Seneca County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to discuss use of an upcoming Local Government Innovation Fund of $100,000 for a feasibility study for determining the future financial need of a potential new courthouse building.
"We recently met with representatives from the city and the (North Central Ohio Regional Council of Governments) about applying for an LGIF grant as part of a feasibility study," Board President Ben Nutter said.
This would be the second grant this year that the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center could qualify for.
The Ohio Department of Development gives two LGIF grants per year; one was awarded recently to the NCOESC.
The deadline for the LGIF is set for Sept. 4 and the decision process can take until as late as November, Director of NCORCOG John Davoli said.
Nutter said they met last Thursday and everyone was still on board with the study.
"The state auditor is putting together background information on the cost of the study," Nutter said.
Money from another grant was discussed in session.
Seneca County Regional Planning Director Jill Griffin spoke about the option of using Community Development Block Grant funds.
"We can hold over the block grant until next year," Griffin said.
Nutter and Commissioner Jeff Wagner said they were in favor of using CDBG funds on the County Services Building.
The building, at 71 S. Washington St., houses the board of elections, the health department, Victim's Advocates and Pomeroy's gift shop.
CDBG funds include $89,000 plus $39,000 from the Revolving Loan Fund for a total of $128,000.
The building needs a new roof and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, Wagner said.
Griffin said she will run a public notice for the public hearing to propose the projects and will have the resolution available for commissioner approval at the next board meeting.
The following were approved under new business:
Bill vouchers.
An addition of 11 acres to the existing 52-acre lease with Gerald Smith and Mark Schalk for farmland located in Section 35 of Hopewell Township, on a cash rent per acre basis. Seneca County leases out this restricted land by the Seneca County Airport. It is restricted because of its proximity to the airport.
A resolution authorizing a contract agreement for planning with Resource Solutions Associates on behalf of the Seneca County Emergency Management Agency.
A resolution approval of extension for the CDBG FY 2010 Small Cities CDBG program.
Setting 10:45 a.m. June 21 at the Commissioners Office for receiving sealed bids for the Hopewell Township Rd 112 replacement of prestressed box beams.
Bargaining unit agreements between the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services and AFSCME, Ohio Council 8.
Authorizing County Administrator Stacy Wilson and Assistant Administrator Tanya Hemmer to sign all change orders by the architect for the Seneca County Agency Transport Transit Facility.
