Street superintendent concerned about fence
Osgood Marshal responds to rumors
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Osgood Town Marshal Rodney Stepleton reported at the Osgood Town Board meeting that several rumors have been going around concerning him. He denied all rumors and told the board the Versailles Police Department and Deputy Marshal Chuck Peters will be investigating the source of the rumors. Officer Stepleton is looking into filing legal action against those responsible.

Street Department Supervisor Steve Wilhoit expressed his concern over the fence the Ripley County Area Planning Commission is requesting Ralph Schneider to install on McCoy Street. Wilhoit stated the town has utilities that run down that street and also expressed his concern for fire protection. The town still has to have access to repair those utility lines.

Tony Wood, wastewater superintendent, reported that 1,200 feet of sewer line on County Road 300 N. has been installed. In the future, they will look at extending the line on around to Shook Street. They are also looking at some sewer lines on Buckeye, Cardinal Lane and Elm streets that need to be replaced.

Three bids were received for the Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Project. Bids ranged from $518,448 to $609,958. Commonwealth Engineers will look over the bids and come back with a recommendation.

David Mohler and Mark Downey of Commonwealth Engineers were present to go over the Short Form Agreement for the North Walnut Street Curb, Sidewalk and Street Improvement Project: The Preliminary Engineering Report Phase $8,000, Design Phase $25,000, Bid/Construction Phase $12,000 and Inspection Phase $11,000. The Short Form Agreement was accepted by the board with the condition the lighting part of the project be bid separately from the curb, sidewalk and street project.

In other business: Sam Row, president of the Ripley County Area
Planning Commission informed the board of properties in Osgood that will be sent letters over zoning violations.

The Grant Award Agreement from the Reynolds Foundation for the Water Project on State Road 350 was signed. Easements for the project will
be pursued.

Board president, Jeff Volz and Clerk-Treasurer, Tammy Wilhoit were authorized to sign the Community Development Block Grant for the sewer project.

Paula Jones made a harassment complaint against Marshal Rodney
Stepleton.

Rachel Collins defended Marshal Stepleton on one of the rumors about him, stating it was not true.

Jerry Burton expressed his concern on cleaning up properties on North Elm Street.

Town Attorney Mary Ann Gay told Barbara Dilk the town would take no position at this time on her driving a golf cart on town streets.

The Inter-Local Agreement with the Ripley County Economic Development Corporation was tabled.

DLT was approved to strip and wax the floors at the town hall at a cost of $1,160.

Claims were submitted from Commonwealth Engineers for several projects. All were approved, except
those on the Franklin Street Storm Water Project. Those were tabled until further information can be obtained.

All three town board members were present: Jeff Volz, Paul Struckman, and Linda Krinop. Attorney Mary Ann Gay and Clerk-Treasurer Tammy Wilhoit were present to advise the board. The next meeting of the Osgood Town Board will be held on August 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Osgood Town Hall.