NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2008

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2008 in the Conference Room in the Commissioners Office at 500 Court Street, Suite A, Defiance, Ohio 43512. Chairman Thomas L. Kime called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioners James E. Harris, Jr. and Otto L. Nicely, Laura Howell, Administrator, Cara Brown, Clerk, and Joanne Goerlitz, Deputy Clerk.

Russ Herman, Defiance County Assistant Prosecutor, met briefly with the Commissioners. Mr. Herman updated the Board on legal matters in the Prosecutor's office.

The Commissioners met in General Session and approved and signed various resolutions, contracts and documents, approved several travel requests, reviewed the agenda items and the calendar of events and discussed upcoming meetings.

Warren Schlatter, Defiance County Engineer, met with the Commissioner to provide an update. Warren advised that he has been working with Larry Woods, First Insurance and Investments, on the County structures that CORSA (County Risk Sharing Authority) has reported being in a flood zone. There are three (3) structures that Warrens is working on.

Jim Stinehelfer, Jr., Executive Director of Defiance County Fair Foundation, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the Fair Foundation. The Fair Foundation was set up to help raise money for capital improvements at the fairgrounds. Jim advised that he has worked with numerous radio stations and newspapers to spread the word about the Foundation. Jim advised that the Foundation holds Board Meetings once a month out at the Emergency Management Building. The Commissioners advised Jim that they are supportive of the Foundation and would like to see what amount of funds the Foundation can raise before any monetary commitment is made from the County.

Rita Kissner and Cindy Mack, Defiance Development & Visitor’s Bureau, met with the Commissioners to discuss the progress of the Downtown Boat Docks. Rita and Cindy have contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft, regarding grant funding for this project and there is money available. As the land where the docks will be located is both County and City property, the County and City will be working together to satisfy the requirements of the grant pertaining to the land. The Board of Commissioners will be submitting an application for these available funds.

This grant provides up to 100% reimbursement assistance to eligible political subdivisions and state/federal agencies for acquiring, improving, and/or developing recreational boating access. The application must be submitted by April 1, 2008. A decision on the application is expected to be made by July and construction would be expected to begin a year or two after the awarding of the grant.

John Brownlee, CORSA Representative, Michael Adams, Turner Lightning Company, and Sheriff Dave Westrick met with the Commissioners to discuss lightning protection for the County buildings/equipment, especially the Sheriffs Office equipment. Michael advised that he would be submitting his findings report and will make a recommendation.

Sheriff Westrick, Mike Shock, Gary Plotts and Kevin Fackler, Defiance County Sheriff Deputies, met with the Commissioners to sign the contract agreement between the Defiance County Sheriff and the Defiance County Deputies Association.

Release Approved: ____________________________________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Defiance County Commissioner