Baughman Tile Receives PCED Membership Award

Baughman Tile Receives PCED Membership Award

by | Mar 30, 2021 | Uncategorized

Baughman Tile is another business receiving their 20 year investment membership award this year. With over 130 years in business and 5 generations of devotion Baughman Tile has advanced to the business it is today. The Baughman family and entire team is not only a long standing investment supporter in your PCED office, but their commitment to the Paulding County community seems never-ending. The PCED office acknowledges Manager Eric Baughman and the Baughman Tile team for their 20 years of continued membership support!


Your PCED office wasn’t able to host our annual appreciation banquet in 2020, but it didn’t mean we didn’t have great things happening. 2020 was the 20th year of having an Economic Development office in Paulding County. With that we want to acknowledge and thank those that have been investment members with PCED since the beginning. THANK YOU Baughman Tile! It’s partners like you that keep us all #pauldingcountystrong

PC Workshop Receives PCED Membership Award

PC Workshop Receives PCED Membership Award

by | Mar 25, 2021 | Business Expansion

What can you say about PC Workshop that can remotely compare to what they do for Paulding County? PC Workshop is another business receiving their 20 year investment membership award this year. The forward thinking of Director, Megan Sierra, and her entire team, supported by our county MRDD Board, in developing the Limitless retail store is truly an inspiration for the ages. The PCED office acknowledges everyone involved with the PC Workshop team and thanks you for your 20 years of continued membership support!
 
Your PCED office wasn’t able to host our annual appreciation banquet in 2020, but it didn’t mean we didn’t have great things happening. 2020 was the 20th year of having an Economic Development office in Paulding County. With that we want to acknowledge and thank those that have been investment members with PCED since the beginning. THANK YOU! It is partners like you that keep us all #pauldingcountystrong
Broughton Park Coming Together

Broughton Park Coming Together

by | Mar 12, 2021 | Uncategorized

This Paulding County town now has a small park with plans to continue improving it in small measures.

Located next to the village office and just east of County Road 123 (Broughton Pike), the park was established recently on land already owned by Broughton’s municipal government, according to long-time resident John Daeger, the mayor’s representative on the Paulding County Vision Board.

At the center of the new park is a pavilion measuring 24 feet by 24 feet with a concrete floor, completed in September 2020 and made possible by EDP Renewables, a renewable energy company with a presence in Paulding County. Daeger said EDP’s $5,000 grant was matched by $5,000 in village funds.

The park also has a swing set, porch swing and teeter totter to the east of the pavilion.

Daeger credited Broughton Mayor Donna Greear for pushing forward with the park and playground idea, while Broughton’s village council consented to move forward in 2018.

“We’ve seen quite a bit of usage,” said Daeger. “I live just across the road, within 200 yards, and a lot of young families bring their kids.”

While those improvements have been made, the town — population, about 113 — also would like to add some additional playground amenities, such as a slide or a merry-go-round. This may be possible with some $2,000 donated for park equipment by women in the town, according to Daeger.

And to make the park more accessible, a small stone parking lot is planned along Broughton Pike.

 

The Paulding County Vision Board and Paulding Area Foundation recently applied to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for related grant funding, Daeger explained. The result was a $4,124 grant to build a lot 25 foot deep and 60 foot wide — enough room for five or six vehicles — this year, he said.

The village used CARES Relief Act funds last year to purchase several picnic tables that will be added to the park pavilion once they are assembled, according to Daeger. And this money also financed improvements to the village office, an older-looking building that is in very good condition. (The building has a bell tower, with the bell on display immediately south of the structure.)

The building upgrade included a new heating system — which is quite a change, given that portable electric heaters were used for council meetings before the improvement was made in December — as well as new tables and chairs. The lack of heat had meant that past meetings were held in cramped quarters, he indicated.

Daeger said it has made a “tremendous” difference, with meetings now in a larger space.

This year, the town also hopes to paint the inside of the village office, seal the outside and add some landscaping, according to Daeger.

Other town improvements have been made recently as well, such as a new culvert on Broughton Pike crossing a small creek, and the removal of blighted buildings or debris on eight different properties with the help of the county land bank. Daeger said the town has about three more to go.

“We got the low-hanging fruit,” he said, noting the difficulty in reaching the remaining ones, “but we’re making progress.”

Paulding Council Hears Business Wants to Expand

Paulding Council Hears Business Wants to Expand

by | Mar 10, 2021 | Business Expansion

Public comments took up over half of Paulding Village Council’s regular meeting Monday, March 1, with plans shared for a possible business expansion and some intense discussion surrounding a few hot-button issues.

Businessman Jim Estle presented some plans to expand his used car business on East Perry Street (U.S. 127) at the bridge. He would to like to add a two-bay service department as well as a paved lot for another 50-70 cars.

Estle noted the service department would be open seven days a week until midnight and would create four jobs.

However, his property is landlocked except for a vacant lot to his south owned by the library. Estle hopes to buy or lease that land. Village officials advised Estle to contact the library board.

At the last meeting Feb. 16, council approved an emergency ordinance issuing a one-year moratorium on constructing new commercial buildings in the central business district. The question was raised whether the moratorium could impact Estle’s proposed plans. After much debate, officials said they believe the land in question is not included in the central business district.

Mayor Greg White noted council has to to approve any construction in the village. Plans and permits are required.

The building moratorium was brought up again when resident Matt Sunday addressed council with a lengthy list of questions and concerns.

Sunday asked for an explanation on why council passed the measure as an emergency instead of going through three readings. White responded, “There are times when the council probably feels … they need to have some kind of control over who, what is coming to town, where they’re coming to town, and so on.”

Sunday questioned whether officials were trying to stop someone from coming into town.

“I don’t have any comment,” White said.

He then added, “They felt it was something, at this point in time, it was the best decision for the village.”

Sunday asked, “was there someone breaking ground with a shovel the next day?” Councilman Dan Workman answered, “I don’t know how much of this we’re allowed to talk about … there was talk of that, and when you have all the vacant buildings that we have, that’s the reason for the (emergency) voting of the moratorium.”

Sunday also asked about snow removal around the square. Council said the county commissioners contract for the area inside of the square, around the courthouse. The village is responsible for the parking areas around the outside of the square.

The mayor pointed out the village’s first responsibility is for clearing the streets and residential areas for police, fire and EMS access.

During a snow emergency, apartment residents may park their vehicles at the village lot across from the Mexican restaurant.

For the second consecutive meeting, Sunday asked about enforcing the junk ordinance.

“You’re complaining to the wrong people,” Mayor White said. “When we had Mayor’s Court, we didn’t have this problem.” Junk ordinance violations are not prosecuted through municipal court.

Sunday complained about police giving the names of people who report junk violations, saying the practice discourages residents from contacting police.

Solicitor Harvey Hyman suggested that if residents have problem with a neighbor, they should try speaking to the neighbor before involving the police.

Turning to other matters, Councilman Randy Daeger reported the utilities committee discussed water leaks on residential property. It had been policy to offer a one-time annual credit in case of a leak. The committee recommended no longer offering credits.

If a resident has a leak, they have 72 hours to have it repaired before the water is shut off.

The committee heard concerns from Baker-Shindler Ready Mix about the recently approved water rate increase and its potential to adversely affect the business. Daeger said the committee will have another meeting and try to find a way to help resolve the situation.

Daeger reported the buildings and grounds committee met and considered the color of street lights around the square. Officials would like all lights to be the same color. They are asking residents for their input. Comments may be left on the village’s Facebook page.

The committee also discussed purchasing a vacant lot in the 100 block of South Williams Street. They recommended a $4,000 counteroffer. Administrator Jason Vance was given the okay to proceed with negotiations.

Vance announced bids were opened Monday for grant-funded skatepark equipment. He wants to move forward with the contract process, pending review by Maumee Valley Planning Organization.

Finance Director Zoe McMaster reported an ad has been placed for hiring pool lifeguards and concession workers this season and she has acquired the concession license.

McMaster updated council on income tax receipts, which are ahead of one year ago at this time.

In other business, council:

• Approved a park board request to proceed with installing a “Take A Book, Leave A Book” or “Little Free Library” station at LaFountain Park. Up to three locations may be established around town.

• Heard the first reading of Ordinance 1614-21 to change zoning classification of certain school-owned lots at Water and Wall streets.

• Heard the second reading of Ordinance 1611-21 prohibiting through traffic in the east-west alley bounded by Coupland, Perry, Summit and Jackson streets.

• Heard Councilmen Daeger, Barb Rife, David Burtch and Tim Boss will be up for re-election this year. Anyone interested in running for a council seat can pick up a petition at the election board office and are due by Aug. 4.

• Reminded residents that committee meetings and other meeting information is posted on the village’s website.

Committee meetings scheduled were:

• Salary and allowance and recreation joint committee meeting at 4:30 p.m. March 10 regarding pay for summer pool employees.

• Utility committee, 5 p.m. March 10, for further discussion of commercial water rates and downtown street lights.

• Ordinance committee, 5:30 p.m. March 10, to discuss a vacant building registration ordinance. Hyman encourages property owners and residents to attend and participate.

The next regular council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 15. Watch via Zoom at https://us02web.- zoom.us/j/4451352151. The meeting ID number is 445 135 2151.

 
Juvenile Court Receives Funding

Juvenile Court Receives Funding

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Uncategorized

Paulding County Juvenile Court Judge Michael Wehrkamp announced that the Juvenile Court, in partnership with the Paulding County Family & Children First Council (FCFC), has to date been awarded a total of $109,860.30 through the state’s Multi-System Youth (MSY) Program.

Multi-system youth are those who require services from more than one system, such as children services, the board of developmental disabilities, the mental health and addiction board, as well as juvenile justice. These youth often have complex physical, emotional, and behavioral needs that require these agencies to work in partnership to create a comprehensive service plan for each.

“Securing this funding has been the result of outstanding teamwork among community agencies—something we’ve been working hard to develop over the past few years,” Judge Wehrkamp said. “FCFC staff, Juvenile Court staff, and other community partners have spent many hours collaborating, resulting in quality applications for this state funding that has directly benefited youth and families in our county. I could not be more thankful for everyone’s hard work.”

The MSY Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Medicaid and was developed to prevent custody relinquishment and streamline systems of care for multi-system youth, while providing swift and efficient access to treatment.

“Through these collaborative efforts, Paulding County has become a major recipient of MSY Program funds, alleviating the effects of more limited local resources,” said FCFC Coordinator Cathy Ruiz.

Through collaboration with FCFC, Tri-County ADAHMS Board, and Defiance-Paulding Consolidated Department of Job and Family Services, the Juvenile Court has used MSY Program funds to link four juveniles with residential treatment and one juvenile with community-based services. A separate application for funds is made for each child, and the application period remains open, leaving the possibility of additional funding in the future.

Community-based services include individual and group counseling, care coordination, in-home therapy, and peer support. Residential treatment centers, which are used when community- based efforts are unsuccessful or unsuitable for a youth, typically house juveniles who have significant mental or behavioral health disorders or substance abuse issues.

In addition to financial assistance, the MSY Program offers a technical assistance team to provide counties with best practices to meet the needs of multi-system youth and to help facilitate coordination between the varied systems to best serve youth and their families. For one Paulding County youth in treatment, the technical assistance program linked the Juvenile Court to Project ECHO, which connects physicians, nurses, and other clinicians with teams of multidisciplinary experts who provide the specialized knowledge they need to care for patients with complex conditions. This collaboration consisted of 43 medical and psychological professionals who reviewed the youth’s case and gave recommendations for treatment and intervention and identified additional supports and services for the family unit.

The MSY Program application-writing team consists of FCFC Coordinator Cathy Ruiz, Juvenile Court Diversion and Probation Officer Shelby Reinhart, and Juvenile Court Probation Officer Dustin Westhoven. Assisting in the administration of grant funds is FCFC Treasurer and Fiscal Officer Tricia Taylor.