County office holders asked for input for space at proposed annex

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Julie Berry, Midwestern Engineering, recommended that the Ripley County Commissioners enter into a contract for a space needs study at the regular meeting on Monday, July 12. According to Berry, officer holders will be allowed input for their needs regarding office space and storage.

A space needs study is the first step in determining the size of the proposed annex building. It is unknown if IDEM will allow the construction of a basement for storage due to the possible contaminated soil from a former dry cleaning business.

The space needs study will not take into consideration spaces for elevators or corridors. Also, pending IDEM’s decision regarding a basement for storage, additional storage space will need to be included.

According to Commissioner President Rob Reiners, the commissioners cannot make a justified space study on their own. The commissioners unanimously agreed to enter into a full contract agreement for the facility planning stage of the proposed annex.

Re-appointments for the Friendship Regional Sewer District Board were considered. Gary Stutler, Tony Wood, Scott Stutler, and Margie Nickell were unanimously approved with Gary Stutler abstaining.
Kelly Vollet, Technology Director, reported the phone system at the highway garage was struck by lightning and was replaced. In a separate event, a copy machine at the courthouse was also struck by lightning and replaced.

In other business:

• A quote from QPH to replace leaking pipes at the courthouse, not to exceed $6500, was approved.

• The quote from Harold Hornberger for roof replacement at the county garage was unanimously approved. Although not the lowest quote, it was chosen due to offering a fully adhered system as requested by the commissioners when requesting quotes. The quote was for $71,085.28.

All commissioners were in attendance along with county auditor Bill Wagner and county attorney Neil Comer to advise. The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 26 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Ripley County Highway Garage in Osgood and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the courthouse annex in Versailles.