Executive Session- April 4, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission Office received the following public notice from the Steuben County Board of Commissioners' Secretary on Thursday, March 31, 2011. We have not received any other information concerning the executive session, nor has staff received written request for a special meeting.

Those wanting more information should contact the Plan Commission President or the Board of Commissioner's Secretary.

STEUBEN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Loretta S. Smart
North District

James A. Crowl
Middle District

Ronald L. Smith
South District


March 31, 2011



PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Plan Commissioner and the Steuben County Commissioners will hold a joint Executive Session at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2011 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Steuben Community Center, 317 S. Wayne Street, Ste. 2-H, Angola In 46703.

The Executive Session is being held pursuant to IC 5-14-15-6.1(b)(9), to discuss job performance of an individual employee.





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Job Opening Announcement

The Steuben County Plan Commission Office is seeking applicants for the following position: Field Code Enforcement Technician and/or Assistant Plan Director.

Full job descriptions are available for review in the Plan Commission Office at the address below or by email upon request.

Interested applicants should contact the Steuben County Plan Commission to obtain an application packet. Initial review of applications will begin on April 4, 2011.

Individuals who have recently applied for a position with the Plan Commission Office will be considered for the newly open position.

Steuben County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Plan Commission Office Hours

Due to recent staff turnover, the Steuben County Plan Commission Office may not be open to the public continuously from 8:00 am through 4:30 pm.

We highly recommend that you call ahead to make sure there is somebody in the office to assist you. 260 668.1000 x1600

We will work to ensure that the office is staffed and open to the public during the first and last two hours of the day.

We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause, and thank you for your patience as we hire and train new staff.

Job Opening Announcement

POSITION:
Field Code Enforcement Technician
WORK SCHEDULE:
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F
JOB CATEGORY:
COMOT (Clerical, Office Machine Operation, Technician)

DATE WRITTEN: November 1999
STATUS: Full-time
DATE REVISED:
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

The following essential job functions comprise a summary of job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained in the job description prepared for this position. The job description will serve as the primary document in the selection and hiring process; and constitutes the context for incumbent job performance and evaluation. To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts on-site inspections and ensures compliance with the relative Improvement Location Permits and the Developmental Standards of the Plan Commission regarding new construction;
• Performs construction site previews prior to construction to inform owner of options and to establish parameters for construction particularly involving lake residential properties;
• Receives, processes and follows up on complaints received involving compliance with all ordinances as directed by the Director;
• Initiate and post any required paperwork relative to field inspections, project compliance and complaint responses. Collect and document all evidence regarding any potential legal proceedings necessary relative to the enforcement of said ordinances;
• Write the citations, stop work orders, the notices of abatement, follow-up letters and certificates of compliance and compliance notifications;
• Monitor, record and post the red tags and relative notices to abate pertaining to the Abandoned Motor Vehicle Ordinance. Assist the Director in monitoring the Abandoned Motion Vehicle Auctions;
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Plan Director.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED, with education beyond high school preferred;
• Working knowledge of and ability to read, interpret and explain applicable laws, ordinances, property legal descriptions, and aerial and plat maps;
• Working knowledge of and ability to read blueprints, site plans, floor plans, and other working drawings of the construction trade;
• Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to type with speed and accuracy and properly operate a variety of standard office equipment, including computer software and printer, telephone, fax machine, typewriter, copier and calculator;
• Ability to prioritize and work on several tasks at the same time, work rapidly for long periods and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions;
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and work with minimum supervision;
• Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend, and/or evening hours.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:
Possession of a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS:
Please obtain an application packet from the Plan Commission Office, complete the application, and submit with your resume to:
Steuben County Plan Commission
317 S Wayne St Ste 3L
Angola, IN 46703

1 260.668.1000 X1600
plancommmission@steubencounty.com

POSTING DATE: February 28, 2011
REVIEW BEGINS: March 14, 2011

(A-11-01 Revised) Subdivision Control Ordinance Amendment

The revised amendment to the Steuben County Subdivision Control Ordinance, (A-11-01 Revised), is now available on the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS. It is also available for review at the Plan Commission Office or by request.

This amendment was originally heard by the Plan Commission and forwarded with a FAVORABLE recommendation, with conditions, at its January 5, 2011, meeting.

Staff and legal counsel have reviewed the proposed ordinance with conditions and determined it should be revised to be fully compliant with Indiana Code.

The amendment shows text to be deleted with red strikethrough and the text to be added with red bold italic. It does not show the complete text of the subdivision control ordinance, only those parts that are being amended.

Please contact the Plan Commission Office if you would like to have a copy of either the amendment of the subdivision control ordinance, as it will be with the proposed amendment.

The Plan Commission will reconsider the revised amendment at its public meeting on March 2, 2011. Amendments are then forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners.

Office Closing- February 21, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission and the Steuben County Offices will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2011, in observance of Presidents Day.



Picture from: www.visitingdc.com.

BZA Voting Update- February 15, 2011

(V-11-07ABC) Edward & Kathleen Murphy received 2-2 votes at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on February 7, 2011.

The fifth vote will be cast in the Plan Commission Office on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at 9:00 am.

Members of the public may be present, but no additional evidence can be taken.

The results will be posted on this weblog.

Lakes Advisory Board Opening- February 11, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission has an opening for a volunteer to serve on the Lakes Advisory Board.

The Lakes Advisory Board (LAB) is a seven-member board, created to inform the Plan Commission of specific concerns or questions of affected property owners, to aid the Plan Commission in fact finding missions, to provide follow-up information to the Plan Commission concerning possible violations of the zoning ordinance or conditions of approvals, to study the subjects and problems upon request of the Plan Commission, and to report and participate in Plan Commission deliberations.

The LAB is concerned with properties located within 1,000 feet of the shore of any state-owned lake within Steuben County’s jurisdiction, properties zoned Lake Residential, and properties which drain into a creek or body of water that flows into a lake in Steuben County.

Members of the LAB are appointed by the Plan Commission for three-year terms. The open position is for the remainder of an existing appointment and would be through December 31, 2011. Interested individuals should contact the Plan Commission Office to request an application.

Please contact the Steuben County Plan Commission at 260 668.1000 x1600 or plancommission@steubencounty.com with any questions or to volunteer.

Ordinance Amendment Meeting- February 14, 2011

The Steuben County Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinances are considered living documents. The Plan Commission has adopted a policy of reviewing them every year since the current ordinances were adopted in 2008. This annual review allows the ordinances to be improved and to adapt to changing conditions.

Areas needing attention are identified throughout the year by staff, Plan Commissioners, and County Board of Commissioners. The Plan Commission directs staff concerning which amendments to pursue and prepare. All amendments must be consistent with the County’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and Indiana and Federal laws.

Potential amendments are heard by the Plan Commission at a public hearing. Members of the public are able to comment on the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments are then forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners. That body conducts a public hearing and may adopt the proposed amendments or send them back to the Plan Commission for revision.

To improve the process this time, Plan Commission staff have been and will be holding meetings to discuss the proposed amendments. These meetings are open to members of the public and Steuben County Officials, including Plan Commissioners & County Board of Commissioners. The intent is to gather greater input and prepare a better document for the Plan Commission to review at its meetings.

The next meeting to discuss the proposed zoning ordinance amendments will be on Monday, February 14, 2011, at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the basement of the Steuben County Community Center. Areas of discussion may include sign standards, campground standards, carriage houses, and others.

Please contact the Plan Commission Office with any questions.

Plan Commission Agenda Rescheduled- February 2, 2011

Because of severe weather and dangerous roads, the Steuben County Plan Commission public meeting on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, was canceled. The agenda for that meeting has been rescheduled as described below.

The following items will be on the Plan Commission Agenda for Wednesday, March 2, 2011:
(P-11-03) Mark & Bridget Raab,
(A-11-02) An amendment to the Steuben County Zoning Ordinance, &
Fee Schedule for Plan Commission services.

The following item will be on the Plan Commission Agenda for Wednesday, April 6, 2011:
(Z-11-04) Steuben County Plan Commission- Zone change for Ramblin' Acres Backlots.

All of the rescheduled petitions have new notification of the new meeting date. This includes both legal ads and letters to interested persons.

The Plan Commission sincerely apologizes for the delay. We appreciate your understanding with the need to reschedule these items.

Plan Commission Meeting Cancelled- February 2, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 02, 2011, has been cancelled.

This decision was not made lightly. We understand the importance of a timely hearing of petitions by citizens and know that individuals rearrange schedules in order to attend our public meetings. However, the safety of petitioners, citizens, Plan Commissioners, and Plan Commission staff is paramount. After consultation with the Steuben County Emergency Management Director, we have determined that the best decision is to cancel tonight’s meeting and reschedule the petitions for a later date.

At this time, no date has been set for the petitions to be heard by the Plan Commission. We will contact petitioners and make the announcement on the Plan Commission’s weblog and through local media when a date has been finalized.

Thank you for your understanding and patience, and please be safe.

Plan Commission Meeting + Snowmageddon

The Steuben County Plan Commission public meeting for Wednesday, February 2, 2011, is still scheduled.

If the weather grows as bad as promised, we may be forced to cancel the meeting. If that happens, we will contact the Plan Commissioners and applicants by phone and make the announcement by on this weblog and through local medial.

Stay tuned for updates and drive safely.

Ordinance Amendment Meeting- January 25, 2011

The Steuben County Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinances are considered living documents. The Plan Commission has adopted a policy of reviewing them every year since the current ordinances were adopted in 2008. This annual review allows the ordinances to be improved and to adapt to changing conditions.

Areas needing attention are identified throughout the year by staff, Plan Commissioners, and County Board of Commissioners. The Plan Commission directs staff concerning which amendments to pursue and prepare. All amendments must be consistent with the County’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and Indiana and Federal laws.

Potential amendments are heard by the Plan Commission at a public hearing. Members of the public are able to comment on the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments are then forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners. That body conducts a public hearing and may adopt the proposed amendments or send them back to the Plan Commission for revision.

To improve the process this time, Plan Commission staff have been and will be holding meetings to discuss the proposed amendments. These meetings are open to members of the public and Steuben County Officials, including Plan Commissioners & County Board of Commissioners. The intent is to gather greater input and prepare a better document for the Plan Commission to review at its meetings.

The next meeting to discuss the proposed zoning ordinance amendments will be on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the basement of the Steuben County Community Center. Areas of discussion may include sign standards, campground standards, carriage houses, sketch plan requirements, and others.

Please contact the Plan Commission Office with any further questions.

Office Closing- January 17, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission and the Steuben County Offices will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2011, in observance of Martin Luther King Junior Day.

(A-11-01) Subdivision Control Ordinance Amendment

(A-11-01) An amendment to the Steuben County Subdivision Control Ordinance, is now available on the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS.

Added text is in bold red.

Deleted text is in strikethrough red.

The amendment will be heard by the Plan Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, January 5, 2011.

Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Opening

The Steuben County Plan Commission has an opening for a volunteer to serve on both the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.

The Plan Commission (PC) is a nine-member commission that helps guide and oversee community development. This body hears subdivision plats, planned-unit-developments, zone changes, vacations, and ordinance amendments.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a five-member board that hears petitions concerning the use and development of property within the Steuben County Plan Commission jurisdiction. The quasi-judicial body decides land-use variances, developmental standard variances, special exception uses, and appeals of decisions.

The volunteer may be required to attend one PC meeting and up to two BZA meetings per month. These meetings are held starting at 7:00pm on the first Wednesday of the month, PC, and the two following Mondays, BZA. The volunteer may also attend two monthly site surveys on the last Thursday and Friday of the month.

The individual selected to serve will be appointed by the Steuben County Board of Commissioners for a four-year term. The term will run through December 31, 2014. The position is likely to be filled starting in January or February of 2011. Training is available for interested individuals without previous experience.

Applicants must live within the Steuben County Plan Commission jurisdiction and cannot be an appointed or elected government official. Additionally, applicants cannot be a registered member of the Democratic Party. Indiana Code, IC-36-7-4-208, prohibits appointment of more than two citizen members from any single political party, and there are already two Democrats appointed to the Plan Commission.

Please contact the Steuben County Plan Commission immediately at 260 668.1000 x1600 or plancommission@steubencounty.com with any questions or to request an application.

Office Closing- January 3, 2010

The Steuben County Plan Commission and the Steuben County Offices will be closed on Monday, January 3, 2010, in observance of New Years Day.

Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!

Office Closing- December 31, 2010

The Steuben County Plan Commission and the Steuben County Offices will be closed to the public starting at noon on Friday, December 31, 2010, to allow County Offices to close-out for the year.

Office Closing- December 23/24, 2010

The Steuben County Plan Commission and the Steuben County Offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 23/24, 2010, in observance of Christmas.

Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!

Ordinance Amendments- December 13, 2010

The Steuben County Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinances are considered to be living documents. The Plan Commission has adopted a policy of reviewing them every year since the new ordinances were adopted in 2008. This annual review allows the ordinances to be improved and to adapt to changing conditions.

Areas needing attention are identified throughout the year by staff, Plan Commissioners, and County Board of Commissioners. The Plan Commission directs staff concerning which amendments to pursue and prepare. All amendments must be consistent with the County’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and Indiana and Federal laws.

Potential amendments are heard by the Plan Commission at a public hearing. Members of the public are able to comment on the proposed amendments. The Plan Commission forwards the proposed amendments to the County Board of Commissioners. That body conducts a public hearing and may adopt the proposed amendments or send them back to the Plan Commission for revision. The amendments may become effective immediately after approval by the County Board of Commissioners, or the effective date may be delayed.

To improve the process this year, Plan Commission staff have been and will be holding meetings to discuss the proposed amendments. These meetings are open to members of the public and Steuben County Officials, including Plan Commissioners & County Board of Commissioners. The intent is to gather greater input and prepare a better document for the Plan Commission to review at its meetings.

The next meeting to discuss the proposed zoning and subdivision control ordinance amendments will be on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Pillar Room in the basement of the Steuben County Community Building at 317 S Wayne, Angola, IN.

Copies are available for review and comment at the Plan Commission Office throughout the process.

Please contact the Plan Commission Office with any questions.