Commissioners approve utility permits, two road contracts, a road vacation and several personnel actions

Richland County commissioners approved a set of routine and personnel actions at their March 1 meeting, including utility permits, two construction contracts, a roadway vacation and disciplinary measures.

The board approved three utility permits in a single motion: a 2,047‑foot directional‑bore fiber installation on Horning Road, a 1‑inch Columbia Gas service line at 5182 Hook Road and a new aerial fiber line on Updike Road (County Road 190). Commissioners then awarded the Greenwich Road bridge project to Adena Corporation for $154,510.79 and the McNoll Road culvert project to Adena for $155,557; staff said the McNoll bid exceeded the engineer’s estimate by 12.3% but met bidding requirements.

Commissioners accepted the retirement of Arthur (referenced in the meeting as "King") from building codes, effective March 31, and presented remarks of appreciation.

During a public hearing, county staff recommended approving a petition from the Mifflin Township trustees to vacate a triangular portion of Toby Lane that was dedicated in 1972 but never improved for roadway use. Staff said the parcel serves no public benefit, contains no utilities and would become part of Lot 9; commissioners voted to accept the vacation.

The board also approved a balance change order for the Belleville wastewater project that substitutes concrete for asphalt at a work location; staff described the net cost difference as $3,929 and characterized the change as net zero to the project budget. Amanda, the project representative, said the project is "moving forward" but is behind her preferred schedule because of weather; she reported the new force main is installed across Route 97 and tied into a new manhole on Myers Avenue.

After meeting in executive session on personnel matters, commissioners approved three motions imposing one‑day suspensions: one for a negligent failure to observe a rule (two employees) and one for unsatisfactory work (one employee). The board then authorized hiring Summer Fuller as assistant director of nursing, effective May 4 at $30 per hour; staff described Fuller as a veteran who moved from LPN to RN and had prior experience with Dayspring and area agency work.

All motions reported in the transcript were moved and seconded and recorded as approved by the commissioners present. The meeting included routine votes to certify the Feb. 24 minutes, approve requisitions and transfer requests.

Items that generated more discussion included schedule risks to the ARPA‑funded Belleville wastewater project and procedural details in the Toby Lane vacation; most procurement and personnel items were approved on unanimous voice votes recorded in the minutes.