Geauga County Dog Warden Under Scrutiny from Sheriff and Prosecutor
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Meeting - December 17, 2024
Original Publication Date: January 4, 2025 Revision Publication Date: January 27, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday,
December 17th 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.
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.
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Timothy Lennon, Ralph Spidalieri and James Dvorak. Mr. Dvoark left the meeting after the ADP Board discussion. Also present were Commissioners' Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Gerry Morgan, Assistant County Administrator Linda Burhenne and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Richard Blamer, Manager, Geauga Airport Authority; Scott Hildenbrand, Geauga County Sheriff; Jim Flaiz, Geauga County Prosecutor; Matt Granito, Geauga County Dog Warden; Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy Administrator, Automatic Data Processing (ADP); Shane Hajjar, Engineers Department; Deputy from Sheriff’s Department; Carmella Shale, Director, Geauga County Soil and Water Department; Matt Sieracki, Maintenance Department; Nick Gorris, Director, Department of Water Resources and Jessica Boalt, Director, Department on Aging.
Others in Attendance: Mary Jane Trapp, Judge for 11th District Court of Appeals; Adam Litke, Administrator, Geauga County Public Health; various members from the Airport Authority; Representatives from University Hospital; Kate Jacobs, Auditor's Office; County residents Diane and Tom Jones, members of the public and press, and this Observer.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Mr. Dvorak.
Minutes: Minutes from November 26, 2024 were approved. Observer Comment: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through December 17, 2024, for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through November 14, 2024.
Financial Report: Mr. Morgan approved the following Appropriation transfers:
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Juvenile Court to cover hospitalization waiver payment
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Auditor's Office to cover the payroll payments from the American Rescue Plan Act Fund
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From Planning Commission to true up their account for year end
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the transfer of funds from the General Fund into the Victim Witness Assistance Fund. The Prosecutor’s Office requested the additional funding for the Victim Witness Program and this will be for the grant period of October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 in the amount of $34,484.60.
The Prosecutor’s Office has been requesting additional funding in the last couple of years due to cuts in state funding. Mr. Lennon remarked that funding this program is important.
Financial Report: Mr. Gorton received approval for the following: Observer Note: Monetary figures are given when available.
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Various Appropriation Transfers and Supplemental Appropriations and De-Appropriations to adjust accounts and funds to balance for final invoices in year end
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Cash Transfer from General fund to Victims Witness fund to pay the local match
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Vouchers:
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$24, 478.90 from Commissioners’ Office to Destination Geauga for 3rd quarter 2024 bed tax distribution
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$37,068.26 from Emergency Services to Daystar for replacement vehicle
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$49,122.00 from Sheriff's office to Tim Lally Cheverolet for a 2024 replacement pursuit vehicle
The Airport Authority received approval for an encumbrance and expenditure for January 2025 in the amount of $1,330,000.00 for the construction of a new T Hangar facility and upgrades to existing facilities at the Airport pending the execution of the Agreement for Capital Improvement Funding. Observer Note: The details of the funding for this construction are unclear and will be reported as they become available.
Members from the Airport presented a timeline for the Federal Aviation Administration funding requirements. They were unable to finish all of the requirements and will not be able to get the funding until the end of 2025. They requested that the BOCC approve this with the understanding that the money from the FAA will come back to the Commissioners. Details for the funding were not made available. Mr. Spidalieri remarked about the revenue which the airport is generating and will generate due to hangar fees and fuel. Due to this, he believes this project will have a return on the investment.
Commissioner Dvorak requested that they have a public discussion regarding the Dog Warden’s Office.
Mr. Dvorak requested that Mr. Granito come before the BOCC to present various issues and problems he has been experiencing in the past year with the handling of the dogs. After presenting the issues, a very heated discussion followed with Mr. Granito, Sheriff Hildenbrand and Prosecutor Flaiz. Both Mr. Flaiz and the Sheriff accused Mr. Granito of not doing his job and suggested that the Sheriff's Department take over the duties of Dog Warden. 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.
The Auditor’s Office / ADP Board received approval to execute Resolution #24-211 to Grant Approval to the Geauga County ADP Board to enter into an agreement with the legislative authority of the Village of Burton, Geauga County, Ohio, to provide microfilming, automatic data processing or other imaging processing or electronic data processing or recording services.
Mr. Spidalieri expressed his concern that they cannot fix the TVs in the room and yet they are taking on work for the townships. Mr. Antenucci assured him that there is no backlog and that the problem with the TVs should first be looked at by the company that installed them when the building was built and to determine whether or not the county received the services that were originally paid for. He stated that that should be the first step as he does not understand the configuration that they established and does not want to negate anything.
Observer Note: Mr. Dvorak left the meeting at this point.
The County Engineer’s Office presented a list of 2025 projects. Mr. Hajjar also received approval for the following:
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To execute Resolution #24-212 to Improve Fairmount Road (CH-0016, Sections C-F) in Russell and Newbury Townships.
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To execute Resolution #24-213 to Improve Sperry Road (CH-0012, Sections B-G) in Chester, Newbury and Russell Townships.
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To execute Resolution #24-214 to Improve Gingerich Road (CH-0034, Section A) in Burton Township.
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To execute Resolution #24-215 to Improve the Replacement of the Haskins Road Bridge (Structure BR-0191-03.21) in Bainbridge Township.
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To execute Resolution #24-216 to Improve Various Sections of County Roads by Applying Pavement Markings, Year 2025.
The Sheriff’s Office received approval to authorize the President of the Board to execute the Combined Public Communications, LLC, Inmate Telecommunications General Services Agreement, Addendum C, to provide, install and maintain eleven (11) in-pod, wall mounted AXXS view devices, along with upgrading and replacing the technology inside the currently installed kiosks within in the jail. This is for Remote Video Visitation along with Online Video Visitation.
The Soil and Water Conservation District received approval:
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To authorize the President of the Board to execute the Lease Agreement between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District for space in the county office building defined as office number 240 on the second floor and room B002 in the basement for the term of three years, beginning January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027 with an automatic renewal for a three year period, in the amount of $25,000.00 per year for the initial term and then upon renewal in the amount of $27,500.00 per year.
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For Permission to advertise to hold Public Hearings for the consideration of Adopting the Updated “Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations” which were amended for 2025. The Public Hearings will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. and on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 9:45 a.m.
The Maintenance Department received approval:
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To award the Bid to Major Waste Disposal Services, Inc., for the 2025-2028 Non-Hazardous Waste Removal Services in the not to exceed amount of $118,766.60 ($22,140.00 2025-2026, $23,025.60 2026-2027, $23,601.00 2027-2028 and up to $50,000.00 for roll-off dumpsters based on cost per ton rate bid) as they represented the lowest and best bid.
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To award the Bid to Air Force One, Inc., for the 2025-2028 “Hill” HVAC Maintenance Services in the not to exceed amount of $156,154.00 ($28,718.00 2025-2026, $28,718.00 2026-2027, $28,718.00 2027-2028 and up to $70,000.00 for service at labor rates bid for 2025-2028) as they represented the lowest and best bid.
The Department of Water Resource received approval:
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To execute the Agreement between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and University Hospital Geauga Medical Center accepting the terms that hereby permits the Hospital to tie into the County Services Center Water System for domestic water service and fire service at four separate points and agrees to waive the tap-in fees for the four connections and in return receive through bill of sale, the existing UH Well Number Four and associated mechanical equipment upon completion of all terms and conditions as defined. Observer Note: See LWVGeauga Report for the August 6, 2024 meeting.
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To authorize Ralph Spidalieri, President of the Board, to execute the revised Division of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance (DEFA) Office of Financial Assistance (OFA) Application forms in regard to the McFarland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation and Upgrade Project in the estimated loan amount of $27,500,000.00; the Board previously took action on December 3, 2024, to authorize the execution of the updated application. Observer Note: Please see LWVGeauga Report for the December 3, 2024 meeting.
The Department on Aging received approval:
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To execute the Contract Agreement with Symba and Snap Gourmet Foods, Inc., to provide delivery of meals according to State and Federal Guidelines for the “Elderly Nutrition Program” preparation and delivery of catered meals for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026 in the amount of $1,041,460.00 ($4.68 per congregate meal, $4.99 per home delivered meal, $4.58 per frozen/holiday meal and $5.80 per therapeutic meal). In addition, to accept the performance bond and release the Bid Bond.
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To waive the irregularity in the Cherished Companions Home Care LLC and The Hills at Home Inc. d.b.a. Ohman Family Living Bids for the Home Care Services: Assistance with Daily Living Program for Geauga Residents Age 60 and over, for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026, where the bidders provided the claims-made level of Commercial General Liability Insurance, rather than the per occurrence level of Commercial General Liability Insurance as the deviation is not substantial and the bids respond to the bid specifications in all material respects.
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To execute the Contract Agreement with QualCare, LLC, for the Home Care Services: Assistance with Daily Living Program for Geauga Residents Age 60 and over for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. In addition, to accept the performance bond and release the Bid Bond.
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To execute the Contract Agreement with The Hills at Home Incorporated d.b.a. Ohman Family Living at Home for the Home Care Services: Assistance with Daily Living Program for Geauga Residents Age 60 and over for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. In addition, to accept the performance fond and release the Bid Bond
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To execute the Contract Agreement with Cherished Companions Home Care, LLC, for the Home Care Services: Assistance with Daily Living Program for Geauga Residents Age 60 and over for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. In addition, to accept the performance fond and release the Bid Bond
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To execute the Lease between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and Bainbridge Community United Church of Christ to provide senior programs and services for a five-year period, January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029.
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To execute the Lease between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and the Village of Middlefield to provide senior programs and services for a five-year period, January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029.
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The submission of a credit card application and necessary documents to the Geauga Credit Union for a Visa to use in accordance with O.R.C. 301.27 with a requested credit line of $15,000.00 and a total of five (5) cards.
The Commissioners’ Office approved the following:
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An updated Schedule of Individuals covered by and utilizing the County’s Employee Dishonesty and Faithful Performance of Duty Policy in lieu of a Surety Bond, in accordance with Resolution #20-091 approved August 11, 2020 for Current Elected Officials, Newly Elected and Re-Elected Officials as outlined in the terms, and further submit the updated schedule of individuals covered by the policy to CORSA, and which coverage shall be immediately in effect.
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The creation, title and job description for the position of Senior Administrative / Fiscal Assistant (#1331) to be effective December 17, 2024.
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The revised organizational chart to include the new position of Senior Administrative /Fiscal Assistant (#1331) and remove the Fiscal Assistant position, to be effective December 17, 2024.
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To grant permission to advertise for the position of Senior Administrative / Fiscal Assistant (#1331) internally for a period of five days, with applications accepted from Wednesday, December 18, 2024 through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024.
Executive Session: The Department on Aging is requesting the Board move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the compensation of public employees. They returned with action. Ms. Boalt presented step increases to be effective with the first payroll of 2025. This was approved.
Item not on Agenda: Mr. Spidalieri expressed his displeasure with what transpired with the Dog Warden. Both Mr. Spidalieri and Mr. Lennon stated that they were not aware of what was to happen and felt that Mr. Granito was set up and ambushed. Mr. Spidalieri said “he wasn't happy with what took place and this was not the stage to do this.” Mr. Lennon stated that “this totally caught me by surprise.” Apologies were expressed by both Mr. Spidalieri and Mr. Lennon.
Public Comment: Judge Trapp was present on behalf of the Geauga County Bar Association. She is involved in the project “America 250” and will be applying for a grant on behalf of the county. In order to do so, she will need a copy of the signed resolution from the meeting of December 10, 2024. The Resolution was approved for the grant and money will be used for a time capsule that will be at the new Courthouse Annex. Observer Note: Project America 250 will be a nationwide project with initiatives and programs that will celebrate the 250th anniversary of signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Reviewer Note: Reporting on the following Executive Session and action taken afterward was erroneously left out of this report when it was originally published on January 4, 2025. This report was republished to include this information on January 27, 2025.
Executive Session: At 12:22 pm, there was an additional Executive Session (not on the Agenda). It was not clear what the purpose of this Executive Session was, but Ms. Burhenne stated that there would be action taken.
Following the Executive Session the BOCC made the following appointments that were not listed on the Agenda:
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Airport Authority Board Appointment - Christopher Schloss was re-appointed to a four year term effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028.
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Planning Commission Appointments - Enzo Perfetto was appointed to a three year term, effective January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027. Nicholas Gorris was re-appointed to a three year term effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027. It was noted that several others had applied, including Mr. Walter (Skip) Claypool. It was also noted that the current representative for the Amish community is stepping down, and there is a search for another person to represent the Amish community.
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Law Library Appointment - Catherine Gillette was reappointed to the Law Library Resource Board for a five year term effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next BOCC meeting after this one is Friday, December 27, 2024 at 9:30 am.
Observer: Mary Heintzelman
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Carol Benton and Gail Roussey
Original Date Submitted: 12/30/2024
Revision Date Submitted: 1/25/2025
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