hopefully have an ordinance on these, stop signs, signals etc. next year. School zones will rise to 30 mph per state code. Only one traffic light in county inventory at Stateline and Stephens by HVL. It has been adjusted for timing also.
Met with Rohe asphalt- $450 per ton was estimated. It is now $525 and may go as high as $600 per ton. May not be able to buy as much asphalt as we’d projected.
April 2- trucks will be parked for summer- so none will go home with employees for snow emergencies.
Plan to go to 10 hour days after school lets out- from Memorial day to Labor day.
AUDITOR – Thompson said: Cary Pickens has passed- after many years of service to the county. He’d been looking forward to retirement. He will be sorely missed.
Greendale Ems contracts $40,000 signed.
Minutes signed with corrections. Claims approved.
Connie in auditor’s office was named acting charge for Pickens at special meeting..
ATTORNEY- Mike Witte- discussed the difference between uniform traffic from police versus an insurance form which is simpler. Witte to investigate to protect county.
No new tort and litigation.
Seibert case in litigation – when real estate was sold at tax sale and owner was not notified, even though they had sent change of address notices. This was from late tax bills time period. Court ruled in Seibert’s favor. (in West Harrison)
Met with DNR – assignment of Old Cole Lane portion of Hartford Ford will be assigned in about a month
Kent Irwin wanted to submit a sample ordinance on policy manual issues. That will be checked to see when that is.
Juvenile center contract on doctor has not come back to commissioners- Witte to find this.
Treasurer’s fee increase ordinance- he’s still working on this.
Mr. Fellers- Guilford on ROW- whether it was county or private. Todd Listerman- said Ron Barnhart P/Z and Art Wenzel- this is not well described as to what it is for. It is not a ROW- it is an easement- so that means it’s a private easement issue. Barnhart may have contacted him. Todd will make sure that happened.
Witte meeting with P/Z to decide whether to pursue sugar Ridge legally.
County Coordinator – Bill Ewbank- Community Mental Health service wants to do Clothes Line Display for Court House Lawn on Friday April 9th for Victims of sexual Assault. Commissioners granted approval.
Indiana Mutual Ins has done an assessment of our dept’s for risk management. Want to elect motor vehicle reports on an annual basis for all employees who operate a county vehicle. This include their operation of a their own vehicles. Driver training safety program and documentation required more for Highway dept.
Veterans Officer had 40 applicants and 5 will be interviewed this afternoon as finalists.
Review all our regulations on animal control so we can work with PAWS eventually. Working session to brainstorm what is on the books and look at other options. They will try to set a common date to do this- in public session.
Witte and Ewbank will get together on incident reports for insurance.
COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes – Federal gov’t said state is not legal on liability issues with Region 9. This may cost us something down the road in liability insurance
COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell- use his time to take a moment of silence for the late Mr. Pickens our auditor for his untimely death.
COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.- nothing to add.
PUBLIC COMMENT- none
ADJOURN 10:55 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Ralph Thompson, President, Tom Orschell, and Jeff Hughes
Also present: Mike Witte, Attorney. Auditor’s meeting duties covered by Cathy from Planning dept.
NOTE: Cary Pickens, Auditor, passed away earlier this month.
OLD BUSINESS:
Purchasing agency ordinance- Mike Witte- County Attorney- submitted 2 separate proposals after last meeting- received no critique from anyone yet. Here to take questions. Alternate version gives discretion to officeholders or dept. heads to negotiate contracts for 1 year or less. Hughes likes checks and balances to have it come before the commissioners. Any contract longer than a year is only binding with a bond or if there is language saying it is contingent on funding by County Council. Witte advises signing off on written contracts for services. Hughes questioned the $25,000 limits too. Tabled so the commissioners could review it.
NEW BUSINESS
Treasurer – Gayle Pennington- Ordinance for Real Estate Companies – TABLED at Pennington’s request
PAWS – Sandy Carly- Discussion on refund of $1million plus interest donated from Lawrenceburg as they are using it for their shelter. Commissioners approved the transfer of the money back to PAWS.
Reaction PC – Maintenance Contract- Mr. Wyly’s proposal for additional function that was requested. They are in their 3rd training session for the county website over in the library. Adding logging of user changes so that all changes are documented. Takes about 8 hours to set this up- $480. Adding user permission pages to the site- so that only certain pages are allowed to that person. This would make it so users only see what they are able to access. This is more intrusive to fix. After discounts this is about 15 hours work for $900. Could also have multiple permissions this would take about 20 hours 4 weeks time and $1200. Access permissions can occur overnight- not much delay for new people.
Maintenance contract is their commitment to the county- host it, make sure it’s up and running and make back-up. Use brinkster so they have a 99% uptime rate except for maintenance times. Daily back-up of the site. You can recover that for up to 3 days and then that is gone. At most you could lose 3 days worth of data. No charge if it is their fault- if it’s something the county user did- there is a $250 charge per instance. Premium support package unlimited phone and email support during business hours and response within one day. Will do extra training and new employees. $120 per hour for major changes and $80 for minor ones. Can get analytics on usage and hits per page. Base support is $1500 per year and the premium is $3,000 per year. If there is a termination they will give them DVD etc.
Have been supporting the old site during the upgrade for a little over $700- that would be included if they use the premium support package.
Commissioners opted to do the premium maintenance package for the first year (running from Feb 1st so that commissioners decide each Jan on their renewals) due to the number of questions employees will have with training. There will be a 2.5 year pay back even with additional features compared to the old system. Cost is $3000 per year. They also decided on the increased level of security and logging in user changes for $1680.
Terry Lyons – 17543 Ellinghausen Rd.- Manchester- Feb had 2 major snows- wife had to leave to be sure she could get her mother to hospital for surgery. Snow came that Sunday night. By Tues neighbor got stuck, mail lady got stuck, and wife couldn’t come home 2 county plows stuck on that street. By Wed his wife came home- got stuck- but they got her out. Still no road plowed. By Sunday still not plowed. More snow. All streets clean – even side streets except theirs by then. ( 11 days) Life squad couldn’t get back that road- when the baby had accidentally swallowed pills. They had to get out with a neighbor on the fire squad. Called dispatch and Grieve and it was cleaned by the next day then. Todd Listerman will look into it.
DCRSD – Steve Renihan- High Ridge plant is substantially completed. Request to go to Council for 2 change orders directly related to project $2,600 for collection system to TV it. Should last monger than they had originally thought- it’s a 30 year old system. $2500 to extend fence around the shed because of the types of chemicals stored there- as kids in neighborhood play there. Keystone billing- recommended by state board of accounts. They need checks and balances in place due to staff running it. This will serve any future sites as well. $10,400 seed money for High Ridge for Operations and Maintenance acc’t. After 6 months this money will pay back and they will send it back to council ( it’s a loan). Estimates $2000 for property insurance on the actual plant. Eventually that will be under O&M. Renihan needs a bond as he is also signing on accounts with the treasurer being ill.
Second phase of High Ridge will be done by mid to end of April. By May when Council meets this should be done. Todd Listerman said Highway signed off on permit to go ahead out there yesterday. Commissioners approved Renihan to go to Council for DCRSD for $22,060 total.
ANIMAL CONTROL – Marlene Underwood- passed out numbers of animal in – 93 dogs in Jan- 14 euthanized- adopted 66. Cats 40 in 17 euthanized and more adopted than came in. ( 2009 numbers)
Jan Dogs 77% adopted 18%euthanized. Cats 135% adopted 12 %euthanized
Feb Dogs 48% adopted 11%euthanized. Cats 81%adopted and 12% euthanized
Have not euthanized for space in a long long time.
50% dog and 75% cats in Butler County euthanization rate.
Last couple weeks had issues with kennel cough. Separated cats with respiratory ills.
Brown Mackey College came out to test animals.
Bites: 3 dog to dog and 7 dog to human and one cat to human
Current population 55 dogs and 27 cats.
Kitten season is coming up.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman gave a15-minute report.
Gave card to Mr. Lyons to call him if any problems on Ellinghausen Road.
Checking on salt program again- did find a Bloomington supplier thru Grieve for past snow. Will sign vendor in Bloomington and also with the state.
Working with Barth and assoc to get a contract to resurface North Dearborn road in case stimulus will come up. Big question if Stimulus II will go up. Cost is max $2500- no more. Talked to others at road school- many are paying $15-20,000 because they are hiring consultants to do ALL the work. Listerman has already done the leg work- so it only costs us about $2500. This will still be able to be used in the future. Commissioners decided to back off on this for now- due to uncertainty about stimulus.
Need to have inventory completed by 2011 on signs for the state. Will hire another intern this summer to complete this work. To stay in compliance they will redo signs on road sections every 10 years. Already in process on this for past few years.
Speed limits are 30 mph urban sections and 55mph on non-urban if not posted. These can be changed if traffic studies have been done. Will hopefully have an ordinance on these, stop signs, signals etc. next year. School zones will rise to 30 mph per state code. Only one traffic light in county inventory at Stateline and Stephens by HVL. It has been adjusted for timing also.
Met with Rohe asphalt- $450 per ton was estimated. It is now $525 and may go as high as $600 per ton. May not be able to buy as much asphalt as we’d projected.
April 2- trucks will be parked for summer- so none will go home with employees for snow emergencies.
Plan to go to 10 hour days after school lets out- from Memorial day to Labor day.
AUDITOR – Thompson said: Cary Pickens has passed- after many years of service to the county. He’d been looking forward to retirement. He will be sorely missed.
Greendale Ems contracts $40,000 signed.
Minutes signed with corrections. Claims approved.
Connie in auditor’s office was named acting charge for Pickens at special meeting..
ATTORNEY- Mike Witte- discussed the difference between uniform traffic from police versus an insurance form which is simpler. Witte to investigate to protect county.
No new tort and litigation.
Seibert case in litigation – when real estate was sold at tax sale and owner was not notified, even though they had sent change of address notices. This was from late tax bills time period. Court ruled in Seibert’s favor. (in West Harrison)
Met with DNR – assignment of Old Cole Lane portion of Hartford Ford will be assigned in about a month
Kent Irwin wanted to submit a sample ordinance on policy manual issues. That will be checked to see when that is.
Juvenile center contract on doctor has not come back to commissioners- Witte to find this.
Treasurer’s fee increase ordinance- he’s still working on this.
Mr. Fellers- Guilford on ROW- whether it was county or private. Todd Listerman- said Ron Barnhart P/Z and Art Wenzel- this is not well described as to what it is for. It is not a ROW- it is an easement- so that means it’s a private easement issue. Barnhart may have contacted him. Todd will make sure that happened.
Witte meeting with P/Z to decide whether to pursue sugar Ridge legally.
County Coordinator – Bill Ewbank- Community Mental Health service wants to do Clothes Line Display for Court House Lawn on Friday April 9th for Victims of sexual Assault. Commissioners granted approval.
Indiana Mutual Ins has done an assessment of our dept’s for risk management. Want to elect motor vehicle reports on an annual basis for all employees who operate a county vehicle. This include their operation of a their own vehicles. Driver training safety program and documentation required more for Highway dept.
Veterans Officer had 40 applicants and 5 will be interviewed this afternoon as finalists.
Review all our regulations on animal control so we can work with PAWS eventually. Working session to brainstorm what is on the books and look at other options. They will try to set a common date to do this- in public session.
Witte and Ewbank will get together on incident reports for insurance.
COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes – Federal gov’t said state is not legal on liability issues with Region 9. This may cost us something down the road in liability insurance
COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell- use his time to take a moment of silence for the late Mr. Pickens our auditor for his untimely death.
COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.- nothing to add.
PUBLIC COMMENT- none
ADJOURN 10:55 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Monday, March 15, 2010
Federal government has websites to track government spending including stimulus
Federal Government transparency sites:
www.data.gov
Where is the stimulus money going?
www.recovery.gov
www.data.gov
Where is the stimulus money going?
www.recovery.gov
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
LINDSAY PATTERSON FOR STATE SENATE DISTRICT 43 on theflypod.com
Greetings to our listeners and subscribers --
from theflypod.com
Show #1 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: LINDSAY PATTERSON -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Lindsay Patterson, Republican candidate for State Senate in District 43. Ms. Patterson is running against incumbent Republican, Senator Johnny Nugent. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46334
from theflypod.com
Show #1 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: LINDSAY PATTERSON -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Lindsay Patterson, Republican candidate for State Senate in District 43. Ms. Patterson is running against incumbent Republican, Senator Johnny Nugent. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46334
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Septic System Maintenance & Care Workshop
With one-third of the US population on septic systems, over 1 trillion gallons of waste per year is disposed below the ground's surface. Inadequately treated sewage from failing septic systems is the most frequently reported cause of groundwater contamination. It poses a significant threat to drinking water and human health because diseases and infections may be transferred to people and animals. Dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever, and acute gastrointestinal illness are some of the more serious examples. Proper maintenance and care of septic systems can help prevent failures and malfunctions from happening and extend the life of your system.
Along with the Dearborn County Health Department, the Hogan Creek Watershed Project and the Dearborn County Soil and Water Conservation District are planning a workshop to educate citizens on how septic systems work, the proper maintenance and care, tips on how to extend the life of the system, and ways to improve current systems. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 10th at Purdue Extension Office in Aurora at 6:00 pm. The workshop is FREE to attend and it may SAVE you lots of money and headaches in the future.
If you would like more information, please contact Heather Wirth at 812-926-2406 ext 3.
Along with the Dearborn County Health Department, the Hogan Creek Watershed Project and the Dearborn County Soil and Water Conservation District are planning a workshop to educate citizens on how septic systems work, the proper maintenance and care, tips on how to extend the life of the system, and ways to improve current systems. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 10th at Purdue Extension Office in Aurora at 6:00 pm. The workshop is FREE to attend and it may SAVE you lots of money and headaches in the future.
If you would like more information, please contact Heather Wirth at 812-926-2406 ext 3.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS AND VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE
To obtain and absentee ballot request and/or a voter registration form online- go to the following site:
http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2392.htm
■April 5, 2010: Voter Registration Closes for the 2010 Primary Election
■April 26, 2010: Deadline for absentee-by-mail applications for the 2010 Primary Election
■May 4, 2010: Primary Election Day
■May 18, 2010: Voter Registration Opens for the 2010 General Election
■October 4, 2010: Voter Registration Closes for the 2010 General Election
■October 25, 2010: Deadline for absentee-by-mail applications for the General Election
■November 2, 2010: General Election Day Mail-in voter registration applications must be postmarked on or before the above registration deadlines.
http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2392.htm
■April 5, 2010: Voter Registration Closes for the 2010 Primary Election
■April 26, 2010: Deadline for absentee-by-mail applications for the 2010 Primary Election
■May 4, 2010: Primary Election Day
■May 18, 2010: Voter Registration Opens for the 2010 General Election
■October 4, 2010: Voter Registration Closes for the 2010 General Election
■October 25, 2010: Deadline for absentee-by-mail applications for the General Election
■November 2, 2010: General Election Day Mail-in voter registration applications must be postmarked on or before the above registration deadlines.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Randy Lyness and Mike Sodrel on theflypod.com
Greetings to our listeners and subscribers --
Show #1 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: RANDY LYNESS -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Randy Lyness, Republican candidate for State Representative in District 55. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46275
Show #3 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: MIKE SODREL -- Show host Alex Parniuk interviews Mike Sodrel. Mr. Sodrel is running for U.S. Congress, in Indiana's District Nine. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46255
We hope you enjoy listening to these shows. Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about TheFlyPod.com New-Media Network. Also, check out the OPEN FLY FORUM feature on our website -- you can create your own broadcast, immediately! We are quickly becoming a leading "local world" source of programming in the new digital-media age. Any person can sign up on our website to begin automatically receiving "New and Notable Show Alerts". It's 100% free and we will never, under any circumstances, share your email address with any person or organization.
To submit your ideas, questions, comments or complaints, email us directly in Studio 7 at anytime 24/7 -- shout@theflypod.com -- or pick up your cell phone and call our national listener feedback line at 206.337.1716
NEW and NOTABLE SHOW ALERTS
Fly Paper Productions, LLC
Digital Media Group - National Operations Ctr
POB 324
Harrison, OH 45030
USA
206-337-1716 Listener Feedback Line
www.TheFlyPod.com
TheFlyPod New-Media Network
Show #1 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: RANDY LYNESS -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Randy Lyness, Republican candidate for State Representative in District 55. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46275
Show #3 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: MIKE SODREL -- Show host Alex Parniuk interviews Mike Sodrel. Mr. Sodrel is running for U.S. Congress, in Indiana's District Nine. To listen to this interview, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46255
We hope you enjoy listening to these shows. Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about TheFlyPod.com New-Media Network. Also, check out the OPEN FLY FORUM feature on our website -- you can create your own broadcast, immediately! We are quickly becoming a leading "local world" source of programming in the new digital-media age. Any person can sign up on our website to begin automatically receiving "New and Notable Show Alerts". It's 100% free and we will never, under any circumstances, share your email address with any person or organization.
To submit your ideas, questions, comments or complaints, email us directly in Studio 7 at anytime 24/7 -- shout@theflypod.com -- or pick up your cell phone and call our national listener feedback line at 206.337.1716
NEW and NOTABLE SHOW ALERTS
Fly Paper Productions, LLC
Digital Media Group - National Operations Ctr
POB 324
Harrison, OH 45030
USA
206-337-1716 Listener Feedback Line
www.TheFlyPod.com
TheFlyPod New-Media Network
Saturday, March 06, 2010
CARY PICKENS PASSED AWAY 6 March 2010
Cary B. Pickens Passed Away
Born:
August 6, 1944
Died:
March 6, 2010
Services:
March 10, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Cary Barton Pickens, 65, of Guilford, Indiana, died Saturday, March 6, 2010 Lawrenceburg, IN.
He was born Sunday, August 6, 1944, in Cincinnati, OH, son of the late Herbert and Erma (Graff) Pickens.
He served his country in the United States Marine Corp during Vietnam.
He was a past Treasurer and Recorder for Dearborn County; past Commander for the Lawrenceburg American Legion; Aurora VFW; Aurora Lions Club; Association of Indiana Auditors; Board of Directors- Soil and Water Conservation District; Legislative Committee for Auditors; Ebenezer Baptist Church; and Retired from P&G.
He was the Auditor for Dearborn County.
He is survived by wife, Nancy Pickens; 2 sons, Eric (wife Julie) Pickens, Bryce (wife Gabrielle) Pickens; daughter, Amanda (husband Mike) Miller; 2 sisters, Ila Porter, Sherin Wren; and 3 grandchildren, Brooke Pickens, Kayla Pickens, and Zayne Miller.
Friends will be received Tuesday, March 9, 2010 from 4pm to 7pm at the Fitch-Denney Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10am with Pastor Tom Fehrman officiating.
Interment will follow in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Madison, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Lawrenceburg American Legion.
Born:
August 6, 1944
Died:
March 6, 2010
Services:
March 10, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Cary Barton Pickens, 65, of Guilford, Indiana, died Saturday, March 6, 2010 Lawrenceburg, IN.
He was born Sunday, August 6, 1944, in Cincinnati, OH, son of the late Herbert and Erma (Graff) Pickens.
He served his country in the United States Marine Corp during Vietnam.
He was a past Treasurer and Recorder for Dearborn County; past Commander for the Lawrenceburg American Legion; Aurora VFW; Aurora Lions Club; Association of Indiana Auditors; Board of Directors- Soil and Water Conservation District; Legislative Committee for Auditors; Ebenezer Baptist Church; and Retired from P&G.
He was the Auditor for Dearborn County.
He is survived by wife, Nancy Pickens; 2 sons, Eric (wife Julie) Pickens, Bryce (wife Gabrielle) Pickens; daughter, Amanda (husband Mike) Miller; 2 sisters, Ila Porter, Sherin Wren; and 3 grandchildren, Brooke Pickens, Kayla Pickens, and Zayne Miller.
Friends will be received Tuesday, March 9, 2010 from 4pm to 7pm at the Fitch-Denney Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10am with Pastor Tom Fehrman officiating.
Interment will follow in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Madison, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Lawrenceburg American Legion.
MARCH PLAN COMMISSION MEETING CANCELLED
There will be NO Plan Commission meeting March 22nd. There are no applications at this time and staff is still collecting information for the Villages of Sugar Ridge.
Next Plan Commission meeting is April 26th.
REMINDER: Comprehensive Plan meeting on Wednesday, March 31st.
Next Plan Commission meeting is April 26th.
REMINDER: Comprehensive Plan meeting on Wednesday, March 31st.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
2 March 2010 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
2 March 2010 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Ralph Thompson, President, Tom Orschell, and Jeff Hughes
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Mike Witte, Attorney.
NEW BUSINESS
Margaret Minzner- GIS Coordinator- Pictromitry-The end of March is deliverable date for parcels. They are editing changes that are being brought in. Three day training is available at IVY tech for people to learn how to do GIS. Oblique imagery brought a lot of positive comments. DC Foundation grant for removable drives for 1st responders.
“Change Findr” software available from Jeff Leonard of Pictromitry. Can detect differences between the different aerial photography times- like 2005 to 2008. This will detect decks, rooflines, pools etc. This helps the assessor for property tax purposes. Reports can be created from this- it is automated- but it is NOT perfect- some pictures need to be verified. Building permits can be used to check these sites preliminarily. This gives more accurate tax data- it pays for itself in increased tax revenue. Leonard showed pictures of isolated areas easily captured in aerials- so saved gas and trip costs. Orschell asked about the fee. Fee is $22,185 first time. $11,475 the 2nd time done. Usually done whenever they do aerial photography.
Thompson noted- “So BIG BROTHER really IS watching!”
Bill Black- EMA- Grant signatures- $1,088 for ham radio equipment. $110,000- for equipment for Region 9 in Indiana. We sign just as fiscal agent for region 9. Have to be submitted before June. Both grants signed.
Issues about Level 3 snow emergency and potential ticketing brought up by Hughes. Black said – it says they MAY be ticketed at discretion of officer. If they have to go to work – that is essential. No one was ticketed per Thompson. Even Level 2 indicates it’s dangerous. Business owners can send employees home at their discretion.
Commissioners signed Severe Weather Awareness Week for next week. Alarms will be tested then. Snow emergency proclamations signed for last storms.
Brett Dodd- RQAW Charette teams for the Justice Center campus have been selected. Weekend time offered due to judges schedules was Sat. the 3rd. But he discovered it was Easter weekend. They are trying April 10 instead. Three teams have 9-10 people each. He gave lists to commissioners to approve. It is a public meeting and they can attend and watch the process. May want to allow public to participate at one portion of this. Commissioners approved the charette lists.
Suellen Cauble- Human Resources Director- Personnel policy – grant financial comptroller the ability to work at home from surgery. This is a key position in the county from the auditor’s office. She can effectively access the system from her home in a secure and confidential manner. She will maintain a log of tasks performed daily and county equipment that goes with her. This will be about 6 weeks and only temporary. Witte thinks they have done a good detailed job of outlining the job description and is reasonable to cover this temp arrangement this way. Federal government is encouraging tele-work. Pickens said you can track her work as it gets printed at the office here. Commissioners approved this with Hughes voting NAY.
DC Regional Sewer District- Steve Renihan
DR2 Grant- Margaret Minzner is certified Indiana CDBG grant administrator. One of opportunities is for small wastewater plants. She talked to Steve Renihan of DCRSD and a couple projects on Huesman Road and Lake Dilldear came to mind. DR2 money is $300 million more than it usually is due to Hurricane Ike. Renihan and board agreed. Preliminary engineering report on Huseman nearly finished. Required for grant. Getting the engineering report on the shelf will make these grant-ready. Lake Dilldear about $16,000 including legal costs to get the study done. Renihan hope to do DR2 for both. Minzner said that the grant requirements aren’t completely known yet- just the deadline of July 1. Orschell noted we need the study anyway to eventually use for other opportunities should this option fail. Commissioners approved DCRSD to go to Council to get $16,000 for engineering study for Lake Dilldear.
West Harrison preliminary- Renihan said Jim Kinnett approached them about how to get a line to this TIF area. Renihan said they were committed to getting problem areas fixed first. But they want to get Commissioners feeling on this.
Kinnett is a consultant working for a specific entity trying to get this done. 1 retail and 2 industrial projects proposed. 66- 100 employees possible and about $2 million each structure. Recommending a gravity feed from Johnson fork to Harrison collection system. Companies want service there before they commit to us. This is the last component to be completed for this to be “shovel ready.” If they can see significant progress being made- these companies can announce projects in about 60 days. Taxes would be $43-44,000 per year on one. He estimates $131,000 total taxes and $1.5 million payroll. These sewers would then serve more of the TIF. Thompson asked, “Potential payback 10-15 years?” Kinnett- Yes. Pickens asked about bonding. Pickens asked if the TIF money they get will be returned to the county to help pay back the costs of putting the sewer line in. Thompson agreed. Said it was smart growth and an area that the county agreed to use for this investment. Hughes asked about High Ridge. Thompson reminded him it was debt service there- not a TIF.
Renihan does not want bonds – because it would possibly force hook-ups like St; Leon got stuck with. This Harrison area is sparsely populated so it won’t be used by a lot of residential- it’s more for industrial/business. He said we will make sure the sewer line goes out there and spend the money- IF the Commissioners feel this is a good investment. They will need to get a preliminary engineering study for this also. This will give feasibility and costs to accomplish this. This will buy some time for redevelopment to investigate these projects further. Orschell agreed this was an investment the county needed to make. Commissioners approved the request to go to Council for $14,300 for preliminary engineering study.
Highway Dept- Todd Listerman- gave a 40-minute report
Ziegler Blvd accepted by Commissioners- 0.09 miles in Industrial Park in West Harrison TIF to North Bend Patternworks.
INDOT- sent final acceptance letter for Bells Branch Bridge #15. Commissioners signed.
Funding for chip seal/ fog seal on North Dearborn and north Hogan Rd was extended due to weather- commissioners signed. June 4th is new completion date.
Resurface via stimulus on Yorkridge will start in April- complete in July.
Don’t know how big stimulus II will be. There were $8 million projects that were not funded in Stimulus I. Wants to work with Barth and Assoc to get $2,000- 2,500 plans ready for North Dearborn from Stateline to Jamison ready for that round. We have to be ready in order to go for that money- can still use those plans for project in the future, if we don’t get funds at this time. Orschell asked about what roads would qualify. Listerman said this was about the only one left that fit the criteria. Commissioners approved getting the plans ready.
PUBLIC MEETING for Beam Longest and Neff- April 14 at North Dearborn Library- for plans for Stateline Rd in the heart of Bright including sewer, curbs, etc. Goal is information – parameters for ROW and what is needed to go forward. It will also inform them of their rights for ROW acquisition. Listerman will notify all media sources of this meeting.
Listerman advised commissioners of plans for permits to modify the new highway garage so they can move there by summer. Bob Hrezo spoke and Kendall Bales gave a report on what they would propose to do for the county with engineer’s estimates. Previous design releases are good for this building. CAD files for this are in their hands. This is to bring them in full compliance with the state for a garage. It was a warehouse. Needs the proper fire separation code work also. Listerman said they have $150,000 for this undertaking so far. Proposal from Hrezo in 2 phases -$2700 and $ 8,080 was approved by commissioners for the engineering.
INDOT project between Batesville and Greendale with Rohe- allows us to get millings again. We will use these to pave some of our roads. Council emails said to make the deal and get funding approved at the May meeting. Konradi from Platt to Bonnell and Bonnell to Burzelbach proposed next.
Jeremy Reese – a construction management student will be hired May 17 as a part timer for $11.50 per hour this summer ( no benefits) to continue our traffic data and sign inventory etc. Not filling Mark Seilers assistant engineer position.
Snow and ice update- record amounts- thanks and appreciation to the highway personnel- special thanks to Commissioner Orschell who took over the night shift to take over for guys who had a death in the family during this. Grieve- Highway Supervisor found a 3rd supplier at lesser cost to have enough salt for these storms. Thanked Lykins, Klump, Murray, White, McGraw, and House- private contractors who helped in the storm- and Davis towing who got their trucks out when they got stuck.
Exceeded the overtime in the budgets for in these storms- and is using some comp time to get rid of some of this expense. Will talk to Council to see what to do about this. State budget cuts in MvHa may require some layoffs.
More gloom and doom- 2 trucks blew up. 15 routes with 15 trucks- only have 12 good reliable trucks. Don’t have enough personnel to cover the routes with layoffs and no rehires. Looking at buying a smaller truck to help cover routes in subdivisions at reduced cost.
Lastly- road school Tues thru Thurs and he’ll be off Monday. Recycling signs and spreading sign replacement over a 14 year period. Will be finishing speed studies soon.
Auditor- Pickens- Claims and 5 sets of minutes signed. Commissioners signed EMS contracts for St. Leon, Hogan, and Manchester.
Pickens asked Todd listerman if he had the money to tear down the old garage. Listerman said he was waiting to see if Parks was to use it. Hwy will clean up the property.
Attorney- Witte- Hartford Ford meeting scheduled next week.
Planning and Zoning has asked him to look into Sugar Ridge performance bonds etc.
Greg Davis vs Don Townsend was dismissed from court and Townsend had immunity. Davis had until yesterday to file an appeal.
Linkmeyer was here for rezone last month and Lawrenceburg has annexed that property as expected.
Ordinance on grants will be discussed at a meeting on Thurs 18th. This will make it a requirement. Wants to make sure that Home Rule allows you to establish fees on this.
Signed his contract as attorney for this year.
He’s reviewing accident report forms – insurance company wants standard form for their purposes. He wants to cross reference with standard traffic incident reports.
“That’s all I have to report- a lawyer actually talked less than a County Highway Director!”
County Coordinator- Bill Ewbank- letter from Hughes from town Board of Harrison to support resurfacing State Street because we share costs. They want to apply to L-bg by March 31st for a grant to do this as they are strapped for cash. Commissioners agreed to support and Bill will write it up.
Investigating per Orschell’s request if county can enter into contract with private parties such as PAWS.
Need to get a public meeting together with stakeholders to see what tehrelationships will be and adoption fees etc. They will coordinate a date.
Veteran’s Office has 17 applications so far. Wants a series of interviews after morning Commissioner meeting. OK.
Commissioners:
Thompson- ratification of signatures on CAC Grant Semi-annual report- approved.
New county Website demo is 9 AM Thurs.
Late Arrivals –none
Public Comment-
Doug Weldon- why have district 2 highway guys split into 3 and 1. The snow on Ellinghausen was not cleared enough for emergency there. There have been 7 or 8 guys who have quit or retired and they’ve never been replaced. Bright should form a city and plow their own roads.
Todd Listerman- there are no districts in the county- we are all Dearborn County. The hiring freeze started before I came on board. We are getting less funding that we got in 1999. I need about $6 million to keep present conditions- I get $2 million. It would cost $100 per vehicle in the county to fund this. We are not unique. To get this funding would come from all of our back pockets. I average 3 employees off per day due to the age of employees. (health issues??)[ NOTE: Per Listerman: due to sick days and vacation days they've accrued]
Doug accepted this explanation- he understands. He asked about the new garage. Listerman talked about it being needed to get in compliance with state and federal requirements. I guess I missed the article in the paper on Running in Empty on the highway budget and also when it was melded into one unit.
Orschell- when I started we had 33 employees and 21 now.
Listerman detailed several roads they had to dig people out with health issues. We may use Manchester as a salt facility.
Thompson – the garage on Randall will pay back in about 10 years.
Steve Feller- own property in Guilford – have a neighbor who continually parks across my easement. Brought pictures. I have to come off my easement 30 feet to get out. Witte- this is a civil issue because it’s a private easement. Question about if this was a county easement-they will have Todd Listerman look at that.
Phil Darling- York Township- county did a remarkable job during snow storms. Would like to see a policy that you cancel all public meetings during snow emergencies of any level. If you are trying to limit travel then it should apply to everyone. Level 1 says to limit driving. Out in the county many people can’t get out to get to your meeting. Level 3s are thrown out pretty often.
Thompson said some complained of Level 3 being called when their roads were OK. Dearborn County has to operate as a unit- so if the north is bad, for example, the whole county goes on that level. Did get a dozen calls praising the county’s service during the storm.
Witte took the blame for calling the meeting as an emergency to get claims only paid. That was permissible by law.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Ralph Thompson, President, Tom Orschell, and Jeff Hughes
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Mike Witte, Attorney.
NEW BUSINESS
Margaret Minzner- GIS Coordinator- Pictromitry-The end of March is deliverable date for parcels. They are editing changes that are being brought in. Three day training is available at IVY tech for people to learn how to do GIS. Oblique imagery brought a lot of positive comments. DC Foundation grant for removable drives for 1st responders.
“Change Findr” software available from Jeff Leonard of Pictromitry. Can detect differences between the different aerial photography times- like 2005 to 2008. This will detect decks, rooflines, pools etc. This helps the assessor for property tax purposes. Reports can be created from this- it is automated- but it is NOT perfect- some pictures need to be verified. Building permits can be used to check these sites preliminarily. This gives more accurate tax data- it pays for itself in increased tax revenue. Leonard showed pictures of isolated areas easily captured in aerials- so saved gas and trip costs. Orschell asked about the fee. Fee is $22,185 first time. $11,475 the 2nd time done. Usually done whenever they do aerial photography.
Thompson noted- “So BIG BROTHER really IS watching!”
Bill Black- EMA- Grant signatures- $1,088 for ham radio equipment. $110,000- for equipment for Region 9 in Indiana. We sign just as fiscal agent for region 9. Have to be submitted before June. Both grants signed.
Issues about Level 3 snow emergency and potential ticketing brought up by Hughes. Black said – it says they MAY be ticketed at discretion of officer. If they have to go to work – that is essential. No one was ticketed per Thompson. Even Level 2 indicates it’s dangerous. Business owners can send employees home at their discretion.
Commissioners signed Severe Weather Awareness Week for next week. Alarms will be tested then. Snow emergency proclamations signed for last storms.
Brett Dodd- RQAW Charette teams for the Justice Center campus have been selected. Weekend time offered due to judges schedules was Sat. the 3rd. But he discovered it was Easter weekend. They are trying April 10 instead. Three teams have 9-10 people each. He gave lists to commissioners to approve. It is a public meeting and they can attend and watch the process. May want to allow public to participate at one portion of this. Commissioners approved the charette lists.
Suellen Cauble- Human Resources Director- Personnel policy – grant financial comptroller the ability to work at home from surgery. This is a key position in the county from the auditor’s office. She can effectively access the system from her home in a secure and confidential manner. She will maintain a log of tasks performed daily and county equipment that goes with her. This will be about 6 weeks and only temporary. Witte thinks they have done a good detailed job of outlining the job description and is reasonable to cover this temp arrangement this way. Federal government is encouraging tele-work. Pickens said you can track her work as it gets printed at the office here. Commissioners approved this with Hughes voting NAY.
DC Regional Sewer District- Steve Renihan
DR2 Grant- Margaret Minzner is certified Indiana CDBG grant administrator. One of opportunities is for small wastewater plants. She talked to Steve Renihan of DCRSD and a couple projects on Huesman Road and Lake Dilldear came to mind. DR2 money is $300 million more than it usually is due to Hurricane Ike. Renihan and board agreed. Preliminary engineering report on Huseman nearly finished. Required for grant. Getting the engineering report on the shelf will make these grant-ready. Lake Dilldear about $16,000 including legal costs to get the study done. Renihan hope to do DR2 for both. Minzner said that the grant requirements aren’t completely known yet- just the deadline of July 1. Orschell noted we need the study anyway to eventually use for other opportunities should this option fail. Commissioners approved DCRSD to go to Council to get $16,000 for engineering study for Lake Dilldear.
West Harrison preliminary- Renihan said Jim Kinnett approached them about how to get a line to this TIF area. Renihan said they were committed to getting problem areas fixed first. But they want to get Commissioners feeling on this.
Kinnett is a consultant working for a specific entity trying to get this done. 1 retail and 2 industrial projects proposed. 66- 100 employees possible and about $2 million each structure. Recommending a gravity feed from Johnson fork to Harrison collection system. Companies want service there before they commit to us. This is the last component to be completed for this to be “shovel ready.” If they can see significant progress being made- these companies can announce projects in about 60 days. Taxes would be $43-44,000 per year on one. He estimates $131,000 total taxes and $1.5 million payroll. These sewers would then serve more of the TIF. Thompson asked, “Potential payback 10-15 years?” Kinnett- Yes. Pickens asked about bonding. Pickens asked if the TIF money they get will be returned to the county to help pay back the costs of putting the sewer line in. Thompson agreed. Said it was smart growth and an area that the county agreed to use for this investment. Hughes asked about High Ridge. Thompson reminded him it was debt service there- not a TIF.
Renihan does not want bonds – because it would possibly force hook-ups like St; Leon got stuck with. This Harrison area is sparsely populated so it won’t be used by a lot of residential- it’s more for industrial/business. He said we will make sure the sewer line goes out there and spend the money- IF the Commissioners feel this is a good investment. They will need to get a preliminary engineering study for this also. This will give feasibility and costs to accomplish this. This will buy some time for redevelopment to investigate these projects further. Orschell agreed this was an investment the county needed to make. Commissioners approved the request to go to Council for $14,300 for preliminary engineering study.
Highway Dept- Todd Listerman- gave a 40-minute report
Ziegler Blvd accepted by Commissioners- 0.09 miles in Industrial Park in West Harrison TIF to North Bend Patternworks.
INDOT- sent final acceptance letter for Bells Branch Bridge #15. Commissioners signed.
Funding for chip seal/ fog seal on North Dearborn and north Hogan Rd was extended due to weather- commissioners signed. June 4th is new completion date.
Resurface via stimulus on Yorkridge will start in April- complete in July.
Don’t know how big stimulus II will be. There were $8 million projects that were not funded in Stimulus I. Wants to work with Barth and Assoc to get $2,000- 2,500 plans ready for North Dearborn from Stateline to Jamison ready for that round. We have to be ready in order to go for that money- can still use those plans for project in the future, if we don’t get funds at this time. Orschell asked about what roads would qualify. Listerman said this was about the only one left that fit the criteria. Commissioners approved getting the plans ready.
PUBLIC MEETING for Beam Longest and Neff- April 14 at North Dearborn Library- for plans for Stateline Rd in the heart of Bright including sewer, curbs, etc. Goal is information – parameters for ROW and what is needed to go forward. It will also inform them of their rights for ROW acquisition. Listerman will notify all media sources of this meeting.
Listerman advised commissioners of plans for permits to modify the new highway garage so they can move there by summer. Bob Hrezo spoke and Kendall Bales gave a report on what they would propose to do for the county with engineer’s estimates. Previous design releases are good for this building. CAD files for this are in their hands. This is to bring them in full compliance with the state for a garage. It was a warehouse. Needs the proper fire separation code work also. Listerman said they have $150,000 for this undertaking so far. Proposal from Hrezo in 2 phases -$2700 and $ 8,080 was approved by commissioners for the engineering.
INDOT project between Batesville and Greendale with Rohe- allows us to get millings again. We will use these to pave some of our roads. Council emails said to make the deal and get funding approved at the May meeting. Konradi from Platt to Bonnell and Bonnell to Burzelbach proposed next.
Jeremy Reese – a construction management student will be hired May 17 as a part timer for $11.50 per hour this summer ( no benefits) to continue our traffic data and sign inventory etc. Not filling Mark Seilers assistant engineer position.
Snow and ice update- record amounts- thanks and appreciation to the highway personnel- special thanks to Commissioner Orschell who took over the night shift to take over for guys who had a death in the family during this. Grieve- Highway Supervisor found a 3rd supplier at lesser cost to have enough salt for these storms. Thanked Lykins, Klump, Murray, White, McGraw, and House- private contractors who helped in the storm- and Davis towing who got their trucks out when they got stuck.
Exceeded the overtime in the budgets for in these storms- and is using some comp time to get rid of some of this expense. Will talk to Council to see what to do about this. State budget cuts in MvHa may require some layoffs.
More gloom and doom- 2 trucks blew up. 15 routes with 15 trucks- only have 12 good reliable trucks. Don’t have enough personnel to cover the routes with layoffs and no rehires. Looking at buying a smaller truck to help cover routes in subdivisions at reduced cost.
Lastly- road school Tues thru Thurs and he’ll be off Monday. Recycling signs and spreading sign replacement over a 14 year period. Will be finishing speed studies soon.
Auditor- Pickens- Claims and 5 sets of minutes signed. Commissioners signed EMS contracts for St. Leon, Hogan, and Manchester.
Pickens asked Todd listerman if he had the money to tear down the old garage. Listerman said he was waiting to see if Parks was to use it. Hwy will clean up the property.
Attorney- Witte- Hartford Ford meeting scheduled next week.
Planning and Zoning has asked him to look into Sugar Ridge performance bonds etc.
Greg Davis vs Don Townsend was dismissed from court and Townsend had immunity. Davis had until yesterday to file an appeal.
Linkmeyer was here for rezone last month and Lawrenceburg has annexed that property as expected.
Ordinance on grants will be discussed at a meeting on Thurs 18th. This will make it a requirement. Wants to make sure that Home Rule allows you to establish fees on this.
Signed his contract as attorney for this year.
He’s reviewing accident report forms – insurance company wants standard form for their purposes. He wants to cross reference with standard traffic incident reports.
“That’s all I have to report- a lawyer actually talked less than a County Highway Director!”
County Coordinator- Bill Ewbank- letter from Hughes from town Board of Harrison to support resurfacing State Street because we share costs. They want to apply to L-bg by March 31st for a grant to do this as they are strapped for cash. Commissioners agreed to support and Bill will write it up.
Investigating per Orschell’s request if county can enter into contract with private parties such as PAWS.
Need to get a public meeting together with stakeholders to see what tehrelationships will be and adoption fees etc. They will coordinate a date.
Veteran’s Office has 17 applications so far. Wants a series of interviews after morning Commissioner meeting. OK.
Commissioners:
Thompson- ratification of signatures on CAC Grant Semi-annual report- approved.
New county Website demo is 9 AM Thurs.
Late Arrivals –none
Public Comment-
Doug Weldon- why have district 2 highway guys split into 3 and 1. The snow on Ellinghausen was not cleared enough for emergency there. There have been 7 or 8 guys who have quit or retired and they’ve never been replaced. Bright should form a city and plow their own roads.
Todd Listerman- there are no districts in the county- we are all Dearborn County. The hiring freeze started before I came on board. We are getting less funding that we got in 1999. I need about $6 million to keep present conditions- I get $2 million. It would cost $100 per vehicle in the county to fund this. We are not unique. To get this funding would come from all of our back pockets. I average 3 employees off per day due to the age of employees. (health issues??)[ NOTE: Per Listerman: due to sick days and vacation days they've accrued]
Doug accepted this explanation- he understands. He asked about the new garage. Listerman talked about it being needed to get in compliance with state and federal requirements. I guess I missed the article in the paper on Running in Empty on the highway budget and also when it was melded into one unit.
Orschell- when I started we had 33 employees and 21 now.
Listerman detailed several roads they had to dig people out with health issues. We may use Manchester as a salt facility.
Thompson – the garage on Randall will pay back in about 10 years.
Steve Feller- own property in Guilford – have a neighbor who continually parks across my easement. Brought pictures. I have to come off my easement 30 feet to get out. Witte- this is a civil issue because it’s a private easement. Question about if this was a county easement-they will have Todd Listerman look at that.
Phil Darling- York Township- county did a remarkable job during snow storms. Would like to see a policy that you cancel all public meetings during snow emergencies of any level. If you are trying to limit travel then it should apply to everyone. Level 1 says to limit driving. Out in the county many people can’t get out to get to your meeting. Level 3s are thrown out pretty often.
Thompson said some complained of Level 3 being called when their roads were OK. Dearborn County has to operate as a unit- so if the north is bad, for example, the whole county goes on that level. Did get a dozen calls praising the county’s service during the storm.
Witte took the blame for calling the meeting as an emergency to get claims only paid. That was permissible by law.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
VOTE CENTERS AND ELECTION COSTS-
Please see below a courtesy copy of an email that was sent to all legislators in the Indiana General Assembly regarding Vote Centers.
Dear Legislator:
Earlier this month, the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute delivered you a copy of their study, "Vote Centers and Election Costs: A Study of the Fiscal Impact of Vote Centers in Indiana." I sincerely hope you have taken the opportunity to review this study to learn how Vote Centers would positively impact the counties you represent. Highlights of the study include:
Vote Centers will produce significant savings for all counties that implemented them. Such savings are particularly noticeable in counties with a low number of registered voters per precinct. Also, counties that already locate more than one precinct in the same location would experience significant cost savings.
Vote Centers give local election officials more flexibility. With precincts, the number of locations and the level of staffing are fixed. County officials can do little to reduce cost per vote. With Vote Centers, election administrators can anticipate turnout and modify the number of locations and the level of staffing to suit their needs.
Vote Centers produce immediate and long-term savings. This study finds savings would result every election day as well as when time comes to repurchase voting equipment.
Vote Centers will significantly reduce the number of voting machines needed to conduct an efficient election.
More and more Hoosiers are realizing how Vote Centers can be a tool for local governments to continue to find savings without negatively impacting services or accessibility. In addition to the savings, Vote Centers add security on Election Day because by making in-person voting more accessible and because each polling location is connected to the statewide voter database.
As Hoosiers learn more about Vote Centers, they often compare them to satellite absentee voting offices. Our office prepared the document, "How do I know the difference between Vote Centers and satellite absentee voting offices?" in an effort to clear any confusion. We have found this document to be helpful when explaining Vote Centers to constituents and members of the media. This document and the IFPI study and executive summary are available online at www.in.gov/sos.
As the discussion about Vote Centers gains momentum, we ask you to consider the Vote Centers option for all of Indiana's 92 counties.
Sincerely,
Todd Rokita
Indiana Secretary of State
Dear Legislator:
Earlier this month, the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute delivered you a copy of their study, "Vote Centers and Election Costs: A Study of the Fiscal Impact of Vote Centers in Indiana." I sincerely hope you have taken the opportunity to review this study to learn how Vote Centers would positively impact the counties you represent. Highlights of the study include:
Vote Centers will produce significant savings for all counties that implemented them. Such savings are particularly noticeable in counties with a low number of registered voters per precinct. Also, counties that already locate more than one precinct in the same location would experience significant cost savings.
Vote Centers give local election officials more flexibility. With precincts, the number of locations and the level of staffing are fixed. County officials can do little to reduce cost per vote. With Vote Centers, election administrators can anticipate turnout and modify the number of locations and the level of staffing to suit their needs.
Vote Centers produce immediate and long-term savings. This study finds savings would result every election day as well as when time comes to repurchase voting equipment.
Vote Centers will significantly reduce the number of voting machines needed to conduct an efficient election.
More and more Hoosiers are realizing how Vote Centers can be a tool for local governments to continue to find savings without negatively impacting services or accessibility. In addition to the savings, Vote Centers add security on Election Day because by making in-person voting more accessible and because each polling location is connected to the statewide voter database.
As Hoosiers learn more about Vote Centers, they often compare them to satellite absentee voting offices. Our office prepared the document, "How do I know the difference between Vote Centers and satellite absentee voting offices?" in an effort to clear any confusion. We have found this document to be helpful when explaining Vote Centers to constituents and members of the media. This document and the IFPI study and executive summary are available online at www.in.gov/sos.
As the discussion about Vote Centers gains momentum, we ask you to consider the Vote Centers option for all of Indiana's 92 counties.
Sincerely,
Todd Rokita
Indiana Secretary of State
Saturday, February 27, 2010
CHARLIE COMBS for Sheriff- Interview on theflypod.com
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Show #4 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: CHARLIE COMBS - Show host Gary Puckett interviews Democratic Party candidate Charlie Combs. Mr. Combs is running for Dearborn County Sheriff. To listen, click on the following direct show-link:
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We hope you enjoy listening to the following shows. Of course you can subscribe to all of our shows absolutely FREE -- for loading onto your iPod, MP3 player, or other portable media player -- just visit our website. It's very simple. However, for the moment if you have a high-speed internet connection and working speakers connected, simply click on the following direct show-links to listen. If you would like to download your own free copy of any of our shows (for personal use, only), they are currently available on our website along with over 700 other show selections -- www.TheFlyPod.com
Show #4 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: CHARLIE COMBS - Show host Gary Puckett interviews Democratic Party candidate Charlie Combs. Mr. Combs is running for Dearborn County Sheriff. To listen, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=46093
We hope you enjoy listening to these shows. Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about TheFlyPod.com New-Media Network. Also, check out the OPEN FLY FORUM feature on our website -- you can create your own broadcast, immediately! We are quickly becoming a leading "local world" source of programming in the new digital-media age. Any person can sign up on our website to begin automatically receiving "New and Notable Show Alerts". It's 100% free and we will never, under any circumstances, share your email address with any person or organization.
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
AGENDA 2 March 2010 Commissioners Meeting
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
March 2, 2010
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Margaret Minzner, GIS
a) Updates on Pictromitry
b) Huesemann Rd.
c) DR 2 grant
2. Bill Black, EMA
Grant Signatures
3. Brett Dodd, RQAW
Update regarding Charettes
4. Suellen Cauble, Human Resource Director
Personnel Policy
5. DC Regional Sewer District
Lake Dilldear status
West Harrison preliminary
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Ziegler Blvd acceptance
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. County Coordinator – Bill Ewbank
IX. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
X. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
XI. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
Ratification of signatures on CAC Grant Semi-Annual Report
XII. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIV. ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
March 2, 2010
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Margaret Minzner, GIS
a) Updates on Pictromitry
b) Huesemann Rd.
c) DR 2 grant
2. Bill Black, EMA
Grant Signatures
3. Brett Dodd, RQAW
Update regarding Charettes
4. Suellen Cauble, Human Resource Director
Personnel Policy
5. DC Regional Sewer District
Lake Dilldear status
West Harrison preliminary
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Ziegler Blvd acceptance
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. County Coordinator – Bill Ewbank
IX. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
X. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
XI. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
Ratification of signatures on CAC Grant Semi-Annual Report
XII. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIV. ADJOURN
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
22 February 2010 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
22 February 2010 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Hall, Chairman, Kraus, Jr., Hoog, Lansing, Hornbach, Lehman, Nelson, and Thompson
ABSENT: Beiersdorfer
McGill, Attorney, McCormack Plan Director, and Barnhart, Ass’t Planner also present
OLD Business remained tabled.
NO NEW BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATIVE:
SUGAR RIDGE RESEARCH REPORT:
McCormack relayed that Todd Listerman, Transportation Director, said the county standard for local roads is 8.5 “ asphalt. There was a thought that Augusta Drive should be at sub collector levels to take possible traffic from Stateline hill. Augusta is 8.8 “ average and Oakmont is 6.8” average. Three proposed options: add 1.5”sphalt for $150-200,00. Chip seal for $57,000. Chip seal Augusta and 1.5” asphalt for Oakmont for $62,000.
The TIF possibility was considered and the laws in Indiana and the Redevelopment Commission said it should be for areas needing redevelopment or for and economic development area. The county attorney and the Planning attorney thought the TIF should NOT be pursued. Rozow of the Chamber agreed that it was not to be pursued.
Ownership questions were narrowed down to about 8 parties with 5 Macke related and 4 Tuke related as of the 2007 county suit. The new Golf owners are FT Golf Course Management. LLC. They bought it 22 Jan 2010 from a real estate arm of UCB, who got it from UCB ended up with it from MT Investments- the original owner. ( MT = Macke and Tuke)
Owners and LLCs were researched from secretary of state and clerk of courts of Ham Co. Eagle Golf (Pebble Creek) is shown as inactive – the others are still active.
Legal status- the PZ attorney met with the county attorney ( Witte) who is pursuing First Financial to get a copy of the bond to see to whom it was released.
Greenspace lands are the only properties not tied to companies in the lawsuit- low taxes on these so they did not end up in tax sale.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jim Espelage- Lot 110- thanked the county for snow removal- is opposed to chip seal- thinks it will look bad and wants the 1.5” asphalt option. Lansing told him HVL was chip seal. Lehman said this road is better than most in the county- need to preserve that.
Another resident- road is deteriorated in some spots – need to fix before it gets worse.
Robert Irwin- Pres of Villages of Sugar Glen HOA- thought maybe a loophole like creating a public park could get them qualified for a TIF. They sold 5 condos last year and have 3 building pads left- still selling in Sugar Glen.
Lisa Taylor- Carl Tuke is one of the owners- and owns part of the golf course- do you have a plan. The homeowners need to know what to expect next. Witte is finding the letter of credit next.
Hall said the PC recommends to commissioners – but commissioners decide. We are committed to not losing this road. Probably at least one more meeting after this.
McGill said attorneys will meet privately to discuss this before anything goes to the commissioners.
Nelson still likes the TIF option- may need to reframe the question to get a different answer. Put the traffic light on it too- if possible. People need to stay involved to keep this going.
Thompson said the problem didn’t get created overnight and won’t be solved overnight.
Lansing said it would be cheaper to just fix it that go to TIF. But county has no money.
Thompson-Plus it would set a precedent for other developers to not finish and leave it to the county.
Next meeting- probably April on at the earliest on Sugar Ridge.
COMP PLAN- REMINDER- March 31st at 7 PM
Fiscal Impact Analysis model- now under Travis Miller’s direction at OKI. Hope to have it up to testing out here soon. Big discussion on this model impacting the economy. Also issues with taxes being reduced due to economy. McCormack said the parameters can be adjusted.
Grant writing has been accomplished on 4 areas in the last 2 years for $2million. Staff is keeping busy helping in many areas to serve the county now that development is slow.
County plan staff anticipates providing more help with county parks plan and 208 plan.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Hall, Chairman, Kraus, Jr., Hoog, Lansing, Hornbach, Lehman, Nelson, and Thompson
ABSENT: Beiersdorfer
McGill, Attorney, McCormack Plan Director, and Barnhart, Ass’t Planner also present
OLD Business remained tabled.
NO NEW BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATIVE:
SUGAR RIDGE RESEARCH REPORT:
McCormack relayed that Todd Listerman, Transportation Director, said the county standard for local roads is 8.5 “ asphalt. There was a thought that Augusta Drive should be at sub collector levels to take possible traffic from Stateline hill. Augusta is 8.8 “ average and Oakmont is 6.8” average. Three proposed options: add 1.5”sphalt for $150-200,00. Chip seal for $57,000. Chip seal Augusta and 1.5” asphalt for Oakmont for $62,000.
The TIF possibility was considered and the laws in Indiana and the Redevelopment Commission said it should be for areas needing redevelopment or for and economic development area. The county attorney and the Planning attorney thought the TIF should NOT be pursued. Rozow of the Chamber agreed that it was not to be pursued.
Ownership questions were narrowed down to about 8 parties with 5 Macke related and 4 Tuke related as of the 2007 county suit. The new Golf owners are FT Golf Course Management. LLC. They bought it 22 Jan 2010 from a real estate arm of UCB, who got it from UCB ended up with it from MT Investments- the original owner. ( MT = Macke and Tuke)
Owners and LLCs were researched from secretary of state and clerk of courts of Ham Co. Eagle Golf (Pebble Creek) is shown as inactive – the others are still active.
Legal status- the PZ attorney met with the county attorney ( Witte) who is pursuing First Financial to get a copy of the bond to see to whom it was released.
Greenspace lands are the only properties not tied to companies in the lawsuit- low taxes on these so they did not end up in tax sale.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jim Espelage- Lot 110- thanked the county for snow removal- is opposed to chip seal- thinks it will look bad and wants the 1.5” asphalt option. Lansing told him HVL was chip seal. Lehman said this road is better than most in the county- need to preserve that.
Another resident- road is deteriorated in some spots – need to fix before it gets worse.
Robert Irwin- Pres of Villages of Sugar Glen HOA- thought maybe a loophole like creating a public park could get them qualified for a TIF. They sold 5 condos last year and have 3 building pads left- still selling in Sugar Glen.
Lisa Taylor- Carl Tuke is one of the owners- and owns part of the golf course- do you have a plan. The homeowners need to know what to expect next. Witte is finding the letter of credit next.
Hall said the PC recommends to commissioners – but commissioners decide. We are committed to not losing this road. Probably at least one more meeting after this.
McGill said attorneys will meet privately to discuss this before anything goes to the commissioners.
Nelson still likes the TIF option- may need to reframe the question to get a different answer. Put the traffic light on it too- if possible. People need to stay involved to keep this going.
Thompson said the problem didn’t get created overnight and won’t be solved overnight.
Lansing said it would be cheaper to just fix it that go to TIF. But county has no money.
Thompson-Plus it would set a precedent for other developers to not finish and leave it to the county.
Next meeting- probably April on at the earliest on Sugar Ridge.
COMP PLAN- REMINDER- March 31st at 7 PM
Fiscal Impact Analysis model- now under Travis Miller’s direction at OKI. Hope to have it up to testing out here soon. Big discussion on this model impacting the economy. Also issues with taxes being reduced due to economy. McCormack said the parameters can be adjusted.
Grant writing has been accomplished on 4 areas in the last 2 years for $2million. Staff is keeping busy helping in many areas to serve the county now that development is slow.
County plan staff anticipates providing more help with county parks plan and 208 plan.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Monday, February 22, 2010
COUNTY ELECTION- PRIMARY CANDIDATES
PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATES FOR DEARBORN COUNTY
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3
Ralph Thompson- R (incumbent)
Shane McHenry- R
Don Rowland- R
COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
Liz Morris- R ( incumbent)
Rick Pope- R
COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
Daniel Lansing- D
COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
Tom Cheek- D
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
Dennis Kraus- R ( incumbent)
Jerome ( Jake) Hoog- D
SHERIFF
Linda Estes- R
Bob Fogle- R
Mike Kreinhop-R
Brian Noble- R
Jack Addison- D
Charles Combs- D
PROSECUTOR
Aaron Negangard- R (incumbent)
JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT
Jim Humphrey- R ( incumbent)
AUDITOR
Gayle Pennington- R
RECORDER
Glenn Wright- R
Robert Starks- R
Marvin Gilbert – R
Barbara Tibbs- R
Mary Booker- D
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3
Ralph Thompson- R (incumbent)
Shane McHenry- R
Don Rowland- R
COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
Liz Morris- R ( incumbent)
Rick Pope- R
COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
Daniel Lansing- D
COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
Tom Cheek- D
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
Dennis Kraus- R ( incumbent)
Jerome ( Jake) Hoog- D
SHERIFF
Linda Estes- R
Bob Fogle- R
Mike Kreinhop-R
Brian Noble- R
Jack Addison- D
Charles Combs- D
PROSECUTOR
Aaron Negangard- R (incumbent)
JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT
Jim Humphrey- R ( incumbent)
AUDITOR
Gayle Pennington- R
RECORDER
Glenn Wright- R
Robert Starks- R
Marvin Gilbert – R
Barbara Tibbs- R
Mary Booker- D
Friday, February 19, 2010
YOUNG, MCMILLAN, AND BISCHOFF INTERVIEWS ON the flypod.com
Greetings to our listeners and subscribers --
We hope you enjoy listening to the following shows. Of course you can subscribe to all of our shows absolutely FREE -- for loading onto your iPod, MP3 player, or other portable media player -- just visit our website. It's very simple. However, for the moment if you have a high-speed internet connection and working speakers connected, simply click on the following direct show-links to listen. If you would like to download your own free copy of any of our shows (for personal use, only), they are currently available on our website along with over 700 other show selections -- www.TheFlyPod.com
Show #1 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: TODD YOUNG - Show host Gary Puckett interviews candidate Todd Young. Mr. Young is running for the Ninth District Congressional seat for Indiana. To listen, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45842
Show #5 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: JUD MCMILLIN - Show host Gary Puckett interviews Republican candidate Jud McMillin. Mr. McMillin is running for State Representative in District 68. To listen, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45922
Show #6 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: BOB BISCHOFF - Show host Gary Puckett interviews Democrat candidate Bob Bischoff. Mr. Bischoff is running for re-election for State Representative in District 68. To listen, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45927
We hope you enjoy listening to these shows. Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about TheFlyPod.com New-Media Network. Also, check out the OPEN FLY FORUM feature on our website -- you can create your own broadcast, immediately! We are quickly becoming a leading "local world" source of programming in the new digital-media age. Any person can sign up on our website to begin automatically receiving "New and Notable Show Alerts". It's 100% free and we will never, under any circumstances, share your email address with any person or organization.
To submit your ideas, questions, comments or complaints, email us directly in Studio 7 at anytime 24/7 -- shout@theflypod.com -- or pick up your cell phone and call our national listener feedback line at 206.337.1716
NEW and NOTABLE SHOW ALERTS
Fly Paper Productions, LLC
Digital Media Group - National Operations Ctr
POB 324
Harrison, OH 45030
USA
206-337-1716 Listener Feedback Line
www.TheFlyPod.com
TheFlyPod New-Media Network
We hope you enjoy listening to the following shows. Of course you can subscribe to all of our shows absolutely FREE -- for loading onto your iPod, MP3 player, or other portable media player -- just visit our website. It's very simple. However, for the moment if you have a high-speed internet connection and working speakers connected, simply click on the following direct show-links to listen. If you would like to download your own free copy of any of our shows (for personal use, only), they are currently available on our website along with over 700 other show selections -- www.TheFlyPod.com
Show #1 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: TODD YOUNG - Show host Gary Puckett interviews candidate Todd Young. Mr. Young is running for the Ninth District Congressional seat for Indiana. To listen, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45842
Show #5 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: JUD MCMILLIN - Show host Gary Puckett interviews Republican candidate Jud McMillin. Mr. McMillin is running for State Representative in District 68. To listen, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45922
Show #6 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: BOB BISCHOFF - Show host Gary Puckett interviews Democrat candidate Bob Bischoff. Mr. Bischoff is running for re-election for State Representative in District 68. To listen, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45927
We hope you enjoy listening to these shows. Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about TheFlyPod.com New-Media Network. Also, check out the OPEN FLY FORUM feature on our website -- you can create your own broadcast, immediately! We are quickly becoming a leading "local world" source of programming in the new digital-media age. Any person can sign up on our website to begin automatically receiving "New and Notable Show Alerts". It's 100% free and we will never, under any circumstances, share your email address with any person or organization.
To submit your ideas, questions, comments or complaints, email us directly in Studio 7 at anytime 24/7 -- shout@theflypod.com -- or pick up your cell phone and call our national listener feedback line at 206.337.1716
NEW and NOTABLE SHOW ALERTS
Fly Paper Productions, LLC
Digital Media Group - National Operations Ctr
POB 324
Harrison, OH 45030
USA
206-337-1716 Listener Feedback Line
www.TheFlyPod.com
TheFlyPod New-Media Network
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Election Signup Deadline
The deadline to sign up for the primary election is Feb 19th- Friday- at NOON.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Agenda 16 February Commissioners Meeting- 9 AM
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 16, 2010
9:00 a.m.
City of Lawrenceburg
Administration Building
230 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
1. Margaret Minzner, GIS
a) Updates
b) Huesemann Rd.
c) DR 2 grant
Bill Black, EMA
Grant Signatures
3. Carl Fryman, Building Department
Discussion on part time employment
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
1. Updates
2. Ziegler Blvd acceptance
AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
Claims/Minutes
ATTORNEY
COUNTY COORDINATOR – Bill Ewbank
COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 16, 2010
9:00 a.m.
City of Lawrenceburg
Administration Building
230 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
1. Margaret Minzner, GIS
a) Updates
b) Huesemann Rd.
c) DR 2 grant
Bill Black, EMA
Grant Signatures
3. Carl Fryman, Building Department
Discussion on part time employment
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
1. Updates
2. Ziegler Blvd acceptance
AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
Claims/Minutes
ATTORNEY
COUNTY COORDINATOR – Bill Ewbank
COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURN
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
9 February 2010 Dearborn County Commissioners Special Meeting Notes
9 February 2010 Dearborn County Commissioners Special Meeting Notes
These notes are from telephone conversations with Thompson and Orschell after this morning’s meeting.
Thompson, Orschell, and Hughes were present as well as Councilmen Kraus and Cheek. Pickens was present.
There was an executive session preceding this meeting.
The Med Ben claim was settled with Commissioners agreeing to pay copays from Aug 1 to Jan 1 on an employee.
The coordinator position was discussed with Orschell apologizing to council for any disruption their actions had caused. He realized that this was too much to ask one person to do and so they rescinded the previous motion from last week. Hughes wanted to keep the positions combined to save money. Bill Ewbank also noted that it would be too much for him to handle both jobs and do them well. Orschell read pertinent portions of Ewbank’s resume that he felt qualified him for the job. He cited Bill Ewbank’s experience in government, education, business, and not for profits. He was a translator in Vietnam with the US Navy. He graduated with a BA in History form Hanover College and had 8-years experience as our Veteran’s Officer. Under his appointment, Veteran’s benefits went from $1.8 million to $5 million. Orschell felt Ewbank was prompt, professional , and devoted to his office. He thinks he will get up to speed on this coordinator position quickly.
Commissioners decided to hire Bill Ewbank as coordinator for $45,000 per year. They will advertize for the Veteran’s Officer position. (Thompson did not vote as he thought they didn’t go through proper channels) Kraus and Cheek agreed that Ewbank may be the best person for the job, but they didn’t go through the process.
Bill Black brought in a grant, but it was tabled until Witte could review it.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
These notes are from telephone conversations with Thompson and Orschell after this morning’s meeting.
Thompson, Orschell, and Hughes were present as well as Councilmen Kraus and Cheek. Pickens was present.
There was an executive session preceding this meeting.
The Med Ben claim was settled with Commissioners agreeing to pay copays from Aug 1 to Jan 1 on an employee.
The coordinator position was discussed with Orschell apologizing to council for any disruption their actions had caused. He realized that this was too much to ask one person to do and so they rescinded the previous motion from last week. Hughes wanted to keep the positions combined to save money. Bill Ewbank also noted that it would be too much for him to handle both jobs and do them well. Orschell read pertinent portions of Ewbank’s resume that he felt qualified him for the job. He cited Bill Ewbank’s experience in government, education, business, and not for profits. He was a translator in Vietnam with the US Navy. He graduated with a BA in History form Hanover College and had 8-years experience as our Veteran’s Officer. Under his appointment, Veteran’s benefits went from $1.8 million to $5 million. Orschell felt Ewbank was prompt, professional , and devoted to his office. He thinks he will get up to speed on this coordinator position quickly.
Commissioners decided to hire Bill Ewbank as coordinator for $45,000 per year. They will advertize for the Veteran’s Officer position. (Thompson did not vote as he thought they didn’t go through proper channels) Kraus and Cheek agreed that Ewbank may be the best person for the job, but they didn’t go through the process.
Bill Black brought in a grant, but it was tabled until Witte could review it.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Sheriff Candidate Michael Kreinhop on theflypod.com
Greetings to our listeners and subscribers --
We hope you enjoy listening to the following shows. Of course you can subscribe to all of our shows absolutely FREE -- for loading onto your iPod, MP3 player, or other portable media player -- just visit our website. It's very simple. However, for the moment if you have a high-speed internet connection and working speakers connected, simply click on the following direct show-links to listen. If you would like to download your own free copy of any of our shows (for personal use, only), they are currently available on our website along with over 700 other show selections -- www.TheFlyPod.com
Show #2 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: MICHAEL KREINHOP -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Michael Kreinhop, Republican candidate running for Dearborn County Sheriff. To listen to this interview, click on the following link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45610
We hope you enjoy listening to the following shows. Of course you can subscribe to all of our shows absolutely FREE -- for loading onto your iPod, MP3 player, or other portable media player -- just visit our website. It's very simple. However, for the moment if you have a high-speed internet connection and working speakers connected, simply click on the following direct show-links to listen. If you would like to download your own free copy of any of our shows (for personal use, only), they are currently available on our website along with over 700 other show selections -- www.TheFlyPod.com
Show #2 - POLITICALLY CORRECT: MICHAEL KREINHOP -- Show host Gary Puckett interviews Michael Kreinhop, Republican candidate running for Dearborn County Sheriff. To listen to this interview, click on the following link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45610
Thursday, February 04, 2010
AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS 9 FEB 2010
SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 9, 2010
10:00 am
Administration Building
215 W. High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion of employee medical leave
2. Discussion on County Coordinator position
IV. ATTORNEY
V. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
VI. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
VII. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
IX. ADJOURN
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 9, 2010
10:00 am
Administration Building
215 W. High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion of employee medical leave
2. Discussion on County Coordinator position
IV. ATTORNEY
V. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
VI. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
VII. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
IX. ADJOURN
Commissioners Announce Special Meeting 9 Feb 10 AM
Public Notice
Notice of a Special Meeting of the
Dearborn County Commissioners
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
10:00 am
3rd floor
Commissioner Room
Dearborn County Administration Building,
215B West High Street,
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss a health claim benefit and personnel information
Notice of a Special Meeting of the
Dearborn County Commissioners
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
10:00 am
3rd floor
Commissioner Room
Dearborn County Administration Building,
215B West High Street,
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss a health claim benefit and personnel information
FORMER COMMISSIONER PAUL TREMAIN PASSED AWAY
Former County Commissioner (1992-96), Lawrenceburg mayor ( 2000-04), and public servant Paul Tremain passed away last night.
Paul Tremain leaves behind his wife Lori and son Paul Tremain, Jr.
Fitch-Denney Funeral Home in Greendale is in charge of arrangements.
Paul Tremain leaves behind his wife Lori and son Paul Tremain, Jr.
Fitch-Denney Funeral Home in Greendale is in charge of arrangements.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
2 February 2010 Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission Annual Meeting Notes
2 February 2010 Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission Annual Meeting Notes
Present: John Rahe, President, Kevin Lynch, VP, Jim Helms, Sec’y, John Maxwell, and Dennis Kraus Sr sitting in for Council. Tom Orschell was absent due to conference in INDY. Mike Rozow, and Paul Kunkel, his assistant were present as well.
2009 annual meeting minutes, audits, year end financials, and 2010 budget were approved.
Officers were elected- same as listed above.
TIF balances were part of the packet. It was noted that they are accumulating about $65,000 per year in the three TIFs total. The total amount of TIF income is $229,345 with West Aurora TIF at $95,736.93 (they have the most industry already to generate the income.) St Leon TIF has $33,509.86. West Harrison TIF has $100,098.21 (they have been in existence the longest.)
Aurora generated $50,048.23 in 2009, West Harrison generated $10,295,74 and St Leon generated $13,010.25 in 2009.
Meeting adjourned at 4:25 PM
This meeting was followed by an executive session. No decisions will be made at that. They will announce a public meeting if they need to make a decision.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: John Rahe, President, Kevin Lynch, VP, Jim Helms, Sec’y, John Maxwell, and Dennis Kraus Sr sitting in for Council. Tom Orschell was absent due to conference in INDY. Mike Rozow, and Paul Kunkel, his assistant were present as well.
2009 annual meeting minutes, audits, year end financials, and 2010 budget were approved.
Officers were elected- same as listed above.
TIF balances were part of the packet. It was noted that they are accumulating about $65,000 per year in the three TIFs total. The total amount of TIF income is $229,345 with West Aurora TIF at $95,736.93 (they have the most industry already to generate the income.) St Leon TIF has $33,509.86. West Harrison TIF has $100,098.21 (they have been in existence the longest.)
Aurora generated $50,048.23 in 2009, West Harrison generated $10,295,74 and St Leon generated $13,010.25 in 2009.
Meeting adjourned at 4:25 PM
This meeting was followed by an executive session. No decisions will be made at that. They will announce a public meeting if they need to make a decision.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
1 February 2010 Dearborn County Commission Meeting Notes
1 February 2010 Dearborn County Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Ralph Thompson, President, Tom Orschell, and Jeff Hughes
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Mike Witte, Attorney
The executive session that preceded the meeting decided to meet Feb 9 at 9 AM to discuss employee leave in the Health Dept. Rodney Dennerline represented the health Dept.
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioners decided to have Witte rewrite the county Purchasing Agency ordinance to match the state code. The bottom line is no contracts should be signed that are not reviewed by commissioners and the county attorney to be certain the county is protected and it adheres to the budget. The commissioners are the only ones who can bind the county to a contract. Witte will bring this back to commissioners when rewritten.
NEW BUSINESS
Andrea Conroy- discussed her “What’s Happening” magazine. She said it has a 16-page minimum and comes out 3 times a year. They do non- political, non-profits. They send to all 21,918 households and businesses in the county for about 4.8 cents each per issue. She works with 75 different organizations in KY- looking to penetrate the Indiana market. She wants the commissioners to call a meeting of all county agencies to see if they are interested. Commissioners took it under advisement.
The nurse agreement was signed for juvenile, but the doctor agreement waits to see if the doctor has malpractice coverage. Witte to check on this.
Orschell was selected as alternate to executive session meetings at OKI when Hughes cannot attend.
COUNTY COORDINATOR POSITION
Tom Orschell brought up the option of combining positions to get a county coordinator, but provide high enough pay required by the candidate (Bill Ewbank.)The proposal is to combine a hybrid of the coordinator salary ($45,000) and the Veteran’s salary ($33,000). This totals $78,000. Ewbank will do both for $56,000, SUPPOSEDLY saving $22,000.
It would require that he have a secretary answer his calls in the veteran’s office. The secretary’s salary is listed as $26,638. She would be moving from the building inspector’s office to help cover phones as there is not enough work there for her due to economic slowdown.
The Veteran’s Officer HAS TO BE A VETERAN. So Ewbank has to be in charge still- as the secretary is not a veteran. This means the veteran’s office is running at $6362 LESS than before and the coordinators position is running at $11,000 MORE than budgeted. The secretary cannot perform all the duties of the Veteran’s office.
[NOTE: Not sure where we are SAVING anything here. Looks more like we are SPENDING to GIVE Bill Ewbank a job at the salary HE needs. Pickens- the Auditor- was pushing Ewbank heavily throughout this discussion. Pickens is a veteran also. Throughout this discussion- he was acting like a 4th commissioner.]
Pickens said that historically the Building Inspector’s secretaries were often used as floaters throughout the building to help out when needed. And that 2 years ago Council proposed floaters. Orschell said this was on a trial basis and if Bill Ewbank was overwhelmed they could redo it. [NOTE: How can one person do two FULL TIME jobs in an 8- hour day?]
Hughes said Bill is qualified and asked Witte if they could do that?
Mike Witte- Attorney- cautioned them greatly about having 2 separate jobs and 2 separate paychecks to the same entity. He talked to other county attorneys for advice also. Similar to the issues of being a county employee and drawing a check for Council or Commissioners- other attorneys warned him that it is hard to keep from double dipping or being accused of ghost employment. If the person is working at their day job and taking calls or answering questions about Council or Commissioner business during that time- how do they sign off and on the clock?
Pickens said it will be one paycheck. Witte reminded Pickens that as attorney he answers to the commissioners not to Pickens. Witte went on to say- legally- the county coordinator is “boss” over the Veteran’s Office.
Orschell suggested maybe splitting the schedule by days. Coordinator 3 days a week and Veteran’s Officer 2 days maybe. [NOTE: Is the Veteran’s Officer paid out of county funds or federal funds ? Is there a problem with mixing these, if the feds expect a full timer for their pay?]
Thompson asked if this would require a new salary ordinance from Council. Pickens said Council approved up to $65,000. Hughes was also concerned about County Council being consulted on this.
Witte cautioned further about confidentiality on litigation and personnel issues and the secretary who floats between offices opening up channels… He said- you have to think beyond just saving $22,000. Witte stressed- he was not giving legal advice for just these candidates- this would apply to any person and any jobs in the county. He was not weighing in on WHO you choose- just pointing out the legalities no matter who you were combining the jobs for.
Thompson asked -should we be going through this without the interview process? Orschell said maybe they should go through the resumes. Hughes said- the Veteran’s Officer has to have certain specifications- he has to be a veteran who is honorably discharged. We should look at this more.
Pickens said there is a written description for coordinator.
Orschell said we NEED a coordinator- we cannot even talk to each other legally- this would help get things done. Thompson said- that would be a serial meeting- not legal. Witte- said that was correct. You cannot use the coordinator to pass information that way to get around the open door laws.
Hughes said- the county is not just a business- it is a service and Bill Ewbank does know the county government. Orschell- he knows health insurance too.
Pickens- it gets you a coordinator, keeps vet services open, and if a vet is hired, reduce Bill to the Coordinator’s pay. It is just a formality to Council.
Hughes said- “I’m not so sure it’s just a formality with Council.”
Orschell- try it on a trial basis?
Hughes motioned and Orschell 2nd to appoint Bill Ewbank as county coordinator and also have the duties of the veteran’s office and to go to Council to see if they will accept the combined duties at $56,000. Two ayes- Thompson did not vote.
Orschell- we need to get with these folks to tell them exactly what we expect.
[NOTE: I asked for clarification about getting Council’s approval.]
Pickens told them Council doesn’t meet until May.
Hughes said- they can’t meet to decide this?
They then rescinded their motion and redid it to LEAVE OUT THE PART ABOUT GETTING COUNCIL’S APPROVAL. THEY ALSO DID NOT MENTION THE ACTUAL SALARY IN THE REDONE MOTION. Two ayes- Thompson again did not vote.
[NOTE: Let me get this straight- we opened up the coordinator position- took in resumes from the ads. NO ONE WAS FORMALLY INTERVIEWED for this position, including Bill Ewbank. We say this is saving money- but it looks like it is saving jobs, not money. It puts one person in charge of himself in the other part of this job. The bottom line is- Ewbank should apply for, interview, and be hired for the one job and resign the other. It appears the salary of coordinator at $45,000 is already a $12,000 raise for him. Instead he has to do two jobs for a $23,000 increase in his current pay. This looks bad and sets a bad precedent.]
Brett Dodd- gave an update on charettes and commissioners approved him setting up Saturday meeting for charettes to get it done in a more timely manner. Judges gave earliest weekday dates in late May and early June- (conveniently after the primary) Dodd will get the judges to approve a date. Hughes joked- that if they had a coordinator already- he could do that for him. [NOTE: The prosecutor and judges and other courthouse offices have been pushing for more space- now they are dragging their heels. If it’s needed you would think they’d be more cooperative.]
Todd Listerman- Highway Dept- gave a 10-minute report.
Listerman will attend a conference in Seymour at INDOT for Yorkridge resurfacing on Tuesday and on Wednesday for INDOT’s projects with stimulus money.
Commissioners signed supplemental to the George St Bridge securing more federal dollars to a total now of $619,600. Local share is $190,000. If it went stimulus it would be 100% federal.
Commissioners signed IC639 accepting Bells Branch Bridge repairs.
Listerman received Commissioners approval to take down the high water gates in the county as they do not comply with the MUTCD (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control) They will be replaced by appropriate signs. These are federally approved. Resident’s will be notified of gate removal.
Pickens – Auditor- Claims signed. Minutes signed. For Jan meetings, The question about the Happy Hollow Road motion was resolved to state that the old county owned ROW would remain on Happy Hollow as stated at that meeting.
EMS contracts for $40,000 each were signed for Aurora, Moores Hill and Sunman.
Attorney- Witte- carried over from Jan meeting- the YES HOME contract was reviewed and commissioners signed it.
He also noted that Hensley submitted a personal services contract for software for the tax appeals for him to review.
Tom Orschell- Thanked Ralph Thompson for being overseer and volunteering his time for a year for the Animal Control Shelter. Thompson had resigned from overseer effective Friday Jan 29.
Marlene Underwood has been interim director over the weekend. Orschell motioned for her to become the interim director with director’s pay starting Feb 1 and that she be directly responsible to the Commissioners. Thompson suggested Underwood report to Commissioners at their morning meeting each month. All three agreed. Approved.
Ralph Thompson- gave sample copies of accident reports to Witte to review for all accidents by county employees. There was a question of not writing them up when a dump bed on a snowplow got into some lines. Insurance requires these be filed. Witte to look this over.
LATE ARRIVAL- Lt Davis- Harrison Fire Dept advised Commissioners of EMS certification discussion with state regs in Indiana. He wanted them to be aware of this until they can get their waivers to cover us with their new cert status in the NE end of the county. Bill Black is helping him get the Indiana waivers.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Ralph Thompson, President, Tom Orschell, and Jeff Hughes
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Mike Witte, Attorney
The executive session that preceded the meeting decided to meet Feb 9 at 9 AM to discuss employee leave in the Health Dept. Rodney Dennerline represented the health Dept.
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioners decided to have Witte rewrite the county Purchasing Agency ordinance to match the state code. The bottom line is no contracts should be signed that are not reviewed by commissioners and the county attorney to be certain the county is protected and it adheres to the budget. The commissioners are the only ones who can bind the county to a contract. Witte will bring this back to commissioners when rewritten.
NEW BUSINESS
Andrea Conroy- discussed her “What’s Happening” magazine. She said it has a 16-page minimum and comes out 3 times a year. They do non- political, non-profits. They send to all 21,918 households and businesses in the county for about 4.8 cents each per issue. She works with 75 different organizations in KY- looking to penetrate the Indiana market. She wants the commissioners to call a meeting of all county agencies to see if they are interested. Commissioners took it under advisement.
The nurse agreement was signed for juvenile, but the doctor agreement waits to see if the doctor has malpractice coverage. Witte to check on this.
Orschell was selected as alternate to executive session meetings at OKI when Hughes cannot attend.
COUNTY COORDINATOR POSITION
Tom Orschell brought up the option of combining positions to get a county coordinator, but provide high enough pay required by the candidate (Bill Ewbank.)The proposal is to combine a hybrid of the coordinator salary ($45,000) and the Veteran’s salary ($33,000). This totals $78,000. Ewbank will do both for $56,000, SUPPOSEDLY saving $22,000.
It would require that he have a secretary answer his calls in the veteran’s office. The secretary’s salary is listed as $26,638. She would be moving from the building inspector’s office to help cover phones as there is not enough work there for her due to economic slowdown.
The Veteran’s Officer HAS TO BE A VETERAN. So Ewbank has to be in charge still- as the secretary is not a veteran. This means the veteran’s office is running at $6362 LESS than before and the coordinators position is running at $11,000 MORE than budgeted. The secretary cannot perform all the duties of the Veteran’s office.
[NOTE: Not sure where we are SAVING anything here. Looks more like we are SPENDING to GIVE Bill Ewbank a job at the salary HE needs. Pickens- the Auditor- was pushing Ewbank heavily throughout this discussion. Pickens is a veteran also. Throughout this discussion- he was acting like a 4th commissioner.]
Pickens said that historically the Building Inspector’s secretaries were often used as floaters throughout the building to help out when needed. And that 2 years ago Council proposed floaters. Orschell said this was on a trial basis and if Bill Ewbank was overwhelmed they could redo it. [NOTE: How can one person do two FULL TIME jobs in an 8- hour day?]
Hughes said Bill is qualified and asked Witte if they could do that?
Mike Witte- Attorney- cautioned them greatly about having 2 separate jobs and 2 separate paychecks to the same entity. He talked to other county attorneys for advice also. Similar to the issues of being a county employee and drawing a check for Council or Commissioners- other attorneys warned him that it is hard to keep from double dipping or being accused of ghost employment. If the person is working at their day job and taking calls or answering questions about Council or Commissioner business during that time- how do they sign off and on the clock?
Pickens said it will be one paycheck. Witte reminded Pickens that as attorney he answers to the commissioners not to Pickens. Witte went on to say- legally- the county coordinator is “boss” over the Veteran’s Office.
Orschell suggested maybe splitting the schedule by days. Coordinator 3 days a week and Veteran’s Officer 2 days maybe. [NOTE: Is the Veteran’s Officer paid out of county funds or federal funds ? Is there a problem with mixing these, if the feds expect a full timer for their pay?]
Thompson asked if this would require a new salary ordinance from Council. Pickens said Council approved up to $65,000. Hughes was also concerned about County Council being consulted on this.
Witte cautioned further about confidentiality on litigation and personnel issues and the secretary who floats between offices opening up channels… He said- you have to think beyond just saving $22,000. Witte stressed- he was not giving legal advice for just these candidates- this would apply to any person and any jobs in the county. He was not weighing in on WHO you choose- just pointing out the legalities no matter who you were combining the jobs for.
Thompson asked -should we be going through this without the interview process? Orschell said maybe they should go through the resumes. Hughes said- the Veteran’s Officer has to have certain specifications- he has to be a veteran who is honorably discharged. We should look at this more.
Pickens said there is a written description for coordinator.
Orschell said we NEED a coordinator- we cannot even talk to each other legally- this would help get things done. Thompson said- that would be a serial meeting- not legal. Witte- said that was correct. You cannot use the coordinator to pass information that way to get around the open door laws.
Hughes said- the county is not just a business- it is a service and Bill Ewbank does know the county government. Orschell- he knows health insurance too.
Pickens- it gets you a coordinator, keeps vet services open, and if a vet is hired, reduce Bill to the Coordinator’s pay. It is just a formality to Council.
Hughes said- “I’m not so sure it’s just a formality with Council.”
Orschell- try it on a trial basis?
Hughes motioned and Orschell 2nd to appoint Bill Ewbank as county coordinator and also have the duties of the veteran’s office and to go to Council to see if they will accept the combined duties at $56,000. Two ayes- Thompson did not vote.
Orschell- we need to get with these folks to tell them exactly what we expect.
[NOTE: I asked for clarification about getting Council’s approval.]
Pickens told them Council doesn’t meet until May.
Hughes said- they can’t meet to decide this?
They then rescinded their motion and redid it to LEAVE OUT THE PART ABOUT GETTING COUNCIL’S APPROVAL. THEY ALSO DID NOT MENTION THE ACTUAL SALARY IN THE REDONE MOTION. Two ayes- Thompson again did not vote.
[NOTE: Let me get this straight- we opened up the coordinator position- took in resumes from the ads. NO ONE WAS FORMALLY INTERVIEWED for this position, including Bill Ewbank. We say this is saving money- but it looks like it is saving jobs, not money. It puts one person in charge of himself in the other part of this job. The bottom line is- Ewbank should apply for, interview, and be hired for the one job and resign the other. It appears the salary of coordinator at $45,000 is already a $12,000 raise for him. Instead he has to do two jobs for a $23,000 increase in his current pay. This looks bad and sets a bad precedent.]
Brett Dodd- gave an update on charettes and commissioners approved him setting up Saturday meeting for charettes to get it done in a more timely manner. Judges gave earliest weekday dates in late May and early June- (conveniently after the primary) Dodd will get the judges to approve a date. Hughes joked- that if they had a coordinator already- he could do that for him. [NOTE: The prosecutor and judges and other courthouse offices have been pushing for more space- now they are dragging their heels. If it’s needed you would think they’d be more cooperative.]
Todd Listerman- Highway Dept- gave a 10-minute report.
Listerman will attend a conference in Seymour at INDOT for Yorkridge resurfacing on Tuesday and on Wednesday for INDOT’s projects with stimulus money.
Commissioners signed supplemental to the George St Bridge securing more federal dollars to a total now of $619,600. Local share is $190,000. If it went stimulus it would be 100% federal.
Commissioners signed IC639 accepting Bells Branch Bridge repairs.
Listerman received Commissioners approval to take down the high water gates in the county as they do not comply with the MUTCD (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control) They will be replaced by appropriate signs. These are federally approved. Resident’s will be notified of gate removal.
Pickens – Auditor- Claims signed. Minutes signed. For Jan meetings, The question about the Happy Hollow Road motion was resolved to state that the old county owned ROW would remain on Happy Hollow as stated at that meeting.
EMS contracts for $40,000 each were signed for Aurora, Moores Hill and Sunman.
Attorney- Witte- carried over from Jan meeting- the YES HOME contract was reviewed and commissioners signed it.
He also noted that Hensley submitted a personal services contract for software for the tax appeals for him to review.
Tom Orschell- Thanked Ralph Thompson for being overseer and volunteering his time for a year for the Animal Control Shelter. Thompson had resigned from overseer effective Friday Jan 29.
Marlene Underwood has been interim director over the weekend. Orschell motioned for her to become the interim director with director’s pay starting Feb 1 and that she be directly responsible to the Commissioners. Thompson suggested Underwood report to Commissioners at their morning meeting each month. All three agreed. Approved.
Ralph Thompson- gave sample copies of accident reports to Witte to review for all accidents by county employees. There was a question of not writing them up when a dump bed on a snowplow got into some lines. Insurance requires these be filed. Witte to look this over.
LATE ARRIVAL- Lt Davis- Harrison Fire Dept advised Commissioners of EMS certification discussion with state regs in Indiana. He wanted them to be aware of this until they can get their waivers to cover us with their new cert status in the NE end of the county. Bill Black is helping him get the Indiana waivers.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Thompson Resigns Position of "Temporary" Overseer of Animal Control Center
January 29, 2010
Ralph E. Thompson, Jr., PE
9098 Mt Tabor Rd.
Aurora, IN 47001
Commissioner Tom Orschell
Commissioner Jeff Hughes
The Dearborn County Animal Control Facility has improved significantly. We obtained enough donations that food costs for December 2009 and January and most of February 2010 will be $0. We reduced the housed population by actively working with other rescue groups, beside Rescue Waggin' and without increasing euthanizations. We acquired free television advertising on a monthly basis and have a volunteer contacting new rescue groups. With the reduction in housed animals, we reduced the requirements for part time staff. I hope these improvements will continue.
In the fall, we discussed hiring a Director from the remaining candidates of the previous Director selection. Commissioners decided it was appropriate to open the position again for public opportunity. In December, we received three recommendations from the Animal Control Committee, but delayed selection of a director due to the pending status of the new facility.
At the January 26, 2010 County Council meeting the Council decided not to move forward with hiring a new Director or the fourth Animal Control Officer.
I provided donated time and services to the County to manage the Animal Control Facility. This saved the County the cost of a Director for almost a year. With Council's decision, there is no end in sight to this task. Due to my other responsibilities, I can no longer continue to donate time and effort to this endeavor. I hereby resign as Overseer of the Dearborn County Animal Control effective immediately.
Respectfully submitted,
Ralph E. Thompson, Jr., PE
Commissioner
Cc: County Council
Animal Control Board
Ralph E. Thompson, Jr., PE
9098 Mt Tabor Rd.
Aurora, IN 47001
Commissioner Tom Orschell
Commissioner Jeff Hughes
The Dearborn County Animal Control Facility has improved significantly. We obtained enough donations that food costs for December 2009 and January and most of February 2010 will be $0. We reduced the housed population by actively working with other rescue groups, beside Rescue Waggin' and without increasing euthanizations. We acquired free television advertising on a monthly basis and have a volunteer contacting new rescue groups. With the reduction in housed animals, we reduced the requirements for part time staff. I hope these improvements will continue.
In the fall, we discussed hiring a Director from the remaining candidates of the previous Director selection. Commissioners decided it was appropriate to open the position again for public opportunity. In December, we received three recommendations from the Animal Control Committee, but delayed selection of a director due to the pending status of the new facility.
At the January 26, 2010 County Council meeting the Council decided not to move forward with hiring a new Director or the fourth Animal Control Officer.
I provided donated time and services to the County to manage the Animal Control Facility. This saved the County the cost of a Director for almost a year. With Council's decision, there is no end in sight to this task. Due to my other responsibilities, I can no longer continue to donate time and effort to this endeavor. I hereby resign as Overseer of the Dearborn County Animal Control effective immediately.
Respectfully submitted,
Ralph E. Thompson, Jr., PE
Commissioner
Cc: County Council
Animal Control Board
Friday, January 29, 2010
DEC 2009 EcO15 Newsletter Available online
The December 2009 EcO15 Newsletter "ECHO THIS!" is now on the Dearborn Community Foundation's web site. See www.dearborncf.org
Thanks,
Mark J. Neff
Dearborn County EcO15 Coordinator
Dearborn Community Foundation
322 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
(812) 539-4115 Foundation Office
(812) 539-4119 Fax
(812) 584-7629 Cell Phone
www.dearborncf.org
www.eco15.org
Thanks,
Mark J. Neff
Dearborn County EcO15 Coordinator
Dearborn Community Foundation
322 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
(812) 539-4115 Foundation Office
(812) 539-4119 Fax
(812) 584-7629 Cell Phone
www.dearborncf.org
www.eco15.org
SHANE McHENRY INTERVIEW on theflypod.com
listen to Shane McHenry's interview on the flypod. http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=45277
IU RESEARCHERS NEED HELP WITH TOURISM SURVEY
EcO15 and Indiana University Faculty Researchers Encouraging Participation in Hospitality/Tourism Survey
Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015 (EcO15) and Indiana University faculty researchers from the Tourism Research and Education Center are asking Business owners and 2,000 residents throughout ten counties in Southeastern Indiana to participate in a research study exploring attitudes towards local tourism.
A Business Survey has already been sent to H&T business owners exploring their employment trends, hiring expectations and desired levels of skills/education for entry, mid, and senior management positions. The Resident Survey will explore Dearborn County residents’ expectations of/and attitude toward tourism, and their knowledge of the economic impact of the tourism industry in Dearborn County.
By participating in this Hospitality and Tourism survey, local residents will provide insight into the future planning of their communities when considering increasing tourist attractions and marketing their hometowns.
The findings of this study could enhance the economic vitality in Southeastern Indiana. Local economic and tourism officials have endorsed this study and will use its results to grow Dearborn County tourism.
For information about the study, contact the EcO15 Hospitality/Tourism Coordinator, Jeanne Robinson by email Jeanne.robinson@eco15.org or phone (317) 412-3917.
Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015 (EcO15) and Indiana University faculty researchers from the Tourism Research and Education Center are asking Business owners and 2,000 residents throughout ten counties in Southeastern Indiana to participate in a research study exploring attitudes towards local tourism.
A Business Survey has already been sent to H&T business owners exploring their employment trends, hiring expectations and desired levels of skills/education for entry, mid, and senior management positions. The Resident Survey will explore Dearborn County residents’ expectations of/and attitude toward tourism, and their knowledge of the economic impact of the tourism industry in Dearborn County.
By participating in this Hospitality and Tourism survey, local residents will provide insight into the future planning of their communities when considering increasing tourist attractions and marketing their hometowns.
The findings of this study could enhance the economic vitality in Southeastern Indiana. Local economic and tourism officials have endorsed this study and will use its results to grow Dearborn County tourism.
For information about the study, contact the EcO15 Hospitality/Tourism Coordinator, Jeanne Robinson by email Jeanne.robinson@eco15.org or phone (317) 412-3917.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
REVISED AGENDA for Commissioners Meeting MONDAY 1 Feb 2010
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 1, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Administration Building
215 W. High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
NOTE: THIS IS A MONDAY NIGHT MEETING
EXECUTIVE SESSION @ 6:00 pm – Medical
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
Discussion on Purchasing Agency Ordinance
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Andrea Conroy – “What’s Happening” magazine discussion
2. Signatures for Doctor and Nurse Agreement for Juvenile
3. OKI alternative member for Executive Session Meetings discussion
4. Heath Department representative – Employee leave discussion
5. Hiring of County Coordinator
6. Brett Dodd RQAW- update
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
1. Updates
2. George Street Bridge Agreement
3. IC 639 Bells Branch Bridge
4. High water gates
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
2. EMS Contracts
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
Accident report/Supervisory reports
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 1, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Administration Building
215 W. High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
NOTE: THIS IS A MONDAY NIGHT MEETING
EXECUTIVE SESSION @ 6:00 pm – Medical
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
Discussion on Purchasing Agency Ordinance
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Andrea Conroy – “What’s Happening” magazine discussion
2. Signatures for Doctor and Nurse Agreement for Juvenile
3. OKI alternative member for Executive Session Meetings discussion
4. Heath Department representative – Employee leave discussion
5. Hiring of County Coordinator
6. Brett Dodd RQAW- update
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
1. Updates
2. George Street Bridge Agreement
3. IC 639 Bells Branch Bridge
4. High water gates
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
2. EMS Contracts
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
Accident report/Supervisory reports
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
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