By Haylee Pence
TROY – State Representative Jena Powell attended the Miami County Commissioner’s general session meeting on Thursday, Dec. 13.
Powell gave an update from the Ohio House along with her stances on various topics, specifically COVID-19 and the workforce issue.
“I support personal choices in regard to the vaccination so people can choose what’s best for them and their families,” Powell stated on the topic of COVID vaccinations.
Powell spoke about “Ohio’s License Reciprocity” application process in relation to the workforce issue, which “is to encourage people to work, especially in these challenging times.” The license reciprocity will allow those moving into Ohio with a valid license for “at least two years and in good standing” can transfer their license to Ohio, and can continue to work sooner.
Then, Powell spoke about her work on the Pro-Life Caucus in the Ohio Senate and her “hopes that Roe v. Wade will soon be overturned.” She touched on a piece of new legislation that she authored which “seeks to ban abortions from fertilization.”
Next, Powell talked about her stance on education for children. She “believes that it should be a parent’s choice for their children’s education.”
“Parents should decide where to send their kids to school, whether it be public, private, or home-schooling,” Powell stated.
Prior to Powell’s presentation, the commissioners had their general session where they authorized several agreements.
The Engineer’s Office was approved for the purchase of a 2022 Gradall XL3100 V 4X4 Excavator for a cost of $443,608.18. The former excavator was purchased in 2003. Once the new excavator arrives, the former excavator is to be listed for sale on the online auction site, GovDeals.
The commissioners authorized the release of $65,884.25 for the Escrow Agreement with North Brand Land Company. This was for the construction of North Branch Pass Subdivision. The total balance remaining is $468,698.15.
Next, the commissioners authorized the usage of Finfrock Construction Company and Ranger Earthworks for the emergency water and sewer repair as needed for 2022 by the Miami County Sanitary Engineer that shall not exceed a cost of $10,000 per occurrence.
The Sanitary Engineering Department will be holding two paper shredding days that will be available to Miami County Residents from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 23 and Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Miami County Fairgrounds. The cost of this service shall not exceed $3,880 for both events.
The final authorization was for the Agenbroad Group Drainage Project Bond Anticipation Notes for a cost of $70,000.
Finally, the commissioners heard a presentation from Jim Lyons, an apiary inspector. The Miami County Commissioners met with Lyons to discuss a contract with him to inspect various beehives in the county, and to provide educational services to prospective hive owners and current hive owners.
