CERTIFICATE OF THE RICHLAND COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
In accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 305.11, the Clerk of the Board of Richland County Commissioners hereby submits the following record of the Commissioners’ May 12, 2020 meeting, for recording into the Commissioners’ Journal, Volume 93, under the same date.
RICHLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Regular Meeting, Tuesday, May 12, 2020
COMMISSIONERS’ BOARDROOM
COUNTY ADMIN. BLDG., MANSFIELD, OHIO
Call to Order: 9:32 a.m.
In Attendance: Commissioners: John and Vero
Commissioner Banks via telephone
Clerk: Stacey L. Crall
Guests: See listed below
Tape: MAY1220
Topic: Investment Advisory Board
Tape: 0.0.20
Present: Bart Hamilton, Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via Telephone: News Journal, Latonya Palmer, Richland Source, Dane Howard, Joe Jakubick
Discussion: Commissioner John convened the Commissioners meeting and questioned who was on the phone call. The Commissioners then recessed their regular meeting to open the Investment Advisory Board meeting. Bart Hamilton, Treasurer, stated this is the first quarter 2020 Investment Advisory Board meeting. As of March 31, 2020, interest earnings paid into the General Fund is $511,697.62, which is about $65,000 more than last year at this time. The current rate of return is 1.95% with an average daily maturity of 869 days. Bart stated, as we all know we are in a weird time. One thing we do know is that rates will continue to go down. Bart likes to look at rates with Star Ohio as a benchmark. A year ago today, the interest rate was 2.54%; March 4th of 2020 it was 1.68%; March 31st it was 1.01%, and today it is 0.79%. Bart believes the rate will continue to fall. Meeder Investment Management has been preparing continuing education for Treasurers since all the conferences have been cancelled, so Bart did not ask them to come today. We knew rates were going to go down and we have been preparing for it. We have been looking for longer term investments with the best rate of return. With businesses starting to reopen, we will see how much activity will come. Commissioner Vero stated sales tax is about 60% of the General Fund revenue. Commissioner Vero stated on Friday information was received on estimated non-auto sales tax for March. It is about a 10% reduction. Commissioner Vero worked with those estimates and is forecasting a 6% reduction in revenues. Commissioner John reviewed a report from the Office of Budget and Management that showed the GDP dropped in the first quarter by 4.8%. Commissioner John compared that to the fourth quarter of 2008, which was a 8% drop. The revenue dropped by 11% from 2008 to 2009. Using those historic numbers Commissioner John estimated the revenue to decrease by 6.25%. That is about $2.5 million drop in revenues. Bart agrees. Things will depend on how quickly things get back to normal. With restaurants only being allowed to have 25% occupancy some may not reopen yet and just continue carry out services. Bart thinks about 6 to 10% is fair amount to consider in revenue loss. Bart reviewed he is not ready to reduce his interest earning estimate of $1.4 million. More will be known at the end of the second quarter. Bart is always working with Meeder Investment Management on the portfolio. Commissioner John believes the economy was stronger before this pandemic compared to 2008. Bart hopes the banks will work with homeowners on their mortgage payments. Commissioner John pointed out for those listening that this is the Investment Advisory Board, which is the Treasurer and two Commissioners. Commissioner Banks added most restaurants cannot survive long term on 25% capacity. More facts are still needed before any decisions can be made.
Motion: Mr. Vero moved to accept the 1st Quarter 2020 Investment Advisory Board report seconded by Mr. Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mr. Hamilton, yes; Mr. Vero, yes; Mr. Banks, yes. Motion carried.
Tape: 21.43
Motion: Mr. Vero moved to adjourn the Investment Advisory Board meeting at 9:54 a.m. seconded by Mr. Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mr. Hamilton, yes; Mr. Vero, yes; Mr. Banks, yes. Motion carried.
The Commissioners reconvened their regular meeting at 9:54 a.m.
Topic: Record of Proceedings
Tape: 0.22.08
Present: Cliff Mears, Chuck Hahn, Via telephone: Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer, News Journal, Dane Howard
Discussion: The Board reviewed the Record of Proceedings for May 5, 2020.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to certify the Record of Proceedings for May 5, 2020 seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Requisitions
Tape: 0.22.27
Present: Cliff Mears, Chuck Hahn, Via telephone: Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer, News Journal,
Discussion: The Board reviewed the list of requisitions submitted for approval.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to approve the list of requisitions submitted for approval seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Commissioners
Tape: 0.22.47
Present: Cliff Mears, Chuck Hahn, Via telephone: Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer, News Journal, Dane Howard
Discussion: Lamar Advertising Company asked to amend their lease with the County to pay monthly instead of annually for a billboard next to the maintenance garage. The amount received is $600 annually. Commissioner Vero stated since the billboard sits on public land there are some limitations of what can be posted. Is this lease amendment what we really want to do? Commissioner John stated good point. The billboard is taking up some potential parking spots in the new lot for jurors. Commissioner Banks stated if it were not for the current financial situation he would support taking the billboard down. Commissioner John suggested having Chuck Minich, Building Maintenance Superintendent talk to Lamar and report back to the Board.
Topic: Engineer – Chip and Seal
Tape: 0.25.11
Present: Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via Telephone: News Journal, Latonya Palmer, Joe Jakubick
Discussion: The Board reviewed a letter from Engineer, Adam Gove, regarding the chip and seal bids receive on April 2, 2020.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to award the 2020 chip and seal contract to Earthworm Construction, LLC for the bid price of $458,242.21 seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: None further
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Engineer – Overweight/Over Dimensioned Permit
Tape: 0.26.18
Present: Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via Telephone: News Journal, Latonya Palmer, Joe Jakubick
Discussion: The Board reviewed a letter from Delafon Luna, Deputy County Engineer regarding the issuance of a 365-day permit for Rietschlin Construction.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to authorize the issuance of a 365-day over dimensioned vehicle permit for Rietschlin Construction, Inc. seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Dog Warden
Tape: 0.26.49
Present: Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via telephone: News Journal, Latonya Palmer, Joe Jakubick Discussion: Commissioner John reviewed the Dog Warden received a donation of $35,000 from the estate of Patricia Wilson. Half of the funds are to be used on reducing adoption costs and the other on capital projects. A large dog run will be installed dedicated to the donor. While the fence company was reviewing the area, they noticed four significantly damaged areas of the current fenced area. Those repairs are estimated at $2,500. The total estimate is $10,249.00.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to accept the quote from Central Ohio Fencing Services, Inc. for $7,099.00 for fencing at the Dog Warden’s facility seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Vacation of Parkland – Willow Park Allotment
Tape: 0.28.40
Present: Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via telephone: Gene Parkinson, News Journal, Dave Yoder, Tammy Garber president of the water park association, Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: Commissioner John recessed the Commissioners regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. and opened the public hearing regarding parkland vacation in the Willow Park Allotment. Commissioner John reviewed a petition to vacate the park land was filed with the Board of Commissioners on March 6, 2020. On April 1, 2020, a letter was received from Atty. Jon Burton, on behalf of Washington Township Trustees, releasing their right to the parkland. A legal ad announcing this public hearing was placed in the Mansfield News Journal on April 20, April 27 and May 4, 2020. All abutting property owners and the Washington Township Trustees were notified of the public hearing. Tammy Garber asked about the next step after the parkland is vacated. Commissioner John stated the Commissioners plan to dispose of the property in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. Tammy asked about a time line. Commissioner John stated we do not have one at this time. Clerk Crall stated there a few options for selling land. Commissioner Vero stated he prefers an open bid process compared to sealed bids. Tammy asked to be notified of the sale of the property. Washington Township Trustee, David Yoder also asked to be notified. Commissioner John asked if there were any other comments on the vacation. Tammy stated the water association has documents from 1958 from the Park Association giving the land to the water association. The water association has been taking care of the land. The Commissioners asked for a copy of that information and they would talk to the County Prosecutor’s office about it. The water association has a well house on the property and they have concerns of someone buying the property. Commissioner John stated again the Commissioners will review all options to dispose of the property in accordance with the ORC.
The public hearing was adjourned at 10:17 a.m. and the Commissioners reopened their regular meeting at the same time.
Topic: Vacation of Parkland – Willow Park Allotment
Tape: 0.45.10
Present: Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via telephone: Gene Parkinson, News Journal, Dave Yoder, Tammy Garber president of the water park association, Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: After conducting a public hearing on the vacation of parkland and hearing no objections the Board is ready for a decision.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to authorize the vacation of 4.09 acres of parkland in the Willow Park Allotment in Washington Township, permanent parcel number 055-39- 500-01-000 and further described as follows: Situated in the State of Ohio, County of Richland, Township of Washington: Being a part of the Northeast Quarter of Section 1, Township 20, Range 18, and being the dedicated part land as platted in the Willow Park Allotment as shown by the recorded plat in Volume 19, page 165, of Plat records. Containing 4.09 acres of land, more or less, but subject to all easements of record seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Annexation - .8722 acres to City of Ontario
Tape: 0.45.47
Present: chuck, cliff, via telephone: News Journal, Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: Commissioner John announced an annexation petition was filed for .8722 acres from Springfield Township to the City of Ontario on May 8, 2020. Mr. Mark Danals is appointed as the agent for the petition. Clerk Crall stated she mailed some information to Mr. Danals regarding the agent’s responsibilities.
Topic: Juvenile Court Security
Tape: 0.47.15
Present: Cliff Mears, Chuck Hahn, Via telephone: News Journal, Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: J. J. Bittinger, Chief Probation Officer provided a detailed cost estimate of security equipment for the new Juvenile Court security officers for $8,694.30. The new security vestibule is complete. J. J. has hired five officers. Two will work on a call in basis only. All security guards work on a part time basis. The equipment purchases were not part of the original budget. Additional salary has already been appropriated in the Adult Court Services budget.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to approve a transfer of $8,694.30 from contingency into the Adult Court Services equipment line item seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: Commissioner Banks stated he would like to see Juvenile Court provide some money in the future for the security. Commissioner John stated yes the Juvenile Court has a large budget but they are very meticulous with their budget.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Wastewater
Tape: 0.51.26
Present: Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via telephone: News Journal, Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: The Board reviewed a request from Amanda Miller, Director about reopening the payment lobby. Commissioner Vero stated this is a small step in opening. The drop box still exists and only two people at a time will be allowed with social distancing guidelines. Signs will be posted with the rules.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to authorize Wastewater to re-open their payment lobby on May 18, 2020 with the limitations listed above seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Personnel Manual – Section 7.13 Outside Employment
Tape: 0.52.33
Present: Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via telephone: News Journal, Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: Commissioner John noted during the current epidemic it has come to light a need for a revision of the outside employment policy in the personnel manual. One thing missing is for a mechanism for an employee to notify the employer of outside employment. Kelly Christiansen HR Director created a form to use. Also added to the policy is language indicating the employee must request authority to secure outside employment. County employment is to be the primary employment.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to approve the revised Outside Employment section 7.13 of the Commissioners’ Personnel Manual seconded by Commissioner Banks. Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Commissioners
Tape: 0.53.50
Present: Chuck Hahn, Cliff Mears, Via telephone: News Journal, Joe Jakubick, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: Commissioner John stated an employment question as come up related to the epidemic regarding travel outside of the State and a 14-day quarantine upon return. Kelly Christiansen, HR Director, has been consulted. Commissioner John stated she talked to Health Commissioner Sarah Humphrey too. The Stay Safe order is an extension of the Stay at Home order that was issued at the end of March. Commissioner Vero noted there are some exceptions to the quarantine order. None of which is a vacation. Commissioner John reiterated from previous discussions the Commissioners do not have the authority to make a statement regarding opening up businesses. The Health Commissioner and Sheriff do not report to the Commissioners and they are charged with enforcement of the orders from the Ohio Director of Health. Commissioner Vero stated an employee should present a document of why they are leaving the State and then it will be determined if it meets the exceptions, if not the employee will have to quarantine for 14 days when they return. The Department can also access whether the vacation will be granted based on workload. It will be up to each Elected Official how this situation is handled. Commissioner John asked about Commissioners’ appointed employees. Commissioner Vero suggested Commissioner John work with Kelly Christiansen on the wording of a policy. This restriction is subject to change by order of the Ohio Director of Health. Commissioner John understands this epidemic has impacted everyone. Commissioner John has had three trips cancelled; one personal and two work related. There is no one who likes it but we are still trying to deal with it.
Topic: Commissioners
Tape: 1.03.00
Present: Cliff Mears, Chuck Hahn, Via telephone: Joe Jakubick, News Journal, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: Latonya Palmer, citizen stated she was just calling in to learn what the Commissioner role is. It is interesting that there are so many topics. Latonya stated she appreciates what the Commissioner do. Commissioner John updated the Board Sue Hunt from EMA sent information to the Commissioners regarding a FEMA grant for reimbursement of expenses related to COVID- 19. Rick Evans, EMA Director has been helping with coordination of the State and Federal grants that have become available. As part of the FEMA grant, the Commissioners need to designate an authority to sign all the documents and act an authorized agent. Commissioner John recommends Rick Evans as the designee. A copy of everything Rick signs should be submitted to the Commissioners.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to appoint Rick Evans, EMA Director, as the Authorized Agent relative to the Public Assistance Grant Program for FEMA-DR-4507-OH seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Commissioners
Tape: 1.05.56
Present: Cliff Mears, Chuck Hahn, Via telephone: Joe Jakubick, News Journal, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: Commissioner John reviewed some of the details of the grant and the questions that need to be answered. Commissioner John will work with Clerk Crall on filling out the forms required and providing forms to each department. One grant will be filed for all county departments. We are going to submit expenses through the end of May and then on a monthly basis. The grant is good until 30 days after the Federal Declaration of Emergency is lifted. Expenses will be reimbursed at 75%. Commissioner John asked if the Board wants more time to review the agreement or if they are ready to approve now.
Motion: Commissioner Vero moved to approve the Ohio Department of Public Safety Emergency management Agency State-Local Agreement for FEMA-DR-4507-OH seconded by Commissioner Banks.
Other Comments: None further.
Vote: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, yes; Mr. Vero, yes. Motion carried.
Topic: Commissioners
Tape: 1.08.19
Present: Cliff Mears, Chuck Hahn, Via telephone: Joe Jakubick, News Journal, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: Commissioner John is pleased to report that Cristen Gilbert, President of the Mansfield Area Y, was chosen by the Governor to sit on the group discussing reopening gyms. Lee Tasseff, President of Destination Mansfield Richland County, was not chosen but received an email for his input on festivals. The Governor has not yet announced a date for daycares to open. But, if people are going back to work the daycares need to be opened
Topic: Fairs
Tape: 1.10.34
Present: Cliff Mears, Chuck Hahn, Via telephone: Joe Jakubick, News Journal, Latonya Palmer
Discussion: Clerk Crall informed the Commissioners both Bellville and Richland County Fairs have requested their annual contribution of $3,300 each. Does the Board want to distribute those funds now? Commissioner John stated there has been no decision made on fairs yet for the year. The County Fair is in August and Bellville is in September. Commissioner Banks stated he would lean towards paying them now. Commissioner John suggested waiting a month then reviewing again.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further county business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m. Tape at 1.13.24.
Submitted by: Stacey L. Crall, Clerk
BE IT RESOLVED the Richland County Board of Commissioners hereby accepts the foregoing as the correct record of proceedings of the board meeting held May 12, 2020 in Mansfield, Ohio.
Mr. Vero moved adoption of the foregoing resolution. Mrs. John seconded the motion. The roll, being called upon adoption, resulted as follows: Mrs. John, yes; Mr. Banks, absent; Mr. Vero, yes.
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ATTEST: ______
CLERK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
CERTIFICATE
The foregoing is hereby certified as the official record of proceedings of the Richland County Board of Commissioners meeting May 12, 2020.
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Marilyn S. John, Chairman
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Stacey L. Crall, Clerk
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
Vol. 93 Page_____