Work to Begin Updating the Dog Kennel is Approved for Architectural Review Phase
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - May 29, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 9:30 am for a meeting at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. The BOCC skipped the May 20, 2025 meeting due to a lack of quorum, and the normal Tuesday meeting date was changed to Thursday for this meeting due to the Memorial Day holiday. Meetings can also be live streamed through the Geauga ADP Youtube channel. Recordings are available for the public. The May 29, 2025 meeting recording can be found here. As of the date of publication this video has been viewed 157 times. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the video for a particular section. An agenda is available in advance via request to the Commissioners’ Clerk and at the meeting. Items discussed at the meeting but not on the agenda, if any, are addressed at the end of this report.
Public Comment Policy: Permitted as outlined in the BOCC’s Public Comment Policy that was adopted on January 28, 2025 and revised on April 15, 2025. Observer Note: The above link to the Policy does not have the revision, which was simply to change the time allowed for public comment from two minutes to three minutes.
Attendance: Present Commissioners Carolyn Brakey, James Dvorak and Ralph Spidalieri. Also present were Commissioners Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Amy Bevan, Assistant County Administrator Linda Burhenne and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy Administrator, ADP; Craig Swenson, Executive Director, Job and Family Services (JFS); Shane Hajjar, Deputy Engineer, Engineer’s Office; Carmella Shale, Director, Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District; Glen Vernick, Maintenance Department Director; Chuck Tkach, Program Manager, Maintenance; Gina Hofstetter, Director and Elaine Malkamaki, Project Manager, Community Development; Jessica Boalt, Director, Office on Aging, and Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources.
Others in Attendance: United Way Director of Public Policy Maryann Keifer; Tim McKenna, Chardon Township Trustee; Katie Ringenbach, Director, Burton Public Library; County residents Tom and Diane Jones, other members of the public and press, and this Observer.
6:00 Min The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Commissioner Dvorak.
Minutes: Minutes from the Regular Meetings on April 22 and April 29, 2025 as well as the Special Meeting on April 24, 2025 were submitted and approved. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through May 29, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through April 1, 2025.
Administrator’s Report - Ms. Bevan read and received approval for actions taken by Ms. Burhenne for the following:
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Hiring a full-time maintenance coordinator
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Hiring a part-time adult day services assistant
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Hiring a clerical specialist in Job and Family Services (JFS)
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Amending the start date of a new employee in the Department of Aging
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Travel encumbrances from the Department on Aging and the Clerk of Courts.
In addition the following vouchers were approved:
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$72,534 from the Commissioners to Lake Geauga Recovery for the jail treatment program, paid from the Opioid Fund
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$9,109.25 from the Dog Warden for security camera
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$46,700 from the Engineer to Illuminati Labs to add T-Mobile to the antennae
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$67,201.04 from the Sheriff’s Department to Motorola Solutions for technology for 911
11:35 Min Financial Report - Mr. Gorton received approval for the following:
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Cash transfer from Department of Developmental Disabilities from their operating fund to the residential services fund for Medicaid waivers and locally funded services
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Encumbrance from the Court of Common Pleas/Juvenile Court to Veterans
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Contract Purchase Order for a new model year replacement skid steer loader (previous model going to auction)
Vouchers:
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$19,899 from the Auditor to Integrity Appraisal Services for 2025 new construction appraisal services
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$8,453.14 from the Commissioners’ Office to Destination Geauga for the first quarter 2025 bed tax distribution
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$145,793.99 from the Engineers’ Office to Southeastern Equipment for a new model 721G replacement articulated wheel loader, which is replacing a 2018 model that was traded in on the new one for $100,000
Mr. Gorton received approval to execute the Revised Accounting Forms Authorization Form and Payroll Authorization Form for the Department on Aging, Building, Commissioners’ Office, Community and Economic Development Department, Department of Emergency Services, Dog Warden, Maintenance and Department of Water Resources. Mr. Gorton explained that this was to put Ms. Bevan’s name on the forms.
14:33 Min. The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District received approval for the following:
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To execute the 2024 Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) Cooperative Agreement between the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Geauga County Board of Commissioners (Local Sponsor) regarding funding to be allocated for the protection of Ohio farm lands against conversion to non-agricultural use in the amount of $110,554.00 for the acquisition of Agricultural Easements approved by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
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To authorize County Administrator Amy Bevan to execute the Easement Closing Documents including the Ohio Department of Agriculture Assignment of Payment form on behalf of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners for the 2024 Local Agricultural Easement Program for the Hope Easement.
Ms. Shale explained that this was for Hope Farm in Thompson. The land will remain privately owned but must be used for farming. The amount of money, $110,554 is paid from the state to the landowners. She clarified that even after the death of the current owners, this land is in perpetual easement for farming purposes only, although any buildings on the land can be renovated or changed.
17:09 Min. United Way Director of Public Policy Maryam Keifer presented and discussed the 2025 ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed) Report. Director Karen Perko was unable to attend. Ms. Keifer explained that this data is more specific than census data. She said that the State of Ohio has, per federal data, 14% of residents below the federal poverty level, which she stated has stayed flat over time in Ohio. The ALICE data looks specifically at what it costs to live in a specific locality (not just the state). The ALICE data shows an additional 25% in poverty for a total of 39% in poverty across the State of Ohio. The ALICE data for the State shows increases in those living in poverty almost every year, especially among older adults, a group that has had increases every year for the past decade. This is based on the cost for basic housing, food, healthcare, transportation and child care. According to federal poverty data, Geauga County has a 6% poverty rate, but according to the ALICE data Geauga’s poverty rate is 22%. Ms. Keifer said that 39% of the older adults in Geauga County are considered at poverty level. There is a breakdown by city and township, and the highest rates are 46% in Middlefield and 40% in Middlefield Township. Ms. Keifer said that there is no specific data on the Amish population. Reviewer Note: The ALICE report for Ohio can be found here.
Ms. Kiefer said that the highest percentage of workers is in retail, and 62% of workers in this field do not have enough for basic needs. The average cost of daycare is $1,900/month for two children in childcare. This is higher than housing or food costs. She said this means that a family of four with two children in day care needs an income of $90,000 a year. Housing is another cost factor, and Ms. Keifer said that 60% of property owners are “cost-burdened,” which she said means that they are paying over 30% of their income for housing.
Ms. Kiefer said that this information is used to be ready to answer calls to the 211 line. Reviewer Note: Learn more about the 211 phone number here. United Way also funds helping with a variety of programs, such as the Aging and Disability Resource Center, which served over 600 individuals in 2024 with home delivered meals, 1,300 individuals with help with benefits, and provided over $25,000 in utility assistance. They also have a "Bridges to Work" program, which provides a $1,500 interest-free loan and case management services for families experiencing a crisis so they can keep working. There is also a crisis program through collaboration with other agencies.
Ms. Brakey asked for the biggest trends in the rising poverty in Geauga based on the ALICE data. Ms. Keifer said that there is an increasing number of older adults in poverty reflected in the ALICE data.
29:39 Min. The ADP Board received approval to execute Resolution #25-125 by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners to Grant Approval to the Geauga County Automatic Data Processing Board to Enter into a Contract with the Legislative Authority of the Township of Claridon, pursuant to R.C. 307.847 (E).
30:44 Min. The County Engineer’s Office received approval to execute the Unit Price Contract with Ronyak Paving, Incorporated for the Reconstruction of Butternut Road (CH-0021), including the Replacement of Structure #0021-00.320 and the Resurfacing of Sections A-C in Munson Township in the amount of $1,991,420.00. Mr. Hajjar said that the Structure mentioned is for the Bridge on Butternut road near Notre Dame High School, and the project will result in Butternut being a through road.
The Probate / Juvenile Court received approval to execute the Ohio Department of Youth Services Juvenile Court Grant Agreement and Funding Application for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. No one was present from the Court to answer the Commissioners’ questions. They could not figure out the amount of grant. Ms. Blair read the information submitted, and all agreed that it appeared that they were asking for their program costs of $415,664 for 2026, which is part of a two year grant. Mrs. Brakey said that in the future she hoped that someone would be present from the Court to answer questions.
The Building Department received approval for an unpaid personal (medical) leave of absence for Daniel Spada, Chief Building Official, during the period May 23, 2025 through May 30, 2025.
35:25 Min. The Commissioners’ Office held Public Hearing #2 at 10:00 am for the 2025 Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Program. Observer Note: The Commissioners’ Office took action later in the Agenda on the applicants for the program.
Ms. Malkamaki talked about the entities that applied and a little about each project as follows:
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Habitat for Humanity - Request for $56,000, and they would provide a $20,000 match. They would use the funds to purchase a truck.
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Department on Aging - Request for $189,000, and they would provide a match of $68,250. They wanted to purchase a generator for one of their locations.
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Chardon Township - Request for $100,000 (no match offered). This would be used for a walking trail at the Chardon Township Park that would allow handicapped access to park facilities.
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Maple Leaf Homes - Request for $71,600 (no match). This would be used for the purchase of five generators for five of their homes that they operate for individuals with disabilities.
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Burton Public Library - Request for $223,677, with a $73,677 match. This money would be used to replace the elevator, which is required for access to the 2nd floor, where there are meeting rooms and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) bathrooms.
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Geauga Agricultural Society - Request for $97,100 (no match) for upgrading bathroom facilities (one ADA shower and four regular showers) at the Geauga County Fairgrounds.
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DDC Clinic, Middlefield - Request for $178,250 to expand the parking lot from 24 spots it currently permits. No match was offered. Reviewer Note: The DDC Clinic is a clinic founded in 1998 by Amish families to serve families with children, 70% of which are Amish, with rare genetic diseases.
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Administrative allocations the Department would be requesting are $41,800 to manage the grant, and $10,000 to continue with programming through the Fair Housing Grant.
These projects are rated for safety, health and welfare, ADA, feasibility, whether the project is ready to proceed and if the entity received prior funding.
Ms. Malkamaki reminded the Commissioners that this year they can only choose two projects. She said in their ranking they rated Burton Public Library and Chardon Township as highest.
Mr. Dvorak complimented them on the process and information.
Chardon Township Trustee Timothy McKenna said that they had applied last year and that this project had been on their radar for a while.
Katie Ringenbach, Director Burton Public Library, said they have been fundraising for the elevator for years.
Jessica Boalt talked about their request for a generator for their West Geauga Senior Center. She said they serve 684 individuals at the senior center and put out 1,094 congregate meals and 7,500 home delivered meals with the level three commercial kitchen. Ms. Boalt said that the septic system and the pump station also operate from that center, so having a generator would keep everything running in the case of an emergency.
The Community and Economic Development Department received approval for the following:
Ms. Hofstetter explained that they had two public hearings (the last at this meeting), they consulted with the townships, and they held a workshop to explain the process.
The BOCC chose the two projects recommended by the Community and Economic Development Department - namely, Burton Public Library and Chardon Township.
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To approve and execute the Geauga County Citizen’s Participation Plan in regard to PY2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Program.
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To execute Resolution #25-126 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Program Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance, PY 2025 Allocation Program.
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To approve and authorize the President of the Board to execute the Programmatic Agreement for Coordination between Geauga County and Ohio’s State Historic Preservation Office for the Administration of Programs using HUD Allocated Funds with Delegated Review Responsibilities Authorized under 24 CFR Part 58.
56:05 Min. The Department of Job and Family Services received approval to execute Resolution #25-127 Recognizing June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
Mr. Swenson, JFS Executive Director, spoke about elder abuse and the fact that it exists in Geauga County. He said they had 110 investigations last year, about one every three days. He noted that there are not a lot of rentals for seniors in the county and that seniors want to stay in their homes, leading to situations of neglect and unsafe conditions. They need several social workers for these investigations.
Mr. Swenson said that “the state only really gives us enough money to fund one of those positions, and we have to use other dollars to supplement that and one of those that we do (need) is our social services block grant. Funds that we get from the feds (federal government) which . . . we're a little concerned about if it's going to be involved with any of the federal budget cuts that could be coming up with the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ “ He said that it is something that they are really monitoring because this social services block grant funds one of those social work positions with the $800,000 federal block grant, as well as Womensafe and other programs. Observer Note: Mr Swenson was referring to what President Trump has called “The Beautiful Bill” which is a Budget Reconciliation Bill for 2026 funding. It has been passed by the House and is now in the Senate See more information here.
Mr. Swenson talked about an event coming on June 4, “Live Well Festival,” which will be from 11 am - 3 pm at Claridon Woodlands and will have health screening and vendors for those 55 and older.
103.05 Min. The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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To acknowledge the Statement of Qualifications on file for Professional Design and Contract Administration, including 1) LDA Architects, Incorporated, 2) SME and 3) Verdantas, LLC and select LDA Architects, Incorporated as the most qualified firm in accordance with O.R.C. 153.69(A) for the kennel expansion and renovation at the Geauga County Animal Shelter Building and further authorize the department to begin contract negotiations, in accordance with O.R.C. 153.69 (B).
Mr. Tkach said that the entire budget is for $250,000. He said the architect fees would be under $50,000 for the architectural review and design ($25,000 - $50,000). Mr. Spidalieri objected to the cost of the architect and suggested that they just buy pre-manufactured kennels. Mr. Tkach said they are looking at both options - rebuild and expand or new. He said that they still need to do a study to determine the best option.
Mr. Spidalieri also mentioned that he thought that BOCC should hire their own architect.
Mr. Tkach said that they have 15 projects currently in engineering just within the Maintenance Department. He said that the advantage of using an outside architect is that they can move ahead with all of these, whereas an in-house architect would only be able to work on one project at a time.
Mr. Dvorak asked about the bequests they have received, and Mr. Tkach said that he believed that they are looking at how bequest funds could contribute to the work.
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To advertise for Bids for the Geauga County Safety Center Visitation Room Alteration Project to be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Notice of this Bid Opening will be advertised on May 30, 2025, June 6, 2025, and on the county website.
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To execute the Contract Agreement with Redcon LLC to install a new fence for the playground located at the Geauga County Office Building to be effective May 29, 2025, with installation to be completed within 180 days in an amount not to exceed $12,600.
Mr. Vernick explained that the current synthetic/plastic fence is melting. He said it was unusual but not unheard of, and it is caused by the sun bouncing off the windows in the adjacent County Office Building. It is not covered under the warranty. The new fencing material should withstand this phenomenon.
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To approve unpaid personal leave of absence for Kevin Borsi, Electrician (#1925) for the period of May 2, 2025 through May 12, 2025 and for the period May 16, 2025 through May 21, 2025.
11:14 Min. The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
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To execute the Agreement between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and Gutoskey and Associates, Incorporated for Engineering Services to Geauga County for Engineering, Surveying and Land Planning, as needed at various locations within the department, in the amount of $35,000.00 ($25,000.00 Wastewater and $10,000.00 Water).
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To execute Contract Maintenance Form #1 extending the service Contract Agreement with Hershberger Roofing and Siding for an additional eight (8) months through January 7, 2026 in the original amount of $40,000.00.
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To execute Contract Maintenance Form #1 increasing the service Contract Agreement with Firehouse 8 Extinguisher Service, LLP in the amount of $4,000.00 and extending the length of the contract one year (365 days) through March 26, 2026 in the new not to exceed amount of $8,000.00.
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To execute Contract Maintenance Form #1 increasing the service Contract Agreement with C.U.E. Excavating Contractors, LLC in the amount of $10,000.00 to Wastewater (now $35,000.00) with a new not to exceed amount of $50,000.00.
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To authorize Ralph Spidalieri, authorized representative, to execute the Ohio Water Development Authority Fund Payment Request #1 for the McFarland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project for technical services by HDR Engineering, Incorporated in the amount of $19,593.93.
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To authorize Ralph Spidalieri, authorized representative, to execute the Ohio Water Development Authority Fund Payment Request #2 for the McFarland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project for technical services by HDR Engineering, Incorporated in the amount of $52,493.79.
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To approve an increase to the Temporary Water Permit Application Fee from $50.00 to $150.00 with a retroactive effective date of April 1, 2024 and an increase from $150.00 to $200.00, with a retroactive effective date of May 19, 2025. Mr. Gorris said that he hadn’t updated the fee, but now it was aligned.
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To approve the addition of the Temporary Water Permit Equipment Set-up Fee to the list of previously approved Department of Water Resources fees, with a retroactive effective date of May 19, 2025. The Equipment Set-up Fee of $550.00 covers the cost of installation, backflow testing and removal of temporary water fill stations used by customers with a temporary water permit. Mr. Gorris said they need to test the backflow device.
Mr. Gorris said that they are actively working already at the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant. He said it has been a long time coming and it is good to see it happening.
1:22 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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To approve and authorize the President of the Board to execute Change Order #7 increasing the Contract (GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2) with Infinity Construction Company on the Courthouse Expansion Project deducting for the addition of ordering and overseeing the installation of the baggage scanner not covered in the original contract in the amount of $54,194.00. Ms. Burhenne said that this was approved by ADP.
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To authorize the President of the Board to execute Change Order #8 decreasing the Contract (GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2) with Infinity Construction Company on the Courthouse Expansion Project for the removal of speakers, network equipment and transaction windows, along with the addition of a clerk and finance counter and additional window shades not covered in the original contract in the amount of a reduction of $18,110.00 and extending the substantial date of completion by an additional twenty-two days through October 10, 2025.
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To authorize the President of the Board to execute Change Order #9 increasing the Contract (GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2) with Infinity Construction Company on the Courthouse Expansion Project for additional work required on the existing Courthouse Roof not covered in the original contract in the amount of $48,400.00.
There was a discussion regarding the roof, as this is just for one section of the roof, and all agreed that they would probably need to replace the entire roof. Mr. Dvorak said he wanted to take a look at whether this would make the most sense. Mrs. Brakey moved to approve the existing request for now. All voted to approve.
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To authorize the President of the Board to execute the Request for Partial Payment #20 for Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 expenses in the amount of $572,668.05
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To approve the request from Assistant County Administrator Linda Burhenne to be reclassified from Full-time to Part-time (32 hours per week), effective May 29, 2025. Ms. Burhenne said this would be for the summer only.
Board Discussion
There was a general welcome to new Administrator Amy Bevan and a thank you to the Commissioners’ Clerk Christine Blair and Assistant Administrator Linda Burhenne “for taking up the slack” during the time in which there was no Administrator.
Mrs. Brakey mentioned that the comments regarding the closing of the Middlefield First Energy facility were filed with the Public Utilities Commission. Reviewer Note: See the May 6, 2025 BOCC Observer Report for more information. She also discussed her time in Washington last week with the White House Leadership for Ohio. She said that they met with many officials in leadership. She said she also brought up the issue of the burdensome inspections by federal officials of the Geauga County jail. She said it was her opinion that the Trump administration is listening to local leadership. She said there was a lot of talk about rural counties.
Public Comment
Mrs. Jones asked about when there would be a decision on rates from the Public Utilities Commission. Mrs Brakey said she gets notifications of actions and would look into whether private citizens could receive alerts. Mrs. Brakey said that she believed that electric rates will spike in June.
Anasatasia Nicholas, Chagrin Valley Times journalist, asked about the ACLU lawsuit against the Geauga Sheriff. Mr. Dvorak called it "frivolous." Mrs Brakey said that it was a legitimate question as to whether they had to release the information. Observer Note: This lawsuit is to compel the Geauga County Sheriff to release information about prisoners held in the Geauga County Jail at the request of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). See more information here.
Meeting adjourned at 11:03 am.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next Regular Meeting of the BOCC is on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 9:30 am at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Carol Benton
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: 06/06/2025
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