help_outline Skip to main content
League of Women Voters of Geauga

News / Articles

Geauga County Commissioners

Meeting Details - The Board of County Commissioners met in person at 9:30 am on November 22, 2022, at the Geauga County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024..   This meeting was in person only and there was no link to a recording. 


Board Attendance
: Commissioners Dvorak, Lennon and Spidalieri were present as were Clerk Christine Blair, Commissioner’s Clerk, County Administrator Gerard Morgan and Finance Director Adrian Gorton.


Government Representatives
:

  • Department on Aging - Jessica Boalt

  • Emergency Management -  Roger Peterson

  • Engineer’s Office -  Shane Hajir

  • Water Resources -  Steve Oluic

Public Attendance: Adam Litke from Geauga Public Health District


The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer led by Mr. Dvorak.


Minutes
– The Commissioners approved minutes from October 4, 2022. Reviewer Comment: As of November 30, 2022, minutes are posted on the BOCC website through September 13, 2022. Approved minutes may also be obtained through a public records request.


County Administrator’s Report
- Mr. Morgan discussed the following actions that he took in the preceding week:

Accepted resignation of John Omerza from Water Resources, advertised for a new Wastewater Operator One and hired an individual for Wastewater Operator Two


Financials:
Finance Director Adrian Gorton presented the financials:

  • Cash from General Fund to Victim Witness for needed revenue and to the Computer Equipment Fund

  • $67,745 from the Auditor to various contractors – use of ARPA funds for Berkshire Heights residents for sewer connections

  • $226,400 to Kalida Trucking for two dump trucks    

  • $173,999 from Water Resources to HDR Engineers for the McFarland Wastewater Treatment plant

  • Revenue Certification – Water Resources for penalties and other fees received

Recognition: The Commissioners’ Office issues a resolution in Support and Recognition of the “Be A Santa to a Senior” program for Year 2022.


The County Engineer’s Office
receive approval for the following:

  • Bid award to Ronyak Paving, Incorporated for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Messenger Road (CH-0031, Section A) in Auburn Township in the amount of $475,775.00 as they represented the lowest and best bid.  Mr. Shane Hajir (upon being questioned by Mr. Lennon) stated that, although they won’t be doing this until spring, they would like to have all the paperwork done before spring.  Mr. Lennon asked about who was taking the risk by entering into the contract early.  Mr. Hajir stated that there is some risk/reward since they have quarantined work but at the price stated (that might have gone up in the meantime).

  • To execute Change Order 1 and Final, decreasing the Contract with Ronyak Paving, Incorporated for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Munn Road (CH-0032, Sections A-C) in Auburn Township in the amount of $40,871.25.

  • To increase the contract with Eclipse Company, LLC for the Farmington Road Bridge Replacement in Parkman Township in the amount of $5,120.69.

  • To approve Ohio Public Works Commission Appendix E – Disbursement Request Form and Certification No. 1 in order to release funds from the state portion of our OPWC grant in order to release funds from the state portion of our OPWC grant for the Farmington Road Bridge Replacement in Parkman Township in the amount of $100,000.00.

The Probate / Juvenile Court received approval to execute the Amendment Form / Fiscal Accountability Form #1 Attachment A, Page 1 of the FY2023 Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) Grant for an adjustment of funds from personnel to an outside contractor.


The Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste Management District
received approval to execute the Agreement for right of Entry and Use of Property for Drop-Off Recycling Containers located at 470 Center Street, Chardon, Ohio for a one-year period, up to and including December 31, 2023.


The Department of Emergency Services
received approval to execute and submit the Ohio Emergency Management Agency Grant Agreement for FY2021 EMPG-ARPA (Supplemental Grant Award) for the period October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 in the amount of $29,435.00.


The Department of Water Resources
received approval for the following:

  • to execute the Ohio Water Development Authority Fund Payment Request #12 for the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation Project for technical services by HDR Engineering, Incorporated in the amount of $173,999.68.

  • To approve the list of delinquent sewer user fees, water fees, tap-in installments and subsequent certification to the Geauga County Auditor, in accordance with O.R.C. 6117.02 and the Geauga County Department of Water Resources Rules and Regulations (Section F.501) in the total amount of $447,561.60 ($422,227.75 arrearage and $25,333.85 penalty).

Executive Session -  Water Resources requested the Board move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing union negotiations with Local 4340 Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO/CLC. Following the Executive Session no action was taken.


Executive Session - for the purpose of discussing the discipline of a public employee at the Department on Aging. Following the Executive Session it was announced that “at this time” there will be no action taken.


Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. It was not clear if any attorney was going to be present.  Following this Executive Session at 11:59 am it was announced that no action would be taken.


The Commissioners then returned to the 2nd Executive Session and approved a resolution accepting the Hearing officer’s decision in terms of a demotion for an employee in the Office on Aging.


There was an announcement that county offices would be closed for Thanksgiving.


There was no public comment.


More Information and Posted Minutes: Available on BOCC website


Minutes are posted through September 13, 2022


Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 9:30 am 


Name of Observer:  Gail Roussey

Name of Reviewer:  Shelly Lewis


Submitted 11/28/2022


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.


League of Women Voters of Geauga

contact@lwvgeauga.org