Published: February 28, 2008 10:14 am      

Residents complain about zoning

COVINGTON, Ind. — The Fountain County Commissioners heard two county residents complain about a zoning ordinance the Fountain County Plan Commission is considering.

Larry Brockway said zoning will not solve the problems as it will leave it up to five people as to what can be done in Fountain County. He asked commissioners to think twice before approving the zoning ordinance.

Gary Vollmer said he would like the zoning issue to be voted on by Fountain County residents.

In other business, commissioners:

--Heard Vollmer's concern with the ambulance service. He spoke of an incident where the ambulance could not find the location. Virginia Scherer, ambulance services director, said the E-911 map was incorrect, and it will be corrected.

--Heard from Brenda Bracken, a property owner in Silverwood, protesting the vacation of a street/alleyway in Silverwood. She presented a petition from property owners in Silverwood.

--Signed a letter of intent to retain ownership of all equipment and supplies purchased by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program.

--Will have the employee handbook updated after resident Carol Owens raised several issues that the handbook was missing.

--Heard Auditor Colleen Chambers request an additional $12,000 in computer maintenance from the council.

--Tabled a decision on repairs to the ceiling in the auditor's office until they could look at it again.

--Will proceed with health screening for employees with health insurance at the rate of $50 per participant.

--Will request an additional $400 from the council for blueprints for the proposed new ambulance building.

--Bought a floor scrubber from HP Products of Louisville, Ohio, for $3,400.

HILLSBORO, IND.

New police car now in use in town

Town council members learned this month the new 2008 Dodge car is now use.

Town Marshal Charlie Willis said all of the equipment has been installed and the lettering is in place.

Willis is working with other towns that may be interested in buying the 1999 Ford police car.

In other business, the council:

--Heard from President Gordon Foster about a discussion with Boosters President Mark McGrady about some new outdoor Christmas decoration.

McGrady indicated the Boosters might be willing to purchase some new ones, but it would need to be presented to the membership first.

He indicated the Boosters would meet soon to work on the 50th anniversary of the Hillsboro Barbecue which will be Sept. 5-6.

--Learned Sherry Foster updated an information pamphlet used several years ago. It lists information including names, phone numbers and addresses of businesses, entertainment services, organizations and churches. It is given to new residents when they sign up for utilities.

--Learned Willis, who also is a council member, is investigating the cost of a Web site that would make information available to anyone interested in the area what has to offer.

--Heard Tom Fishero, utilities superintendent, report the work being done on one of the town wells still is not satisfactory. He will continue to pursue the correct fix at the most reasonable cost.

--Learned from Willis that several automobiles have been vandalized. He suggested cars left outside should be locked, and cell phones, CDs and other valuables should not be left in plain sight.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Fountain County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. EST Monday at the courthouse.