Jan. 16 Seneca County Commissioners’ meeting: Opportunity Center renovations
By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
Architect Amber Clason from RCM Architects opened bids for an interior renovations project for the Seneca County Opportunity Center during the Jan. 16 Seneca County Commissioners’ meeting. Five bids were submitted for the project, which encompasses the former adult services wing at the Opportunity Center.
The area has not been renovated in over three decades. Adult services were moved from that wing to a new building, and the space will be transformed into offices and classrooms “to better serve children in our community,” said Opportunity Center Superintendent Lew Hurst.
During the commissioners’ reports, Commissioner Brent Busdeker talked about his busy week of engagement as he works to learn more about county leadership and the people he serves. Among other activities, Commissioner Busdeker connected with the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP), County Prosecutor Derek DeVine, and Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), where he now serves on the board of directors.
Commissioner Busdeker also observed PIVOT Court, a recovery program offered through Seneca County Common Pleas Court.
“That was a pretty moving experience to see people really trying to make a change,” he said.
All of the commissioners attended the Seneca Regional Chamber Monthly Luncheon on Jan. 15 which featured Ohio Department of Development Director, Lydia Mihalik, who discussed economic development efforts that impact the state and Seneca County. Mihalik told the crowd to watch for a groundbreaking announcement that was then published through the media on Jan. 16.
During the commissioners’ meeting, Commissioner Bill Frankart shared that announcement, which was touted by the Department of Development as “the largest single job creation and new payroll project in Ohio’s history.” Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and JobsOhio announced that Anduril Industries will build an advanced manufacturing facility in Pickaway County that will create 4,000 new jobs by 2035.
“This is great news for the state,” Commissioner Frankart said, adding that it will also benefit the county. “It all trickles down.”
The Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce introduced new chamber members during the luncheon, giving them the opportunity to share information about their businesses. Commissioner Anthony Paradiso commended the chamber for being strong advocates for local small business owners.
“I was impressed that they introduced new businesses in the county,” Commissioner Paradiso said. “I learned a lot.”
The commissioners joined Mihalik after the luncheon on a visit to Fostoria Economic Development Corporation (FEDC), where they discussed the Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) grant that brought $2.75 million to Seneca County to aid in new home construction in Tiffin and Fostoria. According to the Ohio Department of Development website, the WHO Program provides grants for “the purchase of qualifying residential properties, the cost of construction or rehabilitation, or a nonrefundable tax credit for qualifying activities.”
Seneca County was chosen for a WHO grant thanks to the collaborative efforts of the commissioners, Sen. Bill Reineke, FEDC President Renee Smith, and TSEP Executive Director Bryce Riggs.
“It really shows the collaborative effort we have,” Commissioner Frankart said. “It’s amazing how everyone is working together.”
Commissioner Frankart announced that Vanguard will offer new classes in manufacturing and construction at the Fostoria Learning Center for high school juniors and seniors beginning on Jan. 21. Commissioner Paradiso called the Fostoria Learning Center “a gem in the county.”
“We’re grateful to have it,” he said.
Commissioner Paradiso and Seneca County Administrator Barb Patterson attended several EMS meetings as the commissioners’ office continues to grow the Seneca County Joint Ambulance District.
In other business, the commissioners approved six supplemental appropriations and passed seven resolutions.
The Seneca County Commissioners’ Office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The next commissioners’ meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.