At the September 13, 2017 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, County Administrator Jennifer Hutchinson reported that the county and city officials toured several communities in Northern Ohio. They went to Wooster, Akron, Canton and Cleveland to see what each of the communities have done to help revitalize their areas. She said, “Wooster has done a great job. The other communities are just starting their revitalization efforts. However, there are several common factors in their plans. They have solicited both private and public donations, declared buildings as historical sites, implemented tax incentives, offered 100% tax abatement, and established entertainment districts. They also have established a combination of residential and retail establishments.” She pointed out that to be effective, the project will require cooperation among the city, county, and the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) to implement the necessary changes.
In addition, the commissioners adopted the County Wellness Incentives for 2019. The committee added some new incentives including receiving wellness points for donating blood, CPR certification and improvements in their BMI, cholesterol, glucose and triglyceride numbers.
Commissioner Melanie Flax Wilt asked if historical data was available that indicates a correlation between the wellness program and reduced insurance claims. HR Director Michelle Noble explained, “The agency that managed our insurance in the past did not collect the data or provide it to us. However, since we are now self-insured it will be easier to collect that information.” She added, “Between 60 and 65 percent of county employees who have our insurance participate in the program.”
The commissioners also approved a contract with UMR, Inc for health insurance effective January 1, 2017 at the request of Noble.
For the Utilities Director, the commissioners authorized an increase of $37,995 to Insituform Technologies, LLC for the 2017 Sewer Rehabilitation Project to add 1,490 feet of 8” CIPP lining for damaged sewers discovered after the contract was awarded.
They also approved a contract with Leak Seekers for $20,000 for water system leak detection effective September 13, 2017 through September 13, 2018.
For the County Engineer, the commissioners authorized the appropriation of real property located at 1701 Croft Road and 1635 Croft Road for the Croft Road Construction project. The purpose of the property acquisition is to improve and widen Croft Road, construct drainage improvements, and resurface Croft Road from SR 4 to Old Columbus Road.
They also authorized the purchase of a Crafco Super Shot Crack Seal Machine from Mad River Township for $24,000.
For the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), the commissioners updated the terms and conditions of the contract with ACT, Inc. for the contract that is effective September 13, 2017 through May 21, 2019
For the County Administrator, the commissioners authorized fees for the Clark County Dog Shelter at $20 to impound a dog and $10 per day for boarding costs.
Flax-Wilt reported in her Strategic Plan Update that she has received completed surveys from almost every department for the Facilities Master Plan. The strategic plan objective is to create a design of the county buildings that makes efficient use of the space available for offices and provides convenient community access to all county government services.
The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for September 20,2017 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Conference Room at 50 E Columbia Street.
