Sheriff's office employees file grievance over medical insurance

Deputies from the Highland County Sheriff's Office have filed a grievance over changes in the county medical insurance policy, Highland County Commission President Shane Wilkin announced at the Wednesday, Nov. 20 board meeting.

Wilkin said he was informed by Bob Cross of Cross Management Consulting in Portsmouth that a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 26.

Wilkin said the grievance was filed over changes in the fees for doctor visits from $25 to $35 and a change in the co-pay from the employer (county) funded 90 percent to the new 80/20 percentages from employer and employee, respectively.

"It's the same insurance (for the sheriff's office) that everyone else in the county has," Wilkin said.

"No one has been slighted. It's the same for everyone," Commissioner Tom Horst added.

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Salem Township zoning

• In other action Wednesday, Commissioners Wilkin, Horst and Jeremy Shaffer agreed to delay a decision to abolish the Salem Township zoning regulations until at least Dec. 18.

Commissioners discussed the zoning issue – and the ongoing difficulty in maintaining a quorum and full complement of members for both the zoning board and an appeals board – with Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins.

Wilkin explained that when zoning was placed on a countywide ballot, it passed in Salem Township. "It was a county issue only passed by Salem Township voters," he said.

"The problem has been finding enough board members," Horst said.

Wilkin said a Salem Township resident familiar with the zoning board requested additional time in order to re-form the zoning board and appeals board.

"I don't mind giving it more time, but we need to set a date," Shaffer said.

Commissioners agreed to "take action" on Dec. 18 – either by accepting a plan to re-form a zoning board and an appeals board or by abolishing the township's zoning.

Commissioners also pointed out that very few township residents have expressed support of the zoning regulations. They also said township trustees are agreeable to end the zoning.

"All three trustees agreed they don't want it," Collins said.

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County engineer's update

• Highland County Engineer Dean Otworth updated commissioners on road projects for Prospect Road, from S.R. 124 to S.R 73; Bridges Road, from Grimsley Road to S.R. 771; and the Carl Smith/Hobart Drive extension.

The Prospect Road upgrade is a partnership with District 9 of the Ohio Department of Transportation. Otworth said the current right of way is 40 feet (20 feet in each direction from the centerline), and additional rights of way will be needed. The acquisition of rights of way should be obtained by 2015 with construction into 2016.

Bridge projects are scheduled for Bridges Road, as well as Fenwick Road near Mowrystown.

On the Carl Smith/Hobart Drive extension on the city's north side, the rights of way acquisitions are on schedule and the construction will be in 2015-16, Otworth said.

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Board of DD acting superintendent

• Dawn Stallard, the acting superintendent of the Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, introduced herself to commissioners Wednesday.

Stallard said she was the Board of DD's acting superintendent during the investigation of Superintendent Fred Williams.

Board member Sam Snyder told The Highland County Press the board had brought in an "independent investigator." He also indicated that the matter was resolved, from the board's perspective.

"Allegations were made," Snyder said in a statement to The Highland County Press. "Allegations were investigated by a third party, Dublin Management Group of Columbus, Ohio. When the allegations were made, Mr. Williams was placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. Allegations were not substantiated.

"The Fayette and Highland County Boards of Developmental Disabilities fully support Mr. Williams. He has provided both Boards with solid leadership, and we appreciate and support his efforts in providing our clients with the services they need and deserve."

Stallard, of Milford, represents both Highland and Fayette counties, as did Williams.

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North High Business Center

• Commissioner Wilkin reported there was some "turmoil" with the new roof at the Business Center.

"A contractor claims that someone has been getting on the roof and cutting holes in the membrane," Wilkin said.

Wilkin said, "I just can't imagine someone climbing up there." He also said if anyone had gotten onto the roof that he or she did a very good job of covering all evidence of trespassing.

The commissioner said he would contact the roofing company about the problems with the roof.

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Christmas decorations, and giving thanks

• Commissioner Horst reported that Maggi Horst and Alice Wilson were volunteering their time and effort to decorate the courthouse square with Christmas lighting this week. The volunteers were thanked for their continued efforts at community enhancement.

In keeping with the Thanksgiving season, commissioners thanked all county office-holders for their ongoing cooperation and support in managing the county's budget and serving the needs of the community.