Board of County Commissioners – October 4, 2022
The Board of County Commissioners met in person at 9:30 am. The meeting was held at the Geauga County Administration Building, 12811 Ravenwood Drive, Claridon. This meeting was in person only and there was no link to a recording.
Commissioners Dvorak, Lennon and Spidalieri were all present. Also in attendance were Ms. Christine Blair, Commissioner’s Clerk, County Administrator Gerard Morgan and Finance Director Adrian Gorton.
Other members of County Government in attendance were County Engineer Shane Hajir, Carmella Shale, Geauga Soil and Water and Gina Hofstetter (Community and Economic Development). Also in the public were Frank Antenucci, ADP and Adam Litke, Health Department.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer led by Mr. Dvorak.
Minutes: None presented for approval.
Reviewer Note: As of the Oct 15, 2022 publication of this report, the most recent available minutes posted online are from July 21, 2022. BOCC meets weekly and there is currently a 12 week lag between Board meeting date and sharing approved minutes online.
Mr. Gerard Morgan reviewed the actions that he took which included a hire in Aging and concurrence with Hambden Township that no hearing would be required for a liquor license for Hambden Country Inn.
Financials: Mr. Adrian Gordon received approval for the financials which included:
Vouchers:
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$8,000 from the Auditor’s office to Jim Barto LLC (ARPA funds) for Berkshire Heights
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$23,355.75 to NV5 for work on the new office building and Phase 2
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$101,088.25 from Water Resources to HD Engineers for the Aquilla Wastewater Treatment Plant ($35,250) and McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant ($65,838)
The County Engineer’s Office received approval to execute the Unit Price Contract with Grade Line, Incorporated for the Drainage Improvements to Washington Street (CH-0606, Sections C-E) in Auburn and Bainbridge Townships in the amount of $458,187.50. It was explained by Mr. Hajir that this work was needed due to the road sinking caused by erosion.
The Soil and Water Conservation District Received approval to acknowledge the 1st Notice of Violation issued against Paul Hummer regarding construction occurring at 14969 Chillicothe Road located in Russell Township (Parcel #26-707050) for failure to comply with Geauga County Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations as outlined in the Notice of Violation (dated July 22, 2022) as 2020 – Section 3.01 General Applicability Criteria for Storm Water Management and Sediment Control and request the Board issue a Finding of Violation and forward the “Finding of Violation” to the Geauga County Prosecutor for further actions as necessary to secure required compliance.
There was a general discussion about several violations by Mr. Hummer and steps that need to be taken to put the property back into compliance with local, state and federal requirements. It was noted that the actions of Mr. Hummer were impeding Silver Creek and would continue to do so unless/until the situation was corrected.
The Department of Development (Community & Economic) received approval for the following:
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to execute the Contract Agreement between the County of Geauga, WomenSafe, Incorporated and Geauga Highway Company for the WomenSafe Paving Project under the Community Development Block Grant #B-F-21-1AZ-1 in the amount of $46,920.00 ($35,100.00 CDBG, $11,190.00 WomenSafe). 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 A. J. Goulder Electric, Incorporated for the DDC Clinic Generator Project under Community Development Block Grant #B-F-21-1AZ-1 in the amount of $65,165.00 ($55,100.00 CDBG, $10,065.00 DDC Clinic) as they represented the lowest and best bid.
The following item was on an updated Agenda distributed at the meeting:
BOCC approved Contract Maintenance Form # 5 with NV5 to extend the completion date of the project from September 30, 2022 through January 31, 2023 for the Geauga County Office Building. It was stated that there are maintenance items to be addressed
Reviewer Note: During its Sep 29, 2022 meeting, BOCC tabled the Board of Elections request for payment of legal fees relating to its ongoing legal dispute with BOCC. That tabled item is notably absent from this agenda.
Executive Session: The BOCC went into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation with Attorney Stephen Funk. Mr. Morgan signed a contract with Mr. Funk (Roetzel and Andress) to represent them regarding pending litigation or mediation regarding the ADP Board. (Observer Note: This litigation has been deferred while mediation proceeds under the auspices of the Ohio Supreme Court).
There was no action following the Executive Session.
Dedication of Playground - The Department of Job and Family Services and the County Commissioners recessed for the Dedication of the New Playground located on the ground floor at 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon.
More Information and Minutes of past meetings available here when posted:
https://bocc.geauga.oh.gov/meeting-minutes/#group=documentlist&doc-category=&doc-year=0&docspagination=0-15
Minutes are posted through July 21, 2022
Next Meeting: Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 9:30 am (change due to the Columbus Holiday on Monday)
Name of Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor/Reviewer: Shelly Lewis
Submitted 10/7/2022
The League of Women Voters of 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.