Beth
Rumsey
Staff Writer
Geneen
Ostendorf, of the newly formed County Animal Rescue and Education
(CARE), requested information regarding animal control in Ripley
County as well as the location of pens used by the county dog
warden Bill Lovins at the regular meeting of the commissioners
on Monday, April 19.
According to Commissioner President Rob Reiners, an ordinance
was passed in 1979 that addresses vicious animals and established
the county dog warden as the county animal control officer for
small animals as well as assisting the Ripley County Health
Department with the larger animals.
When requested to provide information on the location and number
of holding pens on the property, Lovins reported that there
is the ability to house 12-15 dogs and approximately 6 cats
at the facility located on County Road 400 N, east of State
Road 129.
According to Lovins, the animals are held five days before being
euthanized by the county veterinarian Dr. Harley Robinson. He
noted that the towns within the county have the ability to contain
stray animals and hold them until he picks them up.
Lovins reported that in 2009 the county spent $449 in feed as
well as approximately $3200 for mileage. There were 85 animals
euthanized by the county vet and 14 dogs he destroyed, nine
of which were hit by automobiles.
Prior to the meeting, commissioners Reiners and Gary Stutler
made unannounced visits to the facility and found the pens to
be clean and well maintained. Reiners read a letter from DeeDee
Holliday, Ripley County Humane Society, praising his work as
the county dog warden. Mr. Lovins is the best animal control
officer the county has had in 12 years, Reiners said.
Randall Frye, candidate for the Indiana House of Representatives
District 67, presented the Ripley County Commissioners a plan
for providing sufficient fresh water for Versailles and surrounding
areas.
According to Frye, his goal is to provide fresh water for this
and future generations, existing and future businesses; provide
adequate fire protection for Ripley County as well as provide
a large recreation facility, which would attract new businesses
and provide jobs.
In his plan, he proposes to develop existing land within the
Versailles State Park for a 500-acre lake to act as a reservoir
large enough for power boats and water skiing. The proposed
lake would attract recreational boaters from the surrounding
areas and would boost the local economy, according to Frye.
This project would be a great economic development tool
and I believe it would attract more businesses to the area,
said Frye.
In other business:
The commissioners continued to consider health insurance
for county employees. Representatives from MainSource Insurance,
Maverick Insurance and Apex Insurance presented several options
for review.
Ron Merkt, Access Doors, provided information on replacement
doors for the courthouse which would enhance the look as well
as reduce maintenance costs. The commissioners requested a quote
on cost of the doors and installation.
Midwest Engineering presented their findings on the initial
investigation for an annex for the courthouse. A site plan detailing
the location and plans for the parking lot and basement was
requested.
All commissioners were in attendance along with county attorney,
Neil Comer, to advise. The next meeting will be held on Monday,
May 3 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Ripley County Highway Garage
in Osgood and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the courthouse annex
in Versailles.