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Truck
traffic concerns Milan citizens
Beth
Rumsey, Staff Writer
The proposed use of County Road 200 N in Milan as a truck route
for Pike Lumber continues to be an issue as Mike Baker and Brad
Street, who live on CR 200 N, presented their concerns as well
as a petition with signatures of those who are in opposition to
the truck route to the commissioners at the regular meeting on
Monday, August 24.
Some of the concerns voiced by Street included two culverts along
the proposed route. Commissioner President Robert Reiners explained
that the structure of the culverts, and their ability to support
the weight of the trucks, will be addressed as the county road
is upgraded.
Street also expressed his frustration regarding what he feels
is a lack of communication between the residents of the area and
the Town of Milan. Because his residence is located outside of
town limits, he as well as other residents had no representation
at the meetings regarding Pike Lumber.
Health concerns for those living in the area were also addressed
by Street, whose wife has asthma. According to Street, the increased
traffic will cause more dust which will aggravate her symptoms.
Baker told the commissioners that he believes that the area is
not the right location for an industry such as Pike Lumber. He
also has concerns regarding the future of the area, due to the
re-zone of the property. Baker was concerned that the re-zone
will create an opportunity for more industry in a residential
area.
Both Street and Baker are in support of the project as well as
economic development for Milan. Street pointed out that those
living on Country Club Drive had an opportunity to speak for their
community. We would like the same consideration as those
who live on Country Club Drive, said Street.
Reiners thanked Street and Baker for expressing their concerns.
He explained that the commissioners can only address the county
road issue. He assured them that after the improvements, CR 200
N will be able to support the increased truck traffic and weight.
Ripley County Economic Development Director Gary Norman presented
a letter from Aecon which supported the recommendations from the
Ripley County Highway Garage regarding additional thickness to
the blacktop and width of the road.
We are happy when companies choose Ripley County as long
as they are environmentally sound, said Reiners.
Reiners explained that funding will come from the riverboat money
and not increase the taxes of those living in Ripley County.
Versailles Town Council President John Holzer spoke with the commissioners
regarding the maintenance of the clock in the courthouse. According
to Holzer, this is a unique situation due to the clock being donated
to the town, but housed in a county building.
He explained that the town is unable to repair the leaks in the
clock which are causing damage to some of the offices in the courthouse.
Reiners suggested getting another estimate on the cost of repairs
and requested the town pay for half of the cost. Holzer agreed
to continue to communicate with the county regarding the issue.
In other business:
The commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of
new chairs for the superior court.
Under the commissioners recommendations, technology director
Kelly Vollet will restrict Internet use for those in violation
of the use of Facebook, and other social networks, used by some
of the county offices. According to Vollet, the use of these programs
may be the source of viruses on the server.
The motion to approve the amendment from Tyler Technology,
which is an additional cost for assessment and trending due to
changes at the state level, was unanimously approved.
The commissioners unanimously agreed to participate in
the 2010 Census by providing a liaison to work with the Census
Bureau.
The request to approve the state student assistant work
study by Ripley County Extension Director Dave Osborne was approved.
The commissioners approved the agreement between ABLE and
the county extension office to place someone in the office for
20 hours per week.
All commissioners were in attendance along with county auditor
Mary Ann McCoy and county attorney Neil Comer to advise. Due to
the Labor Day holiday, the next meeting will be held on Friday,
September 4 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Ripley County Highway Garage
in Osgood and reconvening at the commissioners room in the
courthouse annex at 8 a.m.
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