Versailles Council to strengthen burn ordinance
Citizens complain of outdoor fires
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Though not in total agreement, the Versailles Town Council will do away with the recreational burning that is now a part of the town's no burning ordinance.

At their Thursday, September 8, meeting at Versailles Town Hall, Council President Sue Meisberger and members John Holzer and Jim Taul heard a complaint from neighbors on Floyd Street concerning outdoor burning that was making it impossible for them to be outside.

Explaining that the present no-burning ordinance allows for recreational burning as an exception, Town Attorney Larry Eaton said that most towns don't allow any burning at all and that IDEM discourages open burning of any kind.

A motion by Taul to do away with the exception received a second from Meisberger and a 2-1 vote, Holzer's being the dissenting vote.

Concerning the update of ordinances for water usage and fines for misuse, the council heard the first reading and assigned numbers: #2005-3 and #2005-4 to the two. The final adoption will take place at the October meeting.

Early in the meeting Clerk-Treasurer Ted Spurlock presented the second reading of the 2006 budget, which was passed unanimously with a motion by Taul, a second by Holzer, and a 3-0 vote.

With Jodi Comer present to represent the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission as grant administrator, the council members signed the contract for the Community Focus Fund grant to be used for the water treatment plant.

Water/Street Superintendent Kevin Hensley reported that the smaller water tower work was completed on August 12, and the larger tower was back in service on August 26.

Recently storm drains on High Street presented problems, which were worked on by Hensley and his staff. There were also problems with the lift station near Crossroads Restaurant and with the alternator on the town's big dump truck.

Lori Young, engineer for the lift station on the road to the Versailles Park dam, presented a change order for $1,468.30 for Holman's Excavating to expand the lateral on one property.

She reported the state park has hooked on, but the meter was not working properly at first. The problem has been taken care of, and the town can now invoice the state for the cost.

Town Marshal David Adams reported receiving a check from the Local Coordinating Council (LCC) for $2,000, which will be used for drug-buy money and new cameras. Adams also noted he had received a $500 donation to be used for upkeep of the canines.

Police Department statistics during August included 34 citations issued, 7 arrests, 6 cases taken, 5 assists to other departments, and 8 other activities.

Mark Salyers told council members lightning protectors for the wastewater treatment plant have been ordered since some of the flow meters were struck by lightning recently.

Pangburn Park managers Shawn and Tammy Halcomb presented information to council members concerning the summer program and the need for more ball fields to accommodate the young people in the community.

Halcomb said that 450 youth participated in the summer program at Pangburn and Ohio Rod ball fields. With 130 games at Pangburn Field on Tanglewood Road and 80 practices, some teams were unable to have adequate practice time.

Both Halcombs spoke of the need for major repairs for the building and the bleachers at Pangburn. According to Tammy Halcomb, the building has been broken into many times, vandalized, and equipment and supplies stolen.

Discussing long range plans, Halcomb suggested the farmed area of the Versailles Legion Park as a possible site for several ball fields. This, of course, would have to be approved by Legion members. Council member Taul, who is a member of the Legion, said he would bring the matter before the Legion members.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.