Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Representatives of the Ripley County Humane Society came before the Versailles Town Council regarding complaints of dogs that were shot by Versailles Town Marshal, Joe Mann. DeeDee Holliday, president of the RCHS, presented photos of the incident to the town council members. Town Council President John Holzer reassured Holliday that the situation had been taken care of. According to Mann, the police department had received complaints that the dogs were involved in a biting incident. He said that he could not capture the dogs, and believed that he was within his legal rights to handle the situation as he did.

Town council member Denessa Benkie requested documentation and the names of those who made the complaint. Holliday stated that she has no documentation regarding the phone calls. She refused to give the names of those who lodged the complaints. Benkie requested that a letter stating the nature of the complaint be mailed to each of the town council members should this happen in the future. “I am confident the marshal knows the laws (regarding the incident) really well,” stated Benkie.

The town has purchased cages for stray, feral dogs and cats. The animals will be held for pickup by the dog warden, who will then hold the animals for seven days.

Versailles Fire Chief Tracy Moore requested funds to repair the tornado sirens. According to Moore, the sirens, located at the firehouse, Dairy Queen, and the career center, are currently inoperable and will cost approximately $1,500 per siren to repair. Moore stated that he was advised to upgrade to a digital system, as the current system is out of date. He said the sirens could be temporarily fixed, but will need to be replaced as soon as possible. “I know it’s a lot of money,” he said. Council President Holzer stated that he will look at the budget and see what can be done to help the fire department.
Marshal Mann received permission from the council to look into replacing one of the department vehicles. He will get quotes for consideration at the next meeting. The police activity report for the month of March was released, reporting 33 citizens assisted. The department also served four warrants, made six arrests, and issued ten citations.

Water Superintendent Kevin Hensley presented bids to repair manholes at South Ripley Elementary and South Ripley High School. Hensley said the manholes are leaking, letting in a lot of water. The repair involves coating the insides of the manholes with a rubber coating to stop the leaks. A possible sewer leak was reported in the basement of Ripley County Communications. Sump pumps were used to clean up the water. The water department determined that it was not a sewer leak.

Holzer reported that an offer was made to LifeTime Resources for the purchase of Tyson Auditorium. According to the town’s attorney, Larry Eaton, the town still has the right to reject the deal if the engineer does not recommend the purchase. Holzer also reported a complaint from Danny Jackson, Versailles Historical Society, concerning the type of fencing used at CVS. According to Holzer, Jackson is requesting a wrought iron fence. Scott Holman, CVS executive is willing to meet with the town to discuss this issue. The meeting date will be posted when it is set.

Construction of an office building for DNR as well as other types of law enforcement will begin in late May or early June, according to Denessa Benkie. The office will be located near the entrance of the Versailles State Park.

In other business:
• April 26 has been set for Community Cleanup Day. Volunteers are to meet at 9 a.m. at the town hall.

• The town has received around 20 antique-style stop signs.

• Jerry Gilpin requested an update on the sports complex. According to Holzer, a grant requesting an additional $50,000 for equipment was signed. “We’re making headway,” said Holzer.

All town council members were in attendance, along with Attorney Larry Eaton. The next town council meeting will be held on May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Versailles Town Hall.