Substantial Completion of Courthouse Expansion Estimated on October 10, 2025
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - August 19, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 9:30 am for a meeting at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. Meetings can be live streamed through the Geauga ADP Youtube channel. Recordings are available for the public. The August 19, 2025 meeting recording can be found here. As of the date of publication this video has been viewed 139 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 Carolyn Brakey and James Dvorak. Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri was absent. Also present were Commissioners’ Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Amy Bevan, and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Auditor Charles (Chuck) Walder; Board of Elections Chair Dennis Pavella; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Elaine Malkamaki, Program Director, Community Development; Dog Warden Matt Granito; Charles Tkatch, Program Manager, Maintenance; Kathy Hostutler, Director, Human Resources; Glenn Vernick, Director, Maintenance; Sheriff Hildenbrand and Chief Deputy Tom Rowan; Geauga County Engineer Andrew W. Haupt, PE, PS; ODOT District Manager Brian Blayney, ODOT District 12
Others in Attendance: Board of Elections Member Joan Windnagel; Board of Elections Deputy Director Nora McGinnis; Board of Elections Office Administrator Scott Daisher; Gerry Morgan, former County Administrator; Steve Oluic, President, Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services; Gina Hofstetter, Director, Community Development; Jarrett Parker, NV5; Brett Bestgen, Infinity Construction; County residents Tom and Diane Jones, other members of the public and press, and this Observer.
5:26 Min. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Mr. Dvorak.
Minutes - No Minutes were submitted for approval. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through August 19, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through April 1, 2025. At the August 12, 2025 meeting, the Minutes from June 24, 2025 were approved. Reviewer Note: It is not known why the minutes are not being published, but it is not required that minutes be published, just that they be available.
Administrator’s Report - Ms. Bevan Reported:
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Approval of an unpaid Leave of Absence in the Office on Aging and in the Maintenance Department.
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Approval of hiring a contract coordinator in the Maintenance Department.
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Concurrence with Bainbridge Township not to require a hearing on a liquor license for Hive on Honey Hill LLC, 8200 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
8:27 Min. Financial Report - Mr. Gorton received approval for the following:
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Then and Now incumbrances
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From the Commissioners to the Treasurer of the State of Ohio for BCH treatments from November of 2024 (medical treatment for disabled children)
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From the Common Pleas Court to the New Leaf Program services from April through June of 2025 that were not previously encumbered
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Travel incumbrance from Job and Family Services
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Vouchers - $226,129.11 from Water Resources to Agra Sludge Incorporated for the Aquilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project, which has fully expended the funds from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) that had been set aside for it.
Mrs. Brakey noted that she, Mr. Gorton and Ms. Bevan had attended the Budget Commission hearing the day before and that it had gone very well. She thanked Mr. Gordon for an “excellent job.” Reviewer Note: The LWVG Observer Report on the 2026 Budget Hearings conducted by the Budget Commission on August 18 and 19, 2025 will be available at www.lwvgeauga.org when published.
10:00 Min. Auditor Charles Walder - Geauga County Office Building (GCOB) Parking Lot Expansion
Mr. Walder said he had asked to be put on the Agenda to clear up any misunderstandings about his previous mentioning of the potential for GCOB overflow parking at the new Youth Center and why he thought it was important. He said he wanted to address some discussion at the prior week’s Commissioners’ meeting. He said he had originally brought up the idea at a Board of Elections public meeting as there was discussion about the need for additional parking, particularly during a gubernatorial or presidential election. He also expressed that he was glad they could help facilitate the Board of Elections move into the new County Office Building that has now occurred.
Mrs. Brakey said that she is also concerned about parking.
Mr. Walder said he thought they should consider thinking (in advance of building the new Youth Center) about expanding the parking area to include GCOB overflow parking that would be available during heavier election cycles, especially for use to park in-house vehicles and equipment.
Mrs. Brakey agreed that this was a good time to think about that option, but she also thought that they should consider all options and didn’t think the parking lot for the new Youth Center would be ready in time for the gubernatorial election.
Mr. Pavella, Board of Elections Chair, reiterated the concern about parking and said that there are only 80 spots for public parking in the entire area around the GCOB, the rest being allocated to staff parking and county cars. He noted that even during an election, many of those public spots would be used for things other than the election. He also said that there would probably be wait times to vote, which has to be factored into the equation. No decision was made at this point.
Observer Note: Parking was discussed at last week’s BOCC meeting when it was decided to continue to pursue the parking lot expansion to the West of the current building. See LWVGeauga Observer report from that meeting here.
20:31 Min. The Department of Community and Economic Development received approval for the following:
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To electronically execute and submit the Ohio Department of Development, First Amendment to Grant Agreement, Brownfield Remediation Grant (DEV-2023-205118A) to extend the date of expiration through December 31, 2025.
Ms. Malkomaki said that they would ask for another extension later in the fall as this project will not be completed by the end of the year. She also said that the Ohio Department of Development is great about working with them to get things done and approve extensions.
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To execute the Three-Party Contract between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners, Family and Community Services, Incorporated d.b.a. Chagrin Falls Park Community Center/Axess Family Services, Incorporated and Gold Star Roofing, LLC for the pavilion roof replacement and the community center siding replacement at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grant #B-F-23-1AZ-1 for an amount not to exceed $15,000.00.
Ms. Malkomaki said that the pavilion roof and siding will be completed quickly.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval 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 (Quarter 3) for the Dog Warden – Geauga Credit Union Visa.
24:07 Min. The Dog Warden received approval for a temporary reduction in Adoption Fees for Dogs to half price effective August 19, 2025 through the end of August 2025 ($100 for unfixed dogs and puppies (normally $200.00) and $60.00 for all other dogs (normally $120.00)) in conjunction with the “Clear the Shelter” national event, sponsored by Channel 3 and other affiliates across the country. Dog Warden Matt Granito brought a dog, Tiramisu, who was rescued from a hoarding situation in Ashtabula. He said he was originally going to say he was housebroken but after an “accident” as the BOCC meeting began, he said he wasn't sure now.
The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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To execute the Construction Agreement with GovTrust Partners, LLC for the Geauga County Safety Center Visitation Room and Alteration Project in the amount of $130,098.00.
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To accept the Performance and Payment Bond from GovTrust, LLC for the Geauga County Safety Center Visitation Room Alteration Project and further release the Bid Bond.
31:40 Min. The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
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To execute the Contract Agreement with Ullman Oil Company for the Bulk Purchase of Fuel at a price of $0.10 more per gallon than the Daily State of Ohio Contract Rate for District 12 for the period July 23, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
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To release the Bid Bond submitted by Ullman Oil Company for the Fuel and Fuel Tank Provider Bid, as it is no longer required to be held for this project.
Observer Note: A prior version of the Agenda had requested that the BOCC authorize Ralph Spidalieri, authorized representative, to execute the Request for Partial Payment #2 for Shook Construction Company for the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project in the amount of $349,970.00 and execute the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) Contractor’s Estimate and the OWDA Fund Payment Request #2 in the amount of $349,970.00. However, this was not on the Agenda and an updated Agenda was distributed before the meeting because Mr. Spidalieri was not in attendance. Commissioner’s Clerk Christine Blair told this Observer that they are working on getting an alternate approved.
32:35 The Commissioners’ Office received approval to authorize the President of the Board to execute the AIA Document, Standard Form of Agreement between Geauga County Board of Commissioners (owner) and APG Office Furnishings (vendor) Furniture, Furnishings and Equipment (FF&E) for the Furniture Contractor Geauga County Courthouse Expansion Project in the amount of $560,240.54.
35:14 Min. Geauga County Courthouse Expansion Project - NV5 Project Manager Jarrett Parker, Brett Bestgen of Infinity Construction, and Commissioners’ Office Budget and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton provided an overview of the project. Photos of the inside of the courthouse were shown.
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Key Dates:
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Substantial Completion of the Project - October 10
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Furniture installation - October 13 - November 7
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Security (metal detector, scanner, rifle rack) review - November 10 - 21
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Courthouse Relocation - November 24 - December 16
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Other important dates:
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Owner training - October 10
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Punch list completion - October 10 - November 7
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Renovation between old and new portals - December 17 - January 27
Observer Note: See a review of the change orders at 41:37 Min on the video
Mr. Parker said there was one more change order coming for about $30,000 for microphones.
They discussed the change orders for this meeting (approved below): for additional cameras and card readers in the amount of $137,582.00. Mrs. Brakey asked if the Sheriff had been consulted at the beginning of the project. Sheriff Hildebrand said no, but that he had done a walk through and was comfortable with the location of cameras as now planned.
The other change order is for additional technology backbone cabling in the amount of $17,817.00. Mrs. Brakey asked the reason for this increase. It was explained that the way it was originally designed, if one floor lost internet, all floors would lose it. This change would eliminate that possibility, as it builds in “redundancy.”
Mrs. Brakey asked what could happen to impact the substantial completion date. Mr. Parker said that he didn’t think there was anything from Infinity but that his only concern now is whether the furniture will arrive in time as they are behind on the ordering. They have a meeting with Randy Taylor (Geauga County Magistrate and designee on the Courthouse project) and the relocation company next week to discuss what obstacles might occur.
56:52 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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To execute Change Order #11, increasing the Contract with Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion Project, GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 for additional cameras and card readers in the amount of $137,582.00.
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To execute Change Order #12, increasing the Contract with Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion Project, GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 for additional technology backbone cabling in the amount of $17,817.00.
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To execute Resolution #25-166 in Honor of Paul Harris, dedication into Legends Park at the Great Geauga County Fair for his longtime dedication to the Geauga County Fair.
Mr. Dvorak said there would be a dedication at 9:30 am on Thursday, August 28 at Legends Park.
102 Min. Commissioners Meeting at the Geauga County Fair: Mrs. Brakey asked about how those who wished to attend the BOCC Public Meeting next Thursday at the Fair could get into the Fair without payment. It was stated that anyone wishing to do that should ask for a timed entry.
102:17 Min. Executive Session - The Department of Water Resources requested the Board move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the employment and compensation of public employees, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(1). Mr. Gorris, Director of Water Resources, and Kathy Hostutler, Human Resources Director, joined the Commissioners and Ms. Bevan at 10:29 am.
1:47:56 Min. Return from Executive Session at 11:13 am. Ms. Bevan announced that there would be no action.
Board Discussion – State Route 608 and Chardon Windsor Road - There was a discussion about the need for action to ensure better safety at this intersection, especially in view of a recent fatal accident. The option of implementing a 4-way stop was discussed, as well as various ways that signs would be used to alert drivers of a change to 4-way stop. It was noted that there is currently no stop sign for those traveling on State Route 608. It was stated that normally getting a 4-way stop would take 6-8 weeks, but they hope to expedite the work.
2:06 in. Public Comment: None
Mr. Dvorak announced that Merchant Hall 2 would be used this year for Geauga County Services at the Fair. This will be a trial to see if this works well to attract members of the public and answer questions. It is being used now to get ready for America 250 Geauga, the local celebration of the 250th Anniversary celebration of the founding of the United States.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:33 am.
Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next Regular Meeting of the BOCC will be on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Great Geauga County Fair. There will be no meeting on Tuesday, August 26th.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: August 23, 2025
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