Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

At the regular session of the planning commission on Tuesday, October 7 board members discussed the request of Attorney Larry Eaton, representing William Fuchs, owner of a salvage yard on Eckert Street in Osgood. He asked Director Tad Brinson to sign a status of site statement indicating there has been continuous activity at the business for a year.

Brinson did not want to sign the statement, believing there has been no activity at the property for a year, according to the guidelines in the county code. IDEM has required Fuchs to have this signed statement in order to continue his salvage business.

According to Fuchs, he has been cleaning up the property, as well as running his salvage business on the weekends. Documents presented to the board by Eaton showed that there has been continued activity for a year in the form of buying and selling scrap materials.

Osgood Town Council President Jeff Volz presented documentation showing that utilities have not been on at the property since May of 2005, thereby showing that Fuchs has not been open for business. Fuchs replied that since he is only open on Saturdays, a generator is used for any electrical needs such as power tools and welders.

Volz presented a petition signed by adjoining property owners opposing the reopening of the salvage yard. “The property should be taken care of, and not allowed to get out of hand,” said Volz.

Adjoining property owners were given the opportunity to speak concerning the salvage yard. Sam Row told of how his yard was damaged by fluid leaking from vehicles stored at the salvage yard and maintains that the property is an eyesore and a hazard.

DeDee Holliday said that customers have difficulty getting to her upholstery business located near the salvage yard due to trucks loading and unloading on the street. She also stated that there has not been any activity at the salvage yard for the past two to three years. While she admits there has been some cleanup, she asserts that allowing the salvage yard to continue is not in the best interest of Osgood.

It was noted by board members that Fuch’s retail license was not current, the last one was dated 2007. Also, the address on the license was not that of the salvage yard, but of his home in Rushville. Because of these concerns, along with the lack of utilities, the board felt there has not been any business activity for a year, and unanimously denied the request.

The board unanimously granted primary approval to Ken Boatright of Homestead Meadows in Batesville. The subdivision will consist of 13 lots, with the smallest lot size approximately three acres.

The director’s report for the month of September showed an increase in permits over last year, as well as two variances in 2008. The number of surveys in September was down from last year, with only eight being completed.

All members but David Osborne were present, with Executive Director Tad Brinson and Attorney John Ertel to advise, Nancy Curry took the minutes. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 4 beginning at 7 p.m. in the courthouse annex.