Last updated: May 21, 2024.
Commissioner Meeting Notes, May 15, 2024
This post at Brown County Matters.
Open Door (Meeting) Laws. Commissioner Sanders asked for clarity on the distinction between Admin meetings (no public notification required) and Working Session meetings (public notice required). He referenced a quote by Luke Britt, Indiana’s Public Access Counselor (PAC), on the topic. County Attorney Mike Moga confirmed that a meeting to discuss Bond administration would be considered administrative.
As opposed to an Administrative Meeting, a Working Session (public notice required) is used to discuss details on an issue that leads to a decision that must be voted on at a public meeting. Exec Meetings are held on confidential issues that are specified in statutes. The other meetings are the regularly scheduled public meetings held twice a month.
Considerations for a Proposed Ordinance – Off-Road Vehicles (ATV/UTV). 1:14:45. This was first introduced in 2021, reviewed, and the decision made not to go forward. The issue was debated on social media with strong advocacy for and against. Commissioner Pittman stated that the commissioners (Pittman/Wolpert) decided to re-consider the proposal and will hold a public meeting in June. How, when, and at what meeting did Commissioners (Pittman/Wolpert) discuss this ordinance and decide to hold public meetings?
Services as Bond Council and issuers Counsel for Brown County General Obligation Bonds.
It was stated that a vote to approve could not be delayed due to a self-imposed “timeline.”
Commissioners Pittam/Wolpert voted Yes. Sanders abstained and asked questions to include the fact that the county council’s attorney was also being considered as the Bond Council, which may be a less expensive option. Costs – Barnes and Thornburg
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- Fee: Bond Council: $25,000.
- Fee as Issuers Counci: $12,500
- Other admin costs – not to exceed: $750.
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Grant Writing Support – 6:40 ARa Administrative Resources Association. ARa board voted to accept Brown County as a client. The county pays an annual fee and for additional services that may not be covered in the contract.
The purpose is to provide the capability for the county to apply for grants available from federal, state, and non-profit entities.
Discussion included disclosure by the commissioner assistant Stinson of ongoing work for a 5-year plan that would identify needed projects.
Brown County Town of Nashville – Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The completed plan was presented for immediate approval. It was stated that the Indiana Department of Health required approval by the end of May – no explanation of this “deadline” was provided. This was the first time I recall this deadline was mentioned. The resolution to approve received a Yes vote by Commissioner Pittman and Wolpert. Sanders had questions and abstained. The vote was contingent on approval at a second (joint?) meeting on May 21, 2024, at 9:00. No mention of how this plan would be shared with the general public before May 21.
A reporter from the Democrat no longer covers county meetings. In the past, issues such as this would be covered and shared with the general public.
The Total Estimated Cost of Trail Expansion was identified as $8,471,100, which reinforced the need for obtaining grants. Application for a READI 2.0 grant is also due by the end of May. It appears this project would be competitive for funding.
Highway Department. (Correction May 20, 2024.) A new bridge inspection company “was not” selected. Janssen and Spaans Engineering, Inc., Columbus, Indiana. Brad Isaacs (Project Engineer/ Project Supervisor) provided a brief presentation on his company’s capabilities, and desire for the work,
County Insurance Carrier. The commissioners selected a new three-year contract with an insurance carrier – Bright and Williamson. Pittman and Wolpert voted yes. Sanders abstained. No discussion as to the financial impact – more expensive, less expensive? What led to the decision to change carriers? Was this discussed in an Executive Session or admin Meeting?
Parks and Rec – Cell Tower Lease $1K a month. The agreement was made in 2019 and has just recently become operational. Commissioners (all 3) voted to approve the agreement
Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF) – More Political?
UPDATE (May 21, 2024) : Per follow-up with Planning and Zoning, The money gifted from the Community Foundation must be spent by the end of the year but there will not be a completed comprehensive plan by the end of the year. They are working on RFP’s now and will get those out once they are completed and approved.
BCCF Board Members and Resumes
BCCF Board members have been attending government meetings with the aim of “building relationships” with elected and appointed officials.
County elected officials allow non-elected officials to determine the excess revenue generated by the Music Center and how these funds will be distributed. The current agreement is 75% to the Foundation and 25% to the county. A proposed change is 50/50.
1:06:46 Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF): Remarks by Board Member Phil McCowan. “Who do I lean on” … to get this done by the end of year?” The foundation provided funding to the Area Plan Commission (APC) to support the development of a County Comprehensive Plan. The “funding” was contingent on the plan being completed by the “end of the year.” The amount provided is $26,000. Was this from a BCCF fund consisting of their receipt from the county of excess revenue from the Music Center (see above)?
Commissioner Pittman. Wolpert, assistant commission Stinson appreciative of the BCCFs involvement. The county’s attorney was on Zoom/phone – no comments on the legality or appropriateness of the county accepting money from a private donor with a contingency.
On a similar issue, when a representative from the Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KHTA) offered to provide a donation to the county council to help with expenses associated with opening up Indiana Hill RR Crossing, the county council attorney stated that the money could not be accepted with contingencies. An effort was then made by KHTA to create a fund at the BCCF. The BCCF declined to accept the KHTA donation and with the rationale that the issue of re-opening was too “political.”
Background Information:
County Comprehensive Plan. The area plan commission has the responsibility to develop the plan. They are applying for a 60K OCRA grant. Commissioners have to vote to approve the plan. Public meetings are required. The county match is 6k. The current plan was revised in 2011 and consists of 12 pages.
The plan represents the voice of “ALL” the citizens – not just the special interests, as to what they want and do not want in terms of development and quality of life. It provides guidance for Zoning and Special Exceptions and helps prevent “spot” zoning.
I’m Looking forward to seeing if any consultant who is selected to develop the County Comprehensive plan will accept the end-of-year constraint (unlikely).
Independent Voters of Brown County IN 