Scott Baldwin

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. Public comments addressed concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest involving a contract with Direct Image Coffee Systems and allegations of impropriety concerning election complaints and due process, including threats made toward a resident. A request was made to suspend funding to the Newcastle Library pending investigation into conflicts of interest involving elected officials and various organizations. Key fiscal actions included the approval of warrant registers/check reconciliation registers dating from November 17th through November 26th, and the adoption of the minutes from the November 18th meeting. New business included consideration of a maintenance agreement for Direct Image Coffee Systems applicable to all county departments with an annual lease cost of $3,69. Staff reported on the solicitation for structural engineering services, noting one submission from Gibson Thomas Engineering, which will be reviewed further. An announcement was made regarding the rescheduling of the December Prison Board meeting from December 15th to December 4th. Finally, the timeline for the proposed 2026 county budget was outlined, expecting introduction on the next Tuesday, display for 21 days, and adoption by December 30th.

The meeting included discussion and resolutions regarding repository bids for parcels in Union Township and the city of Newcastle. Warrant registers from the controller's office were reviewed and accepted. Written communications were received from Elwood Remelt Steel, Flowline, and LSSE engineers regarding permit renewals, plan approvals, and blasting notifications. The board also discussed and approved a contract renewal with Keith Commissary for canteen, commissary, and accounting services at the jail, which is expected to increase revenue. Additionally, a resolution related to the Community Development Block Grant program was addressed.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding repository properties, warrant registers, and written communications. The commissioners reported on their attendance at the Veteran's Day parade and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. New business included resolutions for agreements with Keefe Commissary Network, applications for Community Development Block Grant funding, and improvements to Shenango Township Park. Appointments were made to the CYS Advisory Board, and agreements were approved for social services and behavioral health management. The meeting also covered auditing services and a request for proposals for structural engineering services, along with administrative transfers.

The meeting included discussion on warrant registers, written communications regarding air emission sources and blast notices, and commissioner reports on various community events. Resolutions were approved for applying for a Municipal Recycling Performance grant, entering into a Memorandum of Understanding for glass recycling, requesting funding for the Stavich Bike Trail Rehabilitation Project, purchasing St. Joseph the Worker Church and Campus, and amending the 2025 Lawrence County Budget. Administrative transfers were also approved. Announcements were made regarding upcoming meetings and Election Day.

The meeting included discussions about a bid opening for the community development block grant program, specifically for Shango Township. There was also a discussion regarding a professional service agreement with Dell Financial Services for the public safety department's IT system. Additionally, the commissioners addressed the possibility of implementing a countywide burn ban due to dry conditions and elevated wildfire preparedness levels, receiving input from the state forester bureau and local fire chiefs.