The Area Plan Commission (APC) held two meetings with unanimous support for recommending a No vote. Two commissioners voted to approve.

• • Amendment Sign Ordinance -Signed and Recorded

Background Information and Timeline: Aug 14 – Nov 26, 2024

• • Aug 14, 2024.  Background: Internally Lit Signage (24-M-01 BLAKE WOLPERT, PETITIONER WITHDRAWN)
  • Aug 27, 2024.  APC Meeting Notes, Internally Lit Signs, Comp Plan, Code and Zoning Enforcement

  • Oct 2, 2024. Commissioner Meeting Notes, Oct 2, 2024, 2:00 – 4:00, Internally Lit Sign – ‘Tabled” 

  • Oct 16, 2024,  Commissioner Meeting Notes, Oct 16, 2024. Internally LIT signs, bricks
  • Nov 19, 2024. Split vote OKs internally lit signs, BCD.
    • Internally lighted signs will be permitted in Brown County — at least for the next couple of months — after a bitterly divided 2-1 vote of the county commissioners on Nov. 6.
    • “We have a commissioner sitting there that got in that seat by seven votes. … We have another commissioner that didn’t win the primary, and both of you are out the door in two months,” Sanders said after the 2-1 vote adopting the sign ordinance. …. “I think for you to be making this decision before the comprehensive plan is even done and you’ve really took a hard look at it is offensive to me and a lot of other people, and I’ll be glad when the door shuts” when their terms as commissioners expire in Jaunary, he said.

    • Commissioner-elect Tim Clark, who will succeed Pittman on the three-member board, agreed that any decision should wait. He also warned that the ordinance opened the door to electronic messaging signs.

    • “Delay it and let the comprehensive plan address it,” Clark said. “… If you make any kind of change, have public input.”

    • Along with Clark joining the commissioners in January, Kevin Patrick will replace Wolpert. All the current and outgoing commissioners are Republicans.

    • Despite passage of the ordinance, Sanders suggested it may not stand after the new commissioners take office.

    • “We will be readdressing it,” Sanders said after the ordinance was adopted on a split vote.

  • Nov 20, 2024.   Commissioner Meeting. Commissioner Sanders made a motion to repeal the ordinance. Citizens spoke out – again, in support of a repeal. There was no support from Commissioner Pittman and Wolpert to repeal.
    • The county attorney identified legal options for citizens: A zoning change can be challenged/appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) or judicial court. The Indiana Codes:
      • IC 36-7-4-1600 Series-Judicial Review
      • IC 36-7-4-900 900-Series Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Nov 26, 2024. Bid to repeal lighted sign ordinance falters
    By  Staff Reports
     

This post at Brown County Matters.

Audio of the Meeting:

• • 27:01 —  An amendment to the sign ordinance to allow internally LIT Signs and allow Electronic Signs with Messaging was approved despite opposition from the public and the recommendations from the Area Plan Commission (APC).
  • APC members stated that they were not necessarily opposed to Internally LIT signs but the ordinance as written was too vague and unenforceable. They recommended the change be discussed during community conversations regarding changes to the County Comprehensive Plan. The APC also conducted an online survey that indicated the lack of community-wide support for the change.
  • Further, the details regarding electronic signs and messaging were not discussed. This proposed change was debated on social media and overwhelmingly rejected in 2018 and rescinded. It was proposed by the Music Center.
  • Commissioners Pittman and Wolpert, whose terms expire Dec 31, 2024, voted to approve. Commissioner Sanders voted NO and criticized his colleagues for not allowing the new commissioners – who will take office in Jan 2025, to consider the changes.
  • Background. Away a Day RV park was erroneously issued a permit for an internally LIT sign. After spending about 15K, they were told the permit was issued in error. Commissioner Wolpert then proposed requesting a special exception which was later changed to requesting an amendment to the ordinance.  

Distribution – Excess Revenue from the Music Center.  The commissioners tabled the vote to approve a change from 75% to the Foundation and 25% to the County to a 50/50Split.  John Elliott from the Foundation requested that the commissioners reconsider their vote and will be placed on the agenda to suggest that they retain the 75/25 split.

Supporting Information

• • Brown County Matters: Meeting Announcement and Draft Ordinance.

  • APC Meeting Notes, Internally Lit Signs, Comp Plan, Code and Zoning Enforcement

20241106 Highway Supt Report

 11 6 2024 Agenda Commissioners

Letters Brown County Democrat Oct 30, 2024

• • Voter supports Clark in race for commissioner, by Ben Phillips
  • How will GOP division  impact local party?  by Vivian Wolff
  • Republican commissioner candidate claims local party ‘abuse of power, By Tim J. Clark
  • Candidate appeals  for unity, common good, by Greg Taggart

Individual Letters available  online:

• • Letter: Voter supports Clark in race for commissioner by Ben Phillips
  • Letter: Republican commissioner candidate claims local party ‘abuse of power’ by Tim J. Clark
    • Democrat on Sep 17, 2024, “Reader does reversal on commissioner candidacy.” by Clara Stanley
  • Letter: Democrat.9/17/24. We need a change in the leadership of the Brown County Republican Party. Richard Stanley
    • Reply and Counter

The following letter was published in the Oct 30, 2024, edition of the Brown County Democrat with the title: Candidate claims ‘abuse of power.’

The local elections in Brown County are a little different this year. The campaign strategy posted on my website reinforces that a monopoly on political power leads to a centralization of power that can benefit the few at the expense of the many.

With your vote, I will work to ensure that all citizens will have the opportunity to help identify the best solutions for the county. This will be supported through better communications regarding the scope and extent of a problem, holding as many public meetings and working sessions as needed, and supporting a collaborative decision-making process.

Many voters may not be aware that just a few individuals in the Brown County Republican party can influence:

1. Who will be supported as a candidate,
2. Who can be selected for boards and commissions,
3. Who can keep and get county government jobs, and
4. Who should be appointed to fill a vacancy in an elected office.

Six people – 2 of 3 commissioners and four of 7 councilmen, can determine the fate of the county. And 7 of 11 precinct committeemen can determine who can fill a vacancy in an elected office.

As a conservative who consistently votes in the primaries as a Republican, I opted out of an association with the local Republican party, which functions more like a small club. The leadership did not welcome debate on positions and hijacked conservative values and principles to pursue personal agendas.

I consistently vote Republican in the primaries, which qualifies me under state law and party rules to run as a Republican. However, the Chair of the county GOP challenged my candidacy, believing that his opinion should take precedence over state law. The Election Board quickly and unanimously rejected his challenge.

The assessment regarding this abuse of power was further validated when their preferred candidate was defeated in the primaries. A few in their small club recruited and now support an independent candidate. This support for the independent meets the State GOP definition of “Not” being Republicans in Good Standing. Their hope is that the independent, with name recognition and little to no experience with county government, can pull enough votes from Republican and Democrat voters to get elected or at least get the Democrat candidate
elected. They perceive that either candidate would be more accommodating to their agenda.

The strategy to prevent me from being elected is supported by a smear and disinformation campaign that becomes successful when individuals do not challenge and investigate false and misleading narratives. Their strategy is motivated by panic and desperation over their potential loss of political power and control. They fail to see that their strategy is an insult to all the citizens of Brown County.

Clara Stanley is among the individuals who discovered the deception. She shared her experience in her Letter published in the Democrat on Sep 17, 2024, “Reader does reversal on commissioner candidacy.”

Voters have a responsibility to vote for the best candidate. I am the better candidate that will serve the interests of all citizens. Leadership and collaborative decision-making supported with facts will allow us to better understand our challenges and develop the best solutions for the county. The result will be an improved quality of life for us all.

Additional details are available on my campaign website at TimJClarkforCommissioner.com.

Tim J. Clark
Republican Candidate for Commissioner, District 3

Additional Context

• • Commissioner Candidate Forum – Sep 21, 2024  – Video

  • Election 2024: The Local Political Dramas – For the Record

  • Letter: Change needed in local Republican Party Leadership

Had to miss this meeting but did get a copy of the audio.

Audio of the meeting – dead space for the first 2 minutes

2:00 – 17:00 Mark Williams – Mainstream – Tax exemption

18:56 – Recovery Wellness Coalition – Kathy Rountree, et. al.

Back to Mainstream

46:13 Contract 43K – Job classification, Salary Grades – Approved – 1 No vote

49:17 1:20-43 Budget Adoption

• • County Budget – Form 4 at Gateway – formal document -100K overspending will need to be addressed.   Jacquee Clements (consultant for the auditor) on Statewide 911 employee salary.  Get 22,500 a month x 12 – 270K … hole this year …  we are 40K over and can reduce in Jan – move back into county general to fund dispatchers …. (equipment not budgeted?). Not sustainable past 2025. Contract costs from AT&T going down a little … Doing good on interest income (which varies).  We have structurally balanced the general fund accounty- dependent on interest income – not out of the woods ….
    • Challenge to other funds —  600K available revenue from income taxes – lowered one rate, increased the EDIT rate … in 2026 may have to bring down and increase another account LIT rate ….
    • Rudd – 600K available (pushing for funding mental health services) –  No, has been allocated – not available ….  400k “projected” revenue over expenses …..  Cannot increase budget now (Julia Reeves).  May not get supplemental  LIT next year … E911 will be a very important and emerging need (Greg Guerrettaz ).  Sheriff revenue from Dept of Corrections (DOC) not yet received ….
    • Vote to approve: (4 to 3) Redding motion — Byrd seconded -opposed Rudd, Abstain – Swift Powdrell
  • Hamblen Township budget – approved.
  • Solid Waste budget – approved.

Additional Appropriations

• • Assessor – $863.00 – new line item – appeal hearing with the state – approved
  • Circuit Court – Psychology expenses – higher than avg year – $10K – approved
  • Coroner – 14K – autopsy fund – approved
  • Auditor – digitize property books – transfer of funds $42,985 – approved
  • Clerk – transfer -FYI
  • Health Dept –  transfer $8,200 – council must approve before the state
  • Auditor – transfer 1K
  • Rudd – 400k left  this year — public safety, mental health needs — appropriate Jan 1, review in Nov and Dec.

Motion to adjourn

Last Updated: Apr 17, 2025

April 17, 2025,  Apr 22, 2025. Area Plan Commission (APC) Agenda – Titlton Re-Zone and Review Draft Revised Comprehensive Plan  APC Agenda April 22 2025

• •  (Continued from March 25, 2025). 25-RZ-02 BROWN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, PETITIONERS. The petitioners are requesting approval for rezoning property owned by William Jacob Capital, LLC, from General Business (GB), Floodplain (FP), and Floodway (FW) to Secondary Residential (R2), Floodplain (FP), and Floodway (FW). The property is located to the south and west of 279 West Main Street, Nashville, in Washington Township.  

  • WORK SESSION: Review and discussion of the Comprehensive Plan draft. Tentative plan is that once that review is completed, a public hearing will be slated (likely for the May 27^th meeting.  After the public hearing, the APC will send a recommendation to the Commissioners and then it will be slated for a Commissioner meeting for final decision.

  • REVISED Brown County Comprehensive Plan 3.27.2025
    • Current 2011 Brown County Comprehensive Plan (PDF)
  • “What are best bets for future of local economy?”  Sara Clifford, Brown County Democrat, Dec 28, 2016. Summary from the Community Readiness Initiative (CRI) facilitated by Ball State.  In 2017, our Low to Moderate Income (LMI) level was 53.1%.
    • To be eligible for State (OCRA) planning grants, the LMI requirement is 51%. We are now (April 2025) at 40.4%. – we are not eligible for these grants. Covid and broadband have contributed to an increase in higher-earning residents who can also work from home.
    •  A New Path for Brown County. A Hypothesis for a Modern Plan for growth and Economic Development in Brown County, Indiana, By Chris Schneider – December 5th, 2024
  • Commissioner Suggestions for Next Steps – APC Slide v3.

Mar 6, 2025. Nashville’s process for developing a Comprehensive Plan: Town plan public input deadline approaches

• • Public weighs in on Nashville comprehensive plan  By Dave Stafford -March 4, 2025

Feb 14, 2025.  DRAFT Brown County Comprehensive Plan file size reduced for email. Next steps: A thorough county-wide review.

• • Feb 11, 2025.  A corresponding effort in Nashville. “Nashville comprehensive plan to get second public workshop”  Brown County Democrat
    • The Jan. 28 session was intended to lay the groundwork for a similar public workshop that will take place Monday, Feb. 24, at the Brown County Public Library.

Purpose: A County Comprehensive Plan (CCP) represents the voice of the citizens as to what they want and do not want in terms of quality of life and development.  It supports zoning, and zoning influences the tax base.  The current plan was approved in 2011 and is less than 14 pages. A good argument can be made for or against a respective change.

• • DRAFT 1993 County Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and Nashville

    • BC_Nashville1 – Narrative
    • BC_Nashville2_Maps – Associated page numbers with the text are identified on the left hand side of the maps. For example, page 15.1 follows page 15 of the text.
  • Economic Context – Best Bets for the Future –  2016 Assessment with a 2025 Update – A New Path for Brown County (Hypothesis). 

In order to compete for grants and to manage change,  the plan should be updated at least every five years.  

Cost. A good plan has been estimated to cost around 80K.  Volunteers can also be used to lower costs and provide the opportunity for more community involvement. The funding currently available is around $37,000. The Community Foundation provided $26,750, and the planning department $10,000.  The money from the foundation needs to be spent by the end of the year.   it is expected that grant money will be available in 2025 to expand the plan. 

• • The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) offers a 60K grant if the county qualifies. The low to Moderate Income Level (LMI) must be 51% or higher.
  • An income survey in 2017 indicated an LMI of 53.1%. 

Approval. The commissioners approve the final plan, and the vote to approve will include public meetings.  

Quality. It should be an interesting process that will include phases.  Two months with holidays is a short time frame.  There is no deadline for completion.  Minimum requirements by the State include a Land Use Plan, Growth Plan, and Transportation Plan.

Contractor: Veridus Group. Jack Woods, Director of Community and Economic Development; Pete Olsen, Director of Government Services.

TIMELINE

Nov 19, 2024.  Dave Stafford: Survey says: County’s future needs your input 

• • We’re talking about establishing a new set of guidelines for what may be built or developed — and perhaps just as significant, what may not — right here in our community.
  • Survey takers generally have options to say that these things are not as important, but the questions themselves are revealing. They frame the discussion.

  • Well, primacy bias or not, let’s face it. It’s hard to argue that 46 East of town isn’t THE growth area of Brown County. It has been and will be. Right? Why, who knows what may come down the pike and set up shop out by the music center!

  • But hold on a minute … what about Bean Blossom? … Why not 46 west of Nashville? Why not Nashville itself? Wouldn’t these areas like a taste of this sweet, sweet growth and development? Or not? What do you think?

Nov 19, 2024. County gathers public input for master plan, By Staff Reports -November 19, 2024

• • The plan, which is expected to be presented for consideration next year, will serve as the county’s guide for future growth, development and local priorities.
  • The money for the consultant has to be spent by the end of this year, but that doesn’t mean the work will be completed by then.
  • Robertson said she didn’t believe the plan would change any existing zoning districts, though it may loosen or tighten rules for what may be allowed in those districts.

Nov 7, 2024. BCD, County comprehensive plan meetings, survey set

Nov 7, 2024. Post at Brown County Matters – Meeting locations, times, and survey questions.

• • PDF -Brochure Survey and Community Meetings

Nov 5, 2024. Survey Comprehensive Plan

• • Link to the Survey  
  • PDF  – Complete Survey SurveyMonkey_520634699

Oct 21, 2024.  Kick-Off, Steering Committee

Steering Committee members:  Bob Blass, Alice Suesmichel, Gary Huett, Kara Hammes, Andy Voils, Buzz King, Dan Raines, Clint Studabaker, Ross Benson.

Planning Director – Kayla Robertson.

Affiliations (Reference is the audio and personal knowledge)

• • County Government:
    • Gary Huett, President of the County Council. Initiated the steps to select a contractor.
    • Clint Studabaker – Brown County Regional Sewer District
    • Ross Benson – Redevelopment Commission
    • Area Plan Commission – Andy Voils (Contractor), Kara Hammes (Retail Business owner, guest rentals – Barn Burner in Nashville). Andy may be the only member who represents a resident/family that has lived in Brown County for more than one generation. 
    • Gnaw Bone Regional Sewer District – Dan Raines  (Wedding Barn Owner)
  • Brown County Community Foundation: Alice Suesmichel
  • Town of Nashville: Buzz King, former Nashville Town Council
  • Bob Blass – Owner – Tourist  Rental (s)

Audio of the Meeting

Oct 21, 2024. Comprehensive Plan – Project Outline – Veridus

• • Oct 29, 2024 -Next Steering Group Meeting
  • Nov 5, 2024 – Pass out surveys/information – voting locations
  • Nov 16, 2024 – Public Meetings – 2 locations (TBD)  10am-3pm

State’s Minimum Requirements

1. Land Use Plan
2. Growth Plan
3. Transportation Plan

Additional Context

• • Aug 28, 2024. APC Meeting Notes, Internally Lit Signs, Comp Plan (Contractor Selection) , Code and Zoning Enforcement
  • History – Draft 1993 Plan. Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and the Town of Nashville

Oct 22, 2024.  Standing room only.  Strong opposition from residents opposed to the change.  The decision by the APC was “tabled” until the next meeting. A site plan was requested to provide a clearer understanding of how the property would be used. The follow-on meeting for Wed Night with the BZA is postponed until next month.

• • Issues raised by residents: Traffic, Noise, Flooding, Narrow roads, Not a good fit for the area.  Area is in a flood plain and flood area. DNR has review and approval authority of any proposed permanent structure in a flood way (if even possible).
•  
  • In 2021, “the Brown County Board of Zoning Appeals denied a special exception to allow a 185 spot luxury RV campground.” The location was on old 46, across from the North Gate of the State Park in a field off of Old State Road 46 near the intersection of Clay Lick Road. The petitioner, Stephen Alexander, was requesting a special exception for a private recreational development on 20 acres of his 71.76 acre parcel. BZA members commented it was a good idea but bad location.  The proposal included an extensive site plan  and tentative approval for sewer service.  Also, preliminary discussions with DNR  on floodway issues.
    • Nov 2, 2021. Democrat. Zoning boards approve, deny different tourism attractions
      
      
    • Oct 27, 2021. Indep Voters of Brown County IN. New Retail Project – Special Exception for the Proposed 185 Site Luxury RV Park Denied – For the Record

AUDIO of the MEETING

• • Audio – Part 1 – Starts at 28:50 Arts and Nature Park plus RVs – 85 acres
  • Audio – Part 2 – 00:37 – Presentation  Jimmie Tilton followed by residents, Break
  • Audio – Part 3 – Discussion and Decision

APC Agenda October 22 2024

Agenda Item 

• • 20241021 APC 24-RZ-02 Tilton Rezone -Packet Briefed to the APC
  • Post at Brown County Matters

Published in the Brown County Democrat, “Clark responds to BCRSD Board member on E coli” Oct 23, 2024, By Tim J. Clark

In response to Brown County Regional Sewer District board member Matt Hanlon’s letter in the Democrat, Oct 16, 2024, “BCRSD board member corrects candidate Clark on E. coli” regarding statements I provided at the commissioner candidate forum on Sept 21, 2024.  Specifically, my response to question 6. “Last Saturday, at the Septic Summit, the audience was informed that the majority of the waterways tested positive for E.coli … what are the major causes, septic and sewer issues, and strategies …..”

What needs correcting?  In my comments on E. coli and pastureland, I referenced the information provided in the BCRSD’s “published” watershed study. To quote: “Figure 33 details that pastureland loads more E. coli to Brown County Streams than other sources under all modified septic failure modeling scenarios. Only if 100% of documented septic systems are failing do they contribute a significant volume of E. coli to the entirety of Brown County. When individual sample site drainage is reviewed, the Lake Monroe Watershed loads more E. coli to Brown County Streams than Beanblossom Creek Watershed Streams.”   (Reference: Appendix B, 2021 Watershed Study, pg. 70).

This reference was shared with Hanlon in our communications. If the study’s assessment is wrong and no longer accurate as written, then the change to the study needs to be documented and made available to the public. The expectation would be that the author of the study or another credible and objective expert (not a BCRSD Board member) would concur with the correction and provide an updated assessment.

Regarding the samples and lab results that indicate failing or inadequate septic systems (human-caused), what analysis, if any, has been done to determine the number of systems that may be contributing to the problem? Could 80 percent of the problem be due to 20% of the systems? If so, what are the cost-effective options for addressing the 20 percent? Sewer service to these areas may be a few years away.

The BCRSD’s refusal to present the wastewater (WW) strategic plan and watershed study (WSS) at a public meeting was communicated at the BCRSD Meeting on March 28, 2023. The president of the board of commissioners and the president of the county council were present. Questions may be allowed at these meetings, which can upset one or more BCRSD board members who have refused to provide answers. (Reference BCRSD Meeting, Feb 14, 2023.)

Regarding my questions on the WW strategic plan and WSS, these were submitted in response to the Public Hearing on July 8, 2023, regarding the application for funding. This application was supported by the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). A response to the questions asked by me and Lynda Sandow, Ph.D. was not provided under the pretext that they were “not related to the PER.”   This is a bureaucratic sleight of hand. They did relate to the “justification of need” that supported the PER. These were the types of questions that could and should be addressed at public meetings. (Reference: BCRSD website, PER, Responses to Questions and Comments Submitted to Funding Agencies (SRF), pg.30.)

I did not identify a “goal” regarding forced or optional sewer hook-ups. Hanlon confirmed that the BCRSD offers a temporary waiver. The Helmsburg and Gnaw Bone RSDs have not forced residents to receive service.

On the topic of transparency, what is the status and timeline for the current projects? Should this be available on the BCRSD website? The last meeting minutes available are from June 13, 2024. Why did it take months for the BCRSD to respond to my request for a public document that should have taken less than 15 minutes to produce?

The county WW strategic plan needs to be incorporated into the development of a new county comprehensive plan. This plan supports zoning and development strategies. The scope and extent of the challenges regarding water quality and wastewater management must be clearly communicated to the extent that there is community awareness and support for projects.

Tim J. Clark
Republican Candidate for Commissioner, District 3.

Brown County Democrat, Oct 16, 2024.

• • Hanlon page A4 
  • Hanlon Page A5

Additional Information:

• • Impaired Waterways and Causes – Septic Systems and Sewers – For the record
  • Lake Monroe Watershed May 26, 2022

Audio of the Meeting  

10 16 2024 Agenda Commissioners.

(22:03) Internally LIT Signs with messaging capability. The decision was tabled. Commissioner Pittman wants to review the concerns shared by Area Plan Commission members who unanimously voted “not” to recommend the ordinance as written.

• • Prior post on the topic at Brown County Matters.

  • APC Meeting Notes, Internally Lit Signs, Comp Plan, Code and Zoning Enforcement

Courthouse Bell. This topic was covered in this week’s Democrat. Courthouse bell display project taking shape, October 15, 2024. In support of fundraising, individuals can have their names engraved on bricks for 100.00 (cost around 20).  The targ  number is 430.

Parking on Government property. Nonprofits charging residents to park on government property were briefly discussed. The follow-up action is to check on insurance and liability. The legality of the county allowing citizens to be charged for parking on taxpayer-owned property was not discussed.

20241016 Highway Superintendant Report

AUDIO

RDC Lindborg Proposal 10.2024

• • Vision – CCP, Zoning Maps, Tax Base (Businness, obs, Property, Income), Strategci Plan
  • Mission – RDC Guidance, EDA Package

20241015 RDC Meeting Agenda for October 15, 2024

20241015 RDC Agenda, Motions and Minutes from 2024 RDC

20241015 RDC Sock Factory History

20241015 RDCMinutes Sept 2024 Meeting

Director of Indiana Precinct Committeeman Project – “The MOST POWERFUL Role in Politics!”

Steps and Timeline for Reorganizing Republican Leadership

Brown County Republican Party (GOP) – Organization, Governance, Precincts