Controlling Board Approves Nearly $1.4 Million for Stark County Projects

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s State Controlling Board has approved nearly $1.4 million for various projects across Stark County, State Representative Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) announced. 

“I’d like to give specific thanks to the Department of Youth Services, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Stark State College of Technology for their work on acquiring this funding,” said Oelslager. “The projects discussed by the Controlling Board Monday will lift up Ohioans trying to complete their education and those trying to re-establish themselves while they rehabilitate at Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility or the Heartland Behavioral Health facility.” 

The bulk of the funding, almost $1 million, will go towards upgrading IRJCF’s employee duress system (ELPAS). ELPAS is an enterprise-grade, wireless emergency call protection system that is used as a Man-Down Alert System, designed to notify a central command center in the event a staff member is in immediate danger inside the grounds of the institution.

Upgrades to the system, a product by Securitec One Inc. located in Medina County, include tracking of employees, select equipment and security to help ensure the safety of all facility youth, volunteers and workers. 

Building upgrades as also needed at the Heartland Behavioral Healthcare facility, requests that were submitted by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. 

Plans for the building include a new DDC system to control HVAC flow, the removal and replacement of aged and failing asphalt shingles, a new gutter/downspout system and door handles that align with the Ohio MHAS standard of Town Steel. 

Beyond maintaining the comfort and functionality of the facility, safety will also increase. The new door handles approved by the Board will be ligature resistant and more secure. 

Rounding out Stark County’s projects is Stark State College of Technology. Campus safety officials intend to purchase updated radios that meet new technical requirements for law enforcement communication frequencies and an exterior camera system for the Automotive and Transportation Center.

The next Ohio Controlling Board meeting is scheduled for April 25.