Special collections scheduled

TIFFIN — OSS Solid Waste Management District Communications and Outreach Specialist, Tim Hassinger updated the Seneca County Board of Commissioners about upcoming special collections for household items not allowed during normal trash collection. "This collection is only for residents," Hassinger said, clarifying that businesses were not allowed to utilize the service. Items to be collected during the special collection period include household appliances (dishwashers, dryers, ovens, refrigerators, etc.), household hazardous waste (latex and oil paint, aerosol cans, asthma inhalers, vehicle fluids and parts including tires, some batteries and household cleaners), and electronics (some TVs, cables, computers, printers, keyboards, DVD players, cameras and gaming consoles). "Registration is now open for all collections," Hassinger said. Those wishing to recycle electronics in Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties must register online at recycleoss.org by May 1, tires and appliances must be registered for collection by June 26 and household hazardous waste must be registered by Oct. 9. Hassinger also told the board registration could also be completed over the phone by calling OSS at 419-334-7222. In other news, Commissioner Tony Paradiso reported the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership had entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce to work more collaboratively moving forward. Paradiso explained the two organizations used to be one entity but were split up and are now looking to become one again. "The boards have agreed to enter into a due diligence period… We're excited to let that play out and be more efficient and more productive in the community," Paradiso said, explaining the idea and opportunity came about when previous TSEP Director Aaron Montz resigned and SRC Director Bryce Riggs now manages both teams. Seneca County Administrator Barb Patterson later praised the Seneca County EMS services and reported receiving a stellar report from EMS Division Medical Director Dr. Nicholas Suber. Patterson also reported county revenue in January was $1.8 million while expenses were $2.8 million but said based on recent trends, January and February were usually when the county was able to catch up on revenue. Patterson later told the board about a request from Tiffin University for the commissioners to sign a certificate of request for the university to build a new residence hall. "As an alumnus," Patterson said, "that university has grown leaps and bounds since I graduated. The trajectory of that university is awe-inspiring." The board later voted to approve Patterson's recommendation to put a county-wide communications policy into place after there had been some questions as to why there hadn't been a policy before. "I checked with a few other counties and other departments about what should be in (the policy)," Patterson said after Paradiso thanked her for her hard work to get a policy written. "I think we should just say that it's a big county," Paradiso said, explaining that there had been a small section in the employee handbook having to do with social media, but it was specifically for employees, not elected officials. "What we wanted to do," Paradiso continued, "... We wanted to have a county commissioner policy." The board then approved the following supplemental appropriations: $8,147 from the juvenile probation computer for software licenses and services. $74,002.00 from the recorder equipment fund for contract services. $2,624.94 from the juvenile and probate court technology grant fund for equipment. $4,500 from the juvenile program and services fund for supplies. $12,500 from the county sewer district fund for contract services. $5,000 from the county sewer district fund for HH capital improvements. $10,000 from the county sewer district fund for Bascom capital improvements. $12,000 from the county sewer district fund for New Riegel capital improvements. $5,000 from the county sewer district fund for Honey Creek capital improvements. $2,000 from the county sewer district fund for 23/224 capital improvements. The board also approved the following resolutions: For the appointment of special counsel for the Seneca County Commissioners. Setting time, date and place to receive sealed bids for CR60-5.16, TR102-2.20, TR112-6.24 & TR119-0.77 superstructure replacement prestressed box beams. Authorizing the Seneca County Board of Commissioners to enter into an agreement with the Board of Health of the Seneca County General Health District for medical and healthcare services on behalf of the Seneca County Youth Center. The next meeting is 10 a.m. Thursday at 111 Madison St. in Tiffin.