ST. CLAIRSVILLE The Belmont County Commissioners responded to several visitor requests during Wednesday's meeting.
Attorney Michael McCormick with the Belmont County Law Library Resource Board asked if commissioners would sign a contract agreeing to make every effort to avoid further relocating the library. McCormick said the board officials were happy with the new location but were concerned that they might be asked to move again should Western Division Court need to relocate.
He noted that his organization was in the process of paying $22,907 of the prior move's cost of $24,000. The total cost of the move was close to $60,000.
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T-L Photo ROBERT A. DEFRANK
ATTORNEY?MICHAEL McCormick with the Belmont County Law Library Resource Board is pictured with Clerk of Courts Cindy McGee. McCormick requested a commitment that the county will try to avoid further moving of the law library.
"The board is concerned about being moved again," he said. "We don't want to have to move again."
Commissioners chose not to sign. Commissioner Ginny Favede said no absolute assurances could be made at this time, noting the unforeseen influx of oil and gas interests into the clerk of courts office which necessitated the switch.
"The future is unknown," she said.
She added that the county has paid for new carpeting and paint, as well as continuing to supply utilities and maintenance for the library at a yearly cost of $50,000, when the library is a private agency. She added that costs of renovating the clerk of courts office were split.
Commissioner Matt Coffland added that there were no plans to move the library and efforts would be made to treat every department fairly.
Commissioner Charles R. Probst Jr. added that signing such a statement might set an unwanted precedent.
Clerk of Courts Cindy McGee added that no office operates with assurance it will not be moved.
In other matters, in response to a citizen's inquiry if anything could be done to encourage oil and gas businesses to hire locally, Favede noted a bill has been introduced by State Rep. Jack Sayre to offer incentives such as tax reductions.
In addition, the Site Assistance and Brownfield Revitalization group of the Ohio EPA's Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization will hold a Brownfields Funding Workshop for municipal officials in the Cincinnati region Sept. 25. The free workshop will cover different state and federal funding and free technical assistance for brownfields redevelopment. A brownfield is an abandoned, idled or under-used industrial and commercial property where expansion or re-development is complicated by known or potential release of hazardous substances or petroleum.
Also, a Neffs area resident proposed commissioners pass an ordinance against nuisance dogs. He added that county officials had the authority to do so.
Commissioners motioned to advertise for bids for the Deep Run Road Repair Project and proceed with the required notice to bidders. The project is 75 percent FEMA funded, 12.5 percent Ohio EMA, and 12.5 percent MVGT.
Commissioners motioned to approve a change order of $5,612.06 for Waller Corporation for the adaptive re-use of the former Belmont County Sheriff's Residence. The order is for the purpose of rebuilding a six-stack and two-stack chimney.
Favede was authorized to execute an invoice for Waller Corporation for the adaptive re-use of the residence. The federal share comes to 80 percent, or $120,184.89, with local share 20 percent, or $30,046.22 for a total of $150,231.11.
Commissioners motioned to advertise for an assistant clerk for the commissioners' office to fill a position left open due to a retirement in the office.
Commissioners viewed a road improvement in preparation for the vacation of two 12-foot alleys in New Castle, Wayne Township.
The next commissioners' meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
