At the October 7, 2015 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, Charlie Patterson, Director, Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD), requested that the county budget $50,000 in 2016 for treatment of a multidrug resistant case of tuberculosis (TB).

Patterson made the request because during the past year, the CCCHD has been treating a resident of the county for a multidrug resistant case. Currently, there are four drugs used to treat TB and in this case, the disease is not responding to two of the four drugs. As a result, the disease is more difficult to treat and requires more treatments for a longer period.

In the past, most counties funded a levy to control TB; however, for Clark County that levy has lapsed. Furthermore, in recent years the disease has had a significant resurgence because of immigrants from and travels to regions of the world where the disease is not well controlled.

According to Ohio Law, each county is charged with picking up the cost of treatment of TB cases in which the victim does not have third party insurance. Most cases are simple and can be treated for approximately $1000 dollars. However, in this case the CCCHD has encountered a version of the disease that is quite difficult and far more costly to treat. The Springfield Medical Center has been extremely helpful in providing many of the infusions for the patient; however, the total cost for the two-year treatment program will eventually reach around $250,000. Patterson estimates that of the total cost for treatment, approximately $50,000 will not be covered and requested that the commissioners include in the 2016 budget funds to cover the shortfall.

Because of the severity of the case, the patient has had to remain in isolation, unable to work because of the possibility of spreading the disease. Therefore, in addition to medical expenses the CCCHD has provided housing and basic necessities to the patient. Although the patient is no longer contagious and can return to work, the patient must remain in regular treatment for another year to ensure that the disease has been eradicated. The patient had been treated in the past; however, the treatment was not completed and the disease returned. The CCCHD has convinced the patient of the necessity to complete the treatment this time.

Treatment is labor intensive because not only does the patient need to remain in isolation, but, medical personnel must observe the patient taking the medications multiple times per day and ensure that the patient follows all of the rules to prevent spreading the disease.

Although the commissioners did not take immediate action, Nathan Kennedy, County Administrator, committed to including $50,000 in the 2016 budget to cover the costs for TB treatments not covered by any other entity.

In addition, Patterson reported that the CCCHD had purchased property from the county several years ago. However, they discovered that the sign for the CCCHD is located on county property and requested that the county issue an easement agreement for an indefinite time for a 20’X20’ section of the county property for $1 per year for placement of the sign. Kennedy instructed his staff to prepare an easement agreement.

For the Engineer’s Department, the commissioners authorized a contract with FDC Enterprises, Inc. for the 2016 Weed Control Program for $8,400 for the fiscal year 2016.

They also authorized two grant submissions to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC).

The first grant is for the Derr Road Improvement project for $1,040,140. These funds are to match federal funds. The second grant is to replace Bridge #1057 on Old Columbus Road over Sinking Creek scheduled for 2016. The grant is for $525,400. Both grants are effective July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017. John Detrick, Commissioner commented, “John Burr, Engineer, is to be commended for his efforts to secure these funds for local road improvements.”

In other engineering news, Greg Morris, Superintendent of Clark/Shawnee School district expressed his concerns about the safety of the intersection where the Clark/Shawnee High School is located.

According to Burr, Clark/Shawnee, Greenon and Northeastern are all located at intersections that consist of a 2-way stop and a through road. According to Burr based on state laws none of these intersections warrant a 4-way stop, a stoplight or a reduction in speed limit based on traffic volume, number of accidents, or posted speed. He reported, “Approximately 40,000 students attend these schools. Because of the large number of inexperienced drivers passing though these intersections, I suggest that the county place flashing beacons on the both the intersection and stop signs. This way drivers will have a more visible reminder as they approach the area.” He indicated that he already has posts in stock and the work force to install the beacons. He estimated that it would take four to six weeks to acquire the resources at a cost of approximately $40,000, which would cover four signs at the three intersections.

Morris said, “My first choice would be to install a stoplight or a four-way stop. I also believe we can get an exception from ODOT to install these even though the intersections do not meet state requirements. We have changed the student parking lot so students no longer exit onto Selma Road. I appreciate any help from the commissioners and would also recommend that we install rumble strips to get the attention of drivers going too fast.”

Burr disagreed, “We cannot get an exception. However, rumble strips can be installed.”

Hyacinth Anderson, a resident who lives near Clark/Shawnee expressed her concern about the noise level generated by the rumble strips. She asked, “What is the decibel level of rumble strips?”

Burr was unable to give her an estimate of noise level.

Detrick pushed for an add-on to the agenda to approve the funding for the beacons. However, David Herier, Commissioner, requested that the commissioners wait on Richard Lohnes, Commissioner, who was not in attendance, to vote on the funding. He said, “Lohnes has been very involved in this discussion for a long time. I am opposed to cutting him out of the discussion.” The commissioners decided to postpone a decision until the next meeting when Lohnes will attend.

For the Emergency Management Agency Director, the commissioners authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Salvation Army to provide facilities and a generator for use in a local emergency or disaster for $0.00 for an indefinite period.

For the Community Development Director, they authorized a contract with Bellefeuil, Szur, & Associates for the use of BS&A Software for $63,355 effective October 7, 2015. The software provides building regulations and permits for new buildings and building renovations. The new software will integrate with the software now being used by the Auditor’s Office and will also be used to issue permits for Madison County.

For the Solid Waste Director, the commissioners amended the contract with Rumpke of Ohio, Inc. The contract was increased by $24,500 and extended for one year for service single stream co-mingled recyclables for the solid waste district drop-off facilities.

For the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), the commissioners cancelled the current contract with One Way Services for Youth for $75,000 effective October 7, 2015 because the county has two contracts with the organization. The second contract will remain in effect and funding was not reduced by the cancellation.

In regular business, the commissioners appointed Joan Elder to replace Diane VanAuker as a member of the Board of Directors of the Clark County Convention Facilities Authority for a term to expire November 1, 2019.

They also amended the County Recorder’s Proposal for the Acquisition or Maintenance of Equipment or Contract Services to collect a $7.00 fee to be placed in the general fund for each document processed until January 1, 2019.

In addition, they authorized a MOU between the Commissioners and the Clark County Agriculture Society for $35,000 to repair the Youth Building Roof at the fairgrounds, which the county owns. Detrick also expressed his concern regarding the condition of the other buildings located at the fairgrounds and owned by the county. He said, “I would like to see a listing of needed repairs and a maintenance plan. The Mercantile building Roof leaks and is in bad shape.”

David Herier added, “We need a capital improvement plan for the fair grounds.”

Kennedy said, “This is a behavioral issue. I would like them to come to us with a plan. It is the end of the year and budgets are tight. This improvement was not budgeted.” He added, that he would have either Michael Shank or Tom Hale, who work for the county, inspect the properties and provide assistant with planning, condition evaluation and estimates for repair.

The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for October 14, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room at 50 E. Columbia Street.

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