NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 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, November 16, 2006. Chairman Thomas L. Kime called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioner Richard L. Cromwell, 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. The Commissioners reviewed agenda items, discussed upcoming meetings, reviewed, and updated the calendar of events.

Judge Schmenk and Jim Dennis, Director of CCNO met with Commissioners along with Bob Arend of Arend Enterprises to discuss installing video arraignment equipment in the courthouse.

The Commissioners discussed the transportation of the prisoners from CCNO in the various Four County court systems. With the use of video arraignment equipment, there would be fewer offenders in the courthouses therefore alleviating the flow of traffic.

The Commissioners are going to meet with Sheriff Westrick to discuss video arraignment. They question what the savings will be for Defiance County and question what kind of an impact this would have on the Sheriff’s Department and the number of hours spent on transporting and supervising the prisoners.

CCNO currently has three stations up and running for video arraignment. Mr. Dennis advised they have the capability of installing a fourth station if necessary.

The Commissioners met with Ken Keller of First Insurance and Investments regarding the countywide insurance coverage. The Commissioners advised Ken they will remain self insured.

Becky Wagner, Defiance County Administrator met with the Commissioners for her weekly update.

Becky informed the Commissioners that she spoke with Defiance County Engineer Warren Schlatter regarding the Schick Road Canoe Launch Site. Warren advised that the project is staked and is ready for the contractor to begin work.

Becky also mentioned advising Warren of the number of signs needed to direct people to the canoe launch sites. There will be three to four locations where the signs will be posted directing where the launch sites are located.

Becky informed Commissioners that she spoke with Poggemeyer Design group regarding the Pontiac Park boat ramp project. Becky advised the Board that Poggemeyer has already been contacted by Judge Ruyle to get the project completed before the deadline.

Becky also advised the Commissioners that she spoke with Defiance County Maintenance Supervisor Ron Cereghin about meeting with the City of Defiance to obtain the permit for the demolition of the old county hospital.

The Commissioners met with Randy Vogel to review his October report. Randy responded to 120 complaints, made 239 personal contacts, drove 2,555 miles during the month of October, took 23 dogs to the shelter, and took 1,760 pounds of euthanized animals to the landfill.

Randy also reported dog tags will go on sale December 1 and the fee will be $12.00 per license.

Tina Hiler, Director of Defiance County Senior Center came in for an update. Tina mentioned there would be a Christmas dinner for seniors at the VFW on December 14 at 5:30 p.m.

Tina also discussed the Defiance County Senior Services newsletter. The newsletter goes to approximately 1,200 homes now. Tina’s staff has been making the copies on their printer. Tina requested that they be allowed to take the newsletter to a local printer, as the cost would not exceed their current expenses of producing it.

Tina also mentioned she is working with Julie Fowler, Director of Defiance County Emergency Management on setting up a Pandemic Flu Policy that will include all elements of proper food handling, and serving safety.

The Senior Center is also working on many building fundraisers for the new Senior Center. There will be an auction at the K of C in February, a Turkey Shoot in March sponsored by the Fish & Game and a breakfast with the Easter Bunny sponsored by Applebee’s in April.

The Senior Center will be selling Sam Hornish Jr. Christmas Ornaments at the Northtowne Mall in Defiance on Saturday, November 18 beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the ornaments sell. Tina reported there are 500 ornaments and Sam Hornish has personally signed each ornament. The cost is $25.00 per ornament.

News Release Approved: __________________________________________________

Commissioner/ Chairman – Thomas L. Kime