Town of Versailles awards bid for project at wye
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Wrtier

Versailles Town Council members voted unanimously to award Lykins Contracting Company of Sunman the bid for the water main project at the "wye" at their Thursday, July 14, meeting in Town Hall.

President Sue Meisberger and members John Holzer and Jim Taul approved the recommendation of Engineer Robert Curry to award the bid to Lykins, the lowest bidder at $37,765. Since this is a project to accommodate the State of Indiana, the state will reimburse the town.

Curry was present to discuss improvements at the Versailles Water Treatment Plant. He announced he would be taking samples in various stages of the water treatment to study the results "so that we will have perfect water in the future."

Presently he is looking for the best process, the best technology, and the most economical method to make the water "the purest it can be."

In order to explain one of the processes he is considering, Curry distributed a handout to council members and other town officials concerning hollow-fiber UF (ultra filtration) membranes, which are increasing plant output while significantly improving treated water quality.

According to the information Curry provided, "immersed hollow-fiber membrane cassettes can simply replace granular-filter media in existing basins

"The retrofit process involves removing the granular-filter media, modifying piping to accommodate the membrane system's increased flow parameters, and installing pumps and blowers for permeate production, back-pulse cleaning, and aeration."

Water/Street Superintendent Kevin Hensley updated council members on the progress of the Bishop lift station with the temporary start scheduled for July 28. Council members approved payment #4 to Holman's Excavating, the contractor for the lift station project.

Hensley also reported on a problem at Day's lift station and storm drain problems in the Halcomb subdivision.

Mark Salyers said all was running smoothly at the new wastewater treatment plant.

In the absence of Town Marshal David Adams, Deputy Joe Mann reported that during June the police department had issued 10 warnings and 10 citations, taken 9 cases, and had 18 other activities.

Clerk-Treasurer Ted Spurlock listed several organizations that have asked to be included in the town's budget. A meeting for discussion of the upcoming budget took place following the regular meeting.

Council members honored the request of the Versailles Historical Society to sponsor its second "Cruise-In" on August 13 and heard complaints concerning unkempt properties near the town square, dogs running loose and getting into garbage containers, and semi-trucks parking on town streets.

Town Attorney Larry Eaton will prepare an ordinance concerning large trucks parking on town streets.

One property owner was present to receive the town's approval of a change in zoning to general business to allow for a warehouse area for storage of equipment and rental. Council members had no objection to the project.

The meeting ended at 7:48 p.m.