NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2006

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. in the Conference Room of the Board of Defiance County Commissioners, 500 Court Street, Suite A, Defiance, Ohio 43512 on Monday, January 30, 2006. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Thomas L. Kime. Also present were Commissioners Richard L. Cromwell and Otto L. Nicely; Becky Wagner, County Administrator, Lyla Gurwell, Clerk and Joanne Goerlitz, Deputy Clerk.

8:30 A.M. General Session - The Commissioners were presented with various resolutions and documents for approval. Commissioners also reviewed agenda items, discussed upcoming meetings and reviewed and updated the calendar of events.

The Board of Commissioners approved the Access Management Regulations and will appoint a Board of Appeals to handle variances at a later date.

The Board sent out a reminder stating that the Elected Officials and Department Head meeting will be held at Charlie’s Lantern Room on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 11:30 a.m.

10:00 A.M. Warren Schlatter, Defiance County Engineer came in for his weekly update.

Warren introduced Mike Moats, a new employee to his tax mapping Department.

Warren also advised the Board that he will have a bid award on the Elliott Road Project by the end of the week. He is working on this contract with Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Russ Herman to ensure that the bids are executed properly. The Elliott Road project will begin April 1, 2006. Warren indicated that the site is available for construction April 1, 2006 with final completion in September of 2006.

Warren updated the Commissioners on aerial photography. Warren reported that he does not have a cost yet from the State. The State is planning on flying the north half of the state this year. The State has reviewed the bids and will be going to the State Controlling Board with a recommendation for award. The bids have not been approved at this time. Warren should know the cost some time in February of 2006.

10:30 A.M. Lisa Karcher, Maumee Valley Planning came in to discuss the water & sewer program with the Commissioners. Lisa indicated that the State could be changing their grant application process. Currently the grants applied for are through their designated City, Township or Village. The state may be changing this process. The change would imply that the Board of Commissioners would need to apply for the eligible grants for each City, Township or Village. The Board of Commissioner’s will consider sending a letter indicating their feelings on this proposed process. The new process would make the Commissioners liable for the projects when they have no control over them. Lisa will keep the Commissioners updated on the proposed application process.

Approved for news release: _____________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Commissioner