Marshal hired full time at Osgood

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

Osgood now has a full time marshal. John Hegge, who had been hired as interim marshal, was given the permanent position at the August meeting of the Osgood Town Council effective August 18. Hegge came to Osgood from Dillsboro.

A motion was made to expand the reserve officer program and Chuck Snelling and Eric Roush were approved as reserve police officers for the town. Snelling will serve as the Ordinance Enforcement Officer.

Marshal Hegge gave council copies of several quotes for new police vehicles to replace the oldest police car. Hegge was notified of a police vehicle that was being used at the National Police Fleet Manager Expo. The car is a Dodge Charger for $24,992 and has approximately $5,000 worth of donated equipment. Council voted to purchase the vehicle.

Ordinance 2008-11 was presented and adopted. It reads: “The Town of Osgood has allowed public access to the quarry for fishing and recreation and has posted signage setting forth the rules and regulations for the use of that real estate. Any members of the public that violate the posted rules and regulations regarding the use of the Town of Osgood’s real estate will be deemed to be “trespassers” under the criminal statues and subject to criminal prosecution.”

Osgood Librarian Andrea Ingmire was present asking the council for assistance. They are planning to build a new library in Milan on land that was donated. The library is applying for a Community Focus Fund Grant. They will need the Town of Osgood’s approval to levy a bond. Ingmire noted that she will be at the next month’s meeting to request the council to sign a resolution of support for the project.
A representative of Green 3 was present and went over the plans for the Buckeye Street Parking Lot project. The next step would be to advertise for bids. An easement will need to be obtained from Neil Comer to mount a controller on his building. Construction could start in September. A claim in the amount of $1,699 was presented from Green 3 for the project, which was approved.

In other business:

• The 2009 Budget Hearing was held.

• Ripley County Economic Development 2009 Inter-Local Agreement was presented. Osgood agreed to pay them the sum equal to 12% of the 2009 Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds.

• A motion was made to deny Safe Passage’s request for funding due to budget cuts.

• Ed Newman, Osgood’s representative to the Ripley County Area Planning and Zoning Commission, stated they have received complaints on the property located next to Integra Bank. Discussion on the issue was tabled.

• Geneen Ostendorf was present representing the Osgood Merchants. She requested the town to assist with the fall festival the same as last year, which included insurance, port-a-pots, garbage collection, and closing the streets. The council approved her request.

• Fire Chief Chris Lemen reported their pork chop dinner would be September 14 from 11 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m.

• Sheila Flanigan was present requesting permission to hand out flyers at the stoplight on October 25 for a benefit for her grandson who is suffering from severe Type A Hemophilia. The benefit will be held November 1. Her request was granted.

• Wastewater Superintendent Tony Wood reported the sludge truck should arrive soon.

Two of three town board members were present: Linda Krinop and Norman Kappes. Attorney Mary Ann Gay and Clerk-Treasurer Tammy Wilhoit were present to advise. The next regular meeting of the Osgood Town Council will be Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Osgood Town Hall.