Cathy May, Contributing Writer

The Osgood Town Council met on December 18. Tony Wood, wastewater superintendent, said that his department will be doing home inspections in the next few months. They will be checking on sump pumps and gutter tie ins. Violators will receive follow up letters.

Wood presented the council with three estimates to replace the tank on the sludge truck. Council chose the low estimate by W&M Enterprises for $5,865. W&M’s estimate does not include painting. Wood stated the permits have been renewed and everything at the plant was running smoothly.

Steve Bender of Commonwealth Engineers presented Change Order #3 for the Waterworks project. This includes: extra 2" push/pull, 1" service material, hydrant reconnects, relocate water meter at sidewalk, install storm structure at SR 350, 2" curb box at reconnects and extra US 421 asphalt work. This is an additional charge of $16,169.85.

Commonwealth claims were presented and approved: $2,126.00 bid/construction, $12,699.00 inspection.

Johannigman claims were presented and approved: $63,827.23 pay estimate #5, $3,359.33 retainage #5.

Steve Bender gave a project budget update. As of now, it looks like the project will be $61,000 under the original bid.

Steve Wilhoit, gas superintendent, reported everything was going well. He needs to set up a conference call with Ron Ragan within the next week to discuss the natural gas situation. He would like council and Mary Ann Gay, the town’s attorney, to be present. Wilhoit also thanked the council for their part in purchasing the new leaf machine.

Town Board President Jeff Volz stated the County Council and the County Commissioners appointed a board over the Vernon Fork Water District. Volz was appointed to that board.

Council will need to appoint someone to replace Jim Wagner on the Ripley County Economic Development Board.

Hazen Paper Co. is in compliance with Real Estate Improvements for tax abatements.
After some correspondence with Cheryl Richmond, Versailles Town Court Judge, the town will need to decide if they want to continue to use the circuit court or set up their own violations bureau to enforce the town’s ordinances. This will be discussed with town Attorney Mary Ann Gay.

Two of three members of the Osgood Town Board were present: Jeff Volz and Linda Krinop. An organizational meeting has been set for Tuesday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Osgood Town Council will be Tuesday, January 15 at the Osgood Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.