AUDIO of the Meeting  

Sep 4, 2024. Agenda Commissioners

SPOT Zoning – Lanham Ridge –  – Denied.  (00:05:28) Request for general business zoning for a hotel, in a residential area.  The Area Plan Commissioner unanimously recommended a No vote. This was the third meeting on this issue. Residents in opposition packed the room again and were prepared to present even more information in opposition.  Commissioner Sanders made a motion to Deny the SPOT Zoning. Commissioners Pittman and Wolpert also voted No.  The only public advocate for the change was Commissioner Wolpert.   Indications were that the decision was going to be delayed again, but the strong opposition from the residents was unwavering.

New paid Holiday for county employees on June 19th (Juneteenth). The new holiday is to be referred to as “Brown County Employees Appreciation Day.” (1:22:06). Commissioner Wolpert proposed a new paid holiday for county employees. He stated employees complained that they did not get paid enough and a new paid holiday might be appreciated.  It was approved by all three commissioners. Wolpert decided it would be on June 19. “Juneteenth” is a federal holiday but not state.  Wolpert does not support Juneteenth and wanted to call it Old Settlers Teenth. Commissioner Sanders provided the history of the Old Settlers Day celebration that is held in September and thought it should remain separate.    (Juneteenth is a federal holiday but not state).

“Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.” (Wikipedia)

County Septic Ordinance was repealed. This was the second reading.  The county will follow state guidance.  The state voided any county septic-related policies that exceeded state standards.  Counties wanting additional requirements need to submit the request through a state technical review panel.

Highway Superintendant Report. (1:07:06) A contract Vialytics was selected to update the condition of county roads and assign a PASER Rating.

Bridge Inventory and Assessment. A four-year contract is being negotiated with EGIS – represented in the county by Kevin Allen.

Highway Superintendent Report 2024_09_04

Convention Visitors Commissioner (CVC). Jimmie Tilton was selected to fill the vacancy due to the resignation of Barry Herring.  There is an ongoing issue over the future role and funding of the Convention Visitors Bureau.  (CVB).

Legal – Indian Hill Crossin Re-Opening.  No response yet from INDOT on the county’s request to provide an extension. The county’s petition to re-open was provided on Sept 29, 2023, and the county had a year to respond to the conditions for re-opening.