Holton Council president responds to comments
New clerk-treasurer sworn in at Holton
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Rhonda Tunny was sworn in as the Clerk-Treasurer at the Holton Town Council meeting held Tuesday, August 9, in the community building on Versailles Street. The town's attorney, Larry Eaton, administered the oath of office. Tunny will replace the former clerk Velma Stickelman, who resigned due to ill health. The council voted to retain Peggy Furst as the deputy clerk-treasurer to help with the transition.

Tunny was appointed from a pool of seven applications for the position. Cynthia Melton, who is vice-chairman of the Democratic Party, noted that a meeting was held on August 1, when Tunny was selected.

Council President Robert Furst read a prepared statement at the meeting referring to an article published in The Versailles Republican on July 21, which was a report of a commissioners meeting. In the statement he said, "My job is to make Holton a better place to live...to make our town look presentable for people coming into Holton looking for a place to buy or for tourist attractions." He said his desire was to have a clean environment, and adhere to county and state laws.

"All our council wants is metal objects hanging over sidewalks to be removed, old deserted buildings cleaned up or removed, old junk cars and other junk removed."

He further responded that most citizens like what is going on in Holton and feels overall the council is doing the best they can to keep the town clean - a place where people enjoy living.

According to Ripley Publishing Company files, several owners of buildings that had been red tagged attended the commissioner's meeting and were upset with the proceedings. Greg Pickett, a Holton resident said, "This is a witch hunt. It is a personal vendetta from Bob Furst (president of the Holton Town Board). The town is using it as revenge."

Attorney Larry Eaton was in attendance and noted that since the county is not going to proceed with the process of getting the unsafe buildings cleaned up, the town will. The town already has an ordinance on the books to proceed.

Furst noted that contrary to those who oppose the council's efforts to collect sewer bills, clean up junk, and get unsafe buildings under control, the council will press forward. "We will pursue collecting sewer bills, getting junk and buildings cleaned up no matter how many people complain," he stated with council members agreeing.

Several residents of Holton had small claims filed against them for delinquent sewer bills last month. Furst noted that they will continue to pursue those who do not pay their bills in a timely manner. "We have collected several hundred dollars," he noted.

In other business: · Dave Patterson of Patterson's Nursery made a presentation to the council regarding getting some landscaping done.

· An estimate from Beaver Creek Nursery was also read at the meeting.

· A grant for a completely new computer system for the town is in the works.

· Two budget hearing dates were announced, August 30, and September 13.

· Sidewalk work has been proposed on North and South Marion streets. A bid from Mark Franklin will be given and Furst invited any others who were interested to contact the town.

Town Marshal Billey Moore gave his report saying he had successfully completed the First Responder class. He noted that he received a grant from the Ripley County Community Foundation for a breathalyzer unit and it should be received in about week.

Moore also reported that his department has applied for a grant to get two AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrillators) for the town. One would be kept at the community building and the other in the police vehicle.

He noted that the K-9 unit, King, is doing a great job. He also requested a cellular phone for the police department.

All the town council members were present at the meeting: Robert Furst, president, Wilma Myers and Rick Holman, council members, new Clerk-Treasurer Rhonda Tunny and Deputy Treasurer Peggy Furst. Attorney Larry Eaton was present to advise the board.

The next meeting of the Holton Town Council is September 13, at 8:00 a.m. in the community building.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Attorney Larry Eaton, left, gives the oath of office to Rhonda Tunny, at the Holton Town Council meeting on Tuesday, August 9. Tunny assumed the duties of Clerk-Treasurer for the town after Velma Stickelman resigned due to health reasons. President Robert Furst looks on as the oath was being administered.