MOUNT VERNON — On Monday, the Knox County Board of Commissioners met with Emily Marth, risk management and human resources, and Mount Vernon Assistant Fire Chief Chris Menapace to discuss the condition of the building located at 110 E. High St. Formerly the commissioners’ office, the building now contains offices for the United Way and the Area Development Foundation.
Menapace said that after inspecting the building and the fire alarm system, it was found the sprinkler system and smoke detectors did not function properly. Commissioner Allen Stockberger noted that the building, which belongs to the county, was never completely renovated like the Knox County Service Center was. Menapace suggested the commissioners contact a sprinkler contractor to inspect the system and learn if it is adequate and effective. The commissioners agreed to follow up on Menapace’s suggestions in the near future in order to bring the building, which was built in the early 20th century, up to current fire codes.
Also on Monday, the commissioners met with Ohio Sen. Bill Harris and John Silva, president of the Ohio County Dog Warden Association, at the Knox County Dog Pound. The meeting concerned Ohio House Bill 446, which, if passed as is, would change the job description of a county’s dog warden to incorporate the functions of an animal control officer. The Knox County dog warden, Roger Reed, was not able to attend the meeting.
Silva also pointed out some issues with the current wording of the bill, and said he hoped these issues would be resolved before it reaches the floor for a vote. One of the issues, Silva pointed out, was that it would be possible for a dog owner to lose official ownership of an animal in a much shorter time frame. Currently, owners have 14 days to claim a missing dog.
Another issue with the current wording of the bill, said Silva, is that it allows animal shelters to euthanize lost cats four days sooner than dogs. Harris noted it was unlikely the bill would pass through various committees and reach the floor for a vote before the November elections.
In the afternoon, the commissioners met with Ron Simpson, superintendent of the Water and Wastewater Department, as well as Darrel Severns of the Regional Planning Commission. The topic was the wastewater treatment facility for the proposed Shannon Farms Development in Milford Township. Simpson brought estimates for daily inspections and monthly tests that would be required by the EPA, as well as questions that he will present to the Regional Planning Commission meeting on Thursday.
Stockberger noted that the cost of the inspection and testing fees was rather high, even when divided among the maximum of the 24 homes in the proposed development. Stockberger said he hoped the estimated monthly costs wouldn’t be as high if the same inspection and testing procedures were applied to the de-centralized sewer projects in several hamlets throughout the county.
It was agreed the water treatment facility should have a fund in order to pay for future improvement and maintenance, and Simpson will propose this at the Regional Planning Commission meeting. The commissioners also agreed with Simpson’s suggestion that a telemetry system be installed at the treatment facility. A telemetry system would alert the main water treatment plant if any problems arise at the Shannon Farms facility.
