Versailles Town Council matches grant for fire dept

In addition to the three council members, others attending the July meeting in official capacities included Clerk-Treasurer Ted Spurlock, Attorney Larry Eaton, Town Marshal David Adams and Deputy Joe Mann, Water/Street Superintendent Kevin Hensley, and Sewer Plant Supervisor Mark Salyers.

Reporting that all systems are functioning, Salyers announced an open house at the new wastewater treatment plant on Sunday, July 11, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Operators Salyers and Deanna Kreutzjans will be on hand for tours and to explain the $2.4 million system.

Salyers noted that one piece of equipment possibly damaged from an electrical storm will be replaced since it is under warranty.

Marshal David Adams reported the need for the ordinance on fireworks in town to be updated with a first time fine of $50 and a second violation of $100. Council members agreed that Attorney Eaton could rewrite the town's ordinance to reflect these fines.

In his monthly report, Marshal Adams said the police department had assisted 30 citizens and issued 25 warnings and 8 citations. He listed 17 other activities of the police in addition to updating progress on the town's firing range just west of the new wastewater treatment plant.

His request for another cage for a second dog the town has acquired met with a 3-0 approval. Both Adams and Mann will attend a re-certification program in October for working with the dogs. The second dog - a white German Shepherd - will be used to help in locating drugs and drug offenders.

Street/Water Superintendent Hensley reported that O'Mara has completed all patchwork throughout the town and will begin on blacktopping Main Street.

The North Adams storm drain will be moved west to solve some drainage problems in that area; the town is raising manholes on Graham Creek
and checking for catch basins on David Lane to prevent flooding during heavy rains. Council gave unanimous approval for these projects.

Clerk-Treasurer Spurlock reported on the town's bank accounts and debts incurred for the wastewater treatment plant. These accounts are at Friendship State Bank and Main Source Bank. A $50,000 grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation is contingent on getting the rest of the money, Spurlock said.

He also reported that the Eagles' Landing subdivision has been put on hold because of the discovery of sink holes.

Complaints have been registered about the failure of vehicles to stop at the stop sign on Cori Lane and Michael Street and the growth of bushes at certain intersections, making it impossible to see oncoming traffic.

Public input consisted of additional problems of drainage and the collection of gray water on Adams
Street.

Noting that the Ripley County Health Department has made an environmental check, the resident believes it is a town problem. Attorney Eaton suggested the town's water department take samples of the water collected at the site and do thorough testing.

A request to place a six-foot board fence on a corner lot at E. North Third Street was approved by a 3-0 vote.

The problem of a fence erected on town right-of-way continued with the complainant present to ask for an update on the matter. Attorney Eaton noted he would get in touch with the property owner and see that the fence is removed.

Council members passed a motion to spend $779 to seal the town parking lot if it shows the need for that process.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. with an executive session following to work on the 2005 budget.