BOCC Reaches Tentative Agreement on $1.33 Million of Airport Funding and Departments Receive Approval for Requests Originally Cut from 2025 Budget
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - February 11, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday,
February 11, 2025 at 9:30 am for a meeting at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. Meetings can also be live streamed through the Geauga ADP Youtube channel. Recordings are available for the public. The February 11, 2025 meeting recording can be found here. At the date of publication this video had been viewed 182 times. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the video for a particular section. 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.
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: Glen Vernick, Director, Maintenance Department; Matt Sieracki, Contract Coordinator, Maintenance Department; Craig Swenson, Executive Director, Job and Family Services (JFS); Nicholas Gorris, Water Resources Director; Shane Hajjar, Deputy Engineer; Katie Taylor, Administrator, Engineer’s Office; Frank Strumble, Director of Highway Operations; Tim Kehres, Family First Council Coordinator; Karen M. Stone, Internal Operations Manager, Office on Aging, and Kathy Hostutler, Human Resources Manager
Others in Attendance: Chief Deputy Sheriff Thomas Rowan; Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy Administrator, ADP; Pam McMahan, Chief Operations Officer, Auditor’s Office; Richard Blamer, Manager, Geauga Airport Authority; Adam Litke, Administrator, Geauga Public Health; First Energy representative, members of the public and press, and this Observer.
3:50 Min. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Mr. Dvorak.
Minutes: Minutes were approved for January 14, 2025, January 23, 2025 and January 28, 2025. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through February 11, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through January 7, 2025.
County Administrator’s report - Ms. Burhenne said she had nothing to report.
6:20 Min. Financial Report: Mr. Gorton received approval for the following: Observer Note: Monetary figures are given when available.
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Supplementals for ADP, Auditor, Board of Elections, Common Pleas, Maintenance, Planning, Public Defender, Sheriff and Commissioners’ Office as directed by the Board at the meeting on February 4, 2025, including $3,000 for the Auditor’s General Medical Account. Observer Note: This observer asked Budget Director Adrian Gorton what was included/excluded in these payments as this was not listed for the public. He said these supplementals would include all requests by Departments that were not included in the 2025 Budget, except those that were specifically not approved by the BOCC at their February 4, 2025 meeting. There were 3 positions in Maintenance that were not being advertised and therefore did not get funded. According to Mr. Gorton there were several positions in the Auditor’s Office not funded because the Auditor was instructed to use funds in their REIF (Real Estate Investment Fund). See LWVGeauga report for February 4, 2025 for more information. Of note, Commissioner Spidalieri voted yes to approve all financials (including these Supplementals) even though he said there were specific items, especially two construction projects, that he said he would not vote to approve at the meeting on February 4, 2025.
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Supplemental in the Department of Aging in the Levy Fund transfer out account
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Cash transfer for Department of Aging from the Levy Fund to their Senior Center Construction Fund
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Cash transfers from the Commissioners to Common Pleas Court Technology, 911 Fund, 800 MHz, and Computer Equipment Improvement Fund in accordance with discussions at the February 4, 2025 meeting
Encumbrances
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Travel for Planning, Recorders and Veterans
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Then and Now from Common Pleas Court to Avertest LLC for services not previously encumbered
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Purchase Order to Infinity Construction for remaining $10 Million for the Courthouse Renovation Project. See more information below.
Voucher
Revenue Certificate for Department of Aging for money transferred to the Senior Center Construction Fund
8:30 Min. The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
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To execute the Unit Price Contract with Ronyak Paving, Incorporated for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Auburn Road (CH-0004, Sections R-U) in Chardon Township in the amount of $1,138,813.00.
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To execute the Title Sheet of the Plans for the Reconstruction of the Washington Street/ Bainbridge Road Intersection in Auburn Township. Reviewer Note: See November 5, 2024 press release from Engineering regarding plans for this intersection.
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To approve and execute the Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Technical Services, 2024 County Highway System Mileage Certification for 234.757 Miles. Mr. Hajjar said that this is the total number of miles in the county highway system and this certification is done every year.
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To approve the reduction by 33% to the maximum load limit permitted on all County and Township roads, effective February 15, 2025, in accordance with Section 5577.07 of the Ohio Revised Code. This reduction is necessary to minimize damage to the roads during periods of freeze/thaw and excessive moisture.
Commissioner Brakey asked about the procedure for this reduction, including signage and when it would be lifted. It was confirmed that this is something that happens every year and that those impacted would be expecting it again this year with signs on county and municipal roads.
12:30 Min. The Maintenance Department received approval to execute the service Contract Agreement with E Technologies, Incorporated to provide inspections and maintenance to UPS (uninterruptible power supply) units at various County locations per the Director for a two-year period, effective February 17, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $65,000.00.
14:50 Min. The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
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To approve and execute the Mortgage Release for Parcel #02-421478, held as the ten percent Maintenance Bond for the Canyon Lakes Colony Subdivision, Phase 15 in Bainbridge Township, as the Sanitary Sewer and Water Lines installed have been installed, approved and accepted per the approved construction plans and have been in service for at least one year without issue.
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To approve and execute the Agreement between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and Raftelis Financial Consultants, Incorporated for Rate Study Services to perform a Rate Study of Water Resources’ wastewater and water district service areas in an amount not to exceed $40,000.00.
Mr. Gorris discussed the fact that many municipalities have increased rates and that the county has not done a rate study since 2017, adopted in 2018. This company did the prior study, and Mr. Gorris said they are in a good position to get this done quickly based on their prior experience and work product. There are four water systems and 27 wastewater treatment plants, and they are looking at all of those.
18:50 Min. The Department of Job and Family Services received approval to acknowledge that the Family First Council Mutual Funding Agreement, which includes Job and Family Services, Mental Health and Recovery Services, Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Commissioners, will not be collecting funding for the period January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025 (2nd Half FY2025) due to a temporary surplus in Council funding from a lack of youth in residential treatment.
Director Craig Swenson discussed the fact that Geauga County is in an unusual situation in that they have a low number of placements, while other counties have seen an increase. He said that they are trying to figure out why Geauga County is so low and would continue to research this subject. As a result of low placements, there is a surplus, which is why they feel they can stop collecting for six months.
The Department of Job and Family Services provided the Board with the options regarding the location of the New Geauga County Youth Center. Several options were discussed, and the Board decided to approve the location that was favored by the Department of Job and Family Services, which was a location on a level piece of land across the street from the Geauga County Administrative Building on Ravenwood Drive, Chardon. This is currently county-owned land, has access to utilities and would not provide challenges to development such as tree removal or slopes. Because of the change in location, the Commissioners need to submit new grant paperwork, which is due February 28, 2025. Ms. Burhenne said that she has a lot of the application completed. It was noted that one issue would remain, and that is whether the Prosecutor's Office would approve of the agreement since it requires a mortgage on the property.
35:23 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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To execute the Munson Township Letter of Authorization and Representation for John Benedict from Brilliant Sign Company to act as the designated agent regarding a Variance Request before the Munson Township Board of Zoning Appeals to erect wayfinding signage and relief from paying a zoning fee. Ms. Burhenne said that NV5 (the owner’s representative on the county building) is working with Munson Township.
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To execute the Request for Partial Payment #16 for Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion GMP Phase 1 and Phase 2 expenses in the amount of $575,998.08. Mrs. Brakey asked about the total and Ms. Burhenne said it was still projected to be a little over $20 Million in total. See above where $10 Million was transferred from the General Fund achieved through using ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for payroll that would normally come from the General Fund. Observer Note: There was no discussion as to whether additional funds will be required.
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To execute Resolution #25-021 Rescinding Resolution #24-203 and further Requesting to Establish a New Fund, the County Agricultural Society Fund, and to execute Resolution #25-022 Rescinding Resolution #24-204 and authorizing the Geauga County Agricultural Society to Construct a New Poultry Barn and New Sale Barn on the Geauga County Fairgrounds and to Approve an Appropriation of $750,000.00 from the General Fund to the County Agricultural Society Fund for the purpose of Contributing Funding towards the Construction of the Buildings.
Observer Note: During this discussion by Commissioner’s Clerk Christine Blair, there is no audio for a few minutes, but the meaning of the actions and discussion does not appear, to this observer, to be compromised.
As discussed at prior meetings, the Commissioners agreed that the Farm Bureau would be free to design their space as they deemed to be best for their purposes. Ms. Blair said that the actual cost will be more than what has been allocated by the Commissioners, and she said this would be paid for by the Fair Board.
To execute Resolution #25-023 Second-Amended, Resolution Approving the Use of County Credit Cards for the Year 2025 for Agencies and Cardholders Pursuant to O.R.C. (Ohio Revised Code) 301.27, which includes the Building Department, Common Pleas Court and for an increase to the Department on Aging, Centerra account monthly limit and to approve the Application for the use of County Credit Cards Form for the Building Department and the Common Pleas Court, for the Year 2025, pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27. and Quarterly Use of County Credit Cards, pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27 for the Year 2025 (Quarters 1, 2, 3 and 4) for the Building Department and the Probate/Juvenile Court (Quarter 1). It was noted by Mrs. Brakey that the Juvenile Court only submitted for one quarter, and Ms. Burhenne said that this was their pattern.
44:15 Min. Board Appointments - The Commissioners approved the following appointments:
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Tax Incentive Review Committee for the Village of Middlefield newly created CRA (Community Reinvestment Area) zone - The Board collectively made the appointments. Mrs. Brakey suggested Gina Hofstetter, Mr. Dvorak suggested Matt Smith and Mr. Spidalieri suggested Adrian Gorton for three-year terms, ending December 31, 2027.
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Planning Commission - The Commissioners elected to appoint alternates for themselves to the Planning Commission. Mr Dvorak appointed Dave Fabig, Mrs. Brakey appointed Dane Davis and Mr Spidalieri appointed Walter (Skip) Claypool. After a public comment question it was stated by Mr. Dvorak that these appointees would have the same authority as BOCC members.
48:20 Min. Executive Session - At 10:15 am The Commissioners went into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the employment and compensation of a public employee, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(1). They were joined by Ms. Burhenne and Kathy Hostutler, Human Resource Manager.
1:21 Min. Return from Executive Session - At 10:49 am the Commissioners returned from Executive Session and Mr. Dvorak reported that there would be no action taken.
Courthouse Shower - In response to the concerns expressed by the Commissioners at the February 4th meeting, Ms. Burhenne said that Randy Taylor (Staff Attorney, Court of Common Pleas) had offered a different option, which was to have one unisex bathroom and one unisex shower in the basement. This would cost $10,000 as opposed to the $32,000 previously requested. Mrs. Brakey said she would like to see an actual number. She said that she thought the $32,000 was an obvious no, but would see when they have an actual number. Mr. Dvorak said that every week he and Mr. Vernick tour the building, and they came up with this idea during the prior week’s tour.
Technology in Courthouse Change Order - This request concerns the fact that there are three IT closets with lines “daisy-chained,” and they wanted an extra line. This would cost an additional $9,000. The Commissioners tabled this, requesting more information.
1:24 Min. Airport Funding Negotiation - Ms. Burhenne said that she was referring back to the BOCC February 4, 2025 meeting regarding the fact that Mr. Dvorak had volunteered to negotiate an agreement. Observer Note: At several prior meetings there has been discussion about an allocation of $1.33 Million from the BOCC that was approved on 12/17/24. See BOCC minutes from that date here. At the February 4, 2025 meeting, it was stated that the resolution on 12/17/24 indicated that there would be an agreement. There was discussion about whether the Airport Authority would be required to repay any of the $1.33 Million. Mr. Spidalieri had stated that he thought that the funds were committed with an understanding that the $560,000 that the Airport would receive from the FAA Grant could be kept by them, with nothing returned to the County. A motion was passed on February 11, 2025 to rescind the original motion and renegotiate the deal again. Mr. Dvorak agreed to negotiate a contract. See LWVGeauga report of the February 4, 2025 meeting here.
At today’s meeting Ms. Burhenne detailed the specifics of a new agreement as follows:
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Commissioners will put the $1.33 Million in the County Building Fund and the Commissioners will manage the bid process for the T-Hangar project.
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Bills would be paid from this account until the FAA grant money is received.
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The Airport would choose the contractor with pay according to the Prevailing Wage agreements of the State of Ohio.
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In October when the FAA grant money for the T-Hangar project becomes available, the Airport would pay the remaining costs for the T-Hangar from their funds and any remaining money (if any) in the Building Fund would be available for other unspecified projects.
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There would be no requirement for the Airport Authority to repay any part of the $1.33 Million.
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It was agreed (without a formal motion or resolution) to send the draft agreement to the Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Public Comment
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This observer asked about the Planning Commission appointments and Mr. Dvorak said that they always had the right to do this and just decided to do it today. Observer Note: See ORC 713.22.
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Anastasia Nicholas, a reporter from the Chagrin Valley Times asked why the Commissioners decided to appoint alternates for the Planning Commission. Mr. Dvorak said he had a lot of other boards he is now serving on. It was stated that they always had the authority to appoint alternates for themselves but just hadn’t done so until now.
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A Munson Township resident asked another question about the Commissioners’ appointments to the Planning Commission. The answer is reflected in the report above.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next BOCC meeting is on February 18, 2025 at 9:30 am at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Carol Benton
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: February 16, 2025
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