NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2005

 

 

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, June 6, 2005.  The meeting was called to order by Chairman Otto L. Nicely.  Also present were Commissioners Thomas L. Kime and Richard L. Cromwell; Alison Grimes, Clerk and Joan Brown, Deputy Clerk. 

 

 

8:30 a.m.      Russ Herman, County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, met with the Board to review the status of various documents sent to his office for review and approval.  Mr. Herman is currently up-to-date on all documents.

 

 

9:00 a.m.      Due to a conflict, Morris Murray, Child Support Enforcement Director, met briefly with the Commissioners at this time instead of at 11:30 a.m.  He updated the Board about his recent 2004 departmental audit, noting that it went very well – only a few minor issues were noted.   The issues will be discussed with Maximus, the company who figures the indirect costs for various county departments.

 

He also updated the Board on state and federal issues concerning IRS information kept in some client’s files.  His staff is in the process of attending training to understand and implement internal controls to keep these files secure.    

 

Finally, he discussed his department’s indirect cost payment percentage, which has fluctuated in recent months.  He will keep Sherry Carnahan, Deputy Clerk-Fiscal, informed of any changes.

 

 

9:30 a.m.      General Session      Commissioners approved and signed various resolutions, contracts and documents, approved several travel requests, reviewed the agenda items and the calendar of events, discussed upcoming meetings and updated information for the calendar of events.

 

On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Nicely signed the Notice of Award, Notice to Proceed, Notice of Commencement and the contract books for the Manville Road project.

 

 

10:00 a.m.    Warren Schlatter, County Engineer, scheduled to present his weekly update at this time, cancelled due to a meeting conflict.  General Session continued through this time slot.

 

 

10:30 a.m.    Kim Moss, General Health District Commissioner, met with the Board regarding wastewater treatment/sewage systems.  Russ Herman, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, also attended.  The selection and siting of wastewater treatment systems has been an inconsistent process, not just in Ohio, but nationally.  Little or no thought has been given to understanding the dynamics of the systems and the potential impacts on ground water and surface waters. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the new sewage laws and regulations, and knowing that there are multiple sewage problem issues in Defiance County, Kim requested the Board’s support in forming an advisory committee to obtain input from all concerned parties such as: government, homeowners, contractors, septic haulers, realtors, planning, Soil and Water, and OSU Extension.  The success or failure of a management program depends significantly on public acceptance and political support, adequate funding, capable and trained technical and field staff and clear, concise legal authority, regulations and enforcement mechanisms.

 

The Board asked Kim to put a list of prospective committee members for the Board’s review before approving the committee.  Russ will check the legal aspect of wastewater treatment/septic systems and/or setting up treatment districts.   

 

 

11:00 a.m.    Jerry Overmier, Beilharz Architects, gave a remodeling update regarding Defiance County-East.  Ron Cereghin, Maintenance Supervisor, also attended the meeting.  Jerry submitted a plan and estimated costs of approximately $58,000 to finish the proposed GED classroom at the facility.  The Board will discuss this proposal with Dennis McKay, Job and Family Services Director, before a decision to proceed is made.      

 

Mr. Overmier discussed the programmable doors for the facility.  Some of the entrance doors will be programmed to unlock and lock at specific hours, but need a card to unlock them during off hours.  

 

Remodeling is still progressing well, but contractors are a little behind their schedule. 

 

He also reviewed the proposed renovations to the metal maintenance buildings at DCE.  Jerry is in the process of preparing an estimate for the work. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approved for news release:          _____________________________

                                                  Otto L. Nicely, Commissioner