NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2007

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, February 8, 2007, at 8:30 a.m., in the Conference Room of the Defiance County Commissioners, 500 Court Street, Defiance, OH 43512.  Commissioner Otto L. Nicely called the meeting to order.  Also present were Commissioners Thomas L. Kime, James E. Harris, Jr., Becky Wagner, County Administrator, Lyla Gurwell, Clerk and Joanne Goerlitz, Deputy Clerk. 

General Session – The Commissioners were presented with various resolutions and documents for approval.  The Commissioners reviewed agenda items, discussed upcoming meetings, and reviewed and updated the calendar of events.

The Commissioners signed a resolution for fiscal year 2006 (CDBG) Community Development Block Grant formula program agreement.  The agreement authorizes Maumee Valley Planning to provide certain technical advice, assistance and service in connection with activities carried out under the approved grant funds.  It also allows Maumee Valley Planning to provide administrative support, implement programs, review and submit program progress reports, prepare and/ or review bid documents and other assistance as necessary.

The Commissioners also approved the annual county highway system mileage certification for calendar year 2006.  The Defiance County Engineer is reporting the total mileages as 326.58.

The Board also approved preliminary legislation for the Paulding/ Defiance 24 project.  This portion of the project proposes to construct a four lane divided highway on new alignment between U.S. Route 127 and State Route 424 west of the City of Defiance.  The project will include construction of interchanges at U.S. Route 127 and State Route 424.  Four (4) county or township roadways intersect the new route and will be addressed by either grade separating the local roadway from relocated U.S. Route 24, relocating and/ or reconstructing the local roadway, or by cutting the local roadway off at its intersection with the relocated U.S. Route 24.

County Administrator Becky Wagner submitted her report to the Board.  Becky reported talking with Kim Moss, Director of the Defiance County Health Department.  Kime requested to use the storage cage at Defiance County East to store equipment and materials that would be used in the event of a pandemic or other emergency event.  The purpose is to have the materials in one location that all emergency or management personnel can obtain the materials. 

Defiance County Senior Center Director Tina Hiler came in to discuss the 2006 year-end report.  Tina reported the Senior Center served 89,199 meals in 2006.

Tina also reported 13,203 one-way transportation trips were made.  Of those trips, 3,835 trips were made for senior medical appointments.  The total number of miles for transportation trips was 107,868 and 82,829 miles were driven for home delivered meals.

There will be a Sweetheart Dance for everyone 60 years and older on Thursday, February 22, 2007.  The dance will be held at the UAW Hall.  Registration begins at 4:30 p.m.  The suggested donation is $3.00 per person for dinner and for those under 60, the cost will be $4.25 per person.

The Defiance County Senior Services Auxiliary will be hosting the “Seniors With A Heart” Auction on Saturday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the K of C Hall on Elliott Road, there will be a “Seniors With a Heart” Auction.  There are many items available such as tote bags, garden rocks, gift cards, eye exams, DVD Players, oil changes and much more. 

News Release Approved:          ____________________________________________________                                                              Otto L. Nicely, Defiance County Commissioner