Airport Funding Request to be Addressed Again at Special Meeting April 24, 2025;
Department Budget Hearings to Begin May 6, 2025
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - April 22, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, April 22, 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 April 22, 2025 meeting recording can be found here. As of the date of publication this video has been viewed 208 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 and revised on April 15, 2025. Observer Note: The above link to the Policy does not have the revision, which was simply to change the time allowed for public comment from two minutes to three minutes.
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Ralph Spidalieri, James Dvorak and Carolyn Brakey. Also present were Commissioners Clerk Christine Blair, Acting County Administrator Linda Burhenne and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy Administrator, ADP (Automatic Data Processing); Shane Hajjar, Engineer’s Department; Glen Vernick, Maintenance Department Director; Nick Gorris, Water Resources Director; Kathy Hostutler, Human Resources Manager; Elaine Malkamaki, Program Director, Community and Economic Development; Craig Swenson, Executive Director, Job and Family Services (JFS); Richard Blamer, Geauga Airport Manager; George (Chip) Hess, President, Geauga Airport Authority, and Greg Gyllstrom, Vice-President, Geauga Airport Authority.
Others in Attendance: Scott Landis, Insured Partner CORSA (County Risk Sharing Authority), County residents Tom and Diane Jones, other members of the public and press, and this LWVG Observer
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Commissioner Dvorak.
Minutes: No minutes were submitted for approval. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through April 22, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through April 1, 2025.
5:02 Min. Administrator Report - Ms. Burhenne reported on the following:
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Supplemental to the General Fund Misc. Insurance for CORSA payments (see below)
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Voucher: $295,143.67 to Commonwealth Title Professionals for the purchase of 214 E. Park St., Chardon, Ohio
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Agreement with City of Chardon to permit use of Short Court St. for the Maple Festival
Financial Report (This was moved to later in the meeting)
CORSA (County Risk Sharing Authority) Discussion - Scott Landis, Insured Partner, presented information regarding the CORSA Insurance Program Renewal. Human Resources Manager Kathy Hostutler was also present to answer questions.
According to Mr. Landis, CORSA started in 1987. There are now 73 counties in the group and all had increases. Mr. Landis said that the average increase was 12.0% but that Geauga’s increase was only 10.94% due to having a better loss ratio and from receiving credits for optional training. Mr. Landis said that, through the efforts of Ms. Hostutler, Geauga was able to get 100% of the credits available. Mr. Landis said that, in general, the increase is due to reinsurance rates which increased from 2021 at $4.7 million to $11.7 million in 2024. He also said that the following factors entered into the equation:
The Geauga County loss ratio overall over the last three years was 37%, which is well below the average.
Mr. Landis said that ADP takes advantage of multi-factor authentication and other security enhancements, as does the Sheriff’s office.
Mr. Spidalieri wanted to know why the property values have gone up, and suggested they might be exaggerated.
Mr. Landis said that the amount of the increase attributed to increased property values was only $22,000 more than the prior year.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval to accept and approve the County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA) Insurance Program Renewal for the period May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026, and further to authorize the payment of $532,136.00.
18.24 Min. The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
Mrs. Brakey asked about the cost. Mr. Hajjar said it would be $200,000, which is more than what they had been spending, but the weather this winter resulted in more need.
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To execute Resolution #25-073 to Order the Asphalt Resurfacing of Wilson Mills Road (CH-0008, Sections G-L) in Munson Township. This resolution also approved the Title Sheet of Specifications for the same. Further, this resolution sets a Bid Opening using Bid Express at the County Engineer’s Office on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10:05 am. Notice of this Bid Opening will be advertised on May 1, 2025, May 8, 2025 and on the County website.
20.02 Min. The Department of Community and Economic Development received approval for the following:
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To execute the Three-party Contract between Geauga County Board of Commissioners, Family and Community Services Incorporated d.b.a. Chagrin Falls Park Community Center and Country Roofing, LLC for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grant #B-F-23-1AZ-1, Chagrin Falls Park Community Center Roof Replacement Project in the amount of $64,430.56.
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To execute the Three-Party Contract between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners, Maple Leaf Community Residences and Lindsey Construction and Design, Incorporated for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grant #B-F-23-1AZ-1, Maple Leaf Residences – Roof and Window Replacement in the amount of $98,859.65. The Bid Bond submitted shall be held to serve as the Performance Bond for this project.
21:55 Min. The Department of Job and Family Services received approval to execute Contract Maintenance Form #1 increasing the Contract with ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) for the Geauga Youth Center Design and Construction project due to changes to drawings for a new site location and changing the HVAC from electric to gas, in the amount of $49,940.00 for a new total contract amount of $539,940.00. Mr. Swenson also said that it had been strongly suggested to him that using gas would be much preferred to electric. He also said that because utilities have to cross Ravenwood, it will cost more, but that this improvement will benefit all the lots owned by the Commissioners on that side of the street.
Mr, Dvorak mentioned that they saved $900,000 by using this site rather than another one that had been under consideration.
Mr. Swenson said that the sewer would cost less than $250,000. Ms. Burhenne said that the cost for the electrical service line is not known but that water and gas are already on that side of Ravenwood.
Mrs. Brakey asked about the total project cost and was told $6 million, not counting utilities. Mr. Gorris (Water Resources Director) will be assisting with the sewer connection, but this is not currently in his budget. Ms. Burhenne said that the sewer connection would probably be $250,000 plus charges to hook up electric. It was also noted that there is a $1 million grant that will be used for this project.
29:38 Min. The Maintenance Department received approval to execute the service contract agreement with Lallo Masonry and Concrete LLC to provide masonry and concrete services at various County locations for a one-year period, effective April 22, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $65,000.00. Mrs. Brakey asked about what was needed, and Mr. Vernick said they didn’t know yet what might be needed but they knew some areas of concrete and masonry repairs would probably be required.
The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
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To execute Contract Maintenance Form #1, with C.U.E. Excavating Contractors, LLC to revise the contractors’ address and increase the Contract by $10,000.00 bringing the Wastewater amount up to $25,000.00 and Water up to $15,000.00 for a new not to exceed amount of $40,000.00.
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Jamison Well Drilling to perform Well Maintenance Services as needed at various locations within the department for a one-year period, effective April 22, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00.
31:45 Min.Commissioners’ Office received approval to schedule a Special meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 9:30 am, with Mr. Spidalieri voting no.
Mr. Spidalieri asked why this meeting was necessary since they had yet to discuss the Airport. Ms. Burhenne said it was needed to complete the action on the Airport. Mr. Gorton explained that they needed a separate meeting because they need to move the cash for the Airport first, assuming it was approved and then they can create the encumbrance. Mr. Gorton said that the transfer of the $800,000 could be done today, but there still would need to be a special financial meeting to complete it. Ms. Burhenne said that they had thought that they would have had an Agreement, but there was not yet an Agreement and it was said that there might be a pivot. Mrs. Brakey said that there is a resolution, but the Airport had not agreed to it.
Mr. Hess, President of the Geauga Airport Board, also seemed confused and Mr. Dvorak said that the Thursday meeting was a meeting to finalize what is decided at this meeting.
Mr. Spidalieri wanted to have the Airport discussion first and then decide if they need a meeting.
Mr. Gorton said that it was going to be a loan instead of a cash transfer.
Mr. Hess said that they were now suggesting a loan at 1.5% interest.
Ms. Burhenne said that the Prosecutor’s Office did not approve the Resolution that the Airport Authority had approved.
Mr. Hess said they were willing to go with a loan, on the same terms as the loan for the prior T-Hangar project.
Observer Note: There was considerable discussion on this topic. The information below is this Observer’s opinion of the highlights. See the video at 40 Minutes for more details.
Mr. Gyllstrom, Vice President of the Airport, said that the loan would allow them (at 1.5%) “a little bit of room to finance maintenance.”
Mr. Hess said that they have already expended professional fees in preparation for this project and if they don’t get started by the end of April they would lose that as well as the FAA grant money.
Mr. Dvorak said he was comfortable with 1.5%, but Mrs. Brakey said she was not comfortable with that rate and if they put this money in a bond they would make more with a higher rate.
Mr. Spidalieri asked how much they would get from the project in revenue. Mrs. Brakey said that in the email she received after the session last week, the Airport had said that they would get $48,000 a year. Mr. Gyllstrom agreed.
Mr. Gyllstrom said that, “If you ask for a higher rate, you are effectively killing the deal.” He said, “we are looking at a little headroom….”
Mr. Spidalieri said that the interest would be a little over $6,200 a year, but payment would be $38,060.
Mr. Spidalieri said that this is a county function, like the Geauga Youth Center, for which they are going to pay $6 million (with a $1 million grant).
Mrs. Brakey said that the Youth Center is a statutory requirement but that the Airport is for “eight private planes.”
Mr. Spidalieri said this project is a revenue generator. He also said that they had looked at this last year and agreed they had the funds.
Mrs. Brakey said, “I am going to call the question.” The special meeting was then approved, with Mr. Spidalieri voting no.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for an encumbrance and expenditure to the Geauga County Airport Authority in the amount of $800,000 from the Airport Construction Fund for contributing funds towards the construction of a new T-Hangar at the Geauga County Airport.
Mr. Gorton said this was just to move the money so that on Thursday they can pay the money, if that is agreed, either as a grant or a loan.
Mr. Dvorak and Mr. Spidalieri voted yes and Mrs. Brakey voted no.
51:20 Min. Financial Report
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Cash transfer from the General Fund to Court Technology for part of their 2025 funding
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Cash transfer to Community Development, Metzenbaum, and Board of Elections for their first quarter 2025 interest
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General Fund transfer to Board of Developmental Disabilities for gas well proceeds
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General Fund transfer to the Airport Construction Fund (as outlined above)
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Encumbrance to CORSA for the 2025 property and liability insurance which was up $61,212 from last year
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Travel for the Auditor, Emergency Services, and Job and Family Services
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Then and Now from Emergency Services for the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Plant drill not previously encumbered
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Voucher: $221,886 from the Engineer’s Department to Valley Ford for two 2025 highway vehicles
Financials were approved with Mrs. Brakey voting no
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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The Commissioner’ Office is requesting the Board approve the 2026 Tax Budget Hearing Schedule, with hearings scheduled on May 6, 2025, May 8, 2025, May 13, 2025, and May 20, 2025.
Mr. Gorton said that the tax budget hearings would start at noon on Tuesday, May 6 and at 12:30 on Tuesday May 13. Observer Note: Information received separately stated that hearings on Tuesday May 20 would start at 12:30. On Thursday May 8 there would be sessions starting at 8:35 am and going until 3:55 pm with a break for lunch from 11:40 am until 12:30 pm.
Mr. Spidalieri said that he could not attend on May 13th. Mr. Gorton said that the timing was challenging and that Mr. Dvorak couldn’t attend on May 8 or May 20. Mrs. Brakey said that she could attend all of them. Mr. Spidalieri asked who was scheduled for May 13th and Mrs. Brakey said they were: Board of Elections, Prosecutor, Mental Health, Public Defender, Veterans, Recorder and Auditor/ADP.
Mr. Gorton said that they needed two for a quorum and Mr. Spidalieri said he could attend the rest of the hearings.
The Meeting schedule was approved.
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To execute the Request for Partial Payment #19 for Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion, GMP Phase #1 and Phase 2 expenses, in the amount of $890,605.10.
Mrs. Brakey asked if the owner’s representative NV5 had reviewed the charges, and Ms. Burhenne said that they had reviewed them.
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To execute the Great Geauga County Fair 2025 Contract, during the period August 28, 2025 through September 1, 2025.
Discussion of Change Order for Courthouse Renovation Project
Mr. Gorton brought to the attention of the Commissioners that NV5 had asked for advance discussion about the inclusion of a metal detector and baggage scanner that the Sheriff’s Office had requested. Two companies could have provided these devices. Mr. Gorton said that the company that could supply the metal detector could not be hired because they “don’t sign contracts.” Mr. Gorton said that a service contract is required because they do come on the property. The baggage scanner provided a service contract that contained too many conditions. Mr. Gorton had then suggested to Infinity that they could separately purchase the scanners and metal detectors. Observer Note: It was implied, but not stated, that Infinity would use these same two companies since they could provide what the Sheriff had requested. Mr. Gorton said that way the County would be covered under general liability under the construction contract. He said there would be a slight increase in costs.
Ms. Burhenne said that because these would be purchased by a private company that they wouldn’t qualify for state bid so the costs would be increased. Mr. Gorton said that the extra cost would be $8,000 and he recommended that they use this option to keep on their schedule. He concluded that there would be a change order coming through.
There was no vote on this but no objections.
Public Comment - This Observer confirmed that the Thursday special meeting on April 24 would be live streamed. This Observer also asked for the complete schedule of the Budget hearings and Mr. Gordon said he would supply that. Observer Note: Mr. Gorton did send the complete schedule and the schedule is available upon request to the Commissioners. The hours for each day are listed above. This observer also asked if the budget hearings will be live streamed and was told that they would not be but that the hearings would be open to the public.
Another member of the public said that he was confused about why they were still talking about the Airport. He said the Airport has done a good job and wanted to know why they were even talking about it. When there was no comment he said, “It’s the beginning of the end.” He inquired again about when it would be decided.
Mr. Dvorak said, “Come back Thursday.”
Meeting adjourned approximately 10:30 am.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next Regular meeting of the BOCC meeting is on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 9:30 am at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. There will be a Special meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 9:30 am in the same location as noted above.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: 4/30/2025
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