$50,000 in Courthouse Project Change Orders in Question;
Furniture Quote for Courthouse Would be Additional $600,000
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - March 11, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, March 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 March 11, 2025 meeting recording can be found here. As of the date of publication this video has been viewed 183 times. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the first 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, Ralph Spidalieri and James Dvorak. Also present were Commissioners Clerk Christine Blair, Acting County Administrator Linda Burhenne and
Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Representatives from the Farm Bureau; Shane Hajjar, Engineer’s Department; Matt Sieracki, Contract Coordinator, Maintenance Department; Gina Hofstetter, Director, Community Development; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; and Dan Spada, Retired Chief Building Official.
Others in Attendance: Randy Taylor, Magistrate; Jared Parker, Engineering Consultant, NV5; Lee Hribar, Project Architect, Then Design; Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy, ADP (Automatic Data Processing); Adam Litke, Administrator, Geauga Public Health; Glen Vernick, Director, Maintenance; Walter (Skip) Claypool, member of the Geauga Planning Commission; County residents Tom and Diane Jones, members of the public and press, and this LWVG Observer.
16:40 Min - The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Mr. Dvorak.
Minutes: Minutes were approved for February 20 and 27, 2025. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through March 11, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through February 27, 2025.
County Administrator’s report - Ms. Burhenne received approval for the following actions she took between March 6 and March 10, 2025:
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Supplemental appropriation to correct appropriations in the Demolition and Site Renovation Fund in order to release a payment to a vendor
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Revision of the official hiring date of a full time Recreation and Education assistant
18:40 Min - Financial Report: Mr. Gorton received approval for the following: Observer Note: Monetary figures are given when available.
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Supplemental appropriation from Commissioners to Veterans Commission in their Grave Markers expense account for the courthouse veterans memorial renovation project
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Cash transfer from General Fund to Community Development for their 4th quarter 2024 payroll funding reimbursement
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Cash transfer from Board of Developmental Disabilities operating fund to Residential Services fund for Medicaid waiver and locally funded services
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Cash transfer from Water Resources Sewer and Water fund to Debt Retirement for their 1st half of 2025 debt service payment
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Then and Now from Emergency Services to Inspiron Logistics for the annual emergency notification system service agreement which was not previously encumbered
Vouchers:
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$799,702.55 from the Commissioners to Infinity Construction Co for pay request #17 for the courthouse expansion project
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$753,858.77 from Community Development to ICP Geauga Lake llc for the 4th and final draw for the demolition project in the Geauga Lake District which is being paid for by a grant from the state
Revenue Certification from Common Pleas court in their drug court fund for additional unbudgeted stated grant money that has been received in 2025
20:50 Min - The Commissioners recognized the week of March 16-22, 2025 as National Agriculture Week.
Representatives from the Geauga County Farm Bureau were present for the presentation and pictures.
Mr. Dvorak mentioned that at the Planning Commission that morning they decided to implement a Farmland Preservation program.
21:01 Min - The County Engineer’s Office received approval to execute the Title Sheet of the Plans for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Wilson Mills Road (CH-0008, Sections G-L) in Munson Township.
25:45 Min - The Community and Economic Development Department received approval to acknowledge receipt of Statement of Qualifications for Architects and Engineering Firms to be considered for projects by the Departments under the Commissioners Hiring Authority and remain on file for one year, through March 11, 2026 including Architects: Byron D. Myers, Architect, LLC, GPD Group, LDA Architects, Technical Assurance, ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) and Verdantas and Engineers: Barrington Consulting Group, Incorporated, Buckley Group d.b.a. Hess and Associates Engineering Incorporated, GPD Group, SME, Smolen Engineering, TEC Incorporated Engineering and Design, Technical Assurance and Verdantas.
Ms. Hofstetter explained that they have a list that is generated in January. She said that since they can now submit qualifications digitally, this list has grown but she said she also wants to reach a wider audience and will be working to do that.
27:03 Min -The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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To execute the Contract Agreement with E Technologies, Incorporated to upgrade the batteries of the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) units located at the Geauga County Courthouse Annex and 470 Center Street Offices with work to be completed within ninety (90) days of execution, effective March 11, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $15,042.00.
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To execute the Contract Agreement with Geauga Door Sales and Service, Incorporated to install garage doors at various county locations, including 470 Center Street (Buildings 7 and 8) and the West Geauga Senior Center with work to be completed within ninety (90) days of execution, effective March 11, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $19,750.00.
Ms. Brakey questioned the cost of the work being done at 470 Center Street since these will be short term uses. Mr. Sieracki stated that the work was for safety reasons and that 75% of the cost will go towards work being done at the West Geauga Senior Center.
29:32 Min - The Department of Water Resources received approval to execute for the following:
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To award the Bid to Shook Construction Company for the McFarland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the corrected amount of $30,824,400. This project was tentatively awarded on January 15, 2025, pending Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) loan, which was approved on February 27, 2025.
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Go Green Heating Air Conditioning d.b.a. Auburn Heating, Plumbing and Air Conditioning to perform the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and Plumbing Maintenance Services, including annual preventative maintenance, as needed at various Wastewater and Water District locations within the department for one-year period, effective March 11, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $11,000.00 ($5,500.00 Wastewater and $5,500.00 Water District).
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Lake Business Products to perform copier and printer maintenance services, as needed at various locations within the department, for an amount of $35,000 for the period August 2024 through March 11, 2025 (to cover invoices with old rates sent during negotiation period) plus another twelve months at the current rate proposal, in a total amount not to exceed $35,000.00 ($10,000.00 to cover from August 2024 through March 11, 2025 and $25,000.00 to cover effective date of March 11, 2025 plus twelve months. Mr. Gorris said that they have contacted ADP (Automatic Data Processing) to look at DEX Imaging, the product that ADP uses, and he said they will have information for the Commissioners by next January. Mr. Gorris also said there would be a Then and Now to cover the amounts accrued before this date.
32:40 Min - The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
Munson Township Board of Trustees, Petitioning the Geauga County Board of County Commissioners to Vacate the Easement upon all of Sandhill Trail, pursuant to Section 5553.045 of the Revised Code, and also acknowledge the Resolution was withdrawn by the Township via communication from the Fiscal Officer on February 21, 2025 due to technical defects.
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To acknowledge receipt of Resolution #2025-06 received on March 3, 2025, Petitioning the Geauga County Board of County Commissioners to Vacate the Easement upon all of Sandhill Trail, pursuant to Section 5553.045 of the Revised Code.
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To execute Resolution #25-038 that Convenience and Welfare may require the Proposed Vacation of the Public Right of Way upon Sandhill Trail (TR-0753) in Munson Township, Geauga County, Ohio, pursuant to Section 5553.045 of the Ohio Revised Code and further set a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. Notice of the Public Hearing will be advertised on March 20, 2025, March 27, 2025 and on the County website.
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To acknowledge the submittal of a Petition for Annexation (Expedited) between the Village of Middlefield, Middlefield Township and Lake Avenue Land Partners, Ltd. on February 25, 2025 for Permanent Parcel No. 18-045810 (64.71 acres) to be annexed into the Village of Middlefield pursuant to O.R.C. 709.021 and 709.022 and also acknowledge that the Petition was withdrawn by the Village of Middlefield via communication from the Administrator/Economic Development Director on February 26, 2025 due to a technical defect.
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To acknowledge receipt of a second submittal of a Petition for Annexation (Expedited) between the Village of Middlefield, Middlefield Township, and Lake Avenue Land Partners, Ltd. for Permanent Parcel No. 18-045810 (64.71 acres) to be annexed into the Village of Middlefield, pursuant to O.R.C. 709.021 and 709.022.
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To execute Resolution #25-039 to Grant the Petition of Lake Avenue Land Partners, Ltd. for the Annexation of Permanent Parcel No. 18-045810 (64.71 acres) currently located in Middlefield Township to the Village of Middlefield, Geauga County, Ohio, pursuant to O.R.C. 709.021 and 709.022.
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To execute Resolution #25-040 for the Third Amended Resolution Approving the Use of County Credit Cards for the Year 2025 for Additional Users (Employees) for Agencies of the Commissioners’ Office for the Department on Aging – Centerra Card, Marc’s/Marc Glassman and PNC Giant Eagle and Common Pleas Court – Visa, pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27.
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To authorize the President of the Board to execute the Application for the use of County Credit Cards Form adding additional users (employees) for the Department on Aging and the Common Pleas Court, for the Year 2025, pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27.
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To execute the Certification Request to County Auditor, Request to Board of Commissioners Quarterly Use of County Credit Cards, pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27 for the Year 2025 for Job and Family Services, updating Quarters 1 and 2 for the Geauga Credit Union Visa.
40:22 Min - The Commissioners’ Office requested the Board approve and execute Contract
Maintenance Form #1, increasing and extending the Contract with MVC LLC d.b.a. Multivista for
photographic documentation of the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion Project, extending the
contract 365 days, 1 year through April 28, 2026 or until project completion and increasing the contract
$8,784.00 for 12 months, billed at $732.00 a month, for a new total contract amount of $25,509.00.
Discussion followed including the timing, since the building will be done before April. Ms. Brakey and Mr. Spidalieri questioned the necessity of this work. In addition to the builder and architect documenting the progress of the construction with photography, this is a third party which documents monthly as well. Ms. Burhenne suggested that they do a “deep dive” into the work and contract. All agreed and this issue was tabled.
48:50 Min - Public Hearing: The Commissioners held a public hearing at 10:04 am regarding the rehire of retired Chief Building Official Dan Spada. Mr. Spada was present and was sworn in by Ms. Brakey. Discussion followed. Ms. Brakey inquired about the salary and benefits. Ms. Burhenne stated that his salary would be the same, and Mr. Spidalieri stated that his benefits would remain the same. Mr. Dvorak and Mr. Spidalieri also stated that it has been a major challenge to find someone with his qualifications. Mr. Spidalieri questioned the process for the rehire. Ms. Blair said that according to the Prosecutor’s office, they cannot take action to rehire until April 1, 2025. The Public Hearing concluded at 10:12 am.
56:44 Min - Commissioners’ office received approval for the following:
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to execute Resolution #25-041 Re-Appointing Commissioner James W. Dvorak, Region 13 Representative Member to the One Ohio Governance Board for a three-year term, March 29, 2025 through March 29, 2028.
Item not on agenda: Ms. Burhenne requested and received approval for paid administrative leave for an
employee from the Maintenance Department. Ms. Brakey asked the period this leave covered, and Ms. Burhenne responded that in the language she was provided by the Prosecutor’s office it covered the period from March 9, 2025 through March 13, 2025. This was approved by a vote of 2 to 1, with Ms. Brakey voting no.
59:37 Min - Board Discussion:
Department of Emergency Services - Ms. Blair was approached by Roger Peterson from the Department of Emergency Services. She said that he would like to have a work session regarding special county teams such as a fire team, drone team and others in his department. Ms Blair said he would like to discuss their funding and organization. Commissioners agreed to meet with Mr. Peterson on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11:30 am.
1:01 Min - Courthouse Change Orders - Ms. Burhenne introduced representatives from the Courthouse, NV5 and Then Design Architects for a discussion on change order #16 for the Courthouse project. A detailed description of the change order was given to the Commissioners. All 7 items on the change order totaling $50,000 were discussed. The representatives noted that podiums, the cost of which were included in the change order, were reassigned to the millwork category from the furniture category. Ms. Burhenne reminded the commissioners that the cost for furniture was not in the original project estimate of $20 million. Mr. Spidalieri asked Mr. Parker if they had an estimate yet for the furniture, and he responded they had narrowed it to one vendor at this point who quoted $601,000. Ms. Burhenne inquired as to how long they can delay in making a decision about the change orders before it negatively affects the project. It was determined that they need ADP approval for some of the line items, and Ms. Burhenne stated that they will be having a meeting on March 18, 2025 with ADP for that purpose. She noted that cabling work is to begin on March 24th, and they will have to make a decision by that date. Ms. Burhenne suggested that they delay any decisions until after March 18th, and all agreed.
1:18 - Min Public Comment:
A South Russell resident inquired as to what is being done about the condition of the airport. Mr. Dvorak
stated that they should have the paperwork back from the Prosecutor on March 18, 2025
Mr. Claypool expressed his concern about the lack of oversight on the Courthouse project and asked “Who’s the watchdog for the county to ensure things don’t get out of line?” Ms. Burhenne answered that the representatives from NV5 and Then Design Architects are there for the county's interests. In addition, Mr. Vernick does weekly walkthroughs, and she attends weekly meetings.
A reporter from The Chagrin Valley Times asked Mr Spidalieri about the retire/rehire of Mr. Spada as she
knows, from the past, that he is usually against the practice. Mr.Spidalieri answered that, in this case,
finding Building Officials is almost impossible and that they are lucky that Mr. Spada wants to continue
in this role.
1:22 Min - Executive Session #1
The Commissioners moved into Executive Session for the purpose of considering the employment of
public employee for the County Administrator position. They were joined by Kathy Hostutler, Benefits
Specialist, Human Resources.
3:04 Min - Return For Executive Session - Mr. Dvorak said that no action would be taken.
3:04:30 Min - Executive Session #2
The Commissioners moved into Executive Session for the purpose of considering the purchase of
property for public purposes, if premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive or
bargaining advantage to a person whose personal, private interest is adverse to the general public interest.
3:29 Min - Return from Executive Session - Mr. Dvorak announced that no action will be taken.
Meeting adjourned at about 12:46.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next BOCC meeting is on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 9:30 am at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Mary Heintzelman
Editor: Carol Benton
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
Date Submitted: March 16, 2025
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