Versailles council names Benkie to BZA
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

With the resignation of Sue French as the Town of Versailles' representative on the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), town council members Sue Meisberger, president, and John Holzer and Jim Taul chose Denessa (Purvis) Benkie as her replacement effective September 1.

The action took place at the Thursday, August 11, meeting of the Versailles Town Council at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall. French noted that she was submitting her letter of resignation due to conflict of interest with her husband's job as Ripley County Surveyor.

Both Mr. and Mrs. French recommended Benkie, who was present and agreed to be French's replacement.

Council members also agreed to include the Versailles Lions Club's annual Pumpkin Show in their request for money from the Tyson Fund, as per request of Ed Westmeyer, Pumpkin Show president.

Clerk-Treasurer Ted Spurlock explained the town had included a separate application last year for $5,000 for the Versailles Pumpkin Show.

Kathy Nevels presented a request from Family Connections for $500 in the town's 2006 budget for Healthy Families. She noted that Family Connections serves 75 families in the Town of Versailles through Healthy Families and would be able to get matching funds from the town's donation.

Council member Holzer moved and President Meisberger seconded to include Family Connections in the 2006 budget.

Dwight Bauman was present to represent the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department as the new chief.

Also in attendance was Mrs. Mary McCarty, who expressed concern over the high speeds of vehicles traveling on Clearview Lane. Deputy Joe Mann said, "It will be dealt with."

Deputy Mann reported on meetings with South Ripley and Southeastern Career Center school administrators concerning canine searches throughout the year. He has also spoken to Superintendent Ted Ahaus and the school board, and all are in favor, he said.

Police activities totaled 55 during July including 13 cases taken, 9 citations, 8 warnings, and 7 arrests and 7 assists to other departments.

Street/Water Superintendent Kevin Hensley updated the council on the Bishop Lift Station, which is now on line and serving the Versailles State Park. He told of storm drain repair on High Street and completion of the smaller water tower's cleaning and painting.

A $28,000 grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation will fund the smaller water tower project.

Concerning the sewer plant, Mark Salyers reported everything is in good working order.

Complaints of unleashed animals in the town brought up the necessity of having Town Attorney Larry Eaton prepare additions to the town ordinance.

Clerk-Treasurer Spurlock discussed complaints concerning the conditions at the old Texaco station on Adams Street. He also spoke of the town's request for funding from the Tyson Fund to be used for the sewer bond to keep sewer rates from increasing.

Spurlock and Benkie will attend a meeting at the Tyson School Apartments sponsored by LifeTime Resources, Inc. concerning the community's ideas for use of Tyson Gym when South Ripley's lease is completed in 2007.

The first budget hearing will take place on Thursday, August 25, at 3:00 p.m. The second and final hearings are scheduled for Thursday, September 8.

As a final action, council members agreed to include 12% for economic development in the 2006 budget.