Versailles Town Council votes to annex Eagle Landing
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Jerry Tarantino of Lawrenceburg, in one of several visits to the Versailles Town Council over the past five years, received their unanimous endorsement for a subdivision between Main Street and Rolling Hills.

The decision did not come quickly or easily since Tarantino's plan for "Eagle Landing" has been changed several times since first submitted to the council.

Chief among the discussion items was the plan for 56 patio (two-owner or duplex) homes instead of his original 28 as reported by Cathy May in the Tuesday, May 11, issue of the Osgood Journal.

According to a write-up of the Ripley County Planning Commission, Tarantino's plan reviewed in May 2003 by the Tech Review Committee did not meet the zoning code.

"Because of substantial differences from the original plan and the one submitted that does not meet the code, the Tech Review Committee recommended not to grant Tarantino a hearing on his plan. He was informed of this and did not attend the meeting," the story said.

At the Versailles Council meeting on Thursday, May 13, Tarantino explained, "The town is my main concern. I don't want to go to the county (zoning board) without the town's approval."

Council Member John Holzer, who has visited one of Tarantino's subdivisions at Hidden Valley, was supportive of the plan Tarantino brought to council. "This is a great project for Versailles. I think it is something that will help the tax revenue and utilities. It can do nothing but help us."

During the discussion two residents of Rolling Hills showed concern about the proximity of the subdivision, and Council Member Jim Taul wondered about the amount of traffic that would be generated from that many dwellings.

Tarantino noted that this would be a four-to-five-million-dollar project that would put people to work in this area. "But I don't want to go to the county without the town's approval. We will build one as a model - on Main Street - and I can promise you these will be attractive homes, well landscaped, with streets according to the town's specs, and I will work with you to make it a good addition to the town."

When Council President Sue Meisberger called for a motion, Council Member Holzer moved to approve Eagle Landing as an annex to the Town of Versailles. Council Member Taul seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.

Town Attorney Larry Eaton will draft a letter to the Ripley County Planning Commission advising them of the annexation and the town council's approval.

Also as part of the public input, Versailles State Park Superintendent Ted Tapp discussed the sewer agreement between the state and the town. Attorney Eaton is negotiating with the state for the standard rate agreed upon.

A complaint of drainage problems in the back yard at 501 South Main Street met with a comment from Council Member Holzer, "It has to be a homeowner's responsibility to take care of a problem like this."

Noting that she would be responsible, the owner asked for possible solutions to the problem. Water/Street Superintendent Kevin Hensley said he would talk to the state engineer concerning what could be done to eliminate the standing water.

Mark Salyers, reporting as the superintendent of the new sewer plant, said all meters and check valves are certified for the year. One of the engineers has taken council members on a tour of the new facility, and an open house for interested residents is in the planning.

Superintendent Hensley reported the lift station at Graham Creek is completed and seeded. His request for an additional $6,000 for blacktopping on South Street to the Bass Pro Shop received council approval will
a motion by Taul, a second by Holzer, and a 3-0 vote.

A special council meeting several weeks ago approved a bid for blacktopping streets from Dave O'Mara for $37,642, the lower of two bids submitted for the project.

Deputy Town Marshal Joe Mann received the council's congratulations for his high achievements in the completion of law enforcement school. Town Marshal Dave Adams' report included 15 citizens assisted, 15 warnings issued, and 27 other activities during the month of April.

Council members agreed with a motion by Holzer to apply for a 60% grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation for computer software to be used for water/sewer billing and payroll.

Clerk-Treasurer Ted Spurlock reminded council members of the billboard ordinance still pending. Attorney Eaton suggested calling a special meeting to discuss this.

With a suggestion by Holzer, council members agreed the town's ordinance on grass mowing and unkempt property must be enforced. A letter will be sent to all offenders, and those not complying will be subject to the town's taking care of the problem and adding the cost to the property owner's taxes.

"We need to remind people to mow their yards and to take pride in their property," said Holzer.

The meeting ended at 8:35 p.m.