By 1808Delaware
On Monday morning, the Delaware County Commissioners moved through a wide-ranging agenda that touched on artificial intelligence, infrastructure upgrades, labor agreements, and a significant round of road improvements that will impact communities across the county. While much of the meeting followed a steady administrative rhythm, several items stood out for their scale, speed, and long-term implications.
All three Commissioners were in attendance.
A Practical Step Into AI
Three agenda items presented by Environmental Services Director Tiffany Maag highlighted what may be one of the more immediate, real-world applications of artificial intelligence at the county level. Each was approved.
In the first of those, Commissioners approved a services agreement with Edge AI to handle coding and data transmission tied to the county’s closed-circuit television infrastructure. The system already contains a large volume of video that has never been coded or categorized. The goal is straightforward: prioritize key components first and bring structure to existing data.
Maag described the effort as a cost-effective solution, noting that the work would take between two and four weeks to complete. By comparison, she indicated it could have required up to a year of staff time under traditional methods.
One commissioner characterized the initiative as “a practical use of AI,” a sentiment that was met with agreement around the table.
Bringing Connectivity to Critical Infrastructure
In a separate but related step toward modernization, commissioners approved an agreement with Charter Communications to provide internet service to the Tartan Fields Treatment Plant on Manley Road. The upgrade will allow for remote monitoring of plant operations, a shift that improves both efficiency and responsiveness.
In practical terms, it reduces the need for on-site checks and enables faster reaction to system changes or issues. This is the kind of infrastructure investment that does not draw headlines but quietly reshapes how public systems function day to day.
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Labor Agreement Clears Remaining Details
Commissioners also approved a memorandum of understanding involving the county, Environmental Services, and AFSCME Ohio Council 8. According to Maag, the agreement addresses several remaining items from the most recent round of labor negotiations in July. Each provision had already been discussed with union representatives, who are in agreement with the changes.
Road Program Reaches Across the County
The most substantial financial action of the morning came through a series of approvals tied to the Delaware County Engineer’s Office.
Commissioners awarded a contract to The Shelly Company for the 2026 road improvement program, the lowest of three bids received. The scope is significant. The combined investment exceeds $10 million, with approximately $3.9 million coming from the county and the remainder from participating townships. The work is expected to impact nearly a quarter of county roads.
Additional approvals covered engineering materials, including asphalt and pavement markings, ensuring that supply lines are in place ahead of construction.
Ongoing Projects and Planning
Other engineer-related actions included an owner’s agreement for the Addison Farms Road Improvement Plan along Hills-Miller Road, as well as drainage maintenance measures for the Lewis Center Storage area.
Commissioners also approved an amendment to an existing agreement with Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects for the Orange Road railroad grade separation project. The amendment supports detailed design work for bridge structures, a key step in moving that project forward.
A routine right-of-way work permit summary sheet rounded out the agenda.
