Mental Health Awareness Month Approved by BOCC
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - May 5, 2026
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 9:30 am for a meeting at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. 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 276 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 19, 2026.
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Carolyn Brakey, James Dvorak and Ralph Spidalieri. Also present were Commissioners’ Clerk Christine Blair, and Deputy County Administrator Mark Jimison. County Administrator Amy Bevan was present but sat in back.
County Representatives: Andy Haupt, Engineer; Shane Hajjar, Deputy Engineer; Christine Lakomiak, Director, Mental Health and Recovery Services; Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand; Rob Weigle, Director Maintenance; Liz Ruvino, Contract Coordinator; Charles Tkach, Project Manager, Maintenance; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Gina Hofstetter, Director and Elaine Malkamaki, Program Director, Community and Economic Development; Max Yost, County Communications/Media Specialist.
Others in Attendance: Bill Young, City Manager, Chardon; Craig Swenson, Executive Director, Job and Family Services (JFS); Adam Litke, Health Commissioner, Geauga Public Health; John Bonner, owner of Great Lakes Growers; members of the public, this Observer from the League of Women Voters Geauga. No members of the media were present.
10:00 Min. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer - Commissioner Dvorak
10:40 Min. Public Comment - None
Minutes - Minutes for December 16 and 23 were approved. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for the BOCC are available online through May 5, 2026 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through November 25, 2025.
10:48 Min. Report from County Administrator Amy Bevan (delivered by Mark Jimison)
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On April 30, 2026, in Maintenance, the administrator approved hiring for the position of Custodian to be effective May 18, 2026 with a one-year probationary period.
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Water Resources - The county administrator accepted the resignation of Water Resources of Wastewater Plant Operator 2, to be effective May 8, 2026.
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On May 4, 2026, in Water Resources, the county administrator approved and executed the service contract agreement with Rice Oil and Environmental LLC to perform oil water separator cleaning services as needed at various locations within the department for a one-year period effective May 4, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $3,500.
12:28 Min. Financials - Mr. Gorton received approval for the following:
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Supplementals
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from the Common Pleas Court in their General Fund materials and supplies account due to needing more items than what had been budgeted with the move to the new courthouse.
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from the Clerk of Court's office in their General Fund materials and supplies expense account for additional funds needed for the microfilming of additional images in their office. Mr. Gorton said that the Clerk of Courts is reimbursing the General Fund for this additional expense.
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Cash transfer in regards to the above from the Clerk of Courts Certificate of Title Administrative fund to the General Fund to reimburse the General Fund for additional microfilming expenses not covered in their original budget.
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Incumbrances - travel from the Coroner's office to attend the Ohio State Coroners Association Education Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio; from JFS to attend an adoptive placement relocation of a child in custody and to attend the National Association of Pre-Trial Service Agencies Conference in Austin, Texas; from the Juvenile Court to attend the 2026 Ohio Juvenile Court Clerks Conference in Dublin, Ohio; and from the Recorders Office to attend the Ohio Recorders Association 2026 Summer Conference in Mount Sterling, Ohio.
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Vouchers
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$49,454.64 from ADP to Kerasoft Technology Corporation for the Service Now customer service management software annual renewal.
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$1,077.12 from the auditor's office to Amazon Capital Services Incorporated and Pamela McMahon as reimbursement for the expense to purchase candy and dog treats for the Maple Festival and Fair Truck or Treat.
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$577,843 from the Commissioners to Corsa County Risk Sharing Authority for the 2026 property and liability insurance premium. Mr. Gorton noted that this is up about a little over $45,000 from last year.
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$66,639.26 from the Engineers's Office to Morton Salt Incorporated for road salt deliveries from April.
Mrs. Brakey said, “I think we could do a better job as a county making sure that taxpayers understand why we're spending this money. . .”
16:11 Min. The Commissioners’ Office, in coordination with the County Engineer’s Office, is requesting the Board request the County Auditor to encumber the amount of $307,800.00 for the 2026 Street Improvement Project of Allynd Boulevard and Tilden Avenue, in the City of Chardon, as final, detailed plans have been submitted and approved to the County Engineer and the project meets the requirements set forth in the Policy and Guidelines for the Application and Distribution of Geauga County Municipal Motor Vehicle License Tax, adopted March 22, 2022. Mr. Young from Chardon presented this item.
Mrs. Brakey asked if the APA (Assistant Prosecuting Attorney) approved the project. The Engineer’s office said that their APA approved of it.
17:38 Min. The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
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to execute the Maintenance Guaranty for Big Dipper Road (TR-1079) in Bainbridge Township, in the amount of $98,936.00, to be held in a fund by the County Engineer’s Office. Mrs. Brakey asked if the developer is giving the County the money in case there were any issues with the road over the three year period. Mr. Haupt confirmed that the set aside was based on the calculations for 10% of the cost of the road construction, curb and storm sewer system.
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to execute the Big Dipper Road Dedication Plat (TR-1079), dedicating Big Dipper Road, in Bainbridge Township.
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to execute Resolution #26-063 to Order the Asphalt Resurfacing of Various Roads including Thwing Road (CH-0027, Sections A-B) and Auburn Road (CH-0004, Section Q) in Chardon Township and Munson Townships. This resolution also requests the Board approve and execute the Title Sheet of the Specifications for the same. Further, this resolution sets a Bid Opening on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:05 am at the Engineer’s Office, using Bid Express. Notice of this Bid Opening will be advertised on May 7, 2026, and on the county website.
Mr. Hajjar said that this is 100% locally funded by the Road and Bridge Levy and Gas Tax Fund - $1 Million out of Road and Bridge and the rest from the Gas Tax Fund.
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to execute Resolution #26-064 to Order the Application of Pavement Markings of Various Roads, Year 2026, Geauga County. This resolution also requests the Board approve and execute the Title Sheet of the Specifications for the same. Further, this resolution sets a Bid Opening on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:10 am at the Engineer’s Office, using Bid Express. Notice of this Bid Opening will be advertised on May 7, 2026, and on the county website.
Mr. Hajjar said that this will be paid for out of the local Road and Bridge levy. He said they do about a third of all pavement every year, with more in some Amish areas due to more wear and tear. Mr. Dvorak asked if the townships will be able to share in the price that was set by the bid. Mr. Hajjar said that several are doing so.
23:53 Min. The Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services received approval to execute Resolution #26-065 proclaiming May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month which is being called, “More Good Days, Together.” Ms. Lakomiak said that they have discovered that a lot of suicides occur in parks, “so we went to trustees meetings and asked if they would partner with us to put up the 988 signs in areas that are secluded where someone may be contemplating hurting themselves and so that they would maybe find a message of hope.” She said that many of the townships agreed to signs (11 of 16 townships). She said that altogether they have 120 signs in the county. She also wanted the Commissioners to know that Copeline will be changing and will be called the Safeline with the same number. She said they have received funding from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health for 988 and they are working with WomenSafe to make sure there is a good transition. She said that right now either line would work.
Mrs. Brakey asked what the process looks like if someone calls or texts 988. Specifically, she wondered if the caller would get a live person. Mrs. Lakomiak said that 988 is a national help line and Geauga County approved to be part of this. She said that there are 17 call centers in the State of Ohio that are part of the 988 network. She said that with a local hotline you might get a recording but you always get someone who answers with the 988 line. She said that the Geauga county call center doesn’t have a text option yet but if someone does text, they will be transferred to a different call center where they would get a professional counselor on the line. She said individuals should call 988 not just due to suicide, but she said, “the Governor is really advocating and championing if you’re having a rough day” or need to talk or for substance abuse issues.
Mrs. Brakey said that she understood that the prison system is taking the place of a state mental health hospital. Ms. Lakomiak said that she and the Sheriff work closely and have developed a lot of programs. She said that they provide funding in the jail for several positions and that the Sheriff is also looking for and writing grants. They have provided training to the Sheriff and if there is a 911 call that is really about behavioral health, the Sheriff is able to and has done a handoff to 988.
Mr. Dvorak said he had read that sometimes when people want to overdose they go to churches. He asked if they are communicating with churches. Ms. Lakomiak said her department and the Sheriff’s office have collaborated with the faith community. They have presented two trainings and another one is coming up this month. She stated faith communities have asked for training on grief and loss. She said this was another thing that has been identified as a need and also that it can correlate to mental health challenges..
37:09 Min. The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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to execute a service Contract Agreement with Fire Protection Solutions to provide Inspections and Repairs on the County and Safety Center Backflows per the Maintenance Director for a five-year period, effective May 5, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00 ($20,000.00 County, $10,000.00 Safety Center).
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to execute a service Contract Agreement with NEO Commercial Kitchen and Repair, LLC to perform Annual Preventative Maintenance and repairs, on the Left and Right Deep Freezers, steam kettle, warming tables, Traulsen Walk-In Coolers, Traulsen Reach in Freezer, Scotsman Ice Machines, Hot Sides, Cleveland warmer/Steamer, Burners, Walk-in Cooler, Walk-in Freezer, 2 Level oven and Warming Table, at the Geauga County Safety Center per the Director for a three-year period, effective May 5, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.
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to execute Change Order #3, increasing the Contract with 5K Commercial Roofing, LLC for the Geauga County Maintenance Barn Roof Replacement project to furnish and install new gravity vents, in place of refurbishing the existing vents, providing a credit of $1,900.00, and authorizing the expenditure of owner’s contingency funds in the amount of $9,847.60 of the available $16,984.05, leaving a remaining balance of $7,136.45. Mr. Tkach said that they weren’t able to refurbish the gravity vents, which is why they needed the change order.
40:33 Min. The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
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to rescind the motion approved on April 27, 2026, by the County Administrator to execute the service Contract Agreement with Go Green Heating Air Conditioning dba Auburn Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning due to a mathematical error in the amount of the contract. Mr. Gorris said that there was a clerical/mathematical error on their side.
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to execute the service Contract Agreement with Go Green Heating Air Conditioning dba Auburn Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning to perform the HVAC and Plumbing Maintenance services, including annual preventive maintenance, as needed at various Wastewater and Water District locations within the department for a one-year period, effective May 5, 2026 in the amount of $20,500.00 ($15,000.00 Wastewater, $5,500.00 Water District).
42:39 Min. The Commissioners’ Office is requesting the Board approve the termination of the Contract with Willy’s Vending, LLC for the provision of vending machines at the Geauga County Office Building, and further approve and authorize the County Administrator, Amy Bevan to execute and send a letter of notification to the vendor of the termination and the request for payment of any and all funds owed to the County per the terms of the contract agreement.
Mr. Jimison said that they did a survey in the building to see what people would like in terms of vending and that they are pursuing a lot of options. He said that the survey indicated that people want healthier options or maybe a concession down in the first floor, whether it's a refrigerated pre-made sandwiches or yogurt or something like that. Mr. Jimison said that 60-70% responded that they never use the vending machine. Mrs. Brakey said it looked like only 20 people responded and wondered who received the survey. Mr. Jimison said that it went out building-wide.
44:46 Min. Board Discussion – Mr. Jimison brought up for discussion a request from Great Lakes Growers on their current Revolving and Local Revolving Fund Loans with Geauga County for a request for a subordination agreement as they are looking to do a necessary addition to expand the facility.
Ms. Malkamaki said they wanted to “get the pulse of the Commissioners before going forward.” She said that Great Lakes Growers is, “looking to add a one acre expansion” and that in order to do that they need to borrow money and would need to subordinate the loan with Geauga County. She stated, “right now Geauga County is in fourth place; we would be behind the new loan and the other three.” That total would be $10 Million. Mr. Bonner said the new building value will be $15.5 million.
Mrs. Brakey noted that their property taxes would go up.
Mr. Bonner said, “So right now we've got almost 40 employees and a lot of it was possible because of the county revolving loan fund. So not only have we made all the payments, paid interest, created jobs, I mean that's what the fund was for. So you've been a huge part of our success. So we're expanding again. Business is good. We're going to hire 12 people. I’m not asking for additional funds, but in order for Farm Credit to loan the extra money, . . . They have to have first position on everything.”
Ms. Malkamaki said that they also wanted to ask if they could use Myers Roman for the subordination agreement. She said that Mr. Bonner would pay legal fees but they would like to use them because they are familiar with both parties. Observer Note: Myers Roman is one of the BOCC’s additional legal advisors.
Mrs. Brakey asked how many open revolving loans there are. Ms. Malkamaki said there are 7.
Mr. Dvorak said he likes new job creation.
Ms. Malkamaki said that, “he has created all the jobs he promised; payments are on time; anything I ask for I get.”
Mr. Spidalieri said that Mr. Bonner has been a stakeholder in the county for a long time, noting, “On the Ag (Agriculture) side, it just kind of goes with a lot of what our county is about, too. So, I've supported you from the first one, and I appreciate everything you've done and it's pretty amazing where you've gotten to and how you've built that thing. It’s just incredible.”
Mr. Bonner said, “It’s a good county to do business with.”
No motion was required at this point, and all Commissioners indicated approval so this will move forward.
52:05 Min. Public Comment
A man from South Russell asked when Grace (Gallucci from Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)) was going to come to a Commissioners meeting. Mr. Dvorak said he would make another call. Mr. Spidalieri said he had called and received no answer. Mrs. Brakey said, “When your three minutes is up, I can answer your questions.”
The man said, “you can answer it right now in front of everybody that's here. Why don't you answer it right now?”
Mrs. Brakey said, “I don't want to get in a back and forth.”
He then said, “These newspaper people and the League of Women Voters won't ask about it.” He then went on to ask two citizens in the front row who have a private news publication whether they had attended a NOACA meeting and they declined to engage with him.
55:18 Min. Mr. Dvorak said that all three commissioners were in Hambden Township where the community is going to start their new Fire Station. He said it was a great day in Geauga County.
Meeting adjourned at 10:17 am
Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next Regular Meeting of the BOCC will be on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Harry Rees
Reviewer: Rooney Moy
Date Submitted: May 8, 2026
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