At the February 1, 2017 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Executive Director Elaina Bradley provided the Clark County Commissioners with an overview of the work and current needs of IHN. She said, “IHN’s purpose is to help individuals and families overcome homelessness.” In her presentation, Bradley noted that there are three prominent reasons for homelessness. First, they don’t have enough income. Second they can’t find affordable housing. And third they don’t have access to health care or social support services, which prevent them from earning a livable wage. During 2016, IHN served 428 individuals approximately half of which were children. She noted, “Clients receive access to meals, supportive services, transportation assistance, personal hygiene items and shelter from harsh weather condition when they come to IHN for assistance. IHN’s ultimate goal is to ensure that the Springfield and Clark County Community provide a safe place for homeless individuals, ensure that there are affordable places to live, and help individuals manage their health needs and social services.” Bradley invited the commissioners to tour IHN’s facilities and asked for their support in promoting the work of IHN.

In regular business, for the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), the commissioners authorized a contract with Jules Krizan, MA, LPCC to provide assessment and counseling services for minor children in the custody of DJFS. The contract is effective March 11, 2017 through March 10, 2019.

They also authorized a grant submission to the National Children’s Alliance for DJFS for $40,000 to pay for 16 multidisciplinary team members to attend the 2017 NCA Child Pornography and Human Trafficking Conference in Washington DC in June 2017. The grant will cover the costs of registrations, airfare, ground transportation and lodging.

For the Board of Developmental Disabilities of Clark County (DDCC), the commissioners acknowledged and accepted a collective bargaining agreement between DDCC and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 957 to represent vehicle operators, transportation safety aides, automotive mechanics and automotive mechanic assistants for collective bargaining for pay and healthcare effective through December 31, 2019. Director of Maintenance and Transportation Bob Bender said the union represents about 20 employees. He also noted that the DDCC will be getting out of transportation services in 2020.

For the County Engineer, the commissioners approved an increase to the contract with Double Z Construction for $12,735.01 for the Derr Road Construction Project to reflect actual costs associated with the construction. The total contact for the Derr Road Project is now $4,363,223.10. Eighty percent of the funding comes from federal funds through the Ohio Department of Transportation. The remaining 20% comes from the local Ohio Public Works Commission.

For the Sheriff’s Department, the commissioners authorized a contract with Bethel Township to provide dispatching services for $43,969.80 effective January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.

For the Clark County Probate Court, the commissioners appointed Krissy Hawke as the Humane Agent for Clark County and set her salary at $250 per month. The humane agent prosecutes any person guilty of cruelty to people or animals.

For Building and Grounds, the commissioners acknowledged bids from the following companies for roof improvements to the A.B Graham Building and Courthouse: A.H. Sturgill Roofing for $379,300, A.W. Farrell & Son for $377,000, BK Contracting for $382,000, E Lee Construction for $359,960, Enterprise Roofing Company for $311, 081, General Maintenance for $352,193, Harold J. Becker for $397, 585, Kalkreuth Roofing for $420,508, and Kerkan Roofing for $430,510. The original estimate for the project is $422,396. The bids were referred to staff for further evaluation.

For County Administration, the commissioners appointed Stephen Massey to the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Clark, Greene, and Madison Counties for a term to expire December 31, 2020.

They also acknowledge the filing of bonds for the Clark County Elected Officials with terms beginning January 2017 including Clerk of Courts Melissa M. Tuttle, County Commissioner Melanie Flax-Wilt, County Commissioners Lowell R. McGlothin, County Coroner Richard Marsh, MD, County Engineer John Burr, County Recorder Nancy Pence, and County Sheriff Deborah Burchett.

Last, they approved a payment of $8,277.00 to Project Woman for 4th quarter marriage license fees.

The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for February 8, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. in the commissioners’ conference room.