A couple lawsuits against Pulaski County were briefly addressed by the county attorney, during Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting. One of them is a federal class action lawsuit alleging a lack of accessibility in the county courthouse for people with disabilities and mobility issues. “I can just say that the commissioners are very interested in addressing any concerns for their disabled constituents and want to address any concerns that she’s raised in that complaint,” said County Attorney Kevin Tankersley. “It’s an 89-paragraph complaint that has to be responded to, and we will respond to that. It does not seek monetary damages, but it still needs to be responded to. And that’s pending in federal court in South Bend.”
One particular area of concern is the courthouse elevator. It was criticized in the lawsuit for being too small and difficult to use, to be much help to people in wheelchairs. County Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston told the commissioners Tuesday that he’s been gathering information for a replacement. “In order to get accurate pricing for that, I need to talk to construction companies about what needs to be done with the shaft,” he said. “I will contact construction companies this week, and I’ll have those numbers to you all as soon as I can get them.” Larger-scale courthouse renovations are also under consideration.
Meanwhile, the county’s decision to close part of County Road 60 West at the request of BraunAbility has been challenged in Pulaski Circuit Court. “S & S Precast challenged that,” Tankersley explained. “They have the right to challenge that under under the statute. That is pending in front of Judge [Michael] Shurn.”
Under the planned closure, trucks entering the Winamac Industrial Park from State Road 14 would still use the road, but would have to pass through a gate controlled by the Braun Corporation. Passenger vehicles would have to find another route. The closure’s met with criticism from both S & S Precast and the Town of Winamac.
Tankersley added that he discussed the two lawsuits with the commissioners for the first time during an executive session Tuesday. He said he’s instructed them not to comment yet on the county’s position.
