Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter

BOARD OF
MEDINA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Stephen D. Hambley Aaron M. Harrison Colleen M. Swedyk

AUGUST 11, 2023

Medina County Fair Time…
A Commissioner’s Recap of the Week that Was
by Aaron Harrison
Commissioner
Fair week in the Harrison house-
hold actually began on Saturday,
July 29. I spent the afternoon at
the 4-H Model Railroad Club set-
ting up their model railroad dis-
play and completing judging in
the 4-H Exhibit building.
Braving some rain, we got my
son Lincoln’s display set up for
judging without damaging any
structural elements. While he was
completing his judging, I helped
judge the 4-H club booths in the
building. There was a lot of pas-
sion for 4-H and many clubs who
did a great job incorporating this
year’s theme — “The Power of
YOUth” into their displays.
On Monday morning, I arrived
in time to take in a bit of swine
showmanship in the show are-
na. I also stopped by to visit with
Medina County OSU Extension
Community Development Edu-
cator Kyle White and complete
the Economic Impact survey.
This survey seeks to quantify the
significant economic impact that
fair week has for Medina County
businesses — both on and off the
fairgrounds. From there, I was off
to lunch at the Fair Office where
I had the opportunity to join the
Fair Board members as they
Solid Waste District Director Barb Wal-
ton and Commissioner Aaron Harrison
at the Commissioners’ booth.
Attending the Opening Ceremonies of the 178th Annual Medina County Fair on Mon-
day, July 31 are, left to right, Common Pleas Judge William Hutson, Commissioner
Colleen Swedyk, State Representative Sharon Ray, Commissioner Steve Hambley,
and Commissioner Aaron Harrison.
honored many former fair board
members for their service.
After lunch, I stopped by the
Sheep barn to check in on the
progress of the Rabbit show. I also
visited the Pavilion where the Vet-
erans’ displays were set up. After
a quick check-in at the office, I
returned for Opening Ceremo-
nies at the Pavilion followed by
the Prince and Princess and Royal
Court competitions.
On Tuesday, I made it to the
Outstanding Seniors Breakfast at
the Pavilion where some of the
graduating seniors were honored
for the impact they have made
on both their 4-H clubs and their
communities at large. From there,
I was off to Columbus for the State
Fair where my daughter Lucy was
representing Medina County in
the judging of her 4-H Fashion
project. It was a great experience
for our whole family to go to Co-
lumbus and support Lucy!
On Wednesday, I missed the
Dairy and Sheep shows as well
as the 4-H Project Awards in the
morning due to a couple of con-
Photos provided
flicts (county business doesn’t
stop for fair week, unfortunately).
Later, I helped my son conclude
his shift at the model train exhibit
in the 4-H building, and then we
headed to the midway for a late
lunch.
Thursday afternoon was the
Youth Honors Orchestra and
Choir. My daughter was one of
the voices singing in the choir, and
I really enjoyed seeing those per-
formances, which were made pos-
sible by the Medina County Ed-
ucational Service Center and the
very talented local music teachers
who led them.
After the performance, our
family toured the rest of the ani-
mal barns, looked at the artwork,
and admired the canned goods in
the home building before heading
over to the Show Arena to catch
some of the Dog Agility show.
Thursday was also the culinary
highlight of my week — I en-
joyed a Dill Dog, which is a hot
dog, wrapped in a full dill pickle
and coated with corn dog bread-
Continued on page 2
Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter August 11, 2023
SANITARY ENGINEERS

County to replace concrete water mains with PVC

by Ben Romine ter mains.
Design Engineer The County plans to replace
The Medina County Sanitary all our concrete water mains
Engineer has several upcoming with PVC water mains over the
projects. One of the challenges next few decades.
for a utility company is main- The Fenn and Marks roads
taining its existing infrastructure. Water Main Replacement will in-
The County currently has ap- clude the replacement of the 16"
proximately 20 miles of concrete concrete water main on Fenn
water mains, most of which were Road between Marks and Pearl
built in the late 1970s. roads with a 24" PVC C900 wa-
Stock photo
Concrete water mains have a ter main, and the 6" PVC water
higher probability of leaks and breaks. Construction main on Marks Road between Fenn Road and Ha-
materials change over time and very few municipali- nover Drive will be replaced with a 12" PVC C900
ties still use concrete water mains in their system. water main.
As a result, the required parts needed for repairs The water tower located at the Marks and Fenn
can be difficult to obtain. When breaks occur, water roads intersection will also be replaced with a new
outages and repair times for concrete water mains water tower. The project is scheduled to begin in No-
are much longer than breaks on plastic or ductile wa- vember 2023.

A Commissioner’s Recap of the Week that Was...

Continued from page 1
ing. It is every bit as delicious as it
sounds, but if you can manage to
eat the entire thing without wear-
ing a significant portion of it, you
probably should get a trophy!
Unfortunately, I was unable to
convince anyone in my family
to be my partner for the square
dance in Building 22, which like-
ly had everything to do with how
much of my Dill Dog ended up on
my shirt!
I made it to the fair on Friday
just in time for the start of the
small animal portion of the live-
stock sale. My family had spent
much of the day there and were all
hard at work when I arrived. Lin-
coln and Lucy continued their ser-
vice in the Model Railroad display,
and my wife Kelly was gearing up
for an evening shift supervising in
the milkshake stand, where Lucy
eventually joined her.
Each year, buyers at the Jr. Fair
Livestock Sale donate thousands
of pounds of meat to the Medi-
na County Home and other local
charitable organizations.
Similar donations are made to
Project Munch and Feeding Me-
dina County. The donations vary
from small animals like rabbits and
poultry to larger animals like lambs,
pigs and the occasional cow.
The buyer who makes the do-
nation pays the 4-H member
who raised the animal and also
covers the processing fees so the
organization receives the meat at
no cost.
My goal at the livestock sale
was to buy a few chickens and do-
nate them to the Medina County
Home. Jr. Fair supporters includ-
ing local businesses, elected offi-
cials, and family and friends of the
exhibitors were out in full force,
and many had the exact same
plan as I did.
However, a little before 11
p.m., I accomplished my mission
and decided to call it a day.
Saturday I was back for the large
animal portion of the livestock
sale. In addition to the buyers at
the auction who take the time to
show up and support the Jr. Fair
exhibitors, the auction wouldn’t
happen without the help of a few
dozen volunteers who work fever-
ishly behind the scenes to operate
the computer system and keep the
sale running smoothly.
This year, there were almost
1,000 lots sold over the two-day
sale. Receipts from the 2022 sale
totaled over $750,000!
This is a major undertaking
that is the equivalent in revenue
to many small businesses, and it is
operated almost entirely by volun-
teers. I even got in on the action
by manning the tent that served
food to the buyers and sale vol-
unteers.
The food was provided by my
friend Jeff Otterbacher at Ot-
ter Concessions. My family was
joined by our good friends Tiffa-
ny and Chris Kosman whose chil-
–2–
dren Anna and Ryan were also an
enormous help.
We had a great time serving up
a few hundred hot dogs, Coney
dogs and sloppy joes to keep the
buyers and volunteers well fed and
moving throughout a long day.
My visit on Sunday didn’t ex-
tend much beyond the merchant
building. After having had the rest
of the week to explore and take in
the sights, I spent the early part of
the day in the Republican Party
booth, and ended my day in the
Commissioners’ booth.
After having been on the move
throughout most of the rest of the
week, it was a refreshing change
to spend my day in one place. The
slower pace of Sunday allowed
me to consider just how well our
county fair reflects our entire com-
munity.
Our county, like our fair, is a
mix of many people from many
different backgrounds. There may
be no county in the state that has
a better mix of rural, small town
and city offerings than Medina.
For one week, the fair provides
a unique opportunity for these el-
ements to come together and for
us to appreciate our rural roots as
well as our growing diversity along
with the sights, sounds, tastes and
smells that accompany such a
wonderful festival. In my state of
satisfied exhaustion, I had anoth-
er comforting thought — only 353
more days until the 179th Medina
County Fair!
August 11, 2023 Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter
JOB & FAMILY SERVICES

August is Child Support Awareness Month

Medina County Child
Support offers free movie
With August being proclaimed
as Child Support Awareness
Month, the Medina County Job
& Family Services Child Support
Enforcement Agency is offering a
free family matinee featuring “The
Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
The movie will be held tomor-
row, Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m.
in the Haddad Theater, which is
located in the County Administra-
tion Building, 144 N. Broadway
St., Medina on the second floor.
Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.
While admission to the movie is
free to the community, seating is
limited.
As a result,
pre-registra-
tion is required.
Register online
at https://bit.
ly/3OAQT7s or
by scanning the
above QR code.
Enjoy the movie, treats, and a
meet-and-greet with Mario and
Luigi following the film.
Additionally, the Medina
County Police Activities League
(MCPAL) ice cream truck will also
be handing out free ice cream af-
ter the movie.
This event is sponsored by the
Haddad Theater, Medina County
Domestic Relations Court, Me-
dina County Sheriff’s Office, C
J Dannemiller Company, Some-
thing’s Popping, Lemonberry Fro-
zen Yogurt (Medina), Chick-fil-A,
Sweets and Geeks, Crumbl Cook-
ie (Medina), Jen’s Play n Learn
Home Child Care, Crossroads
Hospice and Palliative Care, and
the Medina County CSEA Staff.
In “The Super Mario Bros. Mov-
ie,” a Brooklyn plumber named
Mario travels through the Mush-
room Kingdom with a princess
named Peach and an anthropo-
morphic mushroom named Toad
to find Mario’s brother, Luigi, and
The Medina County Police Activities
League (MCPAL) ice cream truck will be
handing out free ice cream following the
movie.
to save the world from a ruth-
less fire-breathing Koopa named
Bowser. Movie runtime is 1 hour
and 32 minutes.
Hope to see you there!
Alternative Paths
satellite office to
open in Brunswick
A private, non-profit behavioral
health agency founded in 1989,
Alternative Paths will soon open
a satellite office in Brunswick in
addition to its offices in Medina,
Lodi and Wadsworth.
The Medina County Alcohol,
Drug Addiction & Mental Health
(ADAMH) Board, which funds Al-
ternative Paths, will host a ribbon
cutting ceremony on Friday, Aug.
25 at 10 a.m.
The ceremony will be held on the
patio of The Tangled Vine located
at 3511 Center Rd., Brunswick.

DOG SHELTER

F. BEN GILBERT

PET PHOTO EVENT

330-969-9260

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
MEDINA COUNTY DOG SHELTER
6334 DEERVIEW LN., MEDINA, OH 44256
FREE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS OF YOUR
PET, LEMONADE AND PET TREATS,
PLUS A PET BASKET GIVEAWAY!
$
10 DONATION IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.
Reserve a spot online by visiting: bit.ly/3qcvqtf
or scan the QR code.

SPONSORED BY:

SCAN ME

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Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter August 11, 2023
Back-to-school safety checklist Department
Submitted by Dawn Fry six feet (or three giant steps) away
Loss Control/Risk Manager
Whether children walk, ride
from the curb.
• If your child must cross the
Directory
their bicycle or take the bus to street in front of the bus, teach BUILDING DEPARTMENT
school, it is extremely important him or her to walk on the road un- www.medinaco.org/building-department
that they take til they are 10 feet 330-722-9220
proper safety pre- ahead of the bus;
cautions. COMMISSIONERS
your child and the www.medinaco.org/county-commissioners
Here are some bus driver should 330-722-9208
tips to make sure always be able to
your child safely see each other. COUNTY HOME
travels to school: http://medinacountyhome.com
Driving your
Walking to 330-723-9553
child to school
school Stay alert and DOG SHELTER
Review your family’s walking avoid distracted driving. www.medinaco.org/dog-shelter
safety rules and practice walking • Obey school zone speed lim- 330-725-9121
to school with your child. its and follow our school’s drop-
• Walk on the sidewalk, if one FINANCE
off procedure. No website
is available; when on a street with • Make eye contact with chil- 330-722-9202
no sidewalk, walk facing the traf- dren who are crossing the street.
fic. HUMAN RESOURCES
School Safety www.medinaco.org/hr
• Before you cross the street,
Many school-related injuries are 330-722-9209
stop and look left, right and left
completely preventable. Follow
again to see if cars are coming.
these steps to ensure your child’s JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES
• Make eye contact with drivers www.mcjfs.us
safety at school:
before crossing and always cross 330-722-9300
streets at crosswalks or intersec- Preventing backpack-related
tions. injuries OFFICE FOR OLDER ADULTS
• Stay alert and avoid distract- Choose a backpack for your www.mcooa.org
child carefully; it should have er- 330-723-9514
ed walking.
Riding a bicycle to school gonomically designed features to
PLANNING SERVICES
Teach your child the rules of the enhance safety and comfort. www.medinaco.org/planning
road and practice riding the bike • Ask your child to use both 330-722-9293
route to school with your child. straps when wearing their back-
pack to evenly distribute the SANITARY ENGINEER
• Ride on the right side of the www.medinaco.org/sanitary
road, with traffic, and in single file. weight on their shoulders. 330-723-9585
• Come to a complete stop be- • Don’t over stuff a backpack;
fore crossing the street; walk bikes it should weigh no more than five SOLID WASTE DISTRICT
to 10 percent of your child’s body http://recyclemedinacounty.com
across the street.
• Stay alert and avoid distract- weight. 330-769-0289
ed riding. • Rolling backpacks should be TRANSIT
• Make sure your child always used cautiously since they can http://medinacountytransit.org
wears a properly fitted helmet and create a trip hazard in crowded 330-723-9670
bright coloring. school hallways.
Riding the bus to school Preventing playground- Click here to visit our
Teach your children school related injuries website with the full
bus safety rules and practice with To reduce strangulation hazards directory of public officials
them. on playgrounds, have your child
• Go to the bus stop with your leave necklaces and jackets with
at www.medinaco.org
child to teach them the proper drawstrings at home.
way to get on and off the bus. Provided by the National Safety 2023
• Teach your children to stand Council, www.nsc.org. Directory of Public Officials
Medina County, Ohio

What do you think? The Ohio State University Office of Extension is

conducting a needs assessment for ALL of Medina County. What do you
think is really special, and what changes do you think would make the
County better? The survey is short, and your opinion counts! Use this link:
https://go.osu.edu/2023_communityneedscd or scan this QR code, and Provided by

share your thoughts! The Medina County Board of Commissioners

Stephen D. Hambley Aaron M. Harrison Colleen M. Swedyk

www.medinaco.org

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August 11, 2023 Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter

’s Office Meeting R
Magistrate oom

Interior renovations to
Medina County’s 1841
Courthouse on Medina’s
Public Square have been
completed.
Renovations began
in January 2023 after
the construction of the
new Courthouse on East
Washington Street was
completed.
The Domestic Relations
Court, which was housed
in the 1841 Courthouse,
was temporarily moved
’s Office
to the 1969 Courthouse
Magistrate during renovations.
Entryway fr
om new Co
1841 Court urthouse to
The Domestic Relations house
Court will soon be mov-
ing back to the renovated
1841 Courthouse, occu-
pying two floors.

Domestic R
Lobby elations Co
urtroom
Photos by Brian S. Gallatin

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Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter August 11, 2023

Current Open HUMAN RESOURCES

Positions Featured

Job Opening of
MEDINA
EMPLOYMEN COUNTY
T APPLICA
TION
Please submit
information one applicatio
will n per position
sure to fill out be rejected. It is your to the
all sides of responsibility address indicated on
a governme this form. Also to assure that the
nt agency. please note your applicatio job posting. Applicatio
that this completed n is received ns lacking
Fill in the informati form will become by the closing sufficient
on in the area a public record date. Please
Job Title ________ below: when submitted be
________________ to

Postings current as of August 9, 2023

Department ________________
________________ _______________
________________ FT/PT ________
________________ ________________
____ Deadline Date __
In the area SUMMARY ________________
below, describe OF QUALIFI ___
which you are
applying. Refer
briefly the experienc CATIONS
to the Minimum e, education, training,
Qualifications and other
and any position-s factors that qualify

WE’RE
pecific qualificati you for the
ons posted position for
for this position.

Click on any of the below job titles

the Week
for a full job description.
HIRING!
Last Name PERSONAL
_________ INFORMATION
_________
Home Address _________
_________
_________ ___ First
_________ Name _________
City _________ _________ _________
_________ _________ _________
_________ _________ ___
_________ _________ Middle Initial
Phone: ( ________ ________ _________
_________ _____
) _________ State ________ _________
The following _________ Zip _________ _________
_________ ______ County ______
information

• Administrative Assistant/
_ c Cell
will be used Email _________ _________
_________
only if it is directly _________ __
1. Are you related to the _________
_________
willing and position for _________
able to secure which you are __
2. If the position an Ohio Driver’s applying:
requires travel, License, if a
3. Have you
ever been employed
can you supply license is required? YES NO
your own transporta c
If you are currently in the state tion? . . . . . c
a State employee or county service ..... c
If you answered : Job Title ________ of Ohio? . c
......

Community Service Supervisor

“YES” to question ________________ . . . c
#3, please explain ________
c
fully. Barg. Unit
_______________

(FT) – Juvenile Court

• Bus Driver (PT) – Transit

• Cleaning Technician (FT) –
Maintenance
• Cleaning Technician (PT) –
Maintenance
• Correction Officer (FT) – Juvenile
Detention Center
• Deputy Dog Warden (PT) – Dog
Shelter
• Driver – Meal Delivery (PT) – Office
for Older Adults
• Highway Maintenance Worker II
(FT) – Highway Engineer
• Line Maintenance Worker (FT) –
Sanitary Engineers Office
• Maintenance Worker (FT) –
Wastewater Treatment Plant –
Sanitary Engineers Office
• Park Laborer (FT) – County Home
• PRN LPN (PT) – County Home
• Probate Deputy Clerk (FT) –
Common Pleas Court Probate &
Juvenile Divisions
• Project Inspector 1 (FT) – Sanitary
Engineers
• Protective Services Worker 2 (FT)
– Job & Family Services
• Resident Care Aide (FT) – County
Home
PROTECTIVE SERVICES WORKER 2
JOB & FAMILY SERVICES
Summary of Essential Duties: Under the direction of the unit Supervisor,
the Protective Services Worker 2-Ongoing works with children and families
and provides guidance and support to assist the family in achieving case plan
goals. The Protective Services Worker 2-Ongoing assures safety of children
by assessing risk on an ongoing basis. As part of the regular pager rotation
and in-day coverage, this worker assists families in improving their financial
and social environment and works for the protection and safety of children
and adults as well as assessing and investigating referrals of abuse/neglect
and dependency.
Skill in: Organization; writing (e.g., legal documents; word processing;
operation of computers; public speaking; oral communication; typing;
interviewing; assessment.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in human services related studies. A
bachelor’s degree in any field and employed for at least two years in a human
service-related occupation. Required to obtain a bachelor’s degree in human
services within 5 years after the date of employment. An associate degree
in human services related studies. Required to obtain a bachelor’s degree
in human services within 5 years after the date of employment. At least five
years of employment in a human service-related occupation
Additional Requirements: Must successfully undergo BCI background
check. Successfully complete an alcohol and drug screening. Possess a valid
Ohio Driver’s License. Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Inherently hazardous or physically demanding working conditions:
May encounter irate clients or individuals; may have some exposure
to environmental factors (e.g., cold, excessive heat, noise, fumes, dirt,
contagious diseases, unsanitary conditions, insect infestation, bodily wastes,
odors, common office chemicals, such as toner and correction fluid); may
involve lifting up to 40 pounds (i.e., children, car seats, supplies).
APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT A RESUME TO:
KIMBERLY.HART@JFS.OHIO.GOV

• System Administrator – Commending the Medina Metropolitan

Democratic (FT) – Board of
Elections
Housing Authority on its 70th Anniversary
• Tech Support Level 2 (FT) –
Information Technology

• Wastewater Operator (FT) –

Sanitary Engineers Office

• Water Reclamation Facility Shift

Supervisor (FT) – Sanitary
Engineers Office

Enjoy the BENEFITS of working for

Medina County! Apply Today!
WORK/L
JOB ! BALANCIF E
STABILIT
Y GREAT! E!
12 PAID TEAM
HOLIDAYS! LOW-COHST
HEALT E!
INSURANC
NT
EXCELLEENT GENERO
U
RETIREM SICK S
SYSTEM! LEAVE!
Photo by Brian S. Gallatin
(FT) = Full-Time • (PT) = Part-Time
During the Tuesday, Aug. 8 meeting, the Commissioners presented the Medina
Click here to visit our Metropolitan Housing Authority with a commendation on its 70th anniversary.
website for any updates: Pictured left to right: Commissioner Steve Hambley, Commissioner Aaron
www.medinaco.org/hr/ Harrison, Housing Authority Board Chairman Scott Miller and Commissioner
employment/ Colleen Swedyk.

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August 11, 2023 Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Historical Society hosts Community Ice Cream Social Aug. 20

The Medina County Historical
Society will hold a family-friendly
Community Ice Cream Social on
Sunday, Aug. 20 from 1–4 p.m.
at the historic McDowell-Phillips
House Museum, 205 S. Prospect
St., Medina, featuring the Hun-
tington Bank Ice Cream truck!  205 S. Prospect St.,
Featuring the Huntington Bank
Ice Cream truck, the event will
have games and face painting for
the kids, ice cream, sweets and
popcorn too.
All food and drinks will be avail-
able by donation!
The Medina County Antique
Power Association will have some
Drug and Mike & Judy Davanzo
What: Ice Cream Social — for being able to have this event
When: Sunday, Aug. 20 for our members and supporters
1–4 p.m. in the community. We hope to see
you on August 20!
Where: McDowell-Phillips Spirits of the Past
House Museum Special note: Pre-sale tickets
for Spirits of the Past, presented
Medina by the Medina County Historical
of their implements on display in Society, Medina Show Biz Co.,
the back meadow. and Medina County Arts Council,
Discounts for adults to walk will be available for purchase also.
through the museum will also be The Spirit Walk will be held Thurs-
available with kids under 16 free!  day, Sept. 7–Saturday, Sept. 9. 
We are very thankful for our All food and drinks will be avail-
sponsors — Huntington Bank, able by donation while supplies
Westfield Insurance, Discount last!

Commissioners’ Fair Booth

Photo provided
Pictured left to right: Job & Family Services employees
Leslie and Jessica staff the Commissioners’ Booth on
Thursday at the Medina County Fair.

CONTACT US
Office: 330-722-9208
Medina County Commissioners
Toll Free: 844-722-3800
144 North Broadway St., Room 201,
Clerk: Rhonda Beck,
Medina, Ohio 44256 rbeck@ohmedinaco.org

Commissioner Meetings are held every

Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m.
Please join us at:
www.facebook.com/MedinaCountyCommissioners
To be added to our mailing list, please contact Public Information Officer Brian Gallatin
at bgallatin@ohmedinaco.org, or visit our website at www.medinaco.org/newsletter-sign-up/

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