Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Carol Stone attended the commissioners’ meeting on October 20 to request the commissioners look into a situation on County Road 450 N regarding the lack of visibility on a portion of the road. She said she has been involved in a couple of accidents where the road narrows and crosses the creek. “It’s not wide enough for two cars and you can’t see around the bend,” Stone noted. She requested that a portion of the bank be reduced to help with the visibility issues.

According to Bob DeBurger, a county highway garage foreman, stone has been laid to help prevent vehicles from getting stuck when pulling off the road to allow another car to pass. A larger culvert has been ordered and will be installed when it arrives.

Commissioner Chuck Folz explained to Stone that he will need to speak to the property owners concerning reducing the creek bank. He assured Stone that he will look into the situation as soon as possible.

EMA Director Wayne Peace told the commissioners that a grant for public disaster assistance was approved for Ripley County for damage caused by the windstorm in September. The commissioners unanimously agreed to sign the EMA performance grant used for salary reimbursement for hours spent in cleanup after the disaster.

Ripley County Parks and Recreation Director Julie Brancamp requested advice from the commissioners regarding applying for grant money for a tree project. She noted that construction work at the park will result in the loss of several trees, as well as cleanup and trimming of others. Commissioner President Robert Reiners advised Brancamp to speak with Ripley County Community Foundation executive director Sally Morris concerning applying for funds.

In other business:

• The commissioners unanimously agreed to sign a grant for the purchase of radios for the sheriff’s department.

• Franklin County resident Harry Graves requested information on how the Ripley County Redevelopment Commission (RCRC) was established. Since Neil Comer, the regular attorney for the commissioners, was absent, Reiners explained that the RCRC was established to redevelop already existing buildings. He assured Graves that the commissioners are willing to address any questions he has at a later meeting when Attorney Neil Comer is available.

• The commissioners unanimously agreed to purchase cinders due to the uncertainty of salt.

• The motion to reappoint Shirley Stone to the Osgood Library Board was unanimously approved.

• The Ripley County polling places were approved.

• Commissioner Folz reported a phone call from Olivia Wehmeyer of assistance received by Franklin Township Trustee Gary Sapp. She had been at a previous meeting telling how difficult it had been to contact the trustee.

• Carol Monroe of John Hancock received permission to speak with county employees concerning their financial planning needs.

• The commissioners congratulated the Ripley County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the receipt of an award for innovative planning. The organization was nominated by the state, according to Pat Thomas, director.

• Thomas advised the commissioners of a need to raise the rates charged by the health department.

There have not been any increases in ten years according to Thomas. Approval has already been granted by the health board. The commissioners will take this under advisement at a later meeting.
All commissioners were in attendance, along with Auditor Mary Ann McCoy to take the minutes and attorney John Ertel to advise. The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 3 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Ripley County Highway Garage and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the courthouse annex in Versailles.