Lyle Lovett. Nashville, Indiana, 6/20/23: Traveling to a place I’ve never been to and having a chance to see its beauty is inspiring to me. This is the view just behind the loading dock at Brown County Music Center.

This post at Brown County Matters

Mark Shields, Director, of Brown County Parks & Rec is coordinating the mural project in support of Salt Creek Trail.  Parks and Rec maintains the trail.

Link to the proposal from the artist along with before and after pictures. Salt Creek Trail Mural Proposal REVISED

A special coating will be added to the Mural to mitigate the potential for graffiti.

Given the need for an INDOT permit, commissioners needed to sign off on the project. Commissioner Sanders worked with the county attorneys (often a neglected step in the past) who determine that changes were needed to ensure the county was not liable for any expenses or liabilities associated with the project.

The breakdown of the $55K in funding for the project funding is as follows:

• • Indiana Development Destination Corporation’s (IDDC) “Placemaking Grant” required a 50/50 match up to $25K.
  • The Nashville Arts & Entertainment Commission (NAEC) and the BC Community Foundation both committed $15K to the project as matching funds to be eligible for the IDDC grant.
  • Summary:
    • IDDC Grant Award – $25,000
    • NAEC Commitment – $15,000
    • BCCF Commitment – $15,000

The artist’s rendering of the mural project was selected for the 2023 Placemaking Grant award by the IDDC (along with 4 other communities in Indiana) and approved for funding assistance by the NAEC and the BC Community Foundation. The rendering also had to be approved by INDOT to obtain the permit needed to paint the mural under the bridge.  We are currently awaiting Commissioner and Town Council approval/signatures on the (JUMA) joint maintenance use agreement with INDOT before we would be granted the permit by INDOT.

Dec 6, 2024. County health board to consider adopting state septic ordinance, By Staff Reports -December 6, 2024

Post at Brown County Matters.

Sept 4, 2024. The commissioners voided the ordinance at their meeting on Sept 4, 2024.

• • Source: Health Department website:
    • Septic-Ordinance-May-5-2021
    • SOPs-Draft – Pump and Haul pg. 51.
      • State Code: 410 IAC 6-8.3-52 (e)

Background:  In May 2021, the commissioners approved on a vote of 2-1, a new Septic Ordinance that included requirements that exceeded state standards.  This ordinance is now void as of July 1, 2023.  New Septic Ordinance — Challenges and Opportunities

This post at Brown County Matters.

Indiana Dept of Health – 2023 Legislative Update – Septic Ordinance

• • 2023 Legislation Summary slides 2023-06-01

HEA 1402 – Ordinances and Technical Review Panel

• • Only the sections of a local ordinance that are stricter than the rule are voided.
    IC 16-41-25-7 …  (e) If an ordinance described in subsection (a) was adopted before July 1, 2023, the ordinance becomes void and unenforceable on July 1, 2023.
  • A conflict has been confirmed in sections 6 and 8. A county, city or town may adopt an ordinance stricter than the rule, but only if it is submitted to and approved by the Technical Review Panel.
  • IC 16-19-3-27.8.  (b) After adopting an ordinance described in subsection (a), the county, city, or town must submit the ordinance to the technical review panel established under section 27.5(b) of this chapter, along with a…
  • IC 16-41-25-7 (a) After June 30, 2023, a county, city, or town ordinance may not adopt requirements, restrictions, or conditions concerning the… An ordinance that imposes requirements, restrictions, or conditions that are more stringent than the requirements,restrictions, and conditions of the state department’s rule concerning residential onsite sewage systems is subject to invalidation under IC 16-19-3-27.8(e).

March 29, 2023.  ” Property owners could ‘supersede’ Indiana health officials over septic systems, under House bill.” by Casey Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle

• • Now, House Bill 1402, authored by Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, intends to transfer authority over residential onsite sewage systems from IDOH to a Technical Review Panel, or TRP, made up of various state officials, scientists, academics and industry professionals.  
  • PDF Copy Property owners could ‘supersede’ Indiana health officials over septic systems, under House bill – Indiana Capital Chronicle

County Council Meeting Notes July 19, 2023, 6-8 pm.  Audio

This post at Brown County Matters.

County Council Agenda

Pay Grade Increases. This was the last meeting that Departments could identify their requests for pay grade increases. These will be reviewed during the 2024 budget hearings. Requests made from Parks and Rec, Auditor, County Clerk, Commissioners, and Treasurer. Department asked to provide their 2024 budgets by July 2.

Pay and Benefits.  A 2018 Salary Study that compared pay and benefits with other counties our size indicated that Brown County salaries are competitive with other counties our size and we are more than competitive with benefits – health, longevity pay, life insurance, and paid holidays.  County employees often compare their pay with the larger surrounding counties with larger budgets.

Cost of Living – Tax Increases. The Council has routinely been approving higher taxes to cover up to a 3% cost of living increase for county employees.

Status on 2023 Budget. Routinely comparing the plan to the actual expenses is not part of the process. For example, the suggested goal for many funds is to maintain a 15% balance. Kim Kemp mentioned that the county consultants did find 800K that could be applied to cover the expected increase in health insurance-related costs,

Unfunded Requirement. Election Board required additional money (9,500.00) for equipment licenses and fees. Similar to capital improvements, the county does not maintain a consolidated list of all the recurring contracts and leases.

Audit- State Board of Accounts (SBOA). The SBOA identified that the money from the 3 million dollar recurring capital improvement loan cannot be used for operating expenses (ambulance contract). It is unknown at this time if the fund has to be reimbursed (about 500k). This was challenged at the time and the commissioner’s response was that is was legal to use a capital improvement loan to pay operating expenses.

Climate Change. The Project 46 initiative was on the agenda. The justification that has been cited for the project included a UN Climate Change Report. The County council was asked to support a resolution in favor of the project to include a suggested 50 cent per capita tax on all citizens ($7,500). The intent of the project is to leverage resources to apply for federal grant money. The project is supported by Bloomington, Columbus, and Nashville.  None of the council members were aware of the background on this project. Dave Redding (who works for Cummins) expressed interest and Jim Kemp explained his rationale as to why he would not support it.

This project was briefed on— at the Nashville Town Council.  The following link – Project 46 Brown County Climate Change included the audio and link to the UN Report and the program in Bloomington.

Brown County Regional Sewer District (BSCRS) Meeting Notes, June 13, 2023.

This post at Brown County Matters

Marketing and Communications.  The BCRSD has a table at this week’s fair providing information. They will also be posting yard signs. Online information on the project is available at the BCRSD website and hard copies are available at Helmsburg General Store, Brown County Health Department, Brown County Public Library, submit Lake Lemon Conservancy District Office

Public Hearing – Sewer project. July 8, 2023, 10am Fairgrounds.  This is required by statute and will require legal notice in the paper.  Citizens can submit questions up to 4 days after the Hearing.  These questions and answers are part of the record and are to be considered in the approval process.  A decision to approve the project can also be challenged under federal and state laws that are intended to prevent waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.

Strategy and Scope.  The BCRSDs Board (consisting of “appointed” officials” ) contracted for and approved a county-wide wastewater strategy with a scope that includes all residents and organizations (private/public) with septic systems.  There were no public meetings to gather citizen input on this plan.

Phase 1 of this sewer expansion project includes a Western Corridor (Helmsburg to Lake Lemon) and an Eastern Corridor (Helmsburt to Bean Blossom, to Woodland Lake).  I have no issues with the justification for the Western Corridor.

Joint Meeting.- HRSD and BCRSAD.  June 27, 2023, 6:00 p.m. – Community Foundation

2023_06_07 Agenda Comm Mtg

Audio of the Meeting  

This post and comments at Brown County Matters

Commissioner Meeting Notes, June 7, 2023, 2-4 p.m.

Zoning Approval. (30.50 – 59:30). The YMCA/IU Medical Group received zoning approval (Residential to General Business) to build a new medical service building at 100 Maple Leaf Blvd. The area is located north of the Music Center bordering 46. Entry into the facility will be from Maple Leaf Blvd. With a generous donation, the YMCA bought the land from the Snyders (2 acres at 750K) and will be building/leasing the new building to IU which will continue to provide the YMCA with a revenue stream. Currently, IU Medical Group has space adjacent to the YMCA facility. The purpose of the new building is to provide primary care and support walk-in patients. It is not intended for urgent care.

New commissioner – Blake Wolpert (replaced Chuck Braden who resigned due to work conflicts), was elected as vice president. Yes votes from Pittman and Wolpert, a No vote from Sanders.

Financial Management. (08:29) Ron Sanders has been consistent in reinforcing the need to know the status of funds before approving new spending. He has requested advanced copies of all the claims before the meetings so he will have time to review them. Another area that needs a legal review is contracts which can commit the commissioners to spend more money than expected. Sanders pointed out two examples that could have resulted in extra expenses – possibly over 40K.

Note: Past practices regarding the management of funds by commissioners during the year have been somewhat informal.  For instance, a commitment for the new additions to the courthouse was made before the commissioners knew exactly where the money was coming from. At one point, they thought they would have to borrow money.  A new county budget is approved by the State in January.  Budget reviews (actual vs budgeted amounts) have not been part of the review/approval process.  Further, a capital improvement plan and budget and other unfunded requirements are not identified during the budget process and come up as “surprises” during the year.

Parks and Rec. Mark Shields identified the need for about 11K for new cameras. The source of funds not identified. Commissioners held off approving before they identified funding.  Keith Baker (1:31:45) who manages volunteers that mow grass (2,600 hrs a year), received a donation – a portion of which (10K) he donated to the County for a new mower. He expected the county to match with 10K. Pittman and Wolford voted to approve the 10K from county funds. Sanders voted No citing the need to first identify the availability of funds.

Salt Creek Trail. Per Mike Magnor, the section from the State Park to the Red Barn is expected to be finished by the end of summer.   No information was provided regarding the status of the acquisition of land needed to connect the trail from the Red Barn to the YMCA.  The acquisition falls under the state and not the county and requires land to be acquired from Snyder Farm.

Updated Oct 3, 2023     

Kudo’s to the Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KHTA).  Without their involvement and support, we would have most likely never gotten to this point.  The railroad crossing closure eliminated pedestrian access to the Tecumseh Trail. KHTA and local advocates of the re-opening also avoided the need to take legal action to challenge the decision by the commissioners.

A little history – audio (0:29:55 – 0:54:16 minute mark) from the June 17, 2020, Commissioner Meeting where residents learned of the closing after the fact with no notifications. Comments by the commissioners and highway superintendent included statements that have since been proven inaccurate.  Indian Hill Road residents question railroad closing,   Suzannah Couch – July 16, 2020 

• • Transcript of the audio – discussion on the closing:  June-17-2020_2pdf
    • Tecumseh-Closure-june-17-2020_Biddle-Magner-dialogue_2
    • Facebook – BCM-Dialogue-March-2021_2 – Highlighted  … Pittman, Shuck, Ruff
  • A better process – Starke County. The response and actions taken by Starke County commissioners and their attorney when they received a request to close a railroad crossing:   StarkeCountyINSummary_2

Jan 17, 2024. Commissioner Meeting.

• • Indian Hill Re-Opening.  Jerry Pittman – Keywords: “still alive, major obstacles, costs and source of funding unknown, logistical considerations in meeting state specs, almost impossible, may have to buy land, may impact Bean Blossom Creek which is controlled by DNR, not sure where this will end up at this time, whatever happens, commissioners made a good effort, more to follow. ”
  • 1:45:15 Audio – Indian Hill Update – Jerry Pittman – Lenght 1:27
  • The decision to close – Part 1: Closure – Railroad Crossing – Indian Hill Rd

Sep 29, 2023. INDOT Response to the petition to re-open.  INDOT returned the crossing to the county and approved re-opening based on several (14) conditions. The ruling as well as one or more of the conditions, can be appealed by the county and/or railroad.  This post at the Facebook group – Brown County Matters.

• • INDOT-RR-2494_Indian Hill.Final (signed)
  • INDOT Exhibits A and B, DOT-RR-2494
  • Q: Does INDOT determine what signalization/signage is required at new crossings it approves or is it the local unit of government controlling the road that decides? If so, what is the statutory/administrative code authority for this?   A:   INDOT has the authority to decide. Relevant Statutes:  Grade Crossing Signalization Requirements
    • IC 8-6-7.7-4 Warning signals; costs; installation; time; civil penaltiesSec. 4. (a) The Indiana Department of Transportation, whenever it orders the construction, installation, replacement, relocation, modernization, or improvement of automatic train-activated warning signals, may prescribe the division of the costs of the equipment, the installation of the equipment, the construction, and the operation and maintenance of the equipment between the railroad and the public. The share of the costs allocated to the public shall be paid with funds appropriated to the department for such purpose. In allotting the costs, IC 8-23-5-2 applies except as provided in subsections (b) through (c).

      (b) Whenever a grade crossing not protected by automatic warning signals is ordered so protected, the department shall prescribe the division of the cost of the equipment, its installation, its operation and maintenance, and its construction between the railroad involved and the public, giving due regard to the net benefits received by the parties, and the causes creating the need for signals at the crossing.

      (c) The physical work of constructing, installing, replacing, relocating, modernizing, or improving, and thereafter operating and maintaining automatic warning signals under order of the department shall be performed by the railroad involved. All orders of the department relating to the signals shall provide for allocation among the parties involved for the extraordinary costs of signal repair or replacement if they are damaged or destroyed by accident or external causes.

Sep 21, 2023. INDOT will be making a decision to re-open the crossing or keep closed by the end of this month. Their  Order will provide information regarding making an appeal.  The reference cited is Indiana Code 4-21.5-3.

Aug 25, 2023. New. Farm Bureau Policy of requiring Public Hearings for any public road decommissioning longer than 30 days.  The intent is to lobby the state legislature to make this a public law.

Aug 8, 2023. Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KHTA)Tecumseh-Closure-Rebuttal-Analysis-KHTA_Final

Aug 4, 2023 – Responses to Indiana Railroad Company Objections to County’s Petition to Re-Open

• • Brown County Response to Objection by INRD

July 24, 2023. Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KHTA), Tecumseh-Closure-Outreach-Summary

July 23, 2023. IAC-5-10-16.  Page 46 with highlights

July 15, 2023. Review of past dialogue – March 25-30, 2021  Much has been learned by all over the issue of the crossing, information not known, mistakes made and admitted, and efforts underway by the commissioners and volunteers to correct. bcm-fb-dialogue-crossing-closure

July 15, 2023. US Dept of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration. Compilation of State Laws and Regulations Affecting Highway-Rail Grade Crossings, 7th Edition

July 11, 2023. A very useful guide to statutes in the 50 states: PDF 13-020358 Compilation of State Laws final (3.2014)/    or …. Link to the Guide: 

July 10, 2023. INDOT Timeline. With the current timeline INDOT will have an order issued no later than September 31, 2023 without any further delays. (Ref: email – Tom R. Rueschhoff,  /P.E., PMP, Senior Rail Project Manager, Rail Programs Office).  This post at Brown County Matters: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1749284288485538/posts/6457826084297978

• • May 2019 – INRD’s request to Brown County to close the crossing.
  • May 2020 – Brown County Commissioner approved the closure of the crossing.
  • April 2020 – Signed agreement between INRD and Brown County.
  • Sept. 2020 – Brown County submits a request for funds from Rail Programs Office for a crossing closure.
  • April 2021 – Crossing closure agreement signed by Brown County and INDOT.
  • June 2023 – Brown County submits Petition to INDOT to open a new crossing.
  • June 2023 – INRD submits an objection to Brown County’s Petition for opening a new crossing.
  • June 2023 – Brown County and INRD request a 30-day extension/delay in INDOT’s Order process.

 July 8, 2023. DOT – FRA Inventory

• • DOT 292 191S_Inventory_Report  — the crossing to the West of Trevlac, off of SR-45, which carries traffic for the North shore of Lake Lemon.
    • DOT# 292 191S: As of 2018, the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) = 525
  • 292193F_inventory_Report –  the crossing along Indian Hill Road
    • DOT# 292 193F: As of 2018, the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) = 250

July 5, 2023. INDOT has extended the deadline responding to Indiana Railroad Company’s (INDR) objections to the re-opening.  This post at Bround County Matters

• • “Since Brown County and INRD has requested a 30-day extension to pause INDOT’s Order process, and this request has been approved by INDOT, the current deadline for anyone wanting to submit a rebuttal to the railroad’s response submitted by INRD on June 20, 2023 has been extended until Friday July 28, 2023.    This date has been extended from the original 10 days that was discussed at the onsite field meeting held on Wednesday, June 28^th.  “Ref: Email, Tom R. Rueschhoff, P.E., PMP, Senior Rail Project Manager, Rail Programs Office, Indiana Department of Transportation

July 4, 2023. Additional research on INDOT Options:

• • Indiana Administrative Code, TITLE 105 INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    Latest Update: July 3, 2023, Article 5, Railroads. Administrative Rule 105 IAC 5-10-1 thru 105 IAC 5-10-2 pertaining to IC 8-6-7.7-3.1. Two items in this Administrative Order stand out:

• • • (14) The proposed crossing will provide improved safety access for emergency vehicles. The department requires documentation from the highest emergency response official whose jurisdiction is located where the crossing is proposed for opening.
    • (16) While a new crossing may not satisfy the conditions listed in this section, if it can be shown by evidence that there are extenuating circumstances which, in the opinion of the department, a new crossing would still be justified, it would be approved. 
  • Article 5 Railroads 105 IAC 5-1-1 Policy thru 105 IAC 5-10-2  (T01050-A00050)
  • IC 8-6-7.7-3.1 Duty of department to specify criteria; considerations in applying criteria (Highlights 9 of IC IC 8-6-7.7-3.1 and  item 14, 16 of IC 105 IAC 5-10-1)

June 28, 2023 10 am Site Visit.  This entry at Brown County Matters

• • INDOT facilitated a site visit to the Indian Hill Rail Road Crossing.  Excellent meeting – all the key points were discussed. Representatives included all stakeholders that provided input into the county’s petition to re-open (copy of petition below).  The Indiana  Rail Road Company (INDR) has filed its rebuttal to the petition and those advocating for re-opening have until next Friday to provide their response.
  • The president of the INDR emphasized the importance of safety.  However, the crossing is rated as low risk by the Feds and there is no record of accidents at the site. Access to the Tecumseh Trail started over 20 years ago with no reported incidences of any safety issues. The INDR president identified that pedestrians with “earbuds” would pose a safety risk.  Hard to believe that someone listening to music would not know they are crossing a railroad track and would need to look both ways before crossing.  Rail Road suggested options such as going under (tunnel), over, or around – in other words, keep it closed.
  • Interesting that INDOT has the responsibility for considering re-opening a crossing but did not have any role or input into the closure – this was left up to the county and INDR. This identifies an opportunity for a change to the process. They should at least look at the “case file” related to a closing to look for issues that may lead to them having to be involved at a later time – such as in this case.  A lack of a county public hearing on the closure would be a good indication that not all relevant facts may have been considered.
  • Site Meeting Cover Letter DOT-RR-2460_06-14-23 Transportation (INDOT), Rail Programs Office has been assigned this cause Docket No.: DOT-RR-2494. …. In accordance to Indiana Code 4-21.5, the Rail Office will conduct an onsite meeting to discuss and obtain general information concerning the above-captioned matter. The meeting is set for Wednesday June 28, 2023 at 10:00 A.M ( EST), and will commence at the proposed railroad-highway at-grade crossing located at Indian Hill Road approximately 800 feet south of SR 45 in Brown County. Propose parking along the edge of Indian Hill Road north of the INRD tracks.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 317-691-3126 or email at  trueschhoff@indot.in.gov
  • DOT-RR-2494 Petition w Exhibits A-D_Brown Co_INRD_Indian Hills Rd
  • Interested Party Form Request for Notice in Rail Proceeding

June 20, 2023. Verified Objection to Petition by Indiana Rail Road Company (INDR). INDOT Indian Hill RR Crossing – INRD Response in Opposition to Re-Opening

Appreciation also to Councilman Scott Rudd who took the initiative to make the successful case for the need to re-open the crossing.

• • April 27, 2023. Commissioners to pursue petition for reopening of railroad crossing; Council member makes presentation; state officials have voiced support, Brown County Democrat.

26 May 2023.  Petition – via County Attorneys to Re-Open the Crossing

• • Revised Petition – 2023_06_05 Petition to Open Crossing – Brown County Indian Hill Road (If you compare with prior version, there are changes (at least) to last page.)
    • Older Version: Petition to Open Crossing – Brown County, Indian Hill Road
  • INDIAN HILL ROAD-11×17 -EXHIBIT-A
  • Exhibit B. Maps
  • Exhibit C. 105 IAC 5-10-1 Responses
  • Exhibit D. Letters of Support

Letters of Support

Source page for all letters: Part 2. Closure RR Xing, Indian Hill Rd. Opening up the Tecumseh

Letters advocating that the crossing be reopened:

• • KHTA to INRD (May 26, 2021)
  • Rep. Matt Pierce (July 8, 2021)
  • KHTA to INRD (August 3, 2021)
  • Rep. Chris May (August 6, 2021)
  • DINO (August 9, 2021)
  • Legislative Trails Caucus (September 20, 2021)

Background Information

• • Part 1: Closure – Railroad Crossing – Indian Hill Rd
  • Part 2. Closure RR Xing, Indian Hill Rd. Opening up the Tecumseh

  • Part 3. Closure RR Xing, Indian Hill Rd

Indiana Fire Protection Districts

Feb 24, 2016. A Brown County Fire Protection District, established in 2007, included a funding mechanism which could have been used for staffing, but it was never fully implemented because of constant court battles. Ref: All-volunteer fire force: Still feasible? Sara Clifford -February 24, 2016  https://bcdemocrat.com/2016/02/24/all-volunteer-fire-force-still-feasible-3

Sept 1, 2015. Indiana Supreme Court. Justia Opinion Summary

Sep 2, 2015 Justices: Commissioners may void county fire districts  

Jan 12, 2015 APPEAL FROM THE BROWN CIRCUIT COURT  

https://cases.justia.com/indiana/court-of-appeals/2015-07a01-1406-pl-265.pdf?ts=1421078812A

Jan 1, 2008 Government can create fire protection district

Sept 5, 2007  (Updated April 15, 2016_. Brown County board backs new fire district over foes

Updated: July 5, 2023 

Public Hearing – July 8, 2023. 10am, Brown County Fairgrounds.  Public Hearing – Outline of the Process

This sewer expansion is just the “FIRST PHASE” of a county wastewater strategic plan developed by “appointed” officials of the Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) Board “without any” public input. The overall plan affects all taxpayers as well as those with existing functional septic systems.  Map – Phase 1 – Area to be covered

• • BCRSD Board Members: President – Mike Leggins, Vice President – Clint Studabaker
    Treasurer – Phil LeBlanc, Secretary – Richard Hall, At Large – Matt Hanlon

The County Comprehensive Plan by statute, represents the voice of the citizens as to what they want and do not want in terms of infrastructure and development. This plan DOES require public meetings prior to approval by the Commissioners. The current plan does not address the need or desire for county-wide sewers.

Questions?   Citizens can provide questions in advance, can ask questions at the hearing, or submit their questions in writing on the day of the hearing or through July 14.  Responses are to be provided.  Questions and responses become part of the record and can serve as the basis for any requests to state and federal officials for further review. Email:  BrownCountyRSD@gmail.com

• • I will continue to share my questions and concerns in the following links: County Wastewater Strategic Plan and Water Quality Study and at:
    

    BCRSD Sewer Expansion Project on “Trial” – For The Record 

Learning More – Homework – BCRSD Website:  Video Presentations, Strategic Plan, and Watershed Study (Appendix B)

Online – Read-Aheads –  Application for Funding- Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs).  Hard copies are available at the Library, Health Department, Helmsburg General Store, and Lake Lemon Conservancy District Office.

Indiana Finance Authority – Application Guidance and Documents

Contents:

• • BCRSD – PER – Phase 1
  • Helmsburg RSD – PER – repair existing plan; PER 2  Support Phase I
  • Phase I – Two Corridors
    • Western Corridor – Helmsburg to Lake Lemon – valid need and justification for funding.
    • Eastern Corridor – Helmsburg, Bean Blossom, Woodland Lake – need based on assumptions, and overstating an effect on the watershed.
      • Assumption Defined: something that you accept as true without question or proof.

• Validating estimates and assumptions. The counter to assumptions and anecdotal evidence as a basis for supporting decisions is the application of the scientific method.  This method includes identifying operational definitions of key terms such as “failing” and “inadequate” systems, and “useful life”, followed by data collection and statistical sampling plans, inspections, data analysis, and conclusions.   Findings from a statistically valid sample can then be applied to the larger population.

Joint RSD Meeting Notes, May 23, 2023 – Helmsburg and Brown County Regional Sewer Districts (RSDs)

Public Hearing July 8, 2023.  The required Public Hearing regarding the applications for funding remains scheduled for Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 10-12, Brown County Fairgrounds. Copies of the Preliminary Reports (PERs) are available online and will be available in hard copy – location to be identified and published in the Democrat. Online copies and supporting documentation.

Public Hearing – Outline of the Process

Questions?   Citizens can provide questions in advance, can ask questions at the hearing, or submit their questions in writing on the day of the hearing.  Responses are to be provided within 5 days of the Hearing.  Questions and responses become part of the record and can serve as the basis for any requests to state and federal officials for any further review.

The PERs (application for funding) are derived from the BCRSD Wastewater Strategic Plan. This plan also included a  Watershed Study (appendix B). The plan and study are also summarized in two – online videos. https://browncountyregionalsewerdistrict.wordpress.com/strategic-plan/

Let your voice be heard. Unlike other county strategic plans that must include public meetings and a vote to approve by elected officials, the BCRSD plan and study WERE NOT required to be presented at a public meeting. Consequently, citizens were not allowed the opportunity to comment. The Public Hearing will provide citizens the opportunity to ask their questions and voice any concerns.

I will continue to share my questions and concerns in the following link: BCRSD Sewer Expansion Project on “Trial” – For The Record