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Planning Commission Kicks off New Year by 

Reviewing Accomplishments and Setting 2026 Objectives

Planning Commission – January 13, 2026

Meeting Details: The Geauga Planning Commission met in Regular Session on January 13, 2026 at 7:30 am at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024.  This meeting was in person with no virtual attendance option.  The agenda is normally available online prior to the meeting. A copy was available at the meeting.  Observer Note: The website presents the minutes and meeting dates, and the agenda is included in that section.

Public Comment Policy:  No formal policy, but in practice, public comment could be permitted at the Chair’s prerogative. However, this does not happen. No public comment is solicited or offered except in cases where an applicant or zoning inspector is present to answer questions regarding an item on the agenda. 

Board Attendance:

Staff Attendance: Linda Crombie, Planning Director, Pamela Irizarry, Administrative Assistant, and Allyson Kobus, Planner II, were present. 

Others Attending: This Observer and no other members of the public were in attendance. 

Minutes - Once approved by the board, the minutes are available online here.  Scroll down until the section on Minutes and Agendas.

Pledge of Allegiance - The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call - Roll was called. A quorum was present.

Election of Officers for 2026

The Commission completed its annual election of officers.

Chairman

• Motion (Bergansky) to nominate the current chair, Mr. Gorris, to remain Chair for 2026.

• Seconded (Claypool).

• Approved unanimously (ayes; no opposed; no abstentions).

Vice Chairman

• Motion (Gorris) to nominate Mr. Bergansky to remain Vice Chair.

• Seconded (Claypool).

• Approved unanimously.

Secretary/Treasurer

• Motion (Gorris) to nominate Mr. Perfetto to serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

• Seconded (Bergansky).

• Approved unanimously.

Approval of Minutes - December 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes and December 23, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes

• Action: The Commission approved the December 9 and December 23, 2025 meeting minutes.

Approval of Agenda/Addendum

• Action: The agenda as presented in the packet was approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Financial Report and Approval of Expenses

Ms. Irizarry reviewed December 2025 financial activity and year-end items. Highlights included:

• A December expense reflected payment of previously approved tuition reimbursement.

• A carryover account related to copier/usage costs remained, with an expectation it would be resolved by the end of the next month.

• Action: The Commission approved the financial report and expenses as presented by motion (Claypool) and second (Bergansky), followed by a unanimous voice vote.

Other Business

 

A. 2025 Accomplishments and 2026 Goals (Department)

Ms. Crombie provided a summary intended to orient commissioners at the start of the year. Over and above their appointed duties (as stated in the Ohio Revised Code 519.12), the following was accomplished and planned:

2025 accomplishments (highlights):

• Farmland Preservation Task Force: Staff supported the task force process and meeting cadence as groundwork for the forthcoming Farmland Preservation Plan update.

• Personnel Policy and Procedure Updates: Staff addressed internal operating/policy items during the year and noted continued work is needed to reduce recurring policy questions (including around holiday staffing/closures).

• County Model Zoning Update: Work continued on county model zoning materials and related reference content to support township zoning discussions.

• County Subdivision Regulations Update: Ms. Crombie reported progress toward a smaller-scale update than originally envisioned, including consideration of process changes as the public increasingly expects electronic review workflows.

• Township Land Use Plan Assistance: Staff assisted townships as requested (including active work on Thompson Township’s plan), with guidance and support tailored to townships that choose to lead their own updates.

• Information Sheet Series: Staff continued developing short, public-facing informational sheets intended to guide residents and local officials on common planning/zoning topics.

• Guide to Updating Township Land Use Plans: Staff updated an internal/public guide created to help townships that undertake their own land use plan updates.

• Amish Safety Day: This participation item did not occur in 2025 due to staff availability at the time the event was scheduled.

• Directory of Public Officials Update: Ms. Crombie referenced routine updates needed to keep public-facing materials current, including ensuring online information that reflects the Commission’s current officers.

• Standard Operating Procedures Update: Staff continued internal process improvements, with attention to moving from paper-oriented workflows toward more consistent electronic review practices.

2026 goals:

• Farmland Preservation Plan: The Farmland Preservation Plan Update was identified as the primary 2026 project and is expected to carry into 2027.

• Information Sheet Series: Finalize and expand public-facing information sheets, with emphasis on agriculture-related content tied to the farmland plan.

• Township Land Use Planning: Continue assisting townships with land use plan efforts as requested and as staff time permits.

• County Model Zoning Update: Continue updates to county model zoning materials and related tools, including reference content to support township zoning discussions.

• Building by Type Census Data Bank: Continue development of the “buildings by type” mapping/data approach and associated census/data bank work products.

• Outreach to Townships: Develop a practical approach for sharing timely updates with townships (beyond ad hoc emails), potentially via periodic web-posted updates or similar formats.

• County Subdivision Regulations Update: Continue the smaller-scale subdivision regulations update and related process improvements, including continued movement toward electronic review expectations.

• Interdepartmental Assistance and Collaboration: Continue coordination with county and partner agencies as needed to support planning, zoning, and preservation initiatives.

• Various Routine Projects: Continue standard departmental responsibilities and routine projects alongside major initiatives.

Commission discussion:

• Mr. Gorris suggested the website could better highlight information sheets (e.g., “quick tips” or a more visible homepage feature) so the public can easily find them.

B. Geauga County 2025 Profile

Ms. Crombie provided a county profile document (census-style data on population, housing, and agriculture) for general reference and potential use in future planning efforts. Mr. Gorris noted interest in comparing age/demographics to township land use plan trends. This is authored by the Department of Development and found on their website here: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/development.ohio.gov/research/countytrends/2025/geauga.pdf

C. Ratification of Paid Time Off

Ms. Crombie requested ratification of holiday-related paid time off granted in late December 2025.

• The Planning Commission followed the County Commissioners’ schedule and granted December 24 and December 26, 2025 as paid time off for their employees.

• Safety and operational reasons were cited (e.g., limited building staffing and front desk coverage).

Action:

• Motion (Claypool) to ratify the two dates as paid time off (not vacation use).

• Seconded (Bergansky).

• Approved unanimously.

Major Subdivisions to be Reviewed - None

Township Zoning Amendments to be Reviewed - None

Director’s Report – Ms. Crombie

Ms. Crombie reported on several operational and planning items:

a. New Building Lots

Reviewed 2025 lot split activity:

• Map visualization showed activity concentrated on the east side of the county.

• Color coding distinguished smaller and larger lots (including 5 acres or less, 5–20 acres, and over 20 acres).

• Ms. Crombie noted three lot splits occurred in December.

b. Township Land Use Plans

Reported continuing work on the Thompson Township plan, with an expectation of completing remaining chapters in the near term, before shifting primary focus to the farmland preservation plan.

c. Zoning Requirements Matrix

Described a draft zoning requirements matrix compiling key zoning features across townships (e.g., riparian setbacks, conservation development, accessory dwelling units).

• The matrix was described as a comparative tool and a learning resource for interns/new staff.

• Mr. Gorris described a similar township matrix approach and suggested adding links to source documents where possible.

• Ms. Crombie noted the document remained in draft but could be shared. Mr. Claypool asked that it be shared with the Planning Commission members.

d. Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) Agriculture Easement Monitoring Report

Reported receipt of the annual monitoring information for agricultural easements associated with the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP), coordinated through Geauga Soil & Water.

• Monitoring was described as confirming adherence to easement terms (e.g., restrictions on subdivision).

• Ms. Crombie referenced 322 acres preserved across Burton, Parkman, Thompson, and Troy townships.

e. Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) Agriculture Easement (Hope Farm)

Noted a newly approved LAEPP easement for Hope Farm in Thompson Township:

• 129 acres preserved.

• Ms. Crombie described its location near a county border and stated the preserved total under the program is now 451 acres.

f. Conservation Easement

Ms. Crombie reported a conservation easement involving the owner and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy:

• Location: Munson Township.

• Acreage: 31 acres.

• Ms. Crombie noted the easement covered a portion of certain parcels rather than entire parcels.

g. Transit Related

Shared two transit-related updates:

• A $2.3 million grant to improve transportation in Lake and Geauga counties was granted to LakeTran and Geauga Transit.

• An excellence award for collaboration was received by the County Commissioners from the Ohio Public Transit Association.

h. Norfolk Southern Rail to Trail

Ms. Crombie provided an update on a proposed rail-to-trail conversion:

• The corridor was described as running from the Solon area through Bainbridge Township and connecting toward Aurora (Portage County).

• Ms. Crombie stated Solon would sponsor the Solon/Bainbridge portion and West Creek Conservancy would sponsor the Portage County portion.

• Mr. Bergansky questioned ownership and liability; Ms. Crombie indicated the railroad currently owns the corridor and the City of Solon is expected to acquire its portion.

• Mr. Mezick noted practical access considerations (e.g., limited public parking at some trail points).

i. Commercial Construction

Reported December permits including:

• A 9,100 sq. ft. addition in Newbury Township (Cross Creek Parkway), described as a fabrication warehouse and office addition.

• A City of Chardon Board of Education project described as tennis courts.

j. New Housing Starts

Ms. Crombie referenced fourth-quarter reporting and mapped new housing activity, including the southern end of Chardon and infill within the Maple Trace subdivision.

k. Commercial Starts

Ms. Crombie referenced fourth-quarter commercial permitting and mapped activity in multiple locations, including Bainbridge Township.

l. Legislative Updates

Ms. Crombie summarized ongoing tracking of state bills that could affect local planning and zoning, noting several new House bills:

• House Bill 608 (property tax-related; numerous property tax bills are under consideration).

• House Bill 609, described as requiring public commentary/testimony before a public body takes formal action on any item.

• House Bill 630, described as agriculture-related and tied to hauling equipment/permit logistics.

No action was required on the Director’s Report.

Correspondence

No correspondence was reported.

Old Business

A. Farmland Preservation Plan Update

Ms. Crombie provided an update on the farmland preservation plan task force.

Task force status and topics:

• The task force held its fourth meeting on December 18.

• Topics included: prior-plan recommendations (2008 and 1999), relevant House/Senate bills, the Ohio Department of Agriculture grant opportunity, and accessory dwelling unit concepts (including whether limited living quarters could support farm help).

Emerging themes and draft ideas:

• The updated plan is intended to go beyond traditional preservation tools, reflecting changes in agriculture (e.g., fewer large dairies, more agritourism).

• Ms. Crombie referenced a compiled set of ideas (described as roughly 36), including a centralized agriculture resource hub (“everything agriculture”), enhanced education/marketing, and other outreach concepts.

Property-rights discussion (raised later in the meeting; summarized here for continuity): Mr. Claypool raised concerns about perpetual easements and long-term land-use restrictions, emphasizing private property rights and future flexibility. Mr. Gorris acknowledged the tradeoff: easements can preserve farmland but also limit future choices. Ms. Crombie stated an informational sheet on agricultural easements is being developed to help educate the public on long-term implications. Updates continue to be posted to the Planning Commission website here: https://farmland-geauga.hub.arcgis.com/

New Business

A. Mileage Reimbursement for 2026

Ms. Crombie presented the 2026 mileage rate.

• Action: Set mileage reimbursement for 2026 at $0.725 per mile.

• Motion (Claypool)/Second(Bergansky).

• Approved unanimously.

B. Ohio Department of Agriculture Grant

Ms. Crombie introduced an Ohio Department of Agriculture grant opportunity supporting updates to comprehensive plans or farmland preservation plans.

• Up to $25,000

• Plan submission deadline to ODA: May 31, 2027, with adoption by the County Commissioners anticipated thereafter.

• Requires collaboration with municipalities, Soil & Water, and partners (e.g. land trusts and agricultural organizations), plus at least one public meeting in a non-zoned township.

No immediate action was required. Mr. Gorris indicated a motion could be considered once the application details and match commitments were finalized by the staff.

C. Intern

Ms. Crombie requested permission to post a GIS planning intern position (budgeted), with pay adjusted from $15 to $16/hour.

• The intern’s primary work would continue the “buildings by type” mapping project and potentially support census data compilation and farmland plan work.

• Mr. Bergansky noted poor map legibility (including color contrast) and requested an example comparing the building-use mapping with township zoning layers.

Action:

• Motion (Claypool)  to approve posting for a GIS planning intern at $16/hour.

• Seconded (Bergansky).

• Approved unanimously.

Additional Remarks

Mr. Perfetto referenced the “letter to the commissioners” regarding the letter completed as a result of the December 23, 2025 special meeting of the Planning Commission. He was interested in knowing if there was an expectation for when the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) would respond.  Mr. Gorris indicated that there was no specific expectation. Mr. Claypool indicated that NOACA had made an attempt to change membership requirements during their December board meeting.  Mr. Perfetto referenced an article on cleveland.com to this effect. Mr. Claypool was not aware of that article, which had only very recently been published. The article is available here. Reviewer Note:  This letter and NOACA membership were the subject of BOCC discussion and action at meetings on January 6, 13 and 22, 2026.  See LWVG Observer Reports on the January 6 meeting here and the January 13 meeting here. The LWVG Observer Report on the January 22 meeting will be available once published here; a video of the January 22 meeting is available here. 

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 8:38 am following a motion and unanimous vote.

Next meeting: February 10, 2026.

More Information about the Geauga Planning Commission is available online. 

Observer: David Lewis

Editor: Rooney Moy

Reviewer: Sarah McGlone

Submitted: January 13, 2025

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