Discussions Continue on Issues with the Existing Courthouse Roof
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - June 3, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 9:30 am for a meeting at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. Meetings can also be live streamed through the Geauga ADP Youtube channel. Recordings are available for the public. The June 3, 2025 meeting recording can be found here. As of the date of publication this video has been viewed 127 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: James Flaiz, Prosecutor, Shane Hajjar, Deputy Engineer, Engineer’s Office; Glen Vernick, Maintenance Department Director; Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy Administrator, ADP; Elaine Malkamaki, Project Manager, Community Development; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Megan Erickson, Human Resources Benefit Specialist; Christine Lakomiak, Director, Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services (GC-MHRS), Jessica Boalt, Director, Office on Aging; Craig Swenson, Executive Director, Job and Family Services (JFS); Carmella Shale, Director, Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District; Chuck Tkach, Program Manager, Maintenance
Others in Attendance: Lee Hribar, Project Architect from TDA (ThenDesign Architecture), Adam Litke, Geauga Public Health Administrator, County residents Tom and Diane Jones, and other members of the public and press. This Observer compiled this report from the video posted online.
5:43 Min The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Commissioner Dvorak.
Minutes: Minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 6, 2025 were submitted and approved. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through June 3, 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 - There was no Administrator’s Report.
6:47 Min Financial Report - Mr. Gorton received approval for the following:
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Blanket equipment purchase order, Office on Aging to enable them to purchase an ADA accessible van that had been “wrecked and subsequently totaled”; paid by CORSA (County Risk Sharing Authority).
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Contract purchase order from the Commissioners to Garrett Electronics Inc. for the Courthouse metal detector
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Travel for Court of Common Pleas
Vouchers:
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$97,776.72 from the ADP board to Star 76 Limited for the Service Now help desk management software. Mr. Gorton said he believed this was up significantly from the prior year and had asked what led to the increase but had not yet heard back from the ADP Board.
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$17,278 from Maintenance to Countywide Windows to fix and replace the 12 windows in the Geauga County Bicentennial Bell Building at the Geauga County Fairgrounds
Mr. Gorton also received approval for the following financial statements:
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The Auditor’s Office monthly Statement of County Finances filed by the County Auditor for the months of March and April 2025, pursuant to O.R.C. 319.35.
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The Treasurer’s Office monthly Statement of County Finances filed by the County Treasurer for the months of March and April 2025, pursuant to O.R.C. 319.35.
9:40 Min The Prosecutor’s Office received approval to execute the Architect Agreement with ThenDesign Architecture, Ltd. for the Prosecutor’s Office Renovation Project in an amount not to exceed $22,500.00. Mr. Flaiz responded to a question from Mr. Spidalieri to explain that the original estimate in November 2024 was $204,000, but the architect’s cost is additional. Mr. Flaiz also said that the original estimate was now over eight months old so they are getting a new estimate. Mr. Flaiz said the delay was caused by the Youth Center moving locations and the need for ThenDesign to work on that project since there was a $1 million dollar grant on the line.
The Board of Developmental Disabilities received approval to release the Bid/Performance Bond for Meyer Design for the Playground Replacement Project, as all specifications have been satisfied.
The Clerk of Courts received approval for the Surety Bond for Sheila Bevington for the sale of Watercraft Certificates and Registration in the amount of $8,000.00, for the State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Parks and Watercraft, effective from July 23, 2024, with renewal for the period July 23, 2025 through July 23, 2026. Ms. Blair said that before last year, boat owners would have had to go directly to ODNR.
13:34 Min. The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
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to award the Bid to Ronyak Paving, Incorporated for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Wilson Mills Road (CH-0008, Sections G-L) in Munson Township in the amount of $1,269,675.00 as they represented the lowest and best bid. The Bid Bond submitted shall be held to serve as the Performance Bond for this project.
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to award the Bid to Oglesby Construction, Incorporated for the Pavement Markings of Various Roads in Geauga County in the amount of $269,572.85 as they represented the lowest and best bid. The Bid Bond submitted shall be held to serve as the Performance Bond for this project.
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to award the Bid to Ronyak Paving, Incorporated for the Placement of Crack Seal on Various Roads in Geauga County in the amount of $232,825.00 as they represented the lowest and best bid. The Bid Bond submitted shall be held to serve as the Performance Bond for this project.
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to execute the Unit Price Contract with Eclipse Companies, LLC for the Realignment of Bainbridge Road at Washington Street Traffic Signalization in Auburn Township in the amount of $575,180.57.
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to approve and execute the Unit Price Contract with Grade Line, Incorporated for the Replacement of the Riverview Drive Bridge (Structure #0380-00.31) in Bainbridge Township in the amount of $515,636.45.
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to execute the Unit Price Contract with Grade Line, Incorporated for the Replacement of the Haskins Road Bridge (Structure #0191-03.210) in Bainbridge Township in the amount of $280,896.50. Mrs. Brakey asked why the contract stated that it was being executed in Chardon, Ohio. Mr. Hajjar did not know specifically except that it had been the prior practice. Mrs. Brakey said she had reached out to their Assistant Prosecutor for more information but she also said that this shouldn’t stop the approval process for this meeting.
19:04 Min The Sheriff’s Office has received approval to execute the Office of Criminal Justice Services 2025 State Violent Crime Reduction Grant (#2025-VC-VCR-78337) Pre-award Conditions and Standard Assurances for the purchase of six (6) Flock Cameras in the amount of $12,750.00 (No Local Match). This grant is for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
The Building Department received approval for the following:
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an unpaid personal leave of absence for Zoran Anicic, Multi-Certified Inspector IV, for one hundred twenty (120) hours during the period July 9, 2025 through July 30, 2025. This will extend his probationary period by one hundred twenty (120) days.
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to approve up to forty hours of unpaid leave (medical) for Daniel Spada, Chief Building Official during the period June 2, 2025 through June 6, 2025.
21 Min The Department of Community and Economic Development received approval for the following:
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to execute Resolution #25-129 Authorizing the Board of Geauga County Commissioners to make Application to the State of Ohio Development Services Agency for Financial Assistance under the State of Ohio’s PY 2025 Community Development Block Grant Allocation Program, including Public Facilities: Burton Public Library and Chardon Township and Alternate projects, General Administration and Fair Housing and further authorize the Program Manager to electronically submit the application.
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to authorize the President of the Board to execute the Ohio Department of Development Environmental Review Certification Form for General Administration, Fair Housing and Planning for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities PY2025 Allocation Program.
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to authorize the President of the Board to execute the Ohio Department of Development Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities PY (Project Year) 2025 Allocation Program.
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to release the Bid/Performance Bonds for the following projects, as all specifications have been satisfied:
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Re-Bid – Maintenance ADA Door upgrades - AM Door and Supply Company
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Buildings & Grounds ADA Restroom Renovation - Gottschalk Bldg. Co
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Kiwanis Lake Community Center Renovations - Gottschalk Bldg. Co.
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Berkshire Schools Board Office Accessibility Upgrades - Lakeland Management (PY 2022)
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Geauga Airport ADA Bathroom Renovation – Marks Building Company
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DDC Clinic Paving Project – PY2019 CDBG – Burton Scot Contractors
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Re-Bid Maple Leaf Community Residences - Acquire Fire Protection
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Womensafe Paving Project – Geauga Highway (PY 2021)
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Re-Bid #4 – Paratransit Van – (PY 2021) CDBG – Driverge Vehicle Innovations, Inc.Re-Bid: Camp Ho Mita Koda Cabin Winterization – Kangas Realty Investors
The Maintenance Department received approval to execute a Contract Agreement with Geauga Mechanical Company to provide Building Automation Upgrade to the Annex, to be effective June 3, 2025, with work to be completed within 365 days, in an amount not to exceed $39,647.50. Mr. Vernick said he was working with Mr. Antenucci. Mr. Antenucci said this would also allow the work done in advance of the HVAC installation for the Annex and courthouse. Mr. Vernick said they are also working with the Safety Center regarding automation. The Sheriff’s system would be a closed system and could not be accessed from outside the Sheriff’s Department
30:09 Min The Department of Water Resources received approval to execute a Contract Agreement with Phil Miller Construction, Incorporated to perform Removal and Replacement of existing driveway and apron at Auburn Lakes Lift Station, to be effective June 3, 2025, for a period of one year in an amount not to exceed $11,000.00. Mr. Gorris said this was just “a one-off job.”
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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to authorize the President of the Board to execute the Unemployment Compensation Service Agency Agreement between Geauga County and Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Incorporated for Unemployment Services for the period May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026 in the amount of $1,250.00.
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to authorize the President of the Board to execute the Worker’s Compensation Service Agency Agreement between Geauga County and Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Incorporated for Worker’s Compensation Services for the period May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026 in the amount of $9,500.00.
32:35 Min Executive Session: The BOCC went into Executive Session for the purpose of considering the purchase of property for public purposes, if premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive or bargaining advantage to a person whose personal, private interest is adverse to the general public interest, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(2).
1:17 Min Return from Executive Session at 10:41 am - Mr. Dvorak announced that no action would be taken as a result of the Executive Session.
Board Discussions – The Board discussed the following:
Existing Courthouse Roof - Ms. Burhenne said this discussion was whether to replace the entire roof on the existing courthouse or just the part that abuts the new section. Lee Hribar, project architect from TDA (Then Design Architecture) was present to explain the situation. Mr. Hribar said that it appeared that there would need to be a structural engineering study and other work done before it could be determined what should be done with the old roof, except for the section that is going to be tied into the new addition. Mr. Hribar said this would be Phase Two and is not really part of the courthouse renovation. He said the prior summer there was a quote of $254,000 to replace the roof on the existing courthouse, but that the prior administrator (Mr. Gerry Morgan) did not move on this item. Mr. Dvorak asked if there had been an engineering study, and Mr Hribar said there had not been a study. Mr. Hribar said they didn’t know there was a potential problem with the structure supporting the existing roof until they reached that phase of construction on the North wall when they tore out the existing roof on the abutting section and noticed there were underlying issues. No action was taken at this meeting, but Mr. Dvorak said that the Board would want to proceed with whatever needs to be done to put a new roof on the existing courthouse.
1:27 Min Opioid Funding - Mr. Dvorak said that Mr. Flaiz had pursued several avenues for funds, including CVS and Giant Eagle and that the Opioid Fund now has about $500,000 in it. Mr. Dvorak asked if the Commissioners were alright if he set up a meeting with Christine Lakomiak, Director of GC-MHRS and Ms. Burhenne. Ms. Lakomiak said she was offering her expertise. She also said that the Opiate Hub team is meeting that day (day of the BOCC meeting) to do strategic planning. Ms. Lakomiak said there were representatives from the Prosecutor’s office, Sheriff’s Department, and other health non-profits who work in this area and business owners on the Opioid Hub.
Mrs. Brakey said that she didn’t want to use these funds all in one year, and Mr. Dvorak agreed. Mr. Dvorak said he and Ms. Burhenne would meet with Ms. Lakomiak in the next couple weeks to determine how they can best use these funds. Mr. Gorton said that there are fairly broad guidelines on how the money could be used.
1:39:09 Min Engagement of additional outside counsel - Mrs. Brakey said she brought this up. She noted that they have one outside firm but thought the Board should have another one in case there is a conflict. Mrs. Brakey said she had a firm in mind. Mr. Spidalieri and Mr. Dvorak both said they thought they should look at a couple firms, and Mrs. Brakey agreed.
Public Comment
Diana Haskin, a Newbury resident and a business owner of Designs by Diana, also in Newbury, gave a packet of information to each Commissioner concerning actions by her neighbor. She said that the neighbor has spotlights pointed at her house, that for septic they use a hole in the ground, they burn trash and the smell is very bad. She also said that she thought the septic overflow was crossing into her leach field. She said she has spoken with Newbury Township, Geauga Public Health, the EPA and has filed a report with the Sheriff. Mrs. Brakey said they would look at it, although she wasn’t sure what they could do. Ms. Haskin also said that Geauga Public Health told her they would have to witness the problem, but Ms Haskin said that it happens at night and no one at Geauga Public Health is working at night. Mr. Dvorak said that he hoped a solution could be found.
A Russell Township resident reminded the Commissioners that June 6, 2025 is the anniversary of D-Day.
Meeting adjourned at 1:38 Min. on the video, which would be roughly 10:40 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 10, 2025 at 9:30 am at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Carol Benton
Date Submitted: June 10, 2025
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