This 14th day of April, 2014, the Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members present:
Tony Zartman, Roy Klopfenstein, Fred Pieper and Nola Ginter, Clerk
ALLOWANCE OF CLAIMS:
Warrants documented as 206977 through 206062 for County Bills were approved and certified to the County Auditor for payment.
IN THE MATTER OF APPROVING ‘THEN AND NOW’ PURCHASE ORDERS AND PAYMENTS:
The Paulding County Auditor has certified the following “Then and Now” purchase order numbers and payments included in the Allowance of Claims on April 14, 2014, Warrants numbered 206990 through 207049 in the amount of $2,854.61; and it is certified that both at the time that the contract or order was made (“then”), and at the time that the County Auditor is completing the certification (“now”), that sufficient funds were available or in the process of collection, to the credit of a proper fund, properly appropriated and free from any previous encumbrance; and pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code §5705.41(D)(1), these purchases must be approved by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners. Now, therefore the Paulding County Commissioners approve the Then and Now Purchase Orders as submitted by the Auditor; and it is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board of County Commissioners, County of Paulding, State of Ohio concerning the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board of County Commissioners, and that all deliberations of this Board of County Commissioners and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements including Section §121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
IN THE MATTER OF COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION OF PAULDING’S REQUEST TO SUSPEND PRINCIPAL PAYMENT OF LOAN FOR LAND PURCHASED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES:
Paulding County, in cooperation with the Community Improvement Corporation of Paulding (ORC 1724.10), has arranged for borrowing to allow the purchase of land for economic development activities; and two separate loans have been arranged for this purpose; and the Community Improvement Corporation of Paulding has paid the annual interest and a set amount of principal each year; and the Community Improvement Corporation of Paulding requests that they be allowed to pay the interest but suspend principal payment until the land in question is sold; and the Paulding County Commissioners believe the availability of the land for economic development is important for future growth. Now, therefore the Paulding County Commissioners hereby authorize the Community Improvement Corporation of Paulding to suspend principal payments while maintaining interest payments for one year from the date of this action.
IN THE MATTER OF RECEIVING BIDS FOR THE 2014 JOINT CHIP SEAL PROJECT:
This 14th day of April, 2014, being the day advertised in the West Bend News, a paper of general circulation within the County, as per Section 307.86 of the Ohio Revised Code, bids were received and opened for the 2014 Joint Chip Seal Project, to-wit;
Henry Bergman, Inc. ,218 E. 9th Street, Genoa, OH 43430-1634 – $178,618.91
Ward Construction Company, 385 Oak Street, Leipzig, OH 45856 – $179,416.95
The Paulding County Engineer’s estimate for the project is $216,940.27. The specifications will be studied with a determination to be made later.
IN THE MATTER OF THE PAULDING COUNTY EMA DIRECTOR:
The Board of County Commissioners does hereby terminate the employment of Randy Shaffer as Paulding County EMA Director effective at 11:31 p.m. on this day, Monday, April 14, 2014.
Meeting Notes of Appointments:
Aaron Timm, Engineer’s Office – Mr. Timm presented the Engineer’s estimate for the County parking lot paving project. The estimate included the lot and the alley. The Commissioners spoke to Harry Weibe, Village of Paulding Administrator, to discuss via conference call the elevation of the alley and the need to grind down the old pavement before resurfacing it. This needs to be done to assure the proper grade for drainage. All agreed the alley preparatory work should be included in the bid advertisement. Mr. Timm reported the drainage and basin work on the parking lot was started over the weekend. He also noted he had spoken to the farmers currently cash renting the Jacob and Eaton farms regarding some materials needed for improvement projects. He seemed to think they could be of some assistance to them. Mr. Timm agreed to place the ad in the paper for the lot paving project.
Erika Willitzer, Chamber of Commerce – Ms. Willitzer reports the Herb Monroe park is close to completion. She noted they are roughly $6,000.00 away from having the project completed. Ms. Willitzer hopes the park is completed by late summer. She then announced John Paulding Days are scheduled for June 5th and 6th. US 127 will not be closed for JP Days to allow truck traffic ease in getting through town. Ms. Willitzer asked about pitching a tent on one corner of the Courthouse lawn for the event. Flat Rock Fall Festival is set for September 19-21. Ms. Willitzer has been working closely with Dan Howell and the Fair Board and also Aaron Timm of the Engineer’s Office to make sure things run smoothly. She also announced there may be an advisory committee formed soon that would coordinate efforts with the Chamber and Paulding County Economic Development to market and promote Paulding County.
Chad Crosby, Engineer’s Office – Mr. Crosby met with the Commissioners to open the bids for the 2014 Jt. Chip Seal Project (see resolution above).
Travis McGarvey, County Engineer – Mr. McGarvey discussed the impact this winter had on his budget, considering wages, supplies, equipment, etc. He was thankful for a good supply of salt, but will have to replenish before next winter.
Cathy Ruiz and Ashley Shepherd, Western Buckeye Education Service Center – Ms Ruiz explained the Service Coordination program at Western Buckeye ESC. FCSS funds the program and the fiscal year ends June 30. Funding for services needed through the summers months is not guaranteed until fall. Ms. Ruiz reported WBESC secured $10,000.00 last year in grant dollars for the program. She also noted the need for services in the summer months can be even more demanding than during the school year. Ms. Ruiz presented the idea of pooling funding from local agencies to ensure services for the summer months. She is hopeful that the state will acknowledge the need and award additional grant dollars for the next fiscal year. Ms. Ruiz and Ms. Shepherd will continue to work on soliciting the funding for the program.
Randy Shaffer, EMA Director – Commissioner Zartman began today’s meeting by asking Mr. Shaffer if he had the documentation that the 3rd and 4th quarter, 2013, reimbursement paperwork had been submitted. Mr. Shaffer noted the reports weren’t due until July 10. However, the Commissioners had previously instructed Mr. Shaffer to file the paperwork quarterly to ensure cash flow to the EMA Fund. Mr. Zartman noted he felt that Mr. Shaffer had misled the Commissioners and lied to support his claimed need for clerical help. Commissioner Zartman went on to say that he felt that Mr. Shaffer did not display the qualities of a team player and appeared to still be upset about the reorganization of the EMA. Mr. Zartman stated there had been guidelines set for Mr. Shaffer that had not been met. He also said he felt the Commissioners had been extremely lenient and had tried very hard to move forward with Mr. Shaffer. Mr. Zartman commented that after several months, it appeared as though little to no improvement has been made. Commissioner Pieper mentioned the vehicle issue, reminding Mr. Shaffer he was asked for recommendations last November. Mr. Shaffer reminded the Commissioners the vehicle was not in the 2013 budget, to which Mr. Pieper said he should have provided brochures for their consideration early in 2014. Mr. Shaffer again brought up the issue of his request for clerical help. He feels the Commissioners have been dragging their feet. Commissioner Zartman noted they have been waiting for Mr. Shaffer to ‘step up’ and it hasn’t happened yet. He added that the Commissioners are concerned that Mr. Shaffer lacks the organizational skills to manage an employee. Mr. Zartman continued by stating there are obstacles that just can not be overcome. Mr. Zartman asked the Board for permission to step down from the Chairman position to allow the Vice Chairman to preside. Mr. Zartman then made the motion to dismiss Mr. Shaffer as Paulding County EMA Director (see resolution above). Mr. Zartman emphasized that he has a great deal of respect for the knowledge and experience Mr. Shaffer displays in handling emergency situations; however, noted his lack of timely reporting and paperwork. Mr. Shaffer was asked to return the vehicle he is currently driving to the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Klopfenstein stated he will work with Mr. Shaffer to gather his personal effects from the EMA office. The EMA vehicle will be towed. Vice Chairman Klopfenstein turned the chairmanship back to Mr. Zartman. Moving forward, the regional EMA director will make sure Paulding County is covered in case of an emergency. Paulding County also has reciprocal agreements with Van Wert and Defiance Counties and can call on their EMA directors if necessary.
Jason Landers, County Sheriff – Mr. Landers was advised that all emergency calls will be forwarded to his office until an interim EMA Director can be appointed.
