Commissioners hear update on county bridges

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Ron May, Aecon Engineering, updated the commissioners on progress made regarding several county bridges on the state’s scour critical list at the regular session on Monday, November 16. May has sent a plan of action to the state in order to prevent any loss of funding to the county.

May recommended the commissioners and the bridge crew leaders take steps to remove several of the bridges from the list. Some of the bridges could have repairs as simple as armoring the banks with a larger grade of riprap, according to May.

The commissioners will continue to consult with May and the county highway department regarding the bridges.

Bill Warren, Center Township Trustee, requested a copy of the lease agreement and liability insurance policy for the building used by the food bank at the county fairgrounds for the application of 401c status. According to Warren, this will allow the food bank to purchase food at a discount.

In other business:

• The motion to approve the agreement between the Town of Osgood and the county for the storm sewer project, with the county agreeing to pay $10,000, was approved. Also approved was the storm water easement between the county and Osgood.

• County surveyor Jeff French reported his findings in the Land v. Richmond drainage issue. According to French, the county road ditch needs to be cleared, which could resolve the ponding issue on the Land property.

• The motion to approve the revised ordinances for the building code and the flood control standards was unanimously approved. These ordinances were sent to the commissioners from the Area Planning Commission with a favorable recommendation.

• The commissioners approved a refund of rezone application fee, due to the property already had the correct zoning. According to Area Planning Director Tad Brinson, the property owner was given the wrong information which resulted in the refund request.

• The motion to continue the contractual agreement between the Ripley County Extension and Purdue University was unanimously approved.

All commissioners were in attendance along with county auditor Mary Ann McCoy and county attorney Neil Comer to advise. The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 30 beginning at 7 a.m. at the county highway garage in Osgood and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the courthouse annex.