AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
September 1, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Executive Session – 6:30 pm
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan – remain tabled from 7/7/09
2. Web Site Discussion – tabled from 7/21/09
3. Policy Recommendations from Animal Control Board – remain tabled from 7/21/09
4. RQAW request to evaluate Shumway building – tabled from 8/18/09
5. Hogan Water Corp. – tabled from 8/18/09
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. William Scharold – Discussion re: East Fork Rd. request to make one way
2. RQAW proposal for Charette
3. Signatures for YES Home Lease
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
1. Computer purchases for 911
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
24 August 2009 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
24 August 2009 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes
Present: Hall, President, Hornbach, Hoog, Lehman, Nelson, Thompson, Kraus Jr., Lansing, and Beiersdorfer.
McCormack, Director, and McGill, Attorney, and Webb, zoning Adm. were also present.
Major Revision and Waiver to primary approval of Morgan’s Ridge on Mt Pleasant Road in Logan Township. The property is zoned Residential on 114 acres. Maxwell Development was represented by Randy Maxwell. There were 9 citizens present and 3 spoke at the public hearing. This property was originally rezoned and approved in 2007. Maxwell asked to downsize the plans from 182 lots to 90, with 3 of them being unbuildable. As the density was decreased and the frontage increased Maxwell Development asked to have the connections reduced from 4 to 3, reduce the common area, add 2 private streets, and delete curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. The private streets were requested to be 14 ft in width and actually be a private driveway essentially. Maxwell noted the turnaround radius would be adequate for a 3-point turn as most large vehicles do that anyway.
Todd Listerman- Transportation Director asked the plan commission what kind of standard they wanted for a private street. He noted that school buses are not required to go down them. They do need 16 ft width for 2 cars to pass and that 14 ft would be as narrow as you’d want to go for that. The road will be graded to 20 ft but paved to 14. He also noted a 50 ft ROW easement would be good so that they could upgrade later if they wanted to. The private street will have 8 inches of crushed stone and may be chip sealed. No asphalt planned.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Cynthia Harding- lived on adjacent property- her parent’s farm ( Weisgerber). She noted that the bulldozers improved the property and that her family’s farm is in two pieces. One of which is landlocked. It was part of the original Subdivision Plan to allow access in the future to that land locked piece. This new revision allows people with another access to have one added, but her family- with no access -is denied access in this plan. She felt they were not part of “the network” and treated differently than other adjoiners in this plan. She stressed that this was approved as part of a 20-year vision that the plan commission and Maxwell had for Logan. There were infrastructure improvements to Mt Pleasant that were committed as well. Future development was considered as part of this plan. They met with Maxwell as a family and felt he was not meeting his commitments to adjoiners. She wanted the PC to hold Maxwell to his original commitments to adjoiners. She noted their family has access on the front parcel to Lutz Road, but the 2nd parcel does not. Their parents live on the farm and plan to stay there until they die, She and her sister are heirs. Harding stressed that once this is developed they lose all hope for access to their landlocked piece. She did say that they did not want to pay for 2/6 of the private road to get to this plus maintenance. She only wants FUTURE access, not current access. They will pay for it in the future. She quoted Mitter and Listerman in the previous 2007 meeting as saying connectivity was required and dedicated ROW to the county for future access.
Nelson informed her that Maxwell did not CAUSE her land to be land locked! She said 35 years ago they didn’t have this problem. While it was still farm and golf course there was hope- but once decided to be a subdivision and built- they will not have the option. Harding said the 2007 meeting minutes state they did not want to end up like Bright. Stay focused on the VISION for Logan.
Sandra Weisgerber- owner of adjacent 57-acre farm (27 plus 30 acres landlocked) for 35 years. She said they didn’t ask Maxwell to connect in 2007- he committed to it when the county asked. They didn’t expect that to change. They expected the property would be developed responsibly. She agrees with her daughter who spoke first. There are two parcels that already have access to Steele Road and they get another access through Morgan’s Ridge. We don’t even get one! She notes the Phase numbers changed and Phase 7 near them is now Phase 2. She stated she asked 3 times about the access to them and they said yes- they had access. Listerman answered her question regarding private drives off private drives. He also told the PC that they could have dedicated 50 ft ROW and the road is NON- Maintained within that ROW. Weisgerber said that Maxwell told her family they were developing North and South and reserving the center for possible higher density.
Carl Anthony- lives on Mt Pleasant and alerted the PC to a safety access issue near the dip in the road way there by his home. Kraus Jr. said the driveway permit etc would have to pass sight distance rules before they build.
END PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Thompson- zoning tries to balance people’s rights and so he was trying to figure a way to get ROW instead of an easement that would make a future road if needed. He’s in favor of the lower density and notes the private street by the lake makes sense.
Nelson- agrees with Thompson
Lehman- we write regulations for a reason. Panhandles are to get access. We should always try to keep the access options.
Hall- agrees with private drive to limited number of lots. It doesn’t do any good to have lake access. Legal documents need to be done to keep maintenance up on private streets.
Hoog- Like s reduced density- thinks 16 ft might be better than 14 ft width on private drives do people can pass.
Hornbach- Likes reduced number of lots and eliminating some flag lots, like s the idea of ROW instead of easement for access.
Lansing- when weather is bad- roads shrink with snow piled up. But there are only a few homes on them.
Beiersdorfer- agree with others. If the 6 homeowners want the road upgraded they would have to deed it up and transfer ROW to county.
Kraus Jr. Nothing more to add really.
Hall- Asked about private street ending up with problem in 1200 ft cul de sac rule- only if adjoiner was too long.
Thompson motioned and Nelson 2nd ( I think) – for approval of a major revision of the primary plat to 87 buildable lots, relieving curb, gutter, and sidewalk requirements, allowing for privates streets of 14 ft width on easements in the N, S, and W side of the lake and the private street on the SW corner is to be on a dedicated 50 ft ROW to a proposed cul de sac and then a 50 ft ROW to the property line to Weisgerbers to enhance the quality of life in the area, enhance long term development, and property values. It will not burden Maxwell to build a county road at this time of economic downturn. (There is no bonding for the ROW as it is not a public maintained area.)
Maxwell asked if this set a dangerous precedent. Nelson said no- this is a waiver- not everyone gets a waiver- it is the exception and not the rule. Listerman said the county would not maintain the ROW until the road is upgraded and accepted at some future time.
Maxwell asked – what if I develop all 4 lots as one piece or as flag lots with no private street. The PC said he HAS TO COME BACK to do that. [NOTE: It would seem unfair to charge him a reapplication fee if he’s requesting something that is allowed under the code though!]
All ayes expect Lehman- Nay. Passed.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
New comp plan books are completed and cheaper than expected.
Almost all advisory board members are committed to return to the master plan process for updating.
They’ve been working on grant administration for Manchester and West Harrison.
The website is completely revamped.
Wed Sept 2 is the next meeting for St Leon Zoning Codes.
McCormack has been off for back surgery and is coming for half days next week. Hopes to be back to work full time soon. Noted that staff is doing a good job in his absence.
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Hall, President, Hornbach, Hoog, Lehman, Nelson, Thompson, Kraus Jr., Lansing, and Beiersdorfer.
McCormack, Director, and McGill, Attorney, and Webb, zoning Adm. were also present.
Major Revision and Waiver to primary approval of Morgan’s Ridge on Mt Pleasant Road in Logan Township. The property is zoned Residential on 114 acres. Maxwell Development was represented by Randy Maxwell. There were 9 citizens present and 3 spoke at the public hearing. This property was originally rezoned and approved in 2007. Maxwell asked to downsize the plans from 182 lots to 90, with 3 of them being unbuildable. As the density was decreased and the frontage increased Maxwell Development asked to have the connections reduced from 4 to 3, reduce the common area, add 2 private streets, and delete curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. The private streets were requested to be 14 ft in width and actually be a private driveway essentially. Maxwell noted the turnaround radius would be adequate for a 3-point turn as most large vehicles do that anyway.
Todd Listerman- Transportation Director asked the plan commission what kind of standard they wanted for a private street. He noted that school buses are not required to go down them. They do need 16 ft width for 2 cars to pass and that 14 ft would be as narrow as you’d want to go for that. The road will be graded to 20 ft but paved to 14. He also noted a 50 ft ROW easement would be good so that they could upgrade later if they wanted to. The private street will have 8 inches of crushed stone and may be chip sealed. No asphalt planned.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Cynthia Harding- lived on adjacent property- her parent’s farm ( Weisgerber). She noted that the bulldozers improved the property and that her family’s farm is in two pieces. One of which is landlocked. It was part of the original Subdivision Plan to allow access in the future to that land locked piece. This new revision allows people with another access to have one added, but her family- with no access -is denied access in this plan. She felt they were not part of “the network” and treated differently than other adjoiners in this plan. She stressed that this was approved as part of a 20-year vision that the plan commission and Maxwell had for Logan. There were infrastructure improvements to Mt Pleasant that were committed as well. Future development was considered as part of this plan. They met with Maxwell as a family and felt he was not meeting his commitments to adjoiners. She wanted the PC to hold Maxwell to his original commitments to adjoiners. She noted their family has access on the front parcel to Lutz Road, but the 2nd parcel does not. Their parents live on the farm and plan to stay there until they die, She and her sister are heirs. Harding stressed that once this is developed they lose all hope for access to their landlocked piece. She did say that they did not want to pay for 2/6 of the private road to get to this plus maintenance. She only wants FUTURE access, not current access. They will pay for it in the future. She quoted Mitter and Listerman in the previous 2007 meeting as saying connectivity was required and dedicated ROW to the county for future access.
Nelson informed her that Maxwell did not CAUSE her land to be land locked! She said 35 years ago they didn’t have this problem. While it was still farm and golf course there was hope- but once decided to be a subdivision and built- they will not have the option. Harding said the 2007 meeting minutes state they did not want to end up like Bright. Stay focused on the VISION for Logan.
Sandra Weisgerber- owner of adjacent 57-acre farm (27 plus 30 acres landlocked) for 35 years. She said they didn’t ask Maxwell to connect in 2007- he committed to it when the county asked. They didn’t expect that to change. They expected the property would be developed responsibly. She agrees with her daughter who spoke first. There are two parcels that already have access to Steele Road and they get another access through Morgan’s Ridge. We don’t even get one! She notes the Phase numbers changed and Phase 7 near them is now Phase 2. She stated she asked 3 times about the access to them and they said yes- they had access. Listerman answered her question regarding private drives off private drives. He also told the PC that they could have dedicated 50 ft ROW and the road is NON- Maintained within that ROW. Weisgerber said that Maxwell told her family they were developing North and South and reserving the center for possible higher density.
Carl Anthony- lives on Mt Pleasant and alerted the PC to a safety access issue near the dip in the road way there by his home. Kraus Jr. said the driveway permit etc would have to pass sight distance rules before they build.
END PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Thompson- zoning tries to balance people’s rights and so he was trying to figure a way to get ROW instead of an easement that would make a future road if needed. He’s in favor of the lower density and notes the private street by the lake makes sense.
Nelson- agrees with Thompson
Lehman- we write regulations for a reason. Panhandles are to get access. We should always try to keep the access options.
Hall- agrees with private drive to limited number of lots. It doesn’t do any good to have lake access. Legal documents need to be done to keep maintenance up on private streets.
Hoog- Like s reduced density- thinks 16 ft might be better than 14 ft width on private drives do people can pass.
Hornbach- Likes reduced number of lots and eliminating some flag lots, like s the idea of ROW instead of easement for access.
Lansing- when weather is bad- roads shrink with snow piled up. But there are only a few homes on them.
Beiersdorfer- agree with others. If the 6 homeowners want the road upgraded they would have to deed it up and transfer ROW to county.
Kraus Jr. Nothing more to add really.
Hall- Asked about private street ending up with problem in 1200 ft cul de sac rule- only if adjoiner was too long.
Thompson motioned and Nelson 2nd ( I think) – for approval of a major revision of the primary plat to 87 buildable lots, relieving curb, gutter, and sidewalk requirements, allowing for privates streets of 14 ft width on easements in the N, S, and W side of the lake and the private street on the SW corner is to be on a dedicated 50 ft ROW to a proposed cul de sac and then a 50 ft ROW to the property line to Weisgerbers to enhance the quality of life in the area, enhance long term development, and property values. It will not burden Maxwell to build a county road at this time of economic downturn. (There is no bonding for the ROW as it is not a public maintained area.)
Maxwell asked if this set a dangerous precedent. Nelson said no- this is a waiver- not everyone gets a waiver- it is the exception and not the rule. Listerman said the county would not maintain the ROW until the road is upgraded and accepted at some future time.
Maxwell asked – what if I develop all 4 lots as one piece or as flag lots with no private street. The PC said he HAS TO COME BACK to do that. [NOTE: It would seem unfair to charge him a reapplication fee if he’s requesting something that is allowed under the code though!]
All ayes expect Lehman- Nay. Passed.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
New comp plan books are completed and cheaper than expected.
Almost all advisory board members are committed to return to the master plan process for updating.
They’ve been working on grant administration for Manchester and West Harrison.
The website is completely revamped.
Wed Sept 2 is the next meeting for St Leon Zoning Codes.
McCormack has been off for back surgery and is coming for half days next week. Hopes to be back to work full time soon. Noted that staff is doing a good job in his absence.
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
18 August 2009 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
18 August 2009 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Thompson, President, Orschell, and Hughes
Pickens, Auditor, and Witte, Attorney, were also present
NOTE: THE FIRST MEETING IN SEPTEMBER WILL BE AN EVENING MEETING, AS THERE IS A CONFLICT WITH A JURY TRIAL NEEDING THE COMMISSIONER’S ROOM DURING THE DAY.
OLD BUSINESS:
County Campus Plan remains tabled.
Web site discussion – Hughes is happy with the current web site manager- says they need direction and we have not given them any. Hughes said he may have contacted them once (Hughes was the president of commissioners) Orschell thought McCormack’s proposal was the most economical and he already works for the county, so he is accessible. Orschell thinks the website for the PZ Dept is excellent. Thompson noted he could not get information and response time from the current provider was poor. Hughes has problems with McCormack’s website links- there are some he does not think should be there. [NOTE: Hughes is referring to a link to the Dearborn County Public Forum Site www.dearborncounty,blogspot.com - the one you are reading this on!]
Hughes asked if there was ever a board motion to direct the current web person. Pickens said not that he recalled. Thompson said it should not take a board motion to keep the website up to date. Hughes wants an independent agent. Thompson was concerned that web site duties might take too much time from planning for McCormack. At the end of the meeting at Orschell’s request for advice- Witte advised them to avoid that potential conflict and also that McCormack could be approached during regular hours by staff to help with the web and it would lead to ghost employment issues. TABLED for further review.
Animal Control Policy Review remains tabled.
Jewell DeBonis- Lobbyist- State House updates- the gambling revenue is safe for the time being. School districts are able to get loans from riverboat communities for construction or renovation- but not for ongoing expenses.
Governor Daniels still wants to bring county government reform back to replace Commissioners with one executive, but she does not think it will pass. He will continue to bring it back she said- sometimes it takes years for bills to be passed.
There is a bill for a Gaming Study Committee with a report to be due by Dec 1. Gary Indiana wants to move one of its two boats to I-94- which will require legislation. This brings up a lot more movement and wrangling as Ft Wayne wants one, Terre Haute wants one, and others are worried that moving boats will cut into their current revenue. Grand Vic moving to Jeffersonville or Madison or wherever has Harrods and Belterra worried. Racetracks get into the mix as well. Etc. DeBonis said with eth tracks it is not about the horses, just greed.
Casinos are complaining that they are treated like any other business with regard to admission taxes etc.
State revenue shows a $74 million shortfall for July.
DeBonis urged Listerman to follow up on one of our road stimulus projects being pulled from letting and to get Nugent involved. The county did get two through already with stimulus money.
NEW BUSINESS:
Norman J Crampton- US Census Bureau- urged the county to push residents to return census reports next year as it affects MPI- Money Power and Intelligence. He can provide speakers and materials as well as put something on our website. Forms will be mailed mid March and April 1, 2010 is Census Day. The amount of money is grants etc is determined by population stats- so census numbers are important. Short forms will be sent next year.
911 Dispatch Governing Board was revised to add Aurora Police Chief Brian Fields when Dana Cotton resigned from Aurora.
Bill Black EMA- Commissioners signed to return Homeland Security Money for the district to them to the tune of $109,594.10. This money was already at Homeland Security- signatures released it back to them.
Black said- GIS can get a 2-year grant for $14,000 if the state can use info from the site. Federal gov’t will not give disaster assistance as75% range if it is the 3rd time and no mitigation has occurred- it drops to 25%. Orschell and Black are still working on safety committee. Lawrenceburg wants to give the county 3 sirens they no longer use. Currently it costs $10,000 to maintain the 33 we have. Lastly- Black wants to get rid of the junk cars and rec vehicle in their parking lot. County needs to have a sale soon.
Eric Wolf- and Jack Kraus – Construction Control Inc gave a pitch to be considers to manage the county’s construction projects. They use subs in eth community. Their ties to the area include knowing Fitches- of Fitch Denney Funeral Home, The Lawrenceburg school projects including the new middles school and the elementary renovations. He criticized range estimates that RQAW provided and said an estimate should be an estimate. He also does not like value engineering as it cheapens the project and puts dollars in the contractor’s pockets. They work on a straight fee. No decision.
Denise Knueven- Purdue TAP- ( Tech assistance program)received approval to seek money from Council- they work with local businesses all over the state. This money helps them maintain their office and continue to help businesses grow. They have worked with Honda as well- looking for $50,000 for this area with L-bg and the county. Jim Kinnett told them L-bg could not fund it, as this is not part of their action grant. [NOTE: However L-bg could possibly fund it another way.] Commissioners allowed her to go to Council, though doubted there was that much money to spare.
LuAnn Male- received the signature for her revised CBDG from last meeting- the county is not providing money for the match on the rehab Housing Grant.
Hogan Water Corp- tabled for further research with Susan Craig of SIRPC- they need the county to be lead agency to administer their $600,000 grant application to repair pipes etc.
Todd Listerman- Highway Dept- gave a 20-minute report:
1. Change order for Bells Branch signed- $4254.95
2. Bridge rehab completed for Johnson Fork, Sagamaw, and Salt Fork.
3. Asphalt finished on Pribble hill, Carolina Trace and Stout Roads.
4. Striping completed and also added centerlines to Stout Road, Mt Pleasant, and Huseman as recently paved and black at night. ( added $7,000) Centerlines reduce accidents by 33% and edges by 11%.
5. Old 52 paving starts Monday and we will get millings from that as well as SR 46. Paving with those is 25-30% of hot mix costs for Ennis Ridge and Mossmeier.
6. Dearborn County has 7 bridges listed as Scour Susceptible in floods. We have until Nov 1st to get a plan or revision to get them off the list. Calling the bridge inspectors to get that done. If we have to fix- they are 80/20 with federal funds.
7. Ohio Cty Commissioners are sending us a letter to get an ordinance prohibiting jumping off Triple Whipple Bridge.
8. 10 AM next Wed- the Triple Whipple will be dedicated and the plaque for John Graf will be dedicated also.
Pickens- Auditor-Claims ( Hughes abstained- he had not reviewed all the claims) and minutes signed.
EMS contract for Manchester signed for $20,000.
Witte- Attorney- Will check on the bridge ordinance- though he sees no liability. He has jumped off a few in his youth in Bloomington.
Council has to set up a fund for H1N1- funds for the vaccine.
Aurora City Attorney asked if the county wanted to partner with them on code enforcements- Aurora has staffing issues- this is just a preliminary contact. Greendale has asked about it too per Thompson.
Witte said YES home has lease issue-as their 25 year one expired in 2006 and insurer will not carry them without one. Commissioners extended a 90-day lease effective immediately, under the same conditions, until they can research the issue. There may be a 99-year lease that was done after renovations out there in early part of the decade.
Witte clea
red up the issue on the accident victim buried on his family farm. He had given statutes to Thompson and Thompson helped them navigate state agencies. Final conclusion was he was allowed to be interred in a mausoleum on the farm- per State Rules.
Hughes proposed the Commissioners recommend 0% raises for the Council budget hearings until the recession is over. All agreed.
Orschell received clarification from Witte on McCormack serving as web site manager and also being employed- see notes under old business.
Thompson noted conflict with Sept 3 meeting in the morning- so it will be an evening meeting still.
Thompson read seven Animal Control Shelter Bids ranging from a high of $2,526,000 to a low of $1,749,900 ( Maxwell) The average bid was $2,097,769.07 No decision.
Thompson said RQAW requested $2,000 to evaluate the Shumway building for renovation for county offices. TABLED
No Public spoke.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Thompson, President, Orschell, and Hughes
Pickens, Auditor, and Witte, Attorney, were also present
NOTE: THE FIRST MEETING IN SEPTEMBER WILL BE AN EVENING MEETING, AS THERE IS A CONFLICT WITH A JURY TRIAL NEEDING THE COMMISSIONER’S ROOM DURING THE DAY.
OLD BUSINESS:
County Campus Plan remains tabled.
Web site discussion – Hughes is happy with the current web site manager- says they need direction and we have not given them any. Hughes said he may have contacted them once (Hughes was the president of commissioners) Orschell thought McCormack’s proposal was the most economical and he already works for the county, so he is accessible. Orschell thinks the website for the PZ Dept is excellent. Thompson noted he could not get information and response time from the current provider was poor. Hughes has problems with McCormack’s website links- there are some he does not think should be there. [NOTE: Hughes is referring to a link to the Dearborn County Public Forum Site www.dearborncounty,blogspot.com - the one you are reading this on!]
Hughes asked if there was ever a board motion to direct the current web person. Pickens said not that he recalled. Thompson said it should not take a board motion to keep the website up to date. Hughes wants an independent agent. Thompson was concerned that web site duties might take too much time from planning for McCormack. At the end of the meeting at Orschell’s request for advice- Witte advised them to avoid that potential conflict and also that McCormack could be approached during regular hours by staff to help with the web and it would lead to ghost employment issues. TABLED for further review.
Animal Control Policy Review remains tabled.
Jewell DeBonis- Lobbyist- State House updates- the gambling revenue is safe for the time being. School districts are able to get loans from riverboat communities for construction or renovation- but not for ongoing expenses.
Governor Daniels still wants to bring county government reform back to replace Commissioners with one executive, but she does not think it will pass. He will continue to bring it back she said- sometimes it takes years for bills to be passed.
There is a bill for a Gaming Study Committee with a report to be due by Dec 1. Gary Indiana wants to move one of its two boats to I-94- which will require legislation. This brings up a lot more movement and wrangling as Ft Wayne wants one, Terre Haute wants one, and others are worried that moving boats will cut into their current revenue. Grand Vic moving to Jeffersonville or Madison or wherever has Harrods and Belterra worried. Racetracks get into the mix as well. Etc. DeBonis said with eth tracks it is not about the horses, just greed.
Casinos are complaining that they are treated like any other business with regard to admission taxes etc.
State revenue shows a $74 million shortfall for July.
DeBonis urged Listerman to follow up on one of our road stimulus projects being pulled from letting and to get Nugent involved. The county did get two through already with stimulus money.
NEW BUSINESS:
Norman J Crampton- US Census Bureau- urged the county to push residents to return census reports next year as it affects MPI- Money Power and Intelligence. He can provide speakers and materials as well as put something on our website. Forms will be mailed mid March and April 1, 2010 is Census Day. The amount of money is grants etc is determined by population stats- so census numbers are important. Short forms will be sent next year.
911 Dispatch Governing Board was revised to add Aurora Police Chief Brian Fields when Dana Cotton resigned from Aurora.
Bill Black EMA- Commissioners signed to return Homeland Security Money for the district to them to the tune of $109,594.10. This money was already at Homeland Security- signatures released it back to them.
Black said- GIS can get a 2-year grant for $14,000 if the state can use info from the site. Federal gov’t will not give disaster assistance as75% range if it is the 3rd time and no mitigation has occurred- it drops to 25%. Orschell and Black are still working on safety committee. Lawrenceburg wants to give the county 3 sirens they no longer use. Currently it costs $10,000 to maintain the 33 we have. Lastly- Black wants to get rid of the junk cars and rec vehicle in their parking lot. County needs to have a sale soon.
Eric Wolf- and Jack Kraus – Construction Control Inc gave a pitch to be considers to manage the county’s construction projects. They use subs in eth community. Their ties to the area include knowing Fitches- of Fitch Denney Funeral Home, The Lawrenceburg school projects including the new middles school and the elementary renovations. He criticized range estimates that RQAW provided and said an estimate should be an estimate. He also does not like value engineering as it cheapens the project and puts dollars in the contractor’s pockets. They work on a straight fee. No decision.
Denise Knueven- Purdue TAP- ( Tech assistance program)received approval to seek money from Council- they work with local businesses all over the state. This money helps them maintain their office and continue to help businesses grow. They have worked with Honda as well- looking for $50,000 for this area with L-bg and the county. Jim Kinnett told them L-bg could not fund it, as this is not part of their action grant. [NOTE: However L-bg could possibly fund it another way.] Commissioners allowed her to go to Council, though doubted there was that much money to spare.
LuAnn Male- received the signature for her revised CBDG from last meeting- the county is not providing money for the match on the rehab Housing Grant.
Hogan Water Corp- tabled for further research with Susan Craig of SIRPC- they need the county to be lead agency to administer their $600,000 grant application to repair pipes etc.
Todd Listerman- Highway Dept- gave a 20-minute report:
1. Change order for Bells Branch signed- $4254.95
2. Bridge rehab completed for Johnson Fork, Sagamaw, and Salt Fork.
3. Asphalt finished on Pribble hill, Carolina Trace and Stout Roads.
4. Striping completed and also added centerlines to Stout Road, Mt Pleasant, and Huseman as recently paved and black at night. ( added $7,000) Centerlines reduce accidents by 33% and edges by 11%.
5. Old 52 paving starts Monday and we will get millings from that as well as SR 46. Paving with those is 25-30% of hot mix costs for Ennis Ridge and Mossmeier.
6. Dearborn County has 7 bridges listed as Scour Susceptible in floods. We have until Nov 1st to get a plan or revision to get them off the list. Calling the bridge inspectors to get that done. If we have to fix- they are 80/20 with federal funds.
7. Ohio Cty Commissioners are sending us a letter to get an ordinance prohibiting jumping off Triple Whipple Bridge.
8. 10 AM next Wed- the Triple Whipple will be dedicated and the plaque for John Graf will be dedicated also.
Pickens- Auditor-Claims ( Hughes abstained- he had not reviewed all the claims) and minutes signed.
EMS contract for Manchester signed for $20,000.
Witte- Attorney- Will check on the bridge ordinance- though he sees no liability. He has jumped off a few in his youth in Bloomington.
Council has to set up a fund for H1N1- funds for the vaccine.
Aurora City Attorney asked if the county wanted to partner with them on code enforcements- Aurora has staffing issues- this is just a preliminary contact. Greendale has asked about it too per Thompson.
Witte said YES home has lease issue-as their 25 year one expired in 2006 and insurer will not carry them without one. Commissioners extended a 90-day lease effective immediately, under the same conditions, until they can research the issue. There may be a 99-year lease that was done after renovations out there in early part of the decade.
Witte clea
red up the issue on the accident victim buried on his family farm. He had given statutes to Thompson and Thompson helped them navigate state agencies. Final conclusion was he was allowed to be interred in a mausoleum on the farm- per State Rules.
Hughes proposed the Commissioners recommend 0% raises for the Council budget hearings until the recession is over. All agreed.
Orschell received clarification from Witte on McCormack serving as web site manager and also being employed- see notes under old business.
Thompson noted conflict with Sept 3 meeting in the morning- so it will be an evening meeting still.
Thompson read seven Animal Control Shelter Bids ranging from a high of $2,526,000 to a low of $1,749,900 ( Maxwell) The average bid was $2,097,769.07 No decision.
Thompson said RQAW requested $2,000 to evaluate the Shumway building for renovation for county offices. TABLED
No Public spoke.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Monday, August 17, 2009
DRAFT AGENDA COMMISSIONER'S MEETING 18 AUG 2009
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
August 18, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan – tabled from 7/7/2009
2. Web Site Discussion – tabled from 7/21/2009
3. Policy Recommendations from Animal Control Board – tabled from 7/21/2009
4. Jewell DeBonis / State House Update – tabled from 8/4/2009
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Norman J. Crampton, U.S. Census Bureau
2. Signatures for 911 Dispatch Governing Board
3. Bill Black, EMA – Signature for State Grant
4. Eric Wolf, Construction Control, Inc.
5. Denise Knueven, Purdue TAP – Budget request
6. Luan Male, LifeTime Housing – CDBG Grant application signatures
7. Hogan Water Corporation Representative – Sponsorship of non-profit study of a Water District
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Change order Bells Branch Bridge #15
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
August 18, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan – tabled from 7/7/2009
2. Web Site Discussion – tabled from 7/21/2009
3. Policy Recommendations from Animal Control Board – tabled from 7/21/2009
4. Jewell DeBonis / State House Update – tabled from 8/4/2009
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Norman J. Crampton, U.S. Census Bureau
2. Signatures for 911 Dispatch Governing Board
3. Bill Black, EMA – Signature for State Grant
4. Eric Wolf, Construction Control, Inc.
5. Denise Knueven, Purdue TAP – Budget request
6. Luan Male, LifeTime Housing – CDBG Grant application signatures
7. Hogan Water Corporation Representative – Sponsorship of non-profit study of a Water District
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Change order Bells Branch Bridge #15
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
INDIANA OPERATION THANK YOU FOR TROOPS
Saturday, August 8th
8pm – 11pm
There will be a talent show at the beach in Hidden Valley Lake. This is open to the public, to watch or participate!
Refreshments will be available to purchase or BYOB. There will be a free will offering to benefit “Indiana Operation Thank You”.
Please come and bring your lawn chairs. It was just a great time last year and it’s for our troops so what better cause, if you need one!
If you want to perform, contact Terry Potraffke
8pm – 11pm
There will be a talent show at the beach in Hidden Valley Lake. This is open to the public, to watch or participate!
Refreshments will be available to purchase or BYOB. There will be a free will offering to benefit “Indiana Operation Thank You”.
Please come and bring your lawn chairs. It was just a great time last year and it’s for our troops so what better cause, if you need one!
If you want to perform, contact Terry Potraffke
4 August 2009 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
4 August 2009 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
IMPORTANT NOTE: COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS WILL BE CHANGED IN SEPTEMBER. THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH WILL BE A DAY MEETING AT 9 AM AND THE THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH WILL BE AN EVENING MEETING AT 7 PM.
Present:
Thompson, Chairman, Orschell, and Hughes
Also present: Witte, Attorney, and Pickens, Auditor
OLD BUSINESS:
Latest edition of the county campus plan remains tabled as there has been no action from RQAW to review.
Website discussion was tabled so that commissioners could review two more proposals from Dave Wyly and Mark McCormack.
Policy Recommendations on Euthanization remains tabled so commissioners can see what budget hearings propose for the animal shelter. The shelter is running out of funds for 2009 and decreased euthanizations will increase animal care costs.
NEW BUSINESS:
Sheriff Lusby decided to be removed from the agenda to further research on Lieberman Technologies.
Hylant Group County Insurance- ended their 3-year proposal and is negotiating for a 5-10% rate decrease for the county on Property and Casualty Insurance. They also handle the Workers Comp. Three years ago the consultant handled all the bids for this for $20,000 and saved us $40,000 in costs. Commissioners decided NOT to rebid but to sign on with Hylant again as they are proposing further rate decreases. Pickens was in support. Thompson and Orschell voted aye and Hughes wanted to rebid and voted nay.
Jewel DeBonis lobbyist to the state was unable to attend because of weather travel issues. She is scheduled for the next meeting.
LuAnn Male form Lifetime Housing requested signatures on a Community Development Block Grant Application. She also wanted the county to fork over $12,500 to show local gov’t support to get an additional 5 points on the application. Commissioners denied that but did allow her to access the IHFA bank match of $10,000 that has accumulated to date. That will be used in addition to the over $4,000 they have from the previous grant that was not used up. Signatures will be provided at the next meeting when she completes the application with those parameters. She may also request DC Foundation funding.
Seat Belt and DUI checks grants for Community Corrections were approved and signatures ratified. Lawrenceburg handles administration of the grant.
Doctor’s agreement for the juvenile center for $10,395 retroactive to January was signed.
Mission statement for the animal control center was approved. Pickens had helped the staff develop it. It reads:
The mission of the Dearborn County Department of Animal Control is to assure the safety and well being of the county’s citizens by maintaining full compliance with the ordinances concerning the proper licensing and control of animals and through the promotion of humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.
Amendment #2 for Reassessment contract was signed- Hensley is OK with it per Orschell and Hughes. This is due to the state postponing reassessment for a year.
Highway Dept- Todd Listerman gave a 30-minute report:
Paving contracts for 2009 were awarded to O’Mara- lowest bidder at $314,748 for Stout, Carolina Trace and Pribble hill only. Rohe came in at $410,000. Paving will proceed next week and hopefully be done before school starts.
Dump truck bid was awarded to Fyda Freightliner at $69,793. The spreader box, bed, belt conveyors etc were awarded to Kaffenberger- only bidder at $39,800.
Triple Whipple Bridge is finished- FINALLY! They will dedicate it Aug 27 at 10 AM. This is part of the Lawrenceburg to Aurora to Rising Sun trail. They plan a bronze plaque in memory of John Graf, engineer for Howard Barth Associates who worked, sometime pro- bono- to get this completed. The bridge is the only one of its kind in the USA.
Randall Avenue -Kerrisand Lane (.19 mi) and Lindsay Lane (.14mi) - were accepted into road maintenance pending final plat approval of PZ for the land. Hughes voted nay on this as he did not want to have any undue leverage for this sale to the county.
Wilmington Hills South Section 4 of .30 miles was accepted into the county road maintenance. This is an old section of Elvin Miller’s subdivision.
Public officials bond for Listerman was signed.
Line striping came in low and so now all roads of 1000vehicles per day will be striped. For about $54,000.
Listerman meets with INDOT Friday regarding old US 52 to see when Rohe can start and to check on millings from Rohe’s SR46 project.
Listerman found out that that our request for funding of the Reconstruction of North Dearborn Road East of SR-1 at Hiltz Road has been approved. Official INDOT letter will be sent to Commissioners next week. The total Federal funding for this project is now at 2.8 Million Dollars. Right-of-way should begin the end of August. The project is listed for funding in 2013; however, if R/W is cleared by next summer this project will be shelf ready and could move up if other projects in front of it are not ready.
Yorkridge will be resurfaced Aug 26th with stimulus money of about $1million. North Hogan also is being considered for stimulus as is North Dearborn.
Pickens- Auditor- Claims and minutes signed.
Witte- Attorney- informed the sheriff that he could only research the noise ordinance if the commissioners requested it. The sheriff was worried that a floodgate would open pending some of the discussion at last month’s meeting.
Hughes- nothing
Orschell- He will be working with Greg Henneke- Hylant Ins , Bill Black, and Eric Hartman on an evacuation plan for the county buildings.
Orschell also brought up day meetings – Pickens is in favor. Hughes voted Nay. Meetings changed- see the note at the top of these meeting notes for the specifics.
Thompson- Bid due dates on Animal Shelter have moved to Aug 7 at 2 PM.
No Public wished to speak.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
IMPORTANT NOTE: COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS WILL BE CHANGED IN SEPTEMBER. THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH WILL BE A DAY MEETING AT 9 AM AND THE THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH WILL BE AN EVENING MEETING AT 7 PM.
Present:
Thompson, Chairman, Orschell, and Hughes
Also present: Witte, Attorney, and Pickens, Auditor
OLD BUSINESS:
Latest edition of the county campus plan remains tabled as there has been no action from RQAW to review.
Website discussion was tabled so that commissioners could review two more proposals from Dave Wyly and Mark McCormack.
Policy Recommendations on Euthanization remains tabled so commissioners can see what budget hearings propose for the animal shelter. The shelter is running out of funds for 2009 and decreased euthanizations will increase animal care costs.
NEW BUSINESS:
Sheriff Lusby decided to be removed from the agenda to further research on Lieberman Technologies.
Hylant Group County Insurance- ended their 3-year proposal and is negotiating for a 5-10% rate decrease for the county on Property and Casualty Insurance. They also handle the Workers Comp. Three years ago the consultant handled all the bids for this for $20,000 and saved us $40,000 in costs. Commissioners decided NOT to rebid but to sign on with Hylant again as they are proposing further rate decreases. Pickens was in support. Thompson and Orschell voted aye and Hughes wanted to rebid and voted nay.
Jewel DeBonis lobbyist to the state was unable to attend because of weather travel issues. She is scheduled for the next meeting.
LuAnn Male form Lifetime Housing requested signatures on a Community Development Block Grant Application. She also wanted the county to fork over $12,500 to show local gov’t support to get an additional 5 points on the application. Commissioners denied that but did allow her to access the IHFA bank match of $10,000 that has accumulated to date. That will be used in addition to the over $4,000 they have from the previous grant that was not used up. Signatures will be provided at the next meeting when she completes the application with those parameters. She may also request DC Foundation funding.
Seat Belt and DUI checks grants for Community Corrections were approved and signatures ratified. Lawrenceburg handles administration of the grant.
Doctor’s agreement for the juvenile center for $10,395 retroactive to January was signed.
Mission statement for the animal control center was approved. Pickens had helped the staff develop it. It reads:
The mission of the Dearborn County Department of Animal Control is to assure the safety and well being of the county’s citizens by maintaining full compliance with the ordinances concerning the proper licensing and control of animals and through the promotion of humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.
Amendment #2 for Reassessment contract was signed- Hensley is OK with it per Orschell and Hughes. This is due to the state postponing reassessment for a year.
Highway Dept- Todd Listerman gave a 30-minute report:
Paving contracts for 2009 were awarded to O’Mara- lowest bidder at $314,748 for Stout, Carolina Trace and Pribble hill only. Rohe came in at $410,000. Paving will proceed next week and hopefully be done before school starts.
Dump truck bid was awarded to Fyda Freightliner at $69,793. The spreader box, bed, belt conveyors etc were awarded to Kaffenberger- only bidder at $39,800.
Triple Whipple Bridge is finished- FINALLY! They will dedicate it Aug 27 at 10 AM. This is part of the Lawrenceburg to Aurora to Rising Sun trail. They plan a bronze plaque in memory of John Graf, engineer for Howard Barth Associates who worked, sometime pro- bono- to get this completed. The bridge is the only one of its kind in the USA.
Randall Avenue -Kerrisand Lane (.19 mi) and Lindsay Lane (.14mi) - were accepted into road maintenance pending final plat approval of PZ for the land. Hughes voted nay on this as he did not want to have any undue leverage for this sale to the county.
Wilmington Hills South Section 4 of .30 miles was accepted into the county road maintenance. This is an old section of Elvin Miller’s subdivision.
Public officials bond for Listerman was signed.
Line striping came in low and so now all roads of 1000vehicles per day will be striped. For about $54,000.
Listerman meets with INDOT Friday regarding old US 52 to see when Rohe can start and to check on millings from Rohe’s SR46 project.
Listerman found out that that our request for funding of the Reconstruction of North Dearborn Road East of SR-1 at Hiltz Road has been approved. Official INDOT letter will be sent to Commissioners next week. The total Federal funding for this project is now at 2.8 Million Dollars. Right-of-way should begin the end of August. The project is listed for funding in 2013; however, if R/W is cleared by next summer this project will be shelf ready and could move up if other projects in front of it are not ready.
Yorkridge will be resurfaced Aug 26th with stimulus money of about $1million. North Hogan also is being considered for stimulus as is North Dearborn.
Pickens- Auditor- Claims and minutes signed.
Witte- Attorney- informed the sheriff that he could only research the noise ordinance if the commissioners requested it. The sheriff was worried that a floodgate would open pending some of the discussion at last month’s meeting.
Hughes- nothing
Orschell- He will be working with Greg Henneke- Hylant Ins , Bill Black, and Eric Hartman on an evacuation plan for the county buildings.
Orschell also brought up day meetings – Pickens is in favor. Hughes voted Nay. Meetings changed- see the note at the top of these meeting notes for the specifics.
Thompson- Bid due dates on Animal Shelter have moved to Aug 7 at 2 PM.
No Public wished to speak.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Friday, July 31, 2009
DRAFT AGENDA COMMISSIONER'S MEETING 4 AUG 2009
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
August 4, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan – tabled from 7/7/2009
2. Web Site Discussion
3. Policy Recommendations from Animal Control Board – tabled from 7/21/2009
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Sheriff Dave Lusby
Lieberman Technologies
2. Hylant Group – County Insurance Discussion
3. Jewell DeBonis
State House Update
4. Luan Male – Lifetime Housing
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application
5. Ratification of Community Corrections Grant Amendment
6. Juvenile Center – Signatures for Doctor Agreement
7. Mission Statement for Department of Animal Control
8. Amendment #2 signature for Reassessment Contract
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Accept Randal Ave. and Wilmington Hills South extensions for maintenance
3. Bridge #95, Triple Whipple final acceptance letter
4. Public Official Bond signature
5. Award 2009 paving and Award dump truck / equipment
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
August 4, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan – tabled from 7/7/2009
2. Web Site Discussion
3. Policy Recommendations from Animal Control Board – tabled from 7/21/2009
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Sheriff Dave Lusby
Lieberman Technologies
2. Hylant Group – County Insurance Discussion
3. Jewell DeBonis
State House Update
4. Luan Male – Lifetime Housing
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application
5. Ratification of Community Corrections Grant Amendment
6. Juvenile Center – Signatures for Doctor Agreement
7. Mission Statement for Department of Animal Control
8. Amendment #2 signature for Reassessment Contract
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Accept Randal Ave. and Wilmington Hills South extensions for maintenance
3. Bridge #95, Triple Whipple final acceptance letter
4. Public Official Bond signature
5. Award 2009 paving and Award dump truck / equipment
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Commissioners Have Special Meeting Set for Aug 5
Wednesday August 5, 2009 at 10:30 Commissioners will meet at the Shumway building on High Street, Lawrenceburg to do a site visit. Mayor Cunningham will be there and Carl Fryman, Building Department will also be present.
There is a working session following the visit to the Shumway building in the Commissioner’s room. This will be to meet with an Afflac representative and go over information that was presented in the July 7, 2009 meeting. Randal Ferguson will be here approximately 11:00 – 11:15 am.
There is a working session following the visit to the Shumway building in the Commissioner’s room. This will be to meet with an Afflac representative and go over information that was presented in the July 7, 2009 meeting. Randal Ferguson will be here approximately 11:00 – 11:15 am.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
21 July 2009 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
21 July 2009 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Thompson, President, Orschell, and Hughes
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, and Witte, Attorney
FIVE Council members were present: Ullrich, Lansing, Cheek, Morris, and Fehrman. ABSENT: Kraus and Barrett.
There were also numerous county officials present including the three judges, prosecutor, and probation dept staff. The sheriff was not present.
OLD BUSINESS
County Campus Plan reopened for a 1 hour and 40 minute discussion. Brett Dodd of RQAW presented a fifth option that he worked up with input from the last meeting. Scattering functions in 3 locales was an issue as was the costs of maintaining 3 buildings and concerns about technology being able to bridge the gap.
Option 5 eliminated the YMCA and put all adm functions at the Motorsports facility on Industrial Drive. This increases initial costs by about $500,000 and adds about 4 months to the time frame. [NOTE: Judge Blankenship and Prosecutor, Aaron Negangard, have been pushing for more space as soon as possible because of their issues in the old Courthouse building. There are several past meetings with Commissioners and Council detailing their concerns and needs. These needs have trumped the jail expansion apparently.]
Council members and commissioners were asked for comments first. Cheek asked about why increased costs when one building was cut out. Dodd said it was new construction costs. Morris asked if future expansion costs were figured. Dodd said no, though they would be lower to shell out the rest of the building all at once. Ullrich thought option 5 would not put additional burden on the taxpayer as it was close to budget of $10 million. He also wanted to be sure all the different departments who had been out of the loop for a while were called back in to determine details of needs before moving forward. Ullrich said we’ve got to move forward.
Thompson reiterated that this plan was limited to less detail to see if there was consensus on what to do before spending more. Hughes was concerned that removing the jail separated the plan into pieces that would avoid referendum. He wants the voters to decide if we should spend the money. [NOTE: Referendums cost money too. IF the space problems are severe enough, the judges can mandate the construction. How does that affect the referendum law?]
Cheek asked if RQAW had done comparisons on cost and size with similar sized counties. Cheek asked: “ Did we say we need space or did we say, this is what we need and what will it cost?” Dodd said they did do comparisons in our population range and staff sizes etc, in the 2004 report. They also looked out 25 years to get the concept phase. Example: Superior Court uses about 6200 sq ft and Circuit typically uses 8000 sq ft. Cheek said it is hard to look an out of work taxpayer in the eye when talking about expansions and spending money. We’ve laid off highway workers- that’s an important county function. Do we need to tighten our belts.
Orschell said no one wants to increase taxes, but needs have to be met. The sooner we fix this- the sooner we fix the jail problem.
Thompson noted that Cheek had been involved all along and that the purpose was to create a master plan for the entire campus so it could be worked on as needed and not waste money. We need to know if Council will fund this. If not, we drop it.
Hughes said we can’t assume gambling revenue will continue.
Morris prefers the campus attached and on High Street and not scattered. This would affect the city if we moved this much out.
Fehrman asked the commissioners, if Council said yes, what would you do next?
Thompson said , we’d choose an option and THEN MEET WITH DEPARTMENTS TO GET THEIR NEEDS. Then we’d look at purchase of land and buildings. We want Council to help decide the option.
The three judges ( Humphrey, Cleary, and Blankenship) and prosecutor ( Negangard) stood at the podium together:
Humphrey said that in the last 10 days he received several different plans and the sheriff had contacted him about the YMCA being used for work release and juvenile detention. Humphrey was not happy that HE had not been consulted about the juvenile as he’s in charge of that. We want to be able to talk to RQAW and we were told it had to be at a public meeting! We want to know who is making these plans and why. We want to be a part of this. [NOTE: When you talk to a consultant, it costs money. Several different plans from each judge and prosecutor have been discussed over the years and there are now a ridiculous number of options because of it. They have been invited to the public meetings. Blankenship particularly has been adamant at several commissioner and council meetings (since she became Superior Court II judge) about her space requirements. Their comments have been heard and handed over to RQAW to incorporate into revisions.]
Blankenship said we need to be consulted. The Adm. building has about 30,000 sq feet now and in the new plan they have about the same- so they aren’t getting any more. I am concerned about his and the jail overcrowding. Issues are with probation too. Not sure if the new plan is contemplating more restrooms for drug testing. I would like to work with anyone on this. [NOTE: The Adm Bldg inhabitants do NOT need to move. It was only an option to try to keep the courts and legal services together for security purposes. Maybe they should leave Adm Bldg alone and just move the non- secure portions of the courthouse to a new building. ( Like probation and prosecutor, for example, could be moved across the street.)]
Cleary said this was an important night and he was there more as a citizen than as a judge. He had to tell a local citizen after church when asked about what was happening at the courthouse, that he had no idea. We want to be asked so that we are sure we do this right. You shouldn’t build just knowing the cost, unless you know what is in the 4 walls. Perhaps the jail should be the first priority.
Negangard thanked the commissioners for trying to do something. He said Lusby couldn’t be there due to a family emergency. All the plans provide sufficient space for the prosecutor. He thought there was a proposal from RQAW to do a charette- and we could all have input in that process. We want something long-term- not just Industrial Drive- way out by IVY Tech. [NOTE: Haste and cost are issues and perhaps the judges and prosecutor have now realized that in pushing for something fast, they have created a plan option that they don’t really want, but is in the budget.]
Humphrey, in a rare display of temper, later took Thompson and commissioners to task for not inviting them to these meetings. It was determined that Humphrey was on vacation for one of them. [NOTE: Communication between these departments – only a building apart- seems to be getting skewed by certain political factions. As a taxpayer who has been at these meetings for 14 years, this technique is nothing new. What each office holder, including judges, needs to remember is that the buildings and spaces being created are NOT THEIRS! They belong to the people of Dearborn County. The office holder is only there as long as he is elected to hold that office. So individual needs and egos need to checked at the door before these charettes are held. Public SERVANTS need to remember whom they SERVE. And who is paying for all of this.]
Gus Grote said we shouldn’t build another EC- where plans for indoor tracks etc had problems. He also asked if Lawrenceburg money would be available for this, as it is the richest little town in the U.S.
Mayor Cunningham- The commissioners have asked us about land available in town and we want the employees to stay in our town. We would prefer NOT to use Industrial Park land for this as it takes it out of the tax base. But we have enough trouble running our own government, without trying to run the county too. The county has used the large amount of money we’ve given it wisely. We will assist- not sure how much. Pickens noted it was $50 million that the county received from Lawrenceburg. Cunningham laughed and said- it would continue as long as the Republican governor works with this Democrat mayor. Thompson reiterated how helpful Lawrenceburg has been. [NOTE: Many of the arrests and jail and court costs result from the Riverboat “activity.” It is appropriate for Lawrenceburg to help with this increased burden on the county.]
Paul Messmore- Bright (former administrator Bryan Messmore’s father) went off on a tangent about Thompson saying the county didn’t have enough money to remove a couch left on Henderson Road. His point perhaps was that there wasn’t enough money to do the necessary functions???
Mike Rozow- noted 3 things: Service is important for citizens- and shouldn’t be broken up into too many areas. The interaction between departments is important. There is a concern with the loss of daytime traffic to local restaurants etc. if we move several offices out.
Charlie Fehrman- in the absence of the Pres and VP of Council moved to use up to $15,000 of the contingency fund with a 45-day window to meet with all the stakeholders to come back with an option. Ullrich 2nd it- all 5 Council present voted Aye. All people are allowed to attend these charettes or meetings at their discretion.
The commissioners are to get an agreement from RQAW to do this. Commissioners tabled the plans until the charette is completed.
Meeting recessed for 10 minutes until 8:50.
NEW BUSINESS
Mary McCarty SIRPC presented the Child Advocacy Grant, which will be signed pending the appropriate documents getting to Witte for certification of the process. There were apparently several items that were not in the paperwork and were required for attestation.
Two other items were signed earlier due to deadlines and ratified by commissioners on Justice Assistance Grants for the Special Crimes Unit ($177,673) and the Jail Chemical Addiction Program for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Ed Opp of EMS Alliance met in Bright and wants to put together a task force of EMS and Fire to look at how to cover the county in the future with volunteers decreasing and population needs increasing. The exploratory committee will address funding, staffing, etc. and look for a sustainable way to fund this. [NOTE: That probably means tax money will be needed. Projected needs may tell us how much.]
Rick Anderson and Al ?? of Perfection Group gave a pitch on performing energy conservation facilities work- in the smaller range. Pickens told them we’d done this 10 years ago in the courthouse renovation and it was a problem.
Animal Control Euthanization recommendations were tabled for the commissioners to review. There was some discussion with 3 members of the board in attendance concerning part of the items being about staffing and not about procedure. Apparently staff falls to commissioners and procedures to the board. Pickens noted that he had done the Animal Control Budget for them for the Budget hearings in August, as they have no director now.
Pickens- Claims and minutes signed.
Witte- Attorney reported that he had given Negangard the notice of suits involving the Special Crimes Unit and filed a copy with Pickens. He noted the county was dropped from one of the suits.
Hughes asked if there was a problem with Pickens being HR rep and being at Animal Control. What if they file an HR claim regarding him. Pickens said- then Jessica handles it. Witte weighed in and said even in HR Dept’s they get another person to handle it if the director is involved. Pickens just would recues himself. Hughes was satisfied with that response.
Orschell asked about noise ordinances as Gus Grote had a problem with them. Bottom line was Witte noted there was no decibel rating in the ordinance- just a reasonableness clause. There were exemptions for one time events. Grote is hosting an outdoor cage fight at the trading Post on Aug 15. I did ask about the idea of time as a factor in the ordinance and Witte said that would be under the reasonableness section. People do need to be able to sleep.
Thompson asked about getting more insurance coverage for document restoration as Jefferson County used $500,000 to get theirs done after the fire. They are considering it. Many of our files are copied and in a cave for storage in Utah already per Pickens.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Vera Benning wanted it noted that High Ridge Drive was included in DCRSD’s sewer coverage per the commissioner’s request.
NO Public Comment
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Thompson, President, Orschell, and Hughes
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, and Witte, Attorney
FIVE Council members were present: Ullrich, Lansing, Cheek, Morris, and Fehrman. ABSENT: Kraus and Barrett.
There were also numerous county officials present including the three judges, prosecutor, and probation dept staff. The sheriff was not present.
OLD BUSINESS
County Campus Plan reopened for a 1 hour and 40 minute discussion. Brett Dodd of RQAW presented a fifth option that he worked up with input from the last meeting. Scattering functions in 3 locales was an issue as was the costs of maintaining 3 buildings and concerns about technology being able to bridge the gap.
Option 5 eliminated the YMCA and put all adm functions at the Motorsports facility on Industrial Drive. This increases initial costs by about $500,000 and adds about 4 months to the time frame. [NOTE: Judge Blankenship and Prosecutor, Aaron Negangard, have been pushing for more space as soon as possible because of their issues in the old Courthouse building. There are several past meetings with Commissioners and Council detailing their concerns and needs. These needs have trumped the jail expansion apparently.]
Council members and commissioners were asked for comments first. Cheek asked about why increased costs when one building was cut out. Dodd said it was new construction costs. Morris asked if future expansion costs were figured. Dodd said no, though they would be lower to shell out the rest of the building all at once. Ullrich thought option 5 would not put additional burden on the taxpayer as it was close to budget of $10 million. He also wanted to be sure all the different departments who had been out of the loop for a while were called back in to determine details of needs before moving forward. Ullrich said we’ve got to move forward.
Thompson reiterated that this plan was limited to less detail to see if there was consensus on what to do before spending more. Hughes was concerned that removing the jail separated the plan into pieces that would avoid referendum. He wants the voters to decide if we should spend the money. [NOTE: Referendums cost money too. IF the space problems are severe enough, the judges can mandate the construction. How does that affect the referendum law?]
Cheek asked if RQAW had done comparisons on cost and size with similar sized counties. Cheek asked: “ Did we say we need space or did we say, this is what we need and what will it cost?” Dodd said they did do comparisons in our population range and staff sizes etc, in the 2004 report. They also looked out 25 years to get the concept phase. Example: Superior Court uses about 6200 sq ft and Circuit typically uses 8000 sq ft. Cheek said it is hard to look an out of work taxpayer in the eye when talking about expansions and spending money. We’ve laid off highway workers- that’s an important county function. Do we need to tighten our belts.
Orschell said no one wants to increase taxes, but needs have to be met. The sooner we fix this- the sooner we fix the jail problem.
Thompson noted that Cheek had been involved all along and that the purpose was to create a master plan for the entire campus so it could be worked on as needed and not waste money. We need to know if Council will fund this. If not, we drop it.
Hughes said we can’t assume gambling revenue will continue.
Morris prefers the campus attached and on High Street and not scattered. This would affect the city if we moved this much out.
Fehrman asked the commissioners, if Council said yes, what would you do next?
Thompson said , we’d choose an option and THEN MEET WITH DEPARTMENTS TO GET THEIR NEEDS. Then we’d look at purchase of land and buildings. We want Council to help decide the option.
The three judges ( Humphrey, Cleary, and Blankenship) and prosecutor ( Negangard) stood at the podium together:
Humphrey said that in the last 10 days he received several different plans and the sheriff had contacted him about the YMCA being used for work release and juvenile detention. Humphrey was not happy that HE had not been consulted about the juvenile as he’s in charge of that. We want to be able to talk to RQAW and we were told it had to be at a public meeting! We want to know who is making these plans and why. We want to be a part of this. [NOTE: When you talk to a consultant, it costs money. Several different plans from each judge and prosecutor have been discussed over the years and there are now a ridiculous number of options because of it. They have been invited to the public meetings. Blankenship particularly has been adamant at several commissioner and council meetings (since she became Superior Court II judge) about her space requirements. Their comments have been heard and handed over to RQAW to incorporate into revisions.]
Blankenship said we need to be consulted. The Adm. building has about 30,000 sq feet now and in the new plan they have about the same- so they aren’t getting any more. I am concerned about his and the jail overcrowding. Issues are with probation too. Not sure if the new plan is contemplating more restrooms for drug testing. I would like to work with anyone on this. [NOTE: The Adm Bldg inhabitants do NOT need to move. It was only an option to try to keep the courts and legal services together for security purposes. Maybe they should leave Adm Bldg alone and just move the non- secure portions of the courthouse to a new building. ( Like probation and prosecutor, for example, could be moved across the street.)]
Cleary said this was an important night and he was there more as a citizen than as a judge. He had to tell a local citizen after church when asked about what was happening at the courthouse, that he had no idea. We want to be asked so that we are sure we do this right. You shouldn’t build just knowing the cost, unless you know what is in the 4 walls. Perhaps the jail should be the first priority.
Negangard thanked the commissioners for trying to do something. He said Lusby couldn’t be there due to a family emergency. All the plans provide sufficient space for the prosecutor. He thought there was a proposal from RQAW to do a charette- and we could all have input in that process. We want something long-term- not just Industrial Drive- way out by IVY Tech. [NOTE: Haste and cost are issues and perhaps the judges and prosecutor have now realized that in pushing for something fast, they have created a plan option that they don’t really want, but is in the budget.]
Humphrey, in a rare display of temper, later took Thompson and commissioners to task for not inviting them to these meetings. It was determined that Humphrey was on vacation for one of them. [NOTE: Communication between these departments – only a building apart- seems to be getting skewed by certain political factions. As a taxpayer who has been at these meetings for 14 years, this technique is nothing new. What each office holder, including judges, needs to remember is that the buildings and spaces being created are NOT THEIRS! They belong to the people of Dearborn County. The office holder is only there as long as he is elected to hold that office. So individual needs and egos need to checked at the door before these charettes are held. Public SERVANTS need to remember whom they SERVE. And who is paying for all of this.]
Gus Grote said we shouldn’t build another EC- where plans for indoor tracks etc had problems. He also asked if Lawrenceburg money would be available for this, as it is the richest little town in the U.S.
Mayor Cunningham- The commissioners have asked us about land available in town and we want the employees to stay in our town. We would prefer NOT to use Industrial Park land for this as it takes it out of the tax base. But we have enough trouble running our own government, without trying to run the county too. The county has used the large amount of money we’ve given it wisely. We will assist- not sure how much. Pickens noted it was $50 million that the county received from Lawrenceburg. Cunningham laughed and said- it would continue as long as the Republican governor works with this Democrat mayor.
Paul Messmore- Bright (former administrator Bryan Messmore’s father) went off on a tangent about Thompson saying the county didn’t have enough money to remove a couch left on Henderson Road. His point perhaps was that there wasn’t enough money to do the necessary functions???
Mike Rozow- noted 3 things: Service is important for citizens- and shouldn’t be broken up into too many areas. The interaction between departments is important. There is a concern with the loss of daytime traffic to local restaurants etc. if we move several offices out.
Charlie Fehrman- in the absence of the Pres and VP of Council moved to use up to $15,000 of the contingency fund with a 45-day window to meet with all the stakeholders to come back with an option. Ullrich 2nd it- all 5 Council present voted Aye. All people are allowed to attend these charettes or meetings at their discretion.
The commissioners are to get an agreement from RQAW to do this. Commissioners tabled the plans until the charette is completed.
Meeting recessed for 10 minutes until 8:50.
NEW BUSINESS
Mary McCarty SIRPC presented the Child Advocacy Grant, which will be signed pending the appropriate documents getting to Witte for certification of the process. There were apparently several items that were not in the paperwork and were required for attestation.
Two other items were signed earlier due to deadlines and ratified by commissioners on Justice Assistance Grants for the Special Crimes Unit ($177,673) and the Jail Chemical Addiction Program for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Ed Opp of EMS Alliance met in Bright and wants to put together a task force of EMS and Fire to look at how to cover the county in the future with volunteers decreasing and population needs increasing. The exploratory committee will address funding, staffing, etc. and look for a sustainable way to fund this. [NOTE: That probably means tax money will be needed. Projected needs may tell us how much.]
Rick Anderson and Al ?? of Perfection Group gave a pitch on performing energy conservation facilities work- in the smaller range. Pickens told them we’d done this 10 years ago in the courthouse renovation and it was a problem.
Animal Control Euthanization recommendations were tabled for the commissioners to review. There was some discussion with 3 members of the board in attendance concerning part of the items being about staffing and not about procedure. Apparently staff falls to commissioners and procedures to the board. Pickens noted that he had done the Animal Control Budget for them for the Budget hearings in August, as they have no director now.
Pickens- Claims and minutes signed.
Witte- Attorney reported that he had given Negangard the notice of suits involving the Special Crimes Unit and filed a copy with Pickens. He noted the county was dropped from one of the suits.
Hughes asked if there was a problem with Pickens being HR rep and being at Animal Control. What if they file an HR claim regarding him. Pickens said- then Jessica handles it. Witte weighed in and said even in HR Dept’s they get another person to handle it if the director is involved. Pickens just would recues himself. Hughes was satisfied with that response.
Orschell asked about noise ordinances as Gus Grote had a problem with them. Bottom line was Witte noted there was no decibel rating in the ordinance- just a reasonableness clause. There were exemptions for one time events. Grote is hosting an outdoor cage fight at the trading Post on Aug 15. I did ask about the idea of time as a factor in the ordinance and Witte said that would be under the reasonableness section. People do need to be able to sleep.
Thompson asked about getting more insurance coverage for document restoration as Jefferson County used $500,000 to get theirs done after the fire. They are considering it. Many of our files are copied and in a cave for storage in Utah already per Pickens.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Vera Benning wanted it noted that High Ridge Drive was included in DCRSD’s sewer coverage per the commissioner’s request.
NO Public Comment
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
DRAFT AGENDA COMMISSIONER'S MEETING JUL 21
AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 21, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan – tabled from 7/7/2009
2. Web Site Discussion
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Mary McCarty – SIRPC
Child Advocacy Grant
2. Prosecutor’s Office
Justice Assistance Grant for Special Crimes Unit
3. Ed Opp – EMS Alliance Spokesperson
4. Rick Anderson – Perfection Group
5. Euthanization Policy Recommendation from Animal Control Board
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Change Order for Bells Branch Bridge
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
2. Washington Township Trustee Appointment
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
1. County Administrator’s Position
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 21, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan – tabled from 7/7/2009
2. Web Site Discussion
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Mary McCarty – SIRPC
Child Advocacy Grant
2. Prosecutor’s Office
Justice Assistance Grant for Special Crimes Unit
3. Ed Opp – EMS Alliance Spokesperson
4. Rick Anderson – Perfection Group
5. Euthanization Policy Recommendation from Animal Control Board
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Change Order for Bells Branch Bridge
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
2. Washington Township Trustee Appointment
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
1. County Administrator’s Position
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
7 July 2009 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
7 July 2009 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes
Present: Thompson, Chairman, Orschell, and Hughes
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, and Witte, Attorney
5 Council members were also present for the joint session on the County Campus: Kraus, Sr., Barrett, Lansing, Morris, and Cheek. (Fehrman and Ullrich were absent)
1. Brett Dodd of RQAW gave an hour-long presentation showing 4 options for the county campus plan. Two were older plans and two were newer ones. The plan options have some major differences in costs, time to implement, and affects on security and maintenance issues. The vacant lots across High Street are no longer available as Lawrenceburg has residential use plans for them (thus increasing their tax base.) The remaining properties there are not large enough for the county uses, require connectors, and secure transfer of prisoners to courts. The 2 newest plans require adding a floor to the current administration bldg. There is also the option of using the old juvenile building for the prosecutor and/or probation depts., keeping them attached to the courts areas.
RQAW looked at other properties in option 4 and located the Motorsports Building near the old IVY Tech on Industrial Drive in Lawrenceburg ( 14,500 sq ft on 8 acres with 8 parking spaces and plenty of expansion room) and the YMCA in Aurora( 23,000 sq ft on 3.3 acres with 79 parking spaces) Taxing functions have to stay in the county seat- so those offices go to Motorsports and Services like Health Dept, Veterans Affairs, Building Inspector, Planning and Zoning, County Transportation, and Commissioners can go to Aurora. The current Adm Bldg is 30,000 sq ft- these new building add up to 37,500 sq ft solving some space issues.
Costs of these options including hard and soft costs range from $10 million to $27 million. The cheapest option is number 4 with the 2 additional campuses. Timing is also fastest for that option with completion in March of 2011, 9 months ahead of the other options.
Council members and citizens asked questions including the lawsuit over the YMCA, consider using Alton Box Company with 6 acres, how much help will Lawrenceburg provide, the EMA center is not mentioned and is against moving to Randall Avenue, flexibility of uses in buying existing buildings, getting people used to 2 more sites, costs to purchase buildings, and how to pay for it.
Pickens stated that the $10 million is nearly covered if we choose option #4 - with money in the Redevelopment Fund, the Rainy Day Fund, and the DCRSD Fund. (1.5+3+4.5 million = 9 million)
Cheek cautioned that adding any space no matter where increases costs to maintain, and utilities etc. Council needs to remember that in the budget. Also not think they can hire MORE people because they have more space.
Orschell wanted to be sure phone lines and numbers would transfer to new sites. Also there is no need for a receptionist at Motorsports as the building is easily navigable with signs. Orschell noted the YMCA is also.
Commissioners tabled this until July 21st meeting so that Council could digest the plans and come to a consensus. Funding would be further discussed at Budget time in August.
[NOTE: This whole issue of the campus and certain functions having to be in the county seat would be a moot point if the 3 cities were united under one government. The total population would be about 15,000 or so- not too large by any standards. Imagine how much good the Gaming Money could do for services in all three cities instead of being funneled into residential projects that should be private enterprise.]
2. Commissioners signed the Nurse Agreement for Juvenile Center- same as last years.
3. Randall Ferguson gave a presentation of AFLAC insurance options for the county. They service the 3 main cities and others in the county. This insurance is all supplemental to what the county pays for. It is 100% funded by the employees who choose it and is personal and portable. They offer Accidental, Cancer, Specified health, Short-term disability, Long-term disability, Dental, Vision, Life (whole and term) Intensive care, etc. They have stable rates and are guaranteed renewable. AFLAC insure 500,000 companies, 20,000 of them are government entities. They pay $10 million a day in claims! Claims are paid in 2-4 days. Commissioners took this all under advisement.
4. Bill Black EMA- asked for Mike Davis to be appointed to the District Planning Council- Commissioners approved.
Black also is having Witte look over their documents to be the legal entity for EMA. Black is the fiscal entity.
5. Aaron Negangard- Prosecutor- gave an overview and public notice of the EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL GRANT for $14,809. He plans to use it for overtime pay for officers in the county sheriff’s dept o the city officers in the Special Crimes Unit. No action is required of Commissioners- just his public notification.
Witte advised Commissioners of the liability issues with Special Crimes Unit using officers outside the county staff. He cited 3 lawsuits currently. Negangard was unaware of them. Witte named 2 of the 3 and then commissioners asked him to forward that info to Negangard.
6. Transportation Dept- Todd Listerman gave a 17 minute report:
Commissioners signed a non- monetary change order and also one for $54,749.16 on Bells Branch Bridge #15. There will be one more change order on this bridge after costs are determined. This is an 80/20 INDOT project with an additional 80/20 with Ohio County.
Sagamaw is complete with guardrail to be added.
Johnson Fork starts next week- to be complete by mid August.
Salt Fork overlay is on and rockers fixed- will be done before July 31.
Collier Ridge- caissons all installed and now putting lagging in. On schedule to reopen in mid- August.
Contracts for paving to be advertised next week for Stout Carolina Trace and lower Pribble. They will open in July and award at Aug 4 meeting.
Listerman met with INDOT July 1 regarding the hill at Dover and Hiltz Road. INDOT has $5mil to award and only 3 counties vying for it. These funds available for 2012-2013. July 29th he’ll know about funding.
Parks Board needs a truck to haul their tractor and the commissioners approved transferring the 1996 Dodge with a cap to the Parks from Highway. No CDL is needed to drive it.
Hughes asked about Old SR1 to Gaynor and Listerman said the traffic counts are keeping it off the high priority list. They will try to patch. Orschell said he plans to hold a Franklin Cty Commissioner to his promise to show how chip seal works by demonstrating it here for just the cost of materials.
7. Pickens, Auditor- Claims and minutes signed.
David Wunderlich was appointed Washington Township Trustee because the party did not appoint in 30 days.
Aug 4- Med Ben awarding County for Most improved health at 10 AM.
Commissioners Thompson and Orschell authorized Pickens (at his request) to correct or discipline if necessary on the mornings he is in charge at the Animal Control Center. Hughes asked if this included firing. Pickens said part timers could be let go at any time anyway. Hughes voted Nay.
8. Witte- Attorney- thanked commissioners for his extended leave to serve as judge outside the county. Commissioners renewed his contract starting July 1. They also approved Witte to appoint Jack Gay to cover two suits where he has a conflict of interest ( Jesse Reynolds vs. DC and the HVL Tax appeal)
9. Orschell- asked commissioners to send a letter to DCRSD to include High Ridge Dr in their package treatment map. Timberview is only one included. High Ridge Dr is on septic tanks. Commissioners were concerned that the remaining spot out of 62 total would be used up elsewhere before this entire subdivision was covered. Hughes wanted to be sure no one was FORCED to hook on. Letter is to RECOMMEND that HIGH RIDGE DR be added.
Orschell also asked that a letter be sent to Health Dept to give these neighbors a 30-60 day extension once the package plant is in place to comply. Commissioners agreed.
10. Thompson – talked about 3 more sets of drawings for Animal Shelter and needs their comments this week. They are going to BZA in July to get a variance on the set back requirements for the fenced runs for animals. The Animal Budget is ready for August per Pickens and it still won’t be enough to run the whole shelter probably.
11. No Late Arrivals and no Public Comments
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Thompson, Chairman, Orschell, and Hughes
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, and Witte, Attorney
5 Council members were also present for the joint session on the County Campus: Kraus, Sr., Barrett, Lansing, Morris, and Cheek. (Fehrman and Ullrich were absent)
1. Brett Dodd of RQAW gave an hour-long presentation showing 4 options for the county campus plan. Two were older plans and two were newer ones. The plan options have some major differences in costs, time to implement, and affects on security and maintenance issues. The vacant lots across High Street are no longer available as Lawrenceburg has residential use plans for them (thus increasing their tax base.) The remaining properties there are not large enough for the county uses, require connectors, and secure transfer of prisoners to courts. The 2 newest plans require adding a floor to the current administration bldg. There is also the option of using the old juvenile building for the prosecutor and/or probation depts., keeping them attached to the courts areas.
RQAW looked at other properties in option 4 and located the Motorsports Building near the old IVY Tech on Industrial Drive in Lawrenceburg ( 14,500 sq ft on 8 acres with 8 parking spaces and plenty of expansion room) and the YMCA in Aurora( 23,000 sq ft on 3.3 acres with 79 parking spaces) Taxing functions have to stay in the county seat- so those offices go to Motorsports and Services like Health Dept, Veterans Affairs, Building Inspector, Planning and Zoning, County Transportation, and Commissioners can go to Aurora. The current Adm Bldg is 30,000 sq ft- these new building add up to 37,500 sq ft solving some space issues.
Costs of these options including hard and soft costs range from $10 million to $27 million. The cheapest option is number 4 with the 2 additional campuses. Timing is also fastest for that option with completion in March of 2011, 9 months ahead of the other options.
Council members and citizens asked questions including the lawsuit over the YMCA, consider using Alton Box Company with 6 acres, how much help will Lawrenceburg provide, the EMA center is not mentioned and is against moving to Randall Avenue, flexibility of uses in buying existing buildings, getting people used to 2 more sites, costs to purchase buildings, and how to pay for it.
Pickens stated that the $10 million is nearly covered if we choose option #4 - with money in the Redevelopment Fund, the Rainy Day Fund, and the DCRSD Fund. (1.5+3+4.5 million = 9 million)
Cheek cautioned that adding any space no matter where increases costs to maintain, and utilities etc. Council needs to remember that in the budget. Also not think they can hire MORE people because they have more space.
Orschell wanted to be sure phone lines and numbers would transfer to new sites. Also there is no need for a receptionist at Motorsports as the building is easily navigable with signs. Orschell noted the YMCA is also.
Commissioners tabled this until July 21st meeting so that Council could digest the plans and come to a consensus. Funding would be further discussed at Budget time in August.
[NOTE: This whole issue of the campus and certain functions having to be in the county seat would be a moot point if the 3 cities were united under one government. The total population would be about 15,000 or so- not too large by any standards. Imagine how much good the Gaming Money could do for services in all three cities instead of being funneled into residential projects that should be private enterprise.]
2. Commissioners signed the Nurse Agreement for Juvenile Center- same as last years.
3. Randall Ferguson gave a presentation of AFLAC insurance options for the county. They service the 3 main cities and others in the county. This insurance is all supplemental to what the county pays for. It is 100% funded by the employees who choose it and is personal and portable. They offer Accidental, Cancer, Specified health, Short-term disability, Long-term disability, Dental, Vision, Life (whole and term) Intensive care, etc. They have stable rates and are guaranteed renewable. AFLAC insure 500,000 companies, 20,000 of them are government entities. They pay $10 million a day in claims! Claims are paid in 2-4 days. Commissioners took this all under advisement.
4. Bill Black EMA- asked for Mike Davis to be appointed to the District Planning Council- Commissioners approved.
Black also is having Witte look over their documents to be the legal entity for EMA. Black is the fiscal entity.
5. Aaron Negangard- Prosecutor- gave an overview and public notice of the EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL GRANT for $14,809. He plans to use it for overtime pay for officers in the county sheriff’s dept o the city officers in the Special Crimes Unit. No action is required of Commissioners- just his public notification.
Witte advised Commissioners of the liability issues with Special Crimes Unit using officers outside the county staff. He cited 3 lawsuits currently. Negangard was unaware of them. Witte named 2 of the 3 and then commissioners asked him to forward that info to Negangard.
6. Transportation Dept- Todd Listerman gave a 17 minute report:
Commissioners signed a non- monetary change order and also one for $54,749.16 on Bells Branch Bridge #15. There will be one more change order on this bridge after costs are determined. This is an 80/20 INDOT project with an additional 80/20 with Ohio County.
Sagamaw is complete with guardrail to be added.
Johnson Fork starts next week- to be complete by mid August.
Salt Fork overlay is on and rockers fixed- will be done before July 31.
Collier Ridge- caissons all installed and now putting lagging in. On schedule to reopen in mid- August.
Contracts for paving to be advertised next week for Stout Carolina Trace and lower Pribble. They will open in July and award at Aug 4 meeting.
Listerman met with INDOT July 1 regarding the hill at Dover and Hiltz Road. INDOT has $5mil to award and only 3 counties vying for it. These funds available for 2012-2013. July 29th he’ll know about funding.
Parks Board needs a truck to haul their tractor and the commissioners approved transferring the 1996 Dodge with a cap to the Parks from Highway. No CDL is needed to drive it.
Hughes asked about Old SR1 to Gaynor and Listerman said the traffic counts are keeping it off the high priority list. They will try to patch. Orschell said he plans to hold a Franklin Cty Commissioner to his promise to show how chip seal works by demonstrating it here for just the cost of materials.
7. Pickens, Auditor- Claims and minutes signed.
David Wunderlich was appointed Washington Township Trustee because the party did not appoint in 30 days.
Aug 4- Med Ben awarding County for Most improved health at 10 AM.
Commissioners Thompson and Orschell authorized Pickens (at his request) to correct or discipline if necessary on the mornings he is in charge at the Animal Control Center. Hughes asked if this included firing. Pickens said part timers could be let go at any time anyway. Hughes voted Nay.
8. Witte- Attorney- thanked commissioners for his extended leave to serve as judge outside the county. Commissioners renewed his contract starting July 1. They also approved Witte to appoint Jack Gay to cover two suits where he has a conflict of interest ( Jesse Reynolds vs. DC and the HVL Tax appeal)
9. Orschell- asked commissioners to send a letter to DCRSD to include High Ridge Dr in their package treatment map. Timberview is only one included. High Ridge Dr is on septic tanks. Commissioners were concerned that the remaining spot out of 62 total would be used up elsewhere before this entire subdivision was covered. Hughes wanted to be sure no one was FORCED to hook on. Letter is to RECOMMEND that HIGH RIDGE DR be added.
Orschell also asked that a letter be sent to Health Dept to give these neighbors a 30-60 day extension once the package plant is in place to comply. Commissioners agreed.
10. Thompson – talked about 3 more sets of drawings for Animal Shelter and needs their comments this week. They are going to BZA in July to get a variance on the set back requirements for the fenced runs for animals. The Animal Budget is ready for August per Pickens and it still won’t be enough to run the whole shelter probably.
11. No Late Arrivals and no Public Comments
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
North Dearborn Water Corp. Qualifies for Stimulus Grant
Nugent announces North Dearborn Water Corp.
qualifies for $688,000 grant in stimulus funds
STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2009) - State Sen. Johnny Nugent today announced that the North Dearborn Water Corp. qualifies for an estimated $688,000 grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the Indiana Finance Authority to complete improvements to the North Dearborn Water Corp. drinking water system.
"These stimulus funds will help save residents from having to assume the financial burden and pay higher fees to fund necessary infrastructure improvements," Nugent said. "This investment in water infrastructure will help not only to serve current residents by improving water quality, but also to prepare North Dearborn Water Corp.'s service area for future economic development opportunities.
Approximately $125 million in funds will be distributed through the recovery act to the Indiana State Revolving Fund, an existing program managed by the Indiana Finance Authority which makes loans to communities for wastewater and drinking water projects.For more information about the SRF Loan Program, visit the IFA Web site at www.in.gov/ifa/srf
qualifies for $688,000 grant in stimulus funds
STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2009) - State Sen. Johnny Nugent today announced that the North Dearborn Water Corp. qualifies for an estimated $688,000 grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the Indiana Finance Authority to complete improvements to the North Dearborn Water Corp. drinking water system.
"These stimulus funds will help save residents from having to assume the financial burden and pay higher fees to fund necessary infrastructure improvements," Nugent said. "This investment in water infrastructure will help not only to serve current residents by improving water quality, but also to prepare North Dearborn Water Corp.'s service area for future economic development opportunities.
Approximately $125 million in funds will be distributed through the recovery act to the Indiana State Revolving Fund, an existing program managed by the Indiana Finance Authority which makes loans to communities for wastewater and drinking water projects.For more information about the SRF Loan Program, visit the IFA Web site at www.in.gov/ifa/srf
Friday, July 03, 2009
WE THE HOOSIERS SPONSORS ONLINE PETITION AGAINST CAP AND TRADE VOTE BY BARON HILL
You can sign a web based petition sponsored by We The Hoosiers ( local Tea Party group)opposing Baron Hill's vote on the Cap and Trade Bill. Feel free to pass it around via email to get as many signatures as possible before July 5, when it will be presented to Congressman Baron Hill. Please click on the link below to sign the petition and feel free to send this to as many people as possible and have them sign the petition as well.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Baron_Hill/
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Baron_Hill/
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Reply to Local Citizen from Baron Hill regarding Cap and Trade Bill
I wrote a letter to Baron Hill after he voted for that Cap and Trade Bill. Here is his reply and then my answer to him.
Ron Schunk
Manchester Township
Baron Hill's reply:
July 2, 2009
Dear Mr. Schunk,
Thank you for writing to express your concerns about the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important matter.
We cannot continue to push the issue of addressing climate change onto future generations. It would be a complete shirking of my responsibilities as your Member of Congress to do that. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently moving forward to regulate green house gases as a pollutant, as per the Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts vs. EPA.
It is important that Congress set up a reasonable system to regulate emissions from all sectors of our economy, and ensure that targets and timetables included are feasible. Yes, this is a complex issue, and with something of this magnitude the details are absolutely critical. In fact, the original proposal was simply not achievable for Indiana. But, I worked with the Committee to significantly change the bill into a more realistic plan, and that process will continue as the bill moves through Congress. I believe that, although it is not currently a perfect product, the issue is too important to stop the legislative process.
I believe we made several important improvements to the draft. First, in order to cushion our transition to a clean energy economy, the majority of allowances were given to affected industries. These allowances, given to regulated entities, will ensure that prices do not spike and that companies do not receive windfall profits. Second, manufacturing industries will be compensated for their cost of compliance, and countries that do not adopt green house gas standards will face trade consequences from the United States to ensure the continued competitiveness of American manufacturing. Third, the original renewable energy standard was not practicable for Indiana, but it was moderated to a level at which Indiana can achieve results.
Regarding the details, I have worked diligently to safeguard the taxpayers' of Southern Indiana from being unfairly penalized by the bill. For example, I secured language in the legislation that will allow waste-to-energy to count as a source of renewable energy, thus making the overall Renewable Electricity Standard more attainable for Indiana. In addition, I was able to get a provision in the bill that develops a rebate program to make the purchase of energy-efficient manufactured homes more affordable and accessible.
Southern Indiana possesses the tools to play a key role in this process, and I believe our manufacturing base will attract clean energy jobs. Technological advances in clean energy, such as carbon capture and storage technology, can and will be exported all over the world. Our agriculture community will play a vital role in offsetting green house gases, and will also play a crucial role in cost containment. Finally, our universities, such as Indiana University, are well poised to be at the leading edge of our technological future.
I have been in touch with stakeholders in Southern Indiana, working to ensure that our goals and aspirations in this bill are both well intentioned and achievable. I am happy to report that a major power supplier in Indiana is supportive of the bill continuing to make its way through the legislative process. Again, this bill is at the start of a long process. I look forward to making additional improvements to this bill that will strengthen protections for Hoosier families, our agriculture community and local industries.
Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. Please feel free to call me at 202.225.5315 if you have any further questions or comments. If you would like to receive periodic email updates on my Congressional activities, please visit http://baronhill.house.gov.
********************
And here is my reply:
Dear Congressman Hill... I appreciate your reply to my letter concerning the Cap and Trade bill. I don't personally believe that humans are responsible for global warming. I am more inclined to believe in natural earth cycles driven by solar activity. I view cap and trade as a scheme to redistribute wealth and I know that a majority of other countries will not buy into this scheme. But, I assure you, I will keep your reply on file, and when we start losing jobs and face increased rates for all types of energy because of this bill, and if I can afford electricity to run my computer, I will send it back to you as a reminder of what you have helped do to this country.
Sincerely,
Ronald Schunk
Ron Schunk
Manchester Township
Baron Hill's reply:
July 2, 2009
Dear Mr. Schunk,
Thank you for writing to express your concerns about the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important matter.
We cannot continue to push the issue of addressing climate change onto future generations. It would be a complete shirking of my responsibilities as your Member of Congress to do that. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently moving forward to regulate green house gases as a pollutant, as per the Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts vs. EPA.
It is important that Congress set up a reasonable system to regulate emissions from all sectors of our economy, and ensure that targets and timetables included are feasible. Yes, this is a complex issue, and with something of this magnitude the details are absolutely critical. In fact, the original proposal was simply not achievable for Indiana. But, I worked with the Committee to significantly change the bill into a more realistic plan, and that process will continue as the bill moves through Congress. I believe that, although it is not currently a perfect product, the issue is too important to stop the legislative process.
I believe we made several important improvements to the draft. First, in order to cushion our transition to a clean energy economy, the majority of allowances were given to affected industries. These allowances, given to regulated entities, will ensure that prices do not spike and that companies do not receive windfall profits. Second, manufacturing industries will be compensated for their cost of compliance, and countries that do not adopt green house gas standards will face trade consequences from the United States to ensure the continued competitiveness of American manufacturing. Third, the original renewable energy standard was not practicable for Indiana, but it was moderated to a level at which Indiana can achieve results.
Regarding the details, I have worked diligently to safeguard the taxpayers' of Southern Indiana from being unfairly penalized by the bill. For example, I secured language in the legislation that will allow waste-to-energy to count as a source of renewable energy, thus making the overall Renewable Electricity Standard more attainable for Indiana. In addition, I was able to get a provision in the bill that develops a rebate program to make the purchase of energy-efficient manufactured homes more affordable and accessible.
Southern Indiana possesses the tools to play a key role in this process, and I believe our manufacturing base will attract clean energy jobs. Technological advances in clean energy, such as carbon capture and storage technology, can and will be exported all over the world. Our agriculture community will play a vital role in offsetting green house gases, and will also play a crucial role in cost containment. Finally, our universities, such as Indiana University, are well poised to be at the leading edge of our technological future.
I have been in touch with stakeholders in Southern Indiana, working to ensure that our goals and aspirations in this bill are both well intentioned and achievable. I am happy to report that a major power supplier in Indiana is supportive of the bill continuing to make its way through the legislative process. Again, this bill is at the start of a long process. I look forward to making additional improvements to this bill that will strengthen protections for Hoosier families, our agriculture community and local industries.
Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. Please feel free to call me at 202.225.5315 if you have any further questions or comments. If you would like to receive periodic email updates on my Congressional activities, please visit http://baronhill.house.gov.
********************
And here is my reply:
Dear Congressman Hill... I appreciate your reply to my letter concerning the Cap and Trade bill. I don't personally believe that humans are responsible for global warming. I am more inclined to believe in natural earth cycles driven by solar activity. I view cap and trade as a scheme to redistribute wealth and I know that a majority of other countries will not buy into this scheme. But, I assure you, I will keep your reply on file, and when we start losing jobs and face increased rates for all types of energy because of this bill, and if I can afford electricity to run my computer, I will send it back to you as a reminder of what you have helped do to this country.
Sincerely,
Ronald Schunk
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
DRAFT AGENDA COMMISSIONER'S MEETING JUL 7
DRAFT AGENDA
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 7, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan
2. Signatures for Juvenile, Nurse’s Agreement
3. Discussion of Afflac Insurance information
4. Bill Black – Emergency Management
Appointment to District Planning Council – Mike Davis
5. Ratification of signature for Heart House grant
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Change Order for Bells Branch Bridge
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
2. Washington Township Trustee Appointment
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 7, 2009
7:00 p.m., Commissioners Room
County Administration Building
215 B West High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. OLD BUSINESS
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Latest addition of the County Campus Plan
2. Signatures for Juvenile, Nurse’s Agreement
3. Discussion of Afflac Insurance information
4. Bill Black – Emergency Management
Appointment to District Planning Council – Mike Davis
5. Ratification of signature for Heart House grant
V. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Todd Listerman
1. Updates
2. Change Order for Bells Branch Bridge
VI. AUDITOR - Cary Pickens
1. Claims/Minutes
2. Washington Township Trustee Appointment
VII. ATTORNEY
VIII. COMMISSIONER – Jeff Hughes
IX. COMMISSIONER – Tom Orschell
X. COMMISSIONER – Ralph Thompson, Jr.
XI. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ADJOURN
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Dearborn County Animal Control Meeting Minutes 30 June 2009
Dearborn County Animal Control Meeting June 30, 2009
Members Present
Steve Hubbard, DVM, President
Sandy Carley, Vice President
Penny Schroder, Secretary
Bill Ullrich
Ralph Thompson
J. R. Holdcraft
Robbin Pelfrey
Doug Taylor
David Schneider
Two visitors, John D. Gay, County Attorney pro tem, and Cary Pickens, County Auditor, were in attendance at the meeting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 P.M.
The minutes from the previous meeting, April 9, 2009, were approved and the approval sheet was signed.
Steve said the main item on the agenda was to clarify the responsibilities of the Animal Control Board. Penny had a handout of the county ordinance, Chapter 90.50 which was the section of the ordinance in question.
Mr. Gay said he didn’t know exactly what the Board was looking for, and stated that it wasn’t the best written ordinance he had ever seen, but it seems to him that the ACB has several functions. The only part of the chapter with any autonomy is the first two sections of paragraph A which states (1) Establish rules and regulations concerning the operation of the Animal Shelter; (2) Establish standards for the humane treatment and control of domestic animals in the county. Everything else here is recommendations to the County Commissioners who actually employ and are responsible for the operation of the “dog shelter”.
Mr. Gay said that Chapter 90.50, (A) (7), makes it clear that the ACB is an advisory committee. He said the control of the shelter rests with the County Commissioners.
None of the ACB members had a copy of 90.50, (A) (7). Ralph said the ordinance had to be approved by the commissioners. Robbin said the copy she had was reviewed by then county attorney, Lisa deHart Lehner and approved by the commissioners. At that time Karen Shell was the county commissioner who sat on the ACB. Cary asked if anyone had a signed copy of the ordinance.
Penny said that although many county departments didn’t have current copies of the ordinance, the question at hand was to address Chapter 90.50, (A) (1) – (3) which appears to be the same in all copies of the ordinance.
Mr. Gay read his copy of Chapter 90.50, (A) (7). The intent of this chapter is that the Animal Control Commission is to be an advisory body to formulate and adopt policies for the humane treatment of domestic animals in the county. His copy is dated April 5, 2004.
Ralph said that the ACB is to work with the commissioners, not the shelter.
Cary asked, do you want me to just do my (rules?) in this real quick? I’m in this because I’m the Auditor and the EEO coordinator, and we had a potential sexual harassment, hostile work environment filed. As soon as that happens it triggers an automatic investigation. It went through and cost the county 8500 bucks. I think it was some “B.S.” stuff that could have been talked out. So the reason I’m out there is to make sure this doesn’t happen again. And I’m out there trying to be a team builder, trying to get the folks to write a mission statement of what that animal control board and that facility are really there for. And then when they’re done with that I want them to write a mission statement as to where they want to be in six months. How they actually want to run that thing and the means to get it done. I’m also going to put together a chart to line out a chain of command. That being the fulltime employ takes it to the Director and the Director takes it to the Commissioners. The Commissioners can ask the advice of the ACB. “There should be no communication between the animal shelter and the ACB because they don’t have a damn thing to say about it.”
Robbin asked why we have a board. Cary said to advise the Commissioners. Cary said “I don’t know crap about animal control board, and I’m just out there in the
(south ward?) just trying to learn what’s going on.” Cary said he’s trying to find out what’s going on out there.
Penny asked if the ACB had been going in the wrong direction all of these years. Bill said it wasn’t the wrong direction , but a lack of specific direction and everybody has been acting in good faith to get the job done. Numerous times it’s lack of communication with the proper people to be communicated with and as far as the county employees they’re under the umbrella of the Commissioners and it’s the Council’s responsibility to get them funded, and that’s the extent of it. Beyond that, and thank God for the volunteer help, which includes the P.A.W.S. members right here on this board helping out and providing suggestions for direction which is great. We need that to continue. It was a matter of who do I turn to and who do I talk to. Ralph said what gets me is he said, she said, and no body said. There are too many chiefs and too few Indians.
Sandy said there are always two sides to every story. Cary said what he wants to get through to the employees out there is some communication skills so that when they’re told something to do, to get feedback, not just walk away. There is still the question of what still needs to be done. It’s another team building tool to try to get some coherency out there instead of back biting every damn time you turn around. When you walk in out there it’s cold as hell. There’s people not talking and whatever.
Steve had a question for the attorney. One night after hours, he encountered two (shelter) county employees who were waiting on a friend. We had just hired a new shelter director. I walked over and said, hey, how are things going? How’s the new director doing? They looked at me and said we can’t talk to you. We were told that if we discuss director or her job there will be serious retribution. And they were scared s-------, both of them. They were told in a meeting by the Director if they talked to anyone there would be serious retribution. Now what’s that mean to you?
Ralph said first off that’s a lie. I was in that meeting and that’s not what was said. Mr. Gay said I think people are afraid to talk; I think communication….. In order to do a job, you need to be informed about what’s going on. You can’t make decisions in a vacuum. At the same time, Ralph can’t sit here and make a decision for the County Commissioners. No one of you acting alone can make a decision for the ACB. Whatever decisions you make should run to the County Commissioners for approval. They’re the ones who hire, the county’s the one who pay the employees out there. They’re the ones who are ultimately responsible for the performance of their job and how they do their duties. It is my opinion to restrict someone’s freedom of speech to give their opinion on the performance of someone. But I don’t know if it’s the correct way to address the situation. But, there again, you’re trying to find out facts about what’s going on and how you address an issue, if there is an issue. Too many court rooms have heard too many stories about the same event and it sounds totally different I hate to sit here and say based on these guy’s reactions to your innocent question what took place at that meeting. They may have been half listening, they may have heard part of it and they have gotten somebody else’s report of it.
Cary said, Steve, on that one, I’m just going to divulge some of the stuff that went on at those interviews, there were some folks who were threatened by her, and some folks who didn’t take it as a threat at all. So, it’s a mixed audience again. Some folks perceived it as a threat, some folks nothing. In other words, if you’ve got a complaint, take it to the boss.
Steve said, well, that’s the problem. Cary said, well, you’re beating a dead horse because that situation has been removed from the shelter; that’s past history. We’re trying to get things going so we can have a smooth running machine out there.
Robbin said, Cary, we had a smooth operation out there…Cary interrupted with, how many directors have you had out there in the past six years; it’s not a smooth operation. Robbin said Cheryl was there for five years before she got burned out. But now, we’ve hit a brick wall.
Steve said it is the past, but unfortunately, some people don’t feel that way. Ann Averil, the past director, went back to the shelter the day after she was given the opportunity to resign, rather than be terminated, and asked some of the employees to recant their statements.
Steve said to Ralph that whatever your relationship was to Annie or Ann, whatever you want to call her, there has been a sincere feeling among a lot of people that because of her termination that now there is retribution. For a lack of better words, that someone is going to pay for this. Cary said, and that’s why I’m out there, Steve. “I’m not out there to crucify anybody, I’m just out there to get the damn thing straightened out. If I have to play hardball once in a while, hey, I’ll do it. I’m not out there with that intent to do that.”
Steve said to Cary, what people basically feel is that they need protection from the commissioner (Ralph). That they feel threatened by him. People went to H.R. because they didn’t feel comfortable going to him because Ann told them she could do anything she wanted because Ralph gave her permission to do anything she wanted. When someone didn’t do what she wanted, there was hell to pay. Someone told me that they had a discussion with the commissioner (Ralph), and sixteen days later they were written up based on this discussion. Ralph said he didn’t know what it was and he didn’t see the write up.
Mr. Gay said they were loosing sight of one thing; “that anyone who said anything about how insulated this director was from her inappropriate activities and the commissioner (Ralph) were obviously not true. She’s gone.” Also if anyone feels that retribution is being imposed upon them, they should also be looking at their activities, and is their behavior appropriate. There’s got to be a director hired at some time that isn’t subjective to internal strife.
Penny said that before Ann was hired, there was progress at the shelter. Everyone was working together as a team. Many improvements were made. As soon as Ann was asked to resign, things have been moving backwards. Many bad feelings exist, and we don’t want that. Before Ann, policies and procedures were put in place, and they were working to everyone’s benefit, including the animals. All the ACB wants is to continue with these practices. Cary said that was fine, but it then needed to be presented to the commissioners at a public meeting for approval. Once the commissioners approve any, or all, of the recommendation, they should take it to the Shelter Director for implementation. Penny said that no commissioner had ever told the ACB that they were handling their responsibilities incorrectly.
Sandy said that sometimes people who have an animal issue with the shelter are referred by the shelter to attend an ACB meeting for a hearing. Is this right or wrong? Mr. Gay said that if it concerns animal control policy, it’s okay. Bill said that the matter is usually the correct interpretation of an ordinance. The ACB hears the person’s concerns and explains the ordinance that pertains to them. Mr. Gay said that is how issues of this kind should be resolved. However, if the ordinance really doesn’t fit the situation, then a recommendation should be made to take it to the commissioners at a public meeting.
Penny asked if the policies and procedures that the ACB has previously passed should now go to the commissioners for approval. Mr. Gay said yes.
Cary said it was the fault of the commissioners for not handling this situation sooner. Ralph said he had told this board many times that they were an advisory board only. Bill confirmed this. Penny said everyone heard the statement many times. Bill said that what the ACB did worked because nobody said anything different. It’s a tough adjustment. Penny said it’s not tough; it’s just that no one ever took the time to say anything.
Bill said it was hoped that by hiring Ann Averil, who had no previous interaction with the shelter, the operation of the shelter would progress. “Instead of making things better, it made things a hell of a lot worse.”
Penny asked if the ACB could still review applications for the position of Animal Control Director, and make recommendations to the commissioners as it states in the ordinance. Cary said the commissioners have the final decision. Penny said what she asked was could the ACB still do this. Cary said yes.
Cary said that in listening to the testimony that was made against the last director; he thinks if you hire somebody who is working there right now, you’ll be right back in the same situation in a month or two, because there’s hostility between all of the folks at that facility. Don’t even consider anyone who has an application who works there now. Find somebody stone cold new and go from there.
Sandy reminded everyone that previously David had suggested getting into the pool of qualified people at other facilities and animal welfare organizations.
David said that he is the newest ACB member, and asked, what have we been doing that is outside of policy? He said we discuss and pass policy and procedure that is then passed on to the other commissioners by Ralph who is a commissioner and a member of the ACB. David said he thought all along that the commissioner sitting on the ACB was doing this. Cary said an ACB representative needs to go before the commissioners at a public meeting.
David said it’s not like we’re moving mountains here; what we’re doing is relatively simple. David said he understands that we’re an advisory board, but everyone here is passionate and dedicated about what we’re doing or we wouldn’t be here. However, when you’re told over and over (by Ralph) that I’m the boss and I make the decisions; it’s not going to happen unless it happens through me, it’s belittling. David said he is here only because of his love for animals; no political gain. He said he cares about the shelter. He wants to see it become and operate like a finely tuned machine. He thinks if everyone involved, ACB, commissioners, county, stay on course, it can be achieved. Before this most recent situation, everything was moving forward.
Doug said he thinks the ACB and the commissioners need to move ahead with their duties as they are stated. Penny said she agrees but is dismayed because the county has never before taken the time to recognize that any of them even exist.
Mr. Gay said he thinks it was the intention of the commissioners to hand off as much of the responsibility as possible to the ACB. The commissioners meet twice a month and they’re busy; they work a lot of hours outside of those meetings. They don’t want to spend their time with animal control matters. Cary said he thinks someone from the ACB should attend all commissioners’ meetings to make sure issues are being stated and handled as the ACB intended.
Mr. Gay thinks Ralph was also happy with the way the ACB and the shelter were operating, and that he moved back in to take control reluctantly. Penny said everyone was satisfied with the progress being made, but now progress has digressed. Cary said it’s time to move forward; it’s past history. Penny said it’s absolutely past history. We want to move forward too.
Ralph said moving forward is recognizing what the shelter management is now. There are multiple people going out and giving direction and moving money around the shelter accounts illegally. Sandy asked Ralph to explain. Ralph said there is no person on this board who can unilaterally move money from account to account. Robbin said she did not move any money. She said she called Jessica because there was budget money left and brought to her attention that that money had been coded wrong. Robbin was told she was correct and it would be taken care of. Ralph said Jessica wasn’t permitted to do that either. Ralph said he should have been contacted and he would have directed the matter to council. Bill said that would have taken forever. Penny said that we weren’t aware of all of this until tonight and it’s all in the past and over. Cary said he had given Jessica permission to make those transfers, but tonight the buck stops here.
Bill said it was the logical thing to do at the time. Sandy reminded everyone that Robbin has helped prepare the shelter budget several times, and she is very knowledgeable of the accounts. Sandy said Robbin helped Cheryl prepare the 2007 and 2008 budgets. They were brought to the ACB for discussion and Steve Hubbard presented one of the budgets to council. Again, it’s in the past.
Ralph said in the past colleagues were good about bring things to him, but now some are going around him in retaliation. Several people have basically told him they will not do what they have been told to do. They have been written up for insubordination. Sandy said Lisa Harrison has done that in the past; was it her. Ralph said it wasn’t her and he wouldn’t mention any names.
Steve said our job isn’t to tell shelter employees what to do. Ralph said correct. But at the same time, you talk about the chain of command. We were told that if one of us were to go to the shelter and give an employ direction on what to do, they were to call the Sheriff. Cary said that is not true. They will be asked to leave; if they become hostile the sheriff is to be called. That is to be done as a last resort. Steve said he can’t see anyone going out there doing that. He thinks it’s strange that the shelter employees would even be told something like that. Ralph said someone had commented on a shelter situation to a shelter employee and that employee felt threatened. Bill said that person realized it was out of line and apologized to the employee. Mr. Gay said all direction should come from the Shelter Director or the Commissioners.
David said he doesn’t want this advisory board to feel belittled because of their efforts. We’re here voluntarily. He thinks Steve’s question was an honest, legitimate one. Before Ann was hired, he visited the shelter for fifteen minutes. He was bombarded with complaints and comments from shelter employees. He told them he was only there to visit. He wants to see the shelter improve as everyone else does. He doesn’t want to see all the ACB has done be in vain. As far as he is concerned, progress has been made through the ACB.
Steve asked for the shelter update. Ralph said that he had given Steve and Sandy copies of the new shelter plans and, as of yet, hadn’t heard back from either of them. Anyone else who would like a copy should let him know. The Commissioners have reviewed the plans. They have approved a 95% plan. This excludes electrical and mechanical which has been rejected. Ralph has been working with the Park Board concerning a variance, and plans to go before the BZA on July 15th. We had hoped to break ground in June, obviously, that isn’t going to happen. He had discussed with Sandy that if it was necessary to relocate, it would cost about $2000.00. He is trying to keep P.A.W.S. from paying an additional $2000.00. There is also a farm lease on the land until 2010. He thinks they are close to a resolution on that. It concerns thirty feet of fence. They are trying to have the Park Board release it to the new shelter project.
Sandy confirmed with Ralph that this is a perimeter fence, and should not interfere with the biding process. Ralph said that is correct. Ralph said the farmer who has the farm lease has crops growing on the land, but he thinks a solution is close. Any final comments on the plans need to be directed to him or one of the other commissioners. The bid date is set for August 3, 2009 at 3:00 P.M. The probable award date would be August 17, 2009. Bid notification will be July 15, 2009.
Sandy said the farmer involved had called her. She didn’t know how he got her number, but she directed him to Art Wentzel. The farmer called her back and said things were being worked out.
Sandy asked, based on the Resolution that was prepared and signed last year, when will the ACB become involved. Ralph said you have drawings to review, and he tried to discuss the drawings with Becky, but she was unavailable. The ACB is supposed to review the drawings and make comments. Ralph said he got the impression that the ACB wasn’t interested in seeing the drawings so he gave copies to Steve and Sandy. Ralph said if anyone else wants the drawings, he will have them made.
Sandy asked how involved it was that the mechanical and electrical drawings had not yet been approved. Ralph said his set of the drawings didn’t include the heating and cooling, electrical, and mechanical. Insulation and ventilation were not adequate on his drawings. It is now in compliance with Indiana code.
Sandy said she is concerned that the changes and additions will result in higher construction costs; a hard figure for cost isn’t yet available. Ralph said he asked for an estimate, but was told they couldn’t yet give him one. Sandy said a lot of bids will probably be received. Ralph agreed that the present economy should play a part.
Ralph said the remainder of P.A.W.S.’s money would need to be turned over when it goes out for bid. Sandy said she needed a more accurate figure. Ralph said when the bids come in a better figure will be available. On August 3rd, there will be hard figures.
On this day there will be a public meeting to open the bids. Sandy asked Cary if he would have a part in the bid process; he said no, he will just be a bean counter. Also, August 18th is just a tentative date for awarding a bid. Cary said all of the bids could be rejected on August 18th. Ralph said from what he has been seeing, bids are coming in lower than in the past.
John Gay and Cary Pickens left the meeting.
Steve left the meeting for a few minutes so Sandy continued on with the presiding of the meeting.
There was no end of the month shelter report because we were still in the month in question.
Sandy asked for any old business. Penny asked about the SPOT training that Tara Rogers attended. There was shelter procedure that was to be adopted based on this training and the ACB was supposed to get a report on this. Ralph said the chain of command is to be followed. Tara just presented him with the report. Penny asked if someone would give this report to the ACB at the next meeting on August 13th. Ralph said he would give the report.
Ralph said there have been a few times that employees have been asked to do things and they have refused to do them. They have been told they will be written up if they don’t comply. Penny just wanted to confirm that the report would be given at the next meeting so that it could be discussed, and then recommendations made to the commissioners for approval.
Penny asked Ralph to explain the email he had sent to the ACB concerning Greendale’s ordinance. Ralph said Greendale has its own animal control ordinance. Because of that the county doesn’t have the authority to handle this type of situation in Greendale. Greendale has passed a resolution to allow the county to enforce the County Ordinance in Greendale. This is currently being enforced through a verbal agreement with Doug Hedrick, Mayor of Greendale.
Sandy asked for the status of the grant request to Dearborn Community Foundation for shelter vehicles. Ralph said the deadline was missed. Ralph said he still had all of the paperwork and would try to meet the next deadline.
Sandy said the next two things that had been discussed were Pet Point and adoption fees. Ralph said the information on Pet Point was incomplete. The contract was sent out, but it turned out to be more complicated than originally thought. It needs to be looked at again. Ralph said he has sent out surveys to rescues about raising pulls, not adoptions but pulls. Adoption fees do need to be increased because we’re lower than anywhere else. Sandy reminded everyone of the handout she had given to everyone a couple of meetings ago. It shows all of the surrounding shelters’ fees. A decision needs to be made soon because after the ACB makes a decision, it needs to proceed as a change to the ordinance, and then follow those channels.
Steve returned to the meeting. Sandy told him we had moved on in his absence.
Steve asked what Becky Foster’s status was; is she back to work? Yes, but not as before; currently she is only working on rescues. Ralph said there was some misunderstanding on the last Rescue Waggin rescue. Ralph was told by Marlene of the Rescue Waggin that Tara could handle it, but then got back with him saying that only Becky Foster was trained to handle the process. Ralph said they have moved forward to make it happen.
Sandy said she has heard that it is being said that P.A.W.S. is overstepping their boundaries. She said she wants everyone to understand that P.A.W.S. came into the picture years ago when the county shelter was getting very bad press about euthanizing 1400 animals in a years’ time. Robbin was the founder of P.A.W.S. With the help of P.A.W.S. through the years the euthanasia rate has dropped drastically, and they pay for the shelter animals’ medical needs and spays and neuters. See the handout.
Sandy said that P.A.W.S. volunteers have given countless hours and monies to help the county animals. Also the community has entrusted P.A.W.S. with their money to continue these practices and to build a new shelter. Bill said he didn’t think anyone here would argue that point. Sandy said she just wanted everyone to know what P.A.W.S. does and will continue to do.
David said that he and Ralph had attempted to arrange some training for the shelter employees through a program headed by Sheriff Lusby, but due to bad timing it wasn’t able to happen; the schedule wouldn’t accommodate it. This is something that can come about in the future, and should be pursued for the shelter employees. David said he also hoped we could get back to addressing the need for uniforms for employees.
Ralph said they have already gone through the money budgeted for food and supplies as of May. He is trying to estimate budget costs for 2010 with the new shelter also in mind. He said the county can’t afford to feed a new shelter filled with animals.
The ACB needs to proceed with finding a new director. New avenues should be searched in order to find those best qualified for the position. Ralph reminded everyone again that the ACB could only recommend someone to the commissioners; the commissioners make the final decision.
Penny asked if the commissioners had to give approval for the ACB to make a request for applications for the shelter director’s job. Ralph said no. We should make a list of avenues to pursue for this position.
David said when the ACO’s complete the training mentioned above; a fund needs to be established so that the citations they write will be directed to that fund.
Sandy made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Bill seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
Members Present
Steve Hubbard, DVM, President
Sandy Carley, Vice President
Penny Schroder, Secretary
Bill Ullrich
Ralph Thompson
J. R. Holdcraft
Robbin Pelfrey
Doug Taylor
David Schneider
Two visitors, John D. Gay, County Attorney pro tem, and Cary Pickens, County Auditor, were in attendance at the meeting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 P.M.
The minutes from the previous meeting, April 9, 2009, were approved and the approval sheet was signed.
Steve said the main item on the agenda was to clarify the responsibilities of the Animal Control Board. Penny had a handout of the county ordinance, Chapter 90.50 which was the section of the ordinance in question.
Mr. Gay said he didn’t know exactly what the Board was looking for, and stated that it wasn’t the best written ordinance he had ever seen, but it seems to him that the ACB has several functions. The only part of the chapter with any autonomy is the first two sections of paragraph A which states (1) Establish rules and regulations concerning the operation of the Animal Shelter; (2) Establish standards for the humane treatment and control of domestic animals in the county. Everything else here is recommendations to the County Commissioners who actually employ and are responsible for the operation of the “dog shelter”.
Mr. Gay said that Chapter 90.50, (A) (7), makes it clear that the ACB is an advisory committee. He said the control of the shelter rests with the County Commissioners.
None of the ACB members had a copy of 90.50, (A) (7). Ralph said the ordinance had to be approved by the commissioners. Robbin said the copy she had was reviewed by then county attorney, Lisa deHart Lehner and approved by the commissioners. At that time Karen Shell was the county commissioner who sat on the ACB. Cary asked if anyone had a signed copy of the ordinance.
Penny said that although many county departments didn’t have current copies of the ordinance, the question at hand was to address Chapter 90.50, (A) (1) – (3) which appears to be the same in all copies of the ordinance.
Mr. Gay read his copy of Chapter 90.50, (A) (7). The intent of this chapter is that the Animal Control Commission is to be an advisory body to formulate and adopt policies for the humane treatment of domestic animals in the county. His copy is dated April 5, 2004.
Ralph said that the ACB is to work with the commissioners, not the shelter.
Cary asked, do you want me to just do my (rules?) in this real quick? I’m in this because I’m the Auditor and the EEO coordinator, and we had a potential sexual harassment, hostile work environment filed. As soon as that happens it triggers an automatic investigation. It went through and cost the county 8500 bucks. I think it was some “B.S.” stuff that could have been talked out. So the reason I’m out there is to make sure this doesn’t happen again. And I’m out there trying to be a team builder, trying to get the folks to write a mission statement of what that animal control board and that facility are really there for. And then when they’re done with that I want them to write a mission statement as to where they want to be in six months. How they actually want to run that thing and the means to get it done. I’m also going to put together a chart to line out a chain of command. That being the fulltime employ takes it to the Director and the Director takes it to the Commissioners. The Commissioners can ask the advice of the ACB. “There should be no communication between the animal shelter and the ACB because they don’t have a damn thing to say about it.”
Robbin asked why we have a board. Cary said to advise the Commissioners. Cary said “I don’t know crap about animal control board, and I’m just out there in the
(south ward?) just trying to learn what’s going on.” Cary said he’s trying to find out what’s going on out there.
Penny asked if the ACB had been going in the wrong direction all of these years. Bill said it wasn’t the wrong direction , but a lack of specific direction and everybody has been acting in good faith to get the job done. Numerous times it’s lack of communication with the proper people to be communicated with and as far as the county employees they’re under the umbrella of the Commissioners and it’s the Council’s responsibility to get them funded, and that’s the extent of it. Beyond that, and thank God for the volunteer help, which includes the P.A.W.S. members right here on this board helping out and providing suggestions for direction which is great. We need that to continue. It was a matter of who do I turn to and who do I talk to. Ralph said what gets me is he said, she said, and no body said. There are too many chiefs and too few Indians.
Sandy said there are always two sides to every story. Cary said what he wants to get through to the employees out there is some communication skills so that when they’re told something to do, to get feedback, not just walk away. There is still the question of what still needs to be done. It’s another team building tool to try to get some coherency out there instead of back biting every damn time you turn around. When you walk in out there it’s cold as hell. There’s people not talking and whatever.
Steve had a question for the attorney. One night after hours, he encountered two (shelter) county employees who were waiting on a friend. We had just hired a new shelter director. I walked over and said, hey, how are things going? How’s the new director doing? They looked at me and said we can’t talk to you. We were told that if we discuss director or her job there will be serious retribution. And they were scared s-------, both of them. They were told in a meeting by the Director if they talked to anyone there would be serious retribution. Now what’s that mean to you?
Ralph said first off that’s a lie. I was in that meeting and that’s not what was said. Mr. Gay said I think people are afraid to talk; I think communication….. In order to do a job, you need to be informed about what’s going on. You can’t make decisions in a vacuum. At the same time, Ralph can’t sit here and make a decision for the County Commissioners. No one of you acting alone can make a decision for the ACB. Whatever decisions you make should run to the County Commissioners for approval. They’re the ones who hire, the county’s the one who pay the employees out there. They’re the ones who are ultimately responsible for the performance of their job and how they do their duties. It is my opinion to restrict someone’s freedom of speech to give their opinion on the performance of someone. But I don’t know if it’s the correct way to address the situation. But, there again, you’re trying to find out facts about what’s going on and how you address an issue, if there is an issue. Too many court rooms have heard too many stories about the same event and it sounds totally different I hate to sit here and say based on these guy’s reactions to your innocent question what took place at that meeting. They may have been half listening, they may have heard part of it and they have gotten somebody else’s report of it.
Cary said, Steve, on that one, I’m just going to divulge some of the stuff that went on at those interviews, there were some folks who were threatened by her, and some folks who didn’t take it as a threat at all. So, it’s a mixed audience again. Some folks perceived it as a threat, some folks nothing. In other words, if you’ve got a complaint, take it to the boss.
Steve said, well, that’s the problem. Cary said, well, you’re beating a dead horse because that situation has been removed from the shelter; that’s past history. We’re trying to get things going so we can have a smooth running machine out there.
Robbin said, Cary, we had a smooth operation out there…Cary interrupted with, how many directors have you had out there in the past six years; it’s not a smooth operation. Robbin said Cheryl was there for five years before she got burned out. But now, we’ve hit a brick wall.
Steve said it is the past, but unfortunately, some people don’t feel that way. Ann Averil, the past director, went back to the shelter the day after she was given the opportunity to resign, rather than be terminated, and asked some of the employees to recant their statements.
Steve said to Ralph that whatever your relationship was to Annie or Ann, whatever you want to call her, there has been a sincere feeling among a lot of people that because of her termination that now there is retribution. For a lack of better words, that someone is going to pay for this. Cary said, and that’s why I’m out there, Steve. “I’m not out there to crucify anybody, I’m just out there to get the damn thing straightened out. If I have to play hardball once in a while, hey, I’ll do it. I’m not out there with that intent to do that.”
Steve said to Cary, what people basically feel is that they need protection from the commissioner (Ralph). That they feel threatened by him. People went to H.R. because they didn’t feel comfortable going to him because Ann told them she could do anything she wanted because Ralph gave her permission to do anything she wanted. When someone didn’t do what she wanted, there was hell to pay. Someone told me that they had a discussion with the commissioner (Ralph), and sixteen days later they were written up based on this discussion. Ralph said he didn’t know what it was and he didn’t see the write up.
Mr. Gay said they were loosing sight of one thing; “that anyone who said anything about how insulated this director was from her inappropriate activities and the commissioner (Ralph) were obviously not true. She’s gone.” Also if anyone feels that retribution is being imposed upon them, they should also be looking at their activities, and is their behavior appropriate. There’s got to be a director hired at some time that isn’t subjective to internal strife.
Penny said that before Ann was hired, there was progress at the shelter. Everyone was working together as a team. Many improvements were made. As soon as Ann was asked to resign, things have been moving backwards. Many bad feelings exist, and we don’t want that. Before Ann, policies and procedures were put in place, and they were working to everyone’s benefit, including the animals. All the ACB wants is to continue with these practices. Cary said that was fine, but it then needed to be presented to the commissioners at a public meeting for approval. Once the commissioners approve any, or all, of the recommendation, they should take it to the Shelter Director for implementation. Penny said that no commissioner had ever told the ACB that they were handling their responsibilities incorrectly.
Sandy said that sometimes people who have an animal issue with the shelter are referred by the shelter to attend an ACB meeting for a hearing. Is this right or wrong? Mr. Gay said that if it concerns animal control policy, it’s okay. Bill said that the matter is usually the correct interpretation of an ordinance. The ACB hears the person’s concerns and explains the ordinance that pertains to them. Mr. Gay said that is how issues of this kind should be resolved. However, if the ordinance really doesn’t fit the situation, then a recommendation should be made to take it to the commissioners at a public meeting.
Penny asked if the policies and procedures that the ACB has previously passed should now go to the commissioners for approval. Mr. Gay said yes.
Cary said it was the fault of the commissioners for not handling this situation sooner. Ralph said he had told this board many times that they were an advisory board only. Bill confirmed this. Penny said everyone heard the statement many times. Bill said that what the ACB did worked because nobody said anything different. It’s a tough adjustment. Penny said it’s not tough; it’s just that no one ever took the time to say anything.
Bill said it was hoped that by hiring Ann Averil, who had no previous interaction with the shelter, the operation of the shelter would progress. “Instead of making things better, it made things a hell of a lot worse.”
Penny asked if the ACB could still review applications for the position of Animal Control Director, and make recommendations to the commissioners as it states in the ordinance. Cary said the commissioners have the final decision. Penny said what she asked was could the ACB still do this. Cary said yes.
Cary said that in listening to the testimony that was made against the last director; he thinks if you hire somebody who is working there right now, you’ll be right back in the same situation in a month or two, because there’s hostility between all of the folks at that facility. Don’t even consider anyone who has an application who works there now. Find somebody stone cold new and go from there.
Sandy reminded everyone that previously David had suggested getting into the pool of qualified people at other facilities and animal welfare organizations.
David said that he is the newest ACB member, and asked, what have we been doing that is outside of policy? He said we discuss and pass policy and procedure that is then passed on to the other commissioners by Ralph who is a commissioner and a member of the ACB. David said he thought all along that the commissioner sitting on the ACB was doing this. Cary said an ACB representative needs to go before the commissioners at a public meeting.
David said it’s not like we’re moving mountains here; what we’re doing is relatively simple. David said he understands that we’re an advisory board, but everyone here is passionate and dedicated about what we’re doing or we wouldn’t be here. However, when you’re told over and over (by Ralph) that I’m the boss and I make the decisions; it’s not going to happen unless it happens through me, it’s belittling. David said he is here only because of his love for animals; no political gain. He said he cares about the shelter. He wants to see it become and operate like a finely tuned machine. He thinks if everyone involved, ACB, commissioners, county, stay on course, it can be achieved. Before this most recent situation, everything was moving forward.
Doug said he thinks the ACB and the commissioners need to move ahead with their duties as they are stated. Penny said she agrees but is dismayed because the county has never before taken the time to recognize that any of them even exist.
Mr. Gay said he thinks it was the intention of the commissioners to hand off as much of the responsibility as possible to the ACB. The commissioners meet twice a month and they’re busy; they work a lot of hours outside of those meetings. They don’t want to spend their time with animal control matters. Cary said he thinks someone from the ACB should attend all commissioners’ meetings to make sure issues are being stated and handled as the ACB intended.
Mr. Gay thinks Ralph was also happy with the way the ACB and the shelter were operating, and that he moved back in to take control reluctantly. Penny said everyone was satisfied with the progress being made, but now progress has digressed. Cary said it’s time to move forward; it’s past history. Penny said it’s absolutely past history. We want to move forward too.
Ralph said moving forward is recognizing what the shelter management is now. There are multiple people going out and giving direction and moving money around the shelter accounts illegally. Sandy asked Ralph to explain. Ralph said there is no person on this board who can unilaterally move money from account to account. Robbin said she did not move any money. She said she called Jessica because there was budget money left and brought to her attention that that money had been coded wrong. Robbin was told she was correct and it would be taken care of. Ralph said Jessica wasn’t permitted to do that either. Ralph said he should have been contacted and he would have directed the matter to council. Bill said that would have taken forever. Penny said that we weren’t aware of all of this until tonight and it’s all in the past and over. Cary said he had given Jessica permission to make those transfers, but tonight the buck stops here.
Bill said it was the logical thing to do at the time. Sandy reminded everyone that Robbin has helped prepare the shelter budget several times, and she is very knowledgeable of the accounts. Sandy said Robbin helped Cheryl prepare the 2007 and 2008 budgets. They were brought to the ACB for discussion and Steve Hubbard presented one of the budgets to council. Again, it’s in the past.
Ralph said in the past colleagues were good about bring things to him, but now some are going around him in retaliation. Several people have basically told him they will not do what they have been told to do. They have been written up for insubordination. Sandy said Lisa Harrison has done that in the past; was it her. Ralph said it wasn’t her and he wouldn’t mention any names.
Steve said our job isn’t to tell shelter employees what to do. Ralph said correct. But at the same time, you talk about the chain of command. We were told that if one of us were to go to the shelter and give an employ direction on what to do, they were to call the Sheriff. Cary said that is not true. They will be asked to leave; if they become hostile the sheriff is to be called. That is to be done as a last resort. Steve said he can’t see anyone going out there doing that. He thinks it’s strange that the shelter employees would even be told something like that. Ralph said someone had commented on a shelter situation to a shelter employee and that employee felt threatened. Bill said that person realized it was out of line and apologized to the employee. Mr. Gay said all direction should come from the Shelter Director or the Commissioners.
David said he doesn’t want this advisory board to feel belittled because of their efforts. We’re here voluntarily. He thinks Steve’s question was an honest, legitimate one. Before Ann was hired, he visited the shelter for fifteen minutes. He was bombarded with complaints and comments from shelter employees. He told them he was only there to visit. He wants to see the shelter improve as everyone else does. He doesn’t want to see all the ACB has done be in vain. As far as he is concerned, progress has been made through the ACB.
Steve asked for the shelter update. Ralph said that he had given Steve and Sandy copies of the new shelter plans and, as of yet, hadn’t heard back from either of them. Anyone else who would like a copy should let him know. The Commissioners have reviewed the plans. They have approved a 95% plan. This excludes electrical and mechanical which has been rejected. Ralph has been working with the Park Board concerning a variance, and plans to go before the BZA on July 15th. We had hoped to break ground in June, obviously, that isn’t going to happen. He had discussed with Sandy that if it was necessary to relocate, it would cost about $2000.00. He is trying to keep P.A.W.S. from paying an additional $2000.00. There is also a farm lease on the land until 2010. He thinks they are close to a resolution on that. It concerns thirty feet of fence. They are trying to have the Park Board release it to the new shelter project.
Sandy confirmed with Ralph that this is a perimeter fence, and should not interfere with the biding process. Ralph said that is correct. Ralph said the farmer who has the farm lease has crops growing on the land, but he thinks a solution is close. Any final comments on the plans need to be directed to him or one of the other commissioners. The bid date is set for August 3, 2009 at 3:00 P.M. The probable award date would be August 17, 2009. Bid notification will be July 15, 2009.
Sandy said the farmer involved had called her. She didn’t know how he got her number, but she directed him to Art Wentzel. The farmer called her back and said things were being worked out.
Sandy asked, based on the Resolution that was prepared and signed last year, when will the ACB become involved. Ralph said you have drawings to review, and he tried to discuss the drawings with Becky, but she was unavailable. The ACB is supposed to review the drawings and make comments. Ralph said he got the impression that the ACB wasn’t interested in seeing the drawings so he gave copies to Steve and Sandy. Ralph said if anyone else wants the drawings, he will have them made.
Sandy asked how involved it was that the mechanical and electrical drawings had not yet been approved. Ralph said his set of the drawings didn’t include the heating and cooling, electrical, and mechanical. Insulation and ventilation were not adequate on his drawings. It is now in compliance with Indiana code.
Sandy said she is concerned that the changes and additions will result in higher construction costs; a hard figure for cost isn’t yet available. Ralph said he asked for an estimate, but was told they couldn’t yet give him one. Sandy said a lot of bids will probably be received. Ralph agreed that the present economy should play a part.
Ralph said the remainder of P.A.W.S.’s money would need to be turned over when it goes out for bid. Sandy said she needed a more accurate figure. Ralph said when the bids come in a better figure will be available. On August 3rd, there will be hard figures.
On this day there will be a public meeting to open the bids. Sandy asked Cary if he would have a part in the bid process; he said no, he will just be a bean counter. Also, August 18th is just a tentative date for awarding a bid. Cary said all of the bids could be rejected on August 18th. Ralph said from what he has been seeing, bids are coming in lower than in the past.
John Gay and Cary Pickens left the meeting.
Steve left the meeting for a few minutes so Sandy continued on with the presiding of the meeting.
There was no end of the month shelter report because we were still in the month in question.
Sandy asked for any old business. Penny asked about the SPOT training that Tara Rogers attended. There was shelter procedure that was to be adopted based on this training and the ACB was supposed to get a report on this. Ralph said the chain of command is to be followed. Tara just presented him with the report. Penny asked if someone would give this report to the ACB at the next meeting on August 13th. Ralph said he would give the report.
Ralph said there have been a few times that employees have been asked to do things and they have refused to do them. They have been told they will be written up if they don’t comply. Penny just wanted to confirm that the report would be given at the next meeting so that it could be discussed, and then recommendations made to the commissioners for approval.
Penny asked Ralph to explain the email he had sent to the ACB concerning Greendale’s ordinance. Ralph said Greendale has its own animal control ordinance. Because of that the county doesn’t have the authority to handle this type of situation in Greendale. Greendale has passed a resolution to allow the county to enforce the County Ordinance in Greendale. This is currently being enforced through a verbal agreement with Doug Hedrick, Mayor of Greendale.
Sandy asked for the status of the grant request to Dearborn Community Foundation for shelter vehicles. Ralph said the deadline was missed. Ralph said he still had all of the paperwork and would try to meet the next deadline.
Sandy said the next two things that had been discussed were Pet Point and adoption fees. Ralph said the information on Pet Point was incomplete. The contract was sent out, but it turned out to be more complicated than originally thought. It needs to be looked at again. Ralph said he has sent out surveys to rescues about raising pulls, not adoptions but pulls. Adoption fees do need to be increased because we’re lower than anywhere else. Sandy reminded everyone of the handout she had given to everyone a couple of meetings ago. It shows all of the surrounding shelters’ fees. A decision needs to be made soon because after the ACB makes a decision, it needs to proceed as a change to the ordinance, and then follow those channels.
Steve returned to the meeting. Sandy told him we had moved on in his absence.
Steve asked what Becky Foster’s status was; is she back to work? Yes, but not as before; currently she is only working on rescues. Ralph said there was some misunderstanding on the last Rescue Waggin rescue. Ralph was told by Marlene of the Rescue Waggin that Tara could handle it, but then got back with him saying that only Becky Foster was trained to handle the process. Ralph said they have moved forward to make it happen.
Sandy said she has heard that it is being said that P.A.W.S. is overstepping their boundaries. She said she wants everyone to understand that P.A.W.S. came into the picture years ago when the county shelter was getting very bad press about euthanizing 1400 animals in a years’ time. Robbin was the founder of P.A.W.S. With the help of P.A.W.S. through the years the euthanasia rate has dropped drastically, and they pay for the shelter animals’ medical needs and spays and neuters. See the handout.
Sandy said that P.A.W.S. volunteers have given countless hours and monies to help the county animals. Also the community has entrusted P.A.W.S. with their money to continue these practices and to build a new shelter. Bill said he didn’t think anyone here would argue that point. Sandy said she just wanted everyone to know what P.A.W.S. does and will continue to do.
David said that he and Ralph had attempted to arrange some training for the shelter employees through a program headed by Sheriff Lusby, but due to bad timing it wasn’t able to happen; the schedule wouldn’t accommodate it. This is something that can come about in the future, and should be pursued for the shelter employees. David said he also hoped we could get back to addressing the need for uniforms for employees.
Ralph said they have already gone through the money budgeted for food and supplies as of May. He is trying to estimate budget costs for 2010 with the new shelter also in mind. He said the county can’t afford to feed a new shelter filled with animals.
The ACB needs to proceed with finding a new director. New avenues should be searched in order to find those best qualified for the position. Ralph reminded everyone again that the ACB could only recommend someone to the commissioners; the commissioners make the final decision.
Penny asked if the commissioners had to give approval for the ACB to make a request for applications for the shelter director’s job. Ralph said no. We should make a list of avenues to pursue for this position.
David said when the ACO’s complete the training mentioned above; a fund needs to be established so that the citations they write will be directed to that fund.
Sandy made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Bill seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Commissioners and Council to Have Joint Meeting July 7th
There will be a joint meeting of our Council Members and Commissioners. This will be held during the July 7, 2009 Commissioner’s meeting at 7:00 at the Administration Building.
The reason for this meeting is to discuss the latest edition of the County Campus plan.
This will be the first item on the Commissioners meeting agenda so the Council Members may leave directly following the discussion, if they wish.
The reason for this meeting is to discuss the latest edition of the County Campus plan.
This will be the first item on the Commissioners meeting agenda so the Council Members may leave directly following the discussion, if they wish.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
16 June 2009 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
16 June 2009 Dearborn County Commissioner Meeting Notes
Present: Thompson, President, Orschell, and Hughes
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, and Gay, Attorney. [NOTE: Jack Gay thanked the Commissioners at the end of this meeting as Witte is returning in July and Gay said serving the people of Dearborn County has been an honor, privilege, and an education. Commissioners expressed their gratitude to him as well.]
An executive session preceded this meeting. At the regular meeting, the commissioners approved a change in the wording of the health care policy on appliance replacement to new appliances 5 years old or older and repairs not to exceed 75% of replacement.
Commissioners gave Thompson the latitude to solve the personnel problem with Animal Control by Friday.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bond Commission president and DCRSD Sewer line for SR 52 remain tabled.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mark Seiler (for Highway Dept) brought in the signature page for ITS in I-275 and cover drawings. Commissioners approved and signed.
Margaret Minzner received grant signature ratification for a grant request to go to the DC Foundation. The grant is to get GIS Data compressed and onto the 34 laptops of the first responders laptops, that were furnished by Homeland Security.
Mike Hall presented 3 contracts for Infrasource, Linkmeyer, LLC, and O’Mara for the intersection work by Walmart and Aurora Lumber to accommodate new business there and provide safer access. This is Phase 1 of the back road to the businesses on the riverside of US 50. Commissioners stressed that the EXISTING businesses were not to be harmed and were on board with the plans now. Commissioners praised Mike Hall for all his work negotiating the businesses’ cooperation.
Jeremy Shepherd was not present for the FIT FOR LIFE CAMP Information.
Thompson introduced the next two items regarding website design and said that he’d heard complaints about the current site needing updates etc.
Jeff Zoller presented website improvements for FX Design. Zoller noted his company had managed the site for the county for 12 years, when it started as a state funded grant. His company is a full service graphics design company registered as a minority and woman owned business. His wife Tamara is listed as the owner.
He has introduced Joomla as the webpage design tool for each department and demonstrated it with the health Dept site. He plans to redesign the front page with buttons including those to the Chamber and Visitors Bureau. The plan is to have trained staff in each dept who can add to their own pages. Each dept gets 4-5 pages. More can be added for different cost. This then becomes primarily updated by the county staff.
The site is free of political or other ads. He plans to do less than before, but do it well. Cost to the county is about $500 per year for hosting the website and maintenance of Joomla.
Steve Pope presented for Epop Studio. They have existed since 2001 and 15 years prior to that in an ad agency. Most of their work is web design vs about 30% print. He prefers a custom database where data is pulled to the site rather that buttons which take you off site. He also likes a uniform look to all pages. Epop has designed Perfect North Slopes, CVTB, DCEDI, Florence Freedom, Big 10 Conference, Creation Museum, Greendale Cinemas, etc. When asked about our current site he had told commissioners to “blow it up and start over.” He prefers one click navigation and no scrolling. Pope feels that Joomla allows too much freedom to change fonts and colors and the site may have too many different styles. He wants to keep it consistent throughout.
Commissioners took all information on the websites under advisement.
Pickens- presented claims and minutes that were approved and signed.
Jack Gay – Attorney- see above note at the top.
Tom Orschell- relayed the information that Phil Weaver is looking for file cabinets and storage.
There was no Public Comment.
Meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Present: Thompson, President, Orschell, and Hughes
Also present: Pickens, Auditor, and Gay, Attorney. [NOTE: Jack Gay thanked the Commissioners at the end of this meeting as Witte is returning in July and Gay said serving the people of Dearborn County has been an honor, privilege, and an education. Commissioners expressed their gratitude to him as well.]
An executive session preceded this meeting. At the regular meeting, the commissioners approved a change in the wording of the health care policy on appliance replacement to new appliances 5 years old or older and repairs not to exceed 75% of replacement.
Commissioners gave Thompson the latitude to solve the personnel problem with Animal Control by Friday.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bond Commission president and DCRSD Sewer line for SR 52 remain tabled.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mark Seiler (for Highway Dept) brought in the signature page for ITS in I-275 and cover drawings. Commissioners approved and signed.
Margaret Minzner received grant signature ratification for a grant request to go to the DC Foundation. The grant is to get GIS Data compressed and onto the 34 laptops of the first responders laptops, that were furnished by Homeland Security.
Mike Hall presented 3 contracts for Infrasource, Linkmeyer, LLC, and O’Mara for the intersection work by Walmart and Aurora Lumber to accommodate new business there and provide safer access. This is Phase 1 of the back road to the businesses on the riverside of US 50. Commissioners stressed that the EXISTING businesses were not to be harmed and were on board with the plans now. Commissioners praised Mike Hall for all his work negotiating the businesses’ cooperation.
Jeremy Shepherd was not present for the FIT FOR LIFE CAMP Information.
Thompson introduced the next two items regarding website design and said that he’d heard complaints about the current site needing updates etc.
Jeff Zoller presented website improvements for FX Design. Zoller noted his company had managed the site for the county for 12 years, when it started as a state funded grant. His company is a full service graphics design company registered as a minority and woman owned business. His wife Tamara is listed as the owner.
He has introduced Joomla as the webpage design tool for each department and demonstrated it with the health Dept site. He plans to redesign the front page with buttons including those to the Chamber and Visitors Bureau. The plan is to have trained staff in each dept who can add to their own pages. Each dept gets 4-5 pages. More can be added for different cost. This then becomes primarily updated by the county staff.
The site is free of political or other ads. He plans to do less than before, but do it well. Cost to the county is about $500 per year for hosting the website and maintenance of Joomla.
Steve Pope presented for Epop Studio. They have existed since 2001 and 15 years prior to that in an ad agency. Most of their work is web design vs about 30% print. He prefers a custom database where data is pulled to the site rather that buttons which take you off site. He also likes a uniform look to all pages. Epop has designed Perfect North Slopes, CVTB, DCEDI, Florence Freedom, Big 10 Conference, Creation Museum, Greendale Cinemas, etc. When asked about our current site he had told commissioners to “blow it up and start over.” He prefers one click navigation and no scrolling. Pope feels that Joomla allows too much freedom to change fonts and colors and the site may have too many different styles. He wants to keep it consistent throughout.
Commissioners took all information on the websites under advisement.
Pickens- presented claims and minutes that were approved and signed.
Jack Gay – Attorney- see above note at the top.
Tom Orschell- relayed the information that Phil Weaver is looking for file cabinets and storage.
There was no Public Comment.
Meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Jefferson Day Dinner and We The Hoosiers ( Tea Party) on www.theflypod.com
Below is a direct show-link to last night's broadcast of the Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner, in Lawrenceburg.
All of the visiting speakers are included in this show.
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=17330
Feel free to share this link with your friends, family and supporters.
WE THE HOOSIERS: ANDREW LOHMILLER -- TheFlyPod Media Network host Gary Puckett, interviews one of the organizers of this regional TEA PARTY MOVEMENT group known as We The Hoosiers. To listen to this interview show, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=17163
NEW and NOTABLE SHOW ALERTS
Fly Paper Productions, LLC
Digital Media Group - National Operations Ctr POB 324 Harrison, OH 45030 USA
206-337-1716 Listener Feedback Line
www.TheFlyPod.com
TheFlyPod New-Media Network
All of the visiting speakers are included in this show.
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=17330
Feel free to share this link with your friends, family and supporters.
WE THE HOOSIERS: ANDREW LOHMILLER -- TheFlyPod Media Network host Gary Puckett, interviews one of the organizers of this regional TEA PARTY MOVEMENT group known as We The Hoosiers. To listen to this interview show, click on the following direct show-link:
http://www.theflypod.com/asp/newpage.asp?RN=17163
NEW and NOTABLE SHOW ALERTS
Fly Paper Productions, LLC
Digital Media Group - National Operations Ctr POB 324 Harrison, OH 45030 USA
206-337-1716 Listener Feedback Line
www.TheFlyPod.com
TheFlyPod New-Media Network
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Notes on the NO BURN area set up on Mt Tabor
To expand on research for the NO BURN area discussed at the May and 2 June 2009 Commissioners Meetings see the notes on the blog a year ago on 17 June 2008 and on 15 July 2008. Commissioners ratified a no burn area as previously set up with letters to residents from Aaron Negangard, Prosecutor, and Dave Lusby, Sheriff. The problem ensued when NEW neighbors moved in and burning began again per the notes.
17 June 2008 excerptfrom blog notes:
Pat McAdams- Mt Tabor presented for his wife Theresa who is housebound due to her chronic severe asthma. They currently have a no- burn area in their neighborhood enforced by letters approved by Lusby and Negangard and possible prosecution if they violate. Some new people have moved in and open burning is occurring in the area. He read a letter by her pulmonologist (lung doctor) Dr Zidarescu.
This is not in an Agricultural area and takes in about the first 1/8 mile of Mt Tabor and some side streets. Ewbank will review the letter and the wording on some signs marking off the area as a no burn area. McAdams showed pictures of his wife in a coma for a week after people burned in the area. Some people have asked them to leave for a weekend and one to leave permanently. Apparently, there is cause to enforce this as it is life-threatening for Theresa McAdams.
15 July 2008 excerpt from blog notes:
OLD BUSINESS:
Mt. Tabor Road (Theresa McAdams) tabled from 7/1/08 - Ralph Thompson suggested they ratify and confirm the No Burn Area from US 50 S. to the bend approximately 2,900 feet South of US 50, approximately, 3/8 of a mile area.
Todd Listerman stated signs (regarding the No Burn Area) should be in place southbound and northbound of the area.
Rick Fox said there is a concern that there will be future calls requesting the same consideration from others.
Hughes said the Sheriff has a State law to handle this situation.
A discussion followed that IN code 13-17-9 deals with fire creating a nuisance. The Commissioners discussed that this is a life and death situation.
Ewbank stated this matter is under Home Rule and left to local municipalities.
Ralph Thompson restated the motion that they ratify and confirm the No Burn Area for life and health as long as Theresa McAdams is in her current residence, with authorization for signs to be placed.
Rick Fox seconded the motion. Jeff Hughes voted Nay. Motion passed.
17 June 2008 excerptfrom blog notes:
Pat McAdams- Mt Tabor presented for his wife Theresa who is housebound due to her chronic severe asthma. They currently have a no- burn area in their neighborhood enforced by letters approved by Lusby and Negangard and possible prosecution if they violate. Some new people have moved in and open burning is occurring in the area. He read a letter by her pulmonologist (lung doctor) Dr Zidarescu.
This is not in an Agricultural area and takes in about the first 1/8 mile of Mt Tabor and some side streets. Ewbank will review the letter and the wording on some signs marking off the area as a no burn area. McAdams showed pictures of his wife in a coma for a week after people burned in the area. Some people have asked them to leave for a weekend and one to leave permanently. Apparently, there is cause to enforce this as it is life-threatening for Theresa McAdams.
15 July 2008 excerpt from blog notes:
OLD BUSINESS:
Mt. Tabor Road (Theresa McAdams) tabled from 7/1/08 - Ralph Thompson suggested they ratify and confirm the No Burn Area from US 50 S. to the bend approximately 2,900 feet South of US 50, approximately, 3/8 of a mile area.
Todd Listerman stated signs (regarding the No Burn Area) should be in place southbound and northbound of the area.
Rick Fox said there is a concern that there will be future calls requesting the same consideration from others.
Hughes said the Sheriff has a State law to handle this situation.
A discussion followed that IN code 13-17-9 deals with fire creating a nuisance. The Commissioners discussed that this is a life and death situation.
Ewbank stated this matter is under Home Rule and left to local municipalities.
Ralph Thompson restated the motion that they ratify and confirm the No Burn Area for life and health as long as Theresa McAdams is in her current residence, with authorization for signs to be placed.
Rick Fox seconded the motion. Jeff Hughes voted Nay. Motion passed.
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