Cindy DiFazio - Staff Writer

The Ripley County Commissioners met on Friday, January 12 because Monday, January 15 was a holiday. Commissioners Chuck Folz and Lawrence Nickell were present. Commissioner Robert Reiners was on vacation. Attorney Neil Comer and County Auditor Mary Ann McCoy were also present.

Representing the SEI Solid Waste District, Tom Perotti came before the commissioners seeking approval for an addition to the Ripley County Recycling Center’s building. The addition would provide space for the recycling of large appliances.

Perotti stated that the addition needs approval from the county because the facility sits on county property. Commissioner Folz asked if the proximity of the larger facility to the road creates a set-back issue. Tad Brinson, of the planning commission, stated that since it matches what already exists there is not a problem.

Perotti provided estimated dollar figures for the necessary work. He noted that up to $90,000 has been approved, but plans to come in under $70,000. Perotti stated that a much needed cardboard baler can be purchased for $13,000 new or $7,000 used. He suggested, “We’d like to get a new baler, but would be happy with a used one. We’re using one now from 1998. It looks bad, but works well.” A fence line that needs to be moved to provide another 16' of space will cost about $2,080 to create a dogleg. Moving the fence to meet the existing fence line would cost $3,234. Perotti said that he does not want to commit to moving the fence at this time. Commissioner Nickell made the motion to approve the project which Folz seconded. The motion passed.

Commissioner Folz noted that the Ripley County Recycling Center accepts tires and gas tanks.
Sheriff Tom Grills came before the commissioners to offer an update on his first two weeks in office. Grills reported that Officer Corky Houseworth has been made a detective, and that officer Lee Mathews is back on the road as a deputy. The sheriff mentioned that there is still a need for one or two more deputies.

Grills told the commissioners that because of a contract with D&D Vending, he has no way of generating more commissary income. Neil Comer told Grills that he believes that the contract is binding.

Grills said that he and his staff have been dealing with a lot of housekeeping issues at the jail, and told the commissioners that there are many problems at the jail that need to be addressed. He gave several examples such as three broken windows in isolation cells, problems with showers, flush valves not working properly and many doors that don’t shut right or need to be replaced.

On the subject of college classes for inmates which have been offered by Ivy Tech, Grills stated, “I’ve met with Ivy Tech. Classes can be taken by inmates at their expense only. There will be no grants whatsoever.” Grills explained, “I think it’s a good program, but at the collegiate level, they’re on their own.”

Reporting on the reserve officers program, Grills noted that there are not enough vehicles for reserve officers’ use. He said that he is working on getting grants for the vehicles and assured the commissioners that he will not spend county money until he has exhausted the grants process.

Grills told the commissioners that he wanted to let them know what he has accomplished and what he hopes to accomplish. He commented, “These first two weeks have been long days and kind of stressful, but every night I go home happy.”

In other business, Pat Thomas of the health department brought a recommendation to name Dr. Steven Stein to the Ripley County Board of Health. Katherine Taul of the tourism board recommended reappointing Marianne Wiggers and Ted Tapp to the convention and tourism commission. Both appointments were approved. Commissioner Nickell was appointed to the technology committee.

Osgood resident, Lisa Spurlock, came before the commissioners regarding property adjacent to her property being rezoned from A2 to I2 (agricultural to industrial). The property in question is a portion of 66 acres, 40 of which are already zoned I2. Some of Spurlock’s concerns were: Will the well system remain contaminant free? What kind of buffering will there be? And, Will they be in contact with us regarding the design and buffering? She was assured that any development will have to be 100' from her property. Brinson told her that it would require a special variance for a developer to put in something like a junkyard or landfill. Commissioner Folz told her that the development will be a positive thing and would increase property values. Spurlock said she was just hoping that country would stay country. The rezoning was approved by the commissioners with Folz telling Spurlock, “We can assure you we’ll keep an eye on this.”