Commissioners approve repairs to Doughboy

In a move previously discussed but not decided upon, the Putnam County Commissioners will move forward with repairs to the World War I monument on the courthouse lawn.

Courthouse head custodian Brian Smith will fix a recently discovered crack in the leg of the bronze "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statue on the southeast corner of the lawn.

Commissioners discussed the issue at an August meeting, with David Berry saying he had received a sight-unseen estimate of $3,700 for the work from an Indianapolis firm.

Smith said he could do the work as part of his job for only the cost of the materials, estimated at $375.

Commissioners have since had the chance to speak with Smith about the work and decided Wednesday to move forward with the work, recommending that the cost be taken from the cumulative courthouse fund.

The expenditure will also go before the Putnam County Council for approval.

Commissioners also revisited the possible sale of the former Putnam County Courthouse Annex (Jones School) with Greencastle/Putnam County Development Director Bill Dory.

Dory reported there remains interest in the building as a potential location for senior housing. He has informally spoken to firms about having the building appraised.

Commissioners Berry and Don Walton authorized Dory to move forward with seeking appraisals.

In other business:

* The commissioners gave final approval to an amendment to the county zoning ordinance authorizing special exceptions for auto repair shops in A1 and A2 districts.

Previously, repair shops for automobiles, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, lawn mowers or even farm equipment were not allowed in agricultural zones without the costly and sometimes complicated steps of rezoning.

They can now be allowed through the much simpler process of getting a special exception from the board of zoning appeals.

* County planner Sandy Amers was appointed as Americans with Disabilities Act compliance coordinator.

* The county highway department is in need of a new road sweeper.

However, officials are planning to replace the unit with a skid loader with a sweeper attachment. The skid loader will provide more use to the county, beyond the three months a sweeper is needed.

* Jim Davis of Russellville was appointed to the animal control board.