[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6095023,"mediaKeyId","2841046-6eca10cc0fc4a5dce2c27fd28e4fff28","parentId",2841046,"title","Lucas County commissioners approve reappointments, grants, contracts and an executive-session motion","audioSeconds",2488,"startMs",2820020,"endMs",331170,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2841046-6eca10cc0fc4a5dce2c27fd28e4fff28&start=2820&end=331","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2841046-6eca10cc0fc4a5dce2c27fd28e4fff28/thumbnail_2820020.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6095023/Lucas-County/Ohio/Lucas-County-commissioners-approve-reappointments-grants-contracts-and-an-executive-session-motion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095023-dad5206246be0f8cb9aaa4eb2bdfc363/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201951&Signature=fmsjQWBNyFBFlmyKmsZWBkftofyAo61Se816TlOy6E5dXgwo9YA2dvccPuU5nBIXuIctkdEBbvYDfhye48gjQJmdDMneuKhaluj6FiYUxGH6IFyD~IZ0yxkFVJoGHsj-IKO2oRYcm4xK0ylq1rCUbDQv3BZpO8aatlpwc5MmeivlUWbQ~PQj0w89azjNmDveqW9hzDoNxfMdajXulYQHSG~-rNrbimL5lUfBM3f21g1Xds8hCPygUBtQFeLwFfDit~3s4uT8vjMIOkBPKVvskrqDmrlAHmYiYcfzUE4LA4hEiASWclqU9ugMkQf7rMe~D1~2er9AGMIpJkMOLqVJuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lucas County OH","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","Lucas County commissioners approved a series of routine reappointments, committee appointments, grant acceptances and contracts at their March 25 meeting, and moved into executive session to discuss personnel and pending litigation.

Administrator Ford summarized agenda items 4 through 7, which included the reappointment of County Engineer Mike Panuski to the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission, rescinding a prior resolution and appointing members to the community corrections planning board, appointments and reappointments to the Lucas County Family Services Planning Committee, and a request to petition the City of Toledo to renew and expand the Downtown Toledo Improvement District (DTID) assessment cycle. Commissioner Gerken moved to approve items 4–7 together; the clerk recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor.

The prosecutor’s office requested authority to contract with the city of Sylvania for a suburban court services advocate position (Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025) with the city paying $25,000 and additional funding provided from Victims of Crime Act funds. The board approved the contract by roll call.

Juvenile Court presented a memorandum of agreement with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board to provide medication management, assessment, crisis intervention counseling and post-release referrals in the county juvenile-detention center. The agreement covers Jan. 1–June 30, 2025, and totals $50,000; the board approved the MOA by roll call.

Emergency Management asked the board to accept an FY2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant of $146,592 (50% federal, 50% local match) and to authorize several shared-use agreements for the new Lucas County alert system. Emergency Management also requested a memorandum of understanding with the 180th Fighter Wing Office of Emergency Management for reciprocal emergency operations center access. The board approved the package of emergency items unanimously.

Job & Family Services presented an agreement with LOTT Industries for the Inspiration Kitchen program, a life-skills and culinary training program for 30 participants; the board approved the agreement. Risk Management presented and the board accepted a medical professional liability insurance policy through the Hyland Group for $147,950 for the April 1, 2025–April 1, 2026 term.

Administration brought forward an amendment to a Clean Ohio Trails Fund agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to extend the University Parks Trail project timeline to March 30, 2026 because of late contract execution; the board approved the amendment. The board then voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the organization chart, compensation, discipline of a public employee, collective bargaining and pending or imminent court action; the clerk recorded a unanimous roll call approving executive session.

Votes at a glance

- Items 4–7 (group approval): Reappointment of County Engineer Mike Panuski to the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission (term April 1, 2025–March 31, 2028); rescind resolution and appoint 28 members to the Community Corrections Planning Board (appointments end Dec. 31, 2025); appoint/reappoint 23 members to the Lucas County Family Services Planning Committee (terms to Sept. 30, 2026); petition City of Toledo to renew DTID assessment cycle and include 22 county-owned parcels. Motion to approve items 4–7 made by Commissioner Gerken; roll call vote: Commissioner Gerken — yes; Commissioner Lopez — yes; Commissioner Cabecki — yes. Outcome: approved.

- Item 8: Contract with the City of Sylvania for suburban court services (Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025); contract amount to the city $25,000; victim-services funding covers remaining costs. Motion made from the bench; roll call unanimous. Outcome: approved.

- Item 9: Juvenile Court MOA with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board to provide in-detention mental-health services ($50,000, Jan. 1–June 30, 2025). Motion by Commissioner Lopez; roll call unanimous. Outcome: approved.

- Items 10–16 and 16: Emergency Management package including acceptance of FY2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant ($146,592; 50% federal/50% local match), shared-use agreements for Lucas County alert system and MOU with the 180th Fighter Wing for reciprocal EOC access. Motion by Commissioner Gerken; roll call unanimous. Outcome: approved.

- Item 17: Job & Family Services agreement with LOTT Industries for the Inspiration Kitchen culinary training (serves 30 participants; LOTT provided local match). Motion by Commissioner Gerken; roll call unanimous. Outcome: approved.

- Item 18: Risk Management acceptance of medical professional liability insurance through the Hyland Group ($147,950 for April 1, 2025–April 1, 2026). Motion made and approved by roll call. Outcome: approved.

- Item 19: Administration authorized amendment No. 1 to the Clean Ohio Trails Fund agreement extending the University Parks Trail completion date to March 30, 2026. Motion made and approved by roll call. Outcome: approved.

- Executive session: Motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters, collective bargaining and pending/imminent litigation; roll call unanimous. Outcome: motion approved and executive session convened.

What the board did not do: No ordinances, budget appropriations, or new county-funded capital commitments for these items were adopted on the record at this meeting. Several items were informational or ceremonial and did not require follow-up beyond the implementation steps already described.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting - March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lucas County commissioners approved a series of routine reappointments, committee appointments, grant acceptances and contracts at their March 25 meeting, and voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel and pending litigation.","taxTitle","Lucas County, Ohio","taxId",2658,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095027,"Lucas County recognizes Toledo Construction Tradeswomen and Owens Community College president for Women’s History Month",1380,1280179,2660940,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2841046-6eca10cc0fc4a5dce2c27fd28e4fff28&start=1280&end=2660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2841046-6eca10cc0fc4a5dce2c27fd28e4fff28/thumbnail_1280179.jpg","/articles/6095027/Lucas-County/Ohio/Lucas-County-recognizes-Toledo-Construction-Tradeswomen-and-Owens-Community-College-president-for-Womens-History-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095027-25204ef3c99d247afb67d08de2d9fdef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201951&Signature=dF7JyEHoh~wk6ebmvXKHo3zfU~bBmY7jwANM8l1u7xjk0CrdMAzS1qYS8dTHrSduWAZC0rZO46VBd9rc3OGpcmZrtYcHCztqSb62mmEa6YW4CXlY3N8HWcqDRVz38OPO5ns8k-9SVvrGVvjw5FEe5hMKMgIXmy20uiRo9iK3WGKerJQURAooq4zRboo1BQXj3qUdiLkm4bgswng9PNtf0QWTezC0RtapzwH9JdbCsiVyfQito4Gh7ejuC~6SfPrVgabQos4nYrZ8U7CCItVUSt5KdR8KG6hHvHct733tLFQLXhzJSG~8u5TRFvMW3XI5k34ASsH6JhzSUvYRO4jbcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lucas County commissioners used part of their March 25 meeting to recognize local women leaders for Women’s History Month, presenting proclamations to the Toledo Construction Trades Women and to Dr. Dionne D. Somerville, president of Owens Community College.

Tressa (last name not specified in the transcript), identified in the remarks as president of the Toledo Construction Trades Women and a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 50, accepted the group’s recognition alongside apprentice Lydia Lanzarote and representatives of the Northwest Ohio Building Trades Council. Commissioner remarks described the organization’s work recruiting women, women of color and veterans into construction trades and supporting apprentices through mentorship and outreach.

“Union labor has profounded an impact that has on countless lives,” Tressa said in brief remarks, describing the group’s efforts to recruit women and to provide visible role models for younger students.

Commissioners praised the tradeswomen for breaking barriers and noted local partnerships with unions, employers and community groups. The board voted unanimously to proclaim March as Women’s History Month recognitions for the tradeswomen’ organization.

Later in the meeting the board presented a separate proclamation to Dr. Dionne D. Somerville, who leads Owens Community College. Commissioners applauded Somerville’s effort to boost enrollment, pursue strategic plans and emphasize regional partnerships, and they cited a recent $31.3 million health education facility described in the meeting remarks as a state-of-the-art center for nursing and allied-health programs. The board unanimously approved the proclamation recognizing her contributions to regional workforce and higher-education access.

Both proclamations were presented during the public agenda; each was followed by a roll-call vote recorded as unanimous by the clerk.","At its March 25 meeting the Lucas County Board of Commissioners presented proclamations honoring the Toledo Construction Trades Women and Dr. Dionne D. Somerville, president of Owens Community College, citing recruitment of women into trades and community engagement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095033,"National Museum of the Great Lakes announces 5,000 sq. ft. expansion, new mission at Lucas County commissioners meeting",853,141420,994895,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2841046-6eca10cc0fc4a5dce2c27fd28e4fff28&start=141&end=994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2841046-6eca10cc0fc4a5dce2c27fd28e4fff28/thumbnail_141420.jpg","/articles/6095033/Lucas-County/Ohio/National-Museum-of-the-Great-Lakes-announces-5000-sq-ft-expansion-new-mission-at-Lucas-County-commissioners-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095033-aeecf48d50ff8f473e0fb39d356d375d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201951&Signature=SnAaxDSwC7IvM2UemhcdX6eVojH366VYNIvokcfugosKkeu8zy4o6fvK4QYrvK9Bd8GEtRKqncpgq~RpaMOR8hoQn-OS9Ww8yMX7qJtGKJlrQz-kMqJYgKu3duPUr4ySOeY4UMEKlSMyrFPt5CJ0onODaPaaxO2r1i9tZj8zbIH8s2B2m31D7ABtWcOmdRnDr927Tv6J-qg7eX5WuFhnM7L~5bT7lfNfFuCftBwYyGeDblCZvJmTWzFD5HQoC-y-mlPr2zkbj5fc7e0TjdNnbkx0y8YyeSc3ik9rSE2wZtEPeOQ-FR211suijWgwRE2pgJVjCxOmhmM~e54JoYkOQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The National Museum of the Great Lakes unveiled a nearly finished expansion and a new mission to position Toledo as a regional hub for Great Lakes education and conversation, Katie Finsky, the museum’s executive director, told the Lucas County Board of Commissioners on March 25.

Finsky said the project adds about 5,000 square feet of space, including a Great Lakes Community Education Center, temporary-exhibit space and additional permanent-exhibit area. She said the museum drew more than 30,000 visitors last year from more than 30 countries and 50 states, and that roughly 60% of members and visitors live outside Lucas County.

The new mission expands the museum’s purpose from “preserve and make known the history of the Great Lakes” to “preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present and future of our Great Lakes story,” Finsky said. The museum also announced five core values — leadership, partnership, sustainability, inclusivity and education — and plans to host a State of the Museum event on April 22 in its new education center.

“Education is at the core of every single thing we do,” Finsky said. “We want to make our space the space where Great Lakes conversations happen.”

Finsky told the commissioners the museum’s operating budget has grown from about $300,000 when it was in Vermilion to roughly $1.6 million this year, with a five-year growth target near $2.2 million. She said the museum receives no ongoing annual operating support from local, state or federal government; last year the museum received a one-time operating gift from the Lucas County Commissioners to support the transition into expanded operations.

The museum director described partnerships with Destination Toledo and Victory Cruise Lines, and said the museum will place exhibits aboard the cruise line’s Great Lakes vessels and provide training for onboard interpreters described in the presentation as “Lake Laurians.” She also highlighted accessibility efforts, including a Museums for All program that allows visitors with SNAP benefits to use EBT for free admission, and monthly sensory-friendly mornings for people with autism.

Commissioners thanked Finsky, noting the museum’s role in tourism and local economic activity. “You are putting heads in beds,” one commissioner said, referring to the museum’s out-of-county visitation and overnight stays. Commissioners encouraged continued partnership-building and said the museum’s location on the Maumee River helps centralize Great Lakes activity in Toledo.

The museum director invited commissioners and the public to the April 22 State of the Museum event and said staff recently received access to the new staff space as final touches on the expansion are completed.

Votes at the meeting that directly referenced the museum were limited to the commission’s earlier operating gift; no additional county funding or formal approvals for the expansion were requested during the presentation.","Museum director Katie Finsky told Lucas County commissioners on March 25 that a nearly completed expansion adds roughly 5,000 square feet for a Great Lakes Community Education Center, and unveiled a new mission and vision intended to broaden the museum’s regional role.","actionData","errors"]

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Lucas County commissioners approve reappointments, grants, contracts and an executive-session motion

Lucas County recognizes Toledo Construction Tradeswomen and Owens Community College president for Women’s History Month

National Museum of the Great Lakes announces 5,000 sq. ft. expansion, new mission at Lucas County commissioners meeting