Combs Road Re-Opening – No Change.  It will remain in unimproved status and can still be used by citizens.  A “Petition to Close” will be needed to permanently restrict the road from any vehicle use.

• • Dec 18, 2024. Commissioners leave Combs Road closed after residents object By Dave Stafford -December 18, 2024
  • This article and comments are posted at Brown County Matters.

• Indiana Forest Alliance – Brown Co. Commissioners Plot Combs Creek Disaster
  • • Since there has been maintenance on the trails, the gate will remain and would require a majority vote by the commissioners to remove it. Commissioner Sanders and Pittman stated they were not in favor of removing the gate.   No support from the ORV group to open.   Sheriff did not support opening.
    • Reasons for closing:  Crime, trash, remoteness of the area hampered emergency services, weapons fire, 4pm to 4am observed as popular times for parties in the area. It was a popular spot for jeeps and 4-wheelers, which contributed to the erosion, ruts, and unsafe conditions that led to the road being closed. 
    • Combs Road – Proposed Re-Opening – Forest Service Response – For the Record
    • Indiana Forest Alliance – Brown Co. Commissioners Plot Combs Creek Disaster
    • IFA – Dave Seastrom

Board Appointments.  The vote was tabled until the next meeting scheduled for the last week of the year. Date TBD.

• • County Council Appointments – Brown County Democrat
  • Council and Commissioner Vacancies – Posted at Brown County Matters

Economic Development District. Councilman Scott Rudd received support from the two outgoing commissioners for joining Owen and Monroe County to establish an Economic Development District (EDD). The intent is to increase eligibility for federal grants. 

Nov 15, 2024. County Website: Brown County Boards and Their Members

Highway Superintendent Report Dec 18, 2024

Notes: County Comprehensive Plan. Regarding the proposed Combs Road re-opening, this kind of proposed change that led to a fierce backlash can be prevented through a better County Comprehsiece Plan, which is currently under development. This is the plan that allows citizens the opportunity to identify what they want and do not want in terms of change that is protected through zoning and ordinances.

The plan will help identify the criteria to be considered before making a change. In the case of Combs Road area, preservation, natural beauty of the land, quiet space for mushroom hunting, hiking, walking, and bicycling were all identified of being of high value to citizens. This was in opposition to the desire by Commissioner Wolpert to promote Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) use and destination tourism in the Story and Elkinsville area. The ORV Group in Brown County that supported the development of the county ORV ordinance did not support re-opening Combs Road for ORV use.

Local party officers include the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The central committee also includes the 11 precinct committeemen. Vice committeemen can also speak up. New elections for officers are in March 2025 and are voted on by the precinct committeemen and their vices.

PROPOSED 2024 On-Site Septic Ordinance (Attachment to the email)

• • Dec 7, 2024 Post on the proposal on Brown County Matters referencing an article in the Democrat
  • Dec 6, 2024.  County health board to consider adopting state septic ordinance
    By Staff Reports -December 6, 2024
  • Dec 12, 2024. This post at Brown County Matters
  • Background Information

EMAIL

From: Stinson, Melissa A. <stinsonma@browncounty-in.gov>
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2024 2:58 PM
To: Moga, Mike <Mike.Moga@btlaw.com>; Pittman, Jerry <pittmanj@browncounty-in.gov>; Wolpert Blake <Abearsloth@aol.com>; Sanders, Ron <sandersr@browncounty-in.gov>; Cobian, Theresa <cobianta@browncounty-in.gov>
Cc: Day, Michael <daym@browncounty-in.gov>; Elmore, Thomi <elmoret@browncounty-in.gov>; Matern, Michelle <MMatern@health.in.gov>; Rose, Cynthia <rosec@browncounty-in.gov>; Rountree, Catherine <rountreec@browncounty-in.gov>; Zimmerly, James <zimmerlyj@browncounty-in.gov>; Oestrike, Norman <oestriken@browncounty-in.gov>

Subject: Adoption of the State of Indiana Septic Codes / Brown County Health Departments new Adoption

Hello

Attached is the On-Site Sewage System Ordinance that was passed by the current Brown County Health Board.

The Board will bring this before the Brown County Commissioners on December 18^th at the Commissioners Meeting for 1^st. Reading.

This Ordinance will then need to be sent before the State of Indiana Review Board, once approved by the IDOH it will be returned to the Brown County Commissioners for Final Reading and a vote.

Your attorney is added to this email thread for his review.

Thank you, Have A Blessed Day!

Melissa Stinson-Waddell

Administrator of the Brown County Health Department

E-mail: stinsonma@browncounty-in.gov

Dec 18, 2024.  Voting locations reviewed  by Dave S Stafford Brown County Democrat

AUDIO of the Meeting

• • 32:02 Vote Centers 

Key Points:

• • Kudos to all the election workers!
  • Early Voting.  Over half of the citizens voted early. About 100 ballots could not be counted due to mistakes in the processing. The cramped spaces at Eagle Park may have contributed to the problem.  A larger space may mitigate the problems.  The CRC may be an option, but security would be needed to ensure separation between voters and the pre-schoolers. (Off-year presidential elections do not require 28 days of early voting).
  • Voting Day Issues.  Some voters showed up at the wrong voting locations and chose to complete provisional ballots knowing their vote would not be counted.
  • Voting Centers. Voters (despite their precinct or district, can choose to vote at any voter center. 87 of 92 counties have opted for Vote Centers.
  • Location: The idea is to have 5 voting centers – with 4 being at the schools and one possibly at the Church of the Lakes. Schools would be Van Buren, Nashville, Spearsville, and Helmsburg.  State law requires the schools to accommodate this option. Children could be given an e-learning day.
  • Equipment.  Additional equipment would be needed. The clerk received a grant to cover the expense.
  • Approvals. The Election Board must approve the change to voting centers. Commissioners have a final vote.
  • Convenience? About half of the voters traveled to Eagle Park to vote early. There are currently 9 voting locations (two precincts are combined at the same location) for the general election, and voters must vote in their precincts. Any voter could vote at any of the five proposed Voting Centers.

    

Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District CSCD District Final Plan

• • Septics are set up on a time frame and freeholders have to submit an inspection from an approved septic company and proof of pumping.
  • State code allows pump and haul – not a desirable option in the CSCD.

County Septic System Ordinance Voided

• • 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)

Dec 4, 2024, Agenda – 12 4 2024 Agenda Commissioners – Updated 

• • Dec 2, 2024 Agenda – Version 1 12 4 2024 Agenda Commissioners

Dec 4, 2024. AUDIO: Commissioner Meeting

Tilton Re-Zone Project: The Area Plan Commission (APC) recommended that it not be approved. Commissioner Sanders respected the APC’ recommendation and voted Not to approve. Commissioner Sanders and Wolpert – whose terms expire this year, voted to approve.   
I “think” (will verify)  the next step in the approval process for the RVs is for review and approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals. (BZA).  The BZA voted NOT to approve a similar project for 185-unit RV Park in 2021. Tiltons also request that some portion of the 85 acres be transferred from the town to the county. 

• • 00:11:04 Tilton Re-Zoning Presentation
  • 00:16:53 = Tilton Attorney – Mike Carmin
  • Q and A, Some discussion
  • 00:38:45 Planning Director
  • 00:39:55 Public Comments – some for, most against

01:12:40 I asked that the commissioners to Vote No or Table it so the new commissioners can consider the change in the context of the development of the new county comprehensive plan.

Nativity Scene. Commissioners Pittmana and Wolpert approved placing a nativity display at the courthouse. Commissioner Sanders abstained and cautioned that this is likely to lead to a lawsuit. 

• • Divided commissioners OK courthouse Nativity, By Staff Reports -December 6, 2024

Combs Road. This road was closed in 2004 and connects with Jackson County.  This would allow bikes, hikers, ORVs. 

Vagrancy.  Commissioners are proposing an ordinance to prevent the homeless from camping on county property. The new Health officer stated that the Health Department does consider this a health issue due to the issue of human waste disposal. 

New Health Officer. Dr. Michael Conway. Commissioners voted to approve the selection of a new Health Officer by the Health Board. Dr. Ostrike retired.

• Habitat for Humanity. Rescinded their request for land t Deer Run Park.
  • 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.

Highway Superintendant Report. Hgwy Superintendent Report 241204

Dec 2, 2024.  One expected Agenda item with by the Tilton re-zoning project. The APC recommended that it not be provided by a vote of 4 to 3. 

• • Nov 30, 2024. Post at Brown County Matters, including a link to a follow-up article in the Democrat.
  • Nov 19, 2024. APC meeting and Vote to not recommend approval.

Your District and Precinct

Indiana GOP Party Documents

• • Rule 1-25: The term “Republican in Good-Standing” shall be defined as a Republican who supports Republican nominees and who does not actively or openly support another candidate against a Republican nominee.
  • An elected Republican party official is expected to support IN GOP principles and rules.  If a local official does not agree with a rule, work to change it, accept it, or resign from the party. 
•  

March 1, 2025. Elections for Officers – Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer

• • Rule 4-7. On the first (1st) Saturday in March of the year following each presidential election, a meeting at someplace within the county between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. shall be called by the County Chairman for the purpose of electing the four (4) officers and organizing the County Committee as deemed necessary by the newly elected four (4) officers. The persons eligible to vote shall be those precinct committeemen elected in the May Primary Election in the presidential election year and their appointed vice-precinct committeemen as well as precinct committeemen and vice precinct committeemen APPOINTED BY THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN BY DECEMBER 15 OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR, of the respective precincts of the county.

  • Current County GOP Officers 

    • (*) Mark Bowman, Chair,   Email
    • (*) Deb Noe, Vice Chair,   Email
    • (*) Melissa Stinson, Secretary, Email
    • Jim Kemp, Treasurer,, Email.  
      • Publically supporters Rule 1-25
    • (*) Officials “Not in Good Standing” – violation of  Indiana GOP Rule 1-25: The term “Republican in Good-Standing” shall be defined as a Republican who supports Republican nominees and who does not actively or openly support another candidate against a Republican nominee.
    • Precinct Committeemen (PC) – Elected in the 2024 primary.
      • Charlie Shaw, Hamblen 1,  VPC Jeanne Shaw
      • Mark Bowman Hamblen 2 (Chair). VPC?
      • Phil Stephens  Hamblen 3 (Hamblen Township Trustee, Director, Brown County Recycling.) VPC?
      • Deborah Goodrich, Jackson 1, VPC?
      • Sandy Higgins, Jackson 2,  (Appointed to replace Diana Biddle). VPC?
      • Duane Parsons, Jackson 3, VPC?
      • Larry Gardner, Jackson 4, VPC?
      • Jim Kemp for Van Buren 1, (Councilman, Treasurer), VPC Brad Stogsdill, (Sheriff)
      • Ted Adams, Washington 1, (Prosecutor). VPC?
      • Theresa Cobian, for Washington 2 (Commissioner Assistant). VPC Ross Benson
      • Cindy Wolpert, Washington 3 (Appointed (date?) and does not live in the precinct. Lost her election in Hamblen 1 in 2024 – defeated by Charlie Shaw).

• Nov 27, 2024

• Oct 30, 2024. Letter: How will GOP division impact local party? by Vivian Wolfe
• Oct 30, 2024.  Letter: Republican commissioner candidate claims local party abuse of power… by Tim Clark, Brown County Democrat › Local Opinion.  The assessment regarding this abuse of power was further validated when their preferred candidate was defeated in the primaries.
   
• Oct 11, 2024.  Letter: Change needed in local Republican Party Leadership  Rich Stanley wrote a letter in the Democrat (Stanley, 9/17/2024)  calling for a change in the leadership of the local Republican Party led by Mark Bowman.  A response to Rich’s letter was provided through a surrogate. The Brown County Democrat declined to publish Richard’s rebuttal in its entirety …
• Sep 17, 2024. Letter to the editor: Rich Stanley – Brown County Democrat.  Brown County Democrat › Opinion ›  … A recent event and scandal confirms that Mark Bowman cannot be trusted to lead our party, and we must remove him from political office.
• Democrat on Sep 17, 2024, “Reader does reversal on commissioner candidacy.” by Clara Stanley

Jan 6, 2024. Ongoing Discussions – Clarification on Agreements

• • Administration Agreement
  • Brown County Installment Purchase — By-Laws of Management Group(11637014.4)
  • Memo re Brown County Music Center Maple Leaf Music Center
  • 2024 Second Amendment to Brown County Administration Agreement(41632518.1) – specifying a 50/50 split.
  • Brown County Commissioners Resolution Approving Second Amendment to Administration Agreement(42026612.1) specifying a 50/50 split.
  • Tourism Related Boards:  Kevin Ault – Appointment-Board List 12-28-2024

BCCF Community Foundation Agreement

Recorded By-Laws Maple Leaf Mgt Group

• • Current list of members (Dec 3, 2024). The current board make-up is five principal members and two at-large members.

    • Kevin Ault, Co-president, appointed by the CVC

    • Barry Herring, Co-president, member at-large, appointed by Maple Leaf Board of Directors
    • Jim Schultz, Secretary, appointed by the CVC

    • Bruce Gould, Vice President, appointed by the CVB Board

    • Jerry Pittman (commissioner appointment)

    • Darren Byrd (council appointment)

    • Diana Biddle, member at-large, appointed by Maple Leaf Board of Directors

Brown County Maple Leaf Management Group – Certificate and Articles of Incorporation: CertifiedCopiesAttachments

Brown County Maple Leaf Building Corporation Certificate and Articles of Incorporation – Brown County Maple Leaf Building Corp CertifiedCopiesAttachments

• • FYI  Brown County Jail Bldg Corp CertifiedCopiesAttachments

The administrative agreement between the county and the Maple Leaf (Music Center) Management Group identifies that “if permitted by law,” 75% of “excess revenue” from the Music Center will be given to the Brown County Community Foundation and 25% to the county.

• • The administrative agreement is between the Music Center Management Group, the Convention Visitors Commission (CVC), and the Music Center Bldg Corp.  The CVC and Bldg corporation consist of “appointed” officials. Of the 7 members of the Management Group, there are only “2” elected officials – one from the council (Darren Byrd) and one commissioner (Jerry Pittman),
  • The Music Center is a “county” asset. 

Informal discussions between the then president of the Management Group – Barry Herring, Councilman Darrent Byrd and Commissioner Jerry Pittman who also are members of the Management Group, agreed that the distribution would be changed to 50/50.

At the Nov 6, 2024 commissioner meeting, the Commissioners were going to vote to accept the 50/50 split.  John Eliott of the Community Foundation objected to the change and requested for the issue to be re-visited at the Nov 20, 2024 commissioner meeting.

• • Nov 20, 2024. Commissioner Meeting Notes.  Commissioners voted to table a vote on the distribution to 50/50 until next year.   Several citizens spoke in favor of keeping the current distribution ratio.
    • AUDIO of the Meeting 

    • 00:51:01 Brown County Community Foundation – John Elliott – discussion of the distribution of excess revenue from the Music Center. The vote to change the distribution percent from 75% to the foundation and 25% to the county to 50/50 was tabled until next year.

      • BCCF Statement 221120
      • No formal (documented) decision was made by the three boards allegedly required to support a change.
      • Several citizens spoke out in favor of retaining the current arrangement.
        • 01:08:28 Government Perspective – Tim Clark
  • Nov 6, 2024. Commissioner Meeting Notes, Excess Revenue Distribution, Amendment to Sign Ordinance. For the Record
    • Distribution – Excess Revenue from the Music Center.  The commissioners tabled the vote to approve a change from 75% to the Foundation and 25% to the County to a 50/50Split.  John Elliott from the Foundation requested that the commissioners reconsider their vote and will be placed on the Nov 20 meeting agenda to make the case that the county retain the 75/25 split.

Oct 29, 2024.  John Elliott: How should the $18 million managed by Brown County Community Foundation be used?

Apr 20, 2022. First Amendment to Administrative Agreement
BCMC First Amendment to Administration Agreement

• • Last year, an amendment to the music center’s administration agreement was approved to change how the $1 million capital improvement fund could be spent. Originally that fund was to be set aside for major building repairs and had to be at $1 million before profit from the music center could be split between the county and the Brown County Community Foundation.
  • The administration agreement states that once the capital improvement fund was at $1 million, remaining profits would be split 25/75 between the county (25%) and BCCF  with the foundation receiving 75 percent.  No money has been given to the county or the foundation yet under that agreement, which is separate from the payments made to the county in lieu of property taxes.
  • The amendment now allows the music center to also spend the $1 million capital improvement fund on operating losses from show cancellations or the venue having to close its doors again, like what happened when the pandemic first started here.
• BCMC Administration Agreement 05.16.2018
  • The agreement is between the Management Corporation,  the Convention Visitors Commission (CVC) and the Maple Leaf Building Corporation.  The management Corporation is a 7 member board that includes a county council member (Darren Byrd) and Commissioner (Jerry Pittman).  The majority of members being “non-elected” officials.

• “... if permitted by law”?   Why would the “unelected” Directors of the Management Corporation have this power as opposed to the Commissioners, e.g., the “elected” officials.
• Separate Fund Agreement?  

Additional Information

• • BCMC: Brown County Music Center (Maple Leaf): For the Record