Last updated: Dec 7, 2024

• Dec 3, 2024. Local Habitat chapter envisions more homes, public partnerships in 2025
  By Staff Reports -December 3, 2024
  • In his presentation, Snider noted the need for more affordable housing in the county as referenced in the 2023 Indiana Uplands Housing Study that found an additional 124 homes valued at $250,000 or less will be needed by 2030 to meet the need.

May 29, 2024. StateAffairs.com.  “The number of short-term rentals such as Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bloomington has nearly doubled since 2021, according to The Herald-Times. It is a trend local housing experts caution can drive up the cost of living and stifle options for homeowners and long-term renters during a national housing shortage. “

• • Missouri. Airbnb owners want to make a profit. College towns try to rein them in, BY: ALYSE PFEIL – DECEMBER 6, 2023 5:50 AM

    • Kansas: “Lawrence passed its first short-term rental ordinance in November 2018, followed by an update in October 2020.”
    • Fayettville, AK. Fayetteville passed its short-term rental ordinance in April 2021. This summer, it revised a citywide cap on the number of rentals.
    • Athens, GA. “Last winter, the Athens-Clarke County Commission approved an initial draft of a short-term rental ordinance, which is now being finalized by the planning department.”
    • Bloomington, IN. “The City of Bloomington does not have any short-term rental rules. In 2018, Indiana state lawmakers passed legislation that limits how local governments like Bloomington can regulate short-term rentals. For example, the law says that local governments can’t prohibit owner occupied short-term rentals in residential zoning districts.”
      • IC 36 1-  Local Government, Chapter 24 –  Short-term Rentals
        • Justia – 2023 IC 36 Ch 24
      •  
      • Proponents: “They said the measure by Berne Rep. Matt Lehman, who is one of the most powerful Republicans in the House, would promote tourism and economic development, as well as generate tax revenue. “
      • Opponents:  “tie the hands of city and county governments.”
      • Carmel thumbs nose at Indiana’s new short-term rentals law

May 15, 2024.  Home Sales, inventory increase locally, Brown County Democrat

• • According to F.C. Tucker Company’s April real estate stats, the Brown County residential real estate market saw increased home sales

  • Homes sold 31 days, or 37.8 percent, faster than this time last year. That was the greatest increase Tucker saw in all its central Indiana markets.  Available housing inventory increased 12.5 percent, The average home sale price increased 7 percent to $440,796.

    What Is Affordable Housing?, U.S. News and World Report

Indiana Business Review, INSIDE THIS ISSUE,  Spring 2024   |   Volume 99, No. 1, by Sara Coers Associate Director, IU Center for Real Estate Studies, Closing the gap_ Workforce and housing affordability

• • Available, affordable housing is a necessary component of workforce and economic development.
  • Without it, workers either migrate to other cities in search of a better combination of jobs and affordability; become cost-burdened (de ned as housing costs exceeding 30% of income); or, even worse, experience homelessness or housing insecurity. therefore, affordability impacts the ability of states and municipalities to bring new jobs to an area and retain existing workers. Because economic development is so dependent on workforce availability, the long-term fate of local economies is tied very closely to companies having sufficient workforce and, thus, workers having access to housing in the areas where they work at a price they can afford. However, a gap exists today between the workforce and necessary housing… and it’s growing.

How Muskegon, MI, Is Building Hundreds of Homes on Vacant Lots

• • Like many cities across the United States, Muskegon, Michigan, has a shortage of housing and a surplus of vacant, abandoned lots.

Seymour, IN. Mayor releases information on affordable housing in Burkart Opportunity Zone Agenda By  Erika Malone, March 18, 2024

• • Community packs city hall; many opposed to new development plan Erika Malone  March 26, 2024

  • Seymour was one of two other cities invited by the IEDC to work with Brookings Institute to develop place-based strategies to span gaps in health, wealth and opportunity. The other two cities in Indiana were Michigan City and Warsaw.

  • Passion from the community in opposition of this agenda, specifically at the idea of an Immigrant Welcome Center coming to Seymour, was heard through many as Mayor Matt Nicholson tried to explain not just the purpose of the center, but the benefits the agenda could offer the entire county.

  • Lucas said Seymour schools are “busting at the seams” and since 2012, the English-learner student population has increased more than 1,200%. He said the current English-learner student population comprises 37% of the Seymour Community School Corp., with the kindergarten classes being 50% of the school community’s population.
  • Nicholson also said no one associated with the idea of an Immigrant Welcome Center proposed it as a center for attracting illegal immigrants and that Seymour is not a sanctuary city.
    • “This is 10 times what the 5% immigrant percentage of Indiana is and this fact alone is what makes Seymour a de facto sanctuary city,” he said.
  • In the middle of audience communications, council member Drew Storey hand-distributed a resolution that opposed the Burkart Opportunity Zone Agenda. Storey made the motion and council member Jerry Hackney seconded it. The motion passed 5-1 with Councilman Brad Lucas voting against it and Councilman Seth Davidson absent.

  • Seymour, In. A Guatemalan town remakes itself in Indiana. “We’ve become a destination,” says the mayor of a small Indiana town transformed by migration.

  • Low income apartments open in Seymour, but advocates say more needed, By BENTE BOUTHIER, Posted June 21, 2023

  • More affordable housing coming to Seymour Mitchell Banks  January 27, 2022

     

Last updated: April 2, 2024 

 Impaired Waterways.  Despite the spin to the contrary, the major cause of E.coli in our waterways is from pastureland – not inadequate or failing septic systems.  This finding regarding pastureland is consistent throughout the state (see below – Water Quality Studies). Any changes that may need to be made will be addressed at the federal and state levels – not the county.  In the area of septic system management,  legislation in 2023 prevents the county from developing any standards that exceed state requirements.  The same standard should be applied to Regional  Sewer Districts  (RSD), e.g., state policy and guidance identify the standard.  

Future of Agriculture in the County?  Is the long-term aim of the County represented by the Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD)  Board, to support changes and increase the regulation (and cost?) on farmers?   If so, why?  Environmental concerns?  Free up more land for development?  Support a false premise for sewer expansion? Other?  

More Funding. Clint Studabaker, VP of the Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) Board, has proposed that reducing contamination in Brown County impaired waterways should be included as a project to be funded with a Stellar Grant.  Funding for septic system replacement/repairs  (a good thing) was also suggested.  Ref: Stellar 2024 for the Record, March 21, 2024 Commissioner Meeting

Motivation. At the Feb 14, 2024 Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) Board Meeting, Studabaker reinforced his belief that 100% of Brown County Soils are not suitable for septics.   He reinforced that IDEM has identified impaired waterways in Brown  County and that he intends to ask the USDA  to get involved in supporting the application of better farming and livestock management practices.  He reiterated his belief that Brown County creeks and streams should be safe for recreational use.   BCRSD Board Meeting Notes and Audio, Tues Feb 14, 2023 County Sewer Plan

• • Audio – of the Meeting –  gets a little heated when the scope of the plan is being challenged but reinforces the core beliefs of Studabker on the issues.

Contradictions and Conflict of Interest.  Studabaker was the project lead for the development of the Brown County Wastewater Strategic Plan which includes a Watershed Study.  The conclusions from these studies contradict a belief that failing and inadequate septic systems are the major cause of E.coli in Brown County.  This plan supported the justification of the need for a 39-million-dollar sewer expansion project in Brown County. A supporting effort was the approval of funding for a new (and needed) plant in Helmsburg to process the wastewater. This project was funded for approximately 10 million dollars. I have been a consistent advocate for upgrading the plant in Helmsburg and adding more customers from Lake Lemon who want and need the service.

Checks and Balances on Power. 

• • The BCRSD refused to present their “county” wastewater strategic plan at public meetings.  They decided a video summary would be sufficient.
  • The president of the commissioners, Jerry Pittman, and the President of the Council, Gary Huett, supported the BCRSD decision not to have public meetings.
  • Public Hearing. Citizens were allowed to ask or submit questions at the required public hearing for the proposed sewer expansion project. Questions addressing the justification of need identified in the wastewater strategic plan and watershed study (some of which are identified below), were ignored by the BCRSD and not determined to be relevant.  

BCRSD Watershed Study 2021, Appendix B.

The major cause of E.coli in Brown County waterways (creeks and streams) IS NOT FAILING OR INADEQUATE SEPTIC SYSTEMS.   The major cause is pastureland.   

Appendix B, 2021 Watershed Study (WSS). “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.”  Note: Figure 33 in the study converted to a bar graph).

The Contradiction: 
BCRSD Strategic Wastwater Plan April 2022

“Water quality sampling over the past 15 years reveals a problem with E.coli contamination in Brown County’s waterways.  The primary source of E.Coli has been found from humans. “Failing septic systems are likely contributors to waterway contamination in the county.”  (BCRSD Strategic Wastewater Plan, pg. iv.)

• • “The primary source of E.Coli has been found from humans.”   Isn’t this true only if you include “FARMERS” since they are “human” and manage pastureland?
     
  • “Failing septic systems are likely contributors to waterway contamination in the county.” 

• • • Note the use of the term “likely.”  What is not known  is the number of septic systems that may be contributing to the problem
    • The repeated “spin/myth” in the county has been that failing and inadequate septic systems are the major cause of E.coli. 

Additional Information

Whistleblowers. Unlike at the federal level, the state of Indiana does not have the capability to investigate citizen’s complaints concerning waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.  It is up to the citizens to do their own research and work to ensure that elected and appointed officials are ethical and trustworthy.

List of Imparied Waterways. Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) List of Impaired  Waterways. An impaired waterway includes what is determined to be an excessive level of pollutants such as E.coli.

Internal Controls.  A request to state and federal officials to review the process for approving wastewater projects: Indiana: Internal Controls – Request for Review – State and Federal.  The needed change will most likely require legislative change.

• • 2024 Campaign Position. Expansion of Sewers –  Eastern Corridor – Helmsburg to Bean Blossom, to Woodland Lake. I support an independent assessment of the justification of the need. Although a septic system may be functional, residents will be forced to hook on to a sewer system and pay a monthly fee. Fees can also be charged during construction. Waivers are only temporary and easements will have to be approved by the residents. The intent is to provide citizens with assurance that the extent and scope of the proposed changes are necessary.  

Water Quality Studies 

On water quality, this conclusion as to pastureland and cropland has been a consistent finding in water quality studies from throughout the State.

• Lake Monroe Watershed – Link: https://independentvotersofbrowncountyin.com/2022/05/26/lake-monroe-watershed/

E-coli levels in all the 2020 Lake Monroe samples were well below the state standard of 235 CFU/100 ml (CFU = colony forming units of bacteria). …. The South Fork (Jackson County) sub-watershed appears to be the largest contributor of E. coli.

• Indiana Water Quality Link: https://independentvotersofbrowncountyin.com/2022/03/31/indiana-water-quality/

The major cause” of E-coli IS NOT due to the possibility of the failed septic system – it’s agricultural runoff from industries that are in compliance with federal and State laws and regulations. “IDEM said combined sewer overflows, untreated stormwater and wastewater that discharges to nearby streams, rivers and other water bodies were the largest sources of E. coli bacteria, one of the impairments cited to the EPA.”

Mar 31, 2022. Indiana ranks highest in nation for miles of polluted waterways, report finds.

• “According to the report, a major contributor to water pollution is manure and fertilizer runoff from farms. This causes the concentration of E. coli and nutrients that promote bacterial growth in waterways. “
• “Watershed Coordinator Maggie Sullivan, who works at the nonprofit Friends of Lake Monroe, said Lake Monroe suffers from nutrient contamination. Lake Monroe also has streams that feed into the lake which have elevated levels of E. coli, but levels in the lake are well below state standards. “Our biggest concern right now is harmful algal blooms,” Sullivan said. 

2023- Courthouse Additions – Background

“For the Record:”

Judge Wertz proposed this project last year (2022), and the commissioners committed to funding it. Judge Wertz made a compelling argument and identified a Sally Port as the priority. She also applied for and received grant money to fund planning efforts.

This project was fully vetted by the commissioners and council at several public meetings. There was never ANY opposition to the project from the public.

When the project was first bid last fall, there was only 1 bidder. The project was re-bid and additional bids were received. The lowest bid was selected. There was an allegation that the cost per square foot was excessive but the architect and the contractor selected for the job refuted the claim.

All the rules were followed regarding the bidding and vetting process. There were also last-minute issues with the available funding but this was resolved. Feedback was also positive from the historical preservation experts – no objections to the design of the additions to the historical courthouse.

I attend the commissioner and council meetings and publish my notes at Brown County Matters and at Indep Voters of Brown County IN.

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