Justice Center lighting plans in the works

Seneca County Commissioners met to discuss Justice Center building, grounds and cupola lighting application processes Wednesday morning. During the meeting, concerns were addressed from the affected partners. One concern was having applications to allow displays inside the Joint Justice Center. Jean Eckelberry, Clerk of Courts, and Seneca County Sheriff Bill Eckelberry said they have concerns of security to allow displays installed inside the building that could cause a distraction. "We don't want to have anything that would jeopardize the justice process or security," Commissioner and board president Shayne Thomas said. Involving the cupola lighting, no major issues were addressed, except only allowing lighting recognizing the celebration of community and events. Commissioner Mike Kerschner and board vice president said he does not want any lighting done that would symbolize anything politically affiliated. In another matter, Pat McCauley, public affairs liaison for Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, spoke to the commissioners about the Treasurer's Agriculture Link Application program that is to be extended to Nov. 15. The program allows farmers to apply for up to a $150,000 loan in lieu of the recent disastrous weather that has hit the area. Kerschner said he appreciated Treasurer Sprague's willingness to help farmers and specifically in the Seneca County area, but would rather see deferment of previous loans for farmers than applying for additional loans. The next regular meeting is to be 9 a.m. Aug. 9. Monday, the commissioners are to meet with the six applicants who are vying for the empty seat left by Holly Stacy. In other news, the commissioners approved: • A $4,500 supplemental appropriation to the Emergency Management Fund for contract services. • A $1,500 supplemental appropriation to the Emergency Management Fund for travel. • A $2,000 fund advance from the General Fund to the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Fund. The request comes from the sheriff's office and is to be paid back once STEP grant funds are received. • A participation agreement with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio Service Corporation and West Publishing Corporation on behalf of Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services. • Entering into a subgrant agreement with ODJFS on behalf of Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services.