CAO approved to submit for CDBG funds

The Lawrence County commission received and filed a correspondence letter from Lawrence County Treasurer Stephen Burcham, who also heads the county land bank, regarding the land bank status within the county.

“I am writing requesting that the Lawrence County Land Bank be included in the Commissioners’ special fund for the 2018 budget. The land bank is seeking these funds to cover problem areas throughout the county not covered by the Hardest Hit funding,” the letter states. “In addition, I am requesting the Commissioners’ office allocate sufficient space in the courthouse for the land bank. The land bank does a substantial amount of title search and judicial action, and this would make it more convenient, as well as cost effective.”

The commissioners agreed that the land bank has done a tremendous amount of work cleaning up the county of abandoned and dilapidated properties, and putting those properties back on the market at fair market value.

So far this year, the land bank has knocked down around 55 houses, is in the process of knocking down several more and has a goal of 72 by the end of the year.

Commissioner DeAnna Holliday noted that numerous representatives from throughout the state of Ohio have visited the Lawrence County Land Bank to see how it is run, as it is one of the most efficient in the state.

The commission also approved and signed a resolution authorizing the submission of the Lawrence County FY17 Community Development Block Grant Allocation Program Grant, requested by Cindy Anderson, Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization (CAO).

The resolution states that the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA), Office of Community Development/Office of Housing and Community Partnerships (OHCP) is making available certain Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds under the FY 2017 Allocation Grant Program.

Lawrence County has identified and documented eligible activities within the county through public hearings, citizen input and requests from local agencies and organizations. The Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization, Inc., has been selected to act as an administrative agency on behalf of the county for the proposed CDBG Grant Program.

In other action, the commission:

• Received and filed the monthly EMS report for October 2017.

• Approved the Dog Warden Report dated Oct. 28, 2017.

• Approved one appropriation.

• Approved 14 transfer funds.

• Received and filed the Notice to Legislative Authorities stating that all permits to sell alcoholic beverages in their political subdivision will expire Feb. 1, 2018. In order to maintain permit privileges, every permit holder must file for a renewal application.

• Approved and signed the Notice of Award to Solid Rock Construction in the amount of $22,650 for the Burlington Community Park and Park Improvements, and the contract between the Lawrence County commissioners and Solid Rock Construction Services, LLC, as requested by Cindy Anderson, CAO.

• Met in executive session with Chris Kline, Lawrence County chief deputy auditor, regarding personnel; hire, fire, reprimand. No action was taken.

• Met in executive session with Kline and Lawrence County EMS Director Buddy Fry regarding personnel; hire, fire, reprimand. No action was taken.

The next commission meeting will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the commission chambers on the third floor of the courthouse.