NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 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, County Administrator, Cara Brown, Clerk, and Joanne Goerlitz, Deputy Clerk.

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. The bid for the Flory Road Bridge replacement was awarded to Stable Construction Company, LLC out of Painesville, Ohio in the amount of $259,952.00.

The Commissioners would like to remind the public that County will not be holding the annual auction in October and now disposes of unneeded, obsolete or unfit personal property through an internet auction. The website to access the auction and auction items is www.govdeals.com.

Laura Howell, Administrator, presented her weekly update to the Commissioners. Laura reminded the Board that the Ohio Department of Agriculture was scheduled to apply aerial treatment for the Gypsy Month this morning in a section of Milford Township, between Heisler and Cicero Roads.

The Courthouse, Courthouse Annex and the Commissioners building have had a new phone system installed and a switchover to the new system is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 21^st. If any disruptions occur, they should be minimal. The Commissioners ask that the public keep this in mind if they need to call these County buildings on the 21^st.

Today, May 15^th, marks Peace Officer’s Memorial Day. The Commissioners would like to express their gratitude to all men and women who have served or are serving as law enforcement officials and protecting the citizens of Defiance County.

Randy Vogel, Dog Warden, presented his April 2008 report to the Commissioners. In April, Randy reported that were 159 complaints and that 324 personal contacts were made. Thirty-one (31) warnings and 44 citations were given. Randy transported 1,620 pounds of animals to the landfill.

John Horns, ProMedica Regional President, Jack Morasch, Administrative Director of Ground Transportation for ProMedica, Matt Phillips and Chad Premo of ProMedica met with the Commissioners to discuss providing EMS service to the northwestern end of the County. ProMedica advised that they are interested and would like time to review some statistics before making a decision. Once they have had time to review the information they will contact the County.

Release Approved: ____________________________________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Defiance County Commissioner