NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 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, August 21 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.

The Commissioners approved a Resolution to adopt the County Wide Sales & Use Tax Increase.

The passage of the tax increase in November would allow the Defiance County Commissioners to levy a tax of 1/2% for 4 years which would then be reduced to ¼% for an additional 4 years to fund the project.

The Board took into consideration the public input and determined that the construction of a new County Courthouse and related parking was the best available option to meet the current and future needs of the County. The Sales and Use Tax increase will be put before the electors of Defiance County on the November 7, 2006 ballot.

The Commissioners also approved a Resolution to adopt an emergency plan for animals in case of a disaster. The purpose of the agreement is to identify the organizations and individuals that have a role in disaster animal management and to define the role and responsibilities of local animal response personnel during an emergency to help provide for the protection of citizens and animals (both wild and domestic) from the effects of natural and man-made disasters.

Warren Schlatter, Defiance County Engineer came in for his weekly update. Warren informed the Commissioners both of the Fountain Street Road bridges were opened last week.

Warren also discussed working on site plans for the Schick Road Canoe Launch project.

Crews also continue working on paving at the Elliott Road project site.

Warren also submitted final costs for the Harper Road Bridge replacement. The Defiance County Highway Crews replaced the old structure with 60’ of 90” reinforced concrete circular pipe. Labor and materials for the project total $34,290.

The Commissioners also met with Defiance County Sheriff, Dave Westrick and Lt. Chris Clawson along with Funeral Directors within Defiance County as well as Karen Weaver from Defiance Regional Medical Center and Laura Szabo, Chief of the Hicksville Police Department. The Commissioners discussed what the normal procedures are when there is a fatality within the county and who transports the deceased persons(s).

Sheriff Westrick mentioned there are many variables that come into play when a fatality occurs. The road conditions are a factor along with the weather and if the coroner is able to get to the scene in a timely manner and if the deceased is from Defiance county or out County or out of state.

The Sheriff along with the Funeral Directors agreed there has not been an issue when requested by the Sheriff’s Department to transport the deceased to the Funeral Home or to a medical facility until the decision has been made by a family member where to take the deceased.

The Commissioners then met with the Defiance County Humane Society to discuss the possibility of a new structure out at their site. Josh O’Hara, Director, Mariella Pardo, and Linda Ceda, Humane Society Board Members asked if the barn at the shelter location could be taken down to make room for a new building which would be a memorial to Fred and Ruth Daoust and would be used as a Canine Exercise Center.

The Commissioners would like to see quotes to build an exercise center to the west of the current shelter. The Commissioners suggested they contact Soil & Water to assist them in finding a location for the exercise center.

News Release Approved: ______________________________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Commissioner