2024-10-21 County ManagerCounty Manager Update
October 21, 2024
9:30 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Meja Handlen, Mindy Brooks, Gabe Anzelini, Josh Metcalf, Doug Carey, Kate Chatterton
Guest(s):
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Packwood Sewer funding: Josh Metcalf said the state Department of Commerce requires the following
by the end of the year:
• Cultural outreach
• Environmental document completed
• Right of way secured
Josh said the project is at risk of not meeting 2025 and 2026 deadlines. He said the property owners the
county originally reached out to changed their minds about allowing right of way, forcing the county to
devise a Plan B. After providing approval for the county’s second-choice property, Josh said, the state
then changed its mind, sending the county back to the drawing board. Josh said the county has now
identified a new location and has received approval – however, the delays have cost time and money.
Josh said the state has urged the county to reach out to legislators for funding reallocation.
Vader Water: Ryan Barrett said Vader Mayor Joe Schey has recommended extending the city’s two-year
agreement with the county another two years after it ends in 2025. Josh said he recommends against it.
Commissioner Brummer said he would like to extend it.
Ryan said he believes the city wants to delay for two years and then attempt to take it back.
Josh noted that the county has invested millions in the city’s water system. He noted there are several
small municipalities facing similar struggles as Vader, setting the county up for additional receiverships
should those falter and / or fail.
Commissioner Brummer said he will further discuss the topic the following week.
Law and Justice boiler: Ryan said parts to replace the aging boiler are scheduled to arrive Oct. 23.
Announcements: Josh said vandals struck the Toledo airport over the weekend. Commissioner Swope
said WCIF is contending with embezzlement.
Meeting adjourned at 10:13 a.m.