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Board of County Commissioners - January 18, 2024

Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met at 9:30 AM on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. Meetings are typically on Tuesdays, but this meeting was on Thursday due to the Martin Luther King Day holiday on Monday.  BOCC meetings are in-person only and there are no recordings for the public.  An agenda is available in advance via request to the Commissioners’ Clerk.    

Public Comment Policy: Observer Comment: Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri announced at the end of the April 4, 2023 meeting that public comment would be permitted and that a more formal policy would be forthcoming.  There was no formal policy introduced today, but public comment was permitted. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a prayer was offered by Mr. Dvorak

Attendance: Present were Commissioners James Dvorak and Ralph Spidalieri.  Commissioner Timothy Lennon was absent.  Also present were County Administrator Gerald Morgan, Finance Manager Adrian Gorton, and Commissioners' Clerk Christine Blair.

County Representatives: Linda Burhenne, Assistant County Administrator; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Jacob Scotese, PE, Deputy Engineer; Dan Spada, Department of Development (Building); Craig Swenson, JFS (Job and Family Services) Director; Matt Siracki, Contract Coordinator and Elaine Malkamaki, Project Director, Community and Economic  Development.

Statutory Group for Court Construction:  Members present included: Sheriff Hildenbrand; David M. Ondrey, Common Pleas Judge; Sheila Bevington, Clerk of Courts, and Commissioners Dvorak and Spidalieri.  No other judges were present and Mr. Lennon was absent as well.

Others in Attendance: Carolyn Brakey, Board President, Geauga Public Health; Glen Vernick, Maintenance; Reporters from the Chagrin Valley Times and Geauga Courier, Tom and Diane Jones, other members of the public and this observer.

Administrator’s Report

Mr. Morgan reported on actions he had taken in the prior week that had been authorized by ORC and the Commissioners:

• Executed an Agreement with Todd Hoffmeyer, Top Choice Home Inspections, to perform a Commercial Building Inspection of the Chase Building at a cost not to exceed $2,374.00. 

• Bainbridge - concurred in not requiring a hearing on a liquor license for Bear Run & Son LLC at 17800 Chillicothe Rd, Bainbridge Township

• Aging - accepted a Retirement/Resignation

• Maintenance - accepted a Retirement/Resignation

• Agreed to advertise for full time worker in Maintenance

• Development - Housing Revolving Loan Fund - accepted reports

• Maintenance - agreed to an unpaid medical leave

• Water Resources - approved 2 contracts for Bergren Associates, Incorporated  -

  • To perform maintenance service and installation of all telemetry and control systems, including meter calibration, at various wastewater facilities (not to exceed $5,000.00.)

  • Maintenance service and telemetry at water facilities not to exceed $10,000

• GoGreen Heating, Air Conditioning, Indoor Air Quality, Inc. Doing Business as Auburn Heating and Cooling - 2 contracts were approved

  • HVAC plumbing as needed not to exceed $5,000

  • HVAC at wastewater treatment plants, not to exceed $5,000

• Supplemental from the Commissioners to set up Healthy Aging Grant Fund

• Travel for Engineers Office and Commissioners

• Voucher: $104,105 from Commissioners to Ravenwood for first quarter share

• Voucher: $36,720 from the Sheriff to Expert IT for Microsoft Office annual subscription

Minutes: Minutes were approved for November 17, 21 and 28. Observer Comment: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through January 18, 2024 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved BOCC minutes. BOCC minutes are posted through September 26, 2023.

The Commissioners’ Office requested the Board approve and execute the Agreement with Cable Communications Incorporated to install interior and exterior cabling as well as cameras, data cabinets and an access control system for a period of six months, effective January 18, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $71,169.55. Observer Note:  Last week a contract for Cable Communications was sent to the Prosecutor’s office for review.  See January 4 meeting last item before Executive Session.  Mr. Spidalieri was present at that meeting and voiced no objections at that time.  There was no indication that the Prosecutor’s Office found any issues with this contract.  

Mr. Gorton explained that this equipment was for the Chase Building.  Mr. Spidalieri stated that he would not approve this. He expressed his viewpoint that this should not be signed until the contract to purchase the Chase Building contract is finalized.  Mr. Dvorak had voted to approve but the motion died for lack of a second.  

The Maintenance Department received approval to executive the service Contract Agreement with Geauga Mechanical Company to replace the Boiler at Geauga County Next Step Building.  Agreement is for a period of one year, effective January 18, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $21,800.  This was an emergency because there is no heat right now in the Next Step Building.

Financial Report: Mr. Gorton received approval for the following:

• Appropriation transfer from the Commissioners miscellaneous account to the Probate Court and Public Defender to pay unemployment claims that had not been budgeted

• Appropriations transfer to the Sheriff for miscellaneous funds, reimbursement and web checks that were deposited into the General Fund

• Supplemental in the General Fund to place appropriations into the ADP expense accounts to absorb the Archives Department.  

• Supplemental in the General Fund for the Sheriff to replace appropriations that were granted in 2023 for vehicles and equipment that are still needed but were not able to be encumbered prior to the end of the year

• Supplemental from the Sheriff’s office in their 800 Communications Permanent Improvement fund for encumbrances to replace their 800 MHz (Megahertz) radios

• Cash Transfer from the General Fund to Public Assistance for the January - March 2024 mandated share

• Cash Transfer from the General Fund to the 800 Communications Permanent Improvements fund for additional money needed to complete the funding for the radio replacements.

• Encumbrances

  • Travel for office on Aging, Clerk of Courts, Common Pleas Court and JFS

  • Then and Now from the Commissioners Office to Carly Laura Snavely for appointed counsel fees from 2021 that were not previously encumbered.

• Vouchers

  • $29,326.50 from Aging to Welsky Synergy Human and Social SeriesCorp for service and support in regards to their client engagement software

  • $75,000 from the Engineer’s Office to Kalida Truck Equipment Inc for a Diamond 22’ rear cradle boom mower

Before the Financials were approved, Mr. Gorton removed the item listed above for payment to Cable Communications Inc. since that was not approved.

The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:

• To distribute the balance in the Domestic Violence Fund (2070) to Womensafe, the local agency designated by the Commissioners to receive such monies.  This allocation is to be paid pursuant to Section 3113.34 of the O.R.C. for the 2023 year, in the amount of $11,730.94.

• To execute the Payment Processing Agreement with CSG Forte Payments, Incorporated to provide Financial Transaction Devices for County expenses owed to County Officials / Offices in accordance with O.R.C. 301.28 for a period of five years effective January 18, 2024.

County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:

To rescind the motion from December 12, 2023 due to the lack of the full Board of County Commissioners, that read: Resolution #23-205 to Improve the Embankment of the Bundysburg Road Bridge (Structure #BR-0038-03.080) in Parkman Township and the Embankment of the Gem Road Bridge (Structure #BR-0264-00.290) in Chester Township.

This motion had to be rescinded because there was a requirement (not stated but probably from Ohio Department of Transportation) that it had to be approved by the entire Board (not just a quorum or majority) and on that day one Commissioner was absent.  

Due to the fact that Mr. Lennon was absent at today’s meeting, the Engineer's office had to withdraw a planned motion to approve this matter.  The Engineer’s Office will have to reintroduce this motion when there is a full Board.

The Department of Development (Building) received approval to execute the Application for Authorization to Permit Use of County Credit Cards per O.R.C. 301.27 for the Year 2024 for Staples in an amount not to exceed $250.00 per month for Daniel Spada and Doreen Eppich and for a Geauga Credit Union Visa in an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 per person per month for Daniel Spada and Doreen Eppich.  It was stated by Mr. Spada that this was missed when the Commissioners approved all credit card users last week at their Organizational Meeting.

The Department of Development (Community & Economic) received approval for the following:

• For the Commissioners to re-appoint the following members to the Fair Housing Committee for a two-year term, January 18, 2024 through December 31, 2025: Lisa Briggs, Sara Clemson, Dawn Farrell and Nancy Leirer.

• To execute the Ohio Department of Development / Office of Community Development Organization Contacts Form for the OCEAN Users and role assignment form, which is used to apply for and maintain ODSA programs and grants.

The Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) received approval to release the Statements of Interest and Qualifications for Professional Design Services Related to the Design and Construction Administration of County Buildings with Responses due on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.  Notice of this request for Statements of Interest and Qualifications for Professional Design Services will be advertised on January 24, 2024 and February 1, 2024 and on the County website.  The posting on the County website can be accessed here when posted.

This project is for the Geauga Youth Center upgrade.  The State of Ohio will contribute $1 million.  Both Commissioner Spidalieri and Commissioner Dvorak expressed that they were very happy this is finally going to happen as it has been much needed. Director Swenson said that they have had to send youth outside the County, and occasionally quite far away because they couldn’t accommodate them in the present facility. He also said that the new design will have two wings and better sight lines so it will be easier to keep track of the residents.

Observer Note:  There was no discussion of other sources of income.  This observer asked a question about funding during the public comment period and was told that JFS has been saving money for this project.  

The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:

• To execute the service Contract Agreement with B and J Tepps Incorporated d.b.a.(doing business as) Southgate Lock and Security to provide Lock and Key Services per the Director for a period of three years, effective January 18, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $6,000.00.

• To execute the service Contract Agreement with Western Reserve Lightning Rod Company to perform Maintenance and Repairs of Lightning Protection Equipment for Geauga County Buildings for a period of three years, effective January 18, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.

• To execute the service Contract Agreement with HZW Environmental Consultants, LLC to provide various Professional Health, Safety and Environmental Consulting Services per the Director for a period of two years, effective January 18, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.

• To execute the service Contract Agreement with Burton Carpet Shoppe to perform Installation, Repairs and Replacement of Carpet in County Buildings for a period of two years, effective January 18, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $65,000.00.  Mr. Spiadalieri asked for an assurance that there would still be quotes for any work and that other companies could submit quotes.  Contract Coordinator Matt Siracki said that was the case.

• To execute the service Contract Agreement with E Technologies to provide inspections and maintenance on Geauga County UPS Units for the period February 14, 2024 through February 14, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00.

Mr. Dvorak asked if there was a protocol in the event of a Maintenance emergency and he asked that a protocol be developed in the next 30 days.

The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:

• To execute the service Contract Agreement with Five Star Fire Protection Services, Incorporated to perform all inspections, recharging, hydrostatic pressure testing and repairs including emergency and exit lighting for a period of one-year, effective January 18, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $2,500.00.

• To execute the service Contract Agreement with Mack Industries, Incorporated to perform Repair Services as needed at various locations within the Department for a period of one-year, effective January 18, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.

Kinetic Presentation - The Vice President of State Government Affairs, Jeanne Shearer, provided an update on Kinetic’s plans, especially in regard to expanding fiber into rural and underserved areas.  She handed out a presentation and referenced several maps that were in the presentation.  Ms. Shearer said that Kinetic is in 33,000 locations in Geauga County and that they own the poles.  They currently have 730 miles of fiber cable.  She said that they feel they are in a key position to be part of the solution to close the digital divide.  They are going to use $793 million of Coronavirus funds for infrastructure upgrades.  They will be looking for support from community partners and also they want to hear input from communities.  Shearer said they will also be reaching out to municipalities.

Mr. Dvorak asked about the SE corner of the County and a particular service provider.  Dvorak said that his impression was that they were not very good.  He wanted to know if Kinetic was partnering with them and Ms. Shearer said no.  He also wanted to know whether there were lines from Mayfield down 44 to the hospital and whether there was an alternate line on Aquila Road in case there would be a problem in that area.  Ms Shearer didn’t know the answer but said she would look into it.

The Statutory Group Meeting

The Statutory Group, consisting of the Commissioners, Sheriff Hildenbrand, Judge Ondrey of the Common Pleas, and Sheila Bevington, Clerk of Courts, pursuant to O.R.C. 153.36, met to review and approve by a majority of the members of the Statutory Group, the plans, drawings, representations, bills of material, specifications of work and estimates of the cost thereof in detail and in the aggregate, relating to GMP Amendment No. 1 and GMP No. 2 for the contract with Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated.  This group is required to review changes that apply to the Courthouse Expansion Project.  Mr. Morgan stated that the Probate Judge refused to be part of the process because his offices are not in the Courthouse.  Mr. Morgan stated that there weren’t many changes and that they didn’t impact the layout, but there was a flooring change.  Sheriff Hildenbrand asked if they all had to come back every time there was a change, and Mr. Morgan said that it had to do with pre-construction changes.

Commissioner’s Office received approval for the following: 

• To execute Change Order #21, increasing the Guaranteed Maximum Price Phase #1 and Phase #2 Contract with Donley’s Independence, LLC for the installation, programming, and testing of seven (7) additional access card readers in Job and Family Services and other miscellaneous work requests not covered in the original contract, in the amount of $21,409.50.

• To approve the removal of Karen Fueger, Food Service Coordinator from unpaid leave effective February 2, 2024.

The Department on Aging received approval for the following:

• To advertise for the position of Information and Referral Assistant (#1017).  This position will remain posted until filled.

• To approve the revised job description for the position of Food Service Coordinator (#1009) to be effective January 18, 2024.

• To advertise for the position of Food Service Coordinator (#1009) internally for a period of five days.  If no qualified candidate is found, then advertise externally until the position is filled.

The Commissioners’ Office received approval to execute the Letter of Legal Representation: Outside Counsel with Meyers, Roman, Friedberg and Lewis for the Year 2024 in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00. Mr.
Morgan stated that this was the same as last year.

Additional items not on the Agenda:

Mr. Morgan presented information on a potential tax free bond to be issued to Laurel School.  This is a renewal of a 2008 Bond and this action was recommended by Bond Counsel from Squire Patton Bogg. Further resolutions would be needed to finalize this action.

Mr. Morgan also presented information regarding the request of Hartville Hardware, owned by Sherpa Development CO, LLC in Middlefield for a tax-free bond..  It was referenced that this company received approval to be annexed into Middlefield at a previous meeting so that they could take advantage of water and sewer available through Middlefield. See Observer Report for January 4 here.

Mr. Dvorak stated that there would need to be more research done on this request so no action was taken.

The Commissioners approved sending a contract regarding Weleski Transit (a moving company) for review by the Prosecutor’s Office.

Public Comment 

Mrs. Jones asked that statements and discussion be more audible as it is difficult to hear.  She also asked if this tax free bond would be similar to Geauga Lake where a Port Authority was also involved.  She stated that she didn’t feel comfortable with Port Authority from outside the County coming into our County.  She suggested that there needed to be more information and that it would be better if residents could hear the discussions.

Mr. Dvorak said there would be more information collected.

Mrs. Jones also asked about the transfer of funds for WomenSafe.  It was confirmed that this was for 2023.

This observer asked the following questions:

1. Could the resolution for Weleski be repeated as it could not be heard. This was done.  

2. Could there be clarification on if the tax-free bond requested by Sherpa Development was similar to the tax-free bond request from Jennings Corp that had been turned down by the Commissioners. Mr.Spidalieri said that the Sherpa request was for new construction and would add employees. He said that Jennings had no new construction.  

3. Juvenile Home - This observer asked a question regarding funding for this project since the only funding mentioned during this meeting was the State funding of $1 million.  Mr. Spidalieri stated that JFS has the funds.  He said they have been planning for this for a while.

Public citizen Dan Divoky spoke at length about his difficulties with the Leaders Trailer Park in Hambden Township.  He reported that he had tried contacting all pertinent township officials and the County Planning Commission, Health Department and County Soil and Water Department for issues such as:  Buffer removed between Leaders and his property; pipe with stormwater directed at his property; safety issues with Trailer Park residents.  He stated that he felt various officials had lied to him and had changed zoning without proper notice in order to allow Leaders to do some of these detrimental things.  He said that Leaders has also lied to the State since they are not supposed to have more than 3 trailers per acre but consistently have had more than that.  

Mr. Spidalieri advised Mr. Divoky to attend a Planning Commission meeting, either on the Agenda or to speak during public comment.  Observer Note:  The Planning Commission does not have a public comment portion of their meeting. 

Meeting Adjourned  

More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.

Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 9:30 am.

Observers: Gail Roussey

Editor & Reviewer: Sarah McGlone

Date Submitted: 01/20/24

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