Michael J. Dell

Key discussions during the session included updates from the County Administrator regarding the Museum Advisory Board, specifically authorizing the submittal of a Security System Upgrade application for the Seneca County Museum, and providing updates on the 108 Jefferson Street Auction and the Justice Center Landscaping. Commissioner reports covered updates from the FEDC, a Fiber Ribbon Cutting, and Justice Center Christmas Lighting. New Business focused heavily on budget adjustments, including supplemental appropriations for the T-CAP Grant Fund and authorizing fund transfers to the Capital Improvement Fund. Additionally, authorization was sought for contracts related to the 2019 County Chip Seal Project, window repairs/storm windows at the Seneca County Museum, a contract with Appraisal Research Corporation for the Auditor's Office, the disposal of an unneeded GMC Van, and an amendment to a contract with Patchworks House, Inc. for the Department of Job and Family Services.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of Kenny Eep. Key discussions included updates on Commissioner reports, such as solidifying a $230,000 grant for the Commission on Aging and discussing quarterly stakeholder meeting outcomes related to OSU extension activities. A focus was placed on aligning capital budget priorities with municipalities for the upcoming fiscal year. A ditch hearing involving five or six other counties was noted. Updates were provided on TEP board activities and bicentennial planning for April 2024, which involves providing funds to The Villages for local heritage celebrations. Additional items included a report on the Regional Jail meeting concerning a $500,000 grant application involving Seneca, Sandusky, and Ottawa Counties, focusing primarily on the mental health component. There was also a report on EMS personnel joining the Tactical Team to receive protective gear for responding to high-risk calls. The Sheriff reported that the jail passed its 2019 federal standards inspection. Furthermore, action is anticipated regarding a 20-year annexation agreement with the City of Fostoria, which involves agreements with bordering townships. The County Administrator reported October sales tax collections of $959,000, noting a year-over-year decrease but tracking within the certified budget expectation. Finally, arrangements for the CCAO conference in December necessitate moving the Thursday board meeting that week to Tuesday, December 5th. A discussion also took place regarding the potential reallocation of three used walk-through body scanners from Oriana House to other county entities, including Seneca County Probation Services and the RTA.

The session commenced with the pledge of allegiance and an invocation, followed by a roll call confirming the presence of Commissioners Frankert and Busdecker. The board unanimously approved the digital audio video recordings of the previous session held on February 10, 2026. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update from the EMA representative regarding numerous upcoming emergency management training sessions open to the public, including Skyworn Spotter Training, Hazmat Awareness, Lithium Ion Battery and Electric Vehicle Response Training, Hazmat Operations, Boine Emergency Response Planning (BERP), and Hazmat Technician and Safety Officer courses, all scheduled through May. The representative detailed the structure and curriculum for these trainings, noting that most are grant-funded. Furthermore, a review of 2025 Emergency Management Agency projects was conducted, highlighting the completion and acceptance of the five-year all-hazards mitigation plan, which cost the county nothing due to grant funding and tracked man-hours. Another major project involved the replacement of 21-year-old communication tower generators at Baskam and Republic with new, more maintainable models featuring Chevy engines, a necessary upgrade to prevent catastrophic communication shutdowns. Updates were also provided on the monthly review of Emergency Operations Plan annexes and the favorable review of the main EOP by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency Planning Department. Finally, the upgrade to the Public Safety Training Center technology was discussed, noting the complexity but ultimate value of the new system.

The primary discussion focused on the fiber optic line project, specifically the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) required to participate as one of five entities in an application for a Local Government Initiative (LGIF) grant, potentially up to $500,000, alongside a zero-interest loan opportunity. Concerns were raised regarding the rigidity of the grant application plan versus exploring potentially more efficient or less expensive alternatives. Another key agenda item involved an update on the Wolf Creek situation, which requires updated inventory and coordination following a granted petition where cost-benefit analysis favored cleanup. Additionally, there was significant discussion regarding the Joint Justice Center project, specifically a proposal to cap the city's contribution at a gross maximum price of three million dollars to facilitate faster negotiation and decision-making by the Commissioners, while maintaining the structure of the existing leadership team.

The special meeting served as a public hearing concerning the vacation of County Road 31. The County Engineer explained the historical process of roadway establishment and the legal process for roadway vacation, clarifying that for a vacation request, the commissioners' decision is based on opinion rather than technical feasibility analysis. A representative from Carmoose presented information on the company's legacy, commitment to safety, community involvement (including significant donations to local schools, parks, food banks, and emergency services like the Fire Department), and the substantial economic impact of their quarry operations on Seneca County, supporting numerous employees and local businesses.