Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Members of the Versailles Town Board are literally on the move. Meetings to discuss the town’s business are now held in the new community building (Tyson gym).

Recently, the board members and others from the town participated in a clean up day, picking up trash
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New projects were discussed at the regular board meeting held August 14. From ball fields to a ballroom, those in attendance heard how the town board is taking the requests of the people and moving forward. Since the recent purchase of the old school building, phone lines have been buzzing, people have been talking, and grants have been applied for to enhance the building to make a state-of-the-art community center for the area.

“I’ve already had phone calls about people wanting to use the facility,” noted board member Denessa Benkie.

At the meeting, Jerry Firestone, architect with Tri-Angle Design, (the firm that did a study on the building before the purchase was made by the town), was present to ask how the board wanted him to proceed. They discussed immediate needs of the building and asked Firestone to give the board a more detailed breakdown of what each phase would cost.

Benkie asked about critical repairs, such as things that would cause deterioration over the winter months if they were not taken care of. Firestone said he could get a contractor to look at the situation and give an estimate. They know they will need gutters and downspouts and some roof work. Getting new windows and fixing the outside bricks that have deteriorated were discussed. All board members agreed they want to start as soon as possible on the project and keep it moving. Benkie noted they will be getting a grant to purchase tables and chairs for the community center.

President John Holzer noted that officials from South Ripley School Corporation had written a letter to the board asking to use the facility for some ball games this year. Practice would begin October 15. The board decided to meet with school officials to discuss options.

Some activities have already been planned for the new building with the comeback of the Pumpkin Show Dance. Benkie noted that the popular event will once again be held in the Tyson gym, now the Versailles Community Center. It will be a dress up affair. More information will be forthcoming on the grand event that will transform the ball court into a ballroom for dancing.

Another major project the town is sponsoring is the sports complex. Jeff Cumberworth and Don Tankersley reported to the board that things are moving forward. Phase one is about to begin where there will be four ball fields, restrooms, soccer fields and a parking lot built on the property near Tanglewood Road. Future plans include hiking/walking trails and more.

Holzer asked, “Is everybody’s mind set to play ball next spring?” The answer from the sports park representatives was definitely yes.

Credit was given to Jerry Gilpin, who was in attendance at the meeting, for his initial work on the sports complex. He will remain in an advisory capacity for the project. Gilpin noted he has two years of his time invested in the project and “wants to make sure it gets finished.” Tankersley, who is the new president of the sports park board, noted that it’s an exciting time and it will take everyone “working together.”

In other business:
• Jerry Gilpin, representing the Versailles Lions Club, asked the board to get a permit for the building they have allowed the Lions Club to put up on the new community center building grounds. Attorney Larry Eaton will draw up a written agreement between the town and the Lions Club and the board said they would look into getting the needed permit. The building will be a pole barn type, used for storage for the club.

• Tom Davee, owner of the Gaslight Village Mobile Home Park, came before the board asking for their help in getting a water usage issue resolved. Right now there is one water meter and he said it’s hard to tell how to charge the residents for their individual water usage. The board agreed each residence needed its own meter. Right now there are 70 homes in the park with approximately 65 of them being owned by the residents. The board agreed to work with Davee on the matter.

• A concern about lighting in the Harvest Ridge Subdivision was discussed at the meeting. Benkie noted that they need lights in the back portion of the subdivision. While it was agreed it was a safety issue and lights should be installed, it was also agreed that the developer was responsible for that. However, the town will get a light ordinance drawn up for future projects such as this to alleviate the problem.

• Board member Benkie gave an update on the successful cleanup day the town had on August 9. She noted that the park looks great and encouraged residents to clean up their properties and take pride in their town.

• Town Marshal Joe Mann said there is still a problem with people allowing their animals to run free. He reminded citizens there is a dog/cat/pet ordinance that says they have to be on a leash. He will be enforcing that ordinance. He also gave the activity report from the police department for the month of July. Between him and Deputy Marshal Lee Mathews, they turned in a total of 191 action items that included 15 citations, 42 warnings issued, 31 citizens assisted, 8 theft investigations, 7 drug/alcohol investigations, and 9 fight and battery calls, among other activity.

All board members were present at the meeting - John Holzer, Denessa Benkie, Sue Meisberger, along with Clerk-Treasurer Kiersten Libby and Attorney Larry Eaton, to advise the board. The next regular meeting will be held September 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the community center (Tyson gym).

Benkie was excited about the changes being made in the town and noted, “These big projects will change the community, bring others in and benefit everyone.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Mike and Nancy Daughtery pitched right in to help clean up the town of Versailles recently when the town's clean up day was held. Mike didn't even mind that it was his birthday! They were some of the residents who joined town board members in the clean up effort.