Hudsonhubtimes.com - County's Meth Task Force continuing efforts

The Summit County Methamphetamine Property Awareness Task Force has agreed on a form to help coordinate the documentation of discovered meth labs on a county-wide level.

The task force June 19 agreed to recommend to County Council that all law enforcement agencies provide a copy of the same form to the Summit County Sheriff's Office for documentation, according to a news release from the county.

"The county-wide use of this form will ensure that every meth lab site discovered in the county is recorded by the Sheriff's Office," said At-Large County Councilman and Task Force Chairman Jon Poda. "Although most of the sites discovered in the county are on record with the Sheriff, there is still the chance that some could be missed."

The task force is also working to recommend a Web site that will allow anyone to access information on properties that have had the presence of meth. Additionally, the Web site would also include an educational component to help inform residents on general meth facts as well as other useful links and timely updates on current trends.

"We envision a Web site that will not only make people aware of properties with meth issues, but also a host of other useful information to help them protect their families and property," Poda said.

One example of a current concern raised by the Summit County General Health District is the use of propane gas tanks for the production of methamphetamines. These tanks are sometimes filled with anhydrous ammonia, which can erode the tank and the service valve. These tanks have been known to be returned and exchanged for new tanks that could explode if the integrity of the tank is compromised. For more safety information on propane tanks, visit the National Propane Gas Association at www.npga.org.

Once the task force finishes making its recommendations, they will be forwarded to County Council for consideration.

The meth task force was the brainchild of Jon Poda and its establishment was approved by Council earlier this year.

It is a collaborative effort and consists of members from the offices of County Executive Russ Pry, Sheriff Drew Alexander, Clerk of Courts Dan Horrigan, Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh, the Summit County General Health District, Fiscal Officer John Donofrio, the Department of Community and Economic Development, Consumer Affairs, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board, Akron Health Department, Barberton/Norton Health District, Akron Police Department, Copley Police Department and community representatives from the private sector.

For more information, contact Poda at 330-808-6814 or the Summit County Council Office at 330-643-2725.