Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Jeff Cumberworth of the Versailles Sports Complex Park Board updated the Versailles Town Council on progress being made at the regular meeting on Thursday, February 11. According to Cumberworth, Phase I of the project, which includes three of the four planned ball fields, is completed with the board looking at bids for the construction of soccer fields and the fourth ball field is in the second phase of the project.

Currently, there are not enough funds to begin the second phase due to unforeseen expenses in the construction of the ball fields. “There will definitely be soccer fields,” said Cumberworth.

Cumberworth noted that the fields will be ready for ball games this spring. Plans for a grand opening and tournament are in the works, he noted.

Town Council President John Holzer noted that eventually the sports complex will be self supporting by using the funds generated by the concessions sales and tournaments played.

The park board will also include three members from the soccer board. The motion to appoint Andi Richter, John Brison, and Dee Dee Fields to the park board was unanimously approved.

In other town business, Juanita Lawson, Versailles, presented photos of the damage caused by an incident involving a blockage in the sewer in December. According to Lawson, the company hired by the water department attempted to blow a blockage caused by grease in the sewer, which resulted in the contents of the sewer exploding from her toilet onto the walls and carpet in the master bedroom.

Holzer noted that the town has paid for the clean up at the Lawson home, as well as expenses incurred by Lawson until she could return to her home.

Bob Curry, Curry and Associates, presented possible water sources for the town noting that the current water supply is continuing to fill with silt making it costly to prepare for drinking.

Curry reported that Hoosier Hills Water Department required a $2 million hook-up fee to pay for improvements. Another option included hook-up with Jennings Water with the installation of new water lines at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville.

According to Curry, there is possible cost sharing opportunities with the Holton Water Department. Curry will schedule a meeting with Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and officials from the Jennings County Water Department to determine if grants could be used to fund this project. The goal is to get a good source of water, said Curry.

In other business:

• The board accepted the bid of $30,000 for the senior citizens meal site building.

• Street Department supervisor Kevin Hensley reported that his crew will need to estimate meters due to the snow.

All board members were in attendance along with town attorney Larry Eaton to advise. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 11 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Versailles Town Hall.