NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 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 Otto L. Nicely and James E. Harris, Jr., Laura Howell, Administrator, Stephanie Metz, Clerk, and Lanie Miller, Deputy Clerk.

The Commissioners met in General Session and approved and signed various resolutions, contracts and documents. The Commissioners also reviewed the calendar of events and discussed upcoming meetings.

Laura Howell, Administrator, met with the Board to provide her weekly update with various department and project updates. Laura reported that 182 residents have connected to the Auglaize River Sewer System. Certified letters were sent to property owners that have not yet connected to the system.

Randy Vogel, Defiance County Dog Warden, met with the Commissioners for an update. Randy reported during the month of March investigating 134 calls that resulted in 17 dogs taken to the shelter, 34 warnings issued and 20 citations issued. There was 4,194 miles driven and $550.00 received in Municipal Court Fines. Year to date there has been $74,825.00 collected for dog tags, compared to $77,184.00 in 2011. Randy reported that he is continuing to attend many trainings regarding HB14 (to remove pit bulls from the definition of "vicious dog" in state law, to define a "nuisance dog," to change the definitions of a "dangerous dog" and a "vicious dog," to require the owner of a dangerous dog to obtain a dangerous dog registration certificate, etc.). HB14 goes into effect on May 22, 2012. Randy informed the Board that the requirements from HB14 will entail a considerable amount of work. Information is continuing to be distributed by the State to the County Dog Wardens regarding implementation of HB14.

Tina Hiler, Defiance County Senior Services Director, met with the Commissioners for an update. Tina reported the Senior Prom is being held on May 16, 2012 at the Defiance Eagles with the band Memory Lane. The Auxiliary Garage Sale/Bake Sale is being held at the Senior Center on April 26 & 27 from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm and on April 28 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Commissioners attended the Defiance County Township Association Quarterly Meeting at the Sherwood VFW.

On Wednesday, the Commissioners met with Paulding County Commissioners, Defiance County Job & Family Services Director Jack Graf, and Paulding County Job & Family Services Director Corey Walker to discuss combining the position of Job & Family Services Director for both Counties. More information is being collected by the State on consolidation details and logistics. The Boards will make a decision at a later date.

Release Approved: ____________________________________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Defiance County Commissioner