Medina County commissioners approve 37 routine resolutions covering roads, water projects, funds and property sales

Medina County commissioners approved 37 routine resolutions during a brief public meeting, covering road closures, water-main projects, new and amended funds, personnel changes, and the sale of a county building.

The actions approved motions to close Bear Swamp Road for tree removal and roadside construction, award a multi-bridge deck replacement project in Harrisville Township, authorize purchases of heavy truck chassis, accept a subdivision final plat in Liverpool Township and approve associated assessments.

Why it matters: The packet of mostly administrative and capital items sets up procurement, construction and small new funds that will directly affect county operations and local infrastructure over the coming year.

Most important actions included awarding the Marks Road water-main replacement bid, declaring the need for two additional production wells and authorizing advertising for bids, authorizing several professional design and inspection agreements for county sanitary infrastructure, and approving change order No. 2 for the substation elevated water storage tank project. Commissioners also approved personnel changes and a set of finance resolutions that create or amend funds, including the county’s HEAP account and a sheriff opioid remediation grant fund.

Finance director Brett Thomas presented a 12-item slate that included an amendment of appropriation measures, a transfer of appropriations linked to a planned purchase of the University Center building from the University of Akron, creation of the senior and adult services HEAP fund (HEAP amount listed as $5,767.49), creation of a sheriff opioid remediation grant fund ($50,000) and establishment of an Arson Offenders Registry Rotary Fund pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code. Thomas also reported a decrease of $5,000 to an intake/referrals agreement with Catholic Charities (from $280,000 to $275,000) and a corresponding $5,000 increase in a Family First Council agreement with the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities for a technology purchase. The weekly bills were approved in the amount of $1,126,686.40.

County administrator Matt Springer presented three items that were approved: a lease with Lamar Advertising for two billboards on Solid Waste District property; acceptance of the highest proposal to buy the county’s professional building—a $1,050,000 bid from the Rose Company; and a contract with Lawler Construction for emergency repairs at the county home not to exceed $30,000.

Sanitary engineer Jeremy Cinco brought seven resolutions that were approved, including authorization to enter agreements for GIS data management, professional design services for the Plum Creek equalization tanks and a water-main extension along State Route 18. The board also approved the release of a partial escrow payment to Fetchco Excavating related to the Fenn and Marks Road water-main project (transcript indicates an increase in the escrow amount by about $110).

Human resources director Holly Maron presented and the board approved a personnel resolution listing two hires (one at the county home and one at senior and adult services), five rate increases (three in sanitary services, one in transit and one at the county home), one leave of absence and one suspension in sanitary, and one resignation in senior and adult services.

Job and Family Services director Debbie Kiley presented seven contract and transfer resolutions under the department’s 4(d) contracting framework, including agreements for service of process with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, prosecutor and investigative services, clerk-of-court services, a sub-board TANF Emergency Shelter Services agreement with the Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority, and a transfer of funds from the county general fund to the public assistance fund.

Other finance items approved included the purchase of 6,700 gallons of unleaded gasoline from Ports Petroleum at $2.49 per gallon and modest travel and training expense increases (including an additional $2,000 for sheriff correctional supervisor training).

All resolutions were moved, seconded and adopted by roll call. During each roll call, the recorded responses included Commissioner Hambley and another commissioner (name not specified in the transcript); the roll calls recorded affirmative votes for the motions.

Less consequential agenda items were handled without extended discussion. No substantive public comment was recorded. The board later voted to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The meeting concluded after a brief executive-session vote.

Ending note: Most items were administrative or capital-planning actions that authorize procurement, contract changes or fund creations; any work, procurement or advertising actions described will proceed under the applicable procurement rules and further departmental oversight.