Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“I would like to commend the highway department for a job well done,” said Commissioner President Robert Reiners at the March 10 meeting. According to Reiners, the crews worked on Saturday and Sunday to clear the roads. They did an excellent job, he said. Commissioner Lawrence Nickell commended courthouse maintenance worker Johnnie Lohrum for snow removal on Sunday around the courthouse. “He did a great job," said Nickell.

Tom Walsman, of Walsman Supply in Batesville, came before the commissioners with a quote to replace the carpet on the third floor of the courthouse. The carpet is stain resistant with a ten-year warranty, and comes in a variety of colors. Individual offices on the third floor will have the ability to choose the color, as long as the color coordinates with the hall carpet, with no difference in price. Walsman Supply has offered the services of an interior designer to help coordinate colors with existing furnishings at no extra cost. Installation of the new carpet and removal of the old carpet are included in the bid. The commissioners are waiting on two more bids before making their decision.

The commissioners unanimously agreed to accept the bid of $3368.95 for the installation of a sound system for the courthouse by Design Sound and Video in Greensburg. This system will include a podium, speakers, and wireless microphones for the inside as well as a permanently attached outdoor speaker and microphones.
Technology assistant Becky Cairns is currently developing a website for an online auction of unused office items to be purchased as is. Technology Director Kelly Vollet will advertise the auction in the paper when the project is completed. The link for the auction will be on www.ripleycounty.com.

Area Planning Director Tad Brinson requested an ordinance requiring his signature on surveys before approval. The ordinance will be drafted by Attorney John Ertel. Brinson will speak to the county surveyor’s office in order to include their suggestions concerning this ordinance. This matter was tabled to be discussed at a later meeting. Brinson informed the commissioners of the need to update building codes. Randy Cooley, State Building Code Enforcement Secretary, has given 90 days for completion.

Julie Brancamp, Ripley County Fairground Parks and Recreation manager, presented a five-year master plan for the park. This plan is necessary to apply for grants. The plan includes such goals as a sports complex and the purchase of more property. The plan can be viewed at www.ripleycounty.com/parks. Copies of the master plan will be available in the county’s libraries after the plan has been accepted.

In other business:

• Commissioner Chuck Folz received a card of thanks from a grateful citizen for his assistance during a breakdown on State Road 101.

• Coroner Ron Buchanan requested funds for equipment. He was advised by the commissioners to approach Ripley County Council with his request. Buchanan was also advised to contact MainSource Insurance, Osgood, concerning the change of use of the van formerly used by the sheriff’s department. The contact number for the county coroner is 812-621-2309.

• The commissioners unanimously agreed to sign the snow emergency proclamation. This proclamation allows the county to receive money from Homeland Security by declaring a Level II snow emergency. A portion of the money spent on cinders, salt, and man hours will be refunded.

• A data share agreement between Fountain Town Gas Company, Rushville, and Ripley County was unanimously agreed upon by the commissioners. This agreement will benefit public safety by having the location of the gas lines with the county GIS mapping system.

• The reappointment of Kaye Hunger as commissioners’ representative to the Historic Hoosier Hills was approved unanimously.

• Johnnie Lohrum advised the commissioners of the need to replace the water fountain in the courthouse. Treatment for the ash trees will be completed this week at a cost of $42 per tree.

The next commissioner meeting will be held on Monday, March 24 at 8:00 a.m. in the commissioner meeting room in the courthouse annex.