Darren Byrd

The meeting commenced with the welcoming of a newly appointed board member. A primary agenda item involved the election of officers for the coming year, resulting in the re-election of the President, Vice President, Attorney, and Secretary. The Board then proceeded to approve the minutes from the previous month's meeting. The main discussion focused on a new business item: docket number 26-V01, a request for variances regarding residential setbacks and structure height for petitioners Steven and Katherine Bayaka. The petitioners explained that the variances are necessary to rebuild the home in its original footprint after the prior addition/remodel project was halted due to structural issues (mold and cracked footers). The height variance (28 ft requested vs. 25 ft allowed) is also cited as necessary for proper drainage slope (6 inches per 10 feet) and adequate mechanical space for dual HVAC systems. The Board considered the petitioner's arguments regarding maintaining the original footprint and financial constraints versus code compliance.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and a review of the procedural guidelines for public hearing communication, emphasizing that all comments must be addressed to the Board. Key discussions involved the election of officers, where Carol Bowen was nominated for President, Randy Jones for Vice President, and Dave Schilling for Legal Counsel. The secretary position was nominated to Danielle. The commission reviewed the staff report for a rezoning request (Docket Number 26-RZ-01) to change 2.262 acres from Primary Residential (R1) to General Business (GB) for Clark Electrical Services. The staff report noted previous non-compliant auto repair business use, the current business operations, the existence of accessory buildings, flood plane considerations, and compliance with the Brown County Comprehensive Plan regarding economic development and land use impacts. The petitioner presented arguments emphasizing local employment retention, regional project benefits, and community support efforts, noting the property's suitability for commercial use based on existing infrastructure and neighboring zoning precedents. Finally, the minutes from the December 16, 2025 meeting were approved.

The meeting addressed the approval of previous meeting minutes, specifically the November 13th minutes, which included a discussion regarding fentanyl inclusion in opiate drug screens and verification protocols for prescriptions. The Executive Director's report covered supervision summaries for various programs like alcohol monitoring, electronic monitoring, home detention, work release, and pre-trial diversion, providing year-to-date statistics. Drug screening data indicated 52 screens conducted since January 1st, with 13 positives for alcohol, THC, or methamphetamine. Financial reports for November and December were reviewed and approved, detailing expenditures, grant receipts, project income collections, and year-end balances. Budget updates for 2026 included adjustments for salary increases based on a county study impacting field officer and probation officer assistant positions. The Annual Report for 2025 highlighted financial summaries, noting $82,986 collected in project income, zero fiscal audit findings from DOC for 2024, and expenditure percentages across different funds. Service statistics for 2025 included 73 participants served, 409 drug screens administered (17% positive), and details on the successful completion rate (96%) for closed supervisions.

The meeting commenced with the election of officers, including the nomination and confirmation of a President and Vice President. Key discussions involved budgetary matters, specifically regarding the process for moving funds associated with Parks and Recreation and tourism expenditures between the General Fund and the CBC fund, including concerns about statutory limitations on fund transfers. A significant portion of the discussion focused on rectifying financial errors related to the Economic Development Fund and health insurance premium allocations for 2026, involving a proposed transfer of approximately $1.1 million from the Commissioners' general fund budget line 12600. Additionally, the council addressed a $120,000 transfer from the general fund to the HSA fund. The agenda was adjusted to prioritize presentations from candidates seeking appointments to various boards, including the Library Board, where one candidate presented their qualifications.

The meeting agenda included an addition regarding the local public agreement for the consulting contract for bridge 43 (Elkinsville Road Bridge). Discussions covered the status of the owner-occupied rehab grant, noting the maximum bonus points secured, and the cyclical reassessments contractor selection process, emphasizing the statutory requirement for commissioners to review all county contracts. Key new business involved approving the cyclical reassessment contract contingent upon legal review and motions to approve the Bridge 43 contract, also contingent on legal review, alongside discussing its fee schedule ($660,000 total from the grant). A contract for legal services with Barnes and Thornberg was approved, which covers retainer services for a total value of $48,000 for the year. Other topics included reminders about open enrollment deadlines, upcoming Thanksgiving holiday closures, processing county council transfers and appropriations, and discussions regarding eligible repairs under the OR grant, specifically noting windows are not covered, although they might be eligible under an energy saver program. Additionally, there was a request for volunteers to paint the meeting room and identification efforts for an unknown gentleman in a pencil sketch displayed on the wall.