GLCAP updates Seneca County Commissioners on impactful services

Tiffin, Ohio — Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) provided an update to the Seneca County Board of Commissioners on Thursday morning, showcasing the positive impact of their services.

RuthAnn House, the President and CEO of GLCAP, expressed gratitude to the commissioners for their support of May as Community Action Month. She introduced members of her team and emphasized their dedication to serving the county’s residents.

Commissioner Tyler Shuff commended House and her team for their valuable contributions to the community, acknowledging the significant good they do for many people. House then introduced Andrea Hickle and her two sons, two-year-old Phoenix and two-month-old Bexley. Hickle shared that her other son is enrolled in the Head Start Program in Fostoria.

Head Start early childhood centers play a crucial role in providing care and preschool services to young children. The program operates Monday through Thursday during the school year, offering meals, snacks, hands-on activities, and essential services such as medical, mental health, nutrition, and dental care. Hickle expressed her deep appreciation for GLCAP and the assistance they have provided to her family, stating, “I love, love, love GLCAP.”

According to information provided by GLCAP, in 2022, 161 children in Seneca County participated in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, both center-based and home-based. Additionally, the organization assisted 1,123 households with energy or water utility support and helped them establish affordable payment plans to manage home utility expenses. Moreover, 308 households received aid for utility, mortgage, and rent payments due to financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the previous year.

In other news, the commissioners announced that bids for EMS Station #1, located on the east side of the county along US 224, will be opened on June 29th at 10:05 a.m. Commissioner Anthony Paradiso explained that the bid opening was rescheduled to allow more time for finalizing project details. He expressed enthusiasm about getting back on track, stating that the commissioners hope the construction of the building can be completed by year-end. County Administrator Barb Patterson informed the board that a pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 20th at 9 a.m. at the site of the new building, near 9428 E. US 224.

During the meeting, the board approved the vacation of a section of TR 138. County Engineer Mark Zimmerman recommended the vacation of a culvert that was previously owned by a railroad company. Zimmerman reported that there were no objections from local residents, and a viewing was held on Thursday morning at 9:15 a.m.

During new business the board approved:

• A $1,000 supplemental appropriation to the Concealed Handgun Licenses for equipment.
• A -$2,656.87 correction to the EPA On-Lot Septic System for a loan payment.
• Establishing the Sandusky County General Health District – Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Grant Fund on behalf of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties.
• Setting June 29th at 10:05 a.m. at the commissioners’ office to receive sealed bids for the Seneca County EMS Station #1.
• Setting July 13th at 10 a.m. at the commissioners’ office to receive sealed statements of qualifications for energy conservation and facility improvement projects.
• Authorizing an agreement with the Village of New Riegel on behalf of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.
• Affirming Seneca County’s due diligence to provide for equal housing opportunity and affirmatively further fair housing in the county.
• Approving the projects and amounts for the Community Development Block Grant Program Year 2023 Community Development Program and submitting the application and all related documents to the state.
• Establishing the purpose and use of the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.
• The commitment of leverage funds from the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Program for Program Year 2023 through the CDBG Program.