According to Carroll County Highway Superintendent Ron Francis, restoration of Burnett's Creek Arch could be put on hold.

Francis explained at Monday night's county commissioners meeting a property owner who owns the land adjacent to the restoration sight is unwilling to allow county representatives on his property to survey or work on the project. He said the individual was angry at past commissioners who fired his son from county employment. The county vacated a road next to his property at about the same time, which also displeased the resident. Francis said the man expected a public apology in print from county leaders about the job termination of his son. He further expected the county to resume maintenance on the half-mile road.

Francis said the restoration of the arch is a federal historic project, which means the county can condemn the property.

Commissioners' attorney Barry Emerson said the first thing commissioners would need to accomplish was to determine if the project is in the public interest. After that determination, the county could begin legal proceedings.

Commissioners will investigate before taking further action.

County recycling program

Commissioners approved a change in the payment method for the solid waste district recycling grant. Funds for the program were forwarded to the City of Delphi in the past, according to street superintendent Aaron Lyons. He said the county also paid $304 each month to Delphi for fuel. The total stipend will be sent to Carroll County Recycling Cooperative, which is managed by Flora officials.

Courthouse maintenance

County council member Steve Ashby requested commissioners repair the roof on the courthouse to avoid paying for continued repairs due to water damage on the third floor. Ashby also said the building needs to be tuckpointed. He recommended commissioners advertise for bids for the work.

Emerson recommended commissioners engage an engineer to inspect the building to determine appropriate bid specifications and warranties.

Highway department

Commissioners will interview representatives from engineering firms to provide services for Bridge 147 at TheLandings. Francis said work on Wilson Bridge is nearly complete. The bridge is now open to traffic.

A culvert on C.R. 825N, east of Yeoman, is expected to be set by Friday.

Design bids for the county road extension of SR75 will be advertised.

Francis said his department is down to three people and pot hole filling has abated. He said workers are assigned to chip and seal projects while the weather is good. Pot holes can be filled in cold weather.

Other business

Commissioners approved a request from the coroner for morgue improvements. Floor damage and air conditioning will be repaired plus a table will be purchased. Coroner Jerry R. Reinke explained the $3,000 improvements will allow autopsies to be done in the county, thereby saving money.

"Sounds like a good idea to me," commissioner Bill Brown said.

Bids were opened for the construction of the Yeoman Community Building/EMS Garage project. Town engineer Ken Smith said he would present a report at the next commissioners meeting.

Carroll County Heritage Transportation representative Brian Stirm will post signage in county right-of-ways to mark the Potowatami Trail of Death through Carroll County. The 23 signs are black and iridescent white.

Commissioners will move to resolve a nuisance complaint against a resident by neighbors in the Horseshoe Bend area. Unlicensed vehicles, junk, weeds and debris are the basis of the complaint.

The next meeting will be Sept. 2 at 9 a.m.