DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2002

NEWS RELEASE

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in the Conference Room of the Board at 500 Court Street, Defiance, Ohio at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2002. Present on this date were: Commissioners Otto L. Nicely, Thomas L. Kime and Richard L. Cromwell, Becky Wagner, Administrator, Alison Grimes, Clerk and Joan Brown, Deputy Clerk.

8:30 a.m. Russ Herman, Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, met briefly with the Commissioners to present information concerning an Ohio Revised Code question There was no need to update them on various documents pending his review as Mr. Herman is up-to-date on all documents.

8:30 a.m. Commissioners reviewed the agenda for the day and signed a number of resolutions presented by the Clerk. Commissioners also reviewed and approved the FY2003 General Fund budget in the amount of $9,306,044.94.

9:30 a.m. Gaylon Davis, County Engineer, presented his weekly update for the Commissioners. He received approval from the Commissioners to proceed with the reconstruction of a bridge on Scott Road, east of Ridenour, by force account. At 9:52 a.m. Gaylon requested EXECUTIVE SESSION regarding Personnel (ORC 121.22 (G) (1)).

10:00 a.m. Jerry Overmier, Beilharz Architects, met with the Commissioners for an update on the Courthouse Renovation Project. Also attending the meeting was Todd Helberg, Crescent-News and Ash Clemens, representing the Ability Center. Jerry reviewed information regarding various issues. Some of the issues discussed included: City codes regarding building height restrictions, security issues, court needs, square footage needs for different departments, situating certain departments next to each other and parking. Mr. Overmier was requested to submit costs on renovating the existing facility versus tearing down the Courthouse and replacing it with a new, four-storey facility. The County has made an application for grant funding from the Federal Government but has not yet received an answer.

11:00 a.m. Kim Moss, County Health Commissioner, met with the Commissioners with an update of departmental activities. The group discussed parking issues once the Clinic builds its addition. Ms. Moss was concerned that parking for the public would be compromised, but the Commissioners felt there will be enough room even though the Clinic’s addition will cover a large amount of current parking spaces.

Phase I of the smallpox vaccinations will begin in Bryan. Phase II needs to be completed within 45 days of Phase I.

The group also briefly discussed the Indian Bridge Lane Sewer Project and the Auglaize River Sewer Project. The Health Department’s Board will meet in January where they will pass a resolution of necessity requiring the residents of Indian Bridge Lane to hook into the new sewer system.

The Health Department is considering the implementation of a Nutrition Counseling Program for obese children. A representative would go into the home to observe what types of meals are being prepared for the child. Kim was informed that Barb Roehrs at the OSU Extension Office may already have a program in effect similar to this. She will check with Barb to see what the Extension Office offers.

1:30 p.m. Karen Tubbs, County Treasurer, Jean Ziegler, Clerk of Courts and Tim Houck, Landfill Manager, met with the Commissioners for the 4^th Quarter Investment Advisory Committee meeting. The group reviewed figures submitted by the Treasurer’s office and found all investments, plus the Landfill’s Closure and Post Closure accounts to be in order.

At 2:45 p.m., Susan Jackson, Job and Family Services Interim Director, stopped in to see the Commissioners. Commissioners requested EXECUTIVE SESSION regarding Personnel (ORC 121.22 (G) (1)). After EXECUTIVE SESSION, Susan updated the Board on Workforce Development and One Stop issues.

Approved for news release: _____________________________

Otto L. Nicely, Commissioner