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(Photo by Amber Phipps)
The Washington County Commission discussed new items on the agenda for its Thursday morning meeting.
(Photo by Amber Phipps)
The Washington County Commission discussed new items on the agenda for its Thursday morning meeting.
Business was as usual at the Washington County Commissioners meeting Thursday morning.
The two items on the agenda were the broadband pilot project discussion and the safety of OhioMeansJobs on 311 Third St. in Marietta.
The commissioners approved the bills and addressed any existing late fees.
Shortly after, they approved the travel request for Alice Stewart to attend the National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect in Rockville, Md., from April 1-3. They also approved for Allison Hutchings and Christiana Cantrell to travel to Columbs to attend Finding Words Ohio Training from March 23-28.
The commissioners addressed the first discussion about the broadband pilot project. According to Commissioner James Booth, the goal of the project is to provide fast-speed internet to community members living in rural areas.
“This is a pilot project that uses an in-the-asphalt fiber to provide middle mile access for broadband,” said Booth.
If approved, the commissioners would work with the county engineer on installing the fiber into the road. In order for this project to continue, the board would need to agree and move forward with partnering with a provider that would then work with the county.
“We need to have some agreements in place from the engineer and then documentation from BroadbandOhio to assure the board that the reimbursement is there,” said Commissioner Charlie Schilling.
According to Booth, there would be approximately 52 poles installed and they mapped out every location.
“The speed of installation is also very attractive and they can do a mile a day so this would be a three-day project,” said Booth.
The grant program is expected to reimburse the installation up to 75% of the cost. The partnership would then potentially cover the other 25%.
The commission agreed to continue the BroadbandOhio discussion as it progresses.
The next item on the agenda was brought to the commissioners’ attention by Director of the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services Agency, Flite Freimann.
“Less than 100 yards from where I’m standing is a homeless encampment that is in violation of city law,” said Freimann, referring to the OhioMeansJobs building on 311 Third St., Marietta. “I am here today to tell you that the city’s actions are endangering county employees, endangering county property and hurting our efforts at economic development.”
Employees at OMJ have witnessed violations such as public nudity, defecation and drug abuse right outside their place of work.
According to employees at the meeting Thursday, they were told the encampment would be temporary in order to give people a chance. The encampment has been running for roughly four months and OMJ employees feel unsafe walking to their cars.
“I’m going to look at this from the concern of safety for our employees and if they’re not safe then we have a real problem,” said Schilling.
Washington County Sheriff Mark Warden will address these violations with the police chief to address these problems.
“Being homeless is not illegal, they’ve got permission to be there but if their actions while they’re there constitutes illegal activity, it can’t be overlooked,” said Schilling.
The discussion concluded with a general agreement that necessary action needed to be taken.