21 FEBRUARY 2023 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES
Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Art Little, and Rick Probst
Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator
TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.
OLD BUSINESS
Park Road Appointment- Hayden presented- Steve Lovins was recommended to be on the Park Board by the Park Board as Commissioners’ representative- He works in the Maintenance Dept for Hamilton County Parks in Ohio. His wife works in the County Auditor’s office. Other Board Members are Jeff Hermesch (County Extension), Rob Calvert, and Kevin Vincent.- Commissioners approved. Hayden will notify him and Hermesch of the appointment
NEW BUSINESS
Year in Review - Veterans Services- Dave Currence Officer- Mission remains unchanged. Secured system access to Veteran’s Benefits. Attended 2022 National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Attended 2 day continuing education service officer in June in Indy. Offers safe reliable patient transportation to medical facilities for vets. Supports vets from Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast guard, Marines, and the newly formed Space Force and the lesser known US Health Service.
County Vet population is 3,700. We also get some from surrounding counties and OH and Northern KY, Visits up 48% and claims up 74% have increased, but transportation requests have decreased slightly. Budget went up $9,000 to $149,215
For 2023 he plans to maintain the high level of service for veterans. He plans to identify and advocate for more local resources for homeless, hone repairs, food insecurity, and financial assistance for vets.He will try to expand services and broadly communicate throughout the county the value and purposes by visiting VFWs, American Legions, Vietnam Vets. Etc. He is doing more outreach at North Dearborn library Veterans Benefits program and other opportunities. Currence also talked about some specific veterans benefits success stories.
Year in Review 911- Jared Teaney, Director- Police incidents up (34,311) and EMS (3099) and fire ( 7854) incidents down since last year. 911 call were 17,079 and texts to 911 were 47,317. Average telephone calls per day were 176. 89% of calls were from wireless devices. Two part time and one full time employees in training. Donnie Hastings is retiring.
Thatcher asked about getting a breakdown of call outs that were outside the cities and towns versus the county itself. They are trying to see what EMS units are having trouble responding. Tats would be useful for budget and contract renewals.
ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden- nothing this evening.
AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold - Claims/Payroll and February 7th Minutes were approved.
ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- nothing
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Probst nothing
Little - Everyone enjoy fish fries for Lent
Thatcher- attended a fund raising event - and they do good work.
LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none
PUBLIC COMMENT: Ken Keilholz in West Harrison- presented to Zoning Board regarding animal kennel issue. Wants the kennel licenses to not be used for people to hoard dogs. They have made several complaints to animal control. He has had trouble getting Commissioners contact and email address. Numerous problems. Commissioners asked him to send them his documentation. He also asked to get a copy of the recording of tonight’s meeting.
ADJOURN- 5:40 PM
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
