NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 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 Thursday, June 8, 2006. Chairman Thomas L. Kime called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioner’s Richard L. Cromwell, Otto Nicely, County Administrator Becky Wagner, Clerk Lyla Gurwell, and Deputy Clerk Joanne Goerlitz.

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.

On Wednesday, June 7, 2006, the Commissioners held an emergency session at 10:00 a.m. to appoint Dr. Paul E. Brose M. D. as acting Coroner to replace Dr. James L. Preston, M. D. whose retirement was official as of June 7, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. Dr. Brose was sworn in by Judge Schmenk.

Ron Cereghin, Maintenance Supervisor came in to talk with the Commissioners about tree removal out near the Defiance County East Walking Path. Ron mentioned he had discussion with Bruce Clevenger, OSU Extension Educator regarding the trees. Bruce viewed the trees in the area and recommended that several trees would need to be removed because of diseased or completely dead. The most effective way to keep the healthy trees in good condition is to remove those that could potentially cause problems for growth and development in the future. The Commissioners instructed Mr. Cereghin to get quotes to remove the dead and diseased trees. New trees will be planted I selected areas to replace those being taken out so the site is not compromised.

Becky Wagner, Administrator mentioned she has had discussion with a representative of Clear Channel to set up future interviews with the Commissioners to be shown on Channel 26. The interviews would initially be focused on keeping the public informed about the issues related to the Courthouse Reconstruction Project.

Tina Hiler, Director of Defiance County Senior Center came in to talk to the Commissioners about the procedure for bidding a vehicle to deliver meals to Defiance County Seniors.

Tina will be advertising for a new vehicle (Hot Shot) in the next few weeks. The new vehicle will need to be a new model, with refrigeration and oven modifications. Delivery of the new vehicle would need to be within 90 days from the date the bid is awarded.

Tina also discussed advertising with HIX TV, Public Access Television operated by the Village of Hicksville. Tina advised the Commissioners this would benefit the Senior Center and their goal to build a new facility.

Tina also discussed the opportunity to be a host agency to the Experience Works Senior Workforce Solutions Program. This program would benefit seniors and rural citizens and will help participants set employment goals and receive training and experience. The participants work with staff to put together a plan about how they will get a job once they are off of the program. The length of time on the program varies for each participant and is based on individual training needs.

Tina also discussed the changes to the PASSPORT Policy. This program helps to administer therapeutic meals and insures documentation of a physicians or dietician’s authorization for therapeutic meals as part of the PASSPORT Program.

Tina also discussed her attendance at an upcoming meeting in Toledo for the Area Office on Aging. Tina indicated the meeting will focus on funding for the Area Office on Aging.

Tina mentioned the Defiance County Senior Center Auxiliary would like to use a Hot-Shot and a bus for the Ice-Cream Social to be held at Latty’s Grove on July 28, 2006. The event will feature musical entertainment and home-made ice-cream.

News Release Approved: ______________________________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Commissioner