Blog

04 Aug
0

Reader believes transparency is responsibility of elected official

by in News, Letter to the Editor, News

Madison Meetings Matter

On June 23rd, 2022 the Madison Township Advisory Board held a public meeting. At that meeting at least one agenda item was tabled; and parties from all sides agreed another meeting needed to be set to follow up. The board agreed to meet on July 21st, 2022 at 7pm.
By July 21st, there had been no notice posted on the door of the fire station, on the website, on social media, or in the newspaper.
Due to the lack of communication from the township, concerned citizens instead had to play telephone to notify each other that the meeting was canceled. No alternate dates have been announced.
I, and many others, were hoping for an update on the now 9 month long venture to get the roofing repairs made to the fire stations, as well as the potential sale of an old engine (which was needed and used since the last meeting).
The principled thing to do is set meetings at regular intervals in order to inform how tax dollars are spent, and answer any questions. This will help avoid any confusion and promotes cooperation with the public. Accountability and transparency should be the responsibility of elected officials – not the public citizens.

~ By Kristin Alexander | Letter to the Editor | Published July 30, 2022 in The Reporter Times

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15 Apr
0

Why you won’t see Libertarians on your primary ballot

by in Newsletter

Why you won’t see Libertarians on your primary ballot

Per Indiana law, a political party must get a minimum of 10 percent in the Secretary of State’s race to participate in the general primaries. We must get at least 2 percent to maintain ballot access — which we have done every year since 1994. So, voting Libertarian for Secretary of State is a vote to continue giving Hoosier voters more choices. This year our Secretary of State candidate if Jeff Maurer. He’s running to ensure our elections are safe and secure. He wants you to get a receipt with your vote so you can verify your vote counted the way you intended.

Our candidates are selected by delegates at convention, at no cost to taxpayers. For county and local races, we are officially nominated at county conventions. For example, Kristin Alexander has already received the Libertarian nomination to run for Madison Township board in this year’s election from the Libertarian Party of Morgan County. Other higher-level candidates were selected by delegates at our state convention on March 5th, like James Sceniak for U.S. Senate.

Do not be dissuaded by the taxpayer funded primary process. Libertarians will be on your ballot in November, and Hoosiers will have principled options as a result.

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09 Apr
0

2022 Madison Township Board Candidate Forum

by in Campaign, Interview

2022 Madison Township Board Candidate Forum

The Community Taxpayers Association held a candidates forum on April 9th, 2022.

Kristin Alexander was the sole Libertarian invited to attend along with her four Republican challengers, but only two of them showed up to field questions from taxpayers.

  • Kristin Alexander: Libertarian
  • Jim Johnson: Republican
  • Nelson Hoggart: Republican
  • Ronnie McClure: Republican (absent)
  • Scott McDonough: Republican (absent, current trustee)

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03 Mar
0

Anna Elliott Selected as BZA Chair

by in News, Appointees, News

Anna Elliott Selected as BZA Chair

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Martinsville Board of Zoning Appeals heard two variance requests during its Tuesday meeting.

Michael Ksenak, an attorney, appeared on behalf of M&M Real Properties, LLC, which sought a variance to run a semi-tractor and trailer sales dealership on a property that is zoned I1-Light Industrial (LI). The three-acre parcel is located at 420 S Ind. 39, just north of the railroad tracks.

The project requires a variance because it technically falls under commercial use, city attorney Dale Coffey said.

A group of neighbors expressed concerns about the dealership’s impact on traffic and property values.

“This isn’t a used car lot where people are coming in,” he said. “It’s a very specialized type of product.”

And city attorney Dale Coffey said he believed the area is primed for development in the next several years, especially once the city completes construction of a new levee, expected in 2024.

“This area most likely will see a different focus,” Coffey said. “I can’t sit here and speak to what the zoning will be, but I could definitely see more development happening in this area. Bringing this property back to life probably increases values rather than decreases values.”

The board unanimously approved the request.

In other business, the board denied a variance request from Storage Express Holdings LLC, which was looking to add 18 movable storage buildings to its site on Industrial Drive in southeast Martinsville.

The decision came after the board heard concerns from the Martinsville Fire Department, which has battled two separate storage fires in the past year.

The developer’s plans would have placed storage units one foot away from an adjoining property line, putting a neighboring garage at risk should a fire break out, Martinsville Fire Marshall Charlie Fraker said. 

The board also elected its officers for the 2022 year. Anna Elliot was voted chair, Katie Barnes was voted vice chair and Marilyn Siderewicz was voted secretary.

The next meeting of the Martinsville Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Martinsville City Hall, 59 S. Jefferson St.

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21 Feb
0

Mooresville Plan Commission approves plats for two subdivisions

by in News, Appointees, News

Mooresville Plan Commission approves plats for two subdivisions

MOORESVILLE — The Mooresville Plan Commission approved primary plats for two planned subdivisions during its Thursday meeting.

Michael and Shannon Skyles, owners of Bunkerhill, LLC, recently purchased two adjoining parcels of farmland totaling 55 acres near the intersection of East Lindley Road/County Line Road 1050 and North Bunker Hill Road in Brown Township.

John Larrison, project manager for Holloway Engineering, appeared before the plan commission on behalf of the property owners to request two primary plat approvals related to the project.

The first request was for a primary plat for a 39-acre parcel at North Bunker Hill Road. The property will be divided into four lots to be known as the James Creek subdivision, with three new homes being built, each of them on roughly five-acre lots.

Paula Fulp, who lives just north of the property, asked Larrison who would maintain the lots once they are sold.

“What would keep them from adding a mobile home and whatnot on their property?” Fulp asked.

Larrison said there are a number of covenants and restrictions associated with the subdivision, including that no trailers, mobile homes, modular homes or log homes be permitted on any lot.

“All buyers in the subdivision buy into these protective covenants because it’s what they want,” he said.

The commission unanimously approved the request. Commission chair Mike Young was absent.

The second request was for a primary plat for a smaller parcel directly to the east on East Lindley Road. That piece of land will be divided into four lots to be known as the Schrute Farms subdivision.

“These are very large parcels for country-setting type homes,” Larrison said.

The commission unanimously approved the request.

After the meeting, the Skyles’ talked with Fulp and two other neighbors who were concerned about the loss of farmland.

“We don’t want to build a lot of houses,” Michael Skyles told them. “This will hopefully be a wonderful little community.”

Rezoning approved 

The commission approved a rezoning request from Keyswap Realty, LLC, which owns the vacant lot at 136 E. Harrison St.

Commissioners unanimously approved the request to rezone the property from I-2 zoning to R-2 residential.

New officers elected

In light of Morgan County Commissioners’ plans to dissolve the two-mile buffer zone around the town of Mooresville, plan commission vice chair Jeffrey Dieterlen said he and Young were looking to step down from their leadership roles and hand them off to other members of the commission.

The three county commissioners recently agreed to hire Greenfield-based law office Brand & Morelock to advise the board as it plans to get rid of the buffer zones.

“Given the county is currently in the process of having buffer zones returned back to their jurisdiction, we feel like we want to be present as a part of that transition for areas that we represent, and work with the county and town to do that,” Dieterlen said.

Buffer zones are areas around cities and towns that give the municipality planning and zoning jurisdiction. Residents in these areas are not considered citizens of the municipality, and they have long complained to commissioners about their lack of representation in local government.

Young and Dieterlen both live in the Mooresville buffer zone and are the two county commissioner-appointed members on the plan commission.

The commission unanimously approved David Saddler as its next chair, Mark Taylor as vice chair and Tammy VanHook as secretary.

The next meeting of the Mooresville Plan Commission is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the Mooresville Government Center, 4 E. Harrison St.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Mooresville Board of Zoning Appeals held a very brief meeting Thursday night.

Board members Neal Allman and Jennifer Meador were present, along with board member David Saddler, who participated via phone. Board chair Mike Young was absent, as was board member Charles McGuire.

The board approved a variance request from a property owner on North County Line Road looking to put add an extension onto her garage.

Board attorney Chou-il Lee said he found a draft set of rules of procedures for both the board of zoning appeals and the plan commission. Lee said members of both governing bodies can decide whether or not to officially adopt the rules at their next meetings.

The board of zoning appeals held off on electing officers for the year until their next meeting due to two board members being absent.

The next meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the Mooresville Government Center, 4 E. Harrison St.

~ By Pete Blanchard | Reporter | Published February 11, 2022 in The Reporter Times

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03 Feb
0

Campaigns in Morgan County file 2021 finance reports

by in News, Articles, Campaign, News

Candidates have been busy in recent weeks filing for the upcoming election for a number of available seats at the local, state and federal level.

Something candidates have also been doing recently is raising money for their respective campaigns.

The following is a listing of contributions and expenditures amongst several locals running, or who currently fill a seat up for election this year, in the 2022 campaign cycle.

Campaigns

Dustin Stanley for Morgan County (Mooresville Town Council District 5) reported no balance at beginning of 2021, $5,000 in contributions, $0 in expenses, $5,000 in bank at end of 2021.

The Friends of (Morgan County Sheriff) Rich Myers reported having around $10,027 at the beginning of 2021. It reported no contributions or expenses for 2021 leaving them a balance of $10,027 at the end of 2021. The campaign does report having an outstanding loan of $8,000.

The Committee to Elect Lester Duncan for Mooresville Town Council District 1 reported not having a balance on Jan. 1 and not receiving any contributions of having any expenses for the year.

Tammy Parker for County Clerk reported no funds at the beginning of 2021. Parker’s campaign received around $2,660 during the year, had expenses of around $770 leaving the campaign a balance of around $1,889 at the end of 2021. Contributors included James and Marlyn Parker, $500; Roger T. Coffin, $1,000 as well as Ernest and Dorothy Dalton, $1,000. Expenses included purchasing shirts, signs, and other advertisement services.

The Committee to Elect Kristin Alexander (Madison Township Advisory Board) showed $0 funds on Jan. 1, 2021. The committee received around $2,365 in contributions, had expenses of around $195 leaving them a balance of around $2,170 at the end of 2021. Contributors included Jared Hall, $125; Jay Sollman, $100; Mark Rutherford, $150; Chris Gault, $220; Danny Lundy, $150; Todd Singer, $155; Paul Dijak-Robinson, $500 and Neighbors for Bob Starkey, $100.

Chip Keller for Morgan County Council District 1 reported having $0 in the bank on Jan. 1, 2021. The campaign reported receiving $2,000 in contributions and had expenses for around $1,847 leaving it a balance of around $152. Contributions came from the candidate. Expenses include the Fall Foliage Festival for $500 and advertising.

The Committee to Elect Kenny Hale (Morgan County Commissioner) had a balance of around $1,641 on Jan. 1, 2021. The campaign received around $4,500 in contributions, and expenses of around $216 leaving it a balance of around $5,925 at the end of 2021. Contributors include Echo Lake LLC, $1,000 and Friends of Ryan Goodwin, $1,500. Expenses were for advertising.

Kelly Alcala for Morgan County (Morgan County Council District 3) had around $75 on Jan. 1, 2021. The campaign received around $40 and reported $25 in expenses leaving the campaign with a balance of around $90 on Jan. 1, 2022. It also reported $317 in debit.

Melissa (Greene) for Morgan County (Council District 2) reported $0 on hand on Jan. 1, 2021. They campaign reported contributions of $5,500 and expenses of around $3,222 leaving it a balance of around $2,278 on Jan. 1, 2022. Contributors include Chris Sheets, $500; Craig Fenneman, $500; Linda Barnett, $500; Gary Hood; $500 and HD Green Enterprises, $2,500. Greene loaned campaign $1,000. Expenses were for advertising.

Committee to Elect Laura Elliott (Morgan County Council District 2) reported $0 at the beginning of 2021. The campaign received around $3,700 in contributions, had around $3,700 in expenses leaving a balance of $0 at the end of 2021. The committee reported having an outstanding loan of around $1,000. Contributions came from Intelli-Leap, LLC for sign design and Website work. Valued at $2,700. Expenses were for advertising.

Political parties

The Morgan County Democratic Central Committee showed it had a beginning balance of $6,589 in 2021. The committee received $2,700 in contributions through the year, had expenses of around $5,308 which left them a balance on Dec. 31 of around $3,351. Some of the contributors were Neil DeLapp, $624; Dianna and Robert Jennings, $86; Dale and Danny Drake, $222; Gail Featherston, $121; David Ewers, $77; Stephanie Lopossa, $116; Colleen Springate, $288. Expenses included costs of booth rental at the Morgan County Fair, Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival and Old Settlers Festival in Mooresville as well as office expenses and costs for internet services.

Libertarian Party of Morgan County began 2021 with around $402 in the bank. The party had around $6,017 in contributions and expenses of around $5,041 leaving them with a balance of around $1,378 on Dec. 31. Some contributors were Micah Haynes, $200; Patti Gault, $300 (including raffle prize); Ron Stinson, $450; Game revenue from Pioneer Park, $425;  J&L Online Marketing, $1,500 (for website); Libertarian Party National Committee, $1,000. Expenses included Libertarian Party of Indiana, $225; Mooresville Police Department – K9 Fundraiser, $425; J&L Online Marketing -develop website- $1,500; Wristband Resources, $539; 4 Imprint, $339 and Churches in Mission, $250.

Other information

The board found several minor mistakes on the reports and will request the candidates come in and make corrections.

Board members approved the inventory report of election equipment that must be sent to the state.

The board has not scheduled another meeting for this year. Morgan County Clerk Stephanie Elliott said they will probably hold a meeting when they do the check on the election machines.

This year’s primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 3.

Candidates have until noon on Friday, Feb. 4 to sign up for the upcoming election.

~ By Keith Rhoades | R-T Correspondent | Published January 28, 2022 in The Reporter Times

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10 Jan
0

2022 County Convention

by in News, Press Release

Martinsville, IN – Morgan County Public Library; 1:00 PM Saturday January 8th, 2022

The Libertarian Party of Morgan County held its annual county convention at the Morgan County Public Library this Saturday January 8th. At this year’s convention the members of the party voted to nominate candidates for public office, elect delegates to the state Libertarian Party convention, and heard from US Senate candidates William Henry and James Sceniak. 

Anna Elliott gave the financial report. The party raised $6,17.82 in 2021 and the members approved a budget for expected  2022 expenses. 

Kristin Alexander was unanimously elected as a Libertarian candidate for Madison Township Advisory Board. During her speech to members she said; 

“If I am elected, I vow to work WITH, not against, the taxpayers, fire department, and the trustee. I will put my effort into creating policies regarding transparent reporting, regular meeting times to encourage community involvement. I will propose changes to the budget so tax dollars are allocated where they are NEEDED, versus where they are wanted.”

William Henry spoke to members about his run for US Senate under the Libertarian banner. He spoke about descheduling cannabis, reducing foreign conflicts, and fiscal responsibility in DC. 

James Sceniak, who is also seeking the Libertarian nomination for US Senate, was unavailable, but sent Eric Allen to speak on his behalf. Mr Allen spoke about James’ platform which includes medical freedom, fixing the VA, and fiscal responsibility in DC. 

Jeff Maurer is seeking the Libertarian nomination for Secretary of State. He also could not be present in-person, but Danny Lundy was present to speak on his behalf. Mr Lundy spoke of Jeff’s plan to ensure election integrity. 

“Election integrity starts with every voter getting a receipt to ensure their vote counted the way they intended for it to. If a problem is found, they can raise their hand and we’ll know where they voted, which machine they used, who was working, and be able to quickly identify any issues so they can be resolved.”

2021 was an exciting year for the Libertarian Party of Morgan County. We saw tremendous growth in an off-election year. We are very excited about our plans for 2022 and what it may bring. 

The Libertarian Party of Morgan County seeks a principled and innovative approach to local government; inclusive communication with the public, and accountability for our officials.

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17 Dec
0

Variance for housing project approved

by in News, Appointees, News

Variance for housing project approved

The Mooresville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance for a planned 180-unit apartment complex during its Thursday meeting.

Travis Vencel, of Indianapolis-based TWG Development, appeared before the board last month to present preliminary site plans and ask for a variance to reduce the minimum lot size for each unit from 3,000 square feet to 2,800 square feet. That would allow the developer to increase the number of homes from 171 to 180 and ensure the project meets the threshold to qualify for federal tax credits and bonds, he said.

The multi-family apartments would be located on an 11-acre site east of South Indiana Street and north of Moore Street that has sat vacant for decades. A housing development was approved there in 1985 but was later abandoned.

Rents would range between $720 and $1,033, and residents would be required to make anywhere from $29,800 to $50,490 to live there, he said.

At the board’s Nov. 11 meeting, board member David Saddler expressed concern that the project did not allow for enough parking as required by the town’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and two neighbors raised concerns about the impact it would have on traffic, business, drainage and the overall community. Those neighbors were also present at Thursday’s meeting to remonstrate against the project.

At Saddler’s suggestion, Vencel withdrew his request until the next board meeting.

A 3D rendering of an apartment complex planned for an 11-acre site east of South Indiana Street in the town of Mooresville.

Vencel returned to the board Thursday with updated parking plans and answers to the residents’ questions, though they said they remain opposed to the development.

BZA chair Mike Young also said the project would still have to come before the plan commission, but Bennett argued that wouldn’t be the case because the project does not require a zoning change.

The board voted 4-1 to grant the variance. Board member Neal Allman voted against the measure.

As Vencel was leaving, Young told him he would now have to go to the plan commission for approval. Vencel responded by pointing to Bennett and saying, “Whatever that gentleman tells me to do, I’m going to do.”

The next meeting of the Mooresville Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 13 at the Mooresville Government Center, 4 E. Harrison St.

~ By Peter Blanchard | Reporter | Published December 10, 2021 in The Reporter Times

Watch the Mooresville Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Here:

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30 Nov
0

three-story parking garage

by in News, Letter to the Editor, News

To the editor:

The county council approved a three-story parking garage to be built near the Morgan county administration building. This will affect me greatly as I live just one block away.

It’s one thing to claim it’s a good time to borrow because rates are low and quite another to claim you’re spending that money wisely. The County Council chose the plan that costs taxpayers $5.9 million dollars more than any of the other plans presented to them.

This structure is three blocks away from downtown, but we’re told it’ll ‘help Martinsville’. Was any kind of research done on current and future parking needs? Was this the most effective way to address those needs? As I see it, no. I drive by the Admin building almost daily. I never see the lots around the building full except on election day. Why do we need 300 spaces? If we did, doesn’t the City of Martinsville have plenty of land for that?

When spending this kind of money, all options need to be fully explored. It’s very frustrating to see the entire county foot a tax increase for this when more careful consideration could have offered better solutions.

Sincerely,

Anna Elliott

Martinsville

~ By Anna Elliott | Letter to the Editor | Published November 23, 2021 in The Reporter Times

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19 Nov
0

Indy developer TWG presents plans for 180 multi-family apartments in Mooresville

by in News, Appointees, News

Indy developer TWG presents plans for 180 multi-family apartments in Mooresville

MOORESVILLE — The public got a first look Wednesday at a developer’s plans to build 180 multi-family apartments on a piece of land that has sat vacant for decades.

Travis Vencel, of TWG Development, appeared before the Mooresville Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday to present preliminary site plans and ask for a variance to reduce the minimum lot size for each unit to 2,800 square feet. Current zoning laws require each unit to have a minimum lot size of 3,000 square feet.

Vencel said the variance will allow the project size to increase from 171 to 180 units, which is the number needed to receive federal tax credits, he said.

The site, visible from Ind. 67, is located east of South Indiana Street and bordered to the south by Moore Street. Despite the site’s close proximity to commercial businesses, the 11.8-acre parcel is zoned in the town’s R-3 residential district. Vehicle access would be maintained through existing connections to Moore and Indiana streets.

The property is currently owned by Neff Construction Services, LLC, according to Morgan County’s geographic information system (GIS). That developer had planned to build apartments on the site before the project was abandoned.

Rents would range between $720 and $1,033 per month, and residents would be required to make anywhere between $29,800 and $50,940 — depending on the size of the unit — to qualify. Plans call for 90 two-bedroom units, 45 one-bedroom units and 45 three-bedroom units. There would be a leasing office, playground, fitness center and security systems and cameras on site.

Based in Indianapolis, TWG is responsible for 80 developments across 14 states, including nearby properties in Fishers, Lawrence and Columbus.

Some residents expressed concerns about the project, fearing its impact on traffic, runoff and surrounding property values.

Jim and Eileen Mathers are the owners of Thiesing Veneer Company, which is located directly east of the property. In the late 1960s, they were forced to relocate their business from Indianapolis when Interstate 70 was built. In 1970, they purchased property from the Mooresville Development Corporation and moved to Mooresville.

“We thought the town wanted industrial businesses in the area but are now very concerned about these apartments and the non-industrial expansion in this area,” Eileen Mathers said. “We feel industrial and residential should not be mixed.”

Kimberly Schofield, who lives on West South Street, said the development would hurt her property value and snarl traffic.

“You’re ruining my home value and that of my neighbors,” said Schofield, who serves on the Mooresville Plan Commission.

Vencel said the traffic demand would be greater at peak hours if the project were an industrial or commercial development.

“A residential development spreads that trips out over the course of the day,” Vencel said. “When you have a business, those peak times are very busy, because everybody comes at those peak times.”

The location of a planned 180-unit apartment complex in the town of Mooresville.

Board member David Saddler said he was concerned that there was not enough parking for the site as required under the town’s unified development ordinance (UDO).

“This is not acceptable based on complying with UDO,” Saddler said. “So I suggest you consider withdrawing and reapplying.”

The plan offered 291 parking spaces for 180 units, which Vencel believes is more than required.

“We’ve designed it to the UDO,” he said. “If the board would say that they think there needs to be additional parking in excess of that, I’m happy to have that conversation.”

Saddler suggested the board give Vencel the opportunity to withdraw his request and resubmit the plans with more parking spaces.

Vencel said he would be willing to commit to the number of spaces needed in order to get the board’s approval on Wednesday.

“If you’ve done the calculation and have the number, we can amend that today,” he said.

“I’m not gonna give you the number, it’s not my job,” Saddler responded. “It’s my job to look at the information you provided, and based on that, this is not acceptable based on complying with UDO.”

Taking Saddler’s suggestion, Vencel asked for a continuance to allow time to provide updated plans for the board at its next meeting. The board voted 3-1 to grant the continuance, with board member Neal Allman voting against the measure. Board member Charles McGuire was absent.

The next meeting of the Mooresville Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Mooresville Government Center, 4 E. Jefferson St.

~ By Peter Blanchard | Reporter | Published November 12, 2021 in The Reporter Times

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