Jefferson commissioners say goodbye to Maple
STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Commissioners handled several matters Thursday before saying their goodbyes to longtime Commissioner Dave Maple.
Maple, a 20-year commission veteran, did not run for re-election.
Commissioner Tony Morelli lauded Maple’s sense of professionalism, pointing out that while the three of them didn’t always agree and had different points of view, it never played out publicly. “We do it professionally.”
He recalled how after he first was elected commissioner he would look to Maple for guidance.
“I don’t know how many times I leaned over and said, ‘Dave, how did we do this before,” he said, telling him, “You were always very helpful to me. I’ll miss you.”
Commissioner Eric Timmons concurred, recalling how, “I think it was 15 years ago, they had a meeting for Republican elected officials at Holy Family Church. I think it was you and (former commissioner) Tom Gentile on the stage and you guys took questions.
“Just seeing how you conducted yourselves, the knowledge that you had, that inspired me,” Timmons said. “I looked up to you for that — if you could be on (that stage), there was a chance for others. I think you paved the way for the Republican officials, for where we are today.”
Timmons and Morelli presented Maple with “really good” golf balls and cigars as a parting gift. Prior to the meeting, former county commissioner Tom Graham, who served with Maple for many years, was on hand to offer his good wishes to the departing commissioner.
“It’s been an interesting 20 years,” Maple said before thanking his wife, Tricia Maple-Damewood, as well as various county employees, past and present. “It’s good to have a job where the people you work with really care about what they do.”
Maple will be replaced on the board by Ron “Jake” Kleineke.
Commissioners also:
• Approved a frost law load reduction on a number of township roads: Township Roads 371, 375, and 370; Sims Lane, Dreyers Lane and Acton Road; township Roads 344 and 350; Fairview Way, High Haven, Marina Road and Dorvet Drive; township Roads 376, 391, 612 and 613; Ridgeland Drive; township Roads 431, 428 and 394A; East Road, Technology Way, Graftons Lane, Amos Lane and Morning Woods Place; township Roads 228A and 228B; Maplewood Drive, Randolph Lane and Kings Drive; township Road 384; Porce Drive; Strada Road, Ludlow Avenue, First Street Meadow Road and Valley Road; township Roads 373 and 374,; Lakeshore Drive; township Road 683; Connie Street, David Street, Scott Street, Nancy Street, Williams Street, Emmett Way, Fairview Way, Edgar Way, Everett Way, Stewart Street and Chauncey Street; township Roads 460, 382, 418 and 373; Swick/Nevada Road; township Road 377; Benson Lane and Mellhorn; township Roads 675 and 676; Pleasant Street, Broadview Place, Laurel Hills Drive, Millers Road, Hughes/Ellsworth and Peto Lane; township Road 281; Lacy Drive, Sealock Avenue, Aviray Drive, Lewis Street, Mary Street, Pine Lane, Joyce Street, Jewett Road, Terminal Road, Woodmont Avenue, Kingsdale Road and Rustic Road; township Road 582; Backbone Ridge, Trails End, West Road, Myers Lane, Powells Lane, Overlook Drive, Ridgeway, Surrey Lane, Town Street, Elm Street, Mellwood Drive, Juanita Street, Beaumont Place, Barbara Avenue, Phillips Lane, Harold Street and Eugene Street; township Roads 678, 381 and 677; and John Hood Road.
The law is aimed at reducing damage to roadways that might occur due to freezing and thawing cycles.
• Revisited a resolution passed several weeks ago reallocating remaining ARPA funds, upping the amount to be moved to $165,414.70.
• Awarded the contract for a slip repair on county Road 54 to Ohio-West Virginia Excavating Co. of Shadyside for $215,176.50. The engineer’s estimate was $422,763.
• Accepted a quote from Creative Carpet to replace existing carpet in halls on the second and third floors at the Tower building with luxury vinyl tile.
• Signed a Job and Family Services contract with Divine Supports Inc. of Nashville for placement and related services at a per diem rate of $419.94, subject to availability of state or federal funding.
•Promoted Kylie Baker to assistant dog warden, and agreed to advertise for a full-time replacement as poundkeeper.
• Approved a five-day unpaid suspension for an employee in the Jobs and Family Services Department.
The courthouse will be closed Wednesday and next Thursday in observance of Christmas.