No Town Money To Be Used for Committee's Study


(posted Dec 16 )

Clermont Town Council President Bob Hinshaw wanted the message out that not one penny from Clermont taxpayers has been committed to the Steering Committee's study that is connected with Ball State University.

Town Councilor Walt Miller requested Ball State University College of Architecture to work with his steering committee to examine how to improve the town's economic vitality.

Hinshaw went on record December 14 with The Clermont Nexus News saying the town council never authorized Miller to organize a steering committee that included Hinshaw and Town Councilor Nancy Baxter. Hinshaw contends Miller is acting independently of the board.

Hinshaw is under the impression that Ball State would be searching for grant money to fund the project. He thinks the study could cost around $5,000.

Hinshaw plans to bow out from committee participation because it causes a council quorum. A quorum subjects them to the open door law. The issue has also been debated among some residents, the newspaper, and Miller.

Miller contends the steering committee was not created by statute or ordinance so resident Linda Lucas is incorrect in her challenge.

However, there is another provision in the Indiana Code that residents say the town is in violation of, which requires meetings be held in an open forum with a minimum of 48 hours prior notice. Residents are referring to "any committee appointed directly by the governing body or its presiding officer to which authority to take official action upon public business has been delegated." IC 5-14-1.5-2(b)(3).

On December 14, two Clermont residents called The Clermont Nexus News, saying notice was not posted at the town hall concerning the steering committee's December 17 meeting at the Clermont Christian Church at 5:30 pm. However, Miller did send notice to The Clermont Nexus News prior to the 48 hour requirement.

Miller explained the committee could make recommendations to the town council. "Once we get to the point where there are some/any recommendations emanating from the BSU study that impact the infrastructure or tax structure or cost to Clermont, then the proper thing to do will be to present a proposed course of action to the town council for their consideration about what is needed to proceed."

Hinshaw predicted the steering committee's report would probably not tell the council anymore than what they already know. Hinshaw said the council realizes the town is in need of medical offices, grocery stores, and finer restaurants. He said the town had those amenities at one time but they all left. He pointed out the town does not have a big business district and the businesses straddle both sides of US 136 for only about half-mile.

Miller also disagrees with previous statements that people did not receive surveys that discussed Clermont's quality of life issues.

"In response to the issue about someone not getting the survey, I personally saw them being distributed to the people in question along with many others, so they either blew away or they were tossed," Miller said.