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Commissioner Gerald Wendel asked for “a basic structure with correct drainage and some amenities” - “not a Cadillac.” Mr. Palmer will get a new estimate. He commented about the present building, “What we have right now is horrible.”
QUIET TIME ON THE SHOOTING RANGE
Commissioner Wendel asked that Sheriff Pete Cates have all law enforcement officers refrain from using the county’s shooting range on Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am. This is a time that volunteers walk the dogs at the county’s nearby animal shelter. The noise puts the volunteers at risk, said Commissioner Wendel. Saturday morning is also a popular time for the public to come to the shelter for adoptions. Sheriff Cates agreed to notify all county employees.
AUTUMN OAKS SUBDIVISION EXPANSION
Brian Metz, subdivision developer, gave the commissioners a progress report about his current project to build new houses on 39 acres off of Drewersburg Road near Jeans Road. This project is an expansion of Autumn Oaks subdivision that fronts on Cox Road in Whitewater Township. Water mains, perimeter drains and leach fields are now being constructed. Fiber optic Internet cable and an “urgent care life line” will be installed soon. In mid-June, 2,300 feet of roads will be built with 6.5 inches of asphalt base over 6 inches of stone. Next year, a final 1.5-inch surface layer of asphalt will be applied to the 24-foot wide roads.
Mr. Metz said that he currently pays for a $360,000 bond on the development. He asked the commissioners to reduce the bond amount to $50,000, because the roads will soon be underway. County Engineer Larry Smith countered with an amount of a $100,000 bond. The commissioners split the difference and reduced the bond to $75,000. Both Mr. Metz and Mr. Smith concurred.
Commissioner John Heis reported that he received a complaint about mud on Drewersburg Road coming from the construction site. Mr. Metz agreed to remove the mud and to add gravel at the subdivision entrance.
During an earlier meeting, Mr. Metz said that the new houses will be valued at $400,000 to $600,000 and there would be no “modular homes”.
NEW EMPLOYEES
Surveyor Rob Seig introduced the new part time deputy surveyor Amberly Wolfram. He said that she is not a licensed surveyor.
The Purdue Extension office hired Sara Bowling as the new full time administrative assistant. She previously worked part time in the office.
Lisa Meier has left the Health Department and is now working in the commissioners’ office.
CONTRACTS
Since 2016, the commissioners have annually renewed a contract with The Wheatley Group as the consultant for the county’s Economic development Commission and the Redevelopment Commission. There was no change from last year’s annual limit of $40,000. The hourly rate is $225, which is retroactive to January 1, 2023.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Commissioner Wendel read County Treasurer Jolene Beneker’s monthly report as follows:
Tax collection fund balance $8.7 million
General fund $6.4 million
Payroll fund $3.0 million
American Rescue Plan Act federal grant $2.7 million
Money market $923,538
Total $21.7 million
The next commissioner meeting will be May 17 at 7:00 pm. The link for remote viewing via Zoom is on the county’s website at https://www.franklincounty.in.gov.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Another Meeting To Appoint
A New School Board Member
Photo of school board applicants L-R: Jessica Brennan, Donald Maucher, Matthew Siedling, and Darrin Middendorf.
On May 1, 2023 the Franklin County School Board held a special meeting to interview applicants for a vacancy on the school board. There were four applicants. With votes tied 3-3, there was no appointment to the Franklin County school board. The school board will continue voting on Monday night, May 8, during their regular monthly meeting at 7:00 pm.
School Board Member Grant Reeves resigned from the school board, because he is moving out of Franklin County. To fill his seat, the six remaining school board members interviewed four applicants. Each applicant was interviewed for approximately 15 minutes. Then the school board discussed the candidates without the candidates in the room.
The candidates returned to the meeting room and the voting began. Rick Gill made the first motion, which was to appoint Matthew Siedling. The vote was tied 3-3. The three current school board members with years of experience (Francis Brumback, Beth Foster and Rick Gill) voted in favor of Mr. Siedling who had previously served with them for 12.5 years on the school board. Opposed were the three school board members with the least experience (Kati Holman, Kevin Kaiser and Brandy Wilson).
Kevin Kaiser made the next motion was to appoint Darrin Middendorf. There was no second and the motion failed.
Kevin Kaiser also made the third motion to appoint Jessica Brennan. The vote was 3 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 abstained. This time, the three school board members with the least experience (Kati Holman, Kevin Kaiser and Brandy Wilson) voted for Ms. Brennan. The long serving board members (Beth Foster and Rick Gill) were opposed. Board President Francis Brumback abstained but offered no explanation.
Mr. Brumback thanked all of the applicants for their interest in the school board and encouraged all of them to run for office in a future election. He said that having four impressive candidates with unique skills made the decision tougher to select only one person.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Group Starts Work On
30 Nuisance Complaints
- A working group discussed how to investigate complaints and how to enforce county codes regarding health, building safety and zoning.
- The group will reconvene next month to review 30 pending complaints.
- A new county nuisance ordinance is being drafted.
At the end of their regular May 3 meeting, County Commissioners John Heis and Gerald Wendel met in a special work session with representatives of the county health department, area planning commission (APC) and County Surveyor Rob Seig about a revised nuisance ordinance for the county to deal with 30 pending complaints.
The county commissioners passed an earlier 17-page nuisance ordinance in July 2021 and then rescinded it in August 2022, because it proved to be difficult to enforce.
ENFORCEMENT
The first concern discussed was how to enforce a nuisance ordinance. Commissioner Wendel did not want county employees to go to private residences unless it was necessary and did not want employees to be in a “dangerous situation” that could require law enforcement as an escort.
Health Department Inspector Dave Fehlinger replied that, at times, he has waited until a deputy was available to escort him to some properties to investigate a violation.
Commissioner Wendel reported that commissioners’ attorney Grant Reeves proposed that a certified letter be sent to a violator and then a court order obtained, if there was no compliance.
Building Inspector Ailur Blair said that the APC executive director is listed as being responsible for enforcement of all violations. He commented that the commissioners have the actual enforcement authority. Mr. Blair is also concerned that the ordinance requires the building inspectors serve warrants, for which he is not trained.
APC Executive Director Kaitlin Sterwerf noted that some of the violations involve the health department, the highway department or the soil/water conservation district and were not relevant to the zoning code or the building code.
Building Inspector John Rudisell raised the question about who makes the decision about a violation. He said that “trash or treasure” is a subjective opinion. As an example, he said that Mustang car parts stored in someone’s yard could be valuable.
Health Department Inspector Curt Cox observed that it is hard to remove old cars, boats or campers, because salvage yards will not accept them without a title. Mr. Dave Fehlinger added that it is costly to dispose of old tires too. They can be a health hazard, because mosquitos breed in rainwater in old tires. Commissioner John Heis commented that tire piles on private property create a fire risk for the entire area.
Mr. Rudisell suggested that the county sponsor a group of volunteers who would be willing to clean up a property for someone who could not afford it or who is not physically able to do the work. Mr. Rudisell offered to lead the volunteers. Using volunteers raised a separate question about liability.
NO ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS
The second main topic was who can file a complaint and by what method. The group agreed that the county would not accept anonymous complaints over the phone. A complaint form must be signed. Several of those present had experience with neighbors filing complaints, because of a “feud” or “border war”.
From the audience Brookville Town Board President Bridget Hayes stated that the City of Connersville has a full time code enforcement officer who reports to the Connersville Police Chief. The enforcement officer does inspections and contacts residents about violations. If the resident fails to clean up the problem, the officer issues a ticket. If the ticket is not paid, the matter is taken to court. Mr. Blair objected to Connersville’s approach. He said that it resulted in a $1,000 fine and the seizure of a house in one case. He wants to help residents become complainant without issuing orders.
Mr. Seig said, “Some people just choose to be non-compliant.”
NEXT STEPS
Mr. Rudisell offered to take photos of all 30 properties with pending complaints. The group will meet again, discuss the complaints and perform a triage about what is a serious health or safety issue. Mr. Rudisell gave an example of a serious problem: dumping raw sewage on the side of the road. Several people said that it could take months to see progress.
There will also be a joint meeting next month of the APC and the commissioners to make final edits to a new nuisance ordinance. No meeting date was announced.
In other business, the APC pledged to add more information to their website including the most current zoning code, meeting minutes and meeting access information. Several people in the meeting complimented Commissioners’ Secretary Faye Hay for her help.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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105th Memorial Day Commemoration & Parade
American Legion Post 77 will be hosting the 105th Memorial Day Commemoration & Parade. The parade will be on Monday May 29th. It will kick off at 9 a.m. on John Street at St. Michael's Cemetery, stop at the Old Brookville Cemetery, second stop will be on the corner of Franklin Avenue & John Street, at the Purple Heart Memorial, up 10th Street to Main Street, on to St. Mary's Road and the final destination will be at Maple Grove Cemetery where there will be a brief ceremony. This event is to honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice. The parade has many participants this year and we are encouraging the community to come out and show their support. Any questions please feel free to email me at faithbishop@ymail.com.
Submitted by Faith A. Jones
Adjutant, Post 77, Memorial Day Parade Chairman
Photo from 2022 by The Observer
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Watch Your Step
The Franklin County Government Center main parking lot entrance will be closed the week of May 8 through May 14, 2023. This is necessary in order to pour new concrete steps at the main entrance area. The Accessible Entrance along the front of the building (facing 1010 Franklin Avenue) will be open for public access. If the public would need assistance, they may call the office they are directly working with or call the commissioners' office at 765-647-4985 and we will assist with coordination. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Submitted by Fayetta Hay, Administrative Assistant
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Library Book Sale This Week
Buy single books or by the box. Great bargain prices.
Laurel Library: Monday, May 8, all day; Tuesday, May 9 all day; Wednesday, May 10 half day.
Brookville Library: Wednesday, May 10 all day, Thursday, May 11 all day; Friday, May 12 all day; Saturday, May 12 until noon.
Sponsored by Friends of the Library
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Freshman Scholarship Ceremony
Oldenburg Academy recently held a scholarship ceremony for the 26 incoming Class of 2027 freshman on Wednesday, April 12th in the OA Feldhaus. Click to read more.
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New OA Girls Basketball Coach
Oldenburg Academy recently hired David Disbro as the new Girls Basketball Coach. Click to read more.
Submitted by Elizabeth Schulte,
Communications Specialist
Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception
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Beverly Spurlin New Executive Director
Experience Franklin County, Indiana, Inc (EFCII) and Franklin County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission (FCCRVC) also known as Franklin County Welcome Center has named Beverly Spurlin as the new Executive Director. Spurlin and Scott (her husband) reside in Franklin County. Beverly has been a Board of Member and treasurer of both FCCRVC and EFCII since 2021. Click to continue reading.
Submitted by Mikel Beck
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Franklin County High School
Band Concert May 2023
Photos of the concert and a look backstage at the band members tuning up in the new music suite.
Photos below by Bynum Henson
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Working Hungry
Submitted by Judy Drake
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May 20 Walk on
Yellow Bank Section Whitewater Canal Trail
Whitewater Valley Walkers will hold their first public 5K/10K hike of 2023 on the Yellow Bank Trail section of the Whitewater Canal Trail on May 20. This is between Brookville and Metamora on the south side of US Highway 52. The event will begin at 9 AM, and start/registration closes at 1 PM. Near the start point, walkers will see the new pollinator garden, shaped in the logo of Whitewater Canal Trail.
The Whitewater Canal Trail now maintains 11 miles of continuous trail from this Yellow Bank start point, all the way to the Laurel Feeder Dam. Besides walking, many are now bicycling the full 22 miles round trip. Click for more information.
Submitted by Dennis Fritz
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RedLife Food Bank in Brookville - May 11
Open every second and fourth Thursday from 4 pm - 6 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am - 12 noon. Please bring your own containers.
Submitted by Judy Drake
Scholarship Drive-thru Dinner - May 12
Do you want the convenience of picking up a delicious fried chicken or smoked pork chop dinner after a busy week at work? All proceeds benefit scholarships for Franklin County High School Class of 2023. Drive-thru dinner is Friday, May 12 from 4:00-7:00 PM. 10 piece chicken $14. 5 piece chicken $8. Two chops $10 One chop $6. Potato Wedges $4. Pint of Cole Slaw, Gizzards or Livers $4.
Submitted by Mike Biltz
Grain of Rice Brighter Futures 5K Walk/Run - May 13
Register for the 4th annual Grain of Rice Brighter Futures 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, May 13, beginning at Franklin County High School and looping through the Brookville town park. Virtual event options are available as well. Cost is $40/adult and $20/child (0-18). To sign up and/or donate, visit Brighter Futures 5K.
Submitted by Rose Roberts
Kerry Patrick Clark - May 13
Kerry Patrick Clark, formerly with The New Christy Minstrels, returns to the Opry Barn! Opening for Kerry will be Benj Luckhaupt of My Brother's Keeper and Andrew Hibbard. Doors at 6, show at 6:30. Food available from the Blue Umbrella.
Submitted by Metamora Performing Arts
Southeast Indiana Health Center - Free Clinic
We provide No-Cost, primary care services to residents of Franklin or Ripley County, Indiana on Tuesdays at our permanent location in Batesville and on Thursdays in our mobile clinic at various locations. No appointment needed. Call 812-932-4515 for times and locations.
From Southeast Indiana Health Center
Food Pantry - May 16
Franklin County High School Food Pantry: 4-5:30pm
Come to Door A16 for pick-up.
Submitted by Tanya Wirtz, FCHS JAG Specialist
Franklin County Quilt Show - May 19 & 20
The challenge theme is "Panel Play". Mark your calendar for May 19 and 20 at the Old Brookville High School Gym, 1010 Franklin Avenue, Brookville, Indiana. Event is sponsored by Franklin County Extension Homemakers and Quilt Batts Quilt Guild. For more information, go to Facebook.
Submitted by Dottie Roleson
Photo below from a past show.
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2023 Garden Tour - June 3
Sponsored by The Brookville Garden Club on Saturday, June 3, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Presale Tickets $12 at Eclipz Salon. Day of Tour $15 at Brookville United Methodist Church parking lot. For info call, Rhonda 317-586-0484, Debbie 513-404-7507, or Beth 765-265-9284. Proceeds help benefit community horticulture.
Submitted by Beth Riedman
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The two-day 300-mile ride starts in Batesville, Indiana on June 10 to remember Sgt. Chad Keith of Batesville for his sacrifice 20 years ago. Click to see the flyer for more details or go to Facebook.
Submitted by Michael Buettner
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