Geauga County Board of Elections (BOE) - Regular Meeting 05/16/2024
Meeting Info: Regular Meeting on May 16, 2024 at 9:00 am in BOE Conference Room at 470 Center St, Bldg 6A, Chardon, OH, 44024. In-person and virtual, via Microsoft Teams. This Observer participated virtually. Audio quality was much improved compared to the previous meeting.
Agenda: An agenda was provided in advance.
Attendance: Present were:
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Board Chair - Dennis Pavella
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Board Member - Joan Windnagel
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Board Member - Janet Carson
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Board Member - Richard Piraino
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Director - Michelle Lane
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Office Administrator - Scott Daisher
Deputy Director Nora McGinnis was absent. Minutes taken by Joan Windnagel.
County Representatives: Frank Antenucci, ADP (Automatic Data Processing) Chief Deputy Administrator
Others: Three members of the public virtually.
Call to Order: 9:05 a.m.
Minutes: No minutes were presented.
Payment of Bills: Bills totaling $5,991.10 were approved, and included annual dues for the Ohio Association of Election Officials, ballot and election expenses from the March Primary election, training through the Secretary of State, and office expenses.
ADP Update
Mr. Antenucci updated the Board on plans to install ballot drop boxes near the northwest corner of the County Administration Building, near an existing drive thru window. Five cameras will be needed at a cost of about $12,000, and the maintenance department will complete concrete work. Total cost of the project is about $50,000, which is a significant decrease from initial projections. The new plan was proposed by Gerry Morgan and Linda Burhenne of the County Commissioners’ Office. It must also be approved by Brett Harbage, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator for the Ohio Secretary of State (SOS).
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There is uncertainty whether the BOE is permitted to bolt together two drop boxes to allow for separate access for drive up voters and walk up voters. Mrs. Lane will follow up with the Prosecutor’s office.
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Mrs. Carson inquired about the time frame for completing the work. Mr. Antenucci stated the cameras would take 4 weeks to acquire. He is uncertain of the maintenance department’s time frame.
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Mrs. Carson inquired about the status of SOS mandated cameras in the elevator. Mr. Antenucci reported the cameras were ordered the previous day. They are waiting for the elevator company to meet with them.
It was stated that July 8, 2024, is the deadline for moving into the Administration Building. If not completed by then, the move would have to wait until after the November 5, 2024 election work is completed.
Mr. Antenucci departed at 9:39 a.m.
County Administration Building Update
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The board discussed recommendations from the SOS to make the women’s bathroom ADA compliant. Mrs. Lane noted that the builder erred in the placement of a wall.
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The board will review and discuss a list of outstanding items that will be sent to the Board of County Commissioners.
Campaign Finance Reports
Mr. Daisher relayed two issues that staff recommended the Board consider for referral to the Ohio Elections Commission. He explained that they are holding the candidate’s certification of nomination, pending resolution. After discussion, the board took the following actions:
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Referred the Committee to Elect Ralph Spidalieri to the Ohio Elections Commission for their repeated failures to timely file a post-election campaign finance report
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Mailed the Committee to Elect Andrew Haupt a certified letter warning that a referral would be made to the Ohio Elections Committee unless the post-election campaign finance report was received within seven days.
2024 Summer Conference
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The board, director, and deputy director are registered.
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Mrs. Windnagel reported that 3 county cars are available to transport board and staff to the conference. It was noted that under the Sunshine Laws, there cannot be more than 2 board members in a car or the gathering will be considered to be a meeting.
Not on the Agenda
Mr. Piraino said he had spoken with Ashtabula BOE Director Charlie Frye about a proposed new law that would require a driver’s license when voting using an absentee ballot. He suggested reaching out to bishops in the Amish community to educate them about the potential change. Other board members felt it was more appropriate to educate all voters rather than targeting a specific group of voters. No action taken.
Observer Comment: Mr. Piraino appears to be referring to proposed HB 472. Track status and read the Ohio Legislative Commission’s analysis.
Voting Booth Bids
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One bid received from Inclusion Solutions LLC for 78 four-station booths and 26 single booths at a total cost of $84,442, with this amount to be paid for from BOE general fund. Motion to purchase APPROVED.
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Board will keep about 20 older voting booths as back ups.
Gilmore Security Contract - a security agreement is required for the new BOE offices at the County Administration Building. Gilmore Security was unable to accommodate the requirements of the Prosecutor’s Office so a contract is being written with Guardian Security. It was noted that the Prosecutor’s Office has already approved another contract in the county with Guardian.
NCOA (National Change of Address)
On May 31, the BOE will mail out a notification to about 500 voters whose registrations were flagged for possible removal from voting rolls. Voters will be able to update their address online.
July 5th
Motion to close office on Friday, July 5, with staff using comp or personal time was APPROVED.
Short break at 10:55 a.m.
Director’s Report - Mrs. Lane reported:
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They learned about the ZeroEyes system for detecting firearms.
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They attended the SOS Regional Readiness Program, where they met the new liaison.
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Met with KNOWiNC regarding synching issues with poll pads
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Attended a meeting about updated plan for the drop boxes
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She, Mrs. Windnagel and Mrs. McGinnis attended the BOCC budget hearing. She feels they are likely to receive funding for the requested new ladder and mail machine. The BOCC suggested the BOE lease a vehicle instead of buying.
County Office Building - Outstanding Items: Regarding the planned move from 470 Center Street, Building 6A offices to the new County Administration Building, the board reviewed the status of outstanding items so that a comprehensive list could be provided to BOCC.
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It was confirmed that overhead pipes had been labeled and it was further noted that water would be flowing over the area where voting equipment will be stored.
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Mrs. Windnagel noted that the kitchen has no seating area. She recommends replacing a bank of wall cabinets with a bulletin board to create room for a table.
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Mrs. Carson inquired about the planned curbside voting area using Ringtone cameras. Mrs. Lane said the SOS ADA report indicated there are problems with the grade in the curbside voting area.
Motion supporting updated ballot box plan APPROVED, pending approval of SOS. Concrete bids to be managed by BOCC.
Observer Comment: Earlier in the meeting it was stated that July 8, 2024, is the deadline for moving into the County Administration Building. If outstanding items are not completed by then, the move would have to wait until after the November 5, 2024 election work is completed.
Executive Session: Entered into executive session at 11:24 a.m. for the purpose of discussing security matters under 121.22(G)(6). Mrs. Lane and Mr. Daisher were invited to participate. Mr. Pavella indicated no action was anticipated and this Observer departed the meeting.
Public Comment: none
Next Meeting - June 20, 2024 at 9:00 am.
Approved Minutes - posted on the BOE website through January, 2024
Observer: Shelly Lewis
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
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