Campaign Finance Reports – County Elections
Tabulated October 19, 2004
Reports were due on October 15, 2004
Missing reports – Richard Ullrich and Phil Weaver
Late report- Richard Fox - arrived via mail October 19- mail postmarked October 16th.
Candidates and contributors:
Commissioner candidates:
Richard Fox- filed late
The Survey Co $100
John Maxwell $250
Johnny Nugent $100
Ruth/Jerry Martini $100
DLZ Industrial, LLC $300
Richard Fox $2000
Richard Fox $3500
Ruth/Jerry Martini $100
Bill/Cathy Martini $100
Leroy/Violet Fox $100
Karen Fuchs $50
David Martini $100
Jeff Hughes- Home Fundraiser $206
Richard Uncerbuehler $100
John/Linda Maxwell $250
Joe Zwiergynski $300
David Hughes $200
James Hughes $100
Jeff Hughes $1031.28
Allen Callaway-
Gene Branham $100
Ray Beatty $100
Doug Hedrick $100
Fred/Clara Callaway $100
Pipefitters $500
Carpenters Local 1142$200
IBEW $300
Teamsters $200
Dearborn/Ripley
Bldg Trades $300
Asbestos Workers $200
Democrat Party $500
Al Werner –
Al Werner $2633.70
Council candidates:
Bill Ullrich –
Unitemized $660.69
Ben Turner-
Democrat Party $500
Doug Taylor-
Doug Taylor $1600
Charles Evans $100
IN/KY Carpenters $200
Pipefitters $200
IN AFL-CIO $200
Asbestos LU $200
IBEW $200
Democrat Party $500
Charlie Fehrman-
NOTHING SPENT
Mark Mitter-
Unitemized $400
On hand $800
Richard Ullrich- NO REPORT FILED
Surveyor:
Dennis Kraus-
Clifford Bischoff $200
Dennis Kraus $676.79
John Maxwell $250
Dennis Kraus $672.26
Dennis Kraus $410
Unitemized $223.03
Treasurer:
Gayle Pennington-
Robert Dunevant $100
Bill Yelton $100
Unitemized $50
Clerk:
Phil Weaver- NO REPORT FILED
Judge:
Jim Humphrey -
Cash on hand $1056.82
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
18 October 2004 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
18 October 2004 Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Dan Batta, Acting Chairman, Karen Shell (still having some voice problems), and Vera Benning. Also present: Lorie Howard, County Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Cary Pickens, Auditor.
1. Ruth Ann Batta- requested to go to Council for funding for the summer arts program. Approved to approach Council at their next meeting.
2. Lorie Howard- County Administrator- reported:
Bridge 68 work will begin in the spring of 2005- contracts have been approved.
Phase 2 paving with Rohe will proceed starting with Sand Run this week- weather permitting.
Line striping will also begin.
The L-bg –G-dale Connector proposed by SIECO/Strand has requested comments from the commissioners by Nov 22. There are 7 alternatives. Commissioners decided to send their comments as a board so they will have individual ones to Lorie by November 8th so she can prepare the final letter. These comments will be finalized at a public meeting. Travis Miller is also preparing comments from the planning office. Dan Batta noted that G-dale has already sent a letter to SIECO/ Stand and INDOT expressing concerns that this connector could possible have a negative effect on the US 50 corridor study.
Three transfers of funds were approved for flu vaccines, for additional Worker’s Comp premiums, and for PERF, as requested by Charlie Fehrman in a letter.
RQAW has some additional proposals for the jail and courthouse expansion projects, including leasing the building housing Grace Church ( Shumway building now owned by Fortune Management) and tearing down the juvenile building. These are just proposals so far.
The painting of the rotunda has contracts being set up for the companies doing the work to cover indemnification and safety issues.
Personnel Handbook revisions were approved by commissioners with Vera Benning abstaining because she wanted the employees to have input. [NOTE: Why do employees get to decide what the rules are? Usually the employer is the “boss.”] These rules will be effective Jan 1.
3. Mike Davis- Highway Dept.- White’s Hill has a change order from O’Mara that is within the approved budget for that roadwork. Commissioners approved $5300 to do survey and engineering to remove the hump in the road to view the hill better. Potential cost of that project is $50-60,000.
Highway employees are reviewing policies, procedures, and subdivisions and their bonds for road acceptances.
Mowing is done for the year, ditching, culverts, and patching continues.
Lisa Lehner is still handling fuel tank issue in an attempt to reduce fines.
Bridge 37 is the next bridge needing work (not clear where this bridge is!)
Several developers are approaching highway to get their subdivision roads accepted into the county road list.
11 of the over 60 major slips in the county are fixed so far.
Davis will be attending a safety meeting coming up shortly.
Ron Draper and Mike Booher approached commissioners under the highway dept. to get them to upgrade and accept Cedar Lane in High Ridge estates for a county road. All paperwork so far indicates that it was not a county road- per Kreinhop’s engineering reports from the 1980’s. Ron Draper is the son of the developer who went bankrupt and didn’t finish this subdivision. The road bonds were allowed to lapse. Draper even noted that his father hadn’t finished the roads- he ran out of money.
Booher stated that a highway worker offered to dump some free gravel on it for them… then said- I guess I should say that here…
[Note- this is the subdivision that was to be condemned due to sewer plant failures and the reason for the sewer district to be started in that section of the county. Just how much is the public going to have to absorb of this developer’s responsibility?]
Commissioners took this under advisement and told the petitioners that they needed to come up with proof that it was a county accepted road – or else they would have to bring it to county specs and then petition for acceptance.
4. Lisa Lehner- still works on the Hwy. Fuel storage tanks with IDEM. She is requesting proof from them.
5. Cary Pickens- Auditor- claims, minutes, and executive session minutes approved.
6. Executive session report- There was an executive session this afternoon on hwy dept. issues that the board of commissioners is in the middle of and planning future review.
7. Public comment: Ralph Thompson requested more info on the executive session proceedings and possible decisions. He cited 3-2003 from County Council stating that spending elected officials who spend dollars without an appropriation will be held personally liable.
He wanted to know what was going on in the hwy dept. He said there were rumors of public money being misspent for personal use.
Karen Shell stated that Mike Davis has a copy of the expenditures- that Ralph can get.
Cary Pickens stated that the overspending was a result of changing people mid-year in the hwy dept. and so no one knew what money was left. [Note: That’s why council makes all those special projects come back to them.]
Karen Shell said in this case a specific line item was the problem- not the 203 fund, which are special projects. This was a $50,000 line item in phase 2 work that was overdrawn.
Dan Batta said they are trying to keep the staff focused on the budget. Intimidation by elected officials can’t seem to be stopped, because it is not REAL, but PERCEIVED intimidation. [Note: Hwy workers who worry about having their jobs taken away when new commissioners come in are not likely to PUBLICLY state their grievances, particularly when they concern Vera Benning, a commissioner who is not up for election this year and who is able to affect their jobs next year. Most of them can’t afford an attorney to help them in a wrongful dismissal suit. ]
Vera Benning said that we don’t have a hwy engineer. If we had one it would go a long way toward helping our hwy supervisor. [Note: Scattergun technique? This wasn’t even relevant to the issue.]
Ralph Thompson left the podium without getting a satisfactory answer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Dan Batta, Acting Chairman, Karen Shell (still having some voice problems), and Vera Benning. Also present: Lorie Howard, County Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Cary Pickens, Auditor.
1. Ruth Ann Batta- requested to go to Council for funding for the summer arts program. Approved to approach Council at their next meeting.
2. Lorie Howard- County Administrator- reported:
Bridge 68 work will begin in the spring of 2005- contracts have been approved.
Phase 2 paving with Rohe will proceed starting with Sand Run this week- weather permitting.
Line striping will also begin.
The L-bg –G-dale Connector proposed by SIECO/Strand has requested comments from the commissioners by Nov 22. There are 7 alternatives. Commissioners decided to send their comments as a board so they will have individual ones to Lorie by November 8th so she can prepare the final letter. These comments will be finalized at a public meeting. Travis Miller is also preparing comments from the planning office. Dan Batta noted that G-dale has already sent a letter to SIECO/ Stand and INDOT expressing concerns that this connector could possible have a negative effect on the US 50 corridor study.
Three transfers of funds were approved for flu vaccines, for additional Worker’s Comp premiums, and for PERF, as requested by Charlie Fehrman in a letter.
RQAW has some additional proposals for the jail and courthouse expansion projects, including leasing the building housing Grace Church ( Shumway building now owned by Fortune Management) and tearing down the juvenile building. These are just proposals so far.
The painting of the rotunda has contracts being set up for the companies doing the work to cover indemnification and safety issues.
Personnel Handbook revisions were approved by commissioners with Vera Benning abstaining because she wanted the employees to have input. [NOTE: Why do employees get to decide what the rules are? Usually the employer is the “boss.”] These rules will be effective Jan 1.
3. Mike Davis- Highway Dept.- White’s Hill has a change order from O’Mara that is within the approved budget for that roadwork. Commissioners approved $5300 to do survey and engineering to remove the hump in the road to view the hill better. Potential cost of that project is $50-60,000.
Highway employees are reviewing policies, procedures, and subdivisions and their bonds for road acceptances.
Mowing is done for the year, ditching, culverts, and patching continues.
Lisa Lehner is still handling fuel tank issue in an attempt to reduce fines.
Bridge 37 is the next bridge needing work (not clear where this bridge is!)
Several developers are approaching highway to get their subdivision roads accepted into the county road list.
11 of the over 60 major slips in the county are fixed so far.
Davis will be attending a safety meeting coming up shortly.
Ron Draper and Mike Booher approached commissioners under the highway dept. to get them to upgrade and accept Cedar Lane in High Ridge estates for a county road. All paperwork so far indicates that it was not a county road- per Kreinhop’s engineering reports from the 1980’s. Ron Draper is the son of the developer who went bankrupt and didn’t finish this subdivision. The road bonds were allowed to lapse. Draper even noted that his father hadn’t finished the roads- he ran out of money.
Booher stated that a highway worker offered to dump some free gravel on it for them… then said- I guess I should say that here…
[Note- this is the subdivision that was to be condemned due to sewer plant failures and the reason for the sewer district to be started in that section of the county. Just how much is the public going to have to absorb of this developer’s responsibility?]
Commissioners took this under advisement and told the petitioners that they needed to come up with proof that it was a county accepted road – or else they would have to bring it to county specs and then petition for acceptance.
4. Lisa Lehner- still works on the Hwy. Fuel storage tanks with IDEM. She is requesting proof from them.
5. Cary Pickens- Auditor- claims, minutes, and executive session minutes approved.
6. Executive session report- There was an executive session this afternoon on hwy dept. issues that the board of commissioners is in the middle of and planning future review.
7. Public comment: Ralph Thompson requested more info on the executive session proceedings and possible decisions. He cited 3-2003 from County Council stating that spending elected officials who spend dollars without an appropriation will be held personally liable.
He wanted to know what was going on in the hwy dept. He said there were rumors of public money being misspent for personal use.
Karen Shell stated that Mike Davis has a copy of the expenditures- that Ralph can get.
Cary Pickens stated that the overspending was a result of changing people mid-year in the hwy dept. and so no one knew what money was left. [Note: That’s why council makes all those special projects come back to them.]
Karen Shell said in this case a specific line item was the problem- not the 203 fund, which are special projects. This was a $50,000 line item in phase 2 work that was overdrawn.
Dan Batta said they are trying to keep the staff focused on the budget. Intimidation by elected officials can’t seem to be stopped, because it is not REAL, but PERCEIVED intimidation. [Note: Hwy workers who worry about having their jobs taken away when new commissioners come in are not likely to PUBLICLY state their grievances, particularly when they concern Vera Benning, a commissioner who is not up for election this year and who is able to affect their jobs next year. Most of them can’t afford an attorney to help them in a wrongful dismissal suit. ]
Vera Benning said that we don’t have a hwy engineer. If we had one it would go a long way toward helping our hwy supervisor. [Note: Scattergun technique? This wasn’t even relevant to the issue.]
Ralph Thompson left the podium without getting a satisfactory answer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, October 15, 2004
Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates Night - October 14, 2004
State Candidates:
Bob Bischoff -D – State rep Dist-68
Robert Hoffman- R – State rep Dist-55
John Marcum – L – State rep Dist-55
County Commissioners:
Allen (Mooch) Calloway – D- Commissioner D-1
Jeff Hughes – R – Commissioner D-1
Rick Fox – R – Commissioner D-2
Al Werner – D – Commissioner D-2
County Council-at-large (3 positions)
Charlie Fehrman – R – Council- at-large
Mark Mitter – R- Council- at-large
Doug Taylor – D- Council- at-large
Ben Turner – D - Council- at-large
Bill Ullrich – R - Council- at-large
Richard Ullrich- D- Council- at-large
Coroner:
Wesley Holt- R
Federal:
Leo Clippenger - Campaign Mgr. for Baron Hill- D – US rep – Dist 9 (800.892.3232)
The candidates had a brief statement read by the Moderator listing their qualifications and background. They were then asked prepared questions, with a short rebuttal by their opponent.
The candidates had several recurring themes. The Candidates kept talking about the US 50 problems. Most deplored the problem; but, did not not know how to attack the problem much less solve it. Doug Taylor heavily backed the US 50 bypass. All felt something needed to be done. Mr. Clippenger indicated Baron Hill was trying to work with INDOT to obtain more funding to study the problem.
Several candidates talked about the County master plan, felt is was good, " a living document". They also talked about the "upside down" tax structure, where Dearborn County's tax base is largely residential. Most want industry brought into the County; but, did not have a plan to accomplish it. Mr. Clippenger indicated Baron Hill was working to attract bio-tech life science industry to the County.
The negative impact of residential development was discussed by the candidates. The potential loss of gambling revenue was mentioned and the concern for the potential loss of revenue. Several of the candidates Council indicated the negative budget impact of the loss of gaming revenue would be disastrous for the County. Bob Bischoff indicated he would be trying to prevent the State Legislature from siphoning off gaming funds from the local to help pay the State budget deficit.
Messers. Fox and Hughes referred several times to "property owners rights" and the need to protect them. None has defined what they mean by property owners rights. Do they mean freedom to sell property for any use in spite of zoning restrictions, or freedom from eminent domain or?
Many of the candidates are neophytes (except for the incumbent County Council candidates) and most seem to have a superficial knowledge of the working of government, economics and management.
The program did not provide a good basis to make candidate selection easy. More information is needed on the background and goals of the candidates. The local press should do more in depth reporting on the candidates to help the voter make the right choice.
Ralph Thompson, Jr., PE, CPE
Citizen of Dearborn County
14 October 2004 Candidates Night at Tate St. Adult Center broadcast on WSCH
14 October 2004 Candidates Night
Candidates who showed up:
Bob Bischoff -D – State rep Dist-68
Robert Hoffman- R – State rep Dist-55
John Marcum – L – State rep Dist-55
Campaign Mgr for Baron Hill- D – US rep – Dist 9
County government candidates who showed up:
Commissioners:
Allen (Mooch) Calloway – D- Commissioner D-1
Jeff Hughes – R – Commissioner D-1
Rick Fox – R – Commissioner D-2
Al Werner – D – Commissioner D-2
Council-at-large (3 spots)
Charlie Fehrman – R – Council- at-large
Mark Mitter – R- Council- at-large
Doug Taylor – D- Council- at-large
Ben Turner – D - Council- at-large
Bill Ullrich – R - Council- at-large
Richard Ullrich- D- Council- at-large
Coroner:
Wesley Holt- R
Questions prepared by the chamber of commerce touched on gas tax issues, road maintenance costs, economic development, the county master plan, how to cope with possible gambling revenue loss, US 50 congestion, increased costs of courts and jail expansion, adding another judge, sewer districts, the economics of being a bedroom community of the Greater Cincinnati area, tax structure in Indiana, tax assessment loans for delayed tax collection problems, and small business development.
Baron Hill’s campaign manager touted Hill’s support in getting money to study the US 50 corridor. He also mentioned that Hill is trying to attract “life science and biotech jobs” to Indiana. [Note: Economic development in that arena could be an excellent addition to our county and the tri-state region.]
Striking, because it was so prevalent, was an apparent lack of knowledge about the internal workings of county government and availability of funds from the non-incumbent candidates. There will be a larger learning curve next year because of the predominance of new officials, particularly in the commissioner’s races.
[Note: Choosing candidates in this race will require in depth understanding of their particular background qualifications for the job. They need to have the time and the intelligence to learn the job. Of equal importance is their temperament in being able to handle tough decisions and also the internal political infighting within the governmental offices.]
Council candidates fared better because there were three incumbents, with some experience in the issues being discussed. Of the challengers there seemed to be a fair amount of knowledge about issues related to their jobs and their particular cities (Aurora and Lawrenceburg), but they will have some adjustments to make when they see the county version of those issues.
It should be noted that there are 7 members of Council. The four that are on for two more years are district members. ( Bo Lansing- Greendale, Dennis Kraus (St. Leon area), Tom Cheek (Aurora), Aaron Negangard (Bright).
The three at large seats currently are held by Charlie Fehrman- Dillsboro, Bill Ullrich- Aurora, and Mark Mitter- Yorkville.
Running also are: Ben Turner- Aurora, Richard Ullrich- Aurora, and Doug Taylor – Lawrenceburg.
[Note: County Council needs to have a fair understanding of the needs of the entire county. It would be wise to balance the council with members all over the county and not be too heavily represented by the cities and towns.]
Register Publications covered this meeting also. Watch the paper for in depth coverage on each candidate in the coming weeks.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Candidates who showed up:
Bob Bischoff -D – State rep Dist-68
Robert Hoffman- R – State rep Dist-55
John Marcum – L – State rep Dist-55
Campaign Mgr for Baron Hill- D – US rep – Dist 9
County government candidates who showed up:
Commissioners:
Allen (Mooch) Calloway – D- Commissioner D-1
Jeff Hughes – R – Commissioner D-1
Rick Fox – R – Commissioner D-2
Al Werner – D – Commissioner D-2
Council-at-large (3 spots)
Charlie Fehrman – R – Council- at-large
Mark Mitter – R- Council- at-large
Doug Taylor – D- Council- at-large
Ben Turner – D - Council- at-large
Bill Ullrich – R - Council- at-large
Richard Ullrich- D- Council- at-large
Coroner:
Wesley Holt- R
Questions prepared by the chamber of commerce touched on gas tax issues, road maintenance costs, economic development, the county master plan, how to cope with possible gambling revenue loss, US 50 congestion, increased costs of courts and jail expansion, adding another judge, sewer districts, the economics of being a bedroom community of the Greater Cincinnati area, tax structure in Indiana, tax assessment loans for delayed tax collection problems, and small business development.
Baron Hill’s campaign manager touted Hill’s support in getting money to study the US 50 corridor. He also mentioned that Hill is trying to attract “life science and biotech jobs” to Indiana. [Note: Economic development in that arena could be an excellent addition to our county and the tri-state region.]
Striking, because it was so prevalent, was an apparent lack of knowledge about the internal workings of county government and availability of funds from the non-incumbent candidates. There will be a larger learning curve next year because of the predominance of new officials, particularly in the commissioner’s races.
[Note: Choosing candidates in this race will require in depth understanding of their particular background qualifications for the job. They need to have the time and the intelligence to learn the job. Of equal importance is their temperament in being able to handle tough decisions and also the internal political infighting within the governmental offices.]
Council candidates fared better because there were three incumbents, with some experience in the issues being discussed. Of the challengers there seemed to be a fair amount of knowledge about issues related to their jobs and their particular cities (Aurora and Lawrenceburg), but they will have some adjustments to make when they see the county version of those issues.
It should be noted that there are 7 members of Council. The four that are on for two more years are district members. ( Bo Lansing- Greendale, Dennis Kraus (St. Leon area), Tom Cheek (Aurora), Aaron Negangard (Bright).
The three at large seats currently are held by Charlie Fehrman- Dillsboro, Bill Ullrich- Aurora, and Mark Mitter- Yorkville.
Running also are: Ben Turner- Aurora, Richard Ullrich- Aurora, and Doug Taylor – Lawrenceburg.
[Note: County Council needs to have a fair understanding of the needs of the entire county. It would be wise to balance the council with members all over the county and not be too heavily represented by the cities and towns.]
Register Publications covered this meeting also. Watch the paper for in depth coverage on each candidate in the coming weeks.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Monday, October 04, 2004
4 October 2004 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
4 October 2004 County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Dan Batta, acting president, (Karen Shell had laryngitis), Karen Shell, and Vera Benning. Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Lorie Howard, Administrator.
Denise Freitag was present, covering for Register Publications.
1. Bill Ewbank- Veteran’s Officer- reported that the driving situation is easing up somewhat and that he’ll be on vacation Oct 14-20 so the Office will be closed.
2. Bill Black- Emergency Management- reposted on a meeting with the cities and towns and county on the 800 mgHz system on Oct 12 at 5 PM in the new Lawrenceburg Firehouse. Dan Batta praised Bill for keeping us regionally involved in the homeland security and EMA processes. Commissioners signed off on a grant application requiring no match from Homeland Security for $34,483 to do automated fingerprinting. Bill also reminded the commissioners that they needed to settle the fuel pump tax issues so as not to jeopardize any of the Homeland security grants.
3. Dearborn Gravel – Kurt Weismiller (represented also by Terry Crouch, surveyor)- request for vacating several streets was approved after a favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission. Lisa Lehner quoted IC 36-7-3-12 on street vacations as part of this approval process. There was no public opposition. Streets were left open that access the Oxbow and an easement was confirmed to allow access to a cell tower on the land.
4. Charlie Ashley- 911- got approval to fill a vacated seat on the board with Matt McKinley.
5. Ruth Ann Batta- withdrew request to go to Council
6. Travis Miller- Plan Director - Comprehensive Plan presentation was given again in abbreviated form for those not present in September. He included a detailed reading of the 12 guiding principles.
Vera Benning stated that she had talked to Travis at length and he and suggested that she make an appointment to meet with the plan commission members and people on the Advisory Board with her concerns.
Dan Batta spoke at length regarding the expressed concerns in the article in the local paper regarding the lack of commercial and industrial development coverage in the plan. He then went on to cite in detail where the plan document covers those issues. He stated that 3 out of 12 guiding principles were specific to economic development issues on page 136-137. He stated that #3,4,and 12 also allude to it indirectly.
Batta went on to state that on page 26 there was considerable discussion of the brain drain issues. He stated that on pages 32-37 there were continual references to the economy and commuting patterns, tax bases, and employment segments as well as the community profile and statements on page 37 that one of the key issues was that we have a disproportionately high amount of residential tax issues. It also references the Riverboat revenue and states a desire to broaden the tax base beyond dependence on the boat.
Batta noted that the principles are the directions that were given as to how to move forward. He said that it was fair to criticize it as being a very general document with somewhat subjective guidelines. [NOTE: This is a plus in the long run, because it allows for increased flexibility as development progresses. Also the guidelines are supposed to be subjective- it’s a document about the unique needs of our county.]
He stated that he couldn’t emphasize enough that you need to read the document or else you will be mislead by some of the statements made about it. He noted that he wasn’t at most of those meetings but that he thought it was an excellent process. He stated that we do need some specific maps AND a thoroughfare plan that MATCHES those maps.
When asked if the public wanted to comment- no one did. There were 18 members of the advisory board and other interested citizens there for this vote.
Lisa Lehner read the state law on the resolution needed to approve this plan. Karen Shell whispered (due to her laryngitis) that "it was a great living document and a great place to start." She motioned to approve the plan. Vera Benning would not second it, so Dan Batta seconded the motion. Motion to approve the master plan passed with Vera Benning voting Nay. (She gave no reasons for her Nay vote)
Travis Miller also presented the commissioners with a formal resignation for Dave Schmidtgoesling form the Plan Commission and BZA. The law states that of the 5 citizen members no more than three can be of any one party. Currently there is one democrat, one independent, and two republicans. The new member can be of either party or an independent. Commissioners took the request under advisement.
7. Mike Davis- Highway Director – introduced John Rockwalter (sp?) and Andrew Scherer of United Consulting who did the small structures inventory. (4-8ft “bridges and culverts). They reported 298 small structures with a map and prioritized list of the scheduled repair, rehab, and replacement recommendations from 2004-2012 at an estimated cost of $4.2 million. 22 need to be replaced in the next 8 years.
Batta wanted to be sure it stays as a living document and gets updated. It can also be digitally layered with the transportation study for the planning office.
Phase 2 paving items had an amendment added. Rohe is also contracting to do the inspection of the roadways. [Note: This seems to be a conflict!]
The paving bid for $739,498.35 was awarded to Rohe. Vera Benning voted Nay- no reason given.
A second motion was made and passed to allow Lori Howard to sign off on the inspection agreement after Lisa Lehner has reviewed it. There is some language in it that is contradictory.
Line striping for $70,971.84 was approved subject to Lorie signing off on it.
The work on Bridge 68 on Main Street in Guilford will proceed (motion passed) after Lorie signs off on it after Lisa Lehner reviews the contracts. Schneider estimated it would cost $250,000 and the bid amount for the contractor came in at $219,500.
There was discussion on the financial issues of riverboat revenue being moved to other accounts, and the overspending that apparently went on in local road and street dollars. [NOTE: There has been some issue with money being spent unevenly in the districts with district 3 proceeding to spend road dollars without the other district commissioner’s approval.]
Bottom line- the request was to use $124,550 to pay the bills to date and $193,942 to cover the expenditures to the end of the year in the bituminous account. This includes $21,000 for crack sealing. Mike Davis is to send letters to Charlie Fehrman to get this approved by Council. Batta specifically stated that it might have to wait until November when Council meets.
Salt and gravel are apparently ordered for the winter.
Mark Seiler updated the commissioners on the $5000 IDEM fine for the oil storage tank issue. Lisa Lehner will try to negotiate this down
8. Lorie Howard – Administrator-
$73,500 was approved for the 3-year contract with Harrison for EMS services in the northeast part of county. Lorie tried to get other entities to bid- but only Harrison had the capabilities.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and Safe Passage had a presentation at noon outside the courthouse.
October 18th the Employee handbook will be presented for approval.
Lisa Lehner is changing the letters to Siemens as we now have the software and laptop to control the courthouse HVAC internally. Training is being sought so that several employees can do this.
Lorie gave an overview of the tax collection meeting. (See Council meeting notes for the end of September for details) Cary Pickens will NOT be closing his office for lunch regarding the possible suggestion that this might speed up the tax process.
There was an addendum to the health agreement that will allow access to the Healthspan PPO.
9. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- covered her issues in the above presentations.
10. Cary Pickens- Auditor – claims and minutes approved. Lisa Lehner asked for the Sept 20th minutes to be held till she could review them.
11. Karen Shell brought up the issues of using cum courthouse funds for unapproved items like uniforms. SBOA wrote them up on this. Pickens stated that they were using an opinion letter that Jim Humphrey wrote when he was county attorney to get around some of this. Karen Shell noted that this letter was no longer “working” that it was too general and that SBOA wants it addressed.
12. Vera Benning reported as Advisory Chairman to the Sewer District that the interlocal agreement on the loan was signed with Council and that GRW needs to look at the infrastructure at the High Ridge Plant to see if resleeving the lines is an option.
13. Dan Batta announced that they had a 1 PM executive session this afternoon followed by a public meeting on highway employee issues. These will be further discussed at the next commissioners meeting.
14. Public Comment- Ralph Thompson asked Cary Pickens if they were going to close at lunch- (it was unclear earlier) The answer was no.
He told Vera that he would be open to meeting with her if she wanted to discuss the Master plan issues.
He asked also what the problem was with the highway budget. Vera said it was a mismanagement problem. He stated that in the private sector that would get you fired. Vera smiled and said- yes it would.
Dan Batta stated that some of this would be aired in their executive session.
Meeting adjourned at 11:50 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Dan Batta, acting president, (Karen Shell had laryngitis), Karen Shell, and Vera Benning. Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Lorie Howard, Administrator.
Denise Freitag was present, covering for Register Publications.
1. Bill Ewbank- Veteran’s Officer- reported that the driving situation is easing up somewhat and that he’ll be on vacation Oct 14-20 so the Office will be closed.
2. Bill Black- Emergency Management- reposted on a meeting with the cities and towns and county on the 800 mgHz system on Oct 12 at 5 PM in the new Lawrenceburg Firehouse. Dan Batta praised Bill for keeping us regionally involved in the homeland security and EMA processes. Commissioners signed off on a grant application requiring no match from Homeland Security for $34,483 to do automated fingerprinting. Bill also reminded the commissioners that they needed to settle the fuel pump tax issues so as not to jeopardize any of the Homeland security grants.
3. Dearborn Gravel – Kurt Weismiller (represented also by Terry Crouch, surveyor)- request for vacating several streets was approved after a favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission. Lisa Lehner quoted IC 36-7-3-12 on street vacations as part of this approval process. There was no public opposition. Streets were left open that access the Oxbow and an easement was confirmed to allow access to a cell tower on the land.
4. Charlie Ashley- 911- got approval to fill a vacated seat on the board with Matt McKinley.
5. Ruth Ann Batta- withdrew request to go to Council
6. Travis Miller- Plan Director - Comprehensive Plan presentation was given again in abbreviated form for those not present in September. He included a detailed reading of the 12 guiding principles.
Vera Benning stated that she had talked to Travis at length and he and suggested that she make an appointment to meet with the plan commission members and people on the Advisory Board with her concerns.
Dan Batta spoke at length regarding the expressed concerns in the article in the local paper regarding the lack of commercial and industrial development coverage in the plan. He then went on to cite in detail where the plan document covers those issues. He stated that 3 out of 12 guiding principles were specific to economic development issues on page 136-137. He stated that #3,4,and 12 also allude to it indirectly.
Batta went on to state that on page 26 there was considerable discussion of the brain drain issues. He stated that on pages 32-37 there were continual references to the economy and commuting patterns, tax bases, and employment segments as well as the community profile and statements on page 37 that one of the key issues was that we have a disproportionately high amount of residential tax issues. It also references the Riverboat revenue and states a desire to broaden the tax base beyond dependence on the boat.
Batta noted that the principles are the directions that were given as to how to move forward. He said that it was fair to criticize it as being a very general document with somewhat subjective guidelines. [NOTE: This is a plus in the long run, because it allows for increased flexibility as development progresses. Also the guidelines are supposed to be subjective- it’s a document about the unique needs of our county.]
He stated that he couldn’t emphasize enough that you need to read the document or else you will be mislead by some of the statements made about it. He noted that he wasn’t at most of those meetings but that he thought it was an excellent process. He stated that we do need some specific maps AND a thoroughfare plan that MATCHES those maps.
When asked if the public wanted to comment- no one did. There were 18 members of the advisory board and other interested citizens there for this vote.
Lisa Lehner read the state law on the resolution needed to approve this plan. Karen Shell whispered (due to her laryngitis) that "it was a great living document and a great place to start." She motioned to approve the plan. Vera Benning would not second it, so Dan Batta seconded the motion. Motion to approve the master plan passed with Vera Benning voting Nay. (She gave no reasons for her Nay vote)
Travis Miller also presented the commissioners with a formal resignation for Dave Schmidtgoesling form the Plan Commission and BZA. The law states that of the 5 citizen members no more than three can be of any one party. Currently there is one democrat, one independent, and two republicans. The new member can be of either party or an independent. Commissioners took the request under advisement.
7. Mike Davis- Highway Director – introduced John Rockwalter (sp?) and Andrew Scherer of United Consulting who did the small structures inventory. (4-8ft “bridges and culverts). They reported 298 small structures with a map and prioritized list of the scheduled repair, rehab, and replacement recommendations from 2004-2012 at an estimated cost of $4.2 million. 22 need to be replaced in the next 8 years.
Batta wanted to be sure it stays as a living document and gets updated. It can also be digitally layered with the transportation study for the planning office.
Phase 2 paving items had an amendment added. Rohe is also contracting to do the inspection of the roadways. [Note: This seems to be a conflict!]
The paving bid for $739,498.35 was awarded to Rohe. Vera Benning voted Nay- no reason given.
A second motion was made and passed to allow Lori Howard to sign off on the inspection agreement after Lisa Lehner has reviewed it. There is some language in it that is contradictory.
Line striping for $70,971.84 was approved subject to Lorie signing off on it.
The work on Bridge 68 on Main Street in Guilford will proceed (motion passed) after Lorie signs off on it after Lisa Lehner reviews the contracts. Schneider estimated it would cost $250,000 and the bid amount for the contractor came in at $219,500.
There was discussion on the financial issues of riverboat revenue being moved to other accounts, and the overspending that apparently went on in local road and street dollars. [NOTE: There has been some issue with money being spent unevenly in the districts with district 3 proceeding to spend road dollars without the other district commissioner’s approval.]
Bottom line- the request was to use $124,550 to pay the bills to date and $193,942 to cover the expenditures to the end of the year in the bituminous account. This includes $21,000 for crack sealing. Mike Davis is to send letters to Charlie Fehrman to get this approved by Council. Batta specifically stated that it might have to wait until November when Council meets.
Salt and gravel are apparently ordered for the winter.
Mark Seiler updated the commissioners on the $5000 IDEM fine for the oil storage tank issue. Lisa Lehner will try to negotiate this down
8. Lorie Howard – Administrator-
$73,500 was approved for the 3-year contract with Harrison for EMS services in the northeast part of county. Lorie tried to get other entities to bid- but only Harrison had the capabilities.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and Safe Passage had a presentation at noon outside the courthouse.
October 18th the Employee handbook will be presented for approval.
Lisa Lehner is changing the letters to Siemens as we now have the software and laptop to control the courthouse HVAC internally. Training is being sought so that several employees can do this.
Lorie gave an overview of the tax collection meeting. (See Council meeting notes for the end of September for details) Cary Pickens will NOT be closing his office for lunch regarding the possible suggestion that this might speed up the tax process.
There was an addendum to the health agreement that will allow access to the Healthspan PPO.
9. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- covered her issues in the above presentations.
10. Cary Pickens- Auditor – claims and minutes approved. Lisa Lehner asked for the Sept 20th minutes to be held till she could review them.
11. Karen Shell brought up the issues of using cum courthouse funds for unapproved items like uniforms. SBOA wrote them up on this. Pickens stated that they were using an opinion letter that Jim Humphrey wrote when he was county attorney to get around some of this. Karen Shell noted that this letter was no longer “working” that it was too general and that SBOA wants it addressed.
12. Vera Benning reported as Advisory Chairman to the Sewer District that the interlocal agreement on the loan was signed with Council and that GRW needs to look at the infrastructure at the High Ridge Plant to see if resleeving the lines is an option.
13. Dan Batta announced that they had a 1 PM executive session this afternoon followed by a public meeting on highway employee issues. These will be further discussed at the next commissioners meeting.
14. Public Comment- Ralph Thompson asked Cary Pickens if they were going to close at lunch- (it was unclear earlier) The answer was no.
He told Vera that he would be open to meeting with her if she wanted to discuss the Master plan issues.
He asked also what the problem was with the highway budget. Vera said it was a mismanagement problem. He stated that in the private sector that would get you fired. Vera smiled and said- yes it would.
Dan Batta stated that some of this would be aired in their executive session.
Meeting adjourned at 11:50 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
28 September 2004 County Council Meeting Notes
28 September 2004 County Council Meeting Notes
All members present: Charlie Fehrman, President, Mark Mitter, Aaron Negangard, Bill Ullrich, Bo Lansing (welcomed back after a serious health problem), Tom Cheek, and Dennis Kraus.
Cary Pickens, Auditor, also present. Lorie Howard, County Administrator, was absent.
There was no agenda for this meeting.
An independent attorney, Doug Wilson, reviewed the interlocal loan agreement between Council and the Sewer District because Lisa Lehner, the county attorney is also the sewer board attorney. The agreement is for $357,000 to be loaned from riverboat revenue savings and will be paid back through grants and operational fees after the sewer district is up and running. Doug Baer and Rodney Dennerline presented for the sewer board and board member Pat Holland was present also. Ullrich motioned and Cheek 2nd. Motion passed. Agreement signed.
$20,000 was approved from county general (actually riverboat revenue that has been moved to county general) to cover increased veterans death costs. Negangard motioned and Mitter 2nd. Passed.
There was discussion that SBOA wanted Riverboat Revenue to land in County General first before it gets spent. Also mentioned by Cary Pickens was that there was more than $700,000 in the old contingency fund and that these dollars could not be moved from Riverboat Revenue to County General or vice versa. [Note: Perhaps it is the way things get worded, but it seems like funds are moving frequently at council meetings.]
Inmate medical expenses at the jail required another $80,000 from Riverboat Revenue. Cheek motioned and Negangard 2nd. Passed. All inmate insurance billing goes to county general so it is hard to determine how much this is really costing the county. Cary Pickens doesn’t want to create a bunch of accounts under county general to track these reimbursements. [Note: It would seem to be a good idea to place reimbursements back to the accounts that paid for them- one wonders why government “rules” don’t allow for this]
Lorie Patton from Juvenile Detention came personally to request $5,000 in overtime and $12,000 for part time youth attendants. Ullrich motioned and Kraus 2nd. Passed.
Lorie Patton also expressed her disappointment with the budget passed for her department. She stated that she felt like they were the “red-headed stepchild” of the courthouse. She stated that less than $15,000 was requested to retain the good employees she has trained and didn’t want to lose. She commented on the 4 new jail employees and the 4 new police employees for the road. She was clearly unhappy with the outcome and felt the need to say her piece. Fehrman responded that there were no crosshairs on her dept. that he wanted her to look at the big picture and noted that the Building Department got cuts also of $4,000 similarly.
Charlie Fehrman also brought up oversights in the budget that he needed to correct before getting it certified.
Reimbursed money amounting to $18,000 in victim advocate and adult advocate services were corrected. Ullrich motioned and Cheek 2nd. Negangard abstained because it involved the prosecutor’s office. Passed.
Maintenance Budget for Eric Hartman left out $500 car repair and $990 equipment repair. Cheek motioned and Lansing 2nd. Passed.
Charlie Fehrman met with Phil Weaver, Gayle Pennington (future treasurer) Joan Seitz, Cary Pickens, Lorie Howard, and Frank Cummings (accountant) on the issues with tax revenues discussed at the last commissioners meeting and also in the newspaper. Hiring temps was discussed, the training period would slow the regulars down, so they decided to hire a temp stenographer for Carolyn in the auditor’s office and move her to help with the tax duties until February. The target times for taxes now are to have taxes that would have been collected in May and Nov of 2004 will be billed in February 2005 as one lump sum to be due on a target date of February 19. The May 2005 taxes will be collected in August 2005 and the November 2005 collection will be on time.
Frank Cummings looked for several things that would slow it down and Cary Pickens had already done them. Cummings said that was “really good.” Charlie Fehrman commented that was good to hear about a so-called “incompetent auditor.” (in reference to comments made at the commissioners meeting)
Pickens wants to close his office at lunch so they can keep working and not have to stop tax work to cross-cover employee lunch breaks. They will get commissioners blessing on this. Pickens also said he certified AV (assessed value) at 90% to get the job done ahead.
He said that there was a small error where Joan Seitz ran short $108,000 on reassessment that wasn’t encumbered… Apparently this was fixed.
Indiana had another state screw-up per Pickens where they are billing us $3271.70 for environmental taxes on our fuel pumps plus interest that wasn’t paid from 1991-1996. Because it is over 5 years old, the records were destroyed. The state hasn’t shown proof that we owe it, but they are holding homeland security and grants, if we don’t pay it!!! He asked for money to be approved now, in case we have to pay it. [Note: Discussion here included some political comments from Aaron Negangard which I am leaving out in the interest of preserving harmony between government offices.]
Mitter motioned and Cheek 2nd to approve an amount not to exceed $3300 if the state can prove the taxes are owed. Passed with Kraus and Negangard voting nay.
Minutes from the budget hearings were corrected. Bo abstains from voting, because he was absent due to illness. Cheek motioned and Kraus 2nd. Approved.
Next Council meeting will be in November to wrap up the year. October is cancelled.
Meeting adjourned 8:30 PM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
All members present: Charlie Fehrman, President, Mark Mitter, Aaron Negangard, Bill Ullrich, Bo Lansing (welcomed back after a serious health problem), Tom Cheek, and Dennis Kraus.
Cary Pickens, Auditor, also present. Lorie Howard, County Administrator, was absent.
There was no agenda for this meeting.
An independent attorney, Doug Wilson, reviewed the interlocal loan agreement between Council and the Sewer District because Lisa Lehner, the county attorney is also the sewer board attorney. The agreement is for $357,000 to be loaned from riverboat revenue savings and will be paid back through grants and operational fees after the sewer district is up and running. Doug Baer and Rodney Dennerline presented for the sewer board and board member Pat Holland was present also. Ullrich motioned and Cheek 2nd. Motion passed. Agreement signed.
$20,000 was approved from county general (actually riverboat revenue that has been moved to county general) to cover increased veterans death costs. Negangard motioned and Mitter 2nd. Passed.
There was discussion that SBOA wanted Riverboat Revenue to land in County General first before it gets spent. Also mentioned by Cary Pickens was that there was more than $700,000 in the old contingency fund and that these dollars could not be moved from Riverboat Revenue to County General or vice versa. [Note: Perhaps it is the way things get worded, but it seems like funds are moving frequently at council meetings.]
Inmate medical expenses at the jail required another $80,000 from Riverboat Revenue. Cheek motioned and Negangard 2nd. Passed. All inmate insurance billing goes to county general so it is hard to determine how much this is really costing the county. Cary Pickens doesn’t want to create a bunch of accounts under county general to track these reimbursements. [Note: It would seem to be a good idea to place reimbursements back to the accounts that paid for them- one wonders why government “rules” don’t allow for this]
Lorie Patton from Juvenile Detention came personally to request $5,000 in overtime and $12,000 for part time youth attendants. Ullrich motioned and Kraus 2nd. Passed.
Lorie Patton also expressed her disappointment with the budget passed for her department. She stated that she felt like they were the “red-headed stepchild” of the courthouse. She stated that less than $15,000 was requested to retain the good employees she has trained and didn’t want to lose. She commented on the 4 new jail employees and the 4 new police employees for the road. She was clearly unhappy with the outcome and felt the need to say her piece. Fehrman responded that there were no crosshairs on her dept. that he wanted her to look at the big picture and noted that the Building Department got cuts also of $4,000 similarly.
Charlie Fehrman also brought up oversights in the budget that he needed to correct before getting it certified.
Reimbursed money amounting to $18,000 in victim advocate and adult advocate services were corrected. Ullrich motioned and Cheek 2nd. Negangard abstained because it involved the prosecutor’s office. Passed.
Maintenance Budget for Eric Hartman left out $500 car repair and $990 equipment repair. Cheek motioned and Lansing 2nd. Passed.
Charlie Fehrman met with Phil Weaver, Gayle Pennington (future treasurer) Joan Seitz, Cary Pickens, Lorie Howard, and Frank Cummings (accountant) on the issues with tax revenues discussed at the last commissioners meeting and also in the newspaper. Hiring temps was discussed, the training period would slow the regulars down, so they decided to hire a temp stenographer for Carolyn in the auditor’s office and move her to help with the tax duties until February. The target times for taxes now are to have taxes that would have been collected in May and Nov of 2004 will be billed in February 2005 as one lump sum to be due on a target date of February 19. The May 2005 taxes will be collected in August 2005 and the November 2005 collection will be on time.
Frank Cummings looked for several things that would slow it down and Cary Pickens had already done them. Cummings said that was “really good.” Charlie Fehrman commented that was good to hear about a so-called “incompetent auditor.” (in reference to comments made at the commissioners meeting)
Pickens wants to close his office at lunch so they can keep working and not have to stop tax work to cross-cover employee lunch breaks. They will get commissioners blessing on this. Pickens also said he certified AV (assessed value) at 90% to get the job done ahead.
He said that there was a small error where Joan Seitz ran short $108,000 on reassessment that wasn’t encumbered… Apparently this was fixed.
Indiana had another state screw-up per Pickens where they are billing us $3271.70 for environmental taxes on our fuel pumps plus interest that wasn’t paid from 1991-1996. Because it is over 5 years old, the records were destroyed. The state hasn’t shown proof that we owe it, but they are holding homeland security and grants, if we don’t pay it!!! He asked for money to be approved now, in case we have to pay it. [Note: Discussion here included some political comments from Aaron Negangard which I am leaving out in the interest of preserving harmony between government offices.]
Mitter motioned and Cheek 2nd to approve an amount not to exceed $3300 if the state can prove the taxes are owed. Passed with Kraus and Negangard voting nay.
Minutes from the budget hearings were corrected. Bo abstains from voting, because he was absent due to illness. Cheek motioned and Kraus 2nd. Approved.
Next Council meeting will be in November to wrap up the year. October is cancelled.
Meeting adjourned 8:30 PM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
27 September 2004 Plan Commission Meeting Notes
27 September 2004 Plan Commission Meeting
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Mike Hall, Nick Held, Roger Woodfill, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Dan Batta, and Patrick de Maynadier (arrived at 7:15 PM).
Absent: Dave Schmidtgoesling- who resigned effective September 21 for family obligations.
Also present: Arnie McGill, attorney, Travis Miller and Mark McCormack.
Three sets of meeting minutes and the Master Plan Public Hearing were approved.
Nearly three hours were devoted to hearing testimony on one subdivision request. Golf View Acres by Rollander Enterprises on Soaphill Road, 29.142 acres in Manchester Township was proposed as a 24-lot subdivision using a cluster system on about 10 acres of 4 mound systems for the homes, most of which were on less than one acre lots. The land is a mixture of Ag and Residential zoning. This property has been considered several times by the plan commission and turned down each time.
Mike Hall was surveyor for the project and stepped down from the board for the hearing.
New ideas were in this proposal in order to qualify for another hearing.
Jeff Stratman was representing Doug Anderson on Rollander.
The project plans included:
3 acres for a drip system or 4 sites for mounds with an additional 4 sites for backup mounds should those fail. All of this was to be set on lot 14- 10 acres on the back of the acreage which slopes on three sides to other properties and creeks.
There are no plans for Aurora to extend their sewer system to this area. The county Sewer Board is unable to take this on in the near future per Doug Baer, Health Dept.
LMS water states there is adequate water for the homes and that there is a current 4” line supply. The option to put 6” main down Soaphill Rd exists within ROW or else they will be using dry hydrants for water for fire protection with cisterns adequate to produce 1250 gal/minute pressure and being refilled with 2” lines continuously.
Soaphill Road would be widened to 20 ft by the developer from the subdivision entrance to 148.
Doug Baer added that the cluster systems have been in use in Northern IN for many years, especially in the lake regions. He added that the drip system requires 30” of topsoil and this land has only about 20” and then clay, which is why he felt the mound system would be better.
The state health dept. letter states that the county can be more restrictive than the state.
State regulates this and it is complaint based on inspections. Baer went on to say that the county has no ordinances authorizing health dept. inspections; they are waiting for the state to update theirs before we do ours.
If the subdivision formed a utility company, then IDEM would do inspections and have jurisdiction.
Road issues and setbacks were discussed. There was some discussion where Stratman felt the developer shouldn’t have to do some of it- but that they would comply to get approval. [NOTE: He wasn’t wholeheartedly wanting to perform all the requirements.]
Citizens speaking included:
Greg Edwards, who made several points concerning the sewage site, particularly the wetness making it a site difficult to mow and maintain. He wanted to know who would be cleaning filters, and he also felt that the 10 acres would be overrun with kids on quads using the mounds for trails. When Mitter asked him if he trusted the state, Edwards answered, “No!”
Chris Becklehymer gave testimony regarding the other end of Soaphill that is used as a shortcut and it’s variable widths, curves, and hills. She elaborated on fire dept regulations for pressure and cited the Elk Run Fire across the street. She mentioned EMS and Fire services were not 24/7- they are volunteer with Aurora as back up. She talked about Goose Run as another shortcut and it’s poor condition. She discussed the RURAL character there and stated this was different. She talked about being down hill from the sewage and that they would be on the receiving end of that system if it failed.
Greg Edwards further elaborated on the road, parking issues with tourneys at Elk Run across the street, and the 45-degree angle of the Soaphill-SR148 intersection. Several accidents were cited. He noted 10-15 slips on Goose Run, which will be worse with water runoff from 24 homes above it. This is surrounded by Ag- and unfortunately is zoned R. Not in character to do it this dense- even though it is perhaps “allowed” in the book if R.
Lots 13-16 are zoned Ag- but 2 of them are less than 5 acres, so not Ag use.
Joan Fehling reiterated Greg Edwards and Chris Becklehymer’s comments with respect to lot sizes, fire protection, and sewage issues.
Board discussion centered on roads and whose responsibility it was to maintain them and upgrade them, the intersections on both ends of Soaphill, sewage concerns, management by the homeowners association and no bond amounts etc. were a major concern, the cumulative effects of starting development out there on the road issues, 2 Ag lots, fire protection, the cohesive nature of neighborhoods in good development patterns, how the homeowners could shut off a neighbor if they weren’t complying or paying into the fund to keep septic safe, the desire for a utility to run sewage, not a homeowner’s association, cisterns not being the best way to start fire protection, the fact that even the neighbors there today were split off from someone’s farm years ago, pacing and placing development appropriately with respect to infrastructure, and not doing just the minimum requirements for each district.
Three sets of motions were made:
1. Batta motioned and Woodfill 2nd to deny based on sections 2576 particularly citing responsible development with regard to sewage, Section 2400 the intent of transportation management and promoting effective modes of transportation, and Article 3 Table 3.1 referring to Soaphill Road being a substandard collector.
4 to deny and 2 not deny. Chair voted against the motion. Fails.
2. Pope motioned and Held 2nd to approve if they widened Soaphill to 20’ to 148, added a 6” water line down Soaphill, and produced a workable plan to adequately fund and maintain and repair the sewage system. 4 Nay, 2 Ayes. Fails.
3. deMaynadier motioned to deny and cite the codes without specifics on how to accommodate them and Batta 2nd. Codes cited were the same as in the first motion, 2576,2400, and Table 3.1 4 Ayes, 2 Nays and the chair voted Aye to DENY. Motion passed to DENY.
Stratman requested a specific finding of fact and Travis Miller agreed to have it to him by Wed at the end of the day
Applicants tabled two other requests.
Leslie Geisen addressed the board in detail regarding a violation issue that has escalated to a nuisance on Brightleaf Drive. Board plans to have the enforcement officer enlist Health Dept. and Sheriff’s Dept. to aid in settling this. There is no ordinance to require mowing and vegetation clean up. The offender is Ollie Willoughby. It was also suggested that she seek a lawyer to sue for nuisance, since it is costing her money to clean up the spillover and damages to her yard, her enjoyment of her yard, and property values.
Administrative:
Board approved Travis using $9,000 for OKI GIS work and to replenish the $51,000 for the grant match with money from master plan, IF he emails Charlie Fehrman and gets Council’s blessing before entering into any of these contracts. There was concern that Travis would be personally liable according to new ordinance that Council set this year regarding contracts that were made without their specific appropriation of money. Batta motioned and de Maynadier 2nd to use $9,000 and check with Fehrman. Motion passed.
Sept 29th SDG will present the Housing Assessment Study at the Dearborn Adult Center.
2005 meeting dates passed out for approval next month.
Hamilton County Regional Planning Educational Series – can attend if they would like to.
Dave Schmidtgoesling’s resignation (family obligations) letter presented.
Meeting adjourned 11:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Mike Hall, Nick Held, Roger Woodfill, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Dan Batta, and Patrick de Maynadier (arrived at 7:15 PM).
Absent: Dave Schmidtgoesling- who resigned effective September 21 for family obligations.
Also present: Arnie McGill, attorney, Travis Miller and Mark McCormack.
Three sets of meeting minutes and the Master Plan Public Hearing were approved.
Nearly three hours were devoted to hearing testimony on one subdivision request. Golf View Acres by Rollander Enterprises on Soaphill Road, 29.142 acres in Manchester Township was proposed as a 24-lot subdivision using a cluster system on about 10 acres of 4 mound systems for the homes, most of which were on less than one acre lots. The land is a mixture of Ag and Residential zoning. This property has been considered several times by the plan commission and turned down each time.
Mike Hall was surveyor for the project and stepped down from the board for the hearing.
New ideas were in this proposal in order to qualify for another hearing.
Jeff Stratman was representing Doug Anderson on Rollander.
The project plans included:
3 acres for a drip system or 4 sites for mounds with an additional 4 sites for backup mounds should those fail. All of this was to be set on lot 14- 10 acres on the back of the acreage which slopes on three sides to other properties and creeks.
There are no plans for Aurora to extend their sewer system to this area. The county Sewer Board is unable to take this on in the near future per Doug Baer, Health Dept.
LMS water states there is adequate water for the homes and that there is a current 4” line supply. The option to put 6” main down Soaphill Rd exists within ROW or else they will be using dry hydrants for water for fire protection with cisterns adequate to produce 1250 gal/minute pressure and being refilled with 2” lines continuously.
Soaphill Road would be widened to 20 ft by the developer from the subdivision entrance to 148.
Doug Baer added that the cluster systems have been in use in Northern IN for many years, especially in the lake regions. He added that the drip system requires 30” of topsoil and this land has only about 20” and then clay, which is why he felt the mound system would be better.
The state health dept. letter states that the county can be more restrictive than the state.
State regulates this and it is complaint based on inspections. Baer went on to say that the county has no ordinances authorizing health dept. inspections; they are waiting for the state to update theirs before we do ours.
If the subdivision formed a utility company, then IDEM would do inspections and have jurisdiction.
Road issues and setbacks were discussed. There was some discussion where Stratman felt the developer shouldn’t have to do some of it- but that they would comply to get approval. [NOTE: He wasn’t wholeheartedly wanting to perform all the requirements.]
Citizens speaking included:
Greg Edwards, who made several points concerning the sewage site, particularly the wetness making it a site difficult to mow and maintain. He wanted to know who would be cleaning filters, and he also felt that the 10 acres would be overrun with kids on quads using the mounds for trails. When Mitter asked him if he trusted the state, Edwards answered, “No!”
Chris Becklehymer gave testimony regarding the other end of Soaphill that is used as a shortcut and it’s variable widths, curves, and hills. She elaborated on fire dept regulations for pressure and cited the Elk Run Fire across the street. She mentioned EMS and Fire services were not 24/7- they are volunteer with Aurora as back up. She talked about Goose Run as another shortcut and it’s poor condition. She discussed the RURAL character there and stated this was different. She talked about being down hill from the sewage and that they would be on the receiving end of that system if it failed.
Greg Edwards further elaborated on the road, parking issues with tourneys at Elk Run across the street, and the 45-degree angle of the Soaphill-SR148 intersection. Several accidents were cited. He noted 10-15 slips on Goose Run, which will be worse with water runoff from 24 homes above it. This is surrounded by Ag- and unfortunately is zoned R. Not in character to do it this dense- even though it is perhaps “allowed” in the book if R.
Lots 13-16 are zoned Ag- but 2 of them are less than 5 acres, so not Ag use.
Joan Fehling reiterated Greg Edwards and Chris Becklehymer’s comments with respect to lot sizes, fire protection, and sewage issues.
Board discussion centered on roads and whose responsibility it was to maintain them and upgrade them, the intersections on both ends of Soaphill, sewage concerns, management by the homeowners association and no bond amounts etc. were a major concern, the cumulative effects of starting development out there on the road issues, 2 Ag lots, fire protection, the cohesive nature of neighborhoods in good development patterns, how the homeowners could shut off a neighbor if they weren’t complying or paying into the fund to keep septic safe, the desire for a utility to run sewage, not a homeowner’s association, cisterns not being the best way to start fire protection, the fact that even the neighbors there today were split off from someone’s farm years ago, pacing and placing development appropriately with respect to infrastructure, and not doing just the minimum requirements for each district.
Three sets of motions were made:
1. Batta motioned and Woodfill 2nd to deny based on sections 2576 particularly citing responsible development with regard to sewage, Section 2400 the intent of transportation management and promoting effective modes of transportation, and Article 3 Table 3.1 referring to Soaphill Road being a substandard collector.
4 to deny and 2 not deny. Chair voted against the motion. Fails.
2. Pope motioned and Held 2nd to approve if they widened Soaphill to 20’ to 148, added a 6” water line down Soaphill, and produced a workable plan to adequately fund and maintain and repair the sewage system. 4 Nay, 2 Ayes. Fails.
3. deMaynadier motioned to deny and cite the codes without specifics on how to accommodate them and Batta 2nd. Codes cited were the same as in the first motion, 2576,2400, and Table 3.1 4 Ayes, 2 Nays and the chair voted Aye to DENY. Motion passed to DENY.
Stratman requested a specific finding of fact and Travis Miller agreed to have it to him by Wed at the end of the day
Applicants tabled two other requests.
Leslie Geisen addressed the board in detail regarding a violation issue that has escalated to a nuisance on Brightleaf Drive. Board plans to have the enforcement officer enlist Health Dept. and Sheriff’s Dept. to aid in settling this. There is no ordinance to require mowing and vegetation clean up. The offender is Ollie Willoughby. It was also suggested that she seek a lawyer to sue for nuisance, since it is costing her money to clean up the spillover and damages to her yard, her enjoyment of her yard, and property values.
Administrative:
Board approved Travis using $9,000 for OKI GIS work and to replenish the $51,000 for the grant match with money from master plan, IF he emails Charlie Fehrman and gets Council’s blessing before entering into any of these contracts. There was concern that Travis would be personally liable according to new ordinance that Council set this year regarding contracts that were made without their specific appropriation of money. Batta motioned and de Maynadier 2nd to use $9,000 and check with Fehrman. Motion passed.
Sept 29th SDG will present the Housing Assessment Study at the Dearborn Adult Center.
2005 meeting dates passed out for approval next month.
Hamilton County Regional Planning Educational Series – can attend if they would like to.
Dave Schmidtgoesling’s resignation (family obligations) letter presented.
Meeting adjourned 11:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
20 September 2004 earborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
20 September 2004 Commissioner Meeting
Present: Dan Batta, Acting Chairman, and Vera Benning. Absent: Karen Shell (Grandson gravely ill at Children’s Hospital) and Cary Pickens, Auditor. Also present: Lorie Howard, County Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Brenda Hensley, acting minute taker for auditor.
Register Publications covered this meeting- watch the newspaper for further coverage of issues from this meeting.
1. Travis Miller- Planning Director- presented the zone change request from Ag to R that received a favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission for Steve and Carol Hapanowicz on North Dearborn Road. The property is next to a residential subdivision, Harley Springs. No public objections. Vera Benning motioned and Batta 2nd to approve including the 5 considerations that must be adhered to according to state law (read by the county attorney) before granting a zone change.
The second item on vacating streets for Dearborn Gravel was not ready to be heard at this time.
2. Lawrenceburg Schools and Greendale City officials presented their request (and frustrations) regarding tax disbursements.
Dan Kuebler- supt. L-bg Schools- spoke of their issues with a major funding battle over the last year. So far in borrowing money, even at low interest rates, they have incurred $136,500 interest fees in ’03 and to date in ’04 incurred $138,997 +. This is just to keep the doors open. He has conversed with Cary Pickens and feels the fault lies in perhaps several places. What can be done- SOON?
Doug Hedrick- Mayor of Greendale’s comments included the fact that G-dale as had to essentially shut down all capital improvements except for the sewer lines and that they did not come to point fingers, but a lot of towns besides G-dale are in trouble due to this. He presented IC to the board and stated that the tax dollars are to be distributed in 51 days once they are collected. Also requested that they hire more people to work longer to get this done!
Phil Weaver, County Treasurer, stated that he’d finished posting records this week- it took time because of all the overpayments, so as records were being posted disbursements had to be reviewed. This posting should be certified to the auditor this week and then auditor sends it to the state for approval. He hopes to have things in place by the end of October.
Joey Lynch, Clerk Treasurer of G-dale- spoke of the intricacies of having to report a negative balance to the state with outstanding loans and its effect on tax rates in the future. She stated that 6 months ago they got these same answers and she feels this is really no answer.
Hedrick noted that the towns have to pay interest on all these loans.
Greg McAdams- L-bg School Board- wanted to know if the auditor and treasurer have used all their available overtime resources.
Al Abdon- G-dale Council- wanted to know if the county could offer additional assistance to Phil Weaver for the next step for ’03-’04 taxes to speed it up.
Tim Denning- President L-bg School Board- wanted to know why all the affected offices in the county were not here tonight. They knew we were coming- we could have covered this better. Lawrenceburg can’t hire the 9 new teachers they need. Referring to the county officials- “We have 2 elected officials who are basically incompetent in their jobs.”
Pat Holland- citizen and Ag teacher in Ripley County- remarked that the state set these rules and THEY should pay the interest on the loans!
Al Abdon remarked that it wasn’t the state’s fault at this point- 82 out of the 92 counties in Indiana have complied already.
The commissioners took their comments under advisement.
[Note: Hopefully, the county understands the seriousness of the impacts of our slow reassessment. Relying on the Riverboat Revenue has lessened the impact to some extent, but not without serious implications on future tax consequences and impacts to the educational process in the city schools and to town tax rates.]
3. Citizen request to go to council for summer art program- no one showed up to speak to this request.
4. MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING- Travis Miller Planning Director. Meeting was advertised. Lisa Lehner gave an overview of the legal process- that the commissioners adopt the plan by resolution and not by ordinance. They do it by majority vote. (It takes two to accept, deny, or amend) She stated that the plan needed certain elements to be covered in it and she believes it covers those elements. She states that additional things can be covered in the plan if the county so desires.
If the plan is rejected or amended it returns to the Plan Commission for consideration.
Travis Miller presented an overview of the plan with slides. He went over the plan, the process, goals, strategies, and guidelines. Land Use performance criteria included the following 5 principles for consideration: slopes, roadways, sanitary sewer, flood plains, and average parcel size. (See the county web site of local libraries for a full copy of the master plan)
Public comment:
[Note: 23 citizens were in attendance- most were from the advisory board itself. None of the developers usually present were in attendance]
Mike Rozow- representing DCEDI (Economic Development Initiative) as a board member- stated that Jim West was unable to attend but sent a written statement that Rozow read into the record. [Note: Commissioners have a copy of this letter] Basically the letter stated that he wanted to be sure that commercial and industrial uses were considered. He was concerned about topographical issues in our county because slopes reduce the available land for these uses. He specifically hoped that the county considered areas for future industrial and commercial use and went on to say that he wanted an overlay map for outlining in black and white where future commercial/industrial uses can occur. [Note: Has anyone considered that drawing lines on maps could infringe on property rights of the owners of those properties? What about market driven requests?]
Chris Mueller- advisory member- spoke with respect to the flexibility of this plan to allow for creative solutions to some of these uses. Using the guidelines in this plan- and the knowledge from years of Plan commission meeting attendance, there were many more areas potentially available to develop than an overlay map might cite. It would be presumptuous to think we know every type of business that might propose to come here. If you use the five principles- you have a strong argument to get your rezone for commercial if you can accommodate all five principles.
Patrick de Maynadier- Plan Commission member- elaborated further and stated that using the verbal guidelines you can essentially create a map of sites.
Tom Osterman- property owner, but non-resident- questioned how we could increase new development and lower taxes and preserve the rural character. He attended a meeting years ago in Yorkville concerning lots of 20-acre minimums etc. and was concerned about the tax consequences now that we are on a market value tax system. It was explained to him that this plan was different from the one discussed in Yorkville- that was the last failed attempt at a master plan.
Vera Benning- County Commissioner- stated that she had several questions. She started with wanting to know if there was a plan for the densely populated areas like Bright and HVL. It was stated that there was none. She wanted to know if there were plans to extend the roads and sewers out into the other parts of the county so development could occur there. She wanted to know how economic development was covered. Travis Miller answered that it was covered in the collective theme- along with the other uses. Benning’s next question was that considering the current demographics, where does the plan have strategies to fix these problems?
Mark Mitter- Plan Commission Chairman- tried to answer the question. Vera Benning stated that she was confused. Mitter stated that he could tell she was confused. He said he was confused by her question. (Discussion at this point seemed to stop, as Benning couldn’t make a clear statement of her issue.)
Dan Batta showed Vera Benning that on page 136 there were references to guidelines to alleviate the problems of some of our demographics.
Nicole Daily- Advisory board member- noted that the plan was a collaboration for all the problems of the county, not just geared to some specific detailed ones.
Bill Ullrich- Council member and Advisory Board member – said he was involved with the plan from the outset, that it was community driven, not driven by an outside consultant, and that it was not going to solve all the problems in the county. He saw it as a tool to address future quality of life issues that come with managing growth. Every situation should stand on its own merit. The plan should provide the least impact to the individual’s property rights and still benefit the community. He thought that adopting the plan along with the DCEDI would be a great way to work hand in hand. He stated also that even though “it’s a plan for the unincorporated areas of the county, those areas are often accessed through the incorporated areas.”
Benning stated- “So if I don’t vote for it- watch out going out the door!”
Tom Osterman- property owner- stated that DCEDI has a remarkable opportunity here- with an interested community of people who worked on this plan. He noted that we would have to take some risks too.
Dan Batta- Commissioner and Plan Commission member- “We have the best case here- we have a development pressure. That means people want to move here.”
Tarry Feiss- Plan Commission member- this plan is a framework- it won’t answer all the problems, but it is flexible and creative. It can last a long time because of its flexibility.
Vera Benning- I’m going to make a motion – I must reject this plan in its current form.
Dan Batta- stated that he could not second that motion- so it failed.
It was decided that the October 4th morning meeting of the commissioners would reconsider the plan when Karen Shell could be present.
Mark Mitter –Plan Commission Chairman- stated that so many people had worked so long and hard on this plan- that it wasn’t a perfect document, but it was flexible and fair. He stated that the plan was done so that parcel sizes were irrelevant and that they’d used guidelines of planning practices instead. He went on to state that with all this work and the money invested by the county in Housing and Transportation studies for the plan, he felt that we were at a point where we have great potential. Then he asked Vera Benning, “You were a part of this process, right?”
Vera Benning asked him why he was addressing her. She stated she didn’t come here for a confrontation.
Mitter stated that he wanted to know the reasons for her desire to reject the plan.
Benning consulted with Lisa Lehner at this point.
She finally asked Mitter if she should send the written questions to him. Batta suggested they go to Travis Miller.
Laverne Kolb stated that the plan was a living document and that it would be reviewed every 5 years or more often if needed.
Vera Benning stated that she didn’t know the legal ramifications of accepting the plan now. What if there was a time delay before it could be changed or complete new plan could be done again… How can you change it?
Chris Mueller- advisory board member- asked if there were criteria for commissioners to consider when adopting a resolution to accept a master plan similar to what is required for a zone change.
Lisa Lehner replied there really was no other criteria. They could reject it if they didn’t like the direction it was giving, even if it satisfied all the elements required of a master plan.
5. County Administrator Lorie Howard waived her report.
6. County Att’y – Lisa Lehner- gave a report on the status of the CMHC issues and paperwork was signed to proceed with that building.
7. Minutes and claims signed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Dan Batta, Acting Chairman, and Vera Benning. Absent: Karen Shell (Grandson gravely ill at Children’s Hospital) and Cary Pickens, Auditor. Also present: Lorie Howard, County Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Brenda Hensley, acting minute taker for auditor.
Register Publications covered this meeting- watch the newspaper for further coverage of issues from this meeting.
1. Travis Miller- Planning Director- presented the zone change request from Ag to R that received a favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission for Steve and Carol Hapanowicz on North Dearborn Road. The property is next to a residential subdivision, Harley Springs. No public objections. Vera Benning motioned and Batta 2nd to approve including the 5 considerations that must be adhered to according to state law (read by the county attorney) before granting a zone change.
The second item on vacating streets for Dearborn Gravel was not ready to be heard at this time.
2. Lawrenceburg Schools and Greendale City officials presented their request (and frustrations) regarding tax disbursements.
Dan Kuebler- supt. L-bg Schools- spoke of their issues with a major funding battle over the last year. So far in borrowing money, even at low interest rates, they have incurred $136,500 interest fees in ’03 and to date in ’04 incurred $138,997 +. This is just to keep the doors open. He has conversed with Cary Pickens and feels the fault lies in perhaps several places. What can be done- SOON?
Doug Hedrick- Mayor of Greendale’s comments included the fact that G-dale as had to essentially shut down all capital improvements except for the sewer lines and that they did not come to point fingers, but a lot of towns besides G-dale are in trouble due to this. He presented IC to the board and stated that the tax dollars are to be distributed in 51 days once they are collected. Also requested that they hire more people to work longer to get this done!
Phil Weaver, County Treasurer, stated that he’d finished posting records this week- it took time because of all the overpayments, so as records were being posted disbursements had to be reviewed. This posting should be certified to the auditor this week and then auditor sends it to the state for approval. He hopes to have things in place by the end of October.
Joey Lynch, Clerk Treasurer of G-dale- spoke of the intricacies of having to report a negative balance to the state with outstanding loans and its effect on tax rates in the future. She stated that 6 months ago they got these same answers and she feels this is really no answer.
Hedrick noted that the towns have to pay interest on all these loans.
Greg McAdams- L-bg School Board- wanted to know if the auditor and treasurer have used all their available overtime resources.
Al Abdon- G-dale Council- wanted to know if the county could offer additional assistance to Phil Weaver for the next step for ’03-’04 taxes to speed it up.
Tim Denning- President L-bg School Board- wanted to know why all the affected offices in the county were not here tonight. They knew we were coming- we could have covered this better. Lawrenceburg can’t hire the 9 new teachers they need. Referring to the county officials- “We have 2 elected officials who are basically incompetent in their jobs.”
Pat Holland- citizen and Ag teacher in Ripley County- remarked that the state set these rules and THEY should pay the interest on the loans!
Al Abdon remarked that it wasn’t the state’s fault at this point- 82 out of the 92 counties in Indiana have complied already.
The commissioners took their comments under advisement.
[Note: Hopefully, the county understands the seriousness of the impacts of our slow reassessment. Relying on the Riverboat Revenue has lessened the impact to some extent, but not without serious implications on future tax consequences and impacts to the educational process in the city schools and to town tax rates.]
3. Citizen request to go to council for summer art program- no one showed up to speak to this request.
4. MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING- Travis Miller Planning Director. Meeting was advertised. Lisa Lehner gave an overview of the legal process- that the commissioners adopt the plan by resolution and not by ordinance. They do it by majority vote. (It takes two to accept, deny, or amend) She stated that the plan needed certain elements to be covered in it and she believes it covers those elements. She states that additional things can be covered in the plan if the county so desires.
If the plan is rejected or amended it returns to the Plan Commission for consideration.
Travis Miller presented an overview of the plan with slides. He went over the plan, the process, goals, strategies, and guidelines. Land Use performance criteria included the following 5 principles for consideration: slopes, roadways, sanitary sewer, flood plains, and average parcel size. (See the county web site of local libraries for a full copy of the master plan)
Public comment:
[Note: 23 citizens were in attendance- most were from the advisory board itself. None of the developers usually present were in attendance]
Mike Rozow- representing DCEDI (Economic Development Initiative) as a board member- stated that Jim West was unable to attend but sent a written statement that Rozow read into the record. [Note: Commissioners have a copy of this letter] Basically the letter stated that he wanted to be sure that commercial and industrial uses were considered. He was concerned about topographical issues in our county because slopes reduce the available land for these uses. He specifically hoped that the county considered areas for future industrial and commercial use and went on to say that he wanted an overlay map for outlining in black and white where future commercial/industrial uses can occur. [Note: Has anyone considered that drawing lines on maps could infringe on property rights of the owners of those properties? What about market driven requests?]
Chris Mueller- advisory member- spoke with respect to the flexibility of this plan to allow for creative solutions to some of these uses. Using the guidelines in this plan- and the knowledge from years of Plan commission meeting attendance, there were many more areas potentially available to develop than an overlay map might cite. It would be presumptuous to think we know every type of business that might propose to come here. If you use the five principles- you have a strong argument to get your rezone for commercial if you can accommodate all five principles.
Patrick de Maynadier- Plan Commission member- elaborated further and stated that using the verbal guidelines you can essentially create a map of sites.
Tom Osterman- property owner, but non-resident- questioned how we could increase new development and lower taxes and preserve the rural character. He attended a meeting years ago in Yorkville concerning lots of 20-acre minimums etc. and was concerned about the tax consequences now that we are on a market value tax system. It was explained to him that this plan was different from the one discussed in Yorkville- that was the last failed attempt at a master plan.
Vera Benning- County Commissioner- stated that she had several questions. She started with wanting to know if there was a plan for the densely populated areas like Bright and HVL. It was stated that there was none. She wanted to know if there were plans to extend the roads and sewers out into the other parts of the county so development could occur there. She wanted to know how economic development was covered. Travis Miller answered that it was covered in the collective theme- along with the other uses. Benning’s next question was that considering the current demographics, where does the plan have strategies to fix these problems?
Mark Mitter- Plan Commission Chairman- tried to answer the question. Vera Benning stated that she was confused. Mitter stated that he could tell she was confused. He said he was confused by her question. (Discussion at this point seemed to stop, as Benning couldn’t make a clear statement of her issue.)
Dan Batta showed Vera Benning that on page 136 there were references to guidelines to alleviate the problems of some of our demographics.
Nicole Daily- Advisory board member- noted that the plan was a collaboration for all the problems of the county, not just geared to some specific detailed ones.
Bill Ullrich- Council member and Advisory Board member – said he was involved with the plan from the outset, that it was community driven, not driven by an outside consultant, and that it was not going to solve all the problems in the county. He saw it as a tool to address future quality of life issues that come with managing growth. Every situation should stand on its own merit. The plan should provide the least impact to the individual’s property rights and still benefit the community. He thought that adopting the plan along with the DCEDI would be a great way to work hand in hand. He stated also that even though “it’s a plan for the unincorporated areas of the county, those areas are often accessed through the incorporated areas.”
Benning stated- “So if I don’t vote for it- watch out going out the door!”
Tom Osterman- property owner- stated that DCEDI has a remarkable opportunity here- with an interested community of people who worked on this plan. He noted that we would have to take some risks too.
Dan Batta- Commissioner and Plan Commission member- “We have the best case here- we have a development pressure. That means people want to move here.”
Tarry Feiss- Plan Commission member- this plan is a framework- it won’t answer all the problems, but it is flexible and creative. It can last a long time because of its flexibility.
Vera Benning- I’m going to make a motion – I must reject this plan in its current form.
Dan Batta- stated that he could not second that motion- so it failed.
It was decided that the October 4th morning meeting of the commissioners would reconsider the plan when Karen Shell could be present.
Mark Mitter –Plan Commission Chairman- stated that so many people had worked so long and hard on this plan- that it wasn’t a perfect document, but it was flexible and fair. He stated that the plan was done so that parcel sizes were irrelevant and that they’d used guidelines of planning practices instead. He went on to state that with all this work and the money invested by the county in Housing and Transportation studies for the plan, he felt that we were at a point where we have great potential. Then he asked Vera Benning, “You were a part of this process, right?”
Vera Benning asked him why he was addressing her. She stated she didn’t come here for a confrontation.
Mitter stated that he wanted to know the reasons for her desire to reject the plan.
Benning consulted with Lisa Lehner at this point.
She finally asked Mitter if she should send the written questions to him. Batta suggested they go to Travis Miller.
Laverne Kolb stated that the plan was a living document and that it would be reviewed every 5 years or more often if needed.
Vera Benning stated that she didn’t know the legal ramifications of accepting the plan now. What if there was a time delay before it could be changed or complete new plan could be done again… How can you change it?
Chris Mueller- advisory board member- asked if there were criteria for commissioners to consider when adopting a resolution to accept a master plan similar to what is required for a zone change.
Lisa Lehner replied there really was no other criteria. They could reject it if they didn’t like the direction it was giving, even if it satisfied all the elements required of a master plan.
5. County Administrator Lorie Howard waived her report.
6. County Att’y – Lisa Lehner- gave a report on the status of the CMHC issues and paperwork was signed to proceed with that building.
7. Minutes and claims signed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Monday, September 20, 2004
Open Letter to the Sewer Board
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Sewer Board
I would like to take this time to present to you an idea, That I feel will help, not only you the members of the board, but also the residents of the county. What I propose, since forming the new sewer districts is not about new development, that an Impact Fee be place upon all new development wanting to hook into the new sewer system. By charging this fee to new development it will not only pay off the loans faster, but also would reduce the sewer rates that are being proposed to the residents.
What I propose is that a $5000 fee be paid pre unit being built. That’s $5000 for each home, apartment, condo and trailer being added to the sewer system. This fee does not include connection charges, upgrades, or plant expansions. Developers would be responsible for these charges separately.
The construction of just 100 new homes or units would generate the sum of $500,000 - 300 homes or units $1,500,000 - 500 homes or units $2,500,000, 1000 homes or units $5,000,000. If 80% of this is put toward paying off loans and 20% is put toward rate reductions and maintenance. This would get residential cost down to $20 to $25 a month, instead of $63 a month.
I believe that instead of paying 40 years on a loan it could be paid off in 10 to 12 years. Which everyone would benefit. The Developers won’t be out any money, because they will just add it to the selling cost of their homes or units, the residents in turn benefit with cheaper rates.
Once the loans are paid then 50% of the money would go for rate reductions and 50% would go to plant expansion and upkeep and wages.
DAN BROOKS
9/7/2004
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
7 September 2004 Dearborn County Commissioner’s Meeting Notes
7 September 2004 Commissioner’s Meeting
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Vera Benning. Absent: Dan Batta and Lorie Howard County Administrator.
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Lisa Lehner, Attorney.
1. Bill Black- Emergency Management – gave an update on siren exchange (sale) with Lawrenceburg and also the 800 radio system meeting with Commissioners and Council to be scheduled this month.
2. Eric Hartman- got approval to plaster and paint the rotunda with the quotes he obtained.
3. Bill Ewbank -Veteran’s Officer- announced that September 23 the Disabled Veterans Van from Indy would be in town from 10-6 at the Memorial to the Common Man in Lawrenceburg. He also informed commissioners that RSVP was doing a complete mapping of the bricks and donors for him so that when families call, he can tell them where to locate their particular person.
4. Cheryl Lohmiller- Animal Control- needs another cell phone for additional helper. Also reported that currently they house 53 dogs and 48 cats with 6 euthanized. They are looking into getting a security camera and tapes to secure the site at night. Cost is under $200.
5. Ellen Davis- Lifetime Resources- will apply for the 18 person owner qualified grants in the spring.
6. Mike Davis- Highway Dept.- upon Karen Shell’s request provided commissioners with a written report. Work on West Laughery slips nearly complete and crew went to Legion Road where a major problem had to be fixed.
Survey work is beginning on White’s Hill. Davis is going to Soil and Water to be sure they do their permitted work correctly.
Phase 1 paving almost completed. Phase 2 is “in Lisa’s and Lorie’s hands.” He found they had a $62,000 savings doing work in house on 17 miles of roadwork.
There was a $7,000 shortfall on Ennis Road work due to inaccurate estimate of road length in specs. Karen Shell recommended that Davis find money elsewhere to transfer when he makes request to Council- NOT to ask for additional.
No decision today- but there was a big discussion on the 147 account balances etc.
Davis needs to get current amounts and encumbrances.
George Street Bridge project in Aurora- Governor Kiernan’s wife is coming to town with the check Sept. 10. Davis and a commissioner are expected to speak. Vera Benning suggested Dan Batta be their speaker because of all his work on US 50. [NOTE: Not sure what US50 and the bridge path have in common.]
Ebert and Milligan are probable contractors for the Guilford Bridge on Main Street off SR1. Lisa is to review the contract.
Mike is attending a meeting at Purdue on Sept 22 to learn how to tap into money to fix road slips.
Line striping bids were opened and taken under advisement:
Atlantic Construction- $186,770.60
NES Traffic Safety- $70,971.84
[Note: This is a huge difference in price- were the specs clear?]
Phase 2 paving bids were redone and opened:
Rohe: $739,498.35
O’Mara: $753,548.19
Taken under advisement.
7. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- revised agreement with IFA on CMHC housing project that exists on county owned land. She is working on the wording on the covenants and wants the county held harmless should CMHC not properly adhere to the IFA covenants. Taken under advisement.
Plan Commission ordinances already approved were signed.
Lisa advised commissioners of two favorable zone requests and also favorable recommendation on the Master Plan that were to be advertised and held for public hearing next meeting – Sept 20. Travis Miller will give a 45-minute presentation also on the Master plan for the hearing.
8. Cary Pickens- Auditor- submitted claims and payroll for approval. Approximately 10 sets of minutes were to be approved. Most were, leaving a few that Dan Batta had to be present to approve.
9. Vera Benning announced the death of a daughter (Ryan) of a former highway employee, Terry Livingston in a car wreck on the KY Bridge this weekend.
10. Public Comment: Mark Richardson and Keith Mosier of Rohe - wanted to review the bids that were opened today. Lisa Lehner said they couldn’t until they were approved- then they were open to the public. Keith Mosier insisted that once opened at a public meeting, they were open to the public to view. He was denied access to them.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Vera Benning. Absent: Dan Batta and Lorie Howard County Administrator.
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, and Lisa Lehner, Attorney.
1. Bill Black- Emergency Management – gave an update on siren exchange (sale) with Lawrenceburg and also the 800 radio system meeting with Commissioners and Council to be scheduled this month.
2. Eric Hartman- got approval to plaster and paint the rotunda with the quotes he obtained.
3. Bill Ewbank -Veteran’s Officer- announced that September 23 the Disabled Veterans Van from Indy would be in town from 10-6 at the Memorial to the Common Man in Lawrenceburg. He also informed commissioners that RSVP was doing a complete mapping of the bricks and donors for him so that when families call, he can tell them where to locate their particular person.
4. Cheryl Lohmiller- Animal Control- needs another cell phone for additional helper. Also reported that currently they house 53 dogs and 48 cats with 6 euthanized. They are looking into getting a security camera and tapes to secure the site at night. Cost is under $200.
5. Ellen Davis- Lifetime Resources- will apply for the 18 person owner qualified grants in the spring.
6. Mike Davis- Highway Dept.- upon Karen Shell’s request provided commissioners with a written report. Work on West Laughery slips nearly complete and crew went to Legion Road where a major problem had to be fixed.
Survey work is beginning on White’s Hill. Davis is going to Soil and Water to be sure they do their permitted work correctly.
Phase 1 paving almost completed. Phase 2 is “in Lisa’s and Lorie’s hands.” He found they had a $62,000 savings doing work in house on 17 miles of roadwork.
There was a $7,000 shortfall on Ennis Road work due to inaccurate estimate of road length in specs. Karen Shell recommended that Davis find money elsewhere to transfer when he makes request to Council- NOT to ask for additional.
No decision today- but there was a big discussion on the 147 account balances etc.
Davis needs to get current amounts and encumbrances.
George Street Bridge project in Aurora- Governor Kiernan’s wife is coming to town with the check Sept. 10. Davis and a commissioner are expected to speak. Vera Benning suggested Dan Batta be their speaker because of all his work on US 50. [NOTE: Not sure what US50 and the bridge path have in common.]
Ebert and Milligan are probable contractors for the Guilford Bridge on Main Street off SR1. Lisa is to review the contract.
Mike is attending a meeting at Purdue on Sept 22 to learn how to tap into money to fix road slips.
Line striping bids were opened and taken under advisement:
Atlantic Construction- $186,770.60
NES Traffic Safety- $70,971.84
[Note: This is a huge difference in price- were the specs clear?]
Phase 2 paving bids were redone and opened:
Rohe: $739,498.35
O’Mara: $753,548.19
Taken under advisement.
7. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- revised agreement with IFA on CMHC housing project that exists on county owned land. She is working on the wording on the covenants and wants the county held harmless should CMHC not properly adhere to the IFA covenants. Taken under advisement.
Plan Commission ordinances already approved were signed.
Lisa advised commissioners of two favorable zone requests and also favorable recommendation on the Master Plan that were to be advertised and held for public hearing next meeting – Sept 20. Travis Miller will give a 45-minute presentation also on the Master plan for the hearing.
8. Cary Pickens- Auditor- submitted claims and payroll for approval. Approximately 10 sets of minutes were to be approved. Most were, leaving a few that Dan Batta had to be present to approve.
9. Vera Benning announced the death of a daughter (Ryan) of a former highway employee, Terry Livingston in a car wreck on the KY Bridge this weekend.
10. Public Comment: Mark Richardson and Keith Mosier of Rohe - wanted to review the bids that were opened today. Lisa Lehner said they couldn’t until they were approved- then they were open to the public. Keith Mosier insisted that once opened at a public meeting, they were open to the public to view. He was denied access to them.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 AM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, September 03, 2004
US 50 Collaborative Gets Mixed Messages in Update from INDOT Officials
On Sept 2nd INDOT representatives were at a meeting of the collaborative on the US 50 Corridor.
Steve Smith (INDOT) gave an update on the progress (or LACK of progress) on the study.
Joe Hall and Jim Ude of the INDOT district office in Seymour were also present.
Apparently, SIECO/Strand came in with an estimate over $300,000 for a corridor study, when only $250,000 was granted. SIECO/Strand is now going over the scope of work to see what they can eliminate to get down to $250,000. [Note: One might wonder why INDOT is not doing this and rebidding the project. It looks like SIECO is telling INDOT what the project will be rather than INDOT being in charge.]
Governor Kiernan announced the $250,000 for the US 50 study in March 2004. When SIECO/Strand was selected, contract negotiations began and we were told it takes the attorney general’s office 8-12 months to review the contracts. [NOTE: One could wonder how these BIDS go out- don’t they have standard government contracts?] The head of INDOT (Bryan Nichol), by the way, has a law degree.
Notice to proceed with the STUDY won’t occur till Spring 2005.
They have saved time on the environmental assessments by eliminating some of the local input.
A CAC (Community Advisory Committee) of local representatives will be used for feedback and advice. Apparently, this is after they decide what SIECO/Strand wants to study. They will have public information meetings and a project website.
It takes 18 months to do a study. The study won’t be finished until late 2006. The actual work will take another 6-10 years. [Note: Was it our imaginations, or did the widening of US 50 for riverboat traffic proceed far faster than that?]
There were several things they don’t think they can do in the study - no microsimulation, no intersection study for 275, no Tanner’s Creek Bridge, etc. [Note: Just what is costing $250,000?]
When asked if they could combine the connector study dollars with this to achieve the needed scope, we were told that it was IMPOSSIBLE, because the money is from different accounts. [Note: It is interesting that our tax dollars get all these rules applied to them when we are trying to get them back to be used in our own community!]
Aurora Mayor Don Hastings delineated the impact that the choke points on US 50 had on Aurora residents and businesses. It’s killing their economic development.
Scott Foreman, Dillsboro concurred.
Tom Steidel, City Manager of Lawrenceburg talked at length about the Tanner’s Creek Bridge issues and needing a second entryway into the community to be considered in the event that bridge gives out or is blocked by some disaster, thus cutting off access to the hospital area, etc.
Joe Hall of INDOT gave some ideas for short-term improvements and stated that he fought and has the scars to prove it to keep the short-term solutions in the proposal. [Note: Why would he have to fight for something that common sense indicates is necessary?]
Commissioner Dan Batta questioned if INDOT considered the bridge critical. He said he couldn’t tell from INDOT’s response, if they understood what Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and Greendale were concerned about.
Tom Steidel indicated that Lawrenceburg could become involved in short-term solutions and right of way improvements, because they own the right of way.
Steve Smith stated that the answers you get depend on the questions you ask. He said also that if we have consensus on a solution then maybe they could use a different approach and go straight to engineering and an environmental study.
Lawrenceburg Mayor Bill Cunningham discussed some bridge options at Center Street and maybe on Industrial Drive. He thought that Lawrenceburg would be building their own bridge because they have the money and the county doesn’t. [Note: The county is in charge of all bridges in the county and municipalities unless they are federally funded]
When asked if they would consider the locals in their scope of services, Steve Smith said yes. But that would be after SIECO/Strand is finished with them and INDOT has reviewed them. [Note: So what’s the point?]
[Note: In the end it seems that INDOT improvements will take too long to be effective. Input from the locals is negligible and essentially token.
Sadly, the synergy that could be achieved by a new county master plan, the start-up of the DCEDI (economic development initiative), and a collaborative group of governmental officials from the cities, towns, and county will be thwarted by the bureaucratic maze and inertia of INDOT funding mechanisms.
It would seem that we would have to solve our own problems and look for funding sources to accommodate them.]
Steve Smith (INDOT) gave an update on the progress (or LACK of progress) on the study.
Joe Hall and Jim Ude of the INDOT district office in Seymour were also present.
Apparently, SIECO/Strand came in with an estimate over $300,000 for a corridor study, when only $250,000 was granted. SIECO/Strand is now going over the scope of work to see what they can eliminate to get down to $250,000. [Note: One might wonder why INDOT is not doing this and rebidding the project. It looks like SIECO is telling INDOT what the project will be rather than INDOT being in charge.]
Governor Kiernan announced the $250,000 for the US 50 study in March 2004. When SIECO/Strand was selected, contract negotiations began and we were told it takes the attorney general’s office 8-12 months to review the contracts. [NOTE: One could wonder how these BIDS go out- don’t they have standard government contracts?] The head of INDOT (Bryan Nichol), by the way, has a law degree.
Notice to proceed with the STUDY won’t occur till Spring 2005.
They have saved time on the environmental assessments by eliminating some of the local input.
A CAC (Community Advisory Committee) of local representatives will be used for feedback and advice. Apparently, this is after they decide what SIECO/Strand wants to study. They will have public information meetings and a project website.
It takes 18 months to do a study. The study won’t be finished until late 2006. The actual work will take another 6-10 years. [Note: Was it our imaginations, or did the widening of US 50 for riverboat traffic proceed far faster than that?]
There were several things they don’t think they can do in the study - no microsimulation, no intersection study for 275, no Tanner’s Creek Bridge, etc. [Note: Just what is costing $250,000?]
When asked if they could combine the connector study dollars with this to achieve the needed scope, we were told that it was IMPOSSIBLE, because the money is from different accounts. [Note: It is interesting that our tax dollars get all these rules applied to them when we are trying to get them back to be used in our own community!]
Aurora Mayor Don Hastings delineated the impact that the choke points on US 50 had on Aurora residents and businesses. It’s killing their economic development.
Scott Foreman, Dillsboro concurred.
Tom Steidel, City Manager of Lawrenceburg talked at length about the Tanner’s Creek Bridge issues and needing a second entryway into the community to be considered in the event that bridge gives out or is blocked by some disaster, thus cutting off access to the hospital area, etc.
Joe Hall of INDOT gave some ideas for short-term improvements and stated that he fought and has the scars to prove it to keep the short-term solutions in the proposal. [Note: Why would he have to fight for something that common sense indicates is necessary?]
Commissioner Dan Batta questioned if INDOT considered the bridge critical. He said he couldn’t tell from INDOT’s response, if they understood what Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and Greendale were concerned about.
Tom Steidel indicated that Lawrenceburg could become involved in short-term solutions and right of way improvements, because they own the right of way.
Steve Smith stated that the answers you get depend on the questions you ask. He said also that if we have consensus on a solution then maybe they could use a different approach and go straight to engineering and an environmental study.
Lawrenceburg Mayor Bill Cunningham discussed some bridge options at Center Street and maybe on Industrial Drive. He thought that Lawrenceburg would be building their own bridge because they have the money and the county doesn’t. [Note: The county is in charge of all bridges in the county and municipalities unless they are federally funded]
When asked if they would consider the locals in their scope of services, Steve Smith said yes. But that would be after SIECO/Strand is finished with them and INDOT has reviewed them. [Note: So what’s the point?]
[Note: In the end it seems that INDOT improvements will take too long to be effective. Input from the locals is negligible and essentially token.
Sadly, the synergy that could be achieved by a new county master plan, the start-up of the DCEDI (economic development initiative), and a collaborative group of governmental officials from the cities, towns, and county will be thwarted by the bureaucratic maze and inertia of INDOT funding mechanisms.
It would seem that we would have to solve our own problems and look for funding sources to accommodate them.]
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Plan Commission Unanimously Sends Favorable Recommendation for Master Plan
Favorable Recommendation for Master Plan
Plan Commission members present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Mike Hall, Dan Batta, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Nick Held, and Patrick de Maynadier.
Absent: Roger Woodfill and Dave Schmidtgoesling.
Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, Arnie, McGill, Attorney, and Karen Rolfes and Cathy Miller, Planning staff.
Last night (30 August 2004) was the final public hearing by the Plan Commission for the County Master Plan. There will be one more public hearing- probably in mid September -that the County Commissioners will hold before making a final decision regarding accepting the plan.
The public hearing was well attended by approximately 20 citizens plus several members of the advisory board and the Plan Commission. Travis Miller gave a thirty-minute overview of the plan and it’s components. There were also handouts on goals, strategies, and guidelines of the plan.
Residents present had several good questions; many of them were more focused on the zoning ordinances rather than the master plan. Board members explained that the master plan gives the guidelines to use when revamping zoning ordinances and also when making planning decisions particularly zone changes.
Some of the public comments are listed below.
Tom Osterman brought up questions on rural character vs. development and economic development and tax base issues.
John Rahe questioned whether anyone thought that SR129 had affected the rural character of Ripley County.
Rick Pope answered: Not yet, but it will.
Jim B ??? (York Township) – asked about when public facilities and infrastructure will actually improve in some areas of the county. He questioned the information regarding 18-34 year olds leaving the county. Many thought that was due to college and first jobs.
Jerry Benham – thought that the document pleases everybody where they are now. He saw a bias towards high-density housing. He wasn’t sure it gave enough direction as to where we should be going- specifically.
Mark Mitter responded that the DCEDI (Economic Development Initiative) would address some of the economic issues. He also noted that in 5 years when the plan is updated we might shift again.
There were comments regarding why the elected officials didn’t DO more.
Dan Batta noted that sometimes it seemed that the more an official does the less chance they have of being re-elected.
Vera Benning wanted to respond to that comment and stated that she was working hard to get economic development and jobs for our kids.
John Rahe thought that the flexibility of the plan was good. He also brought up the fact that federal transportation dollars are being used to rehab houses in Lawrenceburg, and meanwhile the Tanner’s Creek Bridge that needs work doesn’t have funding.
Rick Fox’s remarks were centered on lot size issues and that the rural areas are locked in unless sewage and slope issues are addressed. He noted that land equals equity.
EG McLaughlin- talked about economic development in the incorporated areas. He noticed that lately there has been more cooperation among the governmental entities and that it was something we haven’t really seen before.
I (Chris Mueller) brought up the concept that a flexible plan gives us more freedom to allow for creativity in development, particularly with mixed-use development. One of the biggest problems with development centers on a lack of creativity including a means to blend in with the character of the community.
Eugene Kuebel – talked about the economics of Ag uses and that they produce more while using less in terms of tax dollars. He cited that it takes 4 times as many dollars for business to equal the impact of one dollar of Ag investment.
Laverne Kolb cited the right to farm law and explained it to the group.
Public discussion ended.
Rick Pope motioned and Nick Held 2nded to send a favorable recommendation for the county master plan to the commissioners. All ayes. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Plan Commission members present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Mike Hall, Dan Batta, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Nick Held, and Patrick de Maynadier.
Absent: Roger Woodfill and Dave Schmidtgoesling.
Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, Arnie, McGill, Attorney, and Karen Rolfes and Cathy Miller, Planning staff.
Last night (30 August 2004) was the final public hearing by the Plan Commission for the County Master Plan. There will be one more public hearing- probably in mid September -that the County Commissioners will hold before making a final decision regarding accepting the plan.
The public hearing was well attended by approximately 20 citizens plus several members of the advisory board and the Plan Commission. Travis Miller gave a thirty-minute overview of the plan and it’s components. There were also handouts on goals, strategies, and guidelines of the plan.
Residents present had several good questions; many of them were more focused on the zoning ordinances rather than the master plan. Board members explained that the master plan gives the guidelines to use when revamping zoning ordinances and also when making planning decisions particularly zone changes.
Some of the public comments are listed below.
Tom Osterman brought up questions on rural character vs. development and economic development and tax base issues.
John Rahe questioned whether anyone thought that SR129 had affected the rural character of Ripley County.
Rick Pope answered: Not yet, but it will.
Jim B ??? (York Township) – asked about when public facilities and infrastructure will actually improve in some areas of the county. He questioned the information regarding 18-34 year olds leaving the county. Many thought that was due to college and first jobs.
Jerry Benham – thought that the document pleases everybody where they are now. He saw a bias towards high-density housing. He wasn’t sure it gave enough direction as to where we should be going- specifically.
Mark Mitter responded that the DCEDI (Economic Development Initiative) would address some of the economic issues. He also noted that in 5 years when the plan is updated we might shift again.
There were comments regarding why the elected officials didn’t DO more.
Dan Batta noted that sometimes it seemed that the more an official does the less chance they have of being re-elected.
Vera Benning wanted to respond to that comment and stated that she was working hard to get economic development and jobs for our kids.
John Rahe thought that the flexibility of the plan was good. He also brought up the fact that federal transportation dollars are being used to rehab houses in Lawrenceburg, and meanwhile the Tanner’s Creek Bridge that needs work doesn’t have funding.
Rick Fox’s remarks were centered on lot size issues and that the rural areas are locked in unless sewage and slope issues are addressed. He noted that land equals equity.
EG McLaughlin- talked about economic development in the incorporated areas. He noticed that lately there has been more cooperation among the governmental entities and that it was something we haven’t really seen before.
I (Chris Mueller) brought up the concept that a flexible plan gives us more freedom to allow for creativity in development, particularly with mixed-use development. One of the biggest problems with development centers on a lack of creativity including a means to blend in with the character of the community.
Eugene Kuebel – talked about the economics of Ag uses and that they produce more while using less in terms of tax dollars. He cited that it takes 4 times as many dollars for business to equal the impact of one dollar of Ag investment.
Laverne Kolb cited the right to farm law and explained it to the group.
Public discussion ended.
Rick Pope motioned and Nick Held 2nded to send a favorable recommendation for the county master plan to the commissioners. All ayes. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
23 August 2004 Plan Commission Meeting Notes
August Plan Commission
For the official minutes visit http://www.dearborncounty.org/planning/.
Minutes are generally posted a month after the meeting.
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Patrick de Maynadier, Roger Woodfill, Mike Hall. Dan Batta arrived late at 8:10 PM. Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
Absent: Dave Schmidtgoesling and Nick Held.
(Register Publications reporter not in attendance.)
Charlie Fehrman was added to the agenda on Monday afternoon as “Charlie Fehrman to address the Plan Commission.” Fehrman spoke at the beginning of the meeting stating that the bylaws for the new EDI (Economic Development Initiative), a public/private organization had openings for a Commissioner and a Council appointee to the 26- member EDI board. (Lorie Howard, County Adm., is the Commissioner’s appointee) He wanted permission to ask Travis Miller to serve as Council’s rep.
I spoke regarding the possibility of an ethical conflict of interest, particularly when future issues regarding land uses or permits come up for a promoted business. Travis Miller and Lorie Howard are VOTING members of the EDI Board.
Rick Pope felt that Travis would step down as soon as a conflict of interest arose.
The Plan Commission unanimously voted to allow Travis Miller to be considered by Council at their meeting tomorrow for this position. Travis Miller indicated that he was willing to serve.
Old Business-
Zone change from A to R for 3- lot subdivision for Hapanowiscz on North Dearborn Rd. adjoining Harley Springs sub’n. No opposition from neighbors. Patrick de Maynadier made sure the 5 reasons for a legal zone change were addressed before voting.
Pope motioned with Feiss 2nd for a favorable recommendation on the zone change and allowing a driveway access variance for the houses, thus eliminating a central driveway. Approved.
New Business:
1. Travis Miller notified the applicant for Golf-View acres (Rollander Enterprises) on Soaphill Rd. that they wouldn’t be heard because their application had no changes that would address the causes for previous denials. Applicant indicated that they understood the reason to withdraw the application, per Travis Miller.
2. Vacating streets for Dearborn Gravel- an M-3 land use in Hardinsburg (Lawrenceburg Township by I-275) for owner Kurt Weismiller. Rick Pope stepped down for this application.
John Seymour- President of Oxbow had no objections as long as they had future access to their lands. Cell tower on the property was also addressed.
Purpose according to Weismiller was to get a clear deed to their lands. They were fixing old discrepancies in the past deeds.
Woodfill motioned and Feiss 2nd to give a favorable recommendation to vacate Elm, Walnut, Front, Main, and the connecting alleys and to work out an agreement with the cell tower owners so that they have clear access. Approved.
[Note: Batta arrived at this point in the meeting.]
3. Aaron and Edna Miller requesting variance for a driveway permit on North Dearborn Road in Kelso Township and certified survey approval. Dennis Kraus, Jr. presenting.
Motions had to be redone on this. Final motion was Batta motioned and Pope 2nd to grant 2 variances as presented. There were no additional driveways, just an altered access to be shared. The non-buildable lot was to be accessed by the shared driveway as proposed. Passed.
4. Prior to this item being heard, Mitter called Tom Kent to the podium to ask if he wanted Patrick de Maynadier to step down, because Patrick had been a remonstrator in the previous applications on this property as a citizen and it had gone to court. Kent said it was not a problem. De Maynadier indicated he was willing to step down, but Kent wanted him to stay on the board for the decision. Kent reiterated firmly that it was “not a problem!”
[NOTE: audience area was full for this part of the meeting and included developers unrelated to the application.]
Primary approval was requested for a 21-lot subdivision called Chapel Thorne Estates on Yorkridge and Geiger Roads in York Township. Tom Kent owner-applicant and survey done by Terry Crouch.
Kent began his presentation by thanking the board for all the work they do. He said that in the past three years he has learned a lot about what they do. He proceeded to agree with nearly everything that the tech review and staff had suggested. There were some issues regarding a lot that was less than 5 acres and Kent explained that it was to preserve a stand of pines surrounding an old pond bed. There was issue with access for one lot onto Geiger Road and Kent explained that it was to avoid tearing down a 50- foot swath of trees to gain access to the main sub’n road. He did not want to go for a zone change to R because he felt that this was an Ag area and he wanted to do something in keeping with that character. He strongly stated that he feels that it is wrong to put an R district out in the middle of Ag! He also mentioned that he wanted covenant #18 to stay to keep people from filling in the road ditches that were designed to preserve the road built. [Note: Since there is evidence that the area has a high water table, these ditches are probably crucial to maintaining a good road.]
He plans to keep the barn for Ag use but wants to fix it up and get rid of the yellow paint.
Not sure what they will do with the house that has been vacant for 2 years.
Patrick de Maynadier wants to be sure all lots are 5 acres or up. Kent stressed that he wanted to preserve natural features also.
Citizens:
Elisa Carr – of Bonnell Road (below the development) thought 5 acres was too small- considering the character of the area. She also warned of changes leading to things like what happened to Fishers, IN.
Eugene Kuebel- a life long resident of Yorkridge and adjoiner read Sen. Nugent’s recent newsletter about farmland preservation. He gave a lengthy description of septic issues and water and creek contamination in the area.
Rosemary Schuck- wanted slower growth in that area and cited what happens when you get a bunch of newcomers to the farm areas- hunting issues and trespass.
Leo Neurohr was not opposed- he brought a sketch showing evidence of dumping in the creek from one of the existing farmers in the area.
Bill Mc? – wanted them to make a good decision for good streets and good homes.
Tim Trabel – Doesn’t want an R zone and likes the pond idea.
Tom Kent told the board there were multiple borings on this site for septic review.
The board then discussed their thoughts:
Pope: thought the pond and trees added to the rural character and was OK with one lot connection to Geiger Rd.
Feiss: agreed with Pope.
Batta: was OK with the lot situation, but had problems with R of this size in Ag. “What’s positive for one person is not always positive for another.” He cited a CatIII collector that was deficient in many aspects (Yorkridge), and the limiting aspects of the soil there with the high water table. He did not feel it was a good public health policy to put that many septic tanks there- too dense.
De Maynadier: wanted lots 17-18 combined or something to get to 5-acre minimum. Cited that this is Ag use as mentioned in Section 2700 then. Was OK with access to Geiger on one lot to save trees.
Woodfill: Wanted to redraw lots to get to the 5-acre minimum.
Hall: wanted 5-acre minimum, but was OK with Geiger access for lot 14, if the sight distance was OK.
Mitter: could combine and reconfigure to get the 5 acres. Had a major concern with soil, but the Health Dept. would have final say there. Road concerns were alleviated by a cut in density. OK with Lot 14 to Geiger.
Pope motioned to allow with staff comments being addressed and to include access to Geiger if sight distance approved. Feiss 2nd. Batta and deMaynadier Nay and Mitter either didn’t vote or said Nay. Motion failed.
DeMaynadier motioned the same but added that all lots had to be a 5-acre minimum. Pope 2nd. Passed with Batta being the only Nay.
Administrative:
Master Plan final hearing to be on August 30 in the Adm. Bldg at 7 PM.
Workshop on August 24th set up and several members attending that evening.
Miller gave a short demo of the GIS that OKI can help with for $9,000 instead of the $200,000 version.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
For the official minutes visit http://www.dearborncounty.org/planning/.
Minutes are generally posted a month after the meeting.
Present: Mark Mitter, Chairman, Rick Pope, Tarry Feiss, Patrick de Maynadier, Roger Woodfill, Mike Hall. Dan Batta arrived late at 8:10 PM. Also present: Travis Miller, Planning Director, and Arnie McGill, Attorney.
Absent: Dave Schmidtgoesling and Nick Held.
(Register Publications reporter not in attendance.)
Charlie Fehrman was added to the agenda on Monday afternoon as “Charlie Fehrman to address the Plan Commission.” Fehrman spoke at the beginning of the meeting stating that the bylaws for the new EDI (Economic Development Initiative), a public/private organization had openings for a Commissioner and a Council appointee to the 26- member EDI board. (Lorie Howard, County Adm., is the Commissioner’s appointee) He wanted permission to ask Travis Miller to serve as Council’s rep.
I spoke regarding the possibility of an ethical conflict of interest, particularly when future issues regarding land uses or permits come up for a promoted business. Travis Miller and Lorie Howard are VOTING members of the EDI Board.
Rick Pope felt that Travis would step down as soon as a conflict of interest arose.
The Plan Commission unanimously voted to allow Travis Miller to be considered by Council at their meeting tomorrow for this position. Travis Miller indicated that he was willing to serve.
Old Business-
Zone change from A to R for 3- lot subdivision for Hapanowiscz on North Dearborn Rd. adjoining Harley Springs sub’n. No opposition from neighbors. Patrick de Maynadier made sure the 5 reasons for a legal zone change were addressed before voting.
Pope motioned with Feiss 2nd for a favorable recommendation on the zone change and allowing a driveway access variance for the houses, thus eliminating a central driveway. Approved.
New Business:
1. Travis Miller notified the applicant for Golf-View acres (Rollander Enterprises) on Soaphill Rd. that they wouldn’t be heard because their application had no changes that would address the causes for previous denials. Applicant indicated that they understood the reason to withdraw the application, per Travis Miller.
2. Vacating streets for Dearborn Gravel- an M-3 land use in Hardinsburg (Lawrenceburg Township by I-275) for owner Kurt Weismiller. Rick Pope stepped down for this application.
John Seymour- President of Oxbow had no objections as long as they had future access to their lands. Cell tower on the property was also addressed.
Purpose according to Weismiller was to get a clear deed to their lands. They were fixing old discrepancies in the past deeds.
Woodfill motioned and Feiss 2nd to give a favorable recommendation to vacate Elm, Walnut, Front, Main, and the connecting alleys and to work out an agreement with the cell tower owners so that they have clear access. Approved.
[Note: Batta arrived at this point in the meeting.]
3. Aaron and Edna Miller requesting variance for a driveway permit on North Dearborn Road in Kelso Township and certified survey approval. Dennis Kraus, Jr. presenting.
Motions had to be redone on this. Final motion was Batta motioned and Pope 2nd to grant 2 variances as presented. There were no additional driveways, just an altered access to be shared. The non-buildable lot was to be accessed by the shared driveway as proposed. Passed.
4. Prior to this item being heard, Mitter called Tom Kent to the podium to ask if he wanted Patrick de Maynadier to step down, because Patrick had been a remonstrator in the previous applications on this property as a citizen and it had gone to court. Kent said it was not a problem. De Maynadier indicated he was willing to step down, but Kent wanted him to stay on the board for the decision. Kent reiterated firmly that it was “not a problem!”
[NOTE: audience area was full for this part of the meeting and included developers unrelated to the application.]
Primary approval was requested for a 21-lot subdivision called Chapel Thorne Estates on Yorkridge and Geiger Roads in York Township. Tom Kent owner-applicant and survey done by Terry Crouch.
Kent began his presentation by thanking the board for all the work they do. He said that in the past three years he has learned a lot about what they do. He proceeded to agree with nearly everything that the tech review and staff had suggested. There were some issues regarding a lot that was less than 5 acres and Kent explained that it was to preserve a stand of pines surrounding an old pond bed. There was issue with access for one lot onto Geiger Road and Kent explained that it was to avoid tearing down a 50- foot swath of trees to gain access to the main sub’n road. He did not want to go for a zone change to R because he felt that this was an Ag area and he wanted to do something in keeping with that character. He strongly stated that he feels that it is wrong to put an R district out in the middle of Ag! He also mentioned that he wanted covenant #18 to stay to keep people from filling in the road ditches that were designed to preserve the road built. [Note: Since there is evidence that the area has a high water table, these ditches are probably crucial to maintaining a good road.]
He plans to keep the barn for Ag use but wants to fix it up and get rid of the yellow paint.
Not sure what they will do with the house that has been vacant for 2 years.
Patrick de Maynadier wants to be sure all lots are 5 acres or up. Kent stressed that he wanted to preserve natural features also.
Citizens:
Elisa Carr – of Bonnell Road (below the development) thought 5 acres was too small- considering the character of the area. She also warned of changes leading to things like what happened to Fishers, IN.
Eugene Kuebel- a life long resident of Yorkridge and adjoiner read Sen. Nugent’s recent newsletter about farmland preservation. He gave a lengthy description of septic issues and water and creek contamination in the area.
Rosemary Schuck- wanted slower growth in that area and cited what happens when you get a bunch of newcomers to the farm areas- hunting issues and trespass.
Leo Neurohr was not opposed- he brought a sketch showing evidence of dumping in the creek from one of the existing farmers in the area.
Bill Mc? – wanted them to make a good decision for good streets and good homes.
Tim Trabel – Doesn’t want an R zone and likes the pond idea.
Tom Kent told the board there were multiple borings on this site for septic review.
The board then discussed their thoughts:
Pope: thought the pond and trees added to the rural character and was OK with one lot connection to Geiger Rd.
Feiss: agreed with Pope.
Batta: was OK with the lot situation, but had problems with R of this size in Ag. “What’s positive for one person is not always positive for another.” He cited a CatIII collector that was deficient in many aspects (Yorkridge), and the limiting aspects of the soil there with the high water table. He did not feel it was a good public health policy to put that many septic tanks there- too dense.
De Maynadier: wanted lots 17-18 combined or something to get to 5-acre minimum. Cited that this is Ag use as mentioned in Section 2700 then. Was OK with access to Geiger on one lot to save trees.
Woodfill: Wanted to redraw lots to get to the 5-acre minimum.
Hall: wanted 5-acre minimum, but was OK with Geiger access for lot 14, if the sight distance was OK.
Mitter: could combine and reconfigure to get the 5 acres. Had a major concern with soil, but the Health Dept. would have final say there. Road concerns were alleviated by a cut in density. OK with Lot 14 to Geiger.
Pope motioned to allow with staff comments being addressed and to include access to Geiger if sight distance approved. Feiss 2nd. Batta and deMaynadier Nay and Mitter either didn’t vote or said Nay. Motion failed.
DeMaynadier motioned the same but added that all lots had to be a 5-acre minimum. Pope 2nd. Passed with Batta being the only Nay.
Administrative:
Master Plan final hearing to be on August 30 in the Adm. Bldg at 7 PM.
Workshop on August 24th set up and several members attending that evening.
Miller gave a short demo of the GIS that OKI can help with for $9,000 instead of the $200,000 version.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, August 20, 2004
Conflict of interest
Ms. Mueller's Note under item 7 (Aug 16 Commissioners meeting) "[Note: If Lisa Lehner is a member of the Initiative, she has invested money in it. If she is the attorney for it also, then should she be advising the county on issues relating to that organization?]" is very much to the point.
The potential for conflict of interest far exceeds that of Mr. Miller. Ms. Lehner, by having invested in the Economic Development Initiative, as well as being the groups Attorney would appear to provide an automatic bias for the actions of the Initiative and a potential conflict of interest with respect to actions which might be appropriate for the County.
Ralph Thompson, PE
A Citizen of Dearborn County
Thursday, August 19, 2004
18 August 2004 Master Plan Public Hearing
First Master Plan Public Hearing
The first of two public hearings for the final draft of the master plan was held at Lawrenceburg High School auditorium Wednesday night. Seven of the Plan Commission members were in attendance to answer questions from the audience, as well as half the advisory board.
Travis Miller gave a power point presentation of the process, components, goals, and strategies of the plan
Questions from the public included issues of road conditions, (particularly mentioning road slips,) which were viewed as impediments to development permits.
Plan commission chairman, Mark Mitter, and member, Rick Pope, (who also has experience on the Soil and Water Conservation Board,) gave detailed explanations of how development requests are evaluated.
Advisory Board member, Bob Sauerbrey, gave the background on slippage issues and explained some of the historical impacts of improper development of hillsides, referring to “short term profits and long term problems” for the county. Hamilton County being built on seven hills and, specifically, Mount Adams was used as an example. It was noted that Cincinnati had the highest rate of slippage issues in the entire country. (Great views often on poor substrate.)
Warren County’s issue with unbridled development was also discussed, as was their current situation with having to use moratoriums on development.
Lastly there was a question about getting cooperation with schools so that they were not all clustered on one campus. Walkability to the schools and the actual size of schools for lower grades were both mentioned.
Travis Miller, Planning Director, saw cooperation as a two-way street. He noted that hopefully, the school boards and administration would see the county plan as something worth considering, particularly because it had input from such a large cross-section of citizens and special interest areas. The planning department, for their part always considers the impact on the school districts- requesting letters from the school superintendent as part of the packet for each development.
The meeting adjourned around 8:30.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
The first of two public hearings for the final draft of the master plan was held at Lawrenceburg High School auditorium Wednesday night. Seven of the Plan Commission members were in attendance to answer questions from the audience, as well as half the advisory board.
Travis Miller gave a power point presentation of the process, components, goals, and strategies of the plan
Questions from the public included issues of road conditions, (particularly mentioning road slips,) which were viewed as impediments to development permits.
Plan commission chairman, Mark Mitter, and member, Rick Pope, (who also has experience on the Soil and Water Conservation Board,) gave detailed explanations of how development requests are evaluated.
Advisory Board member, Bob Sauerbrey, gave the background on slippage issues and explained some of the historical impacts of improper development of hillsides, referring to “short term profits and long term problems” for the county. Hamilton County being built on seven hills and, specifically, Mount Adams was used as an example. It was noted that Cincinnati had the highest rate of slippage issues in the entire country. (Great views often on poor substrate.)
Warren County’s issue with unbridled development was also discussed, as was their current situation with having to use moratoriums on development.
Lastly there was a question about getting cooperation with schools so that they were not all clustered on one campus. Walkability to the schools and the actual size of schools for lower grades were both mentioned.
Travis Miller, Planning Director, saw cooperation as a two-way street. He noted that hopefully, the school boards and administration would see the county plan as something worth considering, particularly because it had input from such a large cross-section of citizens and special interest areas. The planning department, for their part always considers the impact on the school districts- requesting letters from the school superintendent as part of the packet for each development.
The meeting adjourned around 8:30.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
16 August 2004 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Dan Batta.
Absent: Vera Benning
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Lorie Howard, Administrator.
1. Planning and Zoning – Travis Miller – Clarification changes on connections of arterial streets for Article 3 Section 305 M were presented. Batta motioned and Shell 2nd. Passed.
Karen Shell also brought up a complaint by Mike Sizemore concerning dust control on the Sugar Hill Subdivision excavation project. Sizemore claims that Gehring Group doing the excavating is not using the water truck to control dust appropriately. Travis Miller has some language from the DNR regarding state codes on this. Shell asked him to have Plan Commission consider looking into adding it to the subdivision control ordinance, so that these problems can also be handled locally.
2. Lifetime Resources – Ellen Davis – Commissioner’s signed a letter of intent for IFHA owner occupancy rehabilitation grant worth $300,000. Council will be getting a request from Lifetime Resources for the 10% match of $30,000. There is a $15,000 max that can be obtained per house. Finals due in October.
3. County Administrator- Lorie Howard – reported that per Cathy Dils, the YES home septic repairs finished under budget of $15,000.
The IDEM/OKI, big businesses, and municipalities are meeting at the chamber at 10 AM on August 18 to discuss the air quality ratings for Lawrenceburg Township and how to remedy the situation.
Gayle Pennington and Judges are shredding documents per the records destruction ordinance.
Security issues in the Adm. Building – survey responses indicated the staff felt panic buttons were the best solution. Cameras and keypads were only voted on by 4 out of about 12 offices. [NOTE: This addresses personal safety issues of the employees during the day- but the original question seemed to be about access to the building, equipment, and records at night.] Commissioners OK’d panic buttons.
Barry Pruss – sewer board member – turned in his signed conflict of interest form- indicating NO Conflicts. Commissioners accepted it. It will be filed with Clerk’s Office per state law. Karen Shell asked if Rodney Dennerline’s form was in, because she has been getting calls regarding his statement in particular. Lisa Lehner said Dennerline’s was signed. Karen asked why it wasn’t on file at Clerk’s office. Lisa said probably because it had to be accepted by the Health Board first, since they appointed him. [NOTE: State law does not require the appointing board to be notified BEFORE the form is filed. Health Board frequently cancels meetings due to lack of a quorum. That should not hold up Dennerline’s official statement.]
Commissioners signed the contract for $4200 for American Tower (911 building) regarding wireless needs. Plans are to get out of that lease and move to a new 911 place “soon” because of costs.
For 2005 Health Plan- the commissioners OK’d Pinnacle to write up the plan agreement to include a wellness program and also a $1200 HRA for any employee opting out of the plan. The HRA is contributed at a rate of $100 per month- not a lump sum.
4. Highway Dept. – Mike Davis- no written report turned in. (Commissioners requested that at their last meeting) Verbal report on maintenance, line striping, small structures inventory, and mowing progress, included the opening of the Phase 2 bids.
Barrett- $1,238,875.58
Rohe - $859,608.35
O’Mara - $889,398.19
Commissioners will take them under advisement and Lisa Lehner will check bid documents prior to awarding the contract.
White’s Hill contract was passed, as was the notice of award. Contractor- O’Mara – will be required to turn in various submittals on a timeline created in the project. Supervising will be done by the SURVEY GROUP using a junior engineer for 20 hours per week and a project mgr. – Ted Cooley- for 4 hours per week. Cost is hourly rate with a not to exceed clause of $35,156. Commissioners voted to allow Mike Davis to sign this agreement when Lisa finishes the language changes to reflect the not to exceed agreement section.
5. County Attorney- Lisa Lehner- reported that the documents for George St. bridge walkway were finished and set for 5 year term to 12/31/2009. Charlie Fehrman signing them will mean the state attorney general doesn’t have to. The Aurora City Att’y will present this to their council now.
Short Ridge property owner agreement is finished and work can proceed now.
6. Cary Pickens- Auditor- minutes saved for Vera Benning to be available. Claims signed.
7. Commissioners – Economic Development Initiative had a meeting last week and passed their by-laws. Because the county donated money to the organization for three years, Council and Commissioners each get an appointment to the board. They can choose one of their members or a designee. Commissioners chose to send Lorie Howard, the County Adm. he will have voting rights. It was stated that Lisa Lehner is the attorney for the Economic Development Initiative also. [Note: If Lisa Lehner is a member of the Initiative, she has invested money in it. If she is the attorney for it also, then should she be advising the county on issues relating to that organization?]
Discussion included the idea that Charlie Fehrman for Council thought they could send Travis Miller, the County Planning Director. [NOTE: This would present an ethical conflict of interest for Travis Miller. The Planning Office is likely to be involved at some future date in land use or zoning regarding potential sites for economic development. Plan Commission is Miller’s “boss” and the appointment would have to be approved by them. Plan Commission already discussed this with Miller when he was questioned during the early development stages of this Economic Development Organization. It was their feeling that he should not be a member of that group, but could serve their needs, the same as he would for any other county business or citizen.]
8. Public comment – Phil Darling- asked when the county website would be updated to include minutes for commissioner meetings. Commissioners still want minutes to be approved before posting- not drafts. This significantly delays the public’s knowledge of what goes on in these meetings.
Meeting adjourned: 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Dan Batta.
Absent: Vera Benning
Also present: Cary Pickens, Auditor, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Lorie Howard, Administrator.
1. Planning and Zoning – Travis Miller – Clarification changes on connections of arterial streets for Article 3 Section 305 M were presented. Batta motioned and Shell 2nd. Passed.
Karen Shell also brought up a complaint by Mike Sizemore concerning dust control on the Sugar Hill Subdivision excavation project. Sizemore claims that Gehring Group doing the excavating is not using the water truck to control dust appropriately. Travis Miller has some language from the DNR regarding state codes on this. Shell asked him to have Plan Commission consider looking into adding it to the subdivision control ordinance, so that these problems can also be handled locally.
2. Lifetime Resources – Ellen Davis – Commissioner’s signed a letter of intent for IFHA owner occupancy rehabilitation grant worth $300,000. Council will be getting a request from Lifetime Resources for the 10% match of $30,000. There is a $15,000 max that can be obtained per house. Finals due in October.
3. County Administrator- Lorie Howard – reported that per Cathy Dils, the YES home septic repairs finished under budget of $15,000.
The IDEM/OKI, big businesses, and municipalities are meeting at the chamber at 10 AM on August 18 to discuss the air quality ratings for Lawrenceburg Township and how to remedy the situation.
Gayle Pennington and Judges are shredding documents per the records destruction ordinance.
Security issues in the Adm. Building – survey responses indicated the staff felt panic buttons were the best solution. Cameras and keypads were only voted on by 4 out of about 12 offices. [NOTE: This addresses personal safety issues of the employees during the day- but the original question seemed to be about access to the building, equipment, and records at night.] Commissioners OK’d panic buttons.
Barry Pruss – sewer board member – turned in his signed conflict of interest form- indicating NO Conflicts. Commissioners accepted it. It will be filed with Clerk’s Office per state law. Karen Shell asked if Rodney Dennerline’s form was in, because she has been getting calls regarding his statement in particular. Lisa Lehner said Dennerline’s was signed. Karen asked why it wasn’t on file at Clerk’s office. Lisa said probably because it had to be accepted by the Health Board first, since they appointed him. [NOTE: State law does not require the appointing board to be notified BEFORE the form is filed. Health Board frequently cancels meetings due to lack of a quorum. That should not hold up Dennerline’s official statement.]
Commissioners signed the contract for $4200 for American Tower (911 building) regarding wireless needs. Plans are to get out of that lease and move to a new 911 place “soon” because of costs.
For 2005 Health Plan- the commissioners OK’d Pinnacle to write up the plan agreement to include a wellness program and also a $1200 HRA for any employee opting out of the plan. The HRA is contributed at a rate of $100 per month- not a lump sum.
4. Highway Dept. – Mike Davis- no written report turned in. (Commissioners requested that at their last meeting) Verbal report on maintenance, line striping, small structures inventory, and mowing progress, included the opening of the Phase 2 bids.
Barrett- $1,238,875.58
Rohe - $859,608.35
O’Mara - $889,398.19
Commissioners will take them under advisement and Lisa Lehner will check bid documents prior to awarding the contract.
White’s Hill contract was passed, as was the notice of award. Contractor- O’Mara – will be required to turn in various submittals on a timeline created in the project. Supervising will be done by the SURVEY GROUP using a junior engineer for 20 hours per week and a project mgr. – Ted Cooley- for 4 hours per week. Cost is hourly rate with a not to exceed clause of $35,156. Commissioners voted to allow Mike Davis to sign this agreement when Lisa finishes the language changes to reflect the not to exceed agreement section.
5. County Attorney- Lisa Lehner- reported that the documents for George St. bridge walkway were finished and set for 5 year term to 12/31/2009. Charlie Fehrman signing them will mean the state attorney general doesn’t have to. The Aurora City Att’y will present this to their council now.
Short Ridge property owner agreement is finished and work can proceed now.
6. Cary Pickens- Auditor- minutes saved for Vera Benning to be available. Claims signed.
7. Commissioners – Economic Development Initiative had a meeting last week and passed their by-laws. Because the county donated money to the organization for three years, Council and Commissioners each get an appointment to the board. They can choose one of their members or a designee. Commissioners chose to send Lorie Howard, the County Adm. he will have voting rights. It was stated that Lisa Lehner is the attorney for the Economic Development Initiative also. [Note: If Lisa Lehner is a member of the Initiative, she has invested money in it. If she is the attorney for it also, then should she be advising the county on issues relating to that organization?]
Discussion included the idea that Charlie Fehrman for Council thought they could send Travis Miller, the County Planning Director. [NOTE: This would present an ethical conflict of interest for Travis Miller. The Planning Office is likely to be involved at some future date in land use or zoning regarding potential sites for economic development. Plan Commission is Miller’s “boss” and the appointment would have to be approved by them. Plan Commission already discussed this with Miller when he was questioned during the early development stages of this Economic Development Organization. It was their feeling that he should not be a member of that group, but could serve their needs, the same as he would for any other county business or citizen.]
8. Public comment – Phil Darling- asked when the county website would be updated to include minutes for commissioner meetings. Commissioners still want minutes to be approved before posting- not drafts. This significantly delays the public’s knowledge of what goes on in these meetings.
Meeting adjourned: 8:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, August 06, 2004
Retirement Benefits for Public Officials?
I hope the discussions of providing health benefits beyond the term office are simply idle discussions.
In the real world (non political) many people who have employment cannot even obtain health benefits through their company and for those that do have health benefits, their benefits cease when they leave their employment (service to their employer), except that they can extend their benefits for 6 months under COBRA, if they pay the full premium.
Why should employment as a public official be any different? Is this simply another way for public officials to gain advantage at the expense of the private citizens who pay taxes?
If elected officials leave their temporary employment with the government, they should be no different from the citizens who elected them to the temporary job.
If extended health coverage is desired for elected officials, why not a plan to provide health coverage for all the citizens of Dearborn County, who leave their employment or better yet all those who are employed and don't have health coverage. Silly suggestion, right?
Ralph Thompson, PE
Monday, August 02, 2004
2 August 2004 County Commissioner Meeting Notes
County Commissioner Meeting
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Vera Benning.
Absent: Dan Batta (mother’s funeral)
Also present: Lorie Howard, Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Brenda Hensley for Cary Pickens, Auditor, who arrived at 10:10.
1. Mike Kramer- Pinnacle Advisory Group- gave a report to commissioners similar to the one he gave to Council last week regarding possible ways to bring down health care costs for the county without cutting into benefits for the employees. The county had 36 claims over $5,000 and 16 claims over $10,000, which he referred to as “shock claims.” Two primary ways that Med Ben recommends are setting up wellness care programs for employees who voluntarily want help in maintaining or achieving better health care for their particular conditions (diabetes, smoking cessation, weight loss, etc.) and using HRA (health care reimbursement accounts) that THE COUNTY pays for with part of the money they save for an employee who opts out of family or single plan coverage. This is provided with tax-free dollars and can only be spent on medically related expenses defined in the plan. Vera Benning asked about the plan that some Argosy employees have. They get a check when they opt out of the coverage that they can spend on anything. It was explained to her that this was taxable income and so the employee would pay tax on the benefit and the employer has to pay social security also on it. Karen Shell wanted to wait for Dan Batta to vote on this at Thursday’s Administrative Focus meeting. Vera Benning didn’t want to vote on it till all the employees could be gathered for a meeting to discuss it. [NOTE: Because this is a plus and nothing is being taken away from any employee, it seems a waste of time to make them sit through an extra meeting during their day.] NO DECISION.
2. Bill Ewbank – Veterans Officer- reported that there was still no resolution to the veterans transportation issue.
3. Animal Control- Lorie Howard reported that Cheryl Lohmiller was on vacation and that Cheryl was using her vacation to paint the animal shelter!!
4. Bill Black- Emergency Management- reported that Dearborn County fared well in the storm last week.
He also reported that PSEG donated $14,000 worth of fire hoses to them to be distributed to county fire departments.
The commissioners signed the paperwork for the grant he’d been holding until the Drug Ordinance was passed. (see note later in this meeting)
5. Susan Craig – SIRPC – Got papers signed for the $30,000 grant to do a feasibility study of the first floor of the YES Home. Stephanie Disbro was slated to attend the Startup meeting in INDY with Cathy Piche and Susan Craig as the county’s representative.
6. Lorie Howard- County Administrator – reported that:
Commissioners and Harrison’s elected officials were meeting Wednesday Aug 4 at 5 PM in the Harrison Community Center to discuss EMS services to be shared with the county. Supposedly there is some discussion over fire services. Apparently West Harrison township has to contract for that themselves.
Tentative meeting set for August 18 at 10 AM at the Chamber offices to discuss how to get our status revised on air quality. AEP, IDEM, our state representative, senator, and other large companies are trying to get together to solve this problem.
The Drug Free Workplace Ordinance (refers to drugs and alcohol) was approved and signed after Lisa Lehner explained that it did NOT apply to elected officials. Cary Pickens, in jest, wiped his brow in a sign of relief.
The credit card policy will be included in the next revision of the HR Plan.
7. Mike Davis – Transportation – stated that Yorkridge Bridge was approved by council to come out of cum bridge. Cary Pickens corrected this to state that he was to advertise out of cum bridge, but that it was not necessarily approved yet.
Roads are being prepared for paving.
White’s Hill Project Bids were opened:
Rohe- Total $828,236.94 plus additional for rock removal, Holton Excavating- $806,768.12 plus additional for rock removal, and O’Mara - $754,240 with no additional for rock removal.
Project awarded to O’Mara pending verification of bid documents and bonds.
Commissioners requested that Mike Davis have a written report for them at their meetings so they had something to work with when people called about projects going on in the county.
8. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- is preparing an ordinance reflecting all county departmental fees in one spot.
She is also preparing a draft agreement to deal with the liability issues for the bike path to be attached to the George St. Bridge. Discussion stated that Barker’s engineering report states that the bridge can handle more weight that it’s posted for. They did actual steel samples from the bridge to verify this. [Note: Am not sure if this covers the connections, bolts etc.] She also stated that if Charlie Fehrman signs off on it for county fiscal body, then they do not have to get the attorney general to do so.
9. Cary Pickens- Auditor- holding minutes, but corrected the Siemen’s section at Vera’s request. Karen Shell was not present for entire meeting, so they will approve minutes when Dan Batta is available.
Claims approved.
Meeting adjourned 10:20 AM
After the meeting I was informed that there has been “some talk” of letting elected officials retire with the county paying continual health coverage as a “reward for all their years of service.” [Note: Yikes!]
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Karen Shell, President, and Vera Benning.
Absent: Dan Batta (mother’s funeral)
Also present: Lorie Howard, Administrator, Lisa Lehner, Attorney, and Brenda Hensley for Cary Pickens, Auditor, who arrived at 10:10.
1. Mike Kramer- Pinnacle Advisory Group- gave a report to commissioners similar to the one he gave to Council last week regarding possible ways to bring down health care costs for the county without cutting into benefits for the employees. The county had 36 claims over $5,000 and 16 claims over $10,000, which he referred to as “shock claims.” Two primary ways that Med Ben recommends are setting up wellness care programs for employees who voluntarily want help in maintaining or achieving better health care for their particular conditions (diabetes, smoking cessation, weight loss, etc.) and using HRA (health care reimbursement accounts) that THE COUNTY pays for with part of the money they save for an employee who opts out of family or single plan coverage. This is provided with tax-free dollars and can only be spent on medically related expenses defined in the plan. Vera Benning asked about the plan that some Argosy employees have. They get a check when they opt out of the coverage that they can spend on anything. It was explained to her that this was taxable income and so the employee would pay tax on the benefit and the employer has to pay social security also on it. Karen Shell wanted to wait for Dan Batta to vote on this at Thursday’s Administrative Focus meeting. Vera Benning didn’t want to vote on it till all the employees could be gathered for a meeting to discuss it. [NOTE: Because this is a plus and nothing is being taken away from any employee, it seems a waste of time to make them sit through an extra meeting during their day.] NO DECISION.
2. Bill Ewbank – Veterans Officer- reported that there was still no resolution to the veterans transportation issue.
3. Animal Control- Lorie Howard reported that Cheryl Lohmiller was on vacation and that Cheryl was using her vacation to paint the animal shelter!!
4. Bill Black- Emergency Management- reported that Dearborn County fared well in the storm last week.
He also reported that PSEG donated $14,000 worth of fire hoses to them to be distributed to county fire departments.
The commissioners signed the paperwork for the grant he’d been holding until the Drug Ordinance was passed. (see note later in this meeting)
5. Susan Craig – SIRPC – Got papers signed for the $30,000 grant to do a feasibility study of the first floor of the YES Home. Stephanie Disbro was slated to attend the Startup meeting in INDY with Cathy Piche and Susan Craig as the county’s representative.
6. Lorie Howard- County Administrator – reported that:
Commissioners and Harrison’s elected officials were meeting Wednesday Aug 4 at 5 PM in the Harrison Community Center to discuss EMS services to be shared with the county. Supposedly there is some discussion over fire services. Apparently West Harrison township has to contract for that themselves.
Tentative meeting set for August 18 at 10 AM at the Chamber offices to discuss how to get our status revised on air quality. AEP, IDEM, our state representative, senator, and other large companies are trying to get together to solve this problem.
The Drug Free Workplace Ordinance (refers to drugs and alcohol) was approved and signed after Lisa Lehner explained that it did NOT apply to elected officials. Cary Pickens, in jest, wiped his brow in a sign of relief.
The credit card policy will be included in the next revision of the HR Plan.
7. Mike Davis – Transportation – stated that Yorkridge Bridge was approved by council to come out of cum bridge. Cary Pickens corrected this to state that he was to advertise out of cum bridge, but that it was not necessarily approved yet.
Roads are being prepared for paving.
White’s Hill Project Bids were opened:
Rohe- Total $828,236.94 plus additional for rock removal, Holton Excavating- $806,768.12 plus additional for rock removal, and O’Mara - $754,240 with no additional for rock removal.
Project awarded to O’Mara pending verification of bid documents and bonds.
Commissioners requested that Mike Davis have a written report for them at their meetings so they had something to work with when people called about projects going on in the county.
8. Lisa Lehner- Attorney- is preparing an ordinance reflecting all county departmental fees in one spot.
She is also preparing a draft agreement to deal with the liability issues for the bike path to be attached to the George St. Bridge. Discussion stated that Barker’s engineering report states that the bridge can handle more weight that it’s posted for. They did actual steel samples from the bridge to verify this. [Note: Am not sure if this covers the connections, bolts etc.] She also stated that if Charlie Fehrman signs off on it for county fiscal body, then they do not have to get the attorney general to do so.
9. Cary Pickens- Auditor- holding minutes, but corrected the Siemen’s section at Vera’s request. Karen Shell was not present for entire meeting, so they will approve minutes when Dan Batta is available.
Claims approved.
Meeting adjourned 10:20 AM
After the meeting I was informed that there has been “some talk” of letting elected officials retire with the county paying continual health coverage as a “reward for all their years of service.” [Note: Yikes!]
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
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