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Department on Aging and Job and Family Services Levy Renewal Requests Approved; Commissioner Brakey Proposes Creating Board Appointments Policy 

Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Meeting - January 23, 2025

Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Thursday, 

January 23rd at 9:30 am for a meeting at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. Recordings are available for the public via the Geauga ADP Youtube channel. Meetings can also be live streamed through the Geauga ADP Youtube channel. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the video for a particular section. The January 23, 2025 meeting recording can be found here.  As of the date of this publication, this video has been viewed 108 times. 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 Note: 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 introduced soon. Reviewer Note:  A public comment policy was introduced and approved at the January 28, 2025 BOCC meeting and will be included in the LWVGeauga Observer report for that meeting.

Attendance: Present were Commissioners James Dvorak and Carolyn Brakey. Absent was Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri. Also present were Commissioners' Clerk Christine Blair, Acting County Administrator Linda Burhenne and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.

County Representatives: Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Richard Blamer, Manager, Geauga Airport Authority; Jessica Boalt, Director, Department on Aging; Dwayne Bidlack, Fiscal Officer, Department on Aging; Elaine Malkameki, Program Director, Community and Economic Development; Craig Swenson, Director, Job and Family Services; and Charles Tkatch, Project Manager, Maintenance Department. 

Others in Attendance: Shane Hajjar, Engineer’s Department; Glen Vernick, Director, Maintenance Department; Matt Sieracki, Maintenance Department; Gerry Morgan, Former County Administrator; 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: No minutes were submitted for approval.  Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through January 23, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes.  Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through December 10, 2024.

Administrator’s Report: Ms. Burhenne received approval for the following actions she took between January 7, 2025 and January 22, 2025:

• Supplemental Appropriation for Juvenile Court in the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates} funds account to pay for December payroll

• Hiring of a part-time adult day service assistant for the Department on Aging

• Acceptance of the Housing Revolving Loan Fund program income report and the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund semi-annual report (July - December 2024) for Community and Economic Development

• Employee promotion for a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor in the Maintenance Department

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

• Appropriation Transfer to the Sheriff’s office for miscellaneous refunds, reimbursements and web checks that were deposited into the General Fund

• Supplemental for Job and Family Services in the Building Improvements Account of their Children's Services fund for the youth center project

• Supplemental in the Commissioners Miscellaneous General Fund account for equipment which is covering 800 megahertz radios for the Department of Emergency Services and the Dog Warden

• Supplemental in the Contingency Account, Tax, Levies and Assessment Accounts, and Operating Transfers Out Account to bring up to what is needed for the year.

• Cash Transfers:

  • From General Fund to Court Technology for a portion of their 2025 funding

  • From General Fund to Community Development, Board of Developmental Disabilities and Board of Elections for their 2024 interest transfer

  • From General Fund to the Board of Developmental Disabilities for the gas well proceeds from 4th quarter 2024

• Travel requests for Auditor’s Office, Common Pleas Courts, and Job and Family services

• Then and Now from Common Pleas to Family Pride for therapeutic behavioral services that were not previously encumbered.

Vouchers:

• $246,800.00 from Auditor’s Office to ISSG Inc for year two of master service agreement for management software

• $104,105.00 from Commissioners’ Office to Ravenwood Mental Health Center for first quarter Youth Center operations

• $1,050,465.06 from Commissioners’ Office to Infinity Construction for courthouse expansion project

• $33,964.75 from Maintenance to Middlefield Farm and Garden for replacement tractor

Discussion: Commissioner Brakey asked general questions regarding the gas wells as she was unaware of the wells on county property. Mr. Dvorak asked Mr. Gorton to provide a list of all gas wells, locations and revenue.

The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:

• To amend a Resolution from January 14, 2025. The resolution should read “To execute the Request for Partial Payment #15 for Infinity Construction Company, Inc., for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion, GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 expenses in the amount of $1,050,465.26.” The original amount of $1,051,465.26 was incorrect. 

• To amend another Resolution from January 14, 2025. The resolution should read “to execute the revised Accounting and Payroll Authorization Forms for the Department on Aging, Building Department, Commissioners, Community and Economic Development, Dog Warden, Emergency Services, Maintenance and Water Resources.” Water Resources was originally omitted. 

• To distribute the balance in the Domestic Violence Fund to Womensafe, the local agency designated by the Commissioners to receive such monies. This allocation is to be paid for the year 2024 in the amount of $13,002.69

Ms. Brakey questioned the timing of the request. She stated that, per the Ohio Revised Code, the request should have been made by October 1, 2024. She asked that there be a reminder on the calendar to submit on time in 2025. 

16:47 Min The Airport Authority received approval to authorize the President of the Board to execute the Grant Contract under the FY2025 Ohio Airport Improvement Program Matching Grant Application for General Aviation Airports between the Geauga County Airport Authority and the Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation for FAA Project #3-39-0054-028-2024 Construct Parallel Taxiway A pavement and LED Lighting phase 2/2 in the amount of $176,365.00 (ODOT Match of the project).

Discussion: Ms. Brakey asked the question “Explain to me like I’m a fifth grader. How does the average Geaugan benefit from the airport.” Mr. Blamer gave examples, such as the University Hospitals AirMed Helicopter, Programs and Events for the community. Mr Dvorak inquired as to the possibility of the airport board  working with Hiram College and Kent State Geauga for their aeronautics programs. Mr. Blame stated that they are working on that. 

The Common Pleas/Juvenile/Probate Court received approval to submit a request to the Geauga Credit Union for a credit line increase from $6,000 to $20,000.

Discussion: This request is for approval to ask the credit union for an increase. If the increase is approved by the credit union, they would have to get approval from the Board for the increase.

21.11 Min Department on Aging received approval to execute Resolution #25-013 Certificate of Need as Authorized by O.R.C. 5705.03, .19, .191, .194, .21, .26 for renewal of the 1.0 mill levy for the purpose of providing or maintaining senior citizens services or facilities. This levy will be on the ballot on May 6, 2025.

Discussion: Ms. Brakey inquired as to what their cash carryover was at the end of 2024. Ms. Boalt informed the board that their unencumbered cash carryover is $2,336,533.14. She stated that that is about $400,000 more than anticipated which was due to their success in obtaining grants from the Western Reserve Area Agency on aging. Ms. Brakey asked about the cost to have this on the ballot for a special election. Ms. Boalt reached out to the Board of Elections, and they said it would be about $30,000. If other departments are on the ballot as well, the cost would be split. Ms. Brakey encouraged them, in the future, to plan for a levy on the general election ballot to save money. Ms. Brakey also inquired as to what percent of the budget is covered by levy versus income. Ms Boalt stated that the funds from the levy will be 79.43% of the budget. The remaining cost is covered by fees charged to residents who take part in various programs.

Community and Economic Development received approval to authorize the President of the Board to execute the Ohio Department of Development/Office of Community Development Organization Contacts Form (OCEAN users) which is used to apply for and maintain grants.

32.13 Min  Job and Family Services received approval:

• To re-appoint the following members to serve on the Family Services Planning Committee for a one-year term, January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025: Jessica Boalt, Vicki Clark, Julie Gorenc, Scott Hildenbrand, Tim Kehres, Jennifer Felker (Alternate-Nancy Santilli), Kristine Frankenberry, Teri Malnar, Andrea Pollack and Angela Spalsbury.

• To appoint James W. Dvorak to serve on the Family Services Planning Committee for a one-year term, January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

• To appoint Amy Buresch to the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Child Abuse and Child Neglect Regional Council for a two-year term, January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026.

• To execute Resolution #25-014 Certificate of Need as Authorized by O.R.C. 5705.03, .07, .19, .191, .24, .25, and .26. for renewal of the 0.5 mill levy for the support of children services and the care and placement of children.

  • Mr. Swenson stated that their cash balance as of the end of the year was $7,700,000. $6,000,000 will be used for the new youth center. Mr. Burhenne asked if this included Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment. Mr. Swenson was not sure if it was included in the $6 million estimate. Ms. Brakey stated that she would like to be aware of the cash balance as they go forward with the new youth center project. The renewal levy will be on the ballot in May. Ms. Brakey mentioned, once again, that we should be aware of the cost of special elections and to try to get the issues on the November ballot.

• For revisions to Section 7.5 Use of Agency Credit Cards (adopting the new Geauga County Credit Card Policy) of the Geauga County Job and Family Services Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual to be effective January 23, 2025.

• For revisions to Sections 2.7 Probationary Period, Section 3.16 Smoking Policy, Section 4.1 Classification and Compensation Plan, Section 4.2 Employee Recognition Program, Section 6.12 Request for Prior Public Service Verification form and Section 9.3 Guide to Employee Personnel Records and Documents Management of the Geauga County Job and Family Services Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual, to be effective January 23, 2025.

Executive Session:  The Department of Job and Family Services is requesting the Board move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to security. They returned with no action.

The Maintenance Department received approval to execute the Agreement for Professional Design Services with CT Consultants to provide professional design and contract administration services related to remodeling approximately 1,160 square-foot of basement space in the Geauga County Courthouse Annex Building in an amount not to exceed $36,000.00.

The Department of Water Resources received approval for:

• To approve and authorize the President of the Board to execute the Agreement to Extend Contract Execution Date pursuant to R.C. 153.12 for the McFarland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, extending the date of execution sixty days through April 3, 2025.

• To execute the service Contract Agreement with BissNuss, Incorporated to perform Maintenance service and installation of all telemetry and control systems, including meter calibration at various wastewater and water district facilities within the department for a one-year period, effective January 23, 2025 in an amount of $15,000.00 ($5,000.00 wastewater and $10.000.00 water district).

The Commissioners’ Office received approval:

• To hold a Public Hearing regarding the proposed Re-Employment of Retired Rehirant, Dan Spada to the position of Chief Building Official (#1101). This Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.  Notice of this Public Hearing will be advertised on January 30, 2025, and on the County website.

• For the addition of Grade E19 to the Executive Pay Table, to be effective January 23, 2025.

• To appoint Adam Litke as Alternate for James W. Dvorak to the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste Management District Policy Committee for the Year 2025.

Board Discussion:

• NOACA Committee and Subcommittee Appointments: Ms. Blair informed the Board members that, if they wish to be on a specific committee or subcommittee for the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, that they will need to inform them by tomorrow.

• Procedure for filling Future Board Appointments: Ms. Brakey proposed creating a policy for filling board appointments through an application and review process. She would like to have the ability to reach out to all county residents. Ms. Burhenne will work on a written procedure and will have it ready to present to the Board by the end of the 1st Quarter.

• Public Comment Policy: Ms. Burhenne presented some questions and guidelines for a formal policy for public comment. She has reached out to the Prosecutor’s Office for their input. She will present the new policy in the coming weeks.

Item not on Agenda: The Geauga County Fair Board would like to make changes to the new poultry building. It would be the same square footage and same price but would be two separate buildings. The fair board will submit the changes to the Board of Commissioners for approval. Reviewer Note: Please see LWVG Observer report from the BOCC meeting on October 17, 2024 for the initial approval of $750,000 for the construction of this new building on the Geauga County fairgrounds.

Public Comment: Solicited but none offered.

More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here

Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next BOCC meeting is on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 9:30 am  at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. 

Observer: Mary Heintzelman

Editor: Sarah McGlone

Reviewer: Carol Benton

Date Submitted: 1/29/2025

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