Notes 🙂 No formal agenda – open format. Topics included expanding Economic Development Areas (EDAs) in Jackson and Hamblen townships, purchasing/selling properties, affordable housing options, clean up of blighted properties, the importance of understanding culture when considering changes,  the history of dumping in rural areas to include Brown County, regional sewer districts (RSDs), and Helmsburg Revitalization.

Jim Kemp (President of the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) mentioned that he is taking the online certification courses required for installing Presbys and is reviewing the county required certifications tests.  His motive is to learn more about the process and requirements.

Brown County Matters – Facebook Post

On the topic of Helmsburg Revitalization, Barnes and Thornburg identified new requirements for buying and selling properties (?) that were not included in the initial  Economic Development Area (EDA) related resolutions and forms.

• Helmsburg EDA Paperwork
• Helmsburg Revitalization – background on the project
• Barnes and Thornburg Handbook for RDCs

Helmsburg Revitalization and Waste Water Treatment Strategies

• Jim Kemp suggested that one RSD for the county may/could be more efficient.  He had also talked with the Helmsburg RSD Board member who stated that Helmsburg did not want to assume any debt to accommodate Bean Blossom customers.
  • The Bean Blossom to Helmsburg option has been perceived as being among the better options as opposed to expanding the Bean Blossom Project to include other areas – Woodland Lake, Freeman Ridge, Little Fox Lake.
• RSD members are appointed by either the council and/or commissioners. I could not find any information on the process and appointments on the county website.
• Unless there is significant development around Helmsburg that leads to more customers, how does their $90.00 rate not continue to increase?  Gnaw Bone was helped out by the Forest Hills apartments that reduced rates to around $50.00 (?)
• Along with the Bean Blossom sewer project, is the window open for funding from the state?   Would Helmsburg RSD  support any changes needed to support Bean Blossom (to include new debt) “IF” the costs to Helmsburg’s current customers would not be increased and may even lead to reduced rates?
• If no significant development is expected in Helmsburg, then as mentioned at the meeting, a plan could include Helmsburg customers beings served by the BCRSD and (phase out the Helmsburg RSD?).   This would very likely lead to decreases in the monthly rate.
• “Now” may be a good time to make any needed updates to the Helmsburg Economic Plan to include documenting the decisions regarding the future of the Helmsburg RSD.

New Economic Opportunities – Septic System Inspection and Installations

Not specifically addressed in the meeting but current efforts by the Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) and the Health Department “may be” leading to creating a significant financial opportunity for individuals that are interested in septic system inspections and installations. This also results in economic impacts on residents.

The Market: Data provided by the BCRSD identified that there are approximately 8,400 households in Brown County, and only about 700, or 8 percent, have sewer access. Out of the approximate 7,700 residences with septic systems, about 4,000 of those systems were installed before the state code was developed. As a result, many of them might not be in compliance with current codes.

The BCRSD in their letter to potential customers identified an “estimated average” useful life of a septic system at 25 years. (Source: Purdue extension service. I have not been able to find the analysis that provides the supporting detail for the “average.”)

• This 25-year estimated average is contradicted by Presby Environmental and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • Presby Environmental: If the system is designed, installed and maintained properly, there is no limit to the life expectancy of Enviro-Septic^® Technology. In the event that the System malfunctions due to abuse, AES or Enviro-Septic^® may be rejuvenated in as little as 72 hours, eliminating the need for a replacement.
  • EPA. Conventional septic systems are designed to operate indefinitely if properly maintained.  EPA also identifies an assumption that most household systems are not well-maintained thus estimating the functional life of septic systems at 20 years or less. EPA Septic Systems (Onsite/Decentralized Systems)

The Health Department is updating its files regarding septic system records. They are identifying that in many cases, there are no records, records are incomplete and some records indicate that systems are not meeting current codes. More info on the status of septic system records – pages 3-5:  20190225 BCRSD Council Presentation Dec 17. 2018

The Health Department is also in the process of developing an update to the Septic System Ordinance.  The prior two versions have indicated increased requirements for inspectors and installers.  An economic impact study of the cost of any new changes on residents should be included with any proposed revision.

The unknown (to me) at this time is if the Health Department can require an update of records and/or inspections of existing systems.

“If” new ordinances and/or enforcement of existing septic system related laws and ordinances can identify a significant number of systems requiring updated records, inspections, repairs, and replacements, can the county contract for volume discounts? Financial support would be another issue.

Brown County Government does not have a Capital Improvement Plan or Budget.  They were required in 2018 by the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) to develop a capital asset “policy.”  An asset includes buildings, land, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, water, fire protection).

Facebook Post  Brown County Matters. What do you think? NO new county DEBT or increases in TAXES until the county publishes a 10-year plan and budget for maintenance, repair and replacement costs (funded and unfunded) of existing buildings and grounds (land) and other infrastructure costs to include roads and bridges. ..

Examples

Capital Improvement Planning & Budgeting Resource Center – Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).  GFOA recommends that all governments regularly engage in long-term financial planning that encompasses the following elements and essential steps.

• A long-term financial plan should include these elements. … Time Horizon. A plan should look at least five to ten years into the future.

Multnomah County, OR  County Roads Capital Improvement Plan – Video 2 minutes – 20 year look  – total of 270 miles of county paved roads

Durham County, North Carolina, Capital Improvement Plan – Fiscal Years 2014-2023

Test your knowledge – Questions and Answers – Capital Budgeting – 49 Terms

MANATEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT Fiscal Year 2018 – 2022 Capital Improvement Program

Stearns County, MN Capital Improvement Plan

Project Description

• Build a new justice center including a courthouse and government offices. (Approximately $10 million).
• Convert the second story of the historic courthouse to offices for our “part-time” commissioners.  First floor TBD.  Total Costs TBD.

Remonstrance Process.

• Indiana Code 36-12-5-7. Petition or remonstrance; procedure; affidavit; duties of clerk of circuit court. Current as of: 2017
• Citizen’s Petition and Remonstrance Toolkit

Timeline

Feb  29, 2020. BCD. COUNTY NEWS: … update on courthouse remodel By Sara Clifford –

• Commissioner Biddle. “We have those issues that we need to address. We either address them collectively or we start addressing them individually. Either way, it would cost us more money,”  … “I don’t care how we choose to fix the problem, but there are problems that aren’t going to go away. We have to look at a solution.”
• Commissioner Jerry Pittman asked about any other large projects that might be “looming out there” that would require a $10 million bond like this one. Biddle and council Vice President Dave Critser both mentioned bridge work. … Last August, USI Consultants presented a report stating that Brown County was looking at more than $9 million worth of bridge work that will need to be done in the next nine years.
• Councilman Dave Critser: Critser told commissioners Biddle and Pittman to move forward. “You just need to go ahead and move forward with this project. That’s all there is to it,” he said.
• Pittman said he was still willing to have public meetings to get input on the plans and ideas on how to address space needs, especially at the Brown County Prosecutor’s Office where employees are getting sick due to the condition of the building. … “I don’t like the idea of borrowing $10 million, obligating my children who are living in this county and grandchildren who continue to. But honestly, does anybody have a more cost-effective solution than building a new facility? I’d love to hear it,” he said.

April 4, 2019. DLZ and Umbaugh (now called Baker Tilley) provided the same presentation to a “working session” of the Commissioners and Council that was made last June to a standing room only audience. NO ACTION has been taken since last June to address citizen concerns with this project. These were captured in my Letter – “Consider other ways for project to proceed” following the meeting.

Following this meeting was a presentation of the first ever five-year financial plan by Baker Tilly.

• “Illustrative Financing” – Options for Financing the Proposed Justice Center. This was presented “before” the presentation on the Five-Year Financial Plan.
  • Brown County IN Illustrative Financing – Proposed Justice Center 20190405
• County Five Year Financial Plan and Projections (2016-2021).  Taxes will need to be increased to overcome projected deficits.  The plan did not include all of the fund accounts, the health insurance account,  and most funds (exception innkeeper’s tax revenue fund and riverboat fund) were projecting more costs than revenues. Further, the report did not include a:  Capital Improvement Plan and Budget to identify:
  • Projected capital improvement expenses (roads, bridges (9 million), maintenance, repair, and replacement of existing land and buildings,
  • Proposed new 10 million dollar debt for the proposed justice center and one million (+) plan for courthouse repairs and renovations) that would have led to increases in projected deficits. The report did identify the amounts that could be generated by higher taxes.  The key assumption was no change in the tax base.
  • Proposed new coroners office (50-100k?)
  •  Indiana Trial Court Statistics by County 
  • Brown County Court – Trends 2010 – 2017 
  • Brown County Population Projects – through 2020 – 2050 – Stats Indiana Brown County Population Projections

March 12, 2019. BCD. Discussions resume on future of Brown County Courthouse by Suzanna Couch.  Brown County Matters – Facebook Post

February 20, 2019.  Commissioner Meeting.  Commissioners identify the intent to push forward on this project.  Facebook Post-  Brown County Matters. Commissioner

• Feb 20, 2019. BCD. Facebook Post Commissioner Meeting Agenda

June 26, 2018. BCD, Letter: Courthouse project should be done thoughtfully, by Roy Graham, Bloomington. I have followed the issue of expanding the justice needs by way of a new building in Brown County carefully. … The Democrat has done an excellent job of covering this. … I am unsure if the following idea has been proposed, but before spending millions of dollars, I have a simple suggestion

May 29, 2018, BCD. LOOKING BACK: Constructing the first Brown County courthouse by  Pauline Hoover, Brown County Historical Society

May 2, 2018.  Consultant Presentation:  New Courthouse and Government Offices  – AKA  – Brown County 2018 05-02 DLZ Justice Center Feasibility Study

• Note that DLZ can bid on any projects that are generated from the study.

May 15, 2018. BCD,  Agency recommendation after study: Build new justice center, by Suzannah Couch

• • May 2 presentation to commissioners and council
  • An agency hired to examine the future of the historic courthouse in Brown County has offered two suggestions to the Brown County Commissioners and Brown County Council.
  • Those are to move court offices to a new building that would be built next to the Brown County Law Enforcement Center and move some county employees into the current courthouse after it is renovated.

May 1, 2018. BCD,   COUNTY NEWS: Courthouse feasibility study presentation set; money approved for courthouse security officer

Jan 23, 2018. BCD, The people’s court: Courthouse project needs public input, firm says by Sara Clifford

• The agency hired to study the future of Brown County court operations wants to make two things clear:
  • No. 1: The people need to drive this project, and; No. 2: Whatever it ends up being, it needs to be something taxpayers can afford.
  • “I can’t stress this enough: The solution at the end of the day can’t be that we’re going to build this huge facility that’s going to meet the community’s needs for 50-plus years, but we can’t afford it,” said DLZ principal architect Eric Ratts

Jan 6, 2018.  BCD, Courthouse feasibility study kickoff meeting date set . by Suzannah Couch. A group will meet to discuss the next steps in what to do about the historic Brown County Courthouse next week.

Oct 17, 2017. BCD, Another annex? New study being done on courthouse future. by Suzannah Couch. For the fourth time in eight years, a study is being done on making changes to the historic Brown County Courthouse. This time, the study also will look at building a new, separate county annex building somewhere in downtown Nashville.

• Biddle said that Umbaugh, the county’s financial consultant, said the “ideal time” to bid out a project would be at the end of 2018, get a bond and start construction in 2019.
• The Brown County Commissioners and Brown County Council went ahead with plans to borrow up to $8.25 million to build a 17,400-square-foot addition. But taxpayers soundly defeated that proposal with a remonstrance, and citizen committees began studying other options.

Indiana Public Media: wfiu, npr, WTIU

• May 17, 2018. Consultant Calls For Justice Center In Brown County
• May 3, 2017.  Report: Brown Co. Courthouse Needs More Parking, Public Meeting Space
  • Biddle says the DLZ assessment cost just under $20,000. She says Brown County will develop plans following the final assessment’s release.

County Website – General Information – Including previous Courthouse Studies and Proposals:

• July 2013. Courthouse Remodel and Addition Funding Facts (Download)
• July 2013.  Courthouse Remodel and Addition Interest Cost Comp (Download)
  • Courthouse Remodel and Addition Miller-ADS Comparison
• Nov 2012. Courthouse Study, Recs, Conceptual Design Part 1
• Nov 2012. Courthouse Study, Recs, Conceptual Design Part 2
• Feb – April 2012 Courthouse Study, Recs, Conceptual Design Part 3 – Interviews, Space Requirements

Summary:  On Jan 23, a school employee (part-time coach and substitute teacher) posts a controversial picture on social media and defends the post.  The post goes “viral”  and leads to strong reactions on both sides.  Copy of the picture sent to the Superintendent who on Jan 25, identified termination as an option.  On Jan 31, a WTHR interview of the Superintendent and teacher  identified that they “decided they could work together to make it “a teachable moment.”  A  special, closed meeting of the Brown County Schools Board of Trustees met on Jan 31 to discuss the issue.  The Superintendent issues a Press Release on Feb 1 identifying the issue, acknowledging the controversy, reinforcing the school policy and identifying an education and training initiative.  At the school board meeting on Feb 8, the teacher was asked to resign his coaching position but no mention as to his status as a substitute teacher.  Substitutes are hired from Kelly Educational Staffing (KES^®). The teacher refused to resign his coaching position and was terminated from employment.

A process perspective regarding the issue.

1. Governance. The School Board owns policy and process. We elect them and they hire and supervise the Superintendent.
2.  Risk Management. The potential of issues going viral is a risk for any organization. When the issue became “viral,” among the first steps is for the Board and Superintendent to review the risk management and mitigation plan. Was the risk identified and if so, what is the policy? Does the policy include an education and training requirement, guidance on press releases, interviews, etc. ?
3.  Policy. A policy would identify the process and guidance for managing the situation. It would also have to align with current statutes, regulations, and contracts that cover employee behavior.
4.  Enforcement.  If an employee clearly violated a valid policy, options could range from termination, reprimand, counseling, mandatory training, and/or probation. If the policy is too vague, then it needs to be updated.
5.  Continual Learning. No process is perfect and this situation identifies an opportunity to review the process and make any needed improvements.

Feb 11, 2019. BCD.  School board votes for assistant coach’s termination by Suzannah Couch.  Two weeks after Richard Gist, an assistant track coach, posted a photo of himself in blackface to a Facebook conversation thread, the Brown County school board voted to approve his termination on Feb. 7. …. Gist had been given a “path” to return to Brown County Schools as a substitute teacher and assistant football coach next school year, explained board President Steve Miller Jr. The week prior, Gist and Superintendent Laura Hammack met to discuss a plan.

FEBRUARY 7, 2019, 8:22 P.M BY FOX59 WEB, UPDATED AT 10:48PM,   Brown County Schools terminates coach who posted photo of himself in blackface

This was the plan the district offered Gist:

1. Resign as assistant track coach. In the belief that his presence would be a distraction, to provide a “cooling off” period for the next two steps to be completed.
2. Participate in cultural competency training and
3. Participate in online civility training both of which the district has pledged to implement for all BCS staff and lay coaches.

Gist said he refused the offer solely on the grounds that he would not submit a letter of resignation.

FEB 7, 2019 WTHR.  Brown County teacher fired amid controversy over old photo

• Last week, Brown County Schools Superintendent Dr. Laura Hammack said she considered terminating Gist, but decided they could work together to make it “a teachable moment.”
• “There are opportunities when you make a mistake to repair that harm, you can step up and make that happen by educating yourself and apologizing then great things can happen,” Hammack said last week.

FEBRUARY 1, 2019. BCD FaceBook Brown County Schools Press Release  Response to the controversy 

JANUARY 31, 2019. WTHR   Brown County learns lesson after old photo draws controversy

• Initially, Hammack considered termination, but upon talking with Gist, the two have decided the substitute teacher, who also serves as assistant track and football coach, can work together make this a teachable moment.
• “We are really focused on ways to make this a learning opportunity to educate boys and girls in our community. We see this as a teachable moment,” she stated.
• Don Griffin with the NAACP in Bloomington said this solution where Gist keeps his job and works to educate others is the best way to address this situation.

JANUARY 29, 2019.  BCD, Coach’s profile picture sparks conversation on what’s offensive

Four Indiana Uplands counties have completed ROI Ready Communities Quality of Place & Workforce Attraction Plans! See the plan for Brown

Application is now open for the first round of Ready Communities implementation grants for projects in these counties! Up to $1 million available. Application due April 15.

Apr 10, 2019. Community Strategic Plan. Presentation at the Playhouse.
Final Brown County ROI Plan 2019_04_10

Mar 13, 2019. Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan  ROI brown-county_final-3-13

Jan 28, 2019.  Envisioning the future: Grant money available for development projects 

• Brown County has opportunities to get hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding from the Lilly Foundation to use on three community projects.
• About 80 people showed up at the Brown County Playhouse Jan. 23 to help figure out what those projects might be, and to help to steer an overall strategic plan for the county.

Jan 24, 2019, BCCF Facebook – Recap from the session.

Jan 23, 2019. Presentations from the January 23, 2019, Town Hall, Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF) – Announcement on Facebook

• 5:00 to 6:00   p.m.  Open House Session –  Sponsored by the Redevelopment Commission (RDC). Presentation by Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA) which is the company selected by the county to create the economic development strategic plan.
  • Presentation – Thomas P. Miller: TPMA brown town hall plus tpma jan 23 2019
• 6:00 – 8:00 pm Presentation of the Strategic Plan Unveiling. This was followed by break-out sessions to collect more input regarding the plan and additional suggestions.
  • Presentation by Consultants: brown town hall january 23 2019

Jan 15, 2019. County’s economic plan to be discussed at Playhouse The Brown County Community Foundation and the Brown County Redevelopment Commission will host a public forum on Wednesday, Jan. 23 to discuss the county’s economic strategic plan and possible grant opportunities.

Sewers and Septic Systems – What Is the Problem?

Revised Jan 10, 2019 – Will be submitted to the Brown County Democrat, Guest Opinion (Target date for publication Jan 21, 2019)

The Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) Board is taking action that could affect the quality of life for most Brown County citizens. A regional sewer district has the authority to require or waive a sewer connection for any residence in their respective district. A possible correlation regarding a relationship between the age and efficacy of septic systems and the quality of water in our lakes, streams and creeks leads to a need for the BCRSD to address two key questions as an integral part of a countywide strategy:  To what extent should residences located near a wastewater treatment facility be required to hook up to sewers? To what extent should all residences – 90 percent of which utilize septic systems – be required to have their septic systems inspected on a recurring basis?

Everyone wants a safe and healthy environment. But citizens should also expect that elected and appointed representatives identify and document the process that they will apply to understand a problem and determine the best solutions for the county.

The standard practice within the county is for groups with a special interest in a project to apply an ad-hoc process. Ad-hoc is defined as an approach that is taken for a particular purpose without considering the wider scale impacts. Ad-hoc strategies are suboptimal – they do not lead to the best results.

The special interests that support the Bean Blossom sewer project are those with a commercial interest such as the owners of the Trailer Park, Brownies Restaurant, and the Bill Monroe Music Park. Individual interests include those of the current President of the BCRSD Board who has acknowledged that he owns rental properties in the area to be served that do not have adequate septic systems. Other interests represent those in the area of development. These interests are represented by the county redevelopment commission that is promoting economic development for the area without a documented plan that is supported by the community.

The emphasis on development was recently identified in the article “Waste disposal ‘first and foremost’ in development decisions,” which appeared in the Dec. 4 issue of the Brown County Democrat.

The need for a better problem solving and decision-making process was recently reinforced by comments made by BCRSD board member Clint Studabaker. Regarding the issues of septic systems and sewers, he stated: “It’s not rocket science. … It’s more complicated than that.”

The situation is no more “complicated” than any other significant challenge with political, social, cultural and economic implications. What makes it complicated is when ad-hoc processes are applied to develop solutions that may benefit a few but can lead to more problems for most citizens.

I have provided an example of a decision-making process to members of the county council, commissioners and members of the BCRSD board. It is also available on the Independent Voters of Brown County IN website.

 How this situation arose

At its June 18 meeting, the county council approved a request by the BCRSD board for $270,000 to provide the funding needed to submit an application for funding of a wastewater treatment plant in Bean Blossom. This project is estimated to cost over $7.3 million with funding provided by the State Revolving Fund (SRF). The SRF is funded through federal grants. The SRF approves funding based on the income levels of the population to be served and on environmental need.

In 2018, the BCRSD board spent approximately $70,000 on engineering and consulting services. At the Dec. 17 county council meeting, Mr. Studabaker requested that the balance of the funds be appropriated for use in 2019. The county council will vote on this request on Thursday, Jan. 24.

In addition to the request for funding, Mr. Studabaker made a presentation on the status of the project that reinforced the need for a countywide strategy. Most of his presentation covered environmental challenges and issues in the areas of water quality, soils and septic systems. Outdated water sample results have indicated high E. coli levels. Tests are now available that can determine if the E. coli levels are due to causes that include animal contamination or human contamination due to failed septic systems.

At the sewer board’s Jan. 8 meeting, Mr. Studabaker reinforced that a countywide strategy was needed and could take 30 years to implement. Implementation would be supported in phases starting with the Bean Blossom area.

Data provided by the BCRSD identified that there are approximately 8,400 households in Brown County, and only about 700, or 8 percent, have sewer access.

At the BCRSD’s Dec. 4 meeting, BCRSD board President Judy Swift-Powdrill recommended that the Bean Blossom Sewer Project be delayed until the need for sewers was validated and the residents’ support for it was established. Her fellow board members did not specifically address her recommendation and voted to continue funding the project. At the BCRSD’s Dec. 11 meeting, it was announced that Ms. Swift-Powdrill chose to resign.

The previous BCRSD board president, Evan Werling, also resigned. He, too, stated that a need for sewers was not validated. He also warned citizens at a public meeting that the BCRSD board has the power to enter into contracts without commissioner or council approval. If this does not concern you, it should.  The context for Mr. Werling’s warning concerned the contract proposed by the Town of Nashville to provide sewer service. Mr. Werling and the Board did not believe the contract was in the best interests of the county and voted to reject the contract.

In his presentation at the Dec. 17 county council meeting, Mr. Studabaker did not address the lack of a documented need or desire for sewers, as recommended by the two previous BCRSD board presidents. Mr. Studabaker – a retired civil and environmental engineer with a special interest in the watershed – is working to make an environmental-based case (unsubstantiated at this point) that soils, water quality, and the age and condition of septic systems in the county are the “problem.” Mr. Studabaker is also on a health board committee that is working to update the septic ordinance.

An opinion that is often used to justify the need for sewers is the “estimate” that a useful life of a septic system “averages” 25 years. However, an “average” of 25 years could include a useful life ranging from 1 to 49 years. Variables that affect useful life include design, location, materials, equipment, technology, water usage, maintenance, and soils to name a few. Can a well-designed and maintained system last the lifetime of a home?

A worse case for residents in the Bean Blossom area is having a failed system and not having the land or soils needed to replace the system. Sewers would likely be welcome in these cases. However, access to sewers will not be an option in all cases. Many residents in the county live in areas where installation of sewers may not be economically feasible. In this case, a countywide strategy and plan is needed to identify the range of possible options that are available to citizens.

Questions that need to be answered

Before the BCRSD receives any more funding from county taxpayers, its board member000000s should provide written responses to the following questions:

BCRSD Board – Roles, responsibilities and authority

(1) What criteria will be used by the sewer board to grant waivers for a sewer connection?

(2) Can the health department or BCRSD take action that will force inspections of septic systems with outdated records, especially the ones installed before 1977?

(3) Can the BCRSD, with IDEM’s support, expand its boundaries to include conservancies? Can it take over or consolidate the Helmsburg sewer district or any other sewer district? If so, how would this be done? What are the projected costs of operating this utility? How many employees will be needed?

(4) Do the other sewer districts (e.g., Nashville, Gnaw Bone, Helmsburg) have the power to require people to connect to a sewer or pay for sewer services not rendered?

(5) Other than appointments, do the commissioners and council have any authority over the BCRSD, or is the governing authority IDEM? If IDEM, why isn’t that organization funding the BCRSD?

(6) What funding is available to assist people to meet any future health department or BCRSD requirements for sewer hookups, septic system inspections, and possibly septic systems repairs/replacements? What if a residence is not in an area that could be served by sewers and a new/upgraded septic system is not possible due to terrain and soil conditions?

Service area – Proposed Bean Blossom sewer project 

(7) What is the evidence showing that there is a problem with failed septic systems in the Bean Blossom area that justifies a $7.3 million investment of taxpayer money?

(8) At the June 21 public meeting of the BCRSD board, citizens were first informed that an application for the Bean Blossom sewer project was being submitted to the state. Citizens expressed concerns and asked numerous questions. Board members responded that citizens would be provided with answers to their questions. This information was finally provided at the Jan. 8 meeting and neglected key questions: What percent of the 240 customers to be served, support the Bean Blossom project? How many citizens will request waivers and how many might not grant permission for any needed easements?  If easements are not granted, will eminent domain be needed?

(9) What other (likely less expensive) wastewater treatment options have been identified to support development and commercial interests in Bean Blossom?

(10) The Helmsburg wastewater treatment plant has excess capacity. Why hasn’t an arrangement with the Helmsburg sewer board been worked out?

Economic development – Questions for commissioners and council

(11) If the “need” for sewers is to support commercial and development interests, should the council and commissioners require that Bean Blossom area residents follow the example of the Helmsburg community? Leaders in Helmsburg, with the help of the county redevelopment commission, created an economic development area (EDA) and formed a community development corporation (CDC). The CDC provides all residents with the opportunity to identify what they want and do not want in terms of community and economic development.

(12) Should CDCs be promoted for use in other areas of the county? Note that the draft of the 1993 comprehensive plan (available at the planning office) identified a development strategy for hamlets and villages within the county.

To summarize, the county council should require the development of a countywide assessment and a strategy for sewers and septic systems before any more county money is invested in the Bean Blossom sewer project.  An effective strategy requires a thorough understanding of the scope and extent of the problem and would address the questions identified above.

If county citizens want the best results from plans, policies and projects, then a collaborative as opposed to an ad-hoc process must be used to assure citizens that any changes will most likely result in a better county for everyone.

Tim Clark of Brown County is a quality improvement practitioner, educator and author who specializes in the public sector. He is a senior member of the American Society for Quality and is a certified quality auditor. He has master’s degrees in strategic studies and public administration and has served on the Brown County Redevelopment Commission and on the Brown County Schools Strategic Planning Committee. He can be reached at tjclark2036@gmail.com.

Additional information on the Project – Articles and Letters in the Brown County Democrat, Facebook Posts at Brown County Matters – Regional Sewer Board – Bean Blossom Sewer Project – For the Record 

Feb 18, 2019. Joint Meeting – Helmsburg and Gnaw Bone Regional Sewer Districts. Provides some background information on the history of their plants and the collaboration on billing.

Jan 8, 2019. Answers to Questions prepared by the BCRSD Board 20190108 qanda

• “A regional district has the authority to require or waive sewer connection.“
• A waiver by Indiana Code can be provided if you live in a “municipality”  “… Subject to subsections (e) through (k), a property owner is exempt from the requirement to connect to a municipality’s sewer system”

PowerPoint Presentation presented by Clint Studabaker 20181217 BC Council December 17, 2018, Presentation

Mother Earth News – Secrets of the Septic System If your home has a septic system you should know how it works — and how it might fail. Our correspondent provides an explanation.

Note: The RealClear Politics is one of the rare websites that offers articles with opposing points of view.

FYI — link to the principles and platform of the two major political parties:

• The Republican “Tribe” — “…  list of what it means to be a Republican.
• The Democrat “Tribe” – ” … the Democratic Platform — the statement of core principals at the heart of our Party, is governed by its Charter and Bylaws.
• Suggested Principles – Independent Voters of Brown County IN

Five Tribes of American Voters, RealCelar Politics 

“Every difference of opinion,” Thomas Jefferson warned in his first inaugural address, “is not a difference of principle ….  “We are all Republicans,” he added. “We are all Federalists.”” Thomas Jefferson

• Not anymore. In 21^st century America, any notion that election results end the argument, however temporarily, is an anachronism. So, too, is the conceit that a nation this large and diverse is divided neatly along “50-50” lines, with half of America’s 253 million adults supporting Democrats, and the other half backing Republicans.
• “Resistance” — to President Trump and the Trump-era Republican Party .. is one of the five American “tribes” identified in a sweeping new public opinion survey conducted by RealClear Opinion Research 

Seven (7) …  Hidden Tribes: A Study of America’s Polarized Landscape  Hidden Tribes Report

This report lays out the findings of a large-scale national survey of Americans about the current state of civic life in the United States. It provides substantial evidence of deep polarization and growing tribalism. It shows that this polarization is rooted in something deeper than political opinions and disagreements over policy. But it also provides
some evidence for optimism, showing that 77 percent of Americans believe our differences are not so great that we cannot come together.

The segments have distinctive sets of characteristics; here listed in order from left to
right on the ideological spectrum:

• Progressive Activists: younger, highly engaged, secular, cosmopolitan, angry.
• Traditional Liberals: older, retired, open to compromise, rational, cautious.
• Passive Liberals: unhappy, insecure, distrustful, disillusioned.
• Politically Disengaged: young, low income, distrustful, detached, patriotic,
  conspiratorial.
• Moderates: engaged, civic-minded, middle-of-the-road, pessimistic, Protestant.
• Traditional Conservatives: religious, middle class, patriotic, moralistic.
• Devoted Conservatives: white, retired, highly engaged, uncompromising,
  patriotic.

This map shows the US really has 11 separate ‘nations’ with entirely different cultures

The American Nations Today

Dec 11, 2010  BCD, GUEST OPINION: Political transformation, one county at a time by Tim Clark

Straight-ticket voting in the 2018 elections was reported by the Brown County Democrat to be the highest in the past 10 years where “56.7 percent of voters automatically voted for everyone on the ballot for their chosen party, and the majority — 65.5 percent of them — were Republicans.”

These results are not indicative of an effective political system. Given human nature, it is impossible for one political party to have all the best candidates.

The expected drama that will be associated with the 2020 elections may likely encourage more default straight-ticket voting for candidates running for state and national office. At the local (county) level, it’s much easier to meet and get to know a candidate (or the incumbent) and determine their capability and qualifications for a respective office.

A monopoly on political power reinforces the county government’s preference to support special interests in applying ad-hoc processes that do not result in achieving the best outcomes. This approach for leading change is not in the best interests of the county, country or the individuals involved in the process.

A common strategy within the county is to empower ad-hoc groups of unelected individuals to make major decisions by applying processes that, by design, cannot and will not produce the best outcomes. These ad-hoc groups create and lead projects with funding that is initially or later approved by elected officials. These projects often do not seek wide-scale community support and are not guided by county strategic, comprehensive and economic plans that are developed and continually improved with citizen input. Political parties can also be considered as ad-hoc groups that represent special (partisan) interests.

Examples of past and current projects — many of which proposed or involved a significant investment of tax dollars include the following:

• An unsuccessful application for an Indiana Stellar Grant that proposed major projects without countywide input and involvement;
• The Salt Creek Trail that, despite the original intent, is acquiring land through an enticement of inflated land prices and threat of condemnation;
• Bean Blossom sewers, where a solution was proposed before the problem was identified;
• A government-owned music venue led by local innkeepers that included a refusal by the commissioners and county council to hold public meetings to discuss the desirability and feasibility of the project; and
• A proposal for a new county government Justice Center without a thorough analysis of alternatives and identification of a compelling need to justify the new debt.

This situation, major decisions determined by the few, is not unique to Brown County. A study of federal policies using data over 20 years “compared what the public wanted to what the government actually did” and concluded that “the opinions of 90 percent of Americans have essentially no impact at all.” For more information, see “The Problem” at represent.us. This report led to media headlines throughout the world that suggested the U.S. was functioning as an oligarchy.

The U.S. political system was designed to be continually improved by “We the People” at the local level in pursuit of “a more perfect Union.” Achieving this aim requires that action produces results where everyone gains or at least, are not any worse off in the long-term. Although the aim (more perfect) was identified in the U.S. Constitution, we lack a common method, process and language that we can use in working together to achieve this vision.

Early in our country’s history, political parties emerged to identify and offer methods for identifying changes that result in improvement. George Washington, in his farewell address, warned against forming political parties but his advice was ignored by his immediate successors, John Adams (Federalist) and Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican). Adams won in 1796 and Jefferson in 1800. Political parties identify the variation on issues, but also contribute to divisiveness and suboptimal solutions. The fact is that everyone wins when optimal methods are applied in the pursuit of “more perfect.”

Social media, which includes Facebook, is an evolving and disruptive technology that can support the needed transformation to better methods and processes that should be welcomed by most citizens. Some people also prefer to maintain the status quo — no change needed.

At the county level of politics, name recognition and family reputation that is often linked to past generations are of significant political advantage. Name recognition along with party affiliation (Republican in this county) is often all that is needed to get elected. Communication is another challenge within the county. If citizens do not read the Brown County Democrat or follow issues on social media, they will not have knowledge of the issues. This lack of information can lead to a default vote where it is assumed that a respective party has your best interests in mind.

In the past, elected officials could vote without a concern that their name and reputation would be associated with any adverse consequences of their vote. With social media, officials, as well as the community, can be held responsible over the life cycle of a vote which becomes part of the documented history of the county. And, with social media, there is always the potential for a story to go “viral.”

Transformation is defined as a change that leads to sustained improvement. Political transformation can begin at the local (county) level. A simple change that voters can make that can result in significant improvement is to vote for and support the best local candidate regardless of political party affiliation. How does the candidate define “a more perfect” county? Do they understand the importance of planning? What do they identify as a priority? And what feedback do you need to determine that a change has led to an improvement?

Tim Clark of Brown County is a quality improvement practitioner, educator, and author who specializes in the public sector. He is a senior member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), has been certified as a quality auditor and has master’s degrees in strategic studies and public administration. He has served as a member of the Brown County Redevelopment Commission and has served on the Brown County Schools Strategic Planning Committee. He can be reached through the newspaper at newsroom@bcdemocrat.com.

Dec 11, 2018. Brown County Democrat – GUEST OPINION: Political transformation, one county at a time By TIM CLARK, guest columnist  Article posted at Brown County Democrat Facebook Page

The Access to Public Records Act of Indiana states that “…it is the public policy of the state that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees. Providing persons with the information is an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of public officials and employees, whose duty it is to provide the information.

• Handbook on Indiana’s Public Access Laws  OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS COUNSELOR
• Guidance –City of Indianapolis 
  • Lawsuit to compel disclosure. A person denied access to a public record may file a lawsuit in the circuit or superior court of the county in which the denial occurred to compel disclosure. In certain cases, attorneys’ fees may be awarded, provided the State Public Access Counselor is contacted first at (317) 233-9435 or 1-800-228-6013.
• New Penalties for Violations of the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”)
• Sample Request – National Freedom of Information Coalition Protecting Your Right to Open Government

Copying Fee

Greg Bowes Ind. Code 5-14-3-8(c): ” The Indiana department of administration shall establish a uniform copying fee for the copying of one (1) page of a standard-sized document by state agencies. The fee may not exceed the average cost of copying records by state agencies or ten cents ($0.10) per page, whichever is greater. A state agency may not collect more than the uniform copying fee for providing a copy of a public record. However, a state agency shall establish and collect a reasonable fee for copying nonstandard-sized documents.” Statute is available at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2018/ic/titles/005/….

Helmsburg Community Development – Facebook Page

In the fall of 2016, Community Leaders in Helmsburg requested assistance from the County Redevelopment Commission (RDC)  to help address distressed properties and support economic development through housing and commercial development-related opportunities.

The community development initiative in Helmsburg is an excellent example of what “right” can look like.  It was driven and led by community leaders with the support of local businesses, the community church, and the RDC.  The RDC had the support of the commissioners, council, and APC, who had to approve the plan.  The surveyor’s office, Sheriff, Highway, and Health Department also provided their support.

The Helmsburg strategy aligns with the village and hamlet concept identified in the 1993 Draft Comprehensive Plan (pg 46).

Establishing a Community Development Corporation (CDC) provides Helmsburg citizens with even more control over their future. And Kudos to the Brown County Democrat for their continued coverage of the story.

Helmsburg provides the example for citizens of defining what they want and do not want in terms of community and economic development and taking action that results in everyone gaining or at least, not be any worse off. It was NOT an easy process but everyone worked together to make it happen. This example should be considered the Brown County Way.

The timeline and required paperwork – to include the Economic Plan and identification of the Economic Development Area:

• Helmsburg Economic Development Area (EDA) Documentation and Economic  Plan — The “Paperwork”

The Helmsburg Plan aligns with the Draft 1993 County Comprehensive Plan. See Hamlet and Rural Village Development.

July 30, 2020. Hope in Helmsburg: Multiple redevelopment projects under way to reinvigorate community

• • A community that hasn’t seen a lot of new investment or interest in recent years now has not one, but three residential building projects under way.

  • The Brown County chapter of Habitat for Humanity is in the process of building two houses from scratch on a previously abandoned parcel, down the street from the Helmsburg General Store.

Dec 31, 2018. BCD, Letter: ‘We all should encourage this cooperative spirit’ by Bill Austin.

Dec 22, 2018. Facebook Post – Brown County Matters

The Brown County Democrat published a series of articles on actions to revitalize the Helmsburg Community

News and Articles 

Aug 6, 2020. Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).  KUDOs to the Community Leaders in Helmsburg that identified stormwater management as among the highest priorities for the community!   

• Brown County is awarded $600,000 for flood drainage improvements. This project will aid the Town of Helmsburg by replacing old storm sewers along Helmsburg Road, Main Street and First Street with new piping. Storm sewers along the eastern portion of North Street will also be extended along with drainage ditch improvements in several areas. Finally, new street inlets will be installed in areas where none exist.

July 28, 2020. BCD. Hope in Helmsburg: Multiple redevelopment projects under way to reinvigorate community by Joe Schroeder

Mar 17, 2020. BCD.  Helmsburg stormwater project takes next step By Suzannah Couch

Jan 10, 2020.  LOOKING BACK: Life in Helmsburg at the turn of the last century. Submitted by Pauline Hoover, Brown County Historical Society

Nov 28, 2018.  Approved.  BZA to consider setback variance for 2400 and 2410 Main St. in Helmsburg by petitioner Andy Szakaly

Apr 17, 2018, Helmsburg sewer rates rising; public hearing this week

Aug 15, 2018.  What’s Bean Blossom-Helmsburg Revitalization Project?

April 11, 2018. Helmsburg Community Development Corporation taking shape

Dec 19, 2017.  Helmsburg group drawing up vision for community Helmsburg residents decided in November to form a formal association, Helmsburg Community Development. At their next meeting Dec. 6, they got a partial list on the wall of what they do and don’t want to see in their community.

Oct 24, 2017 – County gives Helmsburg new tools for redevelopment Helmsburg residents are taking more steps to take charge of their community’s future. Jim Kemp, a member of the Brown County Redevelopment Commission, reported on progress at the Oct. 12 RDC meeting. He and other RDC members have been assisting the Helmsburg Leadership Team in trying to solve some of the problems and goals they’ve identified, including improving the curb appeal of their community.

Aug 22, 2017. Residents plotting new vision for Helmsburg – Brown County DemocratDrug deals. Home-security problems. Short-term tenants who don’t have “roots.” Properties that aren’t being fixed up or cleaned up, which affects other properties’ values. … Helmsburg residents had no trouble listing the concerns they have about their community. … They also had no trouble coming up with another list at their last community meeting: Honesty/trust. Accountability. Security. Family/friends. Neighborhood. These are the “shared values” they have for their community.

July 11, 2017. COUNTY NEWS: Economic development area OK’d; redevelopment commission budget may be restored Helmsburg has been cleared to take the next steps toward its future after the Brown County Redevelopment Commission’s vote last month.The RDC voted unanimously June 22 to confirm an economic development area for Helmsburg. This allows the RDC to buy properties in Helmsburg that are “distressed” or “abandoned” and to convert them to livable, owner-occupied homes, or to clear them and build new properties.

May 31, 2017. Commissioners OK Helmsburg economic development area

April 25, 2017. Helmsburg properties bulldozed; local team charts future

March 15, 2017, Community leadership team taking hold of Helmsburg’s future

Jan 5, 2017, Helmsburg development: What is area’s next chapter?

Nov 23, 2016, Residents of Helmsburg settled and stayed for various reasons; meetings ongoing to discuss village’s future.