Post-meeting release 6/1/23

Commissioners learn about Alzheimer’s Walk, SAFEbuilt launches Seneca County office

[Tiffin, OH – June 1, 2023] – Linda Guiterrez, Business Development Liaison for Ohio Living, spoke to the Seneca County Commissioners Thursday morning about the Tiffin Regional Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Gutierrez, who serves on the committee for the event, said this year’s goal is to improve on last year’s fundraising efforts.
She said she visited the commissioners’ office to raise more awareness about the event and learn more about how to speak to the appropriate government leaders to move forward with several ideas. One of the ideas would be to place purple ribbons in the downtown Tiffin area.
Gutierrez said the Walk is September 30th on the campus of Tiffin University at the Heminger Center, 350 Miami St. Check-in is at 9 a.m. and the opening ceremony and walk are scheduled for 10 a.m.
The commissioners each indicated their support of the cause and referred Gutierrez to the office staff for any questions she has as the committee continues to prepare for the event.
In other action, Robert Kurtz chief building official for SAFEbuilt, provided an update to the commissioners as the company took over commercial permitting and inspections in Seneca County from the Richland County Building Department. Kurtz said June 1 is the official first day of the contract.
Kurtz said his team will be more reactive and will move commercial businesses through necessary processes a lot quicker.
“We are going to try to make things better for you,” he said, adding that there is a 10-day maximum on the organization’s turnaround for plan reviews.
Kurtz said most of the work done by the office is now done online. The office, which is located inside the County Services Building, is to be staffed on Tuesdays. Those who come on other days will find contact information on the door.
Links to forms and other pertinent information are available here: https://senecacountyohio.gov/building-department-forms/ 
Also during the session, the commissioners rescinded the county’s Memorandum of Understanding with Old Fort Local School District for a School Resource Officer provided by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioner Bill Frankart said the school district was able to find an SRO without the assistance of the sheriff’s office.
In new business, the commissioners approved all budget adjustments and resolutions from the meeting agenda.