Osgood General, MVH funds up
Public hearing held on town's budget

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

The August Osgood Town Board opened the Public Hearing on the 2008 Budget. The General Fund increased three percent to $403,435 and the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund increased 34% to $79,200 for paving and snow removal. All other funds remained the same.

Pat Zaharako, Commonwealth Engineers, was present with pay estimate #1 from Johannigman Excavating in the amount of $177,723.26. Payment to the contractor would be $168,837.10 and the amount held in retainage would be $8,886.16. Also, change order #1 was presented for $4,234.87. This consisted of stream crossing casing pipe and swivel hydrant tee/valve. Other claims were also approved from Commonwealth Engineers as presented: bidding/construction/engineering phase #2&3 - $3,330.00 and inspection phase #1&2, $3,220.00.

Julie Brancamp from the Ripley County Park wanted to know if the town would settle for a flat fee for the water that had been sold from the fire hydrant. The council stated this has been going on for approximately five years and $200 a year should be sufficient.

Ed Newman, the town’s appointment to the Planning Commission, requested the town issue a letter to Tad Brinson requesting the town be informed of any remodels, fences, new structures, swimming pools, etc. that would be going up in Osgood. Council would like all superintendents to locate utility lines to make sure any structure is not being built over top of the lines. Superintendents would sign off stating if the utilities were okay.

Tony Wood, wastewater superintendent, stated he had received a 4-year audit from IDEM. He has drafted a response and compliance plan. The sewer extension on Shook Street will begin next week. The land application permit has been approved and is in effect. They now have an additional 80 to 90 acres for land application. The new diffusers are in and as funds permit they will attempt to do another three diffusers. Currently they are working on getting fertilizer out.

Steve Wilhoit, gas superintendent, stated that USDI would be in next month to do some repairs in Napoleon and two gas taps in Osgood. He would like to see if Dan Gunter could do some work around the south quarry: a path and some finishing work that would cost around $2,000.

Wilhoit stated that after the street department assists with the sewer extension on Shook Street, they would begin working on some storm water issues.

Donald Dunbar asked about where the town stood on the ATVs, golf carts, lawn mowers and etc. Barbara Dilk was also present stating that she had obtained insurance for her golf cart. Cathy May stated that Sheriff Tom Grills told her the county does not have an ordinance concerning this matter. Council stated that they have heard several different issues on this matter and asked if Mary Ann Gay would research it thoroughly, so a decision could be made.

Dunbar stated now that we are having garbage pick up on the main streets, people are leaving their garbage cans in the front of their houses from week to week. He says it is unattractive.

Will Vincent asked if the town would create a budget for tourism board. Linda Krinop told him there is a Ripley County Tourism Board in Versailles. She told him to speak with Katherine Taul.

Vincent also asked about sending a letter to the business owners not to park in front of their businesses, leave that available to customers. Council stated that the area he is referring to is a state highway and they cannot control the parking. Linda Krinop suggested he speak to the Merchants Association.

All three council members were present: Jeff Volz, Linda Krinop and Gary Norman. Clerk-Treasurer Tammy Wilhoit and Attorney Mary Ann Gay were present to advise the board. The next meeting of the Osgood Town Council will be Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Osgood Town Hall.