Health district office to close early April 28 for event
Logan County Health District employees and approximately 60 volunteers for the agency, who recently have helped to prepare for and staff COVID-19 immunization clinics among other duties, have been invited to an upcoming appreciation luncheon to thank them for their dedicated service during the health crisis of the past year.
Deputy Health Commissioner Donna Peachey announced at the board of health’s Wednesday meeting that a generous donation from a retired board of health member has enabled the agency to host the catered luncheon Wednesday, April 28, at Camp Willson, 2732 County Road 11, Bellefontaine.
Door prizes will be awarded to staff and volunteers as well.
In the agency’s recently released annual report for 2020, Logan County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott denoted that the infectious disease investigations increased ten-told last year with COVID-19, with those investigations totaling close to 3,000 cases.
Additionally, environmental health staff spent 2,476 hours helping businesses stay open during COVID-19. A total of 179 business plans were reviewed for reopening after the mandated spring shutdown, officials said.
“The employees and volunteers deserve a huge vote of thanks for their hard work, extra hours and stress to help the county through this terrible time,” Dr. Boyd Hoddinott said
Director of Business Operations Christina Bramlage also noted the strong support of the community that has been felt through the volunteer assistance.
“To have so many volunteers here locally, we are so grateful for people who have stepped up to help us during these trying times,” she said.
To allow the event to take place, the health board approved an early closing for the agency office at 12:30 p.m. April 28 at the 310 S. Main St. facility.
In other positive reports for LCHD employees, the board approved a COVID-19 employee compensation measure that will provide bonus pay for permanent, current employees for their hours worked from March 1, 2020, through Feb. 20, 2021, to be paid through a $20,000 Vaccine Needs Assessment Grant.
The bonus will amount to approximately 50 cents to 55 cents per hour worked during that time period, Peachey said.
In planning updates, the board formed a health commissioner hiring committee that will include Board President Bob Harrison, member Chris Watkins, along with Peachey, Bramlage and Environmental Health Director Tim Smith, as the agency moves toward a transition plan for Dr. Hoddinott’s retirement.
Earlier this year, the board issued a six-month contract to longtime Dr. Hoddinott, which continues through Oct. 1. He has served in the position since 2000.
Following his retirement date, Dr. Hoddinott is considering the possibility as serving as a medical director alongside a new health commissioner. In that scenario, that board would be able to hire a health commissioner who holds a master of public health degree.
The board is advertising for the position, with a May 1 deadline for applicants.
In personnel matters, the board accepted the retirement resignations of David Miller, sanitarian-in-training, effective June 1, and Leica McGill, personnel/IT specialist, effective June 25.
The board also accepted the resignations of Kate Brentlinger, public health nurse, effective April 15, and Kim Hassel, contract tracing, effective April 16.
In other action, the board:
• accepted a bid of $13,600 from Bobcat Multi Works for an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Water Pollution Control Loan Fund project to fund the repair of a failed home sewage system at the residence at Lori Butler and Iva Sue Clerico, 2571 Township Road 182, Bellefontaine, which qualifies for 85 percent funding through the program;
• approved six-month evaluations and permanent hires of Arie Pequignot and Sonya Eaton;
• accepted the following grants: $72,894 Public Health Infastructure/Public Health Emergency Preparedness, $318,515 Vaccine Equity Grant (an $80,000 increase from previous award); and a $$50,000 COVID-19 Response Grant;
• issued an order to Polly Board of Lakeview, who owns a property at the southwest corner of Township Road 239 and Main Street, Midway, to remove all solid wastes from the property to a licensed disposal facility within seven days;
• approved well variance requests for David Ellis of Clayton Home, acting as an agent for Barbara Weil for a property at 9555 Cottage Grove, Orchard Island, Lakeview, and Kathy Gorby for a property at 9730 Lakeshore Drive E., Shawnee Island, Huntsville; and
• approved a variance for Todd Watson, acting as agent for Lyle J. Croy, for a property at Mountain Top RV Park, Sugarbush Way, lot 13, Valley Hi, for a 1,000 gallon holding tank equipped with a high water alarm.
The next meeting is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12.