DECATUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JANUARY 16, 2007


The Decatur County Commissioners opened their January 16th meeting with following present: Charles Buell- President, Jerome Buening, John Richards and Bridgett Weber-Auditor.

The January 2nd meeting minutes were read and approved.

Mark Mohr – Highway Department would like to move forward with the improvements of the break room, etc., at the Highway Garage and Commissioners agreed.

Urban areas with road classifications will be posted on the INDOT website and Mr. Mohr has one hard copy.
Mr. Mohr provided Commissioners with a copy of the overview of the I-74 Interchange. Ms. Polanski has addressed its content.

Vicki Kellerman - EDC provided a monthly report as requested by the Commissioners. Mrs. Kellerman discussed the possibility of 1000 acres with a $400 million dollar investment within the original 400 acres of optional acreage available to EDC. Also mentioned she will be working with existing industries to retain their employees by seeking training programs.

Lynne Newlon – IDEM & Connie Stevens – President of the Indiana Regional Sewer Districts and South Henry Waste Management discussed forming a regional water/sewer district in Decatur County. It was recommended to appoint a board of 5-7 members consisting of Commissioners, County Council, and Municipalities; make plans for financing by applying for grants; and designate an area. Pros and Cons were discussed as to having one large district versus smaller ones. Smaller districts could help solve existing problems in a particular area quicker. Julie Berry- SIRPC was present to ask questions regarding the possibility of a county wide district. Ms. Berry agreed that smaller districts would focus on the areas of need. Ms. Polanski – County Attorney felt it would be good idea to have a meeting outside of the Commissioners’ meeting with interested parties and she would report back to the Commissioners.

David Neuman – Area Plan Director presented the Drainage Ordinance for signature. Ordinance was designed by Barth Associates and Land Water Group, Inc. Mr. Richards moved to sign Drainage Ordinance 2007-3, Mr. Buening seconded and Mr. Buell concurred.

Dan Patterson representing Barbara Burkman and Brian Burkman regarding a rezoning petition denied by the BZA was present to make their appeal to the Commissioners. The Burkman’s want to rezone 5 acres from A-1 to A-2 for 2 home sites. Mr. Patterson explained the Burkman’s did not understand why the request was denied. They feel that they have met requirements to re-plat this acreage. A drainage tile was cut during the construction of the lake on the Burkman’s property affecting the neighboring property (Nobbe). No lawsuit has been filed against the Burkman’s concerning this issue but their attorney feels this may be why the rezone is being denied. Brian Keith – BZA President spoke on behalf of the BZA and felt that agricultural use is best suited for this property and not residential. A representative of the Nobbe’s spoke on their behalf and agreed with the BZA on agricultural versus residential for the use of this property. Mr. Richards moved to reject the rezone appeal by the Burkmans, Mr. Buening seconded and Mr. Buell concurred.

Greg Rust and Bryan Robbins with HOTT City provided a recap for 2006. Mr. Robbins provided a proposed budget for 2007. Farmer’s Market had over 40 different vendors with 6 or 7 being from the outskirts of the county. WIC (Women and indigent children) recipients were also able to purchase items from the market. Commissioners commended Mr. Robbins on his efforts thus far. Mr. Robbins requested $20,000.00 in county support for 2007. Mr. Richards moved to approve $20,000.00 for HOTT City for 2007, Mr. Buening seconded and Mr. Buell concurred.

Judge Westhafer and Mark Barclay discussed courthouse security with the Commissioners. Monies will be available from Homeland Security in 2007. Mr. Barclay recommended leasing the equipment until grant monies are received. Judge Westhafer will set up a meeting with the security committee after County Council makes their appointment to the committee.

Joe Scimia - Pantoni Development discussed with the Commissioners the proposed site in Adams Township of 425 acres to be rezoned I-1 (light industrial). It is expected to take 3-8 years to develop.

Ms. Polanski reported back to the Commissioners concerning the proposed regional water/sewer districts. An engineering study needs to be performed prior to setting up district. Ms. Polanski estimated costs of study to be $35,000.00. Ms. Polanski will make a report to IDEM of progress made so far.

Mr. Richards moved to appoint Bob Rynard to replace Dan Wilson on the Park Board, Mr. Buening seconded and Mr. Buell concurred.

Mr. Richards moved to appoint Mark Schabel, Brian Keith, Mike Walker, Dan Wilson, Don Schilling and Bridgett Weber to the Redevelopment Commission for 2007, Mr. Buening seconded and Mr. Buell concurred.

Mr. Richards moved to write a letter to William Alloy and members of the Decatur County Memorial Hospital Board to commend them on the direction they have taken the Hospital to operating in the “black”, Mr. Buening seconded and Mr. Buell concurred.

Rick Hall of Barnes & Thornburg requested the Commissioners make an appointment to the Economic Development Commission created by County Council at today’s meeting. Mr. Buening moved to appoint Brenda Dwenger to the Economic Development Commission, Mr. Richards seconded and Mr. Buell concurred.

With nothing else to come before the Commissioners, Mr. Richards moved to recess, Mr. Buening seconded and Mr. Buell concurred.


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Charles Buell, President

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Attest: _____________________
Date: ______________________