MANSFIELD — A group of five Madison Township women asked Richland County commissioners Tuesday to provide seniors a new space for bingo, music and other activities.
The women said seniors have met for more than a decade in the Peoples Community Center, 597 Park Ave. East.
The space they have utilized will soon be used for a planned $1.2 million upgrade, renovation and relocation of the sheriff’s department 9-1-1 dispatch center, emergency operations center and road patrol.
The proposal to remodel and redesign the space would cover about 4,300 square feet and link the three sections of the sheriff’s department, while also allowing room for future expansion, if needed.
The women said local seniors have used the space for their events and have been able to use the kitchen to make coffee and serve snacks at their event.
Commissioner Marilyn John told the women she understands the group’s concerns, but the renovation and upgrade is required by the state.
She also said it’s more cost-effective to use the space in and near the kitchen because that’s where the largest source of power comes into the former hospital building.
“We are limited on what we can do here,” John said.
The group didn’t contest the need for the sheriff’s office work.
“We understand, we just want a place,” Betty Wilson said, citing senior centers in Ontario, Lexington and Shelby.
Kathleen Boyle asked, “Why can’t the east end of Mansfield have something?”
Commissioners told the women all of the senior centers they cited are operated by city or village governments, adding the county doesn’t operate any senior citizen centers.
Commissioners suggested the women contact Madison Township trustees to discuss potential spaces. Commissioner Tony Vero said he would contact trustees and work on the issue.
“We will continue to work with everyone involved,” he said.
Also on Tuesday, commissioners:
— were introduced to Jordan Keller, the new urban technician for the Richland County Soil & Water Conservation District. A Shelby native, Keller earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Heidelberg University in Tiffin.
Keller will assume the duties of Dan Herrold, who is now leading the district’s efforts to meet state EPA requirements in terms of stormwater management. His first day with the county was June 27.
— discussed allowing citizens to do metal-detecting on county-owned property, including Dayspring. Commissioners took no action, effectively banning it from being done.
— Approved two Ohio Public Works Commission agreements for the county engineer for bridge replacements on Shelby-Ganges Road and Pittenger Road.
Commissioners do not meet on Thursday in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
