Public Comment Policy Approved by Board of County Commissioners
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Meeting - January 28, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday,
January 28, 2025 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 28, 2025 meeting recording can be found here. 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: Permitted as outlined in the BOCC’s Public Comment Policy that was adopted on January 28, 2025 (this meeting).
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Carolyn Brakey, James Dvorak, and 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; Matt Sieracki, Maintenance Department, and Lisa Burkheimer, Conservation Specialist, Soil and Water Conservation District
Others in Attendance: Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy Administrator, ADP; Kathleen Hostutler, Benefits Manager, Human Resources; 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 meetings of December 27, 2024 and January 7, 2025 were approved. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through January 28, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through January 7, 2025.
1:09 Min. Administrator’s Report: Ms. Burhenne reported on the following actions she took on January 24, 2025 and January 27, 2025:
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Approved an unpaid personal leave of absence for an employee from the Department on Aging
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Approved a unpaid medical leave of absence for an employee from the Maintenance Department
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Concurred with Auburn Township trustees in not requesting a hearing for a liquor license request for Royal Sandwich King LLC located on East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls
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Approved hiring of an employee for the position of custodian in the Maintenance Department
4 Min. Financial Report: Mr. Gorton received approval for the following: Observer Note: Monetary figures are given when available.
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Supplemental in the Commissioners Capital Reserve Fund Phase 2 for the courthouse expansion project
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Supplemental in the Contract Services, Equipment and other expense accounts
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Cash Transfer from the General Fund to the Phase 2 Capital Reserve Fund for money that will be needed for the courthouse expansion project
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Contract purchase order from the Commissioners in the Miscellaneous Equipment account to purchase eight portable radios for Dog Warden Emergency Services
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Travel for Job and Family Services
Ms. Brakey asked if the Cash Transfer for the courthouse expansion project was a $10 million dollar transfer. Mr. Gorton confirmed that it was and that it was to cover the funds from the American Rescue Plan fund that were used to pay for payroll and salaries. This transfer was to build up the funds in the Capital Reserve Fund for the courthouse expansion project.
Vouchers:
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$26,910.00 from ADP to Docusign Inc for 2025 annual renewal of electronic signing software services
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$13,000 from Commissioners’ Office to Maximus US Services Inc for a contract related to the 2025 cost allocation program
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$34,322.00 from Common Pleas Court to Court View Justice Solutions for services related to the courts case management system
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$31,362.15 from Engineer’s Office to Interstate Auto and Truck Body for a truck repair
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for an encumbrance and expenditure to the Geauga County Agricultural Society for oil/gas well revenue received through December 31, 2024, in the amount of $350.92 from a well located on the Geauga County Fairgrounds property.
6:50 Min. The Maintenance Department received approval:
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To execute the Contract Agreement with Air Force One, Inc for the 2025-2028 “Hill” (County Offices located in Chardon) HVAC Maintenance Services in the amount of $86,154.00 for maintenance services and to authorize the payment of a separate amount up to a sum which shall not exceed $65,000.00 for any HVAC repair work that may be needed during the term of the contract at the labor rates provided, for a total amount of $151,154.00.
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To execute the Contract Agreement with Major Waste Disposal Services Inc for the 2025-2028 Non-Hazardous Waste Removal Services effective February 1, 2025 in the 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). The Bid Bond submitted shall be held to serve as the Performance Bond for this project.
8:50 Min. The Commissioners’ Office requested that a public comment policy be approved to be effective January 28. 2025. Ms. Berhenne presented and recited the policy and stated that it would be posted in the room. Ms. Brakey suggested that it also be posted on the BOCC website. The policy was approved by Commissioners Dvorak and Brakey. Commissioner Spidalieri abstained. Reviewer Note: Mr. Spidalieri did not give a reason for his abstention on the public comment policy vote. He did generally permit public comment during his term as President of the BOCC.
12:12 Board Discussion: At the Commissioners’ work session on December 27, 2024, there was a discussion of the Board having more of a social media presence. Mr. Antenucci has offered his services to help with a Facebook and a Linked In page. It would be more informational to begin with, and there would be no comments allowed. Ms. Burhenne asked for guidance from the Board. Mr. Dvorak and Ms. Brakey thought it would be a good idea to move forward and work with Mr. Antenucci.
15:30 Min The Commissioners held a public hearing at 9:45 for the Geauga County Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations which were amended in 2025. Ms. Burkheimer presented the amended document to the Commissioners, and the document was approved. Ms. Burkheimer stated that the amended report will be posted on the website. Some of the updates are the changes of the plan review and increases in the inspection fee structure. The Hearing ended at 9:49. Reviewer Note: This is not yet posted on their website as of the publication of this report on February 4, 2025, but it should be available here when it is available. Currently the 2020 Regulations are published.
21 Min. Executive Session: The Board moved into an Executive session at 9:50 to discuss the employment and compensation of an employee. Ms. Hostutler joined the Commissioners and Ms. Burhenne in the Executive Session. They returned with no action.
35:44 Min. Public Comment: A South Russell resident inquired about the lawsuit filed against Geauga County by Portage County in regards to Geauga County pulling out of the Portage County Juvenile Detention Center. Mr. Dvorak said that it is pending litigation so there will be no comment. A member of the press stated that she had gotten information that this would be sent to insurance. Mr. Dvorak asked Ms. Hostutler to comment. She said that they have received information pertinent to the lawsuit and it has been submitted to their liability insurance, CORSA (County Risk Sharing Authority). They are in the process of reviewing. Reviewer Note: Ms. Brakey stated that the lawsuit has been filed in Portage County and she thought that the insurance company would be representing Geauga County in court. More information will be reported as it becomes available.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next BOCC meeting is on February 4, 2025 at 9:30 am at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Mary Heintzelman
Editor: Carol Benton
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: 02/03/2025
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