Athens County

This document outlines the Athens County Hazard Mitigation Plan, a multi-jurisdictional guide for minimizing the adverse effects of natural and manmade hazards on the lives and properties of residents. Key strategic goals include reducing property damage, economic loss, injury, and loss of human life; enhancing public awareness and education; coordinating inter-jurisdictional preparedness measures; providing decision-making tools for stakeholders; and ensuring regulatory compliance. The plan details risk assessments for hazards such as dam/levee failure, drought, extreme heat, and earthquakes.

This Active Transportation Plan for Athens County aims to create safe, convenient, and accessible options for walking, biking, and public transportation for all residents. The plan documents connectivity gaps and opportunities between communities, explores potential solutions, and prioritizes key projects. It outlines infrastructure recommendations, such as shared-use paths, wider shoulders, and improved crossings, alongside non-infrastructure strategies like expanding transit services, increasing accessibility, and promoting active transportation education and awareness. The overarching goal is to enhance community health, economic development, and overall quality of life by fostering a culture of active transportation.

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.