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Members of the Public Crowd Into Meeting to Support Dog Warden

Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Meeting - December 27, 2024

Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Friday, December 27th (change of day due to the Christmas holiday) at 9:30 am for a meeting at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.  The 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 and at the meeting.  Items discussed at the meeting but not on the agenda, if any, are addressed at the end of this report.  Due to the controversy surrounding the dog warden, the meeting was moved to a larger conference room on the third floor, with remote viewing available in Conference Room B303. Observer Note:  By 9:30 am there were reportedly no parking spaces available in the large parking lot connected to the new County office building and residents reported parking at the Library Administration building and walking to the building

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 has been no formal policy introduced, although public comment was permitted today. See below

Attendance: Present were Commissioners Timothy Lennon, Ralph Spidalieri and James Dvorak. Also present were Commissioners' Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Gerry Morgan, Assistant County Administrator Linda Burhenne and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.  Recently elected Commissioner Carolyn Brakey was also in attendance.

County Representatives: Allyson Korbus, Planner II; Tom Rowan, Chief Deputy Sheriff; Matt Granito, Geauga County Dog Warden; Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy Administrator, Automatic Data Processing (ADP); Shane Hajjar, Engineer’s Department;  Kathleen Miller, Fiscal Specialist, Department of Water Resources; Jessica Boalt, Director, Department on Aging; and representatives from the Geauga Agricultural Society (Fair Board) including James McCaskey, (who is also a Munson Township trustee) and Howard Bates (who is also a Board member for Geauga Park District).

Others in Attendance: Glenn Vernick, Director Maintenance Dept.; Adam Litke, Administrator, Geauga County Public Health; County residents Diane and Tom Jones, members of the public and press, and this Observer. There were news reporters and video cameras from Channel 3, 5 and 8.  There was also a reporter from the Plain Dealer and over 300 concerned residents.  It was difficult to determine actual attendance as many people remained in the hallway and/or the virtual viewing area.

At the beginning of the meeting Commissioner Spidalieri announced that a sign-up sheet was being sent around for people who wanted to offer public comment, which would be heard at the end of the meeting.  

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

Minutes: No Minutes were submitted for approval.. Observer Comment: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through December 27, 2024, for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes.  Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through November 14, 2024.

Administrators'  Report: Mr. Morgan approved the following Appropriation transfers:

• Transfer from the Auditor’s office in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to move funds to cover payroll (no amounts given) Observer Note:  See LWVGeauga Report from July 30, 2024 and October 8, 2024 in which the Commissioners discussed using ARPA for payroll to free up General Fund money to pay for the Courthouse Expansion Project.

• Planning - Supplemental appropriation (no amounts given)

• Supplemental and de-appropriation for JFS (Job and Family Services), the Sheriff’s Department, and the Law Library to balance for year-end (no amounts given).

Vouchers:

• $25,000 from ADP for an Agreement with Enco Government Software LLC to release all claims in relation to this service contract Reviewer Note: See LWVG Observer report from ADP meeting on December 10, 2024 where this topic was discussed.

• $13,295.79 JFS to ESC (Educational Service Center) of the Western Reserve for Teen Pregnancy prevention

• $8,503.40 from Maintenance to East Ohio Gas for utility payments

Revenue Certification and de-certification for JFS in their Workforce Investment Fund Account to balance out the fund for year end (no amounts given).

Approved hiring in Maintenance for a full time custodian on December 23 but then rescinded that hiring on December 26 as the individual took a different job offer elsewhere.

Agreed with Auburn Township not to require a hearing for a liquor license for Auburn Patio LLC, Washington St., Chagrin Falls.

Agreed with Montville Township not to require a hearing for a liquor license for Cantini’s  Country Store, Madison Rd, in Montville. 

Financial Report: Mr. Gorton received approval for the following: Observer Note: Monetary figures are given when available.

• Appropriations Transfer in the Auditor’s office for ARPA funds for various projects

• Appropriations Transfer ADP Contract services to funds for equipment for year end

• Supplemental de-appropriation in the Engineer’s office and Juvenile Court to balance for year-end

• Cash Transfer for ADP to move unexpended funds into General Fund

• Revenue de-certifications for Engineer (storm water fund) due to funds not received and to balance for the end of year

The Commissioner’s Office received approval to execute Resolution #24-220 Authorizing the Transfer of Funds from the Geauga County Clerk of Courts 2010-Certificate of Title Administration Fund to the County General Fund.  It was stated that this was due to ARPA money having been utilized for payroll.

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

• to rescind several motions from December 17, 2024 to Improve Fairmount Road (CH-0016, Sections C-F) in Russell and Newbury Townships, to Improve Sperry Road (CH-0012, Sections B-G) in Chester, Newbury and Russell Townships, to Improve Gingerich Road (CH-0034, Section A) in Burton Township, to Improve the Replacement of the Haskins Road Bridge (Structure BR-0191-03.21) in Bainbridge Township, to Improve Various Sections of County Roads by Applying Pavement Markings, Year 2025.  This was due to some technicalities.

• to approve and execute Resolution #24-221 to Improve Fairmount Road (CH-0016, Sections C-F) in Russell and Newbury Townships.

• to approve and execute Resolution #24-222 to Improve Sperry Road (CH-0012, Sections B-G) in Chester, Newbury and Russell Townships.

• to approve and execute Resolution #24-223 to Improve Gingerich Road (CH-0034, Section A) in Burton Township.

• to approve and execute Resolution #24-224 to Improve the Replacement of the Haskins Road Bridge (Structure BR-0191-03.21) in Bainbridge Township.

• to approve and execute Resolution #24-225 to Improve Various Sections of County Roads by Applying Pavement Markings, Year 2025.

• to approve the release of the Maintenance ($50,000.00) and Paving ($45,000.00) Guarantees being held for the Hunting Valley Preserve Subdivision in Chester Township as the owner of record, NCR Ventures (owner Rick Doody), has performed all pavement and maintenance guarantee work as required. (Hunting Ridge was accepted for snow and ice control by Chester Township on December 19, 2017.)

The Planning Commission received approval to execute the Final Plat for Arborwood Subdivision, Replat of Sublot 1, creating Sublot 1A and 1B in Munson Township.

The Department on Aging received approval to execute the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging SFY 2024-2025 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) Medicare Savings Programs, Low-income Subsidy and Prescription Drug Assistance through the Aging Network, State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and Aging and Disability Resource Centers Grant Agreement for the period September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025 in the amount of $6,791.90.

The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:

• to execute the Memorandum of Understanding regarding Obligation of SLFRF Funds (Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act) between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Water Resources for the McFarland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades as identified in Resolution #24-004 in the not to exceed amount of $5,000,000.00.

• to execute the Memorandum of Understanding regarding Obligation of SLFRF Funds between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Water Resources for the Services Center Drinking Water System Upgrades as identified in Resolution #24-148 in the not to exceed amount of $1,000,000.00.

• to approve the submission of 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 $599,447.73 ($564,645.25 Arrearage and $34,802.48 Penalty).

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Swift First Aid to perform refilling of first aid kits at various locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $2,500.00.

• to execute the service Contract Agreement with Hannon Electric Company to perform electrical work including motor and blower service and repairs at various locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with National Pump and Process, Inc., to perform pump maintenance at various locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with McDonald Equipment Company, Inc., to perform generator and equipment services and repairs, as needed at wastewater and water district locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 ($6,000.00 wastewater and $4,000.00 water).

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Geauga Door Sales and Service, Inc., to perform door repair services as needed at various Wastewater and Water District locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 ($5,000.00 wastewater and $5,000.00 water).

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Tim Frank Septic Tank Cleaning Company to perform emergency sludge hauling and vactor services (sludge clean up) for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Auburn Fence Corporation to perform fence repair, replacement, and installation as needed at Wastewater and Water District locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00 ($10,000.00 wastewater and $5,000.00 water).

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Emery Electric, Inc., to perform electrical repairs as needed at Wastewater and Water District locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $45,000.00 ($30,000.00 wastewater and $15,000.00 water).

• to  approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Buckeye Power Sales to perform generator services and repairs as needed at various Wastewater and Water District locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 ($15,000.00 wastewater and $5,000.00 water).

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Workman Industrial Services, Inc., to perform emergency rehabilitation and improvements as needed at various Wastewater locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00.

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Cleveland Tree and Stump to perform tree removal services at various Wastewater and Water District locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $35,000.00 ($30,000.00 wastewater and $5,000.00 water).

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Sunrise Springs Water Company to provide iron filter and water softener installations, and required maintenance and filter replacements, as needed at various locations for the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Mack Industries, Inc., to perform repair services, as needed at various Wastewater and Water District locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00 ($10,000.00 wastewater and $5,000.00 water).

• to approve and execute the service Contract Agreement with Geauga Coatings to perform concrete leveling and coating services as needed at various locations within the department for a one-year period, effective January 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00.

Geauga Agricultural Society (Fair Board) discussed the Poultry Barn renovation - Commissioners reviewed plans for the renovation of the Poultry Barn at the Geauga County Fair and authorized the Fair Board to proceed with whatever plans they felt were most appropriate.  It was noted by Mr. Spidalieri that the Commissioners had approved $750,000 for the renovation.  The Fair Board was not asking for additional funding, but wanted permission to alter the plans to potentially go with a two-building plan.

Mr. Lennon reiterated that the Fair Board has the money and he said that, “The Fair Board is the one who has taken care of this property.”

Decision was made to amend the prior resolution and approve it at the next meeting. Observer Note:  This was not brought up or approved at the January 7, 2025 meeting.

Commissioners office received approval for the following:

• to approve and execute the Agreement between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and Glaus Pyle Schomer Burns and DeHaven Inc. d.b.a. GPD Group for Engineering Services, as needed at various locations in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00.

• to approve and authorize the President of the Board to execute the Letter of Engagement with Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP for County of Geauga, Ohio Continuing Disclosure and Economic Development Matters for the Year 2025 in an amount not to exceed $8,500.00.

• to approve and authorize the President of the Board to execute the Letter of Representation: Outside Counsel with Meyers Roman Friedburg and Lewis for the Year 2025 in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00, unless prior approval by the Board.

• to approve and authorize the County Administrator the authority to execute, in case of a lack of quorum of Commissioners and / or if session is cancelled on a regular financial day or on a day when financials need to be approved, the required approvals for county financials on behalf of the Board during the Year 2025, as authorized by O.R.C. 305.30, and which duties shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the commissioners.

• to approve the Meeting Schedule for 2025.

Public Comment - Commissioner Spidalieri opened the floor to public comment with several of his own  comments about his commitment to serve the county and “four legged friends”.  He reiterated comments from the prior meeting that indicated he thought the issue should have been addressed in another format, such as through Human Resources or an Executive Session.  Commissioner Dvorak said that, “I handled it a little bit incorrectly” - referring to the prior meeting.  He also gave the background information about a prior meeting in April when aspects of the dog warden’s performance had been discussed.  Mr Dvorak said that, “Promises made, promises not kept”.  He had concluded that another private meeting wouldn’t fix anything, which is why he had put the matter on the agenda for the prior meeting.  

Mr. Lennon stated that this was his last meeting (he had not sought re-election) and he joked that he thought the huge crowd “...was a big surprise for me”.  He praised the Dog Shelter for using the dog shelter’s own funds, raised through bequests, donations and fees.  He continued, “We probably should have addressed - Is this enough money?”.

Observer Note: See December 22, 2024 Geauga Maple Leaf article recounting the discussion regarding the dog warden and suggested options to move responsibilities to the Geauga County Sheriff’s office as well as LWVGeauga Observer report for December 17, 2024.

Public Comment took over two hours, with most individuals speaking for over 5 minutes.  Observer Note:  There were reports about the meeting in the News Herald, Geauga Maple Leaf and Chagrin Valley Times as well as Cleveland.com and several news channels.  See this Channel 3 recording for information.  There were 23 people who commented with all except one person speaking in favor of the dog warden and in favor of not making changes to the how the dog shelter is currently run, with Matt Granito as the dog warden.  Many people also spoke in favor of continuing the practice of bringing dogs in from other shelters.  The dog warden, Matt Granito, spoke at length about the various controversies surrounding his work.  As he did at the last meeting (see details in the reports cited above), two of the main issues he discussed again were:

• whether the dog warden has authority under Ohio Revised Law (ORC) to remove a dog from a person’s car or home if the car or home is abandoned due to death or arrest, and 

• what procedures should be followed if the humane officer (from Rescue Village) is not available to remove a dog who is at risk for harm.

Mr. Granito maintained that in many cases the Human Officer from Rescue Village has authority and the dog involved should be taken to Rescue Village.  He said that he only has authority to pick up unlicensed dogs and a dog running at large (with the exception that hunting dogs can run large in certain circumstances).  He did say that he has authority to get a warrant but that he has never done so.

Observer Note:  Rescue Village responded to the comments in this meeting with a letter to all volunteers and donors of Rescue Village.  The letter details the various responsibilities and duties of the dog warden and the work of Rescue Village. The letter is available in its entirety here.  

Mr. Granito concluded that “I apologize for what I said (regarding Sheriff’s deputies)”  “The higher political people need to let us do our job.”

Amy Beichler, The Executive Director of PAWS Ohio spoke next.  She strongly advocated to keep the shelter running with the current dog warden and stated she did not “...support the Sheriff taking over.”  She concluded that, “Hands down Geauga County dog shelter is the best shelter.  And quite frankly Matt is the best dog warden I have ever worked with."

Many residents talked about receiving a dog that was from another shelter, both in state and out of state.  One Munson Township resident who brought her dog to the meeting said that he was from Tennessee and had been on a euthanasia list.  She credited the dog with saving her life when she had an abnormal heart rhythm.  

There were numerous shelter volunteers who attested to the good work being done at the shelter, and by Mr.
Granito specifically.

Several other types of comments that provoked clapping from the crowd included the following:

• Many speakers suggested that there should be standard procedures so that the dog warden and everyone else knows what to do in various situations.  One speaker said that the prosecutor should “do (his/her) job in clarifying legal questions”.

• Several people mentioned the money spent on other priorities like the $750,000 for the poultry barn, and the discussion of paying $300,000 in legal fees for Judge Grendell.

• Several people said the Commissioners should address resource issues - perhaps hire an additional assistant.

• Several people said they would vote out anyone who does not prioritize the dogs.  It was pointed out that over 3,000 people signed an on-line petition and another 400 signed a paper petition in support of Mr. Granito and the dog shelter.

• One speaker, an attorney, said that people should lobby the Ohio Bar Association to promote legislation that addresses the gaps in the laws that allow this confusion.

Commissioner Lennon spontaneously interrupted the public comment portion by putting forward a motion to approve $250,000 to the Geauga County Animal Shelter. This motion passed unanimously and was greeted with loud cheering.  Observer Note:  There was no discussion by the Commissioners of how they would fund this $250,000.

Lauren Sammon from the Cleveland Kennel (City Dogs Cleveland) gave statistics about the dog shelters.  She said that in Ohio the live release rate is 83.4% but that the Geauga dog shelter had a 98.9% live release rate. Observer
Note: No source was given for these statistics and others that Ms. Sammon gave and this Observer could not verify the information.

At the conclusion of the public comment portion of the meeting, all three Commissioners spoke.

Mr. Dvorak said that communication stems from the Administrator.  He also said that the Commissioners would be reviewing the notes, the Standard Operating Procedures suggested and that they would put out a press release.  He said, “...the crowd today is asking for communication between the dog warden, the Sheriff and the Administrator”.  

Mr. Lennon said, “Unless you want to commit career suicide, you’re not going to dismiss Matt Granito from being the dog warden”.

Mr. Lennon asked incoming Commissioner Brakey to come forward and introduce herself.  She took a seat at the Commissioners’ table alongside Commissioner Spidalieri.  Some in the crowd asked her to stand.  She deferred saying that, “You didn’t ask the gentlemen to stand.”  This resulted in boos.

Mr. Lennon said that he thought Mrs. Brakey, as the incoming Commissioner “is going to do a fantastic job.”  He thanked everyone and said that his time as Commissioner has been an education, “...every day you learn something new.”  He also said he “implore(s) everybody to work together and put aside the aspirations for control”.

Mr. Spidalieri thanked everyone “...for being there and expressing their thoughts with passion”.  He also took the opportunity to thank Mr. Lennon for his years of service as a Commissioner.  He concluded, “Tim, you will be truly missed.”

Mr. Dvorak said, “We all respect each other” and that it was a “pleasure serving with you Tim (Lennon).”

A person from the crowd asked when there would be a decision about the dog warden.

Mr. Spidalieri said that on Jan. 7, 2025, the organization meeting would be held and that directors of departments and other officers are appointed at that time.

Mr. Spidalieri concluded by saying that the situation with the dog warden has “...opened my eyes. . .Matt has prided himself on not burdening taxpayer dollars to be put into his operation.  Almost to a fault….  There was never an ask.. . . This was a good conversation. . . This will enable us to make better decisions for the shelter. . .  That’s truly what I have taken out of this.”

Meeting adjourned at 12:21 pm

Work Session - The Commissioners’ Office next held a Work Session to review the motions and agenda for the upcoming Organizational Meeting to be held January 7, 2025. Although this was open to the public, no members of the public stayed for this meeting and there was only one reporter.  It was noted that all of these matters will be formally acted upon at the Jan 7, 2025 reorganization meeting. Discussion included the following topics:

• Holiday schedule

• Email list for meeting notifications

• Discussion of the Juvenile Detention Center and Portage County payment for participation in building the Portage Juvenile Detention Center.  Observer Note:  The Commissioners decided to withdraw from the Portage Agreement and are waiting for compensation on several back items.  See LWVGeauga Observer Report for September 5, 2024.

• Appointments to Boards and Committees

• Officers for the Commissioners

• Assignment of Commissioners for representation at various boards

• Staff appointments (including County Administrator, Department chairs and Dog Warden)

• Legal representation at meetings

Observer Note:  At the January 7, 2025 meeting two of these items were not discussed:  Juvenile Detention Center and Legal representation at Commissioners’ meetings.  The LWV Geauga Observer Report will be available within the week detailing the actual discussions and decisions at this meeting.

More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.

Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next BOCC meeting after this one will be January 7, 2025 at 9:30 am.  Following that meeting will be a regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2025 at 9:30 am.

Observer: Gail Roussey

Editor: Anne Ondrey

Reviewer: Carol Benton

Date Submitted: 1/8/2025

The League of Women Voters 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.