NEWS RELEASE

Monday, April 17, 2017

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2017 in the Commissioners’ Session Room at 500 Court Street, Defiance, Ohio 43512. Commissioner Ryan Mack called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioners Gary Plotts and Mick Pocratsky, Sherry Carnahan, Finance Manager/Administrator, and Stephanie Metz, 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.

The Commissioners certified the March Solid Waste Disposal Submittal Forms for the Landfill facilities. Defiance Township, as the host government agency received $2,299.09. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) also received $1,602.18 for the construction, & demolition debris (C&DD) waste. Monthly (MSW) Disposal fees paid to the Ohio EPA for the Defiance County Landfill was $32,569.97. The Four County Solid Waste District received $11,606.94.

The Commissioners passed a resolution expressing to the General Assembly the need for funding support to Ohio’s 88 county soil & water conservation districts. Defiance County Commissioners recognize the economic challenges facing Defiance County and the State of Ohio. Defiance County Commissioners seek to increase economic growth and job development in Defiance County and the State of Ohio. Defiance County Commissioners recognize that conservation programs are a critical component to the sustainability of economic development, food development, water quality and the environment, and the quality of life. Defiance County Commissioners value the technical assistance, services and programs the Defiance County Soil and Water Conservation District provide to Defiance County and the State of Ohio. Defiance County Commissioners recognize that strong funding is necessary to enhance urban, suburban, and rural environmental quality provide for productive soils and clean waters; forestry and wildlife management; improve public health; build sustainable economies and attractive communities; protect fertile farmland and important open spaces; create and maintain adequate recreational opportunities and accompanying infrastructure. Defiance County Commissioners believe the Defiance County Soil and Water Conservation District is a cost effective and efficient intergovernmental partnership which leverages local, state and federal funding for the purpose of keeping our county viable and protecting a way of life. Defiance County Commissioners financially support the Defiance County Soil and Water Conservation District. Defiance County Commissioners support and urge SWCD state match funding to secured to the 1:1 level by the Ohio General Assembly, so that Ohio’s 88 county SWCD’s can continue providing critical conservation programs and practices needed to keep Ohio’s soils productive and water clean, aiding our economy, and enhancing our environment for the quality of life for all Ohioans

Warren Schlatter, Defiance County Engineer, met with the Commissioners to open the bids for the 2017 Cement Stabilization Project. The following bids were received: Tenmile Creek Excavating - $158,116.60 and Tri-Mor Corp - $168,519.94; the Engineer’s pre-bid estimate is $169,500.00. The Commissioners took the bids under advisement and will award at a later date.

Amanda Decasare and Rusty Orben, CSX; and Jill Henry and Randall Schumacher, PUCO, met with the Commissioners to discuss the grade crossings on Ashwood Road, Jacobs Road and Tittle Road. There is a project proposed to eliminate the grade crossings on these roads by building a new road parallel to the railroad. PUCO has issued direction to CSX that all three of these grade crossings be eliminated due to safety concerns. All three of these roads are dead-end roads crossed by the CSX railroad.

Jerry Hayes, Defiance County Economic Development, met with the Commissioners, to provide a monthly update.

Greg Reinhart and Janalee Rethmel, Defiance County Wastewater Operations, met with the Commissioners to provide a monthly update. Greg reported the following repairs being completed in March: replaced a bad float at River Chase; quarterly grease and oil at all pump stations and plants. In March there was $57,800.34 billed out, $114,643.51 collected and $53,841.35 in expenses.

Russ Herman, Defiance County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on various legal matters.

The Investment Advisory Committee of Vickie Myers (Defiance County Treasurer), and the Commissioners met for the First Quarter Investment Advisory Meeting. Ryan Nelson, Redtree Investment Group, and Warren Schlatter, Landfill Manager, also attended the meeting. The Defiance County Investment Portfolio, Landfill Closure Portfolio and Post Closure Portfolio were approved.

Judge Schmenk, Defiance County Common Pleas Court, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on staffing.

On Friday, April 21^st at Noon, the Commissioners are hosting a Lunch on the Road at Sherwood Pizza & Subs.

Release Approved: ____________________________________________________

Ryan Mack, Defiance County Commissioner