Polling site moved back to church (10/10/06)

It looks like voters in Jackson Township will be returning to the polling site where they used to vote.

Bob Blowers, a representative of Union Chapel Church, told Jay County Commissioners Monday that the church parking lot has been paved and ramps installed, requirements of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.

Under the federal Help America Vote Act, all polling sites must be ADA compliant beginning with this year's election.

Because the Union Chapel Church parking lot was not paved, voters in Jackson Township were required to cast their ballots at the Bryant Community Center during the May election. The center met the federal requirements.

But, Blowers said the church directors had asked that the polling site be returned to the church following the paving of the parking lot, and commissioners agreed with the request.

The drainage board did not meet Monday since Jay County Surveyor, Brad Daniels, is on vacation.

In other business Monday, commissioners set 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 23, as a public hearing for a request from Jefferson Township resident, James D. Fulk, for approval for the construction of a septic system financed by Jay County.

Miller also said Monday that demolition of the building just north of the courthouse on West Walnut Street has been completed, and he is "still negotiating with adjacent property owners" about what the next steps will be.

The purchase of the building and tearing down the structure was undertaken by the county to provide parking for courthouse employees.

Miller said the parking lot will be restricted during certain times of the day to county employees, but should prove beneficial at other times for the nearby Ritz Theatre, nearby church services, or other activities that may be taking place in that area.[[In-content Ad]]