By 1812Blockhouse
Richland County Commissioners met on last week to certify records, approve various departmental requisitions, and hear critical updates from department heads across the county. The meeting underscored several important local developments, from the hiring of new staff at the Jobs and Family Services Department to infrastructure upgrades in several county facilities.
Finalizing the Personnel Policy Manual
One of the key updates came from Kelly Christiansen, Director of Human Resources, who announced that the Personnel Policy Manual is nearing completion. Once approved by the Board, it will be distributed to department heads for further dissemination. Christiansen emphasized the importance of thoroughly reading the manual and securing written acknowledgment from all employees.
“There are some changes that will take effect immediately, so it’s crucial that department heads ensure all employees understand the new policies,” said Christiansen. She added that for departments with collective bargaining agreements, specific work rules must be distributed according to the terms of those agreements.
The Director also mentioned a plan to organize an informal meeting with all department heads to address frequent policy issues, such as tardiness, and answer any questions. “This will provide a chance for everyone to get clarity on the most commonly encountered challenges,” she noted.
Dog Shelter’s New Grant and Upcoming Events
Missy Houghton, Dog Warden shared that the Dog Shelter has received a grant for sound baffles that will significantly improve noise control in the facility. A representative shared that a Columbus company also donated $7,000 worth of additional sound baffles, enabling the shelter to soundproof one or two more rooms.
The Shelter is excited about the upcoming fundraisers as well. The second annual 5K fundraiser is set for September 15 at North Lake Park, and their first-ever Purse Bingo event will take place on October 12 at the Madison Bingo Hall. The shelter currently houses 97 dogs, down from previous triple digits, which is a promising sign of progress.
Additionally, plans were shared to collaborate with Ricky Correctional Institution on a prison dog program that will help some of the shelter’s dogs get additional training. “The new warden at Ricky has been in touch, and once she settles in, we’re hoping to get the program started,” she explained.
New Boilers at DaySpring and Plans for the Future
DaySpring’s Michelle Swank shared positive news about the completion of new boilers, which were installed ahead of their September 16 deadline. We’re all set for the winter now, and residents are eagerly waiting for heat, Swank said, but has reminded residents that their rooms can’t be set at 100 degrees.
In addition to the boiler installation, DaySpring is undergoing gym renovations, funded by a $10,000 donation from the Gimbel Foundation. The funds will provide new equipment like a bike, treadmill, and television for residents to enjoy. Swank shared that plans for the third annual Trunk or Treat event are underway, following last year’s success when they ran out of candy due to the large number of children who attended.
Building Department: Code Updates and Activity Reports
Steve Risser from the Building Department reported a smooth transition after recent commercial code updates that took effect in March. The department has been busy updating forms and improving communications with contractors and homeowners.
Regarding activity, Risser stated that residential construction has remained steady, with new home builds on pace to reach 71 by the end of the year, just slightly below 2023’s total of 80. Commercial projects have seen a slight uptick, with 17 new structures already completed this year and a total of 2.1 million square feet of new commercial space added.
Additionally, Risser reported that the Building Department had completed an Insurance Services Office (ISO) survey, which helps set property insurance rates. Although there is no direct correlation between improved ISO scores and lower insurance rates, Owens noted that the survey helps the department stay fiscally responsible.
Emergency Management Agency Focuses on Community Preparedness
Rebecca Owens, Director of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), shared a busy agenda of upcoming events, as September is National Preparedness Month. A community preparedness fair is scheduled for September 14 at Ontario’s former mall, featuring over 30 agencies showcasing response vehicles and equipment. “We want the community to recognize us and understand what we do so that when emergencies happen, we are seen as a trusted resource,” explained Owens.
The EMA will also conduct a full-scale hazardous materials exercise on September 17 at the Ohio State Reformatory grounds and a community preparedness workshop geared toward faith-based groups on October 1. Owens also updated the board on the ongoing tornado siren upgrade project, which is nearly complete. Once finished, EMA staff will be able to monitor siren activations remotely via cell phones.
Finally, Owens discussed a new emergency alert system, Everbridge, which replaced the previous provider, Inspiron. Although the transition initially promised that users wouldn’t need to re-register, that has since changed, and Owens urged county residents to sign up again for notifications via the Richland County website.
Wastewater Department Addresses Staffing and Maintenance Needs
Amanda Miller, Director of the Wastewater Department, submitted a report updating the Commissioners on several maintenance challenges and ongoing projects. The department is currently seeking a new Maintenance Chief, with applications open until September 18. Additionally, Miller reported progress on the Belleville Sanitary Upgrade Project, which is now out for bid. The project includes replacing the existing lift station and adding a new one on Kocher Road.
Miller also noted that the Eastview Wastewater Treatment Plant recently received a five-year permit renewal from the EPA. The department is hopeful for a similar renewal for the Dayspring Wastewater Treatment Plant in the coming months.
Other Key Updates
- Jobs and Family Services: The department is in the process of hiring seven new employees, with varying probationary periods and start dates. Director Andrew Keller provided clarification regarding these hires during the meeting.
- Child Support Enforcement Agency: In August, the Child Support Enforcement Agency celebrated Child Support Awareness Month by honoring employees who have gone above and beyond. The agency also passed its recent Federal Tax Information (FTI) audit with flying colors and is now allowed to redirect child support payments to caregivers, even if they don’t have legal custody.
Photo: User: (WT-shared) OHWiki at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
