Every now and then I post a meeting and think this one will be around a while and this one has that feel. This year the February 16, 2011 meeting had that feel and so does this one. Commissioner Day sounded much the same on a vote back then as did Commissioner Stonecash at this April 18, meeting. Bob Brower resigned at this meeting; his reasons have been transcribed with the exception of a couple areas of audio that I could not make out.  They are below and can also be listened to. There is not much I can add.

This one also had a letter read into the record from the Preble County Liberty Group voicing opposition to the Goose Creek project for reasons that I not only agree with but also endorse. 

While we are on the topic of Goose Creek my feeling is that most people if they are aware of the issue believe this project to be on Rt. 127 somewhere at the interchange of I-70. The land that this group of Preble County Commissioners over paid for is not on Rt. 127 it is located behind or west of the Pilot Truck Stop and the motel located there.  It is a poor location, a very poor location and more people would consider Hazelwood Drive a driveway for the Pilot Truck Stop or the motel than access to a gold mine or the future economic prosperity of the county. The last thing most people would guess is that this was the destination for up to $10,000,000 in taxpayer money and hoped for grants funds.  I ask you this and please ask your neighbors; If Exit 10 is truly a “Gold mine” as claimed would this be the area you would start at?

Additionally later in the day during the PowerPoint presentation to increase the license plate fee by $15 it is stated that businesses want safe roads and I agree. There was mention of a company in Butler County moving a meeting because of a dangerous pot hole. Again ask yourself; if you had a high tech company would you want your employees navigating semi trucks at least twice a day just to get into your parking lot?  Would you want your children navigating that area on the way to work at fast food restaurant? Do you really believe that the area the Preble County Commissioners purchased is the best location in that area let alone Preble County?

Last but not least is the PowerPoint presentation that I posted the audio to on Monday. I had asked at the Preble County Engineer post the presentation on both the Engineer’s website and County Commission website. This was a good presentation that highlighted some areas of concern. I like many people give little thought to how a bridge in this county looks underneath the road. Some of the pictures will make you start thinking about that.  It was Monday when I asked and it is Saturday now and still nothing. I know people will say that they have better things to do but let me tell you there were up to seven people from this department in the Commission Chamber to put on one PowerPoint presentation. Only Steve Simmons and Kyle Cross spoke.  I received a call from William Yorke III that he requested the digital copy and was told he could not get it until Wednesday. Mr. Yorke made a special trip into Eaton and picked up the paper copy which he was kind enough to drop off and is provided here for download.  At the 2 hour 42 minute mark you will hear this: Steve Simmons – "Well ok if you need any information or people ask you about it ahh forward them to us ahh you of course got our emails. I don't expect you to answer all the technical question or things like that but forward them to us and we'll answer the people."

I asked prior to that comment, Mr. Yorke asked after it. It should not be a hassle getting a digital copy of a presentation that was shown to Matt Appenzeller before it was even shown to the Preble County Commissioners. Matt does not even live in Preble County. It makes no sense for a taxpayer supported department or its employees to carry on in such a manner. This is an arrogant approach that frankly does not support giving the Preble County Engineer one penny more of taxpayer money.

Preble County, Ohio

County Commissioners

April 18, 2011

Meeting audio and review

Three Commissioners in attendance

File 1

I. OPEN MEETING

II. CALL OF ROLL

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

IV. PRAYER

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

NOTE RECEIPT & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING THE JOURNALIZATION & NOTE RECEIPT OF THE CD RECORDATION BOTH AS THE OFFICIAL MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 13TH REGULAR SESSION MEETING

End 2.2 minute mark on CD – 549 KB

File 2

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Commissioner Wesler – …so now we come to public comments and Bob what would you like to say?

Bob Brower – I would first like to start out saying … for the past 16 years I have worked under the Preble County Commissioners office. I want to thank you for this opportunity I can honestly say I figured I would retire from here but as all know God sometimes has other times for our lives. This past week I have faced a situation I never figured on happening in my life. I have been accused of something that has not taken place as was reported. The fact is I have been accused of something by a third party that happened back in January. I believe the timing of this is a bit suspicious to say the least this accusation is from a person that is upset that he was by passed for a promotion and hasn't received a raise in years. I also believe this person has been influenced by an outside source. After working with the accuser for six years I truly do not believe this letter was even written by him but possibly another outside source and I think each of you know that as well but again this is my opinion. The biggest problem I have is this person my action was supposedly directed towards has no recollection of the event. I cannot understand how a claim can come from a third party when the supposed harassed person does not recall it ever happening. If this supposed situation bothered that third party so much then why wasn't it reported within a couple days after it happened? Why is it being reported now, four months later? Some will say the reason of me doing this is ????? that's fine. Everyone will have their opinions but I know the truth. This situation has gone from what is best for me to what is best for my family. I believe at the end of this report of this situation I'd be found to be telling the truth and that this situation did not happen like my accuser reported. I have done nothing wrong. I can't help but wonder when will the next letter be turned in for another false accusation. My family and I will have to go through all of this again and I believe false accusations towards me will continue until I am removed from my position, which is what the outside source wants to see happen. This whole situation has affected me as an employee, a husband and a father. I have always fought hard for what I believe is right but this is just a job. When something like this happens to you it consumes all your thoughts and feelings. You begin to neglect others in your life that means the most to you. It is time to make a choice and I have put this in God's hands. This past weekend I hit rock bottom and God has given me peace with my decision. I know he is here; he is with me and will provide for me and my family. It is with deep regret that I resign my position as Director of Land Use Management for Preble County. You have to excellent employees in that office and I hope you appreciate the job they do. I wish you guts and Connie nothing but the best for Preble County. I appreciate our working relationship but most of all I consider each one of you a friend. Sincerely submitted, Robert A. Brower.

Commissioner Wesler – Ok. Well Bob I guess you made your decision. I heard your letter but I too would like to thank you for your 16 years and go ahead and note receipt of the letter.

Commissioner Stonecash – Do we have to at this time? As far as action on it I mean?

Commissioner Wesler – He submitted it. Ok we will hold off for a little bit then.

Commissioner Stonecash – Is that final or

Commissioner Stonecash – If that is the right thing to do then I am ok with it.

Commissioner Wesler – You know it was up to him. I mean we we've given the options ahh according to John Krock we've followed Clemons, Nelson and Associates  recommendations the whole way through. Ahh Bob had some options and obviously chose to exercise one of those options this morning so. I don't see what else we can do at this point.

Commissioner Day – Yeah I guess

Commissioner Stonecash – The whole thing comes down to a third party. Nothing has ever been proven.

Commissioner Wesler –  But that is exactly why this morning we had set up for him to take the test.

Commissioner Stonecash – I understand.

Commissioner Day – Move to note receipt of the letter.

Commissioner Wesler – I'll second it then. Connie will you please call the roll?

Connie – Commissioner Day?

Commissioner Day – Yes

Connie – Commissioner Wesler?

Commissioner Wesler – Yes

Connie – Commissioner Stonecash?

Commissioner Stonecash – ahhh yes

7.6 minute mark on cd  

1.23 minutes – 1.22 MB

File 3

APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS

NOTE RECEIPT & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING THE VOUCHERS AS SUBMITTED BY THE COUNTY AUDITOR

9.25  Minute mark   FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

A. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #268-11-150

RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS – SHERIFF

B. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #269-11-150

RE: AUTH. PAYMENT – SHERIFF ($3,248.57)

C. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #270-11-150

RE: MORAL OBLIGATION – VARIOUS DEPTS.

D. NOTE RECEIPT OF AN AMENDED CERTIFICATE

RE: GOOSE CREEK CROSSING ($484,390.00)

E. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #271-11-150

RE: GOOSE CREEK CROSSING ($484,390.00)

F. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #272-11-150

RE: SUPP. APPROP. – MAGISTRATE SPECIAL PROJECTS ($3,200.00)

12.25  Minute mark   CORRESPONDENCE & REPORTS

A. NOTE RECEIPT OF A REPORT FROM BECKY SORRELL, JOB & FAMILY SVS.

RE: MARCH 2011 CSEA DEPOSITORY ACCOUNT BANK RECONCILIATION REPORT

B. NOTE RECEIPT OF A LETTER TO MAUREEN WARE, OHIO EPA FROM JOHN JONES, LANDFILL MANAGER

RE: PCSD #2 NOTICE OF VIOLATION

C. NOTE RECEIPT OF A REPORT FROM WESLEY RHIEL, ARCADIS

RE: 2009-2010 NMOC EMISSION RATE REPORT SENT TO EILEEN MORAN, RAPCA

D. NOTE RECEIPT OF A LETTER TO MIKE JOSEPH, OHIO EPA SWDO FROM WESLEY RHIEL, ARCADIS

RE: PHASE 2A-3: 2010 CONSTRUCTION FREEZE/THAW PROTECTION DEMONSTRATION

E. NOTE RECEIPT OF A LETTER FROM KYLE AUGHE, RUMPKE

RE: NOTICE OF ERROR ON 2010 COMMERCIAL WASTE REMOVAL SERVICE LEVELS

F. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #276-11-150

RE: INTENT TO SELL UNNEEDED, OBSOLETE PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM PREBLE CO. DD & MHRB BY INTERNET AUCTION

G. NOTE RECEIPT & CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A LEGAL AD

RE: SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF PREBLE CO. DD & MHRB BY INTERNET

17.2  Minute mark    AGREEMENTS & CONTRACTS

A. NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING A CONTRACT

RE: 2011 PREBLE COUNTY FAIR VENDOR/EXHIBITOR CONTRACT W/ THE PREBLE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY – $234.00 – LEPC

B. NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING AN AGREEMENT

RE: WATER & WASTE WATER ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT W/ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICE – $391,000.00 – GOOSE CREEK

18.25  Minute mark  TRAVEL REQUESTS

NOTE RECEIPT & CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING TRAVEL REQUESTS:

A. RES. # 273-11-150 – NANCY GRASSMAN & JESSICA ISAACS – JFS Cost not to exceed $20

B. RES. # 274-11-150 – LINDA HALE – JFS  Cost not to exceed $45

C. RES. # 275-11-150 – JESSICA ISAACS – JFS  Cost not to exceed $20

Small talk and weather.

26.25  Minute mark  Commissioner Wesler – Connie was there anything else?

Connie – Kentucky visit rescheduled  May 3, a Tuesday (trash to energy)

Earth Day – May 5.

29.2 minute mark on cd  

21.30 minutes – 4.92 MB

File 4

29.25  Minute mark   Connie – We did receive a letter from Denise Robertson.

Commissioner Wesler – read into the record, ok.

Ok this is dated April 8,

Commissioners Day, Stonecash and Wesler,

I am writing this letter on behalf of the Preble County Liberty Group. We are a grass roots organization founded on three principles; fiscal responsibility, free market solutions and limited government. The project you are under taking at Goose Creek Crossing is in exact opposition to all three of these tenants. I find gambling $6.2 million of taxpayers' money with no private sector demand fiscally irresponsible. As the Commissioners of our county I expect you to be diligent watch dogs for waste, this is wasteful and risky. You can't force the free market, market indicators still show we are in a recession and some economists a second downward turn and high inflation. The inflation calculation doesn't even include fuel prices and food prices anymore and those are going through the roof. When a developer is ready to spend his money at Goose Creek Crossing, he and others will come to you. Nothing will be hurt by waiting to start this project but much can be lost by forcing it into reality and finally limited government is a founding principle of the Tea Party movement. The Constitution, both state and Federal clearly define the role of government providing basic services for the people. I don't see this as falling into these three basic services. Right now our Federal government is spending, borrowing future generations into oblivion. Don't be part of the problem be the solution.

Sincerely,

Denise Robertson

Preble County Liberty Group

 

Commissioner Day – move to note receipt of the letter.

31  Minute mark  Commissioner Stonecash – Second. With the statement that I do believe we are fiscally responsible as indicated by our financial position. The fact that it has improved during times when the Federal government has been ???.

Commissioner Wesler – Ok, I've stated to Denise numerous times that as our expenditures continual to rise and our revenue continues to fall off, I don't see how we can set by and idly do nothing. I think as John Spenser said in one of our with the Ohio Department of Development, we've got a gold mine up there at route 70 and we need to tap into that resource and that is exactly what we have attempted to do. We've gone out gotten a grant from the Dayton Development Coalition ahh they're on board with us as are some other agencies. We need to continue down that path especially with the Partnership and Shawnda and with economic development. Ahhm there will be interest, there interest up there at the interstate. So ahmm with that Connie, will you please call the roll.

All three commissioners vote to note receipt of letter.

33 minute mark on cd  

Obesity also kills the desire for sex in that man does experience a significant buy levitra http://djpaulkom.tv/6ix-commandments-named-top-mixtape-of-2013-by-scene-point-blank/ drop.
3.58 minutes – 930KB

File 5

Opens to the sound of paper being written on.

34.25  Minute mark   Commissioner Wesler – Connie do you have anything else?

Connie – not at this time no.

Commissioner Wesler – I wanted to ask you (Chris) about Kleingers (Goose Creek developer).

JRS application is going to be out in a couple weeks.

35.5  Minute mark  Mention of a committee meeting (would not include public).

Commissioner Stonecash asks if Shawnda has not taken over the reins on Goose Creek.

Commissioner Day says she is going to participate.

Writing on paper can be heard…

38  Minute mark   Commissioner Wesler thinks she needs to be on committee.

Commissioner Day mentions opening up the discussion the other day about hiring a Sanitary Engineer.

Commissioner Stonecash mentions "that is what we hired her for" my take is he meant Goose Creek and this may be in contrast to the representing the whole county.

39.25  Minute mark  Commissioner Day mentions that he working on some contract at the state level for the JRS grant. A couple emails to Sherrod Brown's office.

39.9  Minute mark   Commissioner Wesler – John Krock is on the phone and with that I will entertain a motion to go into Executive Session.

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO TALK ABOUT THE EMPLOYMENT OF A PUBLIC OFFICIAL.

Exit. Executive Session over possible employment and disciplinary action of a county employee.

Commissioner Wesler – We will acknowledge that half way through our executive session Marty Votel joined us our Prosecutor. Marty what would you suggest or advise us on as far as taking a polygraph.

Marty Votel – I would advise and suggest that the Board have employee Danny Davis be relieved of his obligation to take a polygraph. I think that activity is rendered mute by the resignation of Mr. Brower.

Commissioner Wesler – Ok, Connie do you want a vote on that or just a nod from the Board? I would suggest we go with Marty's recommendation and not require Dan to take a polygraph.

Commissioner Day – I would agree with that.

Commissioner Stonecash – I stated my thoughts that he ought to take it. So it is a 2 – 1 vote.

43 minute mark on cd  

10 minutes – 2.29 MB

File 6

PREBLE COUNTY BUDGET COMMISSION

46  Minute mark   Preble County Auditor Mindy Robbins starts meeting.

Income above estimate

Conveyance fee totaled $6,816.30 for March.

Expenses below estimate.

Cash Balance on April 15, 2011 – $2,745,865.75

14  minute mark       April 16, 2010 Cash Balance $1,841,804.06

54  Minute mark  Cell phone rings.

56  Minute mark   Marty Votel brings up tangible property and LGF disappearing.

RECESS FOR LUNCH

CDBG PROJECT REVIEW

1 hr.   .25 minute mark on cd  

17.21 minutes – 3.97 MB

File 7

1 hr.  1 Minute mark   Preble County Engineer Steve Simmons in chambers along with Katie Worthington Assistant County Prosecutor.

STEVE SIMMONS, SHAWNDA COMBS & KATIE WORTHINGTON (PERMISSIVE TAX PROCESS)

This audio is much better than the usual audio down at the table so I have included it.

1 hr.  37.5 Minute mark  **** Shawnda Combs on area of Camden with rail being a prime industrial development area.

1 hr. 30 minute mark on cd  

29.46 minutes – 6.81 MB

File 8

2 hr. 15  Minute mark    I ask that the presentation be put on the Engineer and county website.

This is where I left on the audio posted Monday from my recorder.

2 hr. 15.5  minute mark on cd  

15.3 minutes – 3.54 MB

File 9

This section opens with a question by Shawnda Combs. She asks about a comparison to other counties.

Steve Simmons states that Darke and Preble County are the only counties in Southwest Ohio "to not receive any form of permissible license fees."

2 hr. 17  Minute mark   Steve Simmons on having 60 employees when he came in to office. Now at 30 employees, claims he gets more work done with 30 than 60. Allows more money to be spent on newer equipment and fewer break downs.

2 hr. 21.5  Minute mark  Commissioner Wesler asks how many townships already have it enacted?

Steve says 75% or nine of them. Townships get all of the first $5 unless the county enacts it first. (The mere discussion of this should have those townships that have yet to do so rushing to enact the tax before the county)  

Question on how many of the villages have enacted the tax. Steve Simmons does not know.

Other counties struggling even though they have enacted the tax.

254 miles to be taken care of.

414 bridges.

3500 culverts in county

2 hr. 25  Minute mark  mention of truck transportation to rail hubs.

2 hr. 27  Minute mark   Commissioner Wesler on philosphical differences and the gas tax not having kept up with inflation. Higher fuel efficient vehicles impacting amount of tax collected.

Steve Simmons mention no tax collected on ethanol.

Question on how much gas tax Engineer receives.

Steve guesses it to be 40 cents a gallon with ODOT getting 75% collected for political subdivisions. After federal 14% he thinks it leaves local with about 6.5 cents. That is divided up equally among all the counties. Montgomery and Cuyahoga County get the same in gas tax as what Preble does. Townships and villages also get a portion.

Off hand at least to me Steve does not seem prepared to answer how much money is collected on many of these questions from Commissioner Wesler.  He repeatedly says he will have to get back to him.

2 hr. 33  Minute mark   Steve Simmons mentions that Shawnda had met with Matt Appenzeller and went over the presentation with him. Mentions that on the 26th Matt has them scheduled to give this presentation to the Chamber board.

2 hr. 34  Minute mark   Commissioner Day on how much would be dedicated to bridges compared to road.

Steve Simmons mentions probable need to hire another couple employees.

Question on getting caught up with bridge program.

Bridges over $100,000 need to be bid out and that raises cost.

Commissioner Wesler mentions that at a recent meeting it was proposed to triple that total to $300,000 but it was opposed by Ohio County Engineers Association.

2 hr. 39  Minute mark   Has to be in by July 1 or it will not be possible until 2013.

It could be put on ballot by referendum and taken off.

2 hr. 42.25  Minute mark   Steve Simmons – Well ok if you need any information or people ask you about it ahh forward them to us ahh you of course got our emails. I don't expect you to answer all the technical question or things like that but forward them to us and we'll answer the people.

2 hr. 44.3 minute mark on cd  

28.54 minutes – 6.61 MB

File 10

Commissioner Wesler – Ok I've got a letter we've got to note receipt of. This is a notice of resignation to the Board of Preble County Commissioners.

I, Robert A. Brower,  here by submit my resignation as an employee of the Preble County Commissioners from the position of Director of Land Use Management to become effective at the close of the working day on April 18, 2011. I am resigning this date for the following reasons:

It is the best interest of myself and my family and for Preble County.

I respectfully request the payment of all salary and wages due me and prorated payment of any accumulated earned vacation leave.

Signed April 18, 2011

Robert A. Brower.

 

Letter accepted with 2 -1 vote. Commissioner Stonecash voted "no"

2 hr. 46 minute mark on cd  

1.36 minutes – 377 KB

File 11

Connie requests to go into Executive Session to discuss the employment of a public employee.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Exit with no action taken

2 hr. 47  Minute mark  Commissioners exit chambers to help put pin wheels in grass of area in front of Courthouse.

2 hr. 50.75  Minute mark   Back and a move to go into Executive Session to discuss the employment of a possible county employee.

Engineer Steve Simmons present.

Exit

Commissioner Wesler – mentions pay scale to Connie.

Commissioner Day moves for EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE EMPLOYMENT OF A COUNTY EMPLOYEE AND POSSIBLE DICIPLIANRY ACTIONS

Exit with no action taken.

Commissioner Wesler asks Connie to make an appointment to meet with us Wednesday.

ADJOURN

2 hr.  53.3 minute mark on cd  

7.24 minutes – 1.69 MB