Versailles Council to open bids for lift station
Work progressing on line from state park
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Versailles Town Council members and Street/Water Superintendent Kevin Hensley have set Thursday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m. as the time for bid opening for the new lift station near the sawmill.

Meeting at the Town Hall on Thursday, February 10, Council President Sue Meisberger and Member Jim Taul conducted the town's business in a 30-minute session with Clerk-Treasurer Ted Spurlock, Attorney Larry Eaton, Town Marshal David Adams, Deputy Joe Mann, Wastewater Plant Superintendent Mark Salyers, and Hensley in attendance.

Also scheduled for Thursday, February 24, at 1:00 p.m. will be a public meeting concerning the Indiana Department of Commerce grant for water plant improvement. The town is asking for $493,000 to improve the water treatment plant and add a new filtration system.

According to information from the January meeting, the town has pledged $100,000 toward the project and has received a commitment of another $50,000 from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation. Mary McCarty of Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission is assisting town officials with the application.

During the public input, Thomas Davee, owner of Gaslight Trailer Court, received approval from the council for an adjustment on the trailer court's sewer bill.

A large leak during the month of January caused an unusually high water bill for Davee, who says the water ran off and did not go into the sewer. He noted that he plans to work on the 35-year-old water system during the summer months.

Council Member Taul suggested Spurlock average the past six months' sewer bills and adjust Davee's accordingly for the month of January.

Reporting for the wastewater treatment plant, Mark Salyers said the new gear boxes are in; however, the sledge pump, which is still under warranty, had had to be sent off for repairs.

He noted that IDEM has recently inspected the plant and found everything in good order.

Concerning the sewer line running from the dam at the Versailles State Park to the sawmill, Water Superintendent Hensley said Mitchell & Starks Company has nearly completed the work. These lines will be hooked to the new lift station when it is installed.

In answer to President Meisberger's question, Hensley said the town still has plenty of salt should there be additional snowfall in the remaining winter months.

Town Marshal David Adams reported 20 citizens assisted during January, 18 citations issued, 15 warnings issued, and 19 other types of activity. Deputy Mann said his police car was being repaired from damage from a deer.

Clerk-Treasurer Spurlock announced two meetings on Thursday, March 3. The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns will have a round table discussion at Milan, and the Ripley County Economic Development Corporation is hosting a meeting with Thomas P. Miller and Associates at the Osgood Town Hall.

At the Osgood meeting, Miller and Associates will discuss research and data gathering for future business development in Ripley County. Executive Director of the Ripley County Economic Development Corporation Pam Sander has announced the meeting for 6:30 p.m.
Spurlock shared the Versailles Youth League financial report with council members. All agreed this year's park manager Shawn Halcomb had done an excellent job with the summer activities and with the submitting of a financial report.

Final discussion concerned updating the town employees' handbook with necessary information. Attorney Larry Eaton agreed to accept this responsibility.

Council Member John Holzer was not present for the February 10 meeting.