Concerns expressed over CR 500 North
If there are two constants in the life of a Putnam County commissioner, they are bridges and roads.
The problem is the same in Putnam County as it seems to be all over Indiana: There doesn't seem to be enough time or money to keep up with transportation issues.
Having dealt with a number of notably problematic roads in recent months, the commissioners heard from residents of County Road 500 North about issues they see with their road.
The area in question is west of U.S. 231, west of the former site of Somerset Christian Church.
"It didn't have anything done to it for 30 years, other than dumping out with a dump truck and spread out with a road grader," resident Rudy Myers said. "It needs repaired."
Myers was one of several area residents who respectfully expressed their displeasure with the road, pointing out that the road gets heavy traffic in warmer months with visitors to Van Bibber and Glenn Flint lakes hauling their boats through the area.
The residents questioned the wisdom of fixing other roads they believe see less traffic.
"We're trying to preserve all we can," Commissioner David Berry said, "and when we can we build new roads."
Both Berry and County Highway Supervisor Mike Ricketts maintained that there are roads in the county that are higher on the priority list because they are in worse shape, have higher traffic or both.
There is also the usual pitfall of more work to do than funds to spend.
"It isn't because we don't want to do it (fix the roads)," Berry said. "We don't have the money."
Ricketts briefly discussed the road rating system on which his department is currently working, The hope is to get all roads in the county rated and establish a five-year plan for addressing all areas of the county.
In the meantime, the commissioners agreed to take a closer look at 500 North.
"We'll see what we can do to make it better in the interim," Berry said.
During his normal report to the commissioners, Ricketts also gave an update on road and bridge work around the county.
While chip and seal, mowing and ditching work is ongoing in various spots, perhaps the most visible work is on three bridge jobs.
Ricketts said that crews were to spend part of this weeks setting beams for the replacement for Crowe's Bridge in northern Greencastle Township.
The contractor has a November deadline of having County Road 100 East reopen in the Crowe's project.
Work has started Bridge 248 in Jackson Township. The one-lane bridge on County Road 650 East is about 1.5 miles south of State Road 236.
The official closure for the federal aid project will run through October or November.
Crews have completed tearing out the old concrete at Bridge 8 on the Russell-Clinton township line, with new concrete set to be poured.
The work on Bridge 8 means County Road 850 North is closed between County Road 400 North and U.S. 231 through early to mid-August.
In other business:
* The commissioners approved a four-year plan for addressing brush along roads throughout the county. Dividing the county into four quadrants, the contract comes at a cost of $30,000 per year.
* Ricketts reported that there is a disagreement with the Town of Cloverdale over what entity is responsible for South Street on the southeast part of town.
* J.R. Scott of the Area 30 construction equipment program recently contacted Ricketts about possibly acquiring an old dump truck with air brakes.
The condition of the body and bed of the truck is of less concern than is its functionality for driving. The program has a limited budget for such an acquisition.
Ricketts said he has a particular truck in mind that might serve Area 30's needs once the county gets new dump trucks currently on order.
* Putnam County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Phil Parker reported the June hiring of seven full-time jail officers and three part-time officers.
He said the improved staffing has made a big difference at the jail.
"The atmosphere is much, much, much better," Parker said. "The morale is greatly improved at the jail."