NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2006

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. in the Hicksville Village Council Room, Hicksville, Ohio on Thursday, September 7, 2006. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Thomas L. Kime. Also present were Commissioner’s Richard Cromwell, Otto L. Nicely and Deputy Clerk, Sherry Carnahan.

General Session – The Commissioners were presented with various resolutions and documents for approval. Commissioners also reviewed agenda items, discussed upcoming meetings, reviewed, and updated the calendar of events.

The Commissioners received word of the award of the 2006 Community Housing Improvement Program Grant from the Ohio Department of Development. The amount awarded to Defiance County was $500,000. Grant Activities include Owner Occupied Rehabilitation in the amount of $316,000, Owner Occupied Home and Building Repair in the amount of $59,000, and Down payment acquisition in the amount of $89,000.

Program activities include private rehabilitation to nine (9) owner occupied homes, lead safe assistance to nine (9) homes, Home Repair assistance to, six (6) privately owned homes and provide down-payment assistance to three (3) households. Homeowner counseling will be provided both prior to and after purchase.

Maumee Valley Planning Organization will be administering the grant, which should be available in January of 2007.

The Commissioners signed the Public At-Grade Railroad Crossing Agreement between Defiance County Commissioners, Maumee and Western Railroads and the Ohio Department of Transportation. The agreement is for the U.S. 24 project, which involves Ashwood Road in Defiance, County and several sections of roadway in Paulding County.

The Commissioners authorized Poggemeyer Design Group to survey the Auglaize Sewer project properties where the lagoon will be located. The Board currently holds options to purchase this land.

The Board reviewed the County Administrator’s weekly report. The plans for the Schick Road canoe launch site have been sent to the State for approval. A pre-bid meeting will be set up with the contractors as soon as the plans are approved.

Becky also reported on the painting being done at the airport. The painter for the airport contacted her in regards to the color of the main office building. Becky advised them to stay with the earth tones that are currently on the other buildings.

News Release Approved: ______________________________________________

Becky Wagner, County Operations Manager/ Administrator