Board of Developmental Disabilities Approved a $30K Grant
to Metzenbaum Sheltered Industries to Help with Cash Flow Issues
Board of Developmental Disabilities (BODD) Meeting - March 19, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of Developmental Disabilities held a Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm on March 19, 2025 in the Administration board room at the Metzenbaum Center at 8200 Cedar Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026. Virtual access is available via Zoom, and the agenda was provided in advance. For Virtual Meeting Information contact Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich at ktvergyako@geaugadd.org. This observer attended in person.
Public Comment: Board of Developmental Disabilities does not have a written public comment policy. In practice, public comment is solicited at the end of the meeting.
Board Attendance:
Developmental Disabilities Staff:
-
Don Rice - Superintendent
-
Dave Carlson - Assistant Superintendent
-
Rean Davis - Business Operations Director
-
Tami Setlock - Support and Service Administration
-
Richelle Mills - Transportation (via video)
-
Megan Thirion - Employment First
-
Meredith Myers - Early Intervention (via video)
-
Janice Chesnes - Human Resources
-
Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich - Administrative Assistant
Others Present:
-
Sally Contizano - Metzenbaum Foundation (via video)
-
Sue Mullet - Maple Leaf Community Residences
-
Carol Benton - LWV Geauga Observer
The Board meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm by Ms. Tvergyak-Oznowich.
Minutes: Minutes for the February 19, 2025 Board Meeting were approved without edits.
The Board took the following actions:
APPROVED - Financial statement for the period of February 2025. Ms. Davis noted there was no out of the ordinary activity to highlight during the month.
APPROVED - Financial Transactions & Voucher Approvals. The board reviewed and approved various financial transactions, including purchase orders, expenditures, and budget adjustments.
APPROVED - Grant for $30,000 from BODD to MSI (Metzenbaum Sheltered Industries, Inc.) - The board approved a grant to support MSI, which is experiencing financial difficulties. MSI currently serves about 60 clients, down from 200, and is struggling with cash flow. The grant will provide temporary relief while BODD explores alternative solutions for clients currently served by MSI. Concerns were raised regarding MSI's lack of proactive measures to improve financial stability. The board emphasized that no additional funding will be approved unless MSI implements meaningful changes. The grant period runs until June 20, 2025. Observer Note: MSI is a private, non-profit organization serving individuals with disabilities in Geauga and surrounding counties. MSI offers a variety of service options in the areas of transportation, integrated work and non-work programs, job coaching and physical, occupational and speech therapies. MSI’s website.
APPROVED - Grant for $2.100 from BODD to Sunny Acres - Approved funding for a battery-powered transfer lift for children with mobility concerns at an Amish school for children with disabilities.
APPROVED - Local Funded Service Agreements - Agreements for transportation services with two providers, Heather Sieracki for $4,000 and Brenda Goodman for $10,000. These contracts will support non-waiver eligible individuals needing personal care and transportation and cover the period through the end of 2025.
The Board received the following status and program reports:
Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs):
-
Mr. Rice reviewed the MUI report, noting that MUIs were 12 in the month of February, down from 17 in January. Mr. Rice noted that a young child with complex medical needs residing in a single home passed away in February. Given his medical condition, it was not unexpected.
Population & Residential Services:
-
Mr. Rice reported that the total population served at 977 was roughly the same as the prior month. He noted that the staff is conducting a cleanup of records and the numbers are fluctuating slightly as a result.
-
Residential care population was 193 individuals in February.
-
A total of 294 individuals were receiving waivers while two were on the waiver wait list.
Employment & HR Updates:
-
Mr. Rice reported that 190 individuals served by BODD were actively employed.
-
Mr. Rice also noted that the BODD staff remained at 60.
Program Reports:
-
Mr. Rice summarized the NPower Program report which detailed social and recreational programs provided by NPower during the month. He explained that NPower is a private provider that offers a series of recreation and socialization programs. See more information here.
-
Ms. Contizano provided a report from the Metzenbaum Foundation. She noted that 98 responses to the request for applications for their summer programming had been received so far. Applications remain open until May, with enrollment filling up quickly. They are nearing capacity, and a waiting list may be needed. She highlighted the success of a band event as part of a motivation program, mentioning that it was enjoyable and well-staffed. She praised the BODD-sponsored carnival event held on March 1, 2025, noting strong community participation and involvement from high school students as volunteers. She also acknowledged the contributions of various committee members in organizing events and ensuring smooth operations. The event had 750 attendees.
The Board discussed the following issues:
-
Cash Transfer Notification. Ms. Davis noted that the cash transfer agenda item was a follow-up to a resolution passed in July 2024, which allows BODD to transfer funds without requiring a separate approval each time, as long as the transfers are already appropriated in the budget. A transfer was made in February, the first time a transfer was made under the new process. The funds were moved from the General Fund (where levy dollars are deposited) to the Residential Fund to cover waiver-funded services. The board was informed of the transfer as part of the standard reporting process.
-
Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) - Mr. Rice explained the possibility of the board providing financial support to DPIL. The program was included in the state budget two years ago, and Ohio's First Lady has been a major advocate for it. DPIL promotes early childhood literacy by providing free books monthly to children from birth to age six. Funding for the program comes from a mix of state dollars, private donors, and local fundraising. The program is currently active in Geauga County, and representatives reached out to discuss additional funding. The state covers 50% of the costs through general revenue funds, and the remaining 50% must come from local partners, such as schools, nonprofits, or other organizations. The program originally requested $15,000 in funding. BODD cannot fund non-DD individuals (due to tax dollar restrictions), so funding would only support eligible children within their program. Based on estimates, about 350 children in the county might qualify. The board is considering a grant of $5,000 to $6,000, proportional to the number of DD-eligible children. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
General Announcements
-
Mr. Welty, an attorney, explained to BODD members that the Ohio Adoption Modernization Act will be effective March 20, 2025. He noted that it is intended to streamline the adoption process for specific caregivers and will expand the eligibility criteria to include individuals with developmental disabilities. He noted that Probate courts are preparing to assist families with this process.
Public Comment: Mr. Rice asked if there were any comments from the floor.
-
Ms. Mullet reported on recent fundraising efforts by the Maple Leaf Community Residences, a non-profit partner of BODD that provides residences for people referred to them by BODD. Their responsibilities include maintenance, with an emphasis on health and safety and required architectural improvements for people with particular disabilities. She reported that the Day at the Races event was successful and raised $107,000. She also noted upcoming community events included “Wicked Wonder” on September 21st at Legends Aviation Museum and “Winter Wonderland” on November 15th at Bremec Garden Center of Concord. Reviewer Note: See more information here.
-
This Observer asked about the factors causing the financial issues at MSI and the time period covered by the approved local funded service agreements. The relevant information is reflected above in the respective discussions.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 pm.
The next BODD meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2025 at 6 pm.
Minutes when posted are available here: Board Meeting Summaries|Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Observer: Carol Benton
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
Submitted: March 20, 2025
The League of Women Voters of Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.