This 24th day of March, 2014, the Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members present:
Roy Klopfenstein, Fred Pieper and Nola Ginter, Clerk; Absent: Tony Zartman
ALLOWANCE OF CLAIMS:
Warrants documented as 206478 through 206514 for County Bills were approved and certified to the County Auditor for payment.
TRAVEL REQUEST:
John DeMuth, Governance Board meeting, Bowling Green, OH – March 14, 2014
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A motion was made by Mr. Roy Klopfenstein to go into executive session at 8:25 a.m. with the Paulding County Prosecutor to discuss legal matters. The motion was seconded by Mr. Fred Pieper. All members voting yea.
At 8:47 a.m. all members present agreed to adjourn the executive session and go into regular session.
IN THE MATTER OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION (FUND 078):
The Board of County Commissioners does hereby authorize and direct the County Auditor to make a Supplemental Appropriation for the following:
FROM: Pay-In #102019
TO: 078-001-00001/Infrastructure Projects/Infrastructure Projects
AMOUNT: $18,907.82
IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING THE 2014 ANNUAL APPROPRIATION (FUND 163):
The Board of County Commissioners does hereby direct the County Auditor to amend the 2104 Annual Appropriation by appropriating the following in the Indigent Defense Fund (Fund 163):
163-001-00002/Indigent Defense/Indigent Defense Fees County Court
AMOUNT: $2,453.28
MEETING NOTES OF APPOINTMENTS:
Jim Langham, Paulding Progress – The Commissioners updated Mr. Langham on the Courthouse interior painting project that just begun this week. All Trades Historical Restoration was awarded the project on December 23, 2013. The painters began on the third floor with the Common Pleas Court room and offices. The Commissioners also reported they are continuing to look at energy conservation for all county-owned buildings. The County Commissioners’ Association of Ohio (CCAO) has contracted with Palmer Energy to serve the counties as energy consultants. Palmer Energy assisted the Commissioners in securing their current contract with Dayton Power and Light for a lower generation fee for county-owned buildings. Palmer Energy will now assist in identifying other areas in which the county can save energy/costs. The Commissioners updated Mr. Langham on the county-owned parking lot next to Hometown Pizza, saying it would be closed Tuesday evening and all day Wednesday this week to enable the Engineer’s Office to do survey work.
Jeff Schmidt – Mr. Schmidt stopped in with questions about road maintenance at the sewer system site. He lives on Six Mile Bay Drive and was curious to know who is responsible for maintaining the road. It was found to be a private drive, owned by the people who live along it.
Randy Shaffer, EMA Director – Mr. Shaffer met with the Commissioners for his regularly scheduled meeting. He presented the 2012 journal pages and reported he had obtained all but one signature. Mr. Shaffer discussed the EMPG dollars and it was suggested that a couple of small villages use the money (possibly with CDBG dollars) to purchase weather sirens. Mr. Shaffer noted that, depending on the placement of the siren, testing may need to be done and the grant may need to be extended. Commissioner Klopfenstein presented a year to date fund status for Mr. Shaffer’s review. Mr. Shaffer noted the large balance in the office supplies allows for the purchase of a new computer. He explained three of his current computers still have XP and, that as of April 8, 2014, it will not be supported. Mr. Shaffer pointed out two of his computers log and monitor weather service. The Commissioners gave their permission for Mr. Shaffer to order a new computer. Mr. Shaffer submitted his time sheets for review. He then reported the updated LEPC contract had been sent to the Paulding County Health Department for review. Most of the hazardous waste reports from area businesses have been received and are on file. Mr. Shaffer again mentioned his desire for part time clerical assistance. Commissioner Klopfenstein assured him it was being considered. He then asked Mr. Shaffer for a list of duties he would expect to be completed by a clerical assistant. Commissioner Klopfenstein then asked Mr. Shaffer his opinion of the MARCS radio communication system. Mr. Shaffer agreed it was a good system, but he was concerned about the monthly user fee for each radio. He also voiced concerned about the investment the county has in the current trunking system. Commissioner Pieper discussed the option of changing frequencies. He asked Mr. Shaffer if he had made a phone call to Lima Radio Service (LRS) regarding the county’s application to change the frequency. Mr. Shaffer stated LRS had actually called him to inquire as to why the Commissioners were considering changing the frequency. Mr. Shaffer noted that he favored applying for another frequency. The Commissioners have learned from the FCC that there are no more frequencies available to us. The FCC frequency coordinator indicated that LRS had intervened and stopped the county’s application process. The Commissioners confronted Mr. Shaffer, asking if he had initiated a phone call to LRS suggesting they interfere in an attempt to stop the application process. Mr. Shaffer admitted having called LRS and speaking to W.D. Miller on a separate topic; but, said the conversation eventually lead to a discussion about the MARCS system. Mr. Shaffer indicated that he verbalized his difference of opinion, discouraging the changing of radio systems. He further stated that he did not suggest that Mr. Miller intervene by calling the FCC. Commissioner Klopfenstein suggested Mr. Shaffer be on paid administrative leave to allow time to further investigate the matter. Commissioner Pieper stated we need to take his word that he did not initiate the call suggesting that Mr. Miller intervene. Mr. Shaffer said he does not understand why the Sheriff’s Office won’t try using the current system. The current system utilizes three channels and could handle up to twenty. Mr. Shaffer went on to state his discontent in the Commissioners holding radio communication meetings without him being in attendance. He stated part of the EMA Director’s duties is to oversee the county-wide communication system. The Commissioners asked Mr. Shaffer if he would diagram the current system and explain how it can better serve the county. Mr. Shaffer asked that he be kept in the loop on any further meetings regarding the emergency radio communications. The Commissioners agreed; but also cautioned Mr. Shaffer about his negativity and abruptness during the meetings.
Plattenburg Certified Public Accountants; Chuck Boehm and Eddie Collins – The pre-engagement/audit meeting for the 2013 audit was held in the Commissioners’ Office. In attendance were: Carol Temple, Claudia Fickel, Jason Landers, Ann Pease, and Cindy Peters. After introductions, Mr. Boehm and Mr. Collins briefly explained their procedure. Mr. Boehm distributed a brief survey regarding fraud for all in attendance to complete.
Motorola Solutions, Inc.; Sean Prude, Sr. Account Manager – Sheriff Landers and Brion Hanenkratt (E-911 Coordinator) met with the Commissioners and Mr. Prude. Mr. Prude introduced himself and provided his background/experience with Motorola. He then distributed informative handouts, explaining the various radios (both mobile and hand-held portables). Mr. Prude explained the capabilities of the MARCS system and suggested a couple of funding sources (zero percent loan and Fire Fighters’ grant) should we chose to purchase radios.
