Offices move back to the Courthouse
The month of April meetings saw Art Noel with Veregy giving strategic updates on the completion of the Ripley County Courthouse project.
At the April 28 meeting Noel said noted that HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation was wrapping up. The HVAC Test and Balance was also wrapping up, along with wall repair and paint. When it came to the carpet, there was still a way to go. Commissioners asked if they were supposed to contact the installer with Noel saying Veregy would take care of it.
He said final cleaning was taking place. Noel also noted that they were anticipating an inspection from the State Fire Marshal and was hoping to have the offices begin moving in last week. On Monday, May 12 an officeholder reported they are in the process of moving the offices back into the Courthouse. They were scattered about the square and in the Annex temporarily with many saying they are thankful to have a permanent home again.
Under Maintenance, Craig Herbert brought an estimate from Pulskamp’s for blinds for the Courthouse for $34,047.00, which includes installation. This was tabled until the May 12 meeting. Herbert brought an estimate for lights to be installed in the annex for $10,000.00. This was approved unanimously.
Commissioners discussed to clock tower on the courthouse. Commissioner Jeff Volz made the motion to approve the quote from Kramer for $640,000. The Commissioners will do an appropriation for $700,000. This was approved unanimously.
At the Jail: Sheriff Rob Bradley talked with Commissioners about the issues of the jail roof leaking. Chief Deputy Lee Davidson gave a quote to replace the elevator phone for $1,686.00 at the April 14 meeting. This was approved unanimously, along with quote for the new jail video and control system. A new range was approved for $5,531.22 from Central Restaurant Products which includes the installation and removal of the old stove.
Jason Edwards, highway department superintendent, came before the Commissioners on April 28 noting the drainage issue in Morris was complete. He said chip-n-seal would begin on May 12 They will do 140 miles of chip-n-seal. Vialytics discussed taser ratings of the roads. He said there would be a one-time annual fee of $43,193.50. This fee included the software in addition to two phones.
At the April 14 meeting, Edward said the Napoleon Rock Quarry was willing to work with the county on the road there. He noted it would be ok to widen 600 South and Michigan Road as long as when they go out, they turn North due to the stone bridge. This was a request from Reuben Stoltzfoos to widen the road due to his business Country Side Metal Roofing.
Geneen Ostendorf came before the Commissioners about an animal control officer. She stated that from information she had obtained, the Sheriff would deputize a special deputy for this and any qualified volunteers. She mentioned that the health department was also concerned about the animal control problem. Sheriff Bradley noted that an animal control officer would be someone who could write citations.
Commissioner’s meetings held every other week at the Annex building in Versailles. The above article is a brief synopsis taken from official (signed minutes from April 14) and unofficial (unsigned minutes from April 28) meetings.
