County Hires New Administrator
Commissioners Recognize Sunshine Week
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - March 18, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, March 18, 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 18, 2025 meeting recording can be found here. As of the date of publication this video has been viewed 163 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: Shane Hajjar, Engineer’s Department; Matt Sieracki, Contract Coordinator, Maintenance Department; Gina Hofstetter, Director, Community Development; Elaine Malkamaki, Program Director Community Development; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Adam Litke, Administrator, Geauga Public Health; Kathy Johnson, Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services (GC-MHRS) Board Member and Jim Mausser, Finance Director GC-MHRS; Chuck Tkach, Project Manager Maintenance, and Jessica Boalt, Director, Office on Aging.
Others in Attendance: Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy, ADP (Automatic Data Processing); Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Rowan; Kathleen Hostutler, Human Resources Manager; Carol Benton, League of Women Voters Geauga (LWVG) President; County residents Tom and Diane Jones, members of the public and press, and this LWVG Observer.
13 Min - The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Mr. Dvorak.
Minutes: Minutes were approved for March 11 2025. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through March 18, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through March 11, 2025.
County Administrator’s report - Ms. Burhenne received approval for the following actions she took between March 12 and March 14, 2025:
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Approved an unpaid medical Leave of Absence in the Department of Maintenance
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Accepted the resignation of a part time Day Services assistant in the Department of Aging
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Agreed to waive a hearing for a liquor license in Bainbridge for Meijer Stores Limited, DBA (doing business as) Meijer Store.
18:40 Min - Financial Report: Mr. Gorton received approval for the following: Observer Note: Monetary figures are given when available.
Supplemental appropriation from the Commissioner's office and the County agricultural society fund building and improvement expense account.
Cash transfers
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from the general fund to the Engineer's Office for office expenses pursuant to the funding agreement allowed for by OC section 315.11
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from Water Resources from their sewer operating fund to the McFarland wastewater treatment plant upgrade project fund for seed money to start the project
Encumbrances are travel encumbrances from the Common Pleas Court and from Job and Family Services.
Then and now from Water Resources to Lake Business Products for copier maintenance payments from August 2024 through March 11, 2025, that were not previously encumbered.
Vouchers
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$63,721.99 from the Commissioner's office to Ohio State University for the county's first quarter 2025 program support payment
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$17,420 from Water Resources to Junction Auto Sales Incorporated for a 2024 GMC Terrain all-wheel drive SUV replacement vehicle
The Auditor’s Office received approval to accept, execute and file the monthly Statement of County
Finances filed by the County Auditor for the months April through September 2024, pursuant to O.R.C.
319.35.
The Treasurer’s Office received approval to accept, execute and file the monthly Statement of County
Finances filed by the County Treasurer for the months April through September 2024, pursuant to O.R.C.
319.35.
18:46 Min. The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
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to execute the Mortgage Release for Sublot 364 (PPN #02-421455) in Canyon Lakes Colony Subdivision, Phase 14B in Bainbridge Township.
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to approve and execute the Mortgage Deed for Sublot 391 (PPN #02-421507) in Canyon Lakes Colony Subdivision, Phase 14C to be held as the ten percent (10%) Maintenance Guaranty for the Engineer’s Office for Canyon Lakes Colony Subdivision, Phase 15 in Bainbridge Township.
Mr. Hajjar explained that the first lot was being held as surety (which he said was a common method of guaranteeing compliance), but that lot is being sold, so the second lot will now be used as surety.
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to execute Resolution #25-044 to Order the Reconstruction of Butternut Road (CH-0021), including the Replacement of Structure #0021-00.320 and the Resurfacing of Sections A-C in Munson Township. This resolution also requests the Board approve and execute the Title Sheet of the Plans for the same. Further, this resolution sets a Bid Opening on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:05 a.m. using Bid Express at the Engineer’s Office. Notice of this Bid Opening will be advertised on March 20, 2025, and on the county website.
There was a brief discussion of the intersection of Wye Road and Butternut, and Mr. Hajjar said this work will allow for a more direct route on Butternut from Mayfield and mitigate the current difficult intersection.
The Department on Aging is requesting the Board approve and authorize the President of the Board to
execute the Agreement for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach Funds between the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging and the Department on Aging to cover costs associated with assisting Geauga Seniors Age 60 and over with applying for funding through the HEAP during the grant period September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025, effective March 18, 2025 in the amount of $3,442.12.
The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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to execute Contract Maintenance Form #1 increasing the service Contract Agreement with James W. Ross, Inc., d.b.a. Swift First Aid, for additional first aid kits/ supplies, replacement AED (Automated External Defibrillator) pads and batteries, as required in the amount of $5,000.00 for a new not to exceed amount of $15,000.00.
It was noted by Mr. Sieracki that the purchase of AEDs in the prior year caused the shortfall in the First Aid fund.
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to execute the Phase 1, Operational / Functional Program, Architectural Program, Schematic Design Submission Checklist to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for review and approval of proposed alterations to the Geauga County Safety Center Visitation Room, as required by O.A.C. Sections 5120:1-7-01(G) and 4101:1-1, 106.1.2,6.
26.05 Min Public Hearing: The Commissioners’ Office held Public Hearing #1 at 9:45 a.m. for the FY2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program.
The Director of Community Development, Gina Hofstetter, explained that there are many grants available through the Community Development Block Grant program. However, she said (in response to a question from this Observer) that Geauga is not eligible for most of them because we only have one low income area and the grants are geared towards low to moderate income areas. This year, they are eligible for the Allocation Grant of $284,000 and this can go towards two projects. Ms. Hofstetter continued to report that last year, this allocation was used for two projects - roof replacements for Chagrin Falls Park and roofs for Maple Leaf Residences. She said that they will have four outreach meetings and will distribute brochures to let possible grantees know about the program. The next public hearing will be on May 20.
The Public Hearing ended at 9:54 am.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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to execute Resolution #25-045 Fourth – Amended Resolution Approving the Use of County Credit Cards for the Year 2025 for the County Engineer’s Office – 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 for the County Engineer’s Office, for the Year 2025, pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27.
36:55 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval to execute Resolution #25-046 appointing the Geauga County Health Commissioner to Establish a Hybrid Drug Overdose Fatality and Suicide Fatality Review Committee. Adam Litke, Administrator of Geauga Public Health, Kathy Johnson, board member from the Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Service (GC-MHRS) as well as Jim Mausser, GC-MHRS Finance Director, commented on the need and Mrs. Brakey said that this will help determine how to better target efforts to prevent suicide. Observer Note: In a separate press release, Mrs. Brakey noted the following: Under Ohio Revised Code 307.6410, the review board will be chaired by the Health Commissioner and include statutory members such as:
• A law enforcement representative (either the county sheriff or a local police chief, or their designee)
• A public health official or their designee
• The executive director of the county’s board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services, or their designee
• A licensed physician
• The county coroner (invited to participate)
A photo was taken with all commissioners, Mr. Litke and the GC-MHRS representatives.
44:28 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval to execute Resolution #25-047 recognizing
March 16 - 22, 2025 as National Sunshine Week. Observer Note: Sunshine Week is to celebrate transparency in government. See Sunshine Week. Mrs. Benton came forward with this Observer to explain the importance of Sunshine Week and to thank the Commissioners for making the meetings more accessible through the video and live-stream and other actions such as having those who come before the Commissioners state their names and positions. Mrs. Benton also noted that the videos are getting 150 views a week. Mrs. Brakey said that they are looking at software that could get the agenda pushed out automatically to the website. Mrs. Benton asked the Commissioners to encourage other county entities to video meetings, make agendas available and allow for public comment. A photo was taken, but Mr. Spidalieri declined to be included. He said, “I have taken more pictures in the last two months than I have taken in 13 years so I’m going to pass on a couple of those”.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval to execute Resolution #25-048 honoring Camp Sue Osborn on their 50 th Anniversary. It was stated that over their 50 years they have served well over 7,500 campers from Lake and Geauga Counties at this two week camp for special needs children. See Camp Sue Osborn.
51:00 Min. Executive Session - The Commissioners went 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, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(2).
1:00.22 Min. Return from Executive Session at 10:20 am. Mr. Dvorak announced that action would be taken and the Commissioners approved the following resolutions unanimously:
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to execute resolution number 25-049 authorizing purchase of property including permanent parcel numbers 10-143900 and 10-085350 located at 214 East Park Street, Chardon and adjacent vacant lot and further authorizing the president of the board to be authorized, directed and empowered to execute for and on behalf of the board any and all documents required in connection with the purchase of the property.
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to approve an encumbrance and expenditure in the amount of $5,000 for earnest money relating to the purchase of property for permanent parcel number 10-143900 and 10-085350.
There was no discussion about the purpose for this purchase. Observer Note: This property is on the corner of Park and North Hampton and has been used in the past as an office building. See Century 21 Commercial.
1:02:21 Min. Second Executive Session - The Commissioners voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of considering the employment of public employee for the County Administrator position, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(1).
1:07:25 Min. Return from Executive Session - The Commissioners returned at 10:27 am with action as follows:
The Board voted unanimously to appoint Amy Bevan as the next County Administrative, to be effective April 14th at the rate of $60.46 per hour grade 19 step 9 . Mrs. Brakey commented that they received 52 resumes and that Ms. Bevan stood out as an outstanding candidate. She said that there was unanimous agreement. Observer Note: In a separate press release, the Commissioners highlighted Ms. Bevan’s public administration experience and that she is a Marine Corps veteran. See BOCC website here.
Board Discussion - Ms. Burhenne asked to discuss the MultiVista Contract, Security Cameras in Chambers for the renovations at the Courthouse. It was unanimously decided to let the contract end without renewal in April, 2025. There was also a question about how many security cameras that the Sheriff recommended to be placed in chambers and Chief Deputy Sheriff Thomas Rowan stated that their recommendation was for one camera in chambers (not outside facing in).
Public Comment
An individual from Russell Township asked when the Airport contract would be resolved and Mr. Dvorak said next week. (see further discussion below).
1:13.00 Min. Mr. Joe Otto from Newbury voiced several comments about the spending plans for the airport, which were rebutted by Mr. Spidalieri. Mrs. Brakey and Mr. Dvorak also contributed to this discussion which lasted about 30 minutes in total.
Mr. Otto described his long career in aviation and expressed his reservations about building a runway at 3,500 feet when, in his opinion, a runway of 4,400 feet is required for most corporate jets. He also expressed concern that there was no 5-year plan and his thought that a 20-year plan was what was actually required.
Mr. Spidalieri suggested that there was a 5-year plan.
Mrs. Brakey said that she had requested a Business Plan but the Airport had not provided one to her.
Observer Note: See LWVG report from March 4, 2025 when there was a lengthy discussion about this matter. This Observer also asked to confirm that the runway was already approved and that the matter currently under consideration is whether the Commissioners should contribute $1.3 million toward the cost of new hangars. Mr Dvorak and Mrs. Brakey confirmed this understanding.
Mr. Dvorak encouraged Mr. Otto to attend the Airport Authority meeting at 6:00 pm on the first Monday of the month. See Airport Authority.
1:43.00 Min. In response to a question from Chagrin Valley Times reporter, Anastasia Nichols, Mr. Spidalieri noted that people are not protesting the overruns for the renovation of the Courthouse.
Meeting adjourned at 11:06 am.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next BOCC meeting is on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 9:30 am at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Rossey
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Carol Benton
Date Submitted: 3/24/2025
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