Jeffrey C. Balzer

Key discussions for this session included the approval of the electronic record of proceedings from the previous regular meeting, public comment, and the approval of purchase orders, vouchers, and related financial documents. Major agenda items involved granting an annexation petition for 5.00 acres of land in Berlin Township to the City of Delaware, and setting dates for the final hearing on the proposed Daventry Park Watershed Drainage Improvement. Further items included an update on the Buckeye Business Advantage program, a retirement tribute for an employee with 11 years of service, and authorizing the County Administrator to apply for and accept a Cooperative Agreement with the Ohio Water Development Authority for refinancing 2014 Sanitary Sewer System Improvement Revenue Bonds. The agenda also covered approving a Drainage Maintenance Petition and Ditch Maintenance Assessments for Courtyards at Evans Farm, administrator and committee reports, and adjourning into an executive session.

Delaware County has unveiled a Facilities Master Plan designed to address anticipated population growth and optimize government operations over the next decade. The plan focuses on consolidating county government facilities, reducing the number of owned buildings, renovating the historic Courthouse, and strategically relocating various departments. The objectives are to improve efficiency, provide enhanced customer service, and ensure county government can adequately serve its residents, particularly with projected population increases by 2030.

This document provides updates on various initiatives and strategic efforts within Delaware County. It highlights the ongoing development of an Economic Development Strategic Plan set to establish priorities for the county's economic growth over the next decade, supported by a Business Retention Study. Additional updates cover infrastructure improvements, new business developments, a major transportation project, intra-county government studies, accounting and finance enhancements, and community outreach goals, all contributing to the county's future development and fiscal responsibility.

This five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan for Delaware County, released in late 2023, serves as a roadmap to guide economic growth and competitiveness in the post-pandemic era. Key strategies include enhancing agricultural technology and innovation, improving site preparedness and infrastructure in growth corridors, integrating tourism and recreational asset development, and developing policies to expand housing options. The plan aims to prepare the county to compete for suppliers and advanced manufacturing opportunities and to address its unique assets and needs for future economic development.

The Board of Commissioners conducted a regular session which included several resolutions. Key actions involved approving the electronic record of the previous meeting held on March 15, 2012. The Board approved payment warrants in batch numbers CMAPR0316 and associated purchase orders, including a $10,000 commitment to Flow Line OECC Letherlips. Travel expense requests were approved, specifically authorizing travel for Veterans Services to attend a national conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey in June 2012. Furthermore, the Board approved a summary sheet of right-of-way work permits for AT&T and United Telephone. Authorization was also granted for the purchase of three 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks and a 2013 dump truck chassis for the County Engineer's Office through cooperative purchasing programs. Finally, the Board authorized the submittal of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Program Income Report for 2011 (reporting zero income) and approved the necessary environmental review and funding release documentation for the Village of Ostrander Street Improvements project.