Versailles Council seeks solution for storm drain problem
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

In a one-hour meeting on Thursday, March 11, the Versailles Town Council sought answers to the storm drain problem that has plagued areas of the town for several years.

With President Sue Meisberger and Council Member John Holzer present, discussion centered on the most cost-efficient way for Street & Water Commissioner Kevin Hensley and his crew to solve the problem

A motion by Holzer to place a $1.00 per month fee on every water customer's bill received Meisberger's assenting vote. Proceeds will go toward storm drain repair.

Council Member Jim Taul was not present for the March 11 meeting; nor was Town Attorney Larry Eaton.

A concern by Sally and Greg Griffin of 602 South Main Street that gray water runs through their back yard will be investigated by Hensley to discover the source and to remedy the situation.

Denessa Benke made her second appearance concerning town beautification procedures. She presented council members and town officials with packets of information concerning signage regulations and ordinances that other towns employ to improve the aesthetic quality.

Also present was Ben Montgomery, a member of Boy Scout Troop #607, along with his father Tony Montgomery and Scout Leader Jon Strautman. Montgomery of Signor Hill, Versailles, is working toward his community service badge.

Town Marshal David Adams reported on the recent dog-assisted drug raid at South Ripley Jr.-Sr. High School. He has met with the school board and administrators to explain the lack of prior information given to school officials and the use of amnesty for those with controlled substances in their possession.

He also told council members he has been invited to bring the drug-trained dog a prison in Kentucky. They have already visited one Kentucky prison to demonstrate use of the dog.

During the month of February the Versailles Police Department assisted 30 citizens, issued 20 warnings and 15 citations, and listed 22 other law enforcement activities.

Mark Salyers, administrator of the new wastewater treatment plant, reported that everything is running well and that he has received the desk and chair he needed for his office.

Street & Water Superintendent Hensley reported that the town found and repaired a sewer leak behind the former IGA building at the northeast corner of Adams Street and State Road 129.

He noted that officials at the Versailles State Park continue to discuss having the town install a lift station so that the park can be hooked into the town's sewer system. The park is already on town water.

Hensley also told council members that in the event the state decides to widen US 50 and 421 from the wye, water lines would have to be moved. Whether this becomes a town or a state expense depends on who owns the right-of-way. Continued investigation and discussion will take place concerning this future project.

Clerk-Treasurer Ted Spurlock updated the plan to have the smaller water tower sealed inside to prevent rust. He reported that Shawn Halcomb has signed a contract with the town to manage Pangburn Park during the summer months.

President Meisberger adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.