All three commissioners were present for the regular meeting of the Ripley County Commissioners on Monday, November 20, along with County Auditor, Mary Ann McCoy and Attorney, Neil Comer.

Tad Brinson, director of the Area Planning Commission, came before the commissioners regarding some property issues. Brinson informed the commissioners that a Ripley County businessman had asked for a rezone for the purpose of erecting a billboard. He went on to explain that the property in question is along a federally inventoried road making it illegal to put up a billboard. Federally inventoried roads that run through Ripley County are I-74, US 421 and US 50.

Brinson also reported that attempts to identify the owner(s) of an eyesore on Highway 350 in Pierceville have proved futile. He said that there is a stripped mobile home and dumped shingles on the property. So far he has found no record of who the land belongs to.

Dave Batta, representing St. Nicholas Church in Sunman, came before the commissioners once again to get approval to relocate a road on the St. Nicholas property. Batta reported that the survey was done and that the required legal notice of public meeting had been advertised. Attorney Neil Comer advised Batta to get the survey recorded. Comer stated that he had drawn up an ordinance in support of the action stating, “There has to be an ordinance prepared and signed by the commissioners.” There also must be an easement given to the county by the church, and that also needs to be recorded. Comer told the commissioners that the easement becomes the responsibility of the county. “I prefer for the easement to have the approval of the commissioners,” Comer recommended. Commissioner Lawrence Nickell motioned to accept the easement. Chuck Folz seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.

Attorney Comer told Batta, “To relocate a road is not an easy thing, and we don’t want it to be.” Batta thanked the commissioners saying, “We’re getting closer and that’s the important thing.”

Regarding a financial matter, it was reported that it is time to reinvest certificates of deposit as follows:
* Rainy Day Fund - $855,187.78
* County Cum Cap Development - $778,257.69
* Riverboat Wagering - $285,553.87
* Riverboat Belterra - $250,000
* Riverboat Gaming - $150,000.

Director of technology, Kelly Vollet, reported that the sheriff’s department has ordered eight new computers the cost of which is in that department’s budget. The computers the department has been using are not compatible with new jail software. Vollet said that the old computers are to be sold, and asked if those funds can be put back into the sheriff department’s budget. Commissioners said that it would be appropriate for the funds to go back into that budget.

Superintendent of Hoosier Hills Regional Water District, Scott Stern, told commissioners that 10,000 feet of water main for the Delaware project have been laid. There will be a total of 39,000 feet when the project is finished.

County Auditor, Mary Ann McCoy, presented a letter to the commissioners requesting that Lynn Norton be appointed as trustee for the Batesville Memorial Library through December 31, 2008. Lawrence Nickell made a motion to accept the appointment, seconded by Chuck Folz and approved unanimously.

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