Washington County Commission meeting opens conversation on SE Ohio Port Authority
From left Washington County Commissioners Charlie Shilling, Eddie Place, and Greg Nohe during public comment at the commissioners regular meeting on Thursday morning. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
Tom Webster, executive board member of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, speaks at the Washington County Commissioner meeting on the review process of FOIA requests on Thursday morning. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
Holly Kellums reads a petition for the “transparency of information” from the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority signed by Washington County residents at Washington County Commissioner Meeting on Thursday morning. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
From left Washington County Commissioners Charlie Shilling, Eddie Place, and Greg Nohe during public comment at the commissioners regular meeting on Thursday morning. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
Tom Webster, executive board member of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, speaks at the Washington County Commissioner meeting on the review process of FOIA requests on Thursday morning. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
Holly Kellums reads a petition for the “transparency of information” from the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority signed by Washington County residents at Washington County Commissioner Meeting on Thursday morning. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
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MARIETTA - Washington County Commissioners approved a contract with Job and Family Services for the Senior Wheels Program, a notice of commencement and a notice to proceed regarding the Beverly waterline extension. Public comment opened clarification on the discussion on Masonic Park Lane, and a presentation of a petition regarding "the transparency of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority," on Thursday morning.
Holly Kellums, Marietta resident who work appears on MASH Focus, presented the county commissioners with a petition signed by residents of Washington County for the commission to require the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority to release all information on contracts, land deals, financial records and compensation to the public "as a condition of receiving the county’s annual appropriation of $175,000," she said. Kellums said the petition also calls for the "full public accounting of the $1.5 million loan for the AMP site and any related development projects.”
According to Kellums, requests for information made on July 31 and Sept. 10 by herself and other county residents have been denied by the Port Authority.
Tom Webster, executive board member of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, said after the review of the July 31 request by the board members and consultation of their legal counsel the Port Authority responded.
"We stated there was additional information that we needed on several of the items," he said.
Webster said the Sept. 10 request has been approved by the Board and their legal counsel and information will be released after it is compiled.
He also stated the Washington County Commissioners "never review the (Freedom of Information Act) requests the Port Authority gets."
Commissioner Eddie Place said, "I think if you have questions, they should be answered. They have ample time to answer them, (and) ample time is not defined."
Commissioner Greg Nohe said, "There's a process involved, and we can't circumnavigate the process. We have to abide by the Ohio Revised Code, and I think the Port Authority will do that."
Jay Huck, president of the Muskingum Township trustees, spoke on the matter of Masonic Park Lane repairs following use during the Devola Sewer Project. Huck asked for any updates after commissioners received an estimate from the county engineer's office on Sept. 14, for $6,510 for chip and seal repairs to the road.
Commissioner Charlie Schilling and Nohe said the matter would be put on the agenda for the Oct. 8 regular meeting.
Commissioners also approved a contract with Larry Lang Excavating in regards to the Beverly waterline extension project, a notice of commencement and a notice to proceed.
"We're happy to be able to partner and work with our villages and cities on any project they want to bring to us," said Schilling.
In other business, commissioners approved a contract with Washington County Job and Family Services for the benefit of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Senior Wheels program.
Director Flite Freimann, with Job and Family Services, said, "(The program) ensures that people over the age of 55 can get around our county, and get out of their homes and get them involved with the community."