Issue 1176

Sept. 10, 2022

Photo: County Commissioner Linkel addresses Brookville Town Board.

Next, County Commissioner Linkel said that the county would offer to buy the administration building from the school corporation. He indicated that Ritter Strategic Services, the county’s recently hired 911 consultant, evaluated the administration building and found it suitable for a 911/dispatch center after some renovations.

The school board will meet in executive session on September 12 to discuss “the purchase or lease of real estate property.” This meeting is closed to the public.

Reported by Sara Duffy

End of Initial Annexation Effort

By Brookville Town Board

Photo of town board members voting.

On September 6, 2022, the Brookville town board voted unanimously to discontinue efforts for the “initial voluntary annexation” of the Reservoir Road area. Talk about annexation started in October 2018 and was originally linked to preserving Brook Hill Golf Course. Town Board President Curtis Ward said that one goal of annexation was met when the golf course was purchased.

The board’s vote still allows for a “super voluntary annexation.” Brookville’s attorney Grant Reeves briefly explained that an individual property owner or a developer with multiple lots could petition to be annexed by Brookville. The petition would be expedited. There would be a public hearing and a financial impact determination for just that lot(s). The super voluntary annexation would have no effect on other nearby properties. Mr. Reeves said that he would check if the lots must be contiguous to Brookville to qualify for a “super voluntary annexation”.

To watch the video of the Brookville town board meeting, go to Facebook Live.

Reported by Sara Duffy

911 Consultant Hired

County Commissioners September 6, 2022

• The commissioners hired Ritter Strategic Services to provide a plan for relocating the 911/dispatch operation out of the jail building.
• The commissioners sent an official letter of interest to the town of Brookville about “taking ownership” of their administration building for the new 911/dispatch center.
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911 CONSULTANT HIRED

The commissioners have been talking about moving the 911/dispatch operation from the jail building to one of several possible locations. However, county council balked at providing funding until they see a plan that includes cost estimates.

At this meeting, the commissioners interviewed and decided to hire 911 consultants Barry & Melissa Ritter to produce a feasibility study for relocating 911. Ritter Strategic Services will be paid $150 per hour for maximum of $7,200. The commissioners did not have enough money in their budget to cover the entire contract cost. Therefore, Mr. Ritter agreed to start work for a partial fee of $2,500 while the commissioners secure the remaining balance.

Photo: L-R: Communication Assistant Supervisor Jon Hundley (seated), Melissa Ritter, Sheriff Pete Cates and Barry Ritter talk before the meeting.

The Ritters began that morning by evaluating the basement of the government center as a 911 location. Councilmember Joe Sizemore reported back that they measured the basement and were “optimistic” about the space. Next, Sheriff Pete Cates and Councilmember Sizemore escorted the Ritters on a tour of the town of Brookville’s Administrative Building as another possible 911 location.

During the meeting, Commissioner Linkel asked Mr. Ritter to put a price on constructing and equipping a new 911 building. From Mr. Ritter’s experience from five years ago, the cost was $1.75 million for a no-frills pole building on a concrete slab with equipment.

Mr. Ritter has an extensive resume’ that includes law enforcement and 911 experience at the county level and as the state’s 911 director over all 92 counties. The commissioners also hired Ritter Strategic Services at a cost of $3,600 to oversee the recruitment of a 911 director. This contract is contingent on council’s approval of the necessary funding.

From the audience, county resident Bob Braun asked about combining the Franklin County 911 operation with another county. Commissioner Linkel said that Dearborn County offered to answer calls for Franklin County during a transition to a new building. Commissioner Tom Wilson commented that combining counties could “save money in the short run,” but he foresaw problems arising over the long term.

“TAKING OWNERSHIP”

The commissioners sent an official letter of interest to the town of Brookville about “taking ownership” of their administration building. The commissioners said that they would offer to purchase the building from the school corporation.

ONE STEP CLOSER FOR ZONING CODE CHANGES

Zoning codes changes and updates have been ongoing for years ever since the 2011 rewrite by the Citizens Input Committee. For months County Surveyor Rob Seig has been working on a new six-chapter design standards manual for roads, private drives, water, sewer, erosion control and drainage. His goal is to offer a “one stop shop” that will help applicants to be successful when they apply for a zoning permit. The county commissioners already adopted the drainage part of the manual as Ordinance 2021-11.

Commissioners’ Attorney Grant Reeves has been assisting Mr. Seig with revising the county zoning code to add two items: enforcement of drainage standards and a new advisory technical review committee that would handle complicated requests for commercial, industrial or subdivision projects. The Area Planning Commission (APC) has been discussing the technical review committee idea since May 2022.

At this meeting, the commissioners and Mr. Seig went back and forth for 30 minutes about whether to wait until the final chapters of the construction standards are finished in October or to take action now. Finally, the commissioners voted to forward the proposed changes to the APC, who will schedule a public hearing.

Commissioner Wilson said, “It's something we got to get right. It’s too important. It may be one of the most important documents we have, because, if the county can’t grow, we are dead in the water. We need housing to bring in students for the schools, because they are hurting and we don’t want to make it so cumbersome that nobody can build here. But, we still want to be safe.”

The commissioners will make the final decision about passing an ordinance with the zoning code changes.

COMMISSIONER WILSON COMPLAINED

Commissioner Wilson complained about a month-long wait for a permit, if a technical review were to be required. In a previous meeting, Mr. Seig said that complicated permits currently take three weeks for approval. The technical review by experts would add a week to the process.

Commissioner Wilson had another criticism. He has been asked by residents to file complaints on their behalf about zoning code violations. He said that these residents were afraid of retaliation by their neighbors. Commissioner Wilson asked why the Planning Commission takes no action about people living illegally in a camper, unless someone signs a complaint form?

Mr. Reeves suggested Commissioner Wilson speak to the Planning Commission about their policy, which requires a written complaint that is available for public viewing. As a practical matter, he said that the Planning Commission might not have the staff and resources to follow up on all violations of the zoning code. Mr. Reeves added that Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management does investigate anonymous complaints. 

Commissioner Wilson directed Mr. Reeves to draft a anonymous complaint provision to be added to the zoning code.

CHICKEN FRY-OFF CONTEST

Photo: Justin Ratz and Kyle Wewe won the 2021 chicken fry-off. 

The commissioners approved the use of the courthouse lawn for Main Street Brookville’s 2022 Chicken Fry-Off Contest on Saturday, October 8, from 11 am to 7 pm.

SPRAYING LICENSE

As of November 1, 2022, the highway department will no longer rely on Commissioner Linkel’s category 6 license for purchasing and spraying chemicals for roadside weed control. The commissioners voted to train Highway Foreman Brian Defossett and he will hold the county’s license.

BIDS & CONTRACTS

The commissioners signed a four-year bridge inspection contract for $298,569 with USI Consultants. The federal government will reimburse 80% of the cost, which means the county’s share will be $59,713. The commissioners signed a second contract for $397,000 with USI to start engineering design work for the Water Street Bridge in Oldenburg. The county is awaiting word from the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation about permission to tear down and replace the old bridge rather than repair it.

County Engineer Larry Smith has been unable to get any bids to waterproof the courthouse annex building. Last month, mold and fungus was reported in the basement due to moisture problems. Commissioner Linkel said, “It’s time to call the big guys like the dry basement guys. I was hoping to get a local contractor, but we can’t.”

The commissioners will ask council for $5,000 for hiring a consultant to update the 1989 building code standards for wiring, plumbing, unsafe buildings, etc.

The next meeting of the commissioners will be Tuesday, September 20, at 10 am.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Save the Sewer Grant Proposal

Brookville Town Board September 6, 2022

• Four of five town board members voted in favor of pursuing grant money for a sewer project on Reservoir Road. One member abstained.
• The board did not provide any funding for the project.
• Several questions were answered about the proposed sewer project.

President Curtis Ward said that one of the goals of the now defunct annexation plan was to provide sewer service to interested landowners in the area near the Brook Hill Golf Course. He said that “many people,” not all, wanted the option to hook up to a municipal sewer system. There might still be hope of sewer service for those who are interested, even though annexation efforts have now ended.

Bill Schirmer addressed the town board about whether they are still interested in pursuing a $4.5 million grant to install sewer and water lines on Reservoir Hill. The lines would serve the golf course and potentially another 200 acres of new housing developments. He said that housing developments are a top priority of the Southeast Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (SEI READI) who has $15 million in grant money to award. Specifically, SEI READI wants to attract population by funding community assets such as housing, water, sewer and broadband.

Mr. Schirmer represents Franklin County on the SEI READI board of directors. He is lining up support for the sewer project from the Brookville town board, the Franklin County commissioners and the Franklin County Community School Corporation.

While discussing the sewer project, Mr. Ward repeated disclosures about his involvement with the sewer project. He wrote Brookville’s grant application for the $4.5 million grant for sewer and water lines. He also has a financial interest in lots near the golf course. He is listed as one of four principal owners of S & W Homes, LLC. Click to read the overview of the application.

Town Board Member Chuck Campbell disclosed that he has owned a 1.4 acre lot adjacent to the golf course for 21 years.

THE VOTE

Mr. Ward and three board members voted in support of the sewer project. Mr. Campbell abstained from voting.

SEWER QUESTIONS

Town board member Chuck Campbell asked about mandatory sewer hookups. Brookville Town Attorney Grant Reeves replied that the town would not force “extraterritorial mandatory [sewer] hookups” in the Reservoir Road area. Nevertheless, the county could require sewer hookups if a new subdivision is built in the Reservoir Road area that lies within the county.

From the audience, Bill Schirmer commented that existing homes in the Reservoir Road area would not be forced to hook up to a sewer system. He said that a new subdivision on small lots in the county could be required to hookup to an available sewer system. He said that the town could own and maintain the sewer line or could contract with a third party to operate the sewer system.

County Commissioner Tom Linkel weighed in that he would not support the sewer project, if sewer hookups were mandatory.

Both Mr. Schirmer and Mr. Ward said that the new sewer line could be installed under the middle of the county road. Mr. Schirmer added that the road could be widened at the same time as the sewer project.

SHOW ME THE MONEY

From the audience Bridget Hayes asked several times, who would provide matching money required for the sewer project grant? In the original application, the town of Brookville was responsible for a $4.5 million contribution. Click to see the financial information in the town’s application.

Mr. Schirmer said that his answer would have to be “vague”, because he had not “crunched the numbers.” He said that community-wide private investments in new development would qualify as a match for the grant. He did not mention any money coming from the county or the town at this point. He talked about using property taxes from “residential tax increment financing (TIF) districts” or federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). However, Mr. Schirmer noted that county already has more requests for its ARPA money than is available.

In the next step for the sewer project, Mr. Schirmer will ask the Franklin County School Board for their support. He did not say if he meant financial support.

NO TAX RATE INCREASE

In answer to a question, Mr. Ward said that the sewer project would not increase property taxes for Reservoir Road residents, because the town of Brookville is not annexing the area.

Reported by Sara Duffy



Harvest Celebrations & More

News From Purdue Extension Office

During a recent meeting, County Commissioner Tom Wilson complimented Purdue Extension Educator Veronica Bullock about the success of two community gardens. The first Harvest Celebration was held September 8 at the Laurel Library. Ms. Bullock said that the Laurel garden has been a “spark” for community pride and for further improvements by a new group called Growing Laurel.

Ms. Bullock received permission to hold a second Harvest Celebration at the government center’s Lew Wallace Park on September 27, 2022. There will be a bounce house, 4-H animals, food and Kona Ice. Watch for more details.

Shelly Lunsford reported that the Franklin County Community Foundation received a $10,000 nature grant from Duke Energy and the Ripley and Franklin County Community Foundations will jointly contribute another $10,000. The money will be spent for more raised beds at the Lew Wallace Park community garden, pollinator gardens, new benches and tables, gravel paths, handicapped accessible features and mulching next spring by Whitetail Acres. In Laurel, volunteers will plant pollinator gardens along the Feeder Dam Trail.

As requested by the county commissioners, Ms. Bullock will recommend low maintenance landscaping ideas for the steep banks around the government center on 11th and John Streets. The slopes are difficult to mow.

The Extension Office spent $10,000 for a drone and the required licensing and will use it for crop viewing and invasive species scouting. The drone will photograph both Lew Wallace Park and the progress on the government center’s new metal roof. The tentative fly date is Tuesday, September 13, at 10 am.

Fighting invasive species is a never-ending job, said Ms. Bullock. She would like to coordinate a program about invasive species control for the general public. She said that homeowners do not need a permit to use non-restricted chemicals like Roundup. It is the user’s responsibility to read and follow the product label. A pesticide applicator’s license is required to purchase and apply restricted use chemicals. Watch for more information.

Reported by Sara Duffy



Natural Gas Pipeline on State Road 101

Franklin County Redevelopment Commission (FCRC)

August 30, 2022

• Recent progress was discussed about a $250,000 grant for extending a natural gas pipeline, a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for the schools and a $4.5 million grant for sewer/water lines on Reservoir Hill.
• Members Tim George and Scott McDonough were absent.

$250,000 Grant for Gas Line

President Bill Schirmer talked about recent progress on several items. Franklin County was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). It will help pay for extending a Sycamore Company natural gas line on State Road 101 from Brookville to the industrial zone where the new Reid Health Medical Center is being built.

The Franklin County commissioners committed to paying $500,000 toward the $1.3 million gas line cost. The READI grant covers half of the county’s pledge. Mr. Schirmer said that the commissioners might decide to use federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act to cover the remaining $250,000. Or, the commissioners could turn to the Franklin County Redevelopment Commission for money. To be prepared, Mr. Schirmer budgeted $250,000 of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money to be available for spending in 2023.

TIF RULES REVISED & PILOT AUTHORIZED

Mr. Schirmer gave an update that the county commissioners signed a revised ordinance for establishing TIF Districts. Removed were outdated requirements as well as the rules for notifying property owners.

Property tax money collected from TIF Districts is spent on economic development or redevelopment. The Indiana Code allows an exception for spending TIF money to support local education, and that is what the county commissioners approved in July 2022.

The commissioners authorized a 15% payment to Franklin County Community Schools from future tax money collected by the FCRC. The 15% is a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) that will partially replace future property tax money the schools would have received, if there were no TIF District.

Commissioners’ attorney Grant Reeves is working on the language in the PILOT document. He suggested that the PILOT money be granted to the schools for specific projects that the FCRC authorizes in advance. In his words, the schools would not have “carte blanche” for how they would spend the PILOT money. FCRC members agreed they wanted to retain oversight over the approximately $6,000 in taxes that will be disbursed to the schools in 2023.

In 2021, the FCRC awarded a grant of up to $4,900 to the Franklin County Community Schools for soil analysis testing equipment and digital microscopes for use by the Agriculture Departments at the middle and high schools. At this meeting, FCRC members voiced their support for another payment. They suggested a competition between schools to present the best project to receive the PILOT money.

“SOMEWHAT OFF THE TABLE”

Mr. Schirmer reported that a $4.5 million READI grant was requested for a sewer extension and possibly a short water line for a proposed housing/condo development in the Reservoir Hill area. Brookville Town Board President Curtis Ward prepared the grant application and it showed Brookville as providing matching money of $4.5 million. However, Brookville’s money for the sewer extension was tied to an annexation plan for the Reservoir Hill area. Annexation was first mentioned in October 2018, but no annexation has occurred.

About the sewer/water project, Mr. Schirmer said, “It seems like it is somewhat off the table.” At the next READI meeting, Mr. Schirmer will ask READI’s board of directors to reconsider the sewer/water project.

Subsequent to the FCRC meeting, Mr. Schirmer and Mr. Palmer addressed the county commissioners and Brookville’s town board in public meetings in an effort to revive the sewer/water project. Both groups of elected officials want to secure the $4.5 million grant, but neither group voted to spend money on the project. Mr. Schirmer’s next step would be to enlist the support of the school board for the sewer/water project.

The next meeting of the Franklin County Redevelopment Commission will be September 27 at 5:00 pm in the government center.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Ms. Duffy is a non-voting member of FCRC representing the Franklin County school board.

Friends of the Library 

Fall Book Sale

The Laurel Library will have the book sale all day Sept. 12 & 13 and Sept. 14 until noon. The Brookville Library will have the book sale all day on Sept. 14 through Sept. 16, and Sept. 17 until noon. If you have books you wish to donate for the sale, you may drop them off in Brookville between the double doors at the alley entrance by the elevator.

Submitted by Marty Mullin

Massey Harris & Ferguson

Tractors Featured

Mark your calendar. The 27^th Franklin County Antique Machinery Show will return to the county fairgrounds on September 22 - 25, 2022. Featuring tractors, equipment, demonstrations and tractor/horse pulls. For a flea market spot, call 765-265-6245. $5 gate fee. For more information, go to https://fcamc.org.

Submitted by FCAMC

Whitewater Canal Trail 

Great Outdoor Weekend September 25

Photo: Historic Grist Mill in Metamora, Indiana

Walk or bike the Whitewater Canal Trail. The WCT volunteers have been busy improving the trail this summer and have some fun things to show you. Join us on September 25 from 10 am - 4 pm at the historic Grist Mill in “downtown “ Metamora. Guided walks to historic canal features and the scenic Whitewater River valley will be at 10:30 am and 1 pm or you can walk or bike on your own. This 11-mile trail is a “must see” if you haven’t walked it yet. You can also get some really fresh corn meal at the mill.

Submitted by Shirley Lamb

Homecoming Parade Rules

The 2022 Franklin County High School Homecoming Parade will be held on Friday, September 30. The event will begin immediately at 5 PM at St. Michael’s school. Main Street will be closed for approximately thirty to forty-five minutes. The purpose of the 2022 Homecoming parade is to strictly celebrate the spirit of Franklin County that is exemplified within our high school. Click to read the Guidelines for Parade Participants about what is permitted, not permitted and the award categories.

Submitted by Tanya Wirtz (Student Council Sponsor)

Photo below by The Observer 

2021 Homecoming King & Queen

Clay Medecke and Rachael Grubb

Fall Fish Sale

The Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District holds its Fall Fish Sale. Visit our Facebook page to download an order form. The last day to order is Sept. 23 and pickup is Oct. 6 at 10 A.M at the SWCD office. Call (812) 212-0579 or email scott@kreuzmanconsulting.com .

Submitted by Scott Kreuzman

FC SWCD Board Member

Around the County

Chris Smith Memorial Scholarship Benefit - Sept. 10 

Annual fundraising event for this scholarship will be at the Franklin County Conservation Club. Noon - 6pm. Trap Shoot, Gun Raffle, Split-the-Pot, Cornhole Tournaments. Chicken dinners for $15 served inside the Conservation Club, outside under a big tent or as carryout. Click to see flyer for trap shoot registration. Contact Rhonda Brown 765-580-8190 or Holly Smith 513-314-7896.

Submitted by Mindy Orschell

Alzheimer’s Walk - Saturday, September 10

Where: Liberty Park, Batesville. Registration 9 a.m. Ceremonies begin 9:45 a.m. Walk begins 10 a.m. To create or join a team, go to act.alz.org/sein

Submitted by Ken Handley

Master Gardener Class Begins Sept. 15

Purdue Extension in Dearborn and Franklin Counties will offer a Master Gardener class beginning on September 15th for residents of Dearborn and Franklin County at the Dearborn Adult Center located at 311 W Tate St, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025. Others are also welcome to sign up. Subjects include soil and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, wildlife control, and pesticide safety. $175 fee to enroll. Click to read more.

Submitted by Veronica Bullock

September Bluegrass Night - Sept. 17

Ma Crow & Company will be joining us in Indiana's Canal Town for the September edition of Bluegrass Night, performing bluegrass, traditional and old-timey music. Food available. Doors open at 6 PM. Show begins at 6:30. Make your reservations on line at https://www.metamorampa.org

Food Pantry - Sept. 20

Franklin County High School Food Pantry: 4-5:30pm

Come to Door A16 for pick-up. Click to see the future dates.

Submitted by Tanya Wirtz, FCHS JAG Specialist

Franklin County Historical Society Dinner Program

The public is invited to the fall meeting on Monday, September 19, 2022 at Holy Guardian Angel School Building, Cedar Grove, IN.

6 pm dinner reservations required by Sept. 14 to

  Brown 765-647-5528

  Bischoff 765-647-3220

  Shea 765-647-5182

7 pm Program by Brown/Bischoff Families on the History of Cedar Grove, Indiana.

Submitted by Martha Shea

Mt. Carmel School Fall Craft Show

Sunday October 16th 12:00 - 6:00

This event will run in conjunction with the Mt. Carmel School Trunk or Treat. Spaces are $25 each. If you have questions, or for more information, please call Savannah Hofer (765) 580 - 2634 or email: mcs.apples@gmail.com. APPLES is a non-profit organization. All proceeds from this event will benefit Mt. Carmel School. Here is a link for online vendor registration

https://forms.gle/2Jaarg9QBWnYXZuf8

Submitted by Savannah Hofer

Plein Air Painters - Oct. 21 - 23

Plein Air Painters will be in Franklin County on October 21 & 22 and their art show will be at the library on the 23rd.

Submitted by Marty Mullin  

Doors open at 9:00 am with light refreshments. The whole community is invited to attend a POW/MIA Observance Ceremony at the Brookville American Legion on September 17, 2022 at 9:30 am. We will begin with a Table Ceremony and end with reading the names of 223 personnel from Indiana who are listed as either Missing in Action or Prisoner of War from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. This year's guest speaker is Retired Brigadier General Brian Copes. Location: American Legion Post 77 1290 Fairfield Ave Brookville, IN 47012 Phone: (765) 647-4613 Email: americanlegion77IN@gmail.com

Submitted by Bridget Hayes