County not obligated to make town inspections
Commissioners hear more on unsafe bldg. code
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

The Unsafe Building Code was again discussed at the Ripley County Commissioners meeting on August 1. Tad Brinson, Ripley County Planning Director, said that Osgood, Versailles, Milan, and Holton already have Unsafe Building Codes on the books. Their procedure states that when someone makes a complaint, that complaint is handed over to the County Planning Office for inspection and then the result goes back to the town to enforce.

County Attorney Neil Comer says the county is not obligated to make these inspections for the towns. The Commissioners need to decide whether the planning office needs to be "saddled with this burden from the towns" or if they want to charge the towns for the hours spent doing the inspections.

On having a hearing officer for the Unsafe Building Code for the County, Comer suggested a one-person out of county expert could act as the officer. If would be easier for one person to inspect the property and less expensive than a three-member board of Ripley County citizens. This expense would have to go before the Ripley County Council.

The Commissioners informed John Graf, of Howard Graf & Associates, the money for Bridge #100 on Coonhunters Road over Mollen-Kramer Reservoir will be appropriated at the next county council meeting. The $325,000 is the cost to replace the bridge.

Pam Sander, Ripley County Economic Development Director, talked about the Ripley County Micro Loan the county obtained in 1999. This is a grant through the USDA and is for starting a small business. Up to $25,000 per business is available for these low interest loans. There is currently $41,000 available. The grant period ends early in 2006.

Sander also said that six or seven businesses have signed up to be an Indiana Business Partner with the Muscatatuck Training Center. They include: an electrician, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, waste disposal and a fuel station.

Ronald Delap came before the Commissioners with a list of problems he found on County Road 300 N. and 500 S. including hidden driveways, blind spots, a smashed culvert, trees needing to be cut back and signs that are blocking the view. Highway Superintendent Junior Heaton will meet with Delap to drive over the roads.

The new chiller at the courthouse has been "tripping out." This is caused by a voltage drop. Cinergy will change the transformers at the pole to a more stable voltage of 208 from 240 for less than $1,000. The motor on the elevator will need to be checked to see if the voltage change will affect it. It will cost about $2,500 if it has to be changed.

All three commissioners were in attendance: President Robert Reiners, Chuck Folz and Lawrence Nickell. Attorney Neil Comer was present to advise the Commissioners. Auditor Mary Ann McCoy attended to take minutes of the meeting. The next Commissioners meeting will be Monday, August 15, at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners Room at the Ripley County Courthouse Annex.