BOCC Announces Board Openings for Geauga Public Library Board
and Mental Health and Recovery Services Board
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - April 28, 2026
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 9:30 am for a Regular Meeting at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. BOCC Meetings can be live streamed through the Geauga ADP Youtube channel and can be accessed here by scrolling down and clicking on the section for YouTube videos. Recordings are available for the public. This meeting can be found here. As of this report’s publication date, the video has been viewed 381 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, revised on April 15, 2025, and again modified on September 30, 2025 and February 24, 2026.
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Carolyn Brakey, James Dvorak and Ralph Spidalieri. Also present were Commissioners’ Clerk Christine Blair; County Administrator Amy Bevan; Deputy County Administrator Mark Jimison and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Shane Hajjar, Deputy Engineer; Jessica Boalt, Director, Department on Aging; Michelle Warren, In-home Service Manager, Department on Aging; Craig Swenson, Executive Director, Job and Family Services (JFS); Gina Schultz, JFS Social Services Director; Allie Hulsmann, JFS Foster Care Recruitment Specialist; Gina Hofstetter, Director, Community and Economic Development; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Kathy Hostutler, Human Resources Administrator; Megan Ericson, Benefits Specialist; Max Yost, County Communications/Media Specialist; Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand; Chief Deputy Sheriff Thomas Rowan.
Others in Attendance: Sherry Barbosky, CORSA (County Risk Sharing Association); Scott Landis, Agent, Insure Partners; Douglas Lundblad, Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board Member; Geauga Maple Leaf reporter Allison Wilson; Chagrin Valley Times reporter Anastasia Nicholas; other members of the public and press, and LWVG Observer Gail Roussey.
10:00 Min. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer (Commissioner Dvorak)
11:09 Min. Public Comment on Agenda Items
A man from South Russell asked questions about NOACA. He said that $20 Million dollars is collected in gas revenue tax from Geauga County. In regards to expenditures for the Engineer’s office, he inquired as to who was paying for these. Observer Note: Later in the meeting, Mr. Hajjar from the Engineer’s office addressed the question relating to the Engineer’s office.
Minutes - Minutes for the December 9, 2026 meeting were approved. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for the BOCC are available online through April 28, 2026 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through November 25, 2025.
10:47 Min. Report of Administrator Amy Bevan - The following actions taken by Ms Bevan were described:
-
Approval for Maintenance Department for the hiring of a maintenance worker, which was then rescinded on April 27, 2026
-
On April 27th for Water Resources approved and executed the service contract agreement with Go Green Heating, Air Conditioning, DBA, Auburn Heating, Plumbing and Air Conditioning to perform the HVAC and plumbing maintenance services, including annual preventative maintenance as needed at various wastewater and water district locations within the department for a one-year period effective April 27th, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $16,500. The breakdown is $15,000 for wastewater and $5,500 for the water district.
13:40 Min. Report of Financials - County Finance Manager Adrian Gorton received approval for the following:
-
Appropriations transfer to the Sheriff for miscellaneous refunds, reimbursements, and web checks that were deposited into the General Fund.
-
Cash Transfer from the General Fund to Community Development for their second quarter 2026 operational commitment.
-
Incumbrances for travel from the Auditor's office to attend the County Auditors Association of Ohio summer conference in Columbus, Ohio; from the Common Pleas Court to attend the All Rise for Justice conference in Nashville, Tennessee, and from the Engineer’s Office to attend the Ohio Association of Public Treasurers 2026 Public Finance Officer training in Sandusky, Ohio.
-
Then and Now from the Commissioners’ office to the County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA) for an insurance deductible from 2024 that was not previously encumbered.
-
Purchase Order from Water Resources to acquire a new 2026 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab truck as well as “upfit” it as an operations vehicle to replace a 2016 GMC Sierra that will either be traded in or auctioned, whichever is more.
-
Vouchers
-
$252,977.25 from the Auditor's ARPA fund to Shook Construction Company for payments related to the McFarland Creek wastewater treatment plant upgrade project
-
$35,306.18 from the Commissioners’ office to Infiniti Construction Company for pay request number 33 of the courthouse expansion project
-
$157,747.60 from the Engineer's office, including $74,253.69 to Bainbridge Township and $83,492.91 to Chester Township for their snow and ice control agreements from the 2025-2026 season.
16:06 Min The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
-
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, 2026 through April 30, 2027, in the amount of $1,250.00.
-
To execute the Workers’ Compensation Service Agency Agreement between Geauga County and Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Incorporated for unemployment services for the period May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, in the amount of $9,500.00.
17:28 Min CORSA - Sherry Barbosky, CIC, CRM CORSA Underwriting Manager, and Scott Landis, Agent, Insured Partners presented and discussed the County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA) Insurance Program Renewal. Ms. Barbosky explained that CORSA is a non-profit risk sharing pool which is used by 74 of the 88 counties in Ohio. She said there are only five additional counties that CORSA would be open to accept into the pool as they are not interested in adding metropolitan areas as their risks are much higher. Ms. Barbosky said that the re-insurance market is up 12% this year, but they have been able to hold the price offered to Geauga to a 4% increase with a total increase of 5%. She said that Geauga also has price increases due to adding the courthouse and there is an enhancement for cyber losses from $1 Million to $2 Million. She praised Ms. Hostutler for taking advantage of all offered credits and benefits.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA) Insurance Program Renewal for the period May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, and further authorized the payment of $577,843.00.
This was approved unanimously, but Mrs. Brakey raised several objections. She said she would have liked to see bids from other sources and she wished there had been more time before the deadline for the Commissioners to consider the options. She said that because the prior agreement expires on Thursday (the end of April) there was really no other option. Ms. Hostutler said that the private market is very expensive. She said that under Ohio Revised Code they are not required to go out to bid on this insurance. Mr. Spidalieri said that they looked at options 8-10 years ago and they were very expensive. He credited Ms. Hostutler with doing a great job to keep costs down. Mr. Dvorak thought that a 5% increase was acceptable.
42:36 Min The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
-
To execute the Unit Price Contract with Geauga Highway Company for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Messenger Road (CH-0031, Sections B-C) in Auburn Township in the amount of $621,926.69.
-
To execute Unit Price Contract with Ronyak Paving, Incorporated for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Mumford Road (CH-0024, Sections E-F) in Troy Township in the amount of $499,749.00.
-
To execute Unit Price Contract Fechko Excavating, LLC for the Replacement of the Pettibone Road Bridge (Structure #BR-0607-C-01.250-2026) in Auburn Township in the amount of $1,209,979.23. Reviewer Note: It was stated that this project will occur in Auburn Township, but according to the Geauga County Engineer’s 2026 Project Map, it will be in Bainbridge Township.
-
To release the thirty-three percent (33%) maximum load limit reduction on all County Highways and Township Roads, in accordance with O.R.C. 5577.07, to be effective April 28, 2026.
Mr. Hajjar said that the first two items were locally funded through a road and bridge levy and that the Pettibone Bridge project received 80% of its funding from a federal grant through the County Engineer’s Association (CEAO) of Ohio. The remainder of the 20% will be funded through the local levy.
46 Min The Sheriff’s Office received approval to execute the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) Subgrant Award Agreement for Stop Violence Against Women (VAWA) Grant #2023-WF-VA2-8214a for the period January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026 in the amount of $35,606.51 (OCJS $26,704.88, Local County Match $8,901.63).
47:01 Min The Department on Aging received approval for the following:
-
To execute the Addendum to the Fuel Card Services Agreement between WEX Bank and Sourcewell for WEX Fleet Cards for the purpose of purchasing fuel.
-
For merit increases for the following employees: Duane Bidlack, Fiscal and Budget Officer; Shaun Strand, Chore and Home Safety Coordinator; Chris Mackar, Recreation and Education Assistant; and Beth Oliverio, Information and Referral Assistant
53:04 Min The Community and Economic Development Department received approval for a merit increase for Elaine Malkamaki, Project Manager. Ms. Hofstetter said that the office lost their office coordinator and that Ms. Malkamaki was filling in. She also credited her with successfully managing a $2.9 Million Grant for Brownfield Remediation.
The Department of Job and Family Services received approval to execute Resolution #26-061 recognizing May 2026 as Foster Care Awareness Month.
Mr. Swenson stressed the importance of the work of Foster Care families, taking in children at all times of the day or night and helping them to adjust for as long as they are with the family.
Ms. Hulsmann, Foster Care Recruitment Specialist, said that they are trying to boost recruitment by having one-on-one meetings with potential foster care families. She said they now have 14 licensed homes and five kinship homes (family members caring for children). There are four home studies going on. They need homes for respite as well, which she said was also very important. The county has 22 children in custody, with 9 children in group homes. Most approved foster homes are geared for younger children, so there is a great need for foster families for children 8-12, and for teenagers. Ms. Hulsman said that finding homes that are open for teenagers is a goal for the next year.
Mrs. Brakey asked what makes a good foster home and how would someone get involved. Ms. Hulsmann said that a good foster home is open to welcoming a child and then helping them to be ready to go back into the family home. She said that they have information on their website and on social media and that anyone could call her (440-226-9768).
There will be a “Foster the Future” 5 K run and 1 mile walk on May 30th in Burton; register by May 18th.
Mr. Dvorak praised the work of Foster Care families and said that his grandparents had been foster parents
1:11:52 Min The Department of Water Resources received approval to advertise for the position of Equipment Operator – Water/Wastewater Systems (#2353), internally for a period of five (5) working days. If there are no qualified candidates presently employed within the Department, this position will be advertised externally until the position is filled. Mr. Gorris said that the individual left this position earlier, but that they wanted to take some time to determine their needs, but have decided to go ahead and fill this position.
1:12 Min The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
-
To increase to the number of positions of Part-time Communications / Media Specialist (#1333-1) from one to two positions, to be effective April 28, 2026.
-
To approve the revised Organizational Chart to include the additional position of Part-time Communications / Media Specialist (#1333-1) to be effective April 28, 2026.
-
To advertise for the position of Part-time Communications / Media Specialist (#1333-1). This position will remain posted until the position is filled.
-
To execute the 2026 Contract for the Great Geauga County Fair, during the period September 3, 2026, through September 7, 2026.
-
To schedule a Special Meeting at 9:30 am on Thursday, May 14, 2026 that will include a Work Session to be held in the County Office Building, Room B303. Ms. Bevan said that there would be a discussion about emptying 470 Center St. (four entities are there now), the Opera House building and who might be interested in moving into the older portion of the Courthouse.
1:15:20 Min Board Discussion
Ohio State Highway Patrol Sobriety Checkpoint - Ms. Bevan said that they have been asked by the Ohio Highway Patrol to use 470 Center St. for a sobriety checkpoint for the month of May. She said that the Prosecutor’s office has approved it and the Commissioners have been added as an additional insured to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for liability protection for this Checkpoint.
Upcoming Board Appointments - Ms. Blair said that there are numerous board vacancies: one for the Library Board and four for the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. She said that the Library has made a recommendation and wanted to know if the Board wanted to accept that recommendation or wanted to interview for the position. Mrs. Brakey said she wanted to advertise for the Library and interview so that other members of the community could apply. Mr. Dvorak agreed. Ms. Blair confirmed that they would do a press release for the Library and Mental Health Board and put it on the website. Applications would be accepted until June 10th. Mrs. Brakey asked if there were state appointments to the Mental Health Board, and Ms. Blair said that the State keeps the application open all year. Mrs. Brakey wanted to know if any state appointments were due and it was determined that there was one state position that would be open at the end of June.
1:21 Min. Public Comment -
Mr. Lundblad, member of the Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Board, stated that comments made by Mrs. Brakey about Mr. Oluic (candidate for Commissioner and President of the Mental Health and Recovery Board Services) on Mrs. Brakey’s Facebook page were unfair. He said there were untrue comments about Mr. Oluic, who is a fellow combat veteran. He said that in the past 12 years Mr. Oluic has never caused anyone to feel unsafe.
A man from South Russell, who spoke during the first Public Portion of this meeting, attempted to speak, but Mrs. Brakey said that he had spoken once in the meeting, and according to the Policy on Public Comment, a person can only speak either at the beginning or at the end of the meeting. There was some discussion about the policy, but Ms. Blair found it and read it. She confirmed that a person could speak only once during a meeting. Observer Note: This language is found in the policy here.
1:26:20 Adjournment - Commissioner Brakey made a motion to adjourn when the man from South Russell would not stop trying to speak. Commissioners Brakey and Dvorak voted to adjourn but Mr. Spidalieri’s vote was not audible. The meeting adjourned shortly before 11 am.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next Regular Meeting of the BOCC will be on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 9:30 am at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Harry Rees
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: May 2, 2026
The League of Women Voters Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.