Batesville not going to participate in county project
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

John Graf of Howard Barth and Associates appeared before the Ripley County Commissioners at their October 7 meeting to discuss several current projects. Graf was informed by the City of Batesville they are not going to participate with the county in Bridge #100 on Coonhunters Road. The county received a bill for $5,400 for additional engineering charges for what Batesville wanted to do. "I wish they would make up their mind one way or another. It would make it easier on the county," stated Commissioner President Bob Reiners.

Graf also spoke with the electric company on the Bridge #100 project. They cannot move the utility poles far enough to go along with the current design. This will cause additional engineering charges on the project.

Ripley County Tourism Director Katherine Taul asked the Commissioners if they would sign an application for the Tourism Bureau to apply for a grant to the Rising Sun Regional Foundation for a booklet on the Underground Railroad in Ripley County. They are asking for $10,000. The Commissioners signed the grant application.

Kelly Vollet, technology director for the county reported the Commissioners received a grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation for the rehabilitation of a fiber ring for the courthouse annex, sheriff's office, jail and 911 communications center. The Commissioners approved an automatic switch be installed on the new generator at the EMS building. The cost is $700.

The appointment of a Hearing Board for the Unsafe Building Code was again discussed. The need for a Hearing Board was first brought to the attention of the Commissioners by Sam Row, president of the Ripley County Planning Commission at their June 20, 2005 meeting. They have been discussing the situation at nearly every meeting since. No decision was made.

Due to the illness of Charles Rohlfing, the Commissioners replaced him on the Board of Zoning Appeals with Andy Scholle.

All three commissioners were in attendance: President Robert Reiners, Chuck Folz and Lawrence Nickell. Attorney Neil Comer was present to advise the Commissioners. Clerk Diane Masek attended to take minutes of the meeting. The next Commissioners meeting will be Monday, October 24 at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners Room at the Ripley County Annex.