Commissioners recognize Social Workers Appreciation Month

STEUBENVILLE -- Difficulties normally faced by social workers have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, something that has not been lost on the Jefferson County commissioners.

The commissioners honored those who work in the field during Thursday's meeting when they passed a proclamation designating March as Social Workers Appreciation Month.

"We annually recognize social workers throughout the month of March. In this time of COVID and with all of the other disasters that are going on and all the problems associated with being home the way a lot of people are now, there are a lot of social problems in the world and social workers do a great job of trying to help people and they don't always get the credit they deserve," Commissioner Thomas Graham said.

The proclamation was presented to John Crooks, vice president of academic affairs of Eastern Gateway Community College. EGCC is launching a social work program this fall that, according to Graham, has garnered a lot of interest, with more than 1,500 students already signed up.

"In our name, Eastern Gateway Community College, one of the key words is community," Crooks said. "One of the things we need to focus on is that mental health infrastructure."

It was noted by Commissioner Dave Maple that Graham was instrumental in the creation of the program.

"Out of all the years I can remember, we really need to honor and respect social workers this year more than any, although every year I'm sure that is a challenging job," Maple said. "I want to thank Commissioner Graham. We all have our areas of expertise, and your knowledge in this field gives me insight into how things are going in our world. This program was built from the ground up by him."

Commissioner Tony Morelli praised those in the profession and commended the college for its growth.

"What a success (EGCC) has been and what an asset to the community," he said. "For social services, it had to have been a rough year. It was a rough year for everyone, but that field especially."

Anita Petrella, executive director of the Jefferson-Belmont Regional Solid Waste Authority, presented the board with the organization's five-year plan, which the commissioners needed to approve.

Maple had raised issues with previous drafts of the plan at previous meetings, but said he had discussions with Petrella and others from the JB Green Team to address those concerns.

"I would say that, probably more now than I have been in some time, I'm pleased and excited (about actions being taken to clean up the county)," Maple said, noting Morelli has been speaking out on the matter. "We've been fighting this fight for a long time and it's nice to hear. The entities that are working on cleaning this community up all seem to be working in lockstep right now."

The commissioners voted to approve the plan, with all three noting the importance getting the county cleaned up.

The plan needs to be approved by the Belmont County commissioners and the cities of Steubenville and Martins Ferry. The plan will be sent to townships in both counties.

Cleaning up the county also was a topic when county Health Commissioner Andrew Henry provided his monthly update, with Maple and Morelli commending action taken at Tuesday's health board meeting that will streamline the process to address nuisance properties.

"The position the board of health took and (Henry) took is right on track with what we need when it comes to cleaning up the county," Maple said.

Morelli said the approach the county wants to take is one of offering help and guidance to landowners whose properties require action.

Henry updated the commissioners on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in the county.

According to Henry, an estimated 7,000 to 7,500 people in the county have received at least their first dose of vaccine, with Phase 1A - frontline health care workers and first responders - winding down while Phase 1B is progressing, with the anticipation that more of the county's residents 65 and older could be included in the coming weeks.

He said the county has been told it will receive 1,600 doses of vaccine next week, which he said is the highest allocation it has seen outside of this week's allotment for teachers and school staff.

"The way all the county agencies and health care organizations have come together to make sure we're getting vaccine pushed out as quickly as possible has been stellar," Henry said.

Morelli praised the health department's use of social media to answer questions from concerned citizens.

Henry and county Maintenance Supervisor Patrick Boyles said progress is being made in moving the department into additional space on the sixth floor of the Jefferson County Towers.

Others items covered were:

¯ County Engineer Jim Branagan gave the commissioners his department's plan for the purchase of new equipment in the coming year, detailing the need for the items which total $493,050. Branagan noted that his department might not purchase everything on the list, pending budget constraints. Approval was given for the department to advertise for mowing services estimated at $42,500.

¯ The commissioners approved two invoices for the Amsterdam sewer project and tentatively agreed to visit the site with Water and Sewer Director Michael Eroshevich following next week's meeting. A final payment was approved to conclude the Smithfield water tank project, which Eroshevich said came in slightly under budget.

¯ The commissioners voted to re-appoint John Hartline, Mike Paprocki and Brandon Andreson to the Regional Planning Commission. It was noted each commissioner needs to appoint an alternate who can appear at the meetings in the near future.

¯ A request from Boyles to replace the stair chair lift in the courthouse was approved. He said it was difficult to find parts for current lift, which is more than 20 years old and out of service. The cost of the new lift is going to be more than $25,000. During that discussion, it was noted that Boyles has been with the county for one year and done well negotiating prices and contracts.

¯ The commissioners received a letter of interest from Jefferson County Cable about possible involvement in programs to expand Internet service in the county.

¯ A budget hearing was held with Sheriff Fred Abdalla following the meeting as the county works to complete its 2021 spending plan. Graham said following the meeting the process is nearing completion and could be voted on as soon as next week.