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.

Last updated:  July 2024

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), Stellar Pathway Program. The Stellar Pathways Program is a multi-agency, multi-million-dollar investment initiative led by the OCRA.

The Stellar grant is expected to be available in 2026. This allows plenty of time (if we start now) for identifying priorities and getting community buy-in on proposed (shovel ready) projects.  The costs and plan associated with re-opening the Indian Hill railroad crossing and road can be on the proposed list.

On Stellar, I suggested a compromise to make a yes vote contingent on ensuring a process with a timeline was in place to ensure community buy-in on the projects and priorities. When the vote was taken for a second time by the commissioners, no assurance was provided.

Nashville’s Stellar efforts failed in 2014 due to the lack of community buy-in to include an estimate of what the county would need to provide in matching funds. (Ref: Herald-Times)

• • “An anti-Stellar committee claimed that a select few town residents and business owners selected and submitted project proposals without getting input from stakeholders who might have challenged the projects.”

April 22, 2024. Commissioner meeting. – Stellar decision re-visited. No change in vote.

• • Despite the support for this decision at the joint meeting for a more deliberate and collaborative planning process, interim commissioner Wolpert asked for another vote to apply for Stellar via a letter of intent by the May 1 deadline.
  • Once again, Wolpert and Pittman votes Yes, Ron Sander No.  Sanders also explained that his vote was also based on conversations with those involved with one or more of the projects, which indicated that there was no unanimous agreement on the scope of one or more of the projects.
  • The Town of Nashville can apply for a Stellar Grant on their own but choose not to.

April 16, 2024. Joint Commissioner and Council Meeting, attendance by Nashville Town manager and Alice Susmichel – Community Foundation.

• • Stellar will not be available in 2025 but will in 2026.  Agreement that the county needed to be better prepared in identifying needs that could be supported with a longer term vision and strategy. Melissa Stinson’s suggestion that Brown County ask for an exception to the unanimous vote by commissioners rule was rejected by all.

April 9, 2024. My Campaign Position – Stellar 2024

Mar 20, 2024.  Commissioner Meeting Notes: 6:00 – 8:00 – Stellar a No Vote for this Year.  This post at Brown County Matters.  Stellar Grant is expected to be available in 2025.

Audio of the Meeting: – Conversation on Stellar:

Stellar Grant.  Audio: 45:21

• • 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.

Compromise. I offered a compromise. Vote to go forward contingent on the options to cancel the process at a later time if the “promises” on project selection and vetting were not honored.  The risk with this approach could have included another organized protest from citizens if there was opposition to the process and vetting.

The advocates stated that there would be plenty of public meetings.  The plus side of applying was that if Brown County was not selected, we could learn from the process and perhaps be more successful next year.

The initial projects for the county were identified as “wastewater,”  and renovations to the historic courthouse which needs brickwork, and new windows.   The project for Nashville was the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan including a trail to Deer Run Park.

Mar 17, 2024.  This post at Brown County Matters

• • Stellar Grant 2024. Letter of intent due May 1, 2024. We should know this week if the county will jump through the hoops at the last minute to apply for the grant vs. taking any needed time to get community buy-in and then apply next year. The Council meets Monday night at 6:30 and the commissioners on Wed (6:00). There is also a Joint meeting (commissioners and council) on Wed at 1:30.
    The Nashville Utility Services Board (USB) discussed the grant and the options during the last 30 minutes of their March 15 Meeting. Link to the audio below: https://www.townofnashville.org/2024-utility-service…
    Discussion included hiring a PR firm to help with the messaging which led to questions as to why the USB should help provide funding.
    Nashville had previously applied for a grant at the last minute but failed to get community buy-in which led to protests in 2014 when the selection committee visited the county for a walk-thru.
    I do not know if the county is required to provide any matching funds.

Mar 15, 2024. Town of Nashville, Utility Services Board Meeting (link to Audio.

• • The letter of intent is due by “May 1.” The County has the lead. We need the cooperation of the Commissioners, Council, and Nashville Town Council. The previous Stellar application failed when projects were identified and citizens were not involved in project selection.
  • Stellar covered during the last 30 minutes.  Talk about the proponents of expanding sewers hiring a PR firm to sell their message.
  • Projects. Nashville’s desired projects include Salt Creek Trail, sidewalks, and walking/biking trails to include a trail to Deer Run Park.
    • Expanding sewers is a priority for those indidividuals that can benefit from development. Reduces the cost of their projects.
  •  Projects – County.  Include repairs/replacements on the Gnaw Bone Wastewater (Sewer) Plant.
  • Selection Process.  Communities submit an application by May 1.  OCRA selects 4, provides 50K for a plan, and then picks two communities.

Mar 6, 2024, Commissioner Meeting Notes

• • Stellar Grant. ($30-50 million available for up to four counties). The county is eligible to apply for a State stellar grant. “This time around”, the projects will have to be those that benefit residents and add to the quality of life. Projects that would qualify would include replacing bricks and windows in the historic courthouse, trails – Salt Creek, bicycles,  bicycle pump track, trail to Deer Run, wastewater projects to support the work needed in Gnaw Bone, and septic system replacements for individuals without access to sewers. Community involvement in project selection is CRITICAL to receiving the grant. The county’s last attempt to apply for a Stellar Grant was rushed, with no community buy-in, little logic on the projects submitted, and no disclosure on the county matching grant-related commitments. Thankfully, we had protestors during the Stellar committee walk-thru that contributed to the county’s non-selection.

Aug 15, 2014. Nashville not chosen as a ‘Stellar Community’ in Indiana. by Laura Lane Herald-Times.

• • When they visited Nashville on Friday, July 11, to hear the town’s presentation about why Nashville should be selected, protesters with signs joined Stellar supporters in the room as they promoted the town and its plans to committee members.

  • An anti-Stellar committee claimed that a select few town residents and business owners selected and submitted project proposals without getting input from stakeholders who might have challenged the projects.

Agenda Mar 12 2024 Election Board Meeting

Audio of the Meeting 

Link: https://independentvotersofbrowncountyin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/audio-election-board-240312.mp3

• • Audior 2:20 mark:  Citation specifying that the School determines the timing (May or Nov) for a Referendum. Ref:  IC-20-46-1.14  Section A – Date of Referendum
  • BCS Referendum Documents Submitted to the Election Board
• Early Voting: (Audio 5:30)
  • Begins April 9, 2024. Location, Dates and Time:
    • Eagle Park – 1749 State Road 46E
    • Mon-Fri: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm; 2 Saturdays preceding election: 9am to 1 pm.

Voting Locations:  (Audi 6:30)

1. Hamblen 1: Sprunica Baptist Church, 3902 Sprunica Road
2. Hamblen 2: Hickory Ridge Community Center, 2314 Hickory Ridge Lane
3. Hamblen 3: Church of the Lakes, 8844 Nineveh Road
4. Jackson 1 and 2: Fruitdale Volunteer Fire Department, 5200 State Road 135 (Bean Blossom)
5. Jackson 3 and 4: Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department, 4831 Helmsburg Road
6. Van Buren: Southern Brown Volunteer Fire Department, 4040 State Road 135 South
7. Washington 1: The Pentecostals, 60 Mt. Liberty Road (corner of Mt. Liberty and State Road 46 East)
8. Washington 3: New Life Community Church, 1450 State Road 135 North
9. Washington 2: Parkview Church of the Nazarene, 1750 State Road 46 East (inside the church, not the Family Life Building)

This post at Brown County Matters.

Mar 9, 2024.  Access to Indiana’s Public Access Counselor (PAC) is among the few options citizens have to hold our elected officials accountable for complying with Indiana’s Open Meeting Laws. I have had to use the PAC on several occasions in order to get copies of public documents.

The other option is for voters to be more vigilant and not elect officials who may be ethically and morally challenged. Power can be an addicting drug for individuals who have never been in positions where they had much if any, power to affect the lives of others. We may have some power addicts (non-compliance with open meeting laws) in responsible positions.

The Basics.  Discussing issues (working sessions) that may lead to decisions must be discussed in public meetings. Decisions have to be made at a public meeting.  Elected officials can have an Executive Session where sensitive topics are discussed, and these meetings are closed to the public. Executive Sessions also have to be advertised, and topics are restricted by statute. Elected officials can have “administrative meetings” to discuss the more mundane matters.

Transparency. I have used the PAC frequently in order to get copies of information that is available to the public. It can take up to two months just to get a copy of a memo or other information that would take just minutes to provide. The lack of transparency can be an effective strategy for keeping citizens uninformed and ignorant of pending issues and decisions that can be “fast-tracked” before the public has time to react.

• • Part 5 Indian Hill – The Final Season – maybe

Mar 6, 2024. Republicans push through limits on Indiana access counselor’s authority, by Tom Davis, State Affairs

Mar 14, 2023.  Indiana’s public access counselor on law enforcement, school curriculum and why government is messy, By Ryan Martin, State Affairs

Information:

• • Indiana – Public Access Counselor Handbook 

Bicycle Safety –  Risk Mitigation. Signs and Installation at no cost to the county. Will make it safer for residents and visitors.     

Mar 9, 2024. This post and Comments at Brown County Matters.

• • Disclosure and Transparency – My position.  I am a candidate for Commissioner (R), District 3, May 7 Primary, Early Voting April 9.
    • When my older son started riding, I gained an appreciation for bike riders in the county. He started with the mountain bike trails in the park and then added road rides—paved and gravel—to his inventory.
    • He usually rides with groups throughout the state including Brown County. He has also participated in Rides in other states including Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Texas.
    • In the Ride Across Iowa for example, towns compete to be added to the route and roll out the red carpet – It’s a big deal and a community-building event.
    • The groups obey the laws and are vigilant in anticipating dangers from speeding, angry drivers, and the occasional deer and dog. The number of riders will likely only increase.
    • The technology on the bikes is incredible. And, a Brown County Biking group has volunteered to buy and install signs (Risk Mitigation) to raise awareness to drivers that bicyclists may be up ahead.
    • Bicyclists are attracted to the county for the same reasons that attracted the artists, hikers, and residents —the beauty of our county.

At the March 6, 2024, Commissioner Meeting,  Alyn Brown from Brown County Mountain Biking asked Commissioners for permission to place signs along county roads such as Greasy Creek.  The intent is to make drivers aware that there may be bikers on the road ahead. State Law allows two bikers to ride side by side.  Mike Magnor of the highway department objected to the signs citing concerns with safety, site lines, and speeding vehicles. Commissioners postponed a decision until their next meeting so they could gather more information and learn a little more.  Hard to imagine them not approving the signs. Bicycling – mountain, road, gravel, is very popular and Brown County is a desired destination. Bicycling on roads is also supported by state law.

More Information

• • From IU – Bicycle FAQ:
  • Link to Indiana Codes
  • Manual Unit Traffic Devices (MUTD) Bicycle Signage 
  • INDOT – Bicycle & Pedestrian Program
    • Bicycle Indiana 

Audio of the Meeting

Agenda:  03.06.24 Commissioners Agenda (1)

This post at Brown County Matters

Commissioner Meeting, March 6, 2024. 2:00-4:00.

Coroners Office – Contract. The Coroners Office has been nearly completed but the original contract is not on file with the auditor’s office. The contractor has been asked to provide a copy.  Can’t pay an invoice without a legal contract on file.

Temporary (April 4-10) Ordinance allowing special exceptions for the Solar Eclipse allowing for overnight camping and parking. This was approved on a vote of 2 to 1. Pittman and Wolperts yes, Sanders no. Given the expected traffic projections, people may have no choice but to stay overnight in their cars or elsewhere. A few local businesses wanted to leverage the opportunity to offer overnight camping/parking. Individuals can also use the opportunity to offer camping/parking options on their land. County resources for police, fire, medical, other emergency services and ordinance enforcement will be very limited if available at all. Liability will fall on the property owners – not the county. Commissioners did not acknowledge any conflict of interest, e.g., that they were planning on profiting from the ordinance.

• • First Reading of the Ordinance and copies.
  • Brown County Democrat:
    • 2024_03_05 BCD Eclipse Events Around the County
    • 2024_03_05 BCD Solar Eclipse “Look up into the Sky

RDC Appointment. Good timing. I got re-appointed to the Redevelopment Commission. Commissioner Sanders and Pittman voted yes, Wolpert No.   We need a new County Comprehensive Plan that reflects the desires of the entire county and not just the special interests.

Stellar Grant. ($30-50 million available for up to four counties). The county is eligible to apply for a State stellar grant. “This time around”, the projects will have to be those that benefit residents and add to the quality of life. Projects that would qualify would include replacing bricks and windows in the historic courthouse, trails – Salt Creek, bicycles,  bicycle pump track, trail to Deer Run, wastewater projects to support the work needed in Gnaw Bone, and septic system replacements for individuals without access to sewers. Community involvement in project selection is CRITICAL to receiving the grant. The county’s last attempt to apply for a Stellar Grant was rushed, with no community buy-in, little logic on the projects submitted, and no disclosure on the county matching grant-related commitments. Thankfully, we had protestors during the Stellar committee walk-thru that contributed to the county’s non-selection.

READI Grant 2.0 and Affordable Housing. Sue Lindborg of the Housing Partnership, and Habitat for Humanity (and also a member of the RDC), reinforced that receiving grants to fund an affordable housing project would require a more extensive County Comprehensive Plan. She mentioned the town developed an RFP to contract for an update to their plan and suggested the county develop an RFP for a plan as well.   Note that the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) funds a grant up to 60K for the development of a plan.

• • READI Grant 2.0
  • Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and Town of Nashville

Minimum Standard. The current plan meets the minimum standards and is so vague (11 pages) , that you could make good arguments for or against a project. This created the perception that if you had the right connections, you could get your project approved. And, there has been resistance to updating the plan. I worked on the requirements for a 50K grant back in 2017/2018 – no interest. The Area Plan Commission should have the lead on behalf of the commissioners. Updating the plan requires public meetings.

Bottom-Up. And, the plan shapes the culture of the county. Citizens can identify what they want and do not want in terms of ZONING and DEVELOPMENT. A bottom-up approach would allow citizens to have input for what they want in their area as well as for the county overall. Helmsburg developed its own economic development plan and a 501c3 to control development in their area.

Bicycle Signs.  Signs and Installation at no cost to the county. Alyn Brown from Brown County Mountain Biking asked Commissioners for permission to place signs along county roads such as Greasy Creek.  The intent is to make drivers aware that there may be bikers on the road ahead. State Law allows two bikers to ride side by side.  Mike Magnor of the highway department objected to the signs citing concerns with safety, site lines, and speeding vehicles. Commissioners postponed a decision until their next meeting.  Hard to imagine them not approving the signs. Bicycling – mountain, road, gravel, is very popular and Brown County is a desired destination. Bicycling on roads is also supported by state law.

• • Summary from IU – Bicycle FAQ: : https://transportation.indiana.edu/bicycles/faq.html

• • Link to Indiana Codes: https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/2012/title9/article21/chapter11

• • Manual Unit Traffic Devices (MUTD) Bicycle Signage https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part9/part9b.htm

This post at Brown County Matters

“2016” Referendum. I came across a letter I wrote in 2016 published in the Democrat in response to then Superintendent David Shaffer’s article explaining the need for additional revenue.

His reference in citing a loss in revenue due to “declining enrollments and affordable housing” led to my interest in researching the issues and root causes that are “systemic.” This led to published research on our economic base. Better methods for addressing the issues are needed. Enrollment has continued to decline and affordable housing is still a challenge.

A good argument also requires a response to the counter-arguments. This can be facilitated through public forums.

Submitted to the Democrat on Jan 29, 2016.

School referendum – additional options?

I applaud the success of the Brown County schools in achieving “A” ratings from the state Department of Education and especially the success that the We the People team has had at state and national competitions.

In his article: “Referendum needed to maintain assets,” Superintendent David Shaffer of Brown Country Schools made a compelling case for justifying a referendum. Key points in the article included the following: (1) The school funding formula from the state is inadequate; (2) Maintaining current quality standards and expanding and enhancing programs at projected budget levels is not possible without new funding from the local taxpayers; (3) School funding is linked to enrollment and enrollment has been declining; and (4) Declining enrollment is likely due to the lack of affordable available housing and competitive-paying jobs that attract young families.

A successful referendum may represent an immediate and near-term budget fix but may not adequately address the systemic issues regarding the adequacy of state education funding or less funding due to declining student enrollments.

Consequently, without changes in how the state funds education or a successful community strategy that results in stabilizing or increasing student enrollments, property tax increases through the referendum process could likely be a recurring solution for balancing the budget.  Community support for relying on referendums may not be sustainable in the long term.

An additional strategy could include developing innovative solutions to maintain high standards while operating within available budgets without resorting to future tax increases.

Tim Clark

Background

• • 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:

• • Facebook Post – Brown County Matters
  • Report: 2024 TSE Risk 012624

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:

• • Audio of the meeting.
  • Agenda Commissioners Meeting
  • Proposed Temporary Ordinance to Allow Overnight Camping and Parking
    • 410 IAC 6-71 Campgrounds
  • Area Plan Commission – Support for the Ordinance