DITCH PROJECT … Rod Creager, from the Fulton County Engineers Office, speaks to those in attendance about the proposed Ditch 2144 – Krasula project. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Fulton County Commissioners held their meeting on Tuesday, November 8th. The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
Commissioners first moved to approve the minutes for the previous meeting held on November 3rd.
The current agenda was also approved along with the payment of bills as presented. A review then took place regarding the following items.
A notice of closure for the Clerk of Courts, an amended certificate of estimated resources, certificate of non-compliance, treasurer to auditor balancing report, and the weekly dog warden reports for periods ending October 15th and October 22nd.
A discussion then took place regarding a demolition project. The discussion led to the creation of two new agenda items which were approved by commissioners.
Resolution 2022-781 to approve the Cap Match and payment process and Resolution 2022-782 to approve a mortgage payment for the demolition project.
The following agenda items were then approved.
– Resolution 2022-775 for the increase and transfer of appropriations for various departments.
– Resolution 2022-776 to authorize an extension for dog license application.
– Resolution 2022-777 to approve legal and authorize an ad for the Fayette Well Field Fencing Project.
– Resolution 2022-778 to enter into Contract 2022-104 with Monsido for website services.
– Resolution 2022-779 to award a bid for the Wauseon Soil Cleanup Project.
– Resolution 2022-780 to approve purchase orders and travel requests.
Following the approval of previous agenda items, ditch petition 2145 – Busch was discussed.
After discussions, the final hearing date was set for January 12th at 9:15 a.m. Resolution 2022-783 was then approved in order to fix the date and time of the final hearing.
The meeting then entered into recess at 9:27 a.m.
Upon returning from recess at 9:39 a.m. commissioners held budget hearings for the housekeeping, the OSU extension office and public utilities offices.
With no further items to attend to, commissioners moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
The next meeting for the commissioners was held on Thursday, November 10th.
The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with a bid opening for Public Utilities Contractual Services regarding scrap metal and solid waste disposal.
A bid was received for both items from Republic Services. The bids were then sent off for further review.
The Pledge of Allegiance was then held along with a prayer before moving to approve the minutes for the November 8th meeting and current agenda.
Reviews took place regarding the County Transfer Station Inspection Report, investment report for October 2022, and Prosecuting Attorneys 2022 DTAC report.
The following agenda items were then approved.
– Resolution 2022-786 for the increase and transfer of appropriations for various departments.
– Resolution 2022-787 to enter into agreement 2022-105 with BP Corporation for the Arche Energy Project.
– Resolution 2022-788 to approve Payment Request #2 final to Ameriseal for the Fulton County Airport Rehabilitation Runway 9/27 Project.
– Resolution 2022-789 to accept recommendation of Loss Control Coordinator for a workers compensation claim.
– Resolution 2022-790 to approve purchase orders and travel requests.
The meeting then entered into recess at 9:07 a.m. Upon returning at 9:15 a.m. commissioners moved to begin the final hearing for Ditch 2144 – Krasula.
Rod Creager spoke to commissioners and those in attendance about the ditch petition.
Issues that were found as well as what would be done to fix the issues were discussed.
The estimated final cost was quoted at $96,159.79 after all construction costs and fees.
At 10:00 a.m. individuals wishing to offer testimony to commissioners were sworn in.
Four individuals spoke and expressed their concerns regarding the ditch, the cost for repairs and what needed to be done.
Each individual explained that they had not yet seen water overtake the ditch but did agree that something needed to be done to prevent issues in the future.
Each one also agreed that an extension should be granted to give the land owners time to fix the issue themselves.
Following testimony from the individuals, Commissioner Jon Rupp stated that it is obvious by the pictures that something needs to be done.
He also stated that the project has already been delayed but that he is in favor of letting the people try and do something themselves.
A time limit of six months was proposed by Jon Rupp for the land owners to fix the issues.
Commissioners Jeff Rupp and Joe Short agreed with Mr. Short adding that, if it is not fixed within the six-month timeframe, those who did not work to fix the issue on their property would be assessed.
A hearing was set for May 11th at 9:15 a.m. to revisit the issue. The meeting was then adjourned at 10:21 a.m.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com