Post-meeting release 2/13

Commissioners receive update on County Services Building entrance renovation
Also hear about need for election workers, approve several proclamations

[Tiffin, OH Feb. 13, 2020] – The Seneca County Board of Commissioners heard from DLZ, an engineering and architectural firm, on the Seneca County General Health District entrance renovation project at the County Services Building Thursday morning.
In June, the county entered into a contract with DLZ for the engineering and design work for an upgrade to the entrance. The wall where the entrance to the building is located pre-dates 1865 and needs repair. The renovation project would address safety and would also bring the entrance into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The commissioners were joined by several community partners, including the Seneca County General Health District and the city of Tiffin, in requesting state capital budget funds for the project. The board should know in March if the project received state funding.
Greg Galieti, director of architecture for DLZ, presented a PowerPoint and also displayed renderings of concept ideas for the wall upgrade. View the entire presentation, which includes the digital renderings, at this link.
The next step in the process for the potential project is taking design ideas to the city’s Architectural Board of Review. That meeting is to be arranged soon.
Seneca County Board of Elections Deputy Director Lori Ritzler also addressed the commissioners about the need for election workers for the March 17 primary.
Ritzler said 210-215 people are needed to run the election and several more are needed. Those who work the election are paid $30 for training and another $120 for their work on the day of the election. If you’re interested, call the elections office at (419) 447-4424.
Commissioner Shayne Thomas, who has often served as an election official himself, encouraged people to give a day to Democracy.
In other action, Trinity Lescallett, adult services manager for the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, accepted a proclamation recognizing the Community Read program for 2020. She also gave information about this year’s program.
This year’s youth book is The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall. The adult selection is The Soloist by Steve Lopez. Both books focus on the power of music and art.
The highlight of the Community Read includes visits by both authors. In addition to multiple school visits, each author will give a community presentation that is free and open to the public.
· Thursday, March 12, 6:30 pm at Noble Elementary School – Shelley Pearsall
· Thursday, April 2, 6:30 pm at Tiffin Columbian High School Auditorium – Steve Lopez
Also during the meeting, Tiffin City Schools counselors Trisha Eidt and Melissa Mellott joined the commissioners to accept a proclamation recognizing National School Counseling Week. Eidt and Mellott brought in their co-workers, school therapy dog Kennedy and therapy dog in-training Cooper.
Seneca County EMA Administrator John Spahr also accepted a proclamation recognizing March as Red Cross Month. Spahr discussed some of the organization’s programs and encouraged people to volunteer with the group.
During new business, the board approved all resolutions from the meeting’s agenda.