Larry Montgomery, Regional Director of the College Cooperative Southeast, appeared before the regular meeting of the Ripley County Commissioners on Monday, October 23. Based in Greensburg, Montgomery oversees community college programs in ten counties. Also present were Dr. Joe Moore, Academic Dean of ITCC-Region 11 and George Hughes, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, ITCC-Region 11.

Montgomery told commissioners that he had been contacted by Adult Education Coordinator, Janet Sagester, concerning the possibility of adding college courses to the already successful GED program at the jail. Interest in the program was high, with approximately 20 inmates attending two information sessions held at the jail. These inmates have either completed their high school diploma, their GEDs or are preparing to take the final GED test. The proposed program would be the first of its sort in Indiana. Montgomery told commissioners, “This would be a prototype for other counties.”

College Cooperative Southeast would provide computers, printers and personnel. Logistically, it has been determined that course software would be loaded onto three computers’ hard drives. There would be no internet access. A printer would be networked to the computers. Academic admission, assessment, career interest and financial aid counseling will be provided by Ivy Tech Community College. Educational services would include study resources for remediation assistance, course proctoring, assignment pick-up, delivery of course information (homework or instructor information) to the postsecondary institution, and admission assistance and advising. Coursework could lead to an Associate’s Degree of General Studies. Classes would begin with the January 2007 semester.

Representatives of the proposed program met with Officers Tom Grills, Bill Dramann and Lee Matthews on September 20. It was determined at that meeting to request approval from the county commissioners. Commissioners’ president, Robert Reiners, commented, “If somebody is going to get a decent education while serving time, I think it is a good thing.” Commissioner Lawrence Nickell added, “I’m for it. If a young person gets in trouble, the opportunity to get their GED is good.” Commissioner Chuck Folz related that he had spoken with the parent of a person who had earned their GED through the program and they were very happy.

The commissioners voted unanimously to back the proposal with Reiners encouraging, “I don’t have any doubts that this will work.”

Also on the agenda were Karol and Troy Mathis, owners of Horse and Buggy Auctions on SR 129, in Cross Plains. They were there to try to clear up zoning issues that have arisen regarding that property.
It was stated that the previous owner had been paying taxes at a commercial rate, and that the building had been used in the past as a laundromat and then as a hardware store. Tad Brinson, director of the Area Planning Commission, stated that the property is zoned A-1 (agricultural) and that the president of the planning commission said that although they do not have to go through a rezoning process, they do need to apply for a special exception. The reason for this is that it is considered a “change of venue” from one commercial usage to another.

Mr. and Mrs. Mathis demanded, “Why are we being singled out? I don’t see why I have to do this when nobody else has to.” They went on to say that they know of three other auctions operating under the same conditions. When Brinson questioned, “Where are they at?” Mathis fired back, “It’s your job to know these things.”

The Mathises also stated that they have fixed up the property, investing more than $14,000 in improvements. Brinson countered that no permits were issued for improvements, but Mr. Mathis said that only cosmetic work had been performed and nothing structural had been done.

Neighbor, Linda Chandler, was also present. Chandler’s property abuts the auction property on two sides. She stated that it was her understanding that the property was not zoned for commercial use. Chandler acknowledged that the property had been improved by the Mathises, but she feared that if the property became zoned commercial a more intrusive business might be established in front of her home. “Am I looking at having a used car lot in my front yard?” she asked as an example. Mrs. Mathis told Chandler, “I’m trying to put myself in your position.” Brinson assured that the special exception would be for this business and its stated use only. Mr. Mathis also told the commissioners, “It’s costing me $1,000 for each auction we can’t have.”

Attorney Neil Comer offered his opinion stating, “This law is intended to address those businesses that have affect on neighbors. An auction could be seen as that kind of business.” Comer said that seeking the special exception designation is the proper thing to do.

Concerning other auction businesses operating without getting the proper zoning, Comer compared the Mathises’ situation with speeders who get stopped by the police only to ask why nobody else was pulled over. The answer, Comer said, is “because you’re the ones that got caught.”

In a similar instance, Ken Demaree, came before the commissioners to ask permission to build a pole barn on property located near Rexville, on 925S, to be used for deer processing. Demaree stated that he has met with resistance from Tad Brinson of the planning commission. He stated that both he and the landowner have tried to apply and been shut down. Demaree complained, “We feel we are being held back.” He explained that there are future plans to expand the business to include a slaughterhouse and processing plant, but right now they are only seeking to erect a barn and begin processing deer at that location.

Brinson stated that a permit to open a slaughterhouse would require rezoning to an industrial zoning (I-1 or I-2). Landowner, Anthony Ardyzone of Indianapolis, said “We want to put up a pole barn to process deer now. Is there a regulation or statute to prohibit these guys from processing deer?” He reiterated that the slaughterhouse plan is a year or more down the road. Commissioner Reiners asked, “What if you can’t get the rezone down the road?” Ardyzone replied, “We don’t want to cause problems. If he doesn’t get approved down the road, it’s okay.” Reiners commented, “You’re talking about putting up an expensive building to process deer twice a year.”

Bob Schwagmeier and James Sedam, who are wishing to open the deer processing business, also were present. Joyce Poling, their aunt, spoke on their behalf, stating that they have met with the Board of Animal Health and know the requirements they have to meet. Poling said they have also spoken with economic development representatives who are helping to put together a business plan. “They have some very admirable business goals,” Poling noted. She went on to state that eventually it could become a place where farmers from many counties could process their meats, but right now they need their deer season to help them raise capital.

Many possible problems were aired. Commissioner Reiners said, “There may be neighbors around here who say ‘we don’t want that around here.’” Building inspector, Steve Meyer, questioned how the building could be classified if it is only being used for deer processing. “It’s not agricultural or residential. Is it commercial?” Meyer wanted to know. Neil Comer said, “If I was them I’d want you to inspect it as a commercial building.” There was much discussion of building requirements for a slaughterhouse/ processing plant. Finally, Ardyzone stressed, “I’m the only one taking a risk on the building. We know it’s a two-stage deal. Can I walk next door and get a building permit?” The answer was a qualified “yes.” Comer remarked, “I think you’re taking a big risk.”

In other business, Cathy May appeared before the commissioners to obtain permission for the “Great American Smokeout” to administer voluntary carbon monoxide testing in the courthouse hall on Thursday, November 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The public is invited.

Before the meeting adjourned, Carla Miller hand-delivered a letter to commissioners Reiners, Nickell and Folz asking for the immediate resignation of Chuck Folz as county commissioner.