Olivia P Tucker
Times Reporter
Scottsburg City Council discussed the reason for the existence of the 2-mile fringe as it pertains to zoning at their meeting on Nov 13.
Council member Christian Evans pointed out that the residents of Vienna were present at the meeting to discuss the 2-mile fringe. Due to the 2-mile fringe, the city of Scottsburg has jurisdiction over the zoning of parcels outside of the city limit as the city provides utilities such as water and electricity.
“We are here to let you know that we are aware and we are vocal. We just want to be heard and we want to be supported on the flipside also,” said Vienna resident BJ Brandenburg
Evans responded that one of the reasons behind the 2-mile fringe is because of the issues with lack of communication the city has had with Regional Sewer District on the treatment of sewage. The sewage from Regional Sewer District pipes goes to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, he said.
“Without having a 2-mile fringe, without us approving a subdivision, a factory, anything,” said Evans, “We would have no say in what sewage that would come to our plant, and when that does come to our plant, we do have to raise our rates. And the rates will be reflected on the city of Scottsburg utility customers as opposed to regional sewer.”
Council President Ric Manns said that he encourages the residents of Vienna to speak to the county elected representatives to put a resident of Vienna on the Scottsburg City Area Plan Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals boards. The reason is so the residents of Vienna have more representation to have a voice in the decisions on the zoning because of the 2-mile fringe.
“I think the city council has listened,” said Manns, “we may disagree on a few things, I appreciate the discussions. We might not always agree but we do listen. I hope that realize that.”
Brandenburg said, “Yes, I understand the issue with the sewer but there is a bigger issue that we just know that we have jurisdiction without representation.”
Brandenburg also told the council that the residents of Vienna were not going to let themselves be forgotten and it was the civic duty of the residents to be at the meetings where there isn’t direct representation for them. The residents were also attending meetings to seek information to avoid a lack of communication to avoid being upset, she said.
“This council approves the 2-mile fringe but that is under the jurisdiction of the city plan commission. The planning commission has appointments from the county, also does the board of zoning,” said Evans. He added that the city of Scottsburg only has jurisdiction over planning and zoning that qualifies in the 2-mile fringe.