Commissioner Meeting Notes, Feb 28, 2024. Solar Eclipse – Planning

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solar eclipse IndianaBackground

    • Last fall, the commissioners chose not to support a “proclamation”  promoting Brown County as a destination for viewing the Solar Eclipse.
    • Earlier this month, Commissioner Wolpert with the support of Commissioner Pittman proposed a new ordinance to support citizens and local businesses who want to rent out their property for overnight camping and parking.  This is expected to bring in even more visitors to the county. Commissioner Sanders took the lead in surveying local emergency and safety personnel to identify risks.

Summary: The eclipse is expected on April 8, 2024.  Surrounding counties that include Monroe and Bartholomew are expecting large crowds as is Brown County State Park.

April 4 – April 10. A temporary ordinance will allow for Overnight Camping and Parking throughout the county from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) EST on April 4, 2024, and will end at 11:59 p.m. (noon) on  April 10, 2024. An ordinance requires two readings (meetings). This was the first, the second will be Mar 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Risks and Liability. Individuals renting out their land will be responsible for complying with the conditions stated in the temporary ordinance and collecting all relevant taxes. All the liability will rest on the property owners. The risks will include limited (if any) support for emergency services to include medical, fire, and police.

Noise – Nuisance on Neighbors. There is no county noise ordinance and any disputes will have to be handled by the affected property owners.

Ordinance Enforcement. The County will have limited if any resources, to enforce the ordinance.

Risk Assessment.  Commissioner Sanders has been working with the EMA director, the Sheriff’s Office, and emergency personnel to help identify the risks to county citizens. The county EMA Director Chad Jenkins has developed a risk assessment on threats, hazards, and associated risks:

Emergency Services.  Given the volume of people expected in Brown and the surrounding counties, emergency services – sheriff’s office, fire, and medical will be extremely limited. The priority for state resources will be the larger counties.

Emergency Bridge Repair – Bridge 122, Mt. Liberty Road. Approval for emergency repairs – replace beams. Accelerate bidding process. (27:00 on audio). Part 2 – Approval for 20K contract (engineer study)  to USI to prepare bid documents.

Supporting Information:

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