A new fence has been secured around the collapsed portion of the Sportsman’s Bar and Grill in Monterey. Along with the fence, no trespassing signs have been hung. The fence was placed around the building by the Pulaski County Building Inspector’s Office. Monterey Council members are reviewing their options in regards to debris to be cleaned up.

Wastewater sewer project, collapsed building top Monterey agenda

Monterey Councilman Doug Denton voiced a number of concerns during the regular meeting on April 13, including the wastewater sewer project upgrade, the collapsed building, the water plant roof and stray dogs.
The meeting started off with talking about the sewer project. Denton was recently involved in a couple of phone conversations about the project. Those conversations revolved around whether the bid that was received by the council should be rejected; if the project should be rebid; and whether Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) will allow the project to be changed. The grant funding the town is receiving is through OCRA. 
Some of the changes to the project were installing a different pump instead of a specialized pump; not building a complete structure but framing and a roof; and eliminating the ultraviolet system. 
The reason for the changes is because the one bid the town received was almost twice as much as was estimated.
Denton and Fleury agreed that someone dropped the ball on this project. The problem for the council is that if they stop the project, they would still have to pay about $60,000 in engineering and soft costs. 
As part of the discussion regarding the project, the council was informed that they should reject the bid as the next step. 
The council approved to reject it because of the possible changes. 
Denton said because of the changes to the project, more companies may want to bid on it.
Next, Denton tackled the collapsed Sportsman’s Bar and Grill that has become commonly named  as the “eyesore of Monterey.” 
He said he has been corresponding with someone in Indianapolis regarding what options the town may have in seeing it removed. 
He said it appears that what is still remaining of the building will continue to stand but if raining continues through the roof, it may also collapse. 
He also continues to keep in touch with the county. 
At this point, Denton is not sure what the building could be used for because of the amount of work it would take to fix what is left. 
His frustration is that everyone he is talking to says to work with the county but at this time the county isn’t much help. 
Council president Emily Bailey questioned why the county won’t condemn it. She said it’s a safety hazard because there are rats hiding in the building.     
The town cannot clean up the building because it is still privately owned. The county, because they are the hearing authority, could sue the property owner but it doesn’t appear that’s happening. 
The town can also not apply for an OCRA grant because they are currently working on the wastewater sewer project. 
They would like to do an assessment of the building, but according to Denton, the property owner has no interest in allowing it to happen. The town cannot enter the property until they receive permission from the owner. 
It was suggested that the town continue to talk with the current commissioners. 

See the full story in the Pulaski County Journal, available in print and e-edition.

Pulaski County Journal

114 W. Main Street
Winamac, IN 46996

(574) 946-6628
 

Comment Here