At the January 20, 2016 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, several concerned residents of Clark County including Greg Rice, Connie Rice, James Patterson and Josh Storts expressed their concern to the Commissioners regarding continued support of Planned Parenthood. Greg Rice said, “We object to providing $138,000 of the county’s money to an organization that provides abortions and sells parts of babies for profit.” He also pointed out that Obamacare and the Pregnancy Resource Center provide medical resources for women’s health and that Planned Parenthood does not provide a unique resource for them. He asked, “When are you going to stop funding Planned Parenthood in Clark County?”

Commissioner John Detrick responded, “Clark County has a 61% single parent birth rate, one of the highest in Ohio. Planned Parenthood in Clark County does not perform abortions. The funding we provide goes to education. We are desperate for sex education. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg. For the next 20 years, we must continue to attack women’s health issues vigorously including obesity, diabetes, and single parenthood. “

Rice responded, “Armed with the knowledge that they are killing babies and selling parts and that our government is still funding. This is our darkest hour.”

Storts added, “According to Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, 300 babies were aborted in Clark County last year. They were executed and put in landfills.”

The commissioners acknowledged the groups concerns and thanked them for sharing them with the community.

In regular business, the commissioners approved several contracts for the Engineer Department. First, they approved a decrease in the contract with R.B. Jergens for $12,975.04 for the New Carlisle Bridge Construction Project. The decrease reflects the actual construction cost. The total project cost $651,379.21. New Carlisle Councilman Lowell McGlothin commented. “The project was well done; I only wish they could have straightened out the curve a bit more.”

Second, the commissioners approved an increase of $172,693.33 for the Dayton Springfield Road Project for R.B. Jergens to cover an additional 138 days that the project took to complete. The total contract cost $5,886,506.23

In addition, the commissioners acknowledged the annual highway mileage certificate of 308.348 miles for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for 2014-2015. Moreover, they requested that ODOT review the county-collected data to consider reducing the 55 mph speed limit on Selma Pike between Crabill Road and East Possum Road. The data provided to the state includes the physical features of the road, existing control, results of speed studies, and number of traffic accidents in the area over the last three years. Shawnee High School sits at the intersection of Selma and Possum Road. The school district has made several requests for the county to put in a four-way stop and reduce the speed limit at the intersection. However, ODOT must approve the changes. If the data does not support the requested change, nothing will be done. Providing ODOT with the collected data is only the first step in making any changes.

The commissioners also approved the acquisition of the right of way from Tiller Farms, LLC, Stacy M. Slusher, and Donna Comer for the Derr Road Project.

For the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), the commissioners increased the contract with National Youth Advocate Program, Inc. by $100,000. In addition, they extended the contract through December 31, 2017. The total contract value is $160,000.

For the Utilities Director, they approved a contract with Sunesis Construction for $115,838 to remove the Joseph Drive Lift Station and replace it with a gravity sewer. The contract is effective January 20, 2016 through June 13, 2016.

For the Grants Coordinator, the commissioners authorized a contract with Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) to outline the terms for program income generated by HOME and CDBG funded housing projects. ODSA will also create and manage the Revolving Load Funds for the program. The contract is effective January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018.

For the Solid Waste Director, they authorized a grant submission to the Ohio Environmental Education Fund for $4,050 to pay the expenses of a Water and Wetlands Teacher Workshop for Clark County teachers. The Solid Waste District and the Clark County Parks District will present the program. The grant is effective October 3, 2016 through February 10, 2017.

In regular county business, the commissioners acknowledged the revised report for Water and Sewer Rates for 2016 as presented by County Administrator Nathan Kennedy. For the Northridge area, the water rate will increase 3% and the sewer rate will increase 10%. For Rockway, Limecrest, Maplewood, and Garden Acres the sewer rate will increase 7% with no increase in the water rate. The new rates are effective January 5, 2016. Commissioner Richard Lohnes asked, “Can the county provide our own sewer treatment?”

Kennedy replied, “The potential is there; however, our staff must conduct a preliminary review of the facilities available.”

Commissioner David Herier voiced his concern, “Are the facilities useable? This is a high population area and it is growing.”

The commissioners also authorized a 2% pay increase for all non-collective bargaining employees of the county effective January 18, 2016.

In addition, they appointed Leslie Crew and Pam Meermans to the Child Abuse and Child Neglect Regional Prevention Council for terms to expire December 31, 2018. They also reappointed Thomas R. Storer to the Veterans Service Commission at a bi-weekly salary of $310.01 effective January 15, 2016. His term is set to expire January 14, 2021. The commission will provide 10% coverage of the fully insured premium rate, however, Storer can reduce his monthly cost by participating in the County Wellness Plan.

For the Information Systems Director, Commissioners authorized an agreement to accept $82,623.50 from AT&T as a refund for Centrex Service.

The next regular meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for January 27, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. in the County Commission Offices at 50 E. Columbia Street.