Bridges in Kosciusko County received an "A" from the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program, county highway superintendent and engineer Rob Ladson told the county commissioners Tuesday.

That assessment is based on comparing Kosciusko County bridges to those in other Indiana counties.

"We're very happy with our bridges," said Ladson.

The rating was based on "structural adequacy and safety, serviceability and functional obsolescence, and essentiality for public use," according to the report.

"Our average score was 90.48 out of 100," said Ladson.

The grade didn't include the two bridges that the county has replaced or is replacing.

Ladson also reported that in Syracuse, the railroad is closing some crossings for repairs. The commissioners OK'd the closings and a statement that the state is not responsible for any damage.

The path of the detour route will be west on CR 1200, off Ind. 13 to Syracuse-Webster Road, to Main Street and back to Ind. 13.

Commissioners also approved the Deer Creek Fireside subdivision, Syracuse, to be accepted into the county system for maintenance. The developer is Henry Smith.

In other business:

• Linda Dilling reported the Lakeland Art Association received their preliminary report back for the center for culture and arts. The center would be at the Eagles Building, Center Street, if everything goes as planned.

The building would accommodate the LAA and the Historical Society and could house other cultural organizations temporarily.

Cost is estimated at $1.8 million, including furnishings.

Though the preliminary report is not available to the public yet, Dilling said, "We're trying to let as many people in the community know (about the center) so we can get their input."

• Helen Hoy, North Webster, asked the commissioners about a written proposal for a land vacation requests ordinance she presented to them at their last meeting. The ordinance would require notification of residents within 500 feet of any area petitioned to be vacated.

Her proposal also would include notifying the fire department, EMS, the highway department, municipalities and school systems.

"I'm hoping that you've reviewed it and agree with what I've said," Hoy said. She said it will help the county in the future.

Matt Sandy, area plan commission assistant director, said state law only requires a petitioner to notify owners of property that abuts the property in question and to advertise the rezoning or vacation in the local newspaper. The county goes "above and beyond" what's required, Sandy said, and petitioners must notify surrounding property owners.

They already notify local emergency services on vacations and other petitions, he said.

Usually, changes to the zoning ordinance begin at the zoning board and work their way up to the commissioners, county commissioner attorney Mike Miner said. He recommended that Hoy work with the plan commission first and let it go from there.

Hoy said she would.

• Commissioners adopted the complete rewrite of the county's personnel policy. The policy addresses such issues as benefits, administration, working conditions and conduct.

County Administrator Ron Robinson said they will have two training sessions for all department heads and supervisors on how to interpret the new policies.

He said it was time to upgrade the policies in an effort to protect the county from lawsuits and other problems.

• Commissioners approved Project Safe to use rooms in the basement of the courthouse.

The Kosciusko County commissioners are president Brad Jackson, Avis Gunter and Eddie Creighton. They meet at 9 a.m. in the county courthouse every other Tuesday. Their next meeting is Oct. 10. [[In-content Ad]]