Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

A petition with signatures from residents and land owners on Benham Road directly affected by the proposed sports complex was presented to the Versailles Town Council at the monthly meeting held January 10. According to Robert Gray, who presented the petition, the signatures on the petition represent about 90% of the families in the area. “We are not opposed to the sports complex, but we would like alternative locations to be considered,” he told the council.

Gray suggested the airstrip would be a good location. According to Jerry Gilpin, sports complex board president, the owners of the airstrip were approached, but the cost of the land was too high. “We need to put it somewhere,” said Gilpin.

Gilpin went on to request a special meeting between the town council, the park board, and the sports complex board. The town council agreed, with council member Denessa Benkie saying, “This meeting of the boards involved will begin to work things out.” She also stated, “It (the sports complex) will do so much for the community. I think that it is top priority, we need to push it.”

Versailles Town Marshal Joe Mann reported that he had received complaints of cats without owners. He told the town council that his department needed live traps to replace those that had been stolen or damaged. The cost would be from $39-$100 depending on the size. Mann also reported that Sheriff Tom Grills had requested that no parking signs be put in front of the jail. A decision will be made after the marshal obtains more information from the sheriff.

Also, the marshal reported a complaint about graffiti and teenagers hanging around after dark. Benkie asked if there were any ordinances preventing kids from using the courthouse square as a place to hang out. The marshal said there were no ordinances to that effect, and that he would prefer the kids be there, “so I know where they are.”

Marshal Mann reported the town property at the Lagoons has a downed fence on one side. Water Superintendent Kevin Hensley said he will have logs put in the gap until the fence can be fixed. Mann requested that no trespassing signs be put up.

Hensley presented estimates on equipment to be replaced. A turbidity meter will be replaced at the cost of $2625, and a ph meter replacement cost of $1975. A fluoride pump needs repaired at a cost of $800 and will take about three weeks to get the replacement part. The bill for the replacement of a damaged manhole cover will be sent to the State Highway Department. Hensley also noted manholes located at the high school and the elementary schools have small leaks. He will get estimates for sealing the leaks to present at the next town council meeting. Council member John Holzer told Hensley, “You and your staff are doing a great job.”

The town council unanimously approved the appointment of Jeff French to the Versailles Signage and Ordinance Committee. The purpose of this committee is to ensure that all town ordinances are up to date.

Versailles Fire Chief Tracy Moore reported issues with the siren control box. He noted that although the sirens work now, they will need to be replaced before spring. Moore will get estimates for the council to review at a later date.

Benkie received approval to get estimates for a website for the town of Versailles. She noted that the website will have community notices, as well as tourism information.

A complaint of a home owner who is running a business on property located on Tyson Street and zoned multiple families was received by council member John Holzer. He requested that the marshal enforce the town ordinances.

All members of the town council were present: John Holzer, Sue Meisberger, Denessa Benkie, along with Attorney Larry Eaton, and Clerk-Treasurer Kiersten Libby. Holzer was elected president for the new year. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Versailles Town Hall.