Description

Minutes of Meeting

Date

4/23/2009

Location

Commissioners Session Room

 

Time

Speaker

Note

9:00:21 AM

Call Meeting to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer

Roll Call Attendance - All present

 

9:01:14 AM

Resolution 2009-337 Approve Minutes of April 20, 2009

Commissioner Barnaby made the motion and Commissioner Genter seconded the motion. Commissioner Short abstained. Motion carried 2-1.

9:01:51 AM

Resolution 2009-338 Approve Agenda As Presented or
Amended

Commissioner Barnaby made the motion and Commissioner Short seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

9:02:12 AM

OLD BUSINESS:
· Resolution 2009-339 Approve Payment of Bills

Commissioner Genter made the motion and Commissioner Barnaby seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

9:02:32 AM

·Discuss 2009 Budget Reductions

County Administrator, Vond Hall, stated that this discussion is a follow up to the meeting held with the Budget Commission last week regarding the revenue situation.  He stated that he met with many of the elected officials and department heads to collectively come up with a plan that comes closer to addressing the $9.9 million in revenue to match up with the expenses.  He stated that the recession has seriously impacted revenues and just about every political jurisdiction is facing the same problem.  Since 2000 they have done a nice job of managing with flat revenues, however it is unprecedented that they have seen a serious decline in receipts. 

 

He explained that he looked at the programs that are currently being operated with flat revenue and how they can work with a reduced revenue stream.  He listed his ideas and those of the other offices collectively.  Each office examined their operations and offered ideas on how to scale back and still allow them to provide the services they are charged with, with the revenue that are available to pay for them. 

 

One idea Mr. Hall proposed was the creation of a Micro-filming Board that would be put in place instead of the current record operations.  This would offer a net reduction in operational expenses for that department.  This Board would consist of the Recorder, Treasurer, Auditor, Clerk of Courts and a Commissioner.

 

He then proposed a chart of dollar figures by line item where possible cuts can be made.  He noted that this does not hit the $1.6 mill in reductions that are needed but is just shy of $1 million.  There is additional work to be done.  The next thing to look at are non-mandated offices such as Soil and Water and OSU Extension.  He has met with each of them and they both have to meet with their boards at the end of the month.  He pointed out that they may be able to redirect some solid waste and recycling dollars as the State of Ohio has put litter prevention and recycling under the Soil and Water Division of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  Discussions are taking place to allow them to do the same.  He mentioned that OSU Extension is discussing a 10 County Regional concept which will reduce county staff to cover a wider range.  State revenues are down just like county revenues.

 

Mr. Hall stated that he will take time to further work with the elected officials and examine the options available. 

 

Commissioner Short stated that there are additional funding modifications that have been discussed and further details will be forthcoming. 

 

Mr. Hall stated that in conversations with OSU Extension and Soil and Water, they do not yet know what the State will allow them to do, but are willing to cooperate.  Commissioner Short noted that in a previous meeting with the 10 County region on the OSU Extension, the State doesn’t have their plans finalized yet.

 

Commissioner Genter noted that in regard to the CCNO revenues, they are getting close to the $200K.  A meeting was held yesterday regarding budget cuts and revenue that comes in from other funding sources and Fulton County is down for $115,232 already.

 

Mr. Hall stated that he will continue dialogue with all offices and explained to the elected officials that were in attendance that it will take creative and further cooperative efforts from all offices to come close to these numbers without drastically affecting the services that they are expected to provide.  He then asked for questions.

 

Judge Barber asked when the expected cuts were to start. Commissioner Short stated that this is the 1st phase in the plan.  There may be law changes and changes to the ORC that may allow cost shifting or other alternatives.  He stated there is additional work that needs to be done.  Commissioner Genter stated that they will make the decisions as they come forward.  Mr. Hall stated that the sooner the better because 2009 needs to get wrapped up as the 2010 budget discussions are coming.

 

Ms. Gype asked what is meant by across the board cuts as listed on the proposal.  Mr. Hall stated that to be fair to each office he tried doing a percentage decrease for every line for every department, however realized that it is not a workable plan.  There are some lines that cannot be reduced such as kids in custody and classified staff.

 

Commissioner Genter stated that “the elected officials have done a great job in the past of being conservative and being responsible to the taxpayers of Fulton County.  We need to show additional cuts before even thinking about raising taxes.  As elected officials, we need to make sure that we are as effective as possible for every tax dollar we receive.”

 

Ms. Gype stated that salary cutting should be taken into consideration as well as paying their own expenses and lunches when attending meetings.

 

Mr. Hall stated that he would welcome any new ideas from all offices and departments. 

 

Commissioner Short stated that “everyone in here has made cuts and has done what they can do and it is very much appreciated.  Every department is affected by what is happening.” 

 

Mr. Hall Stated that this is the 1st phase in the process and there will be more to come.  The Board thanked everyone for coming in.

9:18:13 AM

·Review Civilian Labor Force Estimates

 It was noted that the unemployment numbers are down just a bit for March 2009. 

9:18:32 AM

Executive Session - To Discuss Imminent or Pending Court Action Resolution 2009-348

Commissioner Genter made the motion and Commissioner Short seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Barnaby, yes; Genter, yes; Short, yes. Motion carried unanimously.

10:02:25 AM

Shane Chamberlin, Chief Adult Probation Officer To Discuss Adult Probation Services

 Mr. Chamberlin stated that he was here to discuss Resolution 2009-322 that was presented to the Board and voted down.  He presented the Board with documents explaining that the 1st 2 pages are handed into the Judge at the end of each year outlining the actions of the Chief Probation Officer.  The 2nd is to give a background on the arrests that he does. 

 

He stated that this resolution was to increase the appropriations to approve various safety equipment for a car recently purchased for the department.  It was voted down and he is asking the Board’s reconsideration.  He stated that this will equip his new car to ensure his safety, such as a cage, communications devices and lighting to be more visible at night.

 

He explained his risk of danger as he conducts arrests, all of which are felony offenders and transports them to CCNO. 

 

Commissioner Genter inquired of the vehicle he is currently driving.  Mr. Chamberlin stated it is a 1999 Ford Taurus.  Commissioner Genter asked what he purchased.  Mr. Chamberlin stated a 2009 Dodge Charger was purchased.  Commissioner Genter asked if the Taurus was equipped this way.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that it is not. 

 

Commissioner Genter stated that when the request originally came through for the charger, it would have been denied if not a letter in support received from the Judge.  He asked if there was any communication with the County Administrator regarding the specs before the car was purchased.  Mr. Hall stated that there were emails, however since the price was below competitive bidding, specs were not discussed.  Commissioner Genter explained to Mr. Chamberlin that with the remote start that was requested and the equipment that he asking for, it will, in aggregate, be over the competitive bid threshold and that this should have been put out for bid.  He further explained that this should have all come together in one spec, not in 3.  He stated that this looks like he was trying to circumvent the competitive bid process.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that this was not his intent.  Mr. Chamberlin further stated that even if the mechanics of the transaction is flawed he still feels the equipment is necessary. 

 

Commissioner Genter stated that there is a Dodge Charger from the Sheriff’s Department that was recently totaled.  There is a cage and 5 other requested items that can be used from that car.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that he does not want hand me downs.  He feels the funds are available and would like to purchase new.

 

Commissioner Genter pointed out that that they just approved the 1st step of a plan to cut $1million out of the budget, including the possibility of some no longer being employed by the county.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that these are not general fund dollars.  Commissioner Genter stated that the Board still oversees all funds.

 

Commissioner Short stated that the Taurus he is driving only has 65,000 miles on it while there are Sheriff’s deputies driving around in vehicles that have 160,000 – 220,000 miles on them and they may not be able to provide new vehicles for them due to budget cuts.  He stated that if there is any way that parts can be used from the totaled vehicle he would hope that would be his interest.  New is not a luxury that can be afforded at this time.

 

Commissioner Genter stated that he will make sure he gets a cage for his safety and asked what else he really needs.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that the light package is so he can be seen at night.  Commissioner Genter stated that he has 4-way flashers for that purpose.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that a LED light is also needed for the interior of the car.  Commissioner Genter stated that his vote stands.  Commissioner Short stated that the issue is that if the economic times were not what they are, this may have been more palatable.  Commissioner Barnaby stated that he has no problems with the LED interior light, but his vote still stands.  Commissioner Short stated that there is no issue using the cage and other items from the wrecked sheriff’s car, however the other items can be brought back before the board but there is no guarantee of funding.  He stated that any further discussions should be directed to the County Administrator.

10:24:48 AM

NEW BUSINESS:

· Resolution 2009-340 Approve OPWC Grant Agreement on Behalf of County Engineer for Bridge 5-2 F.0 Project

Commissioner Genter made the motion and Commissioner Short seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

10:25:41 AM

· Resolution 2009-341 Approve Draw Down of Funds No. 195 from Ohio Department of Development for FY08 CHIP Grant

Commissioner Short made the motion and Commissioner Genter seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

10:27:54 AM

· Resolution 2009-342 Establish New Lines and Appropriations for FY09 NSP Grant

Commissioner Genter made the motion and Commissioner Short seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

10:28:43 AM

· Resolution 2009-343 Approve Waiver of Charges for ALS Transports

Commissioner Genter made the motion and Commissioner Short seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

10:29:36 AM

· Resolution 2009-344 Approve Requisition for WIA Coordinator Position

Commissioner Genter made the motion and Commissioner Short seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

10:30:45 AM

· Resolution 2009-345 Approve Then and Now Purchase Orders

Commissioner Barnaby made the motion and Commissioner Genter seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

10:31:11 AM

· Resolution 2009-346 Approve Purchase Orders and Travel Requests

Commissioner Genter made the motion and Commissioner Short seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

10:33:07 AM

Recess

 

11:01:46 AM

ODOT District II Annual Update

 David Dysard, Distr II Deputy Director; Mike Gramza, Distr II Construction Engineer; and Theresa Pollick, Dist II Public Information Officer; were present to give their annual update. 

 

Mr. Dysard began a PowerPoint presentation.  Stating that a task force has been formed to look at transportation in the state and to continue to look at improvements.  The goals of the task force

  1. To evaluate choices of mode of transportation
  2. Streamline policy making and collaboration
  3. Use and improve technologies
  4. Look at revenue sources

 

He stated that Ohio is the:

  • 2nd largest in bridges
  • 4th in the interstate system
  • 4th in rail routes
  • 5th in overall traffic and truck traffic
  • 7th in highway networking
  • 10th in transit riders
  • 7th largest economy in the US

 

He discussed a Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) that was set up by Governor Voinovich.  It requires any major improvement, greater than $5 million be handled in a competitive manner in Columbus. 

 

He discussed the budget and the fiscal challenges that ODOT is facing.  He stated that in 2009-2011, there is a cumulative shortfall of $1.1 Billion in revenue shortfalls.  He stated that everyone wants to give them money for projects, however there are no dollars available for operational costs. 

 

He stated that 100% of the dollars received from state and federal gas taxes are for maintaining and modernizing roadways and bridges.  There has been discussion on creating tolls to fund state transportation.  There is also talk of restoring a passenger rail service to connect the 3 largest cities, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.  Later, Columbus, Toledo and Detroit may also be connected.  They are hoping to get something going by the end of 2010.  They are working on securing grant monies to local authorities for green transit vehicles.  They have recently been granted the authority to enter into innovative energy enterprises for energy production.  They continue to support multi-modal planning, partnership, and research for rail, water, and roadways.

 

He discussed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  He stated that there were 4,600 projects submitted to receive stimulus monies with $15 Billion of need.  Out of that list, 149 were picked, which will have $774 million spent in Ohio and will create or retain 21,250 jobs.  He stated that specifically District II has received $34.8 million dollars in stimulus funds.  He highlighted some of the projects that will or have commenced in this area including a terrace slope underpass at the NS Railroad in Bryan; A bridge project on Oakwood Avenue in Napoleon; and the resurfacing of SR66 in Archbold. 

 

Mr. Dysard then turned the presentation over to Mr. Gramza to discuss 2009 Construction in District II.  He stated that there are 48 projects scheduled with $170 million that will be paid out to contractors.  He stated that this is the largest year yet, with the last larges being in 2003 with $130 million.  He further stated that 2010 is expected to be even larger.   He showed a chart illustrating the percentage of funds as they are distributed through the districts in Ohio.  In 2009, District II will receive 16%, which is the 2nd largest.  In 2010, they will receive 16% which is the largest in the state.  In 2009, 60% of those funds will be used for major new construction, 25% for preservation, 13% other, and 2% for maintenance.  In 2010, 70% is for major new; 17% for preservation, 9% for other and 4% for maintenance. 

 

He discussed the SR 24 alignment and stated that the 3 phases to the west are on schedule.  The area from Neowash road to Waterville was awarded in April 2009 and is expected to be finished in July 2012.  The area from CR 4a to Neowash will be awarded in May 2009 and is expected to be finished in Summer of 2013.

 

Fulton US 20 is scheduled for paving between SR 108 and SR109.

 

SR 424 in Henry County is scheduled for resurfacing.

 

SR 15 in Williams County is scheduled for culvert replacements and repairs.

 

This concluded the PowerPoint presentation.

 

The Board thanked them for coming in.

11:42:36 AM

Adjourn

 

 

Approved:

 

 

Joseph D. Short

 

 

Dean Genter

 

 

Paul Barnaby

 

 

Attest:

 

Jennifer L. Connors, Clerk

 

 

A signed copy of the minutes or a recording of the meeting in it’s entirety can be obtained in the office of the Clerk of the Board at 152 S. Fulton St, Ste 270, Wauseon, Ohio  43567.

 

10:01:38 AM

Out of Executive Session

 

Resolution 2009-349 

Commissioner Short stated that upon further discussion, they would like to reinstitute the evaluation process by the Sanitary Engineer to authorize the County Administrator to begin negotiations with ARCADIS for the Northeast Fulton County Water Project.  Commissioner Short made the motion and Commissioner Barnaby seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.