Versailles council approves water treatment upgrade
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Versailles Town Council members heard an update from Lori Young, engineer with Curry Associates, on improvements to the water plant at their Thursday, January 12, meeting at Town Hall.

Re-elected president for the coming year, Sue Meisberger and members John Holzer and Jim Taul agreed to open bids for the project on Thursday, February 9, at the next board meeting. The deadline for receiving bids is 4:00 p.m. on February 9.

A motion by Taul with a second by Holzer and a 3-0 vote approved the plans for the $1.18 million project. Young estimated the construction costs at $1,106,000.00 with alternate bids that could total an additional $110,000.00.

She recommended an alternate bid for the telemetry system upgrade, which would cost approximately $65,000, and an alternate bid for grading to improve accessibility that would cost an additional $30,000.

Funding for the water plant upgrade consists of a Community Focus Fund Grant of $460,000.00; a $50,000.00 grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation; and a $600,000 loan from the Friendship State Bank at 4.25% interest.

Water/Street Superintendent Kevin Hensley reported he had contacted Holton officials concerning the possibility of buying water from them should there be a need during the water upgrade project.

Concerning the new lift station, which serves the Versailles State Park, Hensley said the DNR has approved the cost of $111,000.00.

Council members and Town Attorney Larry Eaton and Clerk-Treasurer Ted Spurlock agreed to schedule a meeting and tour of the property Von McGuire has offered to sell the town for a community center and additional ball field.

McGuire is the present owner of the building and land originally the site of the Tanglewood Christian Church just off Tanglewood Road. He has offered to sell the building and the land to the town at a reduced price.

In other business, council members announced the dog ordinance is now in effect and can be enforced. They also discussed an ordinance concerning the parking of trailers and box trailers in town limits and one having to do with peddlers within town limits. Attorney Eaton will prepare these for council's approval.

A motion by Taul with a second by Holzer approved ordinances from the county's zoning board.

It was agreed that Taul will continue to represent the town on the Regional Planning Commission; Meisberger will be the town's representative on the Ripley County Economic Development Board and Historic Hoosier Hills. She will also be the designated signee for all papers at the Friendship State Bank.

Council meetings will continue on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall.

In his report, Town Marshal David Adams talked of a busy month with eight cases already. In December the Versailles Police Department issued 20 citations and warnings, took 7 cases, worked 6 accidents, and had 19 other activities.

During the past year the number of cases has increased 16.8% and the number of tickets, 32.9%. Alcohol and drug arrests increased 1%, according to Marshal Adams.

Council member Holzer questioned Marshal Adams on the amount of comp time as well as the number of assists to other departments.

Holzer said his concern was the town's liability as far as comp hours are concerned. He would like something definitive placed in the police department's handbook. Attorney Eaton agreed to look at this.

In explaining his position, Marshal Adams said, "I'm here for the people. I try to help the people. If we're not out here, it hurts the people of Versailles. Whether you believe it or not, I am dedicated to my job."

Both Holzer and Eaton said it was the legality and liability that troubled them about the comp time. Eaton thinks it can be built into the schedule.

Mark Salyers reported some minor problems at the sewer plant, but in general everything is going well.

Others present included Deputy Sara Swinney and Bob Gray, the town's representative on the county's planning commission. Early in the meeting he thanked the council members for reassigning him to the planning commission and said he would be attending more of the Versailles council meetings.