Pre-meeting release for 6/22

Commissioners to read proclamation recognizing 2023 Amateur Radio Weekend

[Tiffin, OH – June 20, 2023] – The Seneca County Board of Commissioners is to meet at 10 a.m. Thursday at its office, 111 Madison St.
The session will be hosted in person, but there will still be an online viewing option available.
The meeting will be streamed on Zoom and on Facebook Live, but a different experience will be offered on each platform.
Those interested in participating in the session during the public comment portion must join via Zoom. Those who are not interested in participating will be able to view a higher-quality broadcast on Facebook Live. The Facebook feed will include graphics and multiple camera angles.
Here is how to join:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenecaCountyCommissioners/live_videos/
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92595230790?pwd=c0d1cVJ0MVY4RXUwSERweXo4SnE2QT09
Participants may also join the Zoom meeting by dialing (312) 626-6799 and using the following information:
Meeting ID: 925 9523 0790
Passcode: 453802
Viewers may switch between the two platforms at any time, and the Facebook broadcast will include a link to the Zoom session during the public comment portion of the meeting.
During appointments, local amateur radio enthusiasts are to be in attendance to accept a proclamation from the Commissioners recognizing June 24-25th as 2023 Amateur Radio Weekend in Seneca County.
The proposed proclamation recognizes the significant role that amateur radio operators play in connecting people and communities, providing emergency response services and supporting public events and organizations.
Amateur radio operators, also known as “hams,” volunteer their time and expertise to offer vital communication services during emergencies and disasters. They contribute to various organizations, including the Seneca County EMA, FEMA, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, healthcare facilities, CERT and the National Weather Service – SKYWARN. These operators also assist with public events like parades, bike-a-thons, walk-a-thons and fairs by providing free radio communications.
In old business, the commissioners are expected to discuss the Seneca County Façade Enhancement Program.
In 2022, the board invested $22,855.32 across eight projects through the program. This investment spurred $44,309.80 of private investment to improve the exterior structures of commercial buildings. Four of the projects were in Fostoria, while the others were in Old Fort, Bascom and Republic.
The commissioners made $25,000 available for the program when they launched it on Sept. 29th, 2022. Local businesses and organizations were eligible to apply for a matching grant of as much as $5,000 and were rewarded funds on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Discussion Thursday is expected to center around the future of the program.
During new business, the board is to consider:
* A $50,000 supplemental appropriation to the Ditch Maintenance Fund for contract projects.
* A $5,000 supplemental appropriation to the Ditch Maintenance Fund for supplies.
* A resolution authorizing the Seneca County Prevention, Retention and Contingency Plan on behalf of Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services.
* Appointing Eric Liebold to the CROSSWAEH Facility Governing Board, with term expiring Dec. 1, 2025.
* An agreement with the Village of New Riegel on behalf of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.