30-04-2025
Commissioners reviewing variety of projects
JEFFERSON — The Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners are reviewing a variety of options including the addition of space for children in an area specifically for crime victims and their families.
During a Tuesday morning work session, Ashtabula County Prosecutor April Grabman mentioned the idea to the commissioners while reviewing matching grant funds related to crime victims.
'It is a real need,' Grabman said. The commissioners and Grabman indicated there is a discussion relating to finding new space for the victims of crime office.
The commissioners approved a three-year contract with the Ashtabula County Port Authority for the maintenance and operational support for Plant C, through the Ashtabula County Department of Environmental Services.
The commissioners fixed fees at $11,361.53 for five property owners interested in receiving water on Pelton Road in Austinburg Township, and approved a $21,472 change order for flooring in county buildings.
A bid for a project at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds was rejected because it was more than 20% above the estimated cost. Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said the project would be changed slightly and sent back out for bid in the near future.
The commissioners certified delinquent lodging tax charges to the Ashtabula County Auditor for collection. They also approved a maintenance agreement and established an escrow account of $45,475.50 for the Kister Court subdivision in Saybrook Township.
An increase, from $20,000 to $40,000, for a transportation contract with Richmond Transportation for the period of October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 was approved. The program is coordinated with Ashtabula County Department of Jobs and Family Services, and provides transport to jobs and education.
A summer youth employment contract with ACDJFS was approved through A-Tech, with the cost not to exceed $400,000.
The commissioners discussed details of replacing the present camera system at the Ashtabula County Jail. Ashtabula County Sheriff William Niemi said the system is not working well and needs to be addressed.
Kozlowski asked Niemi to seek a third bid for the project, saying they must move on the project, but wanted to look at a third option.
