Commissioner Meeting Notes, March 20, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00

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Agenda: 03.20.24 Agenda Commissioners

Audio of the Meeting:

Link: https://independentvotersofbrowncountyin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/audio-comm-mtg-240320.mp3

Highlights.

Emergency Planning – Solar Eclipse (April 8).  Audio (9:25)/  Commissioner Sander read a resolution and guidance on risks and emergency preparedness.   EMA Director provided an update. OUTSTANDING WORK by all involved.

Early Voting – April 9, 2024.  May be impacted by traffic.

Stellar Grant.  Audio: 45:21

Audio – Extracts:

    • My questions: 57:50
    • Indian Hill: Randy Pflueger: 59:50
    • The Vote aka Fireworks:  1:11 Opening Comments: Alice Susemichel, CEO Brown County Community Foundation
    • My comments – Compromise: 1:17:34
    • End 1:21

The vote to go forward with a Stellar proposal had to be unanimous. Ron Sanders voted No.  It was stated that the Stellar Grant would be available next year and Sanders reinforced that this will provide sufficient time for proposed projects to be vetted and ensure community buy-in.

Given the county’s track record of fast-tracking major projects and ignoring public input,  allowing another year will allow county leaders to demonstrate a commitment to a process that is transparent and will help build trust, relationships, respect, and integrity in county leadership.  Accomplishing this objective (if possible) may be well worth the delay.

Background Information – Stellar 2024 – For the Record

Brown County Comprehensive Plan (BCCP).  Audio 1:24:27.  Commissioner  Pittman and Wolpert voted to apply for a grant (60K/6K match)) from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). Sanders abstained.  I would have preferred to hear a little more in-depth understanding of what will be required and the level of effort expected. We do need an update.

    •  A Comprehensive Plan represents the “voice of the citizens” as to what they want and do not want in terms quality of life and development. A plan is required in order to support Zoning.
    • RISK. The entrenched special interests in the county hijack the process to benefit the few at the expense of the many.
    • Current Plan and Draft 1993 Plan.

Sheriff’s Office – New Funding Strategies.  The sheriff is exploring the option to house inmanates (around 2)  from other counties. If an mutually acceptable agreement can be reached, this could provide a source of revenue to fund his request for salary increases.

Bike Lane Signage. Highway superintendent Magnor will be providing a recommended plan at the next commissioner’s meeting.

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