(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
RESOLUTIONS … The Williams County Commissioners pass several resolutions during Tuesday’s scheduled meeting.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners held meetings on Tuesday, September 10th, and Thursday, September 12th. In the first order of business, the commissioners passed several resolutions.
The following resolutions were approved during Tuesday’s meeting:
Resolution 24-0301: This resolution approves the Williams County Auditor to create new lines and make supplemental appropriations from the funds as follows: Williams County Airport – $22,500 from Unappropriated to Capital Assets-Vehicles for purchasing a 2005 model 7000 truck; Williams County Commissioners: $22,500 from Unappropriated to Air Grant-Airport Authority; Air Grant-Airport Authority to Intergovernmental Revenue for purchasing a 2005 model 7000 truck; Williams County EMS: $5,908.30 from Unappropriated to Seminars & Trainings for donations given for training.
Resolution 24-0302: This resolution accepts the Ohio Public Works Commission, Williams County Sub-Committee, Round 39 Roster which lists the following appointees:
Todd J. Roth, Chairman of County Sub-Committee
Lewis Hilkert – County Rep at the completion of his term it would then be Terry Rummel
Brian Wieland – City Representative
Rusty Goebel – Township Representative
Edward A. Kidston – Village Representative
Tony Hoeffel – Other Voting Representative
Resolution 24-0303: This resolution approves the Board of Williams County Commissioners to receive sealed bids in their office until October 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for the Chemical Identification Meter Project for Williams County, Ohio.
Resolution 24-0304: This resolution approves the Memorandum of Understanding between Williams County Department of Job & Family Services and Williams County Board of DD, Williams County Family & Children First Council, and Four County ADAMhs Board for shared funding for child placement; Cost: Per diem rate $355/day; JFS: $88.75; DD: $88.75; ADAMhs: $75; Term: July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
Resolution 24-0305: This resolution approves the OPWC Cooperative agreement between the Village of Edgerton, Saint Joseph Township, and the Board of Williams County Commissioners (Williams County) to submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission for the CR K & CR 5 Reconstruction Project.
Williams County will provide funds equal to 52% of the total project costs (K00 Auto and Gasoline Fund), the cost breakdown listed in the agreement.
During the meeting held on Thursday, the commissioners convened at the fairgrounds as part of their Coffee with Commissioners initiative.
The commissioners granted approval for the reception of sealed bids for the Alvordton wastewater sewer improvement project until 10:00 a.m. on October 15th. Furthermore, they endorsed a fund transfer within the Williams County EMS fund to procure training equipment. Additionally, it was communicated that the EMS is slated to acquire another remounted ambulance in the near future.
Following the regular meeting the commissioners opened the floor for anyone to voice any concerns or ask any questions.
One resident voiced some concerns about various items that needed to be fixed around the Fairgrounds.
Fairgrounds officials agreed that there were several items needing fixed but there were much larger issues the fairgrounds had been dealing with.
Williams County Fair Board President Pam Goll addressed the commissioners, stating that they have had a lot of issues with kids breaking into the fairgrounds and vandalizing ticket booths and the grandstands.
The board received a grant of $100,000 to fix stuff up, and they have utilized $3,000 of that on a new ticket booth.
She went on to say that when you have kids vandalizing the place, that money then ends up getting used to fix the property that those kids damaged instead of being used for other projects in the fairgrounds.
Goll also mentioned that the fair board is running a campaign to replace the pens in the hog barn. They estimated the cost at $73,000 and mentioned that donations and pledges have reached about $40,000, allowing them to start the project before this year’s fair.
“I would like to extend an invitation to the commissioners to join me for a walk after the meeting to view some of the buildings,” stated Toby Fenicle, the grounds maintainer for the fair board. “It is important to note that some of the buildings are deteriorating in condition,” he added.
The commissioners expressed their unavailability for a tour of the grounds due to a prior commitment after the meeting. Nonetheless, they indicated their willingness to schedule an appointment with Mr. Fenicle soon for the tour.
Mr. Fenicle emphasized the utilization of grant funds in various projects, highlighting the significant efforts to secure funding for infrastructure improvements such as building enhancements and roofing projects within the community.”
The discussion also covered why the amusement rides are located where they are on the fairgrounds. Goll explained that the ride owner prefers that location to better manage employees.
Commissioner Lewis Hilkert also mentioned that several senior residents have expressed their enjoyment of having the rides there because it makes it easier for them to navigate the rest of the grounds.
Goll also noted that prior to COVID, there were over 20 ride companies in the state to choose from for the service, but now there are only eight.
She added that the company the fair board currently contracts with also provides revenue back to the fair board after the fair, with last year’s contribution being $25,000.
“This is allowing us to maintain the $5 gate admission and other amenities,” Goll said.
Additionally, there was a discussion about housing, during which officials informed State Rep. James Hoops, who was in attendance, that they would like to see more funding from state agencies directed towards rural areas like Williams County.
With nothing else left to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:34 a.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17th at 11:00 a.m.
