Town council hears praise for police
Versailles citizens speak for Marshal Adams
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

More than 20 citizens crowded into the Versailles Town Hall on Thursday, October 13, to support the work of the local police department and especially Marshal David Adams.

In a short news story in The Osgood Journal, Marshal Adams invited the public to come to the Versailles Town Council meeting to voice any concerns. He noted that he and Deputy Joe Mann "were looking to provide the best police coverage and serve the people of the town to the best of our ability and resources."

Although the room was full of those eager to praise the efforts of the police department, no detractors made an appearance. There were, however, three anonymous letters which Council member John Holzer read expressing several areas of concern.

Holzer also read a letter from Toni Gray commending the town marshal and his deputy. Those who spoke praised Adams' dedication, his attention to duty, and his community service on the LCC and the child abuse task force.

"We get along really well with Dave," said Fire Chief Dwight Bauman. "He does a great job with helping the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department."

In answer to the speeches of support, Marshal Adams said, "I'm here for any complaints, but we're out here trying. Some people do know what we're trying to do. We don't care how much time it takes. We're just trying to help the community. Our whole department is trying to do the best we can to make Versailles a safe place to live."

When all the commendations were over, Council member Holzer asked Adams why the article in the newspaper. "I am the town board person that has the most concerns. I thought this was a personnel matter. I don't like the fact that you have made it a circus...I am accountable to the people in this town, and I think you should have accountability. I just want you to do your job."

Town Attorney Larry Eaton agreed that Adams' approach was not the right one to take. "Dave is a town employee. Before employees speak, they need to consult the board. Opinions shouldn't be enlisted by the town marshal. This was not the right approach to take."

Adams answered by apologizing to Holzer: "If I have offended you or any town council member by having that in the paper, I apologize."

In response Holzer said, "It's judgment. Police officers need to have good judgment. This was not the proper way to do this. It's no witch hunt. I just want you to do your job - accountability and good judgment."

When the police department discussion ended, Holzer said, "Let's communicate more. Let's sit down with the board and talk about it in the right way."

At the beginning of the town council meeting, Danny Jackson, representing the Versailles Historical Preservation Society, gave a power point presentation concerning the town square. A task force called Vision 20/20 is projecting the renovation of the square to include architecture similar to that of the Ripley County Courthouse and reflective of the buildings that existed many years ago.

Property owners with a sewer problem that they said should be the town's responsibility asked that the town pay the $1,400 bill they had in curred to get roots removed from a sewer pipe.

After discussion, Council member Jim Taul moved with a second by Holzer that the town pay the property owner $1,000 with the balance to be divided between the property owner and a neighbor also affected by the plugged pipe. Council President Sue Meisberger joined to make it a 3-0 vote.

Town Clerk Ted Spurlock announced that the Town of Versailles has received the Indiana Public Employers' Plan safety award for the calendar year 2004.

"This award not only rewards the prevention of accidents among employees, but also emphasizes the cost savings to governmental agencies by keeping workers on the job."

Street/Water Superintendent Kevin Hensley noted there had been water plant problems as well as lots of sewer problems the past month. With a motion by Taul, the council voted to spend $13,000 to replace a water pump at the dam which is no longer working.

The Versailles Water Works has also received several awards for the inclusion of fluoride in the town's water system.

Mark Salyers, reporting for the wastewater treatment plant, said flow meters have been ordered to replace those no longer functioning.

Town Marshal Adams noted his department is waiting to get into the school with the drug-sniffing dog.

Deputy Mann received permission to take the town's dog to Seymour to help the police department there do a student search at the high school. They have agreed to help with searches here when the time comes.

Deputy Mann has attended several classes in the area that train dogs to sniff out drugs. He has been asked on several occasions to do a demonstration with the police department's dog Buddy. "We definitely have a good dog," Marshal Adams and Deputy Mann agreed.

Statistics for the month of September included 35 citations issued, 12 arrests, 10 warnings issued, and 27 other items of activity.

Council members agreed on someone to do building inspections with the ultimate goal of condemning those that qualify.

Hensley said his department will begin picking up leaves after the first frost.

Taul asked if there was an ordinance about parking semis on the town's streets. Since none has been produced, Attorney Eaton will draw up an ordinance for the council's approval.

Trick or Treat night will be Thursday, October 27, from 5:00 till 7:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. there will be a Halloween Parade sponsored by the Leora Weare Post of the American Legion. Judging of costumes will follow.

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

As Versailles Council President Sue Meisberger (left) looks on, Council member John Holzer reads a letter from Toni Gray commending the work of the Versailles Police Department and especially Town Marshal David Adams. Town Attorney Larry Eaton is seated right. Standing in the background are others who appeared at the meeting to support Marshal Adams at the Thursday, October 13, meeting of the Versailles Town Council.