At the February 15, 2017 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, the commissioners acknowledged bids for the Buildings and Grounds Department for the reconstruction of the A.B. Graham Building and the Courthouse. The two facilities are in need of major renovations not only to improve the appearance but also to ensure the safety of county employees and residents. The first bids reviewed are for the Masonry Improvement Project for the two facilities. The county received bids from Angelina Stone & Marble for $703,700, C&N Contracts for $750,484, Coon Restoration for $686,586, Graciano Corporation for $895,000, Lithko Restoration Technologies for $636,800, Mariani & Richards Inc. for $739,000 and Quality Masonry Company for $574,100. The original cost estimate for the project was $696,234. The bids were referred to staff for further evaluation.

In addition, the commissioners acknowledged the receipt of a bid for window improvements for the A.B. Graham Building and the Courthouse from S&L Specialty Contracting for $646,000. A bid from Select Design Windows for $188,000 was rejected because a bid bond was not submitted with the bid and the company only submitted an estimate for the A.B. Graham Building. The bid will be referred to staff for further evaluation.

Furthermore, the commissioners plan to make exterior improvements to the Job and Family Services Building. They instructed the clerk to advertise for bids for the Clark County Job and Family Services Phase 2 Exterior Improvements Project. The bids are due in the County Commissioners’ Offices no later than 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2017.

For the Engineering Department, the commissioners approved a contract with Osburn Associates, Inc. for $22,600 to supply traffic signs and nameplates. In addition, they approved an increase in the contract with R.B. Jergens Contractors, Inc. by $83,482.45 for the Lower Valley Pike Construction Project to reflect actual costs. The total contract is for $6,117,181.73.

For the Solid Waste District, the commissioners authorized a contract with GT Environmental, Inc. for $45,000 to update the solid waste plan effective February 15, 2017.

For the Personnel Director, the commissioners approved the offering of a Roth 457 Option for the Deferred Compensation Program in addition to the CCAO Deferred Compensation Program and the Ohio Deferred Compensation Program. This option is available because the Ohio Legislature made changes to the laws, which now allow the county to offer the Roth 457 as an option. The Roth 457 option will assist county employees to save for retirement by expanding their portfolio options that include additional possible tax advantages.

In regular business, the commissioners approved Richard Lohnes, Melanie Wilt and Lowell McGlothin to attend the Attorney General Records Training. The training is required for all elected officials, and/or their appropriate designees.

In addition, they authorized the placement on the tax duplicate on 31 properties located in Springfield Township. The total amount of uncollected sewer charges totals $17,048.62. Placing the uncollected charges on the tax duplicate benefits the county by ensuring that eventually the county will collect the fees; however, the property owners benefit, as late fees and interest no longer accumulate on their unpaid bills.

Furthermore, County Administrator Jennifer Hutchinson reported that Buxton has completed their initial analysis of possible retailers for the county. The commissioners hired Buxton to identify and attract retail customers to the Clark County Area. Because of their initial analysis, Buxton has identified 20 retailers who have been sent letters expressing the county’s desire to work with them to locate stores in the area.

In addition, County Auditor John Federer announced that his office launched a new website that he hopes will be easier to use and accessible from mobile devices. He invited the commissioners to check out the new site.

The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for February 22, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Conference Room at 50 E Columbia Street.