Clark County Commissioners Accept Amended Agreement with ODOT
At the September 6, 2017 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, the commissioners authorized an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the County Engineer to revise the estimated cost of the Derr Road Construction Project. The total estimated cost is $5,487,000. ODOT will provide 80% of the cost up to $4,160,500 and $156,638 in federal funds for the construction and construction engineering/inspection activities. In addition, ODOT will provide 80% of the cost up to $371,314.40 for the design. In addition, ODOT will cover 100% of the cost up to $224.474.50 for right of way activities.
In addition, the commissioners approved the last payment to the Humane Society Serving Clark County for $6,666.67. They also canceled the contract with the Humane Society effective August 31, 2017. According to County Administrator Jennifer Hutchinson, the Humane Society is looking for a smaller building and hope to continue offering services on a smaller scale.
For the Sheriff’s Department, the commissioners authorized the purchase of three vehicles including a 2007 Cadillac SRX SUV, 2013 Ford Fusion SE Sedan and a 2007 Chevy Uplander LS Mini-Van from Coughlin Automotive for a total cost of $24,350.50.
In other business, Commissioner Melanie Flax-Wilt reported that Champagne County contacted her to talk about the Strategic Plan process.
In addition, Flax-Wilt said that the Keep Clark County Beautiful is starting a fund raising plan. The committee is working with the Solid Waste Management Department and is looking at options to allow residents to donate to the fund through their regular bills.
Commissioner Richard Lohnes said, “I received a call from a resident in Enon who reported that the county sewer system backed up into his basement. The resident’s insurance coverage did not cover the whole cost for the cleanup and repair. He wanted to know if county could help with the expenses.” Lohnes will follow up with Solid Waste Director Chuck Bauer.
Commissioner Lowell McGlothin reminded the commissioners of the Heritage of Flight Festival the September 29, 2017 through October 1, 2017 in New Carlisle.
Clerk of Courts Melissa Tuttle addressed the commissioners concerning two issues that have come to her attention. Jurors have asked her if the county provides free parking or parking validation for jury duty. Clerk Megan Burr said, “Free parking is available in a parking lot east of the post office. Notification of where to parking used to be sent with the summons.” She agreed to check to see if the parking information is still provided.
Tuttle also expressed her concern about quarantine notifications. She said, “We are not getting these notifications in a timely manner.” Hutchinson explained that the current email software requires scanning of all attachments, which slows the process. She reported that the IT department is aware of the issue and is looking at new software to address the problem.
Hutchinson also said that the RFP for the combined 911 center was issued on September 5, 2017. She said, “We have 15 vendors who have responded. We hope to select a vendor by mid-October.”
Lohnes said, “The County has committed to moving their 911 center out of the Sheriff’s office and to upgrading to Next Generation 911 services that will recognize cell phones.”
The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for September 13, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. in the commissioners’ conference room at 50 E Columbia Street.
Posted September 9, 2017