At the May 2, 2018 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, Clark County Health District Employees Christina Conover and Anna Jean Petroff announced that the Clark County Health District is conducting a community health needs assessment. The district is sponsoring a series of public meetings throughout the county to solicit input from community members on ways to improve health and to reduce barriers to receiving healthcare. Meetings are currently scheduled for the Rocking Horse Community Health Center on May 31, 2018, New Carlisle Smith House on June 14, 2018, Clark County Public Library on June 21, 2018, Springfield Regional Medical Center and one at South Vienna Town Hall on June 28, 2018.
According to Conover Clark County ranks 70 out of 88 counties in Health Outcomes and 69th in Health Factors. Health Outcomes include length of life and quality of life concerns poor health including both physical and mental health. Health Factors including health behaviors, access to clinical care, social and economic influences and the physical environment. Conover said, “We plan to develop a Community Health Improvement Plan to address the most pressing needs.”
In addition, Southwest District Director for Rob Portman Nan Cahall asked the commissioners about their concerns that she could take to Portman for his support. Commissioner Melanie Flax-Wilt asked that Portman keep on top of the Farm Bill that it is congress. The farm bill legislates every farm program and nutrition programs like food stamps).She said, “It is really a food bill and needs to be supported.”
In addition, Commissioner Lowell McGlothlin expressed his concerns about Internet sales tax. Commissioner Richard Lohnes added, “Sales tax is the life blood of local governments.”
In addition, Cahall reported that at this point Portman has three priorities. “He is looking for positives stories that resulted from tax reform. He wants to hear about companies who are using the money to reinvest in their employees.” His second priority is support for the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) that aims to help trafficking victims and survivors. Moreover, Portman’s third priority is addressing the Opioid Crises. Furthermore, the commissioners approved modifications to several Opportunities for Individual Change (OIC) contracts for the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS). First, they increase the contract with OIC for alternative schools $5,236.02. They also increased the OIC by $11,782.31 that provide supportive and follow up services. The commissioners decreased the OIC contract for occupational skills training by $9,586.99 and decreased the OIC contract by $7,431.32 for work placement. The changes are effective through June 30, 2018.
For the Engineering Department, the commissioners authorized a contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Jobs and Commerce to extend the deadline for final reimbursement to December 31, 2018 for the Navistar/GM/Wheeler construction.
In regular business, the commissioners acknowledged the receipt of a Deed of Easement from Martha R. Suver, Jerry L. Suver, Roger J. Suver and Robert B. Suver to dedicate a thoroughfare right of way for a lot split in Bethel Township.
They also authorized the membership of the Clark County Clerk of Courts to the Chamber of Commerce.
The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for May 9, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Conference Room at 50 E Columbia Street.
