Issue 629 January 14, 2016

Franklin County Observer

News and Events from Franklin County, Indiana

In This Issue

Wheatley Group Chosen

County Commissioners January 11, 2016.

Don't Pass a Snowplow

More than Just a Picture

Purdue Varsity Glee Club Coming Back in March

Sheriff Department Report for December

Around the County

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Wheatley Group Chosen

Paul Wheatley

The Franklin County Economic Development Commission (EDC) met on January 11 and voted to select the Wheatley Group of Sellersburg, Indiana as the consultant in charge of economic development for the county.

Franklin County has been without a paid economic development director since Frank Thompson left in August 2012. Volunteer board members of the EDC have been running the operation. Members have come and gone in the past three years. In the meantime, EDC President Bill Schirmer has been working on gathering support and funding for hiring a consultant.

L-R: The current EDC board includes President Bill Schirmer, Bob Braun and Tim Ripperger.

After the EDC Meeting, Mr. Schirmer attended the county commissioners' meeting and recommended that the commissioners sign an annual contract with Wheatley Group at a cost of $80,000. He reassured the commissioners that the funding is in place to cover the contract without asking the county for additional money. The contract will be partially paid from $50,000 in tax money that is collected from the Economic Development Income Tax. Another $10,000 will come from the EDC's annual budget. The remaining funds will come from property taxes generated by the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. The Franklin County Redevelopment Commission agreed to spend $20,000 in TIF money on the consultant. The first installment payment will be due in 30 days.

Mr. Schirmer described the selection process and said there were "five outstanding applicants", who were interviewed.

Mr. Paul Wheatley addressed the commissioners and told them about his experience in economic development, redevelopment, business attraction and business retention as well as marketing and municipal government. He has worked with the Sellersburg Redevelopment Commission, the cities of Jeffersonville and New Albany, the River Ridge Development Authority as Director of Marketing and the One Southern Indiana Chamber & Economic Development Organization.

He plans to put together a community-marketing plan for business attraction and growth. He also talked about an incentive plan to attract businesses with tax abatements that are tied to specific requirements. His sees economic development as a "team sport" involving local and state governments, businesses and utilities. He will send a monthly report to EDC.

Commissioner Tom Wilson asked Mr. Wheatley if he has connections with Governor Pence's office. Mr. Wheatley does not, but said he is connected with the Indiana Department of Transportation and with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which is tasked by the governor for job growth.

Commissioner Eric Roberts commented that the county has some industrial sites designated for development, but each has a "holdback" resulting from a lack of gas, water or transportation. He asked about Mr. Wheatley's public utilities experience. Mr. Wheatley has worked with various utilities on extending their services for business development.

From the audience, Mr. Wheatley was asked if Franklin County would be his only client. He works with a range of private companies and municipal governments. In a later interview, Mr. Schirmer said that Mr. Wheatley would be working in Franklin County 12 days per month.

Attorney Grant Reeves reviewed the contract with Wheatley Group and Commissioners Roberts and Wilson approved it for the calendar year of 2016. The commissioners will reaffirm the contract next week when Commissioner Linkel is present.

Reported by

Sara Duffy

County Commissioners

January 11, 2016

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on February 1 about the cumulative bridge property tax rate.
A resident criticized the commissioners on several topics.
County Engineer Ted Cooley expressed his concern for the safety of Highway Department workers.

MORE BRIDGE MONEY IN 2017

Attorney Grant Reeves reminded the commissioners that the county will receive less property tax money for bridge repairs in 2016, because the county's paperwork was not submitted to the state by the deadline. For 2015, the commissioners lowered the cumulative bridge tax by $250,000 to help balance the budget and allow more money for day-to-day operations. However, the usual bridge tax rate was not "reestablished" for 2016. Thus, there is less bridge money for 2016.

Mr. Reeves has drafted the paperwork to "reestablish" the usual tax rate for 2017. He said that this is not an overall property tax increase. It is a shift of tax money from the general fund to the cumulative bridge fund.

The first order of business is to advertise the tax rate. Next, the commissioners will hold a public hearing on February 1 at 10:30am. Then the commissioners can vote to change the cumulative bridge tax rate. The commissioners approved Mr. Reeves' plan.

TAXPAYER CONCERNS

Betty Lecher

Betty Lecher has been regularly attending commissioners' meeting since August 2015 and often asks questions or offers a comment from the audience. At this meeting, she was on the official agenda and addressed the commissioners about several issues.

She started by acknowledging that the commissioners have a tough job, thanking them and saying that she approves of most of their actions.

As she has done on many occasions, she told them that she has a loss of hearing that her hearing aids cannot correct completely. She cannot hear them when they do not use their microphones. She characterized these as "private meetings," because she cannot hear them while sitting in the second row about 15 feet away.

Mrs. Lecher told Commissioner Wilson that he showed an "arrogant attitude" when he said that she had no right to question him about the commissioners being part time or full time county employees. She told him that both he and Attorney John Worth were wrong about their explanations on why the commissioners were full time positions.

Quoting from the Indiana Code, Mrs. Lecher described the roles of the county commissioners and county council. She said that county council "trumps" the commissioners on financial matters. She spoke about the budget process. She criticized the commissioners for failing to account for the entire cost of the new Stockpile Road Bridge.

She asked for a copy of the commissioners' contract with Attorney John Worth.

Lastly, she asked if a promised conference call had occurred between the auditor's office and the insurance broker to answer questions about the Affordable Car Act. She received no reply. Mildred I. Simmermeyer asked the commissioners about the conference call and Commissioner Wilson and Auditor Steve Brach provided her with details.

Mildred I. Simmermeyer

Mildred I. Simmermeyer stood at the speaker's podium and asked if the commissioners have a contract with Attorney John Worth. The answer was, "No." Mrs. Simmermeyer then read from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's publication, Here is Your Indiana Government and told the commissioners that they were required to have a contract. From the audience Council President Becky Oglesby said that council does not have a contract with Attorney Grant Reeves, whose services they use.

SAFETY CONCERN FOR HIGHWAY WORKERS

County Engineer Ted Cooley related an incident wherein a Highway Department employee was "almost hit." A two-man crew was doing patching on St. Mary's Road and a car drove past the truck just as the employee was ready to cross the road to fill a hole. Mr. Cooley said that the worker couldn't hear or see the car coming.

The truck's lights were flashing to warn the motorist to slow down. Mr. Cooley suggested roadwork signs be placed closer to the work area. Sometimes the signs are miles away, as the crew moves along the road. Commissioner Roberts suggested the county add bright strobe lights to the trucks that can be seen 1 -2 miles in the distance. From the audience, Council President Becky Oglesby suggested using a second truck to follow the crew when working on hills and blind curves. The Highway Department will decide on the solution.

INDOT CONTRACT

Mr. Cooley asked the commissioners to sign a contract for $232,233 with the Indiana Department of Transportation to oversee the required bridge inspections. He noted that the federal government pays 80% of the cost of the contract and the county pays the remaining 20%. The first inspections were already completed in October 2015. INDOT failed to send contracts to some counties before the inspections started, said Mr. Cooley.

Commissioner Roberts raised questions, saying the contract was vague about "more money" and which inspections were included. Mr. Cooley will clarify the contract with INDOT before the commissioners sign it.

WATER LINE TO BROOKVILLE LAKE

The commissioners approved a request from the Army Corps of Engineer to place a 4-inch water line on top of a county culvert on Wildcat Lane. The Corps owns the right-of-way along that part of Wildcat Lane. The new line will provide water to a bathroom in the park below the dam and elsewhere on park property. County Surveyor Joe Gillespie said that work should begin in 30-60 days, depending on the weather.

BRAY ROAD DRAINAGE OKAY

Mr. Gillespie showed the commissioners the results of checking the drainage on the properties of Walter Oelrich and Alan Vanmeter in Blooming Grove Township. He checked the elevation and found plenty of "fall" to allow storm water to flow downhill. No other action was recommended in response to Mr. Oelrich's complaint last month.

YEARLY APPOINTMENTS READ ALOUD

Last week, the commissioners reappointed county employees into various jobs by approving "numbers 1 through 14." This week, Commissioner Eric Roberts read aloud each position and the employee's name for the official minutes.

MULTIPLE SERVICES CONTRACT

Luke Kahren offered a contract to the commissioners that covered a range of services including information technology, engineering and bridge inspections. He said there is no cost to the county to sign such a contract until an assignment is agreed upon. Having this contract in hand would allow the county to react quickly in an emergency. Mr. Kahren's contract is not exclusive; the county can still use other firms. Last week, the commissioners asked for a proposal from Mr. Kahren. This week, they decided to wait a week until Mr. Kahren gives them specific prices for engineering services.

OTHER BUSINESS

The commissioners approved minutes and utility claims. Commissioner Wilson read the Veteran Service Officer's monthly report of interviews, calls and visits. They appointed Bob Braun to the Area Planning Commissioner and the Board of Zoning Appeals, replacing Haroline Ison, who resigned.

Commissioner Tom Linkel was absent.

The next meeting is Tuesday, January 19, at 10am.

Reported by

Sara Duffy

Don't Pass a Snowplow

Franklin County Highway Engineer Ted Cooley reminded residents that all Indiana counties use a color-coded system to describe road conditions in bad weather. Yellow is the lowest level and means using caution while driving, as roads may be hazardous. Orange is the next level. Only essential travel, such as to and from work is recommended. Red is the highest level. Only emergency personnel such as police, fire and EMS are allowed on the roads. All others could be ticketed.

Here is a link to the color-coded travel map for the entire state of Indiana:

http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/

Mr. Cooley asked the public to not pass a snowplow on a county road. He also asked drivers to stop their car or pull into a driveway when a snowplow is approaching from the opposite direction. He reminded everyone that last winter there were two instances when a snowplow tipped over, because the plow driver pulled to the side of the road to let a car pass.

For the latest information about Franklin County road conditions and closures, sign up for Nixle at http://www.nixle.com .

Reported by

Sara Duffy

More than Just a Picture

Quite often, I am greeted with "I see you in the news all the time". I think that's the vision that comes to mind for many when they hear about the Franklin County Community Foundation. A picture or story about a grant or scholarship fund giving back to the community. But these pictures and articles tell only a small part of our story.

There are currently more than 125 named funds housed at the Foundation. These funds were set up through donors who wanted to provide financial resources for causes they are passionate about. The solution was to create a named fund in the FCCF. According to the fund agreement, the Foundation would manage the accumulation, investment and distribution of the charitable dollars. The donors could provide recommendations for distributions. Also notable was the tax benefit from the initial charitable contribution, as well as any future contributions.

What an honor it has been to work with all the people who represent these funds. I get to see the whole picture from the planning stage for initiating the fund, the enthusiasm and passion for supporting the fund, the gratitude of those receiving grants from the fund, and finally the joy and pride of the creators when they see the grants at work. The impact that these funds have had on our community is immeasurable.

The next time you see a picture in the news or read an article about the FCCF, I hope you will think about the wonderful people who have chosen to initiate and/or support a fund. The Foundation houses funds that provide for the arts, education, community development, faith, healthcare, athletics, historical and environmental issues. For a complete list of funds and options for contributing, visit our website at www.franklincountyindiana.com.

The Franklin County Community Foundation encourages you to work with your professional advisor as you consider your present and future charitable goals. We can help you achieve these goals by offering a broad array of charitable choices. Call us at (765) 647-6810 or email us at fcfoundation@yahoo.com.

Submitted by

Shelly Lunsford, Executive Director

Purdue Varsity Glee Club Coming Back

to Brookville in March

The Franklin County Arts Council and The Brookville Foundation will be sponsoring a performance by the ever-popular Purdue University Varsity Glee Club on Sunday, March 6 at 2:00pm in the Lew Wallace Auditorium of Franklin County High School. This group of young university musicians performs locally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally, and is known for their motto of "Service Above Self." Audience members who have attended one of their concerts in the past always come back, time and time again.
Tickets for this event are $10 for adults and $5 for students, with $1 of every adult ticket going to the Franklin County High School Band for the purchase of new uniforms. Tickets can be purchased from Nancy Pflum at FCN Bank or from any other Arts Council Board Member: Patti Wilhelm, Tom Cooney, Elaine Dorrel, Jean Goins, Nancy Hawkins, Ken Litteken, or Kate Greene.

Submitted by

Patty Wilhelm

Sheriff Department Report for December

Franklin County Sheriff Ken Murphy has released a report of activity for the month of December. Sheriff's Deputies responded to 725 calls for service, which is a 23% increase over the 561 calls for service in 2014. Among the calls of service investigated were:

Property Damage Accidents	42
Personal Injury Accidents	9
Burglary/Theft	22
Residential/Business Alarms	14
Domestic Battery/Battery	24
911 Hang Up/Accidental Dial	178
Suspicious Persons/Vehicles	48
Traffic Stops	109

A total of 29 arrests were made by Sheriff's Deputies on the following charges:

Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated	1
Minor Consumption/Possession of Alcohol	1
Possession of a Controlled Substance	4
Possession of Marijuana	4
Battery/Domestic Battery	1
Theft	1
Sales of a Controlled Substance	2
Possession of Precursors	1
Operating a Vehicle While Never Licensed	1
Check Deception	1
Forgery	1
Warrants	11

There was an average of 30 prisoners housed in the Security Center throughout the month of December. Deputies drove a total of 17,418 miles. Additionally, the Transport Officer drove 2,767 miles, for a total of 20,185 miles. The Transport Officer conducted 12 prisoner transports to and from the Department of Corrections facilities throughout the States of Indiana and Ohio. Additionally, Deputies conducted one prisoner transport to a medical facility for conditions that could not be treated by the jail doctor.

F.C.S.D. K9 Lito had a total of 13 deployments in December. F.C.S.D. K9, Lito, assisted with five vehicle searches, with positive indication for drug presence/possession in two searches, leading to the arrest of one suspect on drug related charges. K9 Lito assisted in the tracking of four suspects from three separate incidents and assisted in the search for a firearm discarded in Dearborn County by a shooting suspect from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Three pieces of real estate were sold at Sheriff's Auction and 39 civil process papers served. Citizens may also provide information concerning illegal drug activity or any other crime by calling the Drug Tip Hotline at 765-647-0755. Callers can remain anonymous and all information is confidential.

The Sheriff's Department would like to remind the citizens of Franklin County that winter has arrived. Weather can change abruptly and driving conditions can deteriorate suddenly. Drivers should slow their speed, allow for greater stopping distances, and/or stay off of slick surfaces. When planning a trip, give yourself extra time and be sure your vehicle and tires are in good condition. For the latest on winter weather advisories, school closings and road conditions sign up for free text messaging at www.nixle.com. Like us on Facebook at Franklin County Sheriff's Department.

Submitted by

Officer Jason Lovins

Around the County

Joseph Stenger Memorial Scholarship Dinner - January 16

On Saturday, January 16th, the Brookville Knights of Columbus will host a benefit for the Joseph E. Stenger Memorial Scholarship fund. There will be a chicken dinner starting at 4:00. Tickets for the dinner will be sold at the door. There is also a raffle, with top prize of $2,500. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Jane Klenke Tax office, 826 Main Street. Need not be present to win. The event will also feature a basket raffle with nearly fifty baskets. Please visit our Facebook Page for more information. All are invited to attend the benefit.

Submitted by

Jane Klenke

National Pie Day - January 22

Are you in the mood for pie? Will you be ready to give up that New Year's resolution to diet? National Pie Day will be January 22 at both libraries. Will serve pie beginning at 9:00 am until the pie plates are empty. Coffee and tea will be available also. There is no charge for this event. Invite a friend to meet you for pie at the library!

Volunteer pie bakers and pie servers should contact Marty Mullin at skytop@bluebottle.com

Saints Peter's 14th Annual Whole Hog Sausage & Pancake Breakfast - Jan. 31

Serving our famous whole hog sausage, biscuits & gravy, eggs, pancakes, fruit, homemade coffeecakes & rolls from 7:30 A.M. - Noon at St. Peter's Community Building. Free will donation - public welcome. Multi-item raffle and split-the-pot. Proceeds will benefit St. Peters Parents for Catholic Education.

Submitted by

Tammey Robben

Nominate Bicentennial Torchbearer by January 31

Indiana's Bicentennial Torch Relay will traverse 2,300+ miles beginning on September 9 in Corydon and ending on the statehouse ground in Indianapolis on October 15. It will travel through each of Indiana's 92 counties. Do you know someone that you would like to nominate to be a torchbearer? The deadline to apply is extended to January 31, 2016. For more information or to nominate a torch bearer, click on: http://www.in.gov/ibc/torchrelay/2621.htm

You can also find this link on the FC Chamber's Home page: http://fcchamber.net.

Submitted by

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

Valentine Day Serenade - Call Now

Would you like to hire a small elite choir to serenade your honey for Valentine's Day? Now you can! Franklin County High School Choir elite singers in tuxedoes and formal gowns will be travelling to front porches and businesses in the Brookville area on Friday, February 12th between the hours of 9am and 3pm. For $25 not only will your sweetie be serenaded, but he or she will receive a red rose and a special note from you. Additional roses/gifts are available, as well as travel outside the immediate Brookville area, for additional cost. Scheduling is limited, so don't delay! To plan this treat for your special someone, please email or call Camden Ritchie. critchie@fccsc.k12.in.us or (765) 647-4101 #1206

Submitted by

Camden Ritchie, Band, Choir & Color Guard Instructor

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater - Feb. 6

Franklin County High School Drama Department is excited to announce their 4th annual murder mystery dinner theater on Saturday, February 6. This year's show titledWin, Lose, or Die is about a game show with murder in the bonus round! The show will begin at 6:00 P.M. and will include a full catered meal. Space is limited. Tickets cost $20 and must be purchased in advance by calling FCHS at 765-647-4101 ext. 1745 and leaving a message or by emailing the Drama Director Adam Hofer:

ahofer@fccsc.k12.in.us.

Submitted by

Adam Hofer, FCHS English Educator & Drama Director

FGA Annual Winter Conference - Feb. 6

The public is invited to the Food And Growers Association 10TH Annual Winter Conference on Saturday, February 6th, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, at Batesville Intermediate School Cafeteria. The theme is 'Nurturing our Eco System'. There will be two tracks, a producer and a consumer track. Lunch is provided and various vendors will be on-hand to answer questions. Cost - $25 per person and $15 per person for additional persons in the same household with payment at the door. Reservations are appreciated by February 2nd and can be made by calling Deanna Hookway at 812-212-5432 or emailing Deanna_hookway@etczone.com or contact@foodandgrowers.org

Submitted by

Deanna Hookway

Euchre Tournament - Feb. 6

The K of C of Brookville will be hosting a EUCHRE TOURNAMENT on Saturday, February 6th at 7:00 pm. $5 entry fee - no partner needed - all playing levels welcome. Doors open at 6 pm. Come early as this fun filled event is expected to sell out!

Submitted by

Jodi Amrhein

Girls Softball Registration Due Feb. 7 & 14

The Franklin County Girls Softball Organization is accepting registration for the 2016 Season. Registration information can be found on Facebook by searching "FCGSO" or at franklincountyathletics.com on the "Youth" page. Registration is due by February 14th. In addition, those girls in grades K-8 are encouraged to attend the FCHS Youth Softball Clinic this February - registration is due by Feb 7th. If you have any questions, please contact FCGSO or FCHS Head Softball Coach, Scott Davie.

Submitted by

Scott Davie, Head Softball Coach - Franklin County HS

Soil & Water Conservation District Annual Meeting & Dinner - Feb. 16

Join the Franklin County SWCD for their 53rd Annual Meeting and Dinner on Tuesday, February 16, in the Franklin County High School cafeteria. Doors open at 5:30pm and a buffet meal by Izzy's Catering begins at 6pm. The keynote presenter will be Robert Barr, research scientist from the Center for Earth and Environmental Sciences at IUPUI. Mr. Barr has extensively studied rivers and streams throughout Indiana, including the Whitewater River. There will also be an election, awards ceremony and door prizes. Tickets are $9 per person. Please RSVP by February 9. In the event of severe weather the snow date for the event is February 18th.

Submitted by

Chris Fox, District Coordinator/Treasurer, FC SWCD

2015 Midwest Women in Ag - Feb. 17-18

Women in all sectors of agriculture will be offered educational and networking opportunities at the 15th Annual Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference held February 17-18 at the Clarion Hotel in Columbus, Indiana. A preconference program, "Leasing Land on a Tight Margin," will be 1-4 p.m. February 16. Registration and payment is due Feb. 3. To print the registration form, visit http://bit.ly/1M1dRdD or contact Kelly Heckaman at 574-372-2340.

Submitted by

Angie Riffle

Sausage Fest - February 21

The Brookville American Legion Bernard Hurst Post 77 is having a Butchering and Sausage Fest on Sunday, February 21, from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM on Fairfield Avenue in Brookville. Sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, homemade cornbread, applesauce, dessert and coffee will be served in an "all you can eat" style. The cost is $10 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Pre Orders for whole hog and liver sausage are due by February 15 and may be placed by calling 765-647-4613.

Submitted by

Mike Biltz

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