Summer Programming by Metzenbaum Foundation Exceeds Expectations
Board of Developmental Disabilities (BODD) Meeting - July 16, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of Developmental Disabilities held a Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm on July 16, 2025 in the Administration Board Room at the Metzenbaum Center at 8200 Cedar Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026. Virtual access was available via Zoom, and the agenda was provided in advance. For virtual meeting information contact Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich at ktvergyako@geaugadd.org. This Observer attended in person.
Public Comment: Board of Developmental Disabilities has a written public comment policy, first approved by BODD in 2001, and most recently reviewed by the Board in October 2023. See policy here.
Board Attendance:
Developmental Disabilities Staff:
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Don Risce - Superintendent
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Dave Carlson - Assistant Superintendent
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Rean Davis - Business Operations Director
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Richelle Mills - Transportation (via video)
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Megan Thirion - Employment First
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Janice Chesnes - Human Resources
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Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich - Administrative Assistant
Others Present:
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Sally Contizano - Metzenbaum Foundation (via video)
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Sara Clemson - Maple Leaf Community Residences (via video)
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Carol Benton - LWV Geauga Observer
The Board meeting was called to order at approximately 6:00 pm by Mr. Lair.
Minutes: Minutes for the June 18, 2025 Board Meeting were approved without edits.
The Board took the following actions:
APPROVED - The Board reviewed the financial statements for the month of June. The month was considered typical with no unusual variances. A major item highlighted was a $1.4 million payment to NEON (North East Ohio Network) for the local share of Medicaid waiver services, representing 35% of the total cost for individuals receiving care. This expense had been anticipated and budgeted.
APPROVED - Financial Transactions & Voucher Approvals - The Board reviewed and approved various financial transactions, expenditures, and vouchers.
APPROVED - Supplemental Appropriation - The Board approved an additional $5,000 to fund necessary sidewalk and grounds repairs. The repairs will address identified safety concerns around the main and residential buildings.
APPROVED - Locally Funded Service Agreements - A $1,000 agreement was approved with Alexis Marin, a provider of Homemaker Personal Care (HPC) and HPC transportation services.
APPROVED - Grant for Vehicle Support - The Board approved a $15,000 grant to Better Choice SLS to assist with the purchase of a van to be used for client transportation. After discussion, the Board added an amendment requiring the agency to continue providing services for five years; if they fail to provide services for the full five years, Better Choice SLS will be required to reimburse BODD a prorated amount. The amendment was unanimously approved and will be incorporated into the agreement.
APPROVED - Metzenbaum Foundation Summer Program Funding - Due to increased participation in the summer support program for individuals with developmental disabilities, the Board approved an additional $20,000 in funding. The program has seen steady growth each year and now supports around 100 individuals.
APPROVED - Job Description Update - A revised job description for the Transportation Manager position was approved. The new position called Business Coordinator allows the current employee to assume broader duties in line with agency needs and her available capacity.
APPROVED - Electric Audit Service - The Board approved participation in a no-cost electric audit offered through the Ohio Schools Council. This audit will examine the past five years of electric billing to identify possible overcharges. If savings are identified, 50% is returned to the Board, while the remainder is split between the auditing firm and the Ohio School Council. There is no financial risk or upfront cost to the agency.
APPROVED - Disposal of Outdated IT Equipment - Approval was granted to dispose of three office printers. A brief discussion followed about the frequency of such approvals and the possibility of consolidating asset disposal into an annual review.
The Board received the following status and program reports:
Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs):
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Mr. Rice reviewed the MUI report, noting that eleven MUIs were reported for June, primarily related to hospitalizations, with no serious concerns. A new reporting rule expected to reduce reportable incidents began in July. Mr. Rice indicated that only one incident had occurred halfway through the month. Observer Note: For more information, see the LWVG Observer Report for the February 19, 2025 BODD Meeting where these changes were reviewed.
Population & Residential Services:
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Mr. Rice reported that service numbers remained steady. Children’s services were reduced due to the summer break.
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The residential waiver waiting list was at two.
Employment & HR Updates:
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Mr. Rice reported that 189 individuals served by BODD were actively employed, the same as in the prior month.
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Mr. Rice also noted that the BODD staff remained at 60.
Program Reports:
The Board discussed the following issues:
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State Budget Updates - Discussion centered on recent gubernatorial vetoes of line items in the budget legislation passed by the Ohio House. Mr. Rice expressed concerns over vague statutory guidance allowing subjective rollback of levy funds by the Budget Commission. He emphasized the need for clearer rules, suggesting specific financial benchmarks to distinguish between responsible budgeting and unnecessary surpluses. He encouraged Board members to send letters to legislators.
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2025 Goal Progress - Mr. Rice briefly reviewed a report on the status of 2025 goals, noting that four out of five agency goals for the year have been completed. The remaining goal is underway and on track for completion. Observer Note: The BODD goals are here.
General Announcements:
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A BODD client celebrated his birthday at Cowboy Creamery in Middlefield, receiving national recognition from Pop-Tarts after a themed cake went viral. The company sent him a package of free Pop Tarts in response.
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An article on inclusive programming, developed in partnership with local parks districts, was recently published and shared with the Board.
Other Business/Comments - Mr. Lair asked if there were any comments from the floor. There were none.
Executive Session - The Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the employment and compensation of a public employment, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(1). Mr. Rice said that there would be no report from the Executive Session.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 6:37 pm.
The next BODD meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm. Observer Note: Consistent with prior years, the Board approved the cancellation of the August Board meeting at the June Board meeting.
Minutes when posted are available here: Board Minute Summaries|Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Observer: Carol Benton
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Submitted: July 19, 2025
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