Panel mulls wind project intervention

Seneca County commissioners have 30 days to decide whether they plan on intervening in Columbus in regard to wind energy projects. Commissioners received a notification Oct. 17 and have 30 days to respond to whether the county plans to intervene during public hearings on the Seneca Wind project application at the Ohio Power Siting Board. Commissioner Shayne Thomas said this is not for proposing an opinion on the project, but the county's opportunity to be a part of the legal process moving forward. Thomas proposed a meeting to take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Republic Town Hall, tentatively, for Seneca County to meet with the township trustees who are involved in the project. Townships include Venice, Eden Reed, Bloom and Scipio. "We want to have a joint meeting for us to come together to find a common course of action," Thomas said. Thomas suggested Seneca Regional Planning Commission coordinate the meeting. In another matter, the board discussed requests made from employees working in the Seneca County Justice Center about repairs to the sidewalk, the third- and fourth-flour lights and sound equipment. The board approved a $1,900 request for improvements. An additional $4,344 for soundproofing and $4,106 for lighting on the third and fourth floor was requested and approved. The board also approved a $2,800 request for sidewalk improvements around the Justice Center. During the meeting, the board entered into executive session to discuss personnel. No action was taken. In other news, the board approved: • A $36,000 fund advance from the General Fund to The Wolf Creek Petition Ditch Fund. • The disposal of a 2000 GMC van on behalf of CROSSWAEH. The van was sold for $200. • A $5,000 supplemental appropriation to the General Fund to pay for the services of the county's Ohio State University extension agricultural agent for the rest of 2018.