Planning Commission Board Welcomes New Board Member Phillip Miller and
Kicks off 2025 Farmland Preservation Planning
Planning Commission – February 11, 2025
Meeting Details: The Geauga Planning Commission met in regular session on February 11, 2025 at 7:30 am at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024. This meeting was in person with no virtual attendance option. The agenda is normally available online prior to the meeting, but was not for this meeting. A copy was available at the meeting. Observer Note: The website presents the minutes and meeting dates, and the agenda is included in that section.
Public Comment Policy: No formal policy, but in practice, public comment could be permitted at the Chair’s prerogative. However, this does not happen. No public comment is solicited or offered except in cases where an applicant or zoning inspector is present to answer questions regarding an item on the agenda.
Board Attendance: County Commissioner James Dvorak, Chair Nick Gorris, Vice Chair Dennis Bergansky, Secretary/Treasurer Gary Neola Jr. and board members Jim McCaskey, Matt Johnson and Enzo Perfetto were present. Newly appointed board member Phillip Miller also was present. Board member Caterina Cocca-Fulton was absent, and County Commissioners Ralph Spidalieri and Carolyn Brakey also were absent.
Staff Attendance: Linda Crombie, Planning Director, Allyson Kobus, Planner II, and Pamela Irizarry, Administrative Assistant were present.
Others Attending: This observer and three other members of the public were in attendance. No members of the press were present.
Minutes - Once approved by the board, the minutes are available online here. Scroll down until the section on Minutes and Agendas.
Pledge of Allegiance The pledge was recited.
Approval of Minutes - Minutes for the January 14, 2025 meeting were approved.
Approval of Agenda/Addendum Items - Approved as presented.
Financial Report & Approval of Expenses
Other Business: 2024 Year-End Report
The Planning Department director cursorily reviewed the 2024 Planning Commission year end report. The board agreed to make the report publicly available.
The board unanimously voted to acknowledge the 2024 Year-End Report and direct staff to post it online.
Reviewer Note: The 2024 year-end report is available here.
Major Subdivisions to be Reviewed
No major subdivisions were reviewed during this meeting.
Township Zoning Amendments
A. Chester Township - Text Amendment ZC 2025-1
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Discussion regarding changes to Article 12, replacing "conclusions of fact" with "findings of fact and conclusions of law."
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The Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that this change aligns with standard legal terminology and best practices for zoning decisions.
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The Planning Commissioners discussed whether similar language updates should be reviewed across other township zoning resolutions for consistency.
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Staff also referenced guidance from Ohio Planning and Zoning Laws, which supports this terminology update.
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A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to allow Chester Township Text Amendment ZC 2025-1.
B. Claridon Township - Text Amendment Z2025-1
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The amendment comprised changes to 39 pages of the 140 page document. All changes had been reviewed by the Planning Department director. The director walked the board through the changes and her feedback.
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Key points discussed:
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Building Height Definition: Concerns over measuring methods were debated.
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Small Wind Farms: A definition was included and code reference clarified.
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Stormwater Regulations: A recommendation was made to reevaluate the entire stormwater regulation section to ensure it aligns with existing county and state stormwater management policies.
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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Lack of clear definition around building height and lot position references led to a discussion about clarifying specific details and rules.
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Landscaping and Lot Coverage: Recommendations were made for clarification on maximum lot coverage and landscape standards.
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Sign Regulations: Measurement concerns and restrictions on electronic signs were reviewed. Feedback on changes will be provided by the Planning Department director.
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Zoning Enforcement: There was debate on whether zoning inspectors should revoke conditional permits or defer to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Planning Department director will provide final clarification to the applicant.
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The extent of the proposed changes prohibits a full review of them in this summary.
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A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to authorize the director to indicate approval with modifications and to send the township explicit details on each proposed change.
Director’s Report
The following was discussed by Planning Department director, Ms. Crombie.
A. Board Appointment Update
Phillip Miller was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to fill the final open board member position. Reviewer Note: Mr. Miller was appointed at the February 4, 2025 Board of County Commissioners Meeting.
B. Lot Split Activity
Three lot splits were reviewed year-to-date.
C. Township Land Use Plans
General updates on the Chester and Burton Township land use plans were cursorily and quickly provided.
D. Day After Thanksgiving Policy
At the January 14, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting, board members decided to defer a decision on whether the day after Thanksgiving should be classified as a paid holiday or an office closure until this meeting in hopes of receiving clarification on the county’s policy. At the present meeting, it was decided to take the lead of the Board of County Commissioners regarding how to treat the day following Thanksgiving: whether to treat it as a paid holiday, personal holiday, or floating holiday. This has not yet been decided by the County Commissioners. Therefore, the Planning Commission decided to defer the determination of the day after Thanksgiving policy until the next meeting.
E. Commercial Construction Activity
F. Interim County Administrator
G. Leadership Geauga Participation
Recent participation included a visit to Camp Ho Mita Koda for Health and Safety Day. Government Day included a tour of the new county office building.
Correspondence - None
Old Business - None
New Business: Farmland Preservation Plan Update
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The Planning Department director referred to the 2008 Farmland Preservation Plan, noting significant changes in the county’s agricultural landscape since its adoption.
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The need for an updated plan was emphasized, particularly in addressing farmland conservation strategies, evolving land use trends, and economic factors affecting agriculture in the county.
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The Planning Commission discussed the formation of a dedicated task force to guide the planning process, ensuring broad representation from key agricultural and land management stakeholders.
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The following stakeholder groups, among others, are being considered for task force membership: Geauga Farm Bureau, Geauga Farm Board, Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, County Auditor, Geauga Park District, Ohio State Extension Office, and local farmers.
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Public engagement strategies were discussed, with an emphasis on hosting informational meetings and seeking feedback from local farmers and landowners.
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A tentative schedule follows:
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February-March: Planning Commission staff and board members review the 2008 plan and recommend changes.
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March 11, 2025 board meeting: Review public engagement letter, drafted by Ms. Crombie.
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May-July: Task force formation and action to develop proposed plan.
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August: Public forum
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September: Planning commission staff author final plan.
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December: Planning commission board approves final plan.
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February 2026: Board of County Commissioners approve final plan.
Adjourned at 8:55 am.
Next meeting: March 11, 2025.
More Information about the Geauga Planning Commission is available online.
Observer: David Lewis
Editor: Gail Roussey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Submitted: 02/13/2025
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