Board Recognizes Departing Board Member Mark Jackson for his Twelve Years of Service
Board of Developmental Disabilities Meeting - December 11, 2024
Meeting Details: The Board of Developmental Disabilities held a Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm on December 11, 2024 in the Administration Board room at Metzenbaum Center at 8200 Cedar Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026. Virtual access is typically available via Zoom but was not set up for this meeting. This observer attended in person.
Public Comment: Board of Developmental Disabilities does not have a written public comment policy. In practice, public comment is solicited at the end of the meeting.
Board Attendance:
Developmental Disabilities Staff:
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Don Rice - Superintendent
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Dave Carlson - Assistant Superintendent
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Rean Davis - Business Operations Director
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Tami Setlock - Support and Service Administration
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Richelle Mills - Transportation
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Megan Thirion - Employment First
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Meredith Myers - Early Intervention
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Janice Chesnes - Human Resources
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Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich - Administrative Assistant
Others Present:
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm by Ms. Tvergyak-Oznowich. The Board members and staff introduced themselves for the benefit of this Observer attending her first Developmental Disabilities Board meeting.
Minutes: Minutes for the November 20, 2024 Board Meeting were approved without edits.
The Board took the following actions:
APPROVED - Resolution of appreciation for Mark Jackson’s 12 years of service as a board member, recognizing his leadership and contribution. Mr. Jackson is stepping down from the board, and this is his last board meeting. Mr. Rice noted that he would contact Mr. Suttell, who is also stepping down from the Board but was absent from the meeting, to thank him for his service.
APPROVED - The Board reviewed financial transactions processed during the period of November 2024 and determined that the payments do not represent a conflict of interest and no violation of the ethics rules was determined to have occurred. Included in the significant transfers was a rebate in the amount of $220,074 from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. This rebate was related to a reimbursement from the county workers compensation rebate fund that was distributed to departments within the BOCC purview that contributed to 2019-2020 workers’ compensation premium payments. Observer Note: See LWVGeauga Observer Report from the November 26, 2024 BOCC meeting for reference to this action. Ms. Davis also noted that regular year-end preparations are underway.
APPROVED - Voucher Expenditures totaling $1,784,942.91 and another Voucher Schedule totaling $15,000.
APPROVED - The re-establishment of a formal ethics committee composed of non-conflicted members to review financial transactions and avoid conflicts of interest. Mr. Jackson noted that he felt such a committee would provide greater oversight. Mr. Rice clarified that all financial transactions would still be available for any Board member to review if requested.
APPROVED - Updates to a previously approved contract for ViaQuest to provide waiver services. This included adjustments for unanticipated transportation costs, with expenditures capped at $15,000. Observer Note: ViaQuest, Inc. is a healthcare organization offering personalized and specialized services across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. Their core services include comprehensive support to foster independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.
APPROVED - The 2025 Annual Plan for the organization, including minor edits for clarity and formatting, without substantive changes to content from the plan discussed at the last board meeting in November. Observer Note: The 2025 budget approved by the Board in September 2024 was included in the 2025 Annual Plan document provided at the meeting. It shows a planned operating deficit of $1,544,199 in 2025, the fifth consecutive year of deficit spending. The combined impact of revenue remaining largely flat, costs of services and client demand increasing, and inflation were the reasons provided for the deficit. A new levy is expected to be needed by 2027.
The Board received the following status and program reports:
Operational Updates:
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Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs): Mr. Rice noted that there were no deaths reported in the past month and a total of five deaths reported thus far in 2024, down from a comparable figure of 11 last year. Ms. Setlock explained that recent rule changes mean that only unexpected hospitalizations unrelated to known conditions are now reported as MUIs. MUIs fluctuate throughout the year, often driven by hospitalizations due to illnesses like flu or stomach viruses.
The Board took the following additional actions:
DISCUSSED - Collaboration with the Metzenbaum Foundation which provides financial assistance for needs like dental care, glasses, and other necessities for individuals with disabilities. Plans are underway to simplify its reporting to the Board of Developmental Disabilities and share impactful stories about the foundation's work.
DISCUSSED - Training for new Board Members David Welty (appointed by the Juvenile and Probate Judge Tim Grendell) and Tristan Sanchez (appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)) to serve terms from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028. Observer Note: Please see the discussion regarding the reappointment of existing Board of Developmental Board members and a new member by the BOCC in the November 26, 2024 BOCC Meeting Observer Report.
General Announcements:
CrossFit Program Changes - NPower Services announced changes to their fitness program due to gym availability. Plans are underway for a replacement program.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 pm. Mr. Rice concluded the meeting with expressions of gratitude and positive reflections on board achievements over the past year.
Minutes when posted are available here: Board Meeting Summaries|Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Observer: Carol Benton
Editor & Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Submitted 12/17/24
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