(PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
Brainstorming … Derek Schultz explains Good Neighbors Utility Fund to board members.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan Board of Public Affairs met on Tuesday, October 15th at 5 pm. The meeting was called to order at 5 pm after the Pledge of Allegiance by chair Karen Ford. Roll call was taken by Clerk-Treasurer John Lehner, all board members were present, Chair Karen Ford, Vice Chair Annette Schreiner, board members Dick Long, Jim Salsbury, Bob Eyre, Director of Utilities Derek Schultz, and Mayor Carrie Schlade.
The motion to amend the agenda to remove pending litigation from the meeting’s executive session was made by Jim Salsbury and seconded by Dick Long.
The motion to approve the minutes of the October 3rd meeting was made by Annette Schreiner and seconded by Dick Long. There were no public concerns.
Next up was the discussion of semi-monthly disbursements. Long motioned to pay the bills seconded by Salsbury.
Schultz presented a slideshow to the board featuring updated information about The Good Neighbors Utility Fund.
This fund was established by the Board of Public Affairs in 2005 (Resolution 45,2005) it provides emergency assistance to BMU customers experiencing financial difficulties and in danger of electric or water service disconnection.
This fund is run entirely by donations and then administered by Nocac. Qualifying criteria for the funds are income level and hardship circumstances. The fund can be used towards Bills, deposits reconnect, and late fees. Maximum assistance is $250 per year per household based on available funds.
The current fund balance is $4,072.47 and 25 families have been helped. Additional donations are needed for this fund to help more families this winter season.
Ways to donate: a check may be written payable to NOCAC with Bryan Good Neighbors Fund in the memo line mailed to Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission 1425 E High St Suite 113 Bryan OH 43506. There is also a donation form available on the BMU website.
For comments from the BPA staff Eyre expressed his gratefulness that the Good Neighbors Fund exists. Schultz said that linemen Noah Landel and Brandon Suffel made it safe from helping out with Hurricane Helene damage.
Two more linemen JJ Rupp and Derick Wyrick went down to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton Schreiner and Ford thanked the linemen and wish them safe travels and a quick return.
Chair Ford motioned to adjourn the meeting for a short recess before entering into an executive session to discuss the acquisition of property, employment, and compensation of public employees.
The Bryan Board of Public Affairs meeting was adjourned at 5:18 pm the next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 5th at 5 pm.