DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2003

NEWS RELEASE

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met at 8:30 a.m. in the Conference Room of the Board of Commissioners, 500 Court Street, Defiance, Ohio 43512 on Thursday, September 18, 2003. The meeting was called to order by Thomas Kime, Chairman. Present were Commissioners Thomas L. Kime, Otto L. Nicely and Richard L. Cromwell. Also present was Becky Wagner, Administrator, Alison Grimes, Clerk, and Joan Brown, Deputy Clerk.

8:30 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.

The Commissioners also reviewed data regarding CCNO’s (Regional Jail) monthly bed usage, revenue and expenses.

9:15 a.m. Bruce Fortier and Charlotte Williams, County residents, stopped in to update the Board of their concerns regarding the composting at Garden Ridge Nursery. Neighboring residents have hired an attorney to pursue what they feel are illegal composting issues. The EPA has cited Garden Ridge several times for improper procedure. Charlotte told the Board of an upcoming meeting in Grand Rapids. On Saturday, September 27, a Tri-State Watchdog Watershed Workshop will be held that will provide information on large animal operations, large composting sites, etc. They will keep the Board informed of future meetings/activities.

9:30 a.m. Becky Wagner, Administrator, presented her weekly update at this time. A health insurance plan meeting has been set for Monday, October 6. Sharon Scheuerman, Deputy Auditor, will notify the County Health Insurance Committee of the meeting.

Ron Cereghin, Maintenance Supervisor, notified Becky that the boiler at the Evergreen Lane Office Complex is scheduled for replacement during the second week of October.

A Defiance County website link will be available on the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) website, beginning today. Information concerning the upcoming County Auction (October 11) may also be found on the County’s website. The County’s website address is: www.defiance-county.com.

Commissioner Cromwell left at 10:25 a.m. to attend a CCAO Legislative Committee meeting in Columbus.

10:30 a.m. Kim Moss and Craig Richards of the County Health District met with the Board regarding House Bill 231. This House Bill 231 refers to rules, regulations, installation, and penalties regarding septic systems. The group reviewed the various additions/changes to the bill. Kim noted that the Health District Board meets next week and will also review the bill.

The Board also updated Kim and Craig on the morning’s meeting with Bruce Fortier and Charlotte Williams concerning Garden Ridge Nursery and brought them up-to-date regarding the latest funding information about the Indian Bridge Lane Project.

Today’s meeting adjourned at 11:08 a.m.

Approved for news release: _____________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Commissioner