The Clark County Commissioners approved principal and interest payments to US Bank Trust, NA totaling approximately $1.46 million. The payments reduced the county debt on the Human Services Improvement Bond, and Refunding Bond Series 2007 and 2009. John Detrick, County Commissioner, said, “Kudos to Nathan Kennedy, County Administrator, for excellent fiscal responsibility and for reducing the county’s debt.”

In addition, the commissioners authorized a contract amendment with Constellation New Energy - Gas Division to extend the natural gas contract from December 1, 2015 through November 30, 2016 at the rate of $3.3674 MMBtu. According to Kennedy, “This rate provides the county with the lowest market rate for natural gas. The gas companies will have the opportunity to bid again next year to provide this service to the county.”

The commissioners also set the dates and times for two public hearings for consideration of a continuation of the county sales tax. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday December 9, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. and the second session will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Both sessions will be held in the County Offices’ Public Chambers on the 5th floor of 50 E. Columbia Street. The hearings are to consider the continuation of the .5% sales tax that provides additional revenue to the general fund. The discussion will include consideration for the continuation of the rate, continuation at a decreased rate or expiration of the rate. The public is encouraged to attend.

Commissioners also set the date and time for a special session of the Clark County commissioners for Thursday, December 17, 2015 to discuss the 2016 budget for the county.

At the commissioners’ request, Kennedy requested county staff to inspect the county-owned buildings at the Clark County Fairgrounds for roof leakage and repair needs. Kennedy said, “The roofs all seem to be in good shape; however, the report recommended that the buildings, which currently have residential gutters on them, show signs that the gutters are inefficient at handling the water runoff from the roofs. Staff recommended that the county replace the current gutters with commercial grade gutters to prevent pooling of water on the roofs.” Kennedy also received a list of other recommended repairs.

In other county business, Richard Lohnes, Commissioner, met with the Clark County Criminal Justice Council to request and recommend that the Ohio Highway Patrol (OHP) notify the Clark County Sheriff’s Department and Springfield Police when they are inside the city limits. The Commissioners received complaints from residents within the city that there is a perceived increase threat from the OHP by the youth in the county. Lohnes said, “If the police and sheriff are unaware of their presence and location, their departments’ ability to provide backup to the OHP is limited. In addition, it is professional courtesy.”  Each of the organizations took the recommendation under advisement, but no formal action was taken.

Commissioners approved an expedited Type 2 annexation for 0.469 acres in Moorefield Township to the City of Springfield for Robert A. and Lisa M. Lee and acknowledged and accepted a general warranty deed for SRPK Corp for parcel 2-WDV for the Little Miami Trail Extension.

For the Engineer Department, the commissioners authorized a change order for the 2015 Pavement Marking Project. The contract was increased by $1,130.36 for a new total of $184,447.27 to reflect actual cost of the marking project. They also authorized an amendment to the agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the Home and Croft Road Project in which Croft is being widened. The revised project estimate is for to $2,001,000, 80 % of which will be covered by Federal funds up to a maximum of $1,390,000. ODOT will cover 100 percent of the eligible design costs up to $238,510. Other ODOT funds apply to eligible costs of the actual construction. The local public agency must provide all other financial resources to fund the project.

Commissioners authorized the employment of Zashin & Riche to provide employment and labor law legal counsel to the county engineer at the hourly rate of $185.00.

For the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), the commissioners authorized two contracts to provide foster care and residential placement services for children effective November 18, 2015 through June 30, 2017. The first contract is with Belmont Pines Hospital for $10,000; the second is with Foundations for Living for $10,000.

A contract amendment with Greater Springfield Community Improvement Corporation was authorized for $87,045 to extend the contract for an additional year. The contract provides Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Adult Programs and WIA Dislocated Worker Programs. The new contract extends the contract  through December 31, 2016  Horton Hobbs, Vice President of Economic Development from the Community Improvement Corporation of Springfield and Clark County, expressed his appreciation to the commissioners for the extension of the contract. “This position is essential to the community to ensure a rapid response to the recent business closings in the area,” said Hobbs.

The commissioners also accepted a grant agreement with Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers for $7,948.29 to provide services to minor victims of human trafficking. The Network also serves as a community resource for education and awareness. The grant is effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

For the Juvenile Court Administration, the commissioners authorized a grant agreement with Ohio Department of Youth Services RECLAIM Subsidy grant to provide funding for prevention, treatment and rehab programs for alleged of adjudicated unruly and delinquent children at risk of becoming unruly and delinquent for fiscal year 2016. The grant is the primary operating funds used to operate the Youth Services in Clark County and is worth approximately $1.1 million.

They also accepted a second grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Youth Services for a Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG). The JABG will invest $10,000 from the state with a local cash match of $1,000 to purchase a mass notification system.

Commissioners approved the reappointment of Richard Bierley and Jonathan Burr to the Clark County Flood Plain Appeals Board to serve on the board from November 18, 2015 through March 31, 2018.

Finally, the commissioners approved a contract with Modern Office Methods for the Information Systems Network Department to purchase Multi-function devices (copiers) for the county.

The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for November 25, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. in the commissioners’ conference room.