More annex plans presented

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Ripley County Commissioners were presented with additional schemes for the new courthouse annex at the regular meeting on Friday, February 18. The commissioners had requested the project architects draw up plans that included a basement to be used for storage.

According to Gary Turner, LWC, a basement was not feasible due to soil contamination. Turner noted that the basement option would require floor drains, perimeter drains and a sump pump that would remove possibly contaminated water adding more cost to the project as well as on-going costs to remove the water as per IDEM requirements.

He proposed to utilize the attic space for storage, which could be assessed by both stair and elevator. There would not be much of an increase to the project cost, according to Turner. The recommendation to use the attic space and to begin the first floor at ground level will be taken to the building committee for discussion.

In other business the commissioners unanimously approved the re-appointment of Denessa Benkie, Brenda Wetzler and Barry Lauber to the Ripley County Redevelopment Committee.

Richard Zinz, Versailles Lions Club president, and Jerry Gilpin, Lions Club member, expressed their concerns regarding parking during the Pumpkin Show when construction for the annex began.

The commissioners explained that the location of the stage will stay the same for this year, but could change during construction.

The motion to authorize the auditor to pay recurring bills upon receipt in order to prevent finance charges was unanimously approved.

County employee Bill McDonald expressed his displeasure with the current health insurance provider. According to McDonald, he will present documentation regarding his complaint and will work with the auditor to resolve those issues.

All commissioners were in attendance. The next commissioner meeting will be on Monday, February 28 beginning at 7 a.m. at the highway garage in Osgood and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the courthouse annex in Versailles.