Athens County

The regular session meeting included agenda items such as reviewing budget requests from the Veteran Service Office and discussions with AFLAC representatives regarding employee policies. Key actions involved approving various financial matters, including appropriations for 9-1-1, the Auditor, Juvenile Court, and the DD Board, as well as a transfer within the Sheriff's department. Major approvals included a Participation Agreement regarding location services for Non-Custodial Parents between the County Commissioners Association of Ohio Service Corporation and West Publishing Corporation, an agreement between ACDJFS and Athens County Children Services for Non Emergency Transportation Services, approval of a Utility Permit from Frontier for installation on New England Road, approval of a liability release for Dog Shelter volunteers, and approval of Amendment #1 with HDR Engineering for the US 50 Corridor Wastewater Improvements. Additionally, the Commissioners approved the relocation of a force main on Poston Road to address infiltration issues, based on the recommendation from the Athens County Water and Sewer Superintendent.

The Commissioners conducted business including approving the agenda, payment of county bills, and adopting appropriations and transfers for various funds, including Juvenile Court and general fund transfers. Key discussions and actions involved entering executive sessions to discuss 911 Contract Negotiations and the Athens Hocking Recycling Center union contract and negotiations. The board addressed the Amended Certificate from the County Auditor, approved agreements for Dog Shelter Volunteers and a payroll consulting services contract with J.L. Uhrig and Associates, Inc. Further items included ratifying signatures on the VAWA Grant Application documents, re-appointing the 2016 Athens County Apiary Inspector, approving an extension request for ACWSD payments, and proclaiming February 2016 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The board also authorized entering into an agreement with Autoagent Data Solutions for electronic tax payments, approved a Change Order increasing the contract price and time for the Welcome Signs in The Plains project, approved the Athens County Regional Planning Commission Fee Schedule, approved The Plains Beautification Project Budget, and accepted funding for the Athens Belpre Rail Trail Bikepath Extension Project. An Energy Audit Contract with Jason Radcliffe was approved. Discussions also covered leasing county property for hunting and issuing a letter to departments regarding 2016 departmental goals, along with addressing a grievance hearing from Ohio Council 8 concerning health insurance overcharges for Recycling Center employees.

The Board of Athens County Commissioners convened to discuss and act on various matters. Key agenda items included approving utility permits, addressing the Rural Impact County Challenge, and proclaiming Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The board also approved an agreement to participate in the Multi-County Branch of The Office of the Ohio Public Defender and authorized the signature of Commissioner Eliason on the Guardian Ad Litem Agreement. Additional discussions covered the Beechwood Estates Sewer System, a presentation by NeoPost, and a public hearing regarding Oxford Mining Company's mining operations. The board also considered a bid opening for Bern Township Street Improvements and approved a bid recommendation for the Village of Trimble Street Improvements.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics such as dog shelter operations, including declaring surplus and removing a gas chamber, advertising the incinerator for sale, and getting bids for garage door repair. The commissioners also discussed concerns regarding the NumbersFest, water and sewer service extensions, and updates from the Extension Office. Other actions included approving expenditures for renovations at EMS stations, utility permits, stone bid awards, declaring vehicles and air conditioner units as surplus, and approving applications for the OCEAN information system. Additionally, meeting date changes were approved, along with rankings for RFQs and a proclamation for an Eagle Scout.

The OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital Sustainability Plan outlines a five-year journey to enhance the hospital's operations across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The plan is structured around 27 objectives within eight key categories: Energy Reduction & Renewables, Water Use & Protection, Waste Reduction & Recycling, Healthy Living & Foods, Local & Sustainable Purchasing, Green Building, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Communication & Education. The overarching goal is to improve the health and well-being of patients, associates, and communities by promoting environmental stewardship, fostering a healthy work environment, providing excellent patient care, and driving local economic development. The plan also seeks to align with broader community sustainability initiatives.