Cindy DiFazio – Staff Writer

The Ripley County Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m. All council members, Attorney Neil Comer and Auditor Mary Ann McCoy were present. Minutes from the June meeting were approved as read.

Councilman Edward Armbrecht, reporting for the Economic Development Committee, informed the council that Ripley County is partnering with Purdue University in its search for a new Economic Development Director. Armbrecht was enthusiastic, noting that Purdue’s reach is worldwide and could make huge resources available to the county. He informed the council that this is a pilot program, and said, “I think the ink is just about dry,” regarding the partnership. Armbrecht gave credit to Dave Osborne for putting it together, and told the council that the plan is to have a new director in place in August.

Attorney Neil Comer, responding to the report, related that a businessman recently came to Osgood looking for a parcel of land to purchase. He said that the interested party spoke of specific geographic needs relating to the new Honda plant. Comer strongly stated, “We need a person in this position now,” and recommended that the Economic Development Committee consider hiring a temporary director.
Ripley County Commissioner Robert Reiners reinforced Comer’s opinion, telling of a supplier wanting to establish a business in Sunman. Reiners told the council that, so far, more than 60 properties have changed hands since the announcement was made regarding Honda.

Councilman Mark Busching agreed, commenting “We’ve got to be ready to roll.”

Commissioner Chuck Folz also expressed frustration with the lengthy hiring process, saying the Economic Development staff should be in place and “holding potential business owners hands to get their businesses established.” Following the meeting, Folz commented, “It’s like we (Ripley County) are at an auction sitting on our hands instead of bidding on what we want.”

The position of Economic Development Director has been vacant since Pam Sander’s resignation. Sander tendered her resignation at the February 21, 2006 council meeting.

In other business, representatives, Mike Wolf and Roger Lang, of the proposed Sunman Regional Sewer District brought their petition for IDEM to council members to sign. After briefly reviewing the petition, Attorney Neil Comer informed the SRSD reps that the paperwork incorrectly lists the Ripley County Council as petitioners. The Town of Sunman is the correct petitioner. Comer advised the council that they could go ahead and sign as petitioners, but he felt they should see the engineer’s feasibility report first. “I think I’d want to see some of that before I would put my name on it,” he suggested. Lang stated that it was his understanding that IDEM needed the signed petition prior to the district obtaining an application and the feasibility report. Comer disagreed, advising “The application probably is part of this petition.” He went on to say that he believes that usually the engineering report is done ahead of time. The council tabled the issue until August. Wolf responded that they would come back then.

Pat Thomas, Ripley County Health Department, gave a Pandemic Influenza Power Point presentation. The state requires all local officials to see the presentation. Thomas reported that Council members Dramann, Peetz and Smith have completed the required NIMS training. Commissioner Chuck Folz reminded the group that all local officials must have the training done by September 30.