By: Rebecca Miller
Fulton County Commissioners began the business of the Thursday, February 25, 2021 meeting with the approval of the following:
•Minutes for February 23, 2021
•Agenda for February 25, 2021
•Increase and transfer Appropriations for various departments
•Resolution 159 Agreement 2021-31 with DGL Consulting Engineers for Professional Services
•Resolution 160 Agreement 2021-32 with Dixon Engineering for Fulton/Lucas Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation Inspection
•Purchase orders and travel requests
•Resolution 162 Joint Solid Waste District Draft Plan Update
The first person to address the commissioners was Melissa Bodey with CEBCO. Bodey is a Senior Benefits Specialist with County Employee Benefits Consortium of Ohio and came from Columbus to give an update on the commissioners’ insurance coverage.
Following Ms. Bodey, Shawn Najarian and Judy Becker presented a report on JJ’s Safe House, saying that the house is now ready to be opened for residents.
The House which is located in Archbold, Ohio provides a safe place for victims of domestic violence and their children, who are from Fulton County.
They were glad to announce that incidents of need have reduced over the last year, but the house is now ready so when someone needs it, they can come there.
It “will allow a fleeing victim a place to stay for up to eighteen months. The goal is to lower the rate of return to the abusive situations as many of the victims do not have alternate living options.”
They mentioned that Marco’s Pizza has helped to feed victims since 2017 and will continue. The house can serve three families at a time, has a fenced in yard and bars on the inside of the windows for security.
They are hoping to open a second house in Swanton and continue to be 100% privately funded.
Amy Hoffman of Palmer Energy reported on RFP (Request for Proposal) results. She shared that the current contract with AEP (American Electric Power) ends in May, the rates are lower and she recommended the next agreement go until December 2023.
Energy Harbor and Synergy are the lowest so she suggested refreshing the rates with them.
Redline agreements have been reviewed by the Prosecutor’s office in advance of the agreement date. Council voted to approve Resolution 2021-163 Authorize County Engineer to Execute Electricity Aggregation agreements.
Following a short recess, the last presentation of the day was given by Matt Gilroy from FCEDC (Fulton County Economic Development Corporation). He first spoke about some office space at the airport that has not been used for quite some time and asked if he could utilize the space for FCEDC and Airport Authority records.
The FCEDC recieved a PPP grant and it will allow for some new furniture that will be easier for social distancing and for training such as the planned Young Eagles. The Board agreed for him to use the space as needed.
Secondly Gilroy spoke to them as a member of the Wauseon Rotary, saying that last year the former Racquet Ball Club building was donated for community benefit.
Right now it is being rented for racquet ball and tennis but the building is very cold, as the HVAC system is in need of repair to be fully functioning.
A grant opportunity has been difficult to find. He has also served on the White Paper Committee and has a concept of going after state capital bill money for the upgrades, “which requires a strong game plan for community benefit.” Strategizing has begun and he believes they Weill be ready in
August or September of this year to make their pitch. He asked the commissioners for their “input and blessing.”
Commissioner Jon Rupp said he saw no problem supporting the efforts and would be willing to attend “the pitch.”
Commissioner Jeff Rupp asked if it was something that a letter of support would help and Gilroy responded that it would help as the group will want local government approval from all levels.
With no further business on that day, the meeting was adjourned. During the Tuesday morning, March 2, 2021 meeting Commissioner John Rupp was absent so Commissioner Jeff Rupp led the meeting.
The commissioners approved the Minutes of February 25, 2021; Agenda for present meeting; Bill payment; Increase and Transfer appropriations for various departments; and Purchase orders and travel requests.
Also approved were:
•Resolution 168 authorize Board Vice President to execute 2020 Coronavirus Grant Acknowledgement for Sheriff’s Department
•Resolution 169 Enter into agreement 2021-33 with Jim Palmer Excavating for Ditch Improvement 2142-Pike Township
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com