Date of Substantial Completion for Courthouse Renovation
Extended to January 31, 2026
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - December 30, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 9:30 am for a meeting at the Geauga County Office 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. This meeting can be found here. As of this report’s publication date, the video has been viewed 176 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, revised on April 15, 2025, and again modified on September 30, 2025.
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Carolyn Brakey, James Dvorak and Ralph Spidalieri. Also present were Commissioners’ Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Amy Bevan, Deputy County Administrator Mark Jimison, and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Jessica Boalt, Director Office on Aging; Austin Rice, Director EMA (Emergency Management Agency); Tim Kehres, Geauga Family First Council Coordinator, Christine Lacomiak, Board President of Family First and Director of Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board; Charles Tkach, Program Manager Maintenance; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources.
Others in Attendance: Deputy Chief Sheriff Thomas Rowan; Anastasia Nicholas, Chagrin Valley Times reporter; Tom and Diane Jones; members of the public.
Observer Note: This report was generated through watching the video posted online and so other members of the public not publicly identified are not known to this observer.
6:03 Min. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer (Commissioner Dvorak)
Public Comment on Agenda Items - None
7:19 Min. Administrator’s Report - Ms. Bevan reported on the following actions she took:
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Approved an appropriations transfer from the treasurer's office general fund other expense account to their Medicare expense line item in order to finish processing payroll.
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Processed a supplemental de-appropriation from the Juvenile Court to their Juvenile Recovery Fund in order to balance out the fund for year end.
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On December 29, concurred with the Hambden Township trustees in not requesting a hearing on the liquor license being requested by Webby Good LLC located at 13960 Rock Creek Road in Chardon, Ohio. Observer Note: This address is the address for the Hambone Bar and Grill although that was not mentioned in connection with this request.
Minutes - No Minutes were submitted for approval. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for the BOCC are available online through December 30, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through September 24, 2025.
8:26 Min. Financial Report - Mr. Gorton received approval for the following financials:
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Appropriations transfer and supplemental appropriations and de-appropriations to adjust accounts and funds to balance for final payroll and year end including the Juvenile Court, Community Development, and the County Engineer.
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Revenue certifications for 2026
9:18 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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To execute the revised Accounting Forms Authorization and Payroll Authorization Forms for the Maintenance Department.
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To execute the Letter of Engagement with Squire Patton and Boggs for Outside Counsel for the Year 2026 related to Bonds, Filing of Tax Documents and for additional assistance for matters relating to TIF’s (Tax Increment or Incentive Financing in connection with Community and Economic Development) in an amount not to exceed $8,550.00. Mr. Gorton also mentioned that they were used for the Hartville Hardware matter in Middlefield.
The Auditor’s Office received approval to execute and file the monthly Statement of County Finances filed by the County Auditor for the months of July through November 2025, pursuant to O.R.C. 319.35.
The Treasurer’s Office received approval to execute and file the monthly Statement of County Finances filed by the County Treasurer for the months of July through November 2025, pursuant to O.R.C.319.35.
13:02 Min. The Department on Aging received approval to execute the Agreement between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and Charles P. Braman and Company, Incorporated for Fair Market Value Appraisal Services to Geauga County to perform the fair market value appraisal on property located at 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon in an amount not to exceed $4,450.00. Ms. Boalt said that this is the Library Administrative Building. She also said that this Appraisal is to verify fair market value and that Grant funding requires an appraisal as well.
15:02 Min. The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) received approval to execute the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Funding Agreement with Vistra Operations Company, LLC for the Emergency Management Agency to maintain a FEMA approved Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Plan and will provide funding in the amount of $262,519.00 for calendar year 2026 and $270,395.00 for calendar year 2027. Mr. Rice said this was their first agreement with Vistra so it took a little longer to get it all approved. Mrs. Brakey asked about the previous contract. He said it was a shorter agreement but that this one was approved by the Prosecutor’s office.
17:41 Min. The Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) received approval to execute the Geauga County Family First Council Mutual Funding Agreement between the Geauga County Board of Commissioners, Geauga County Job and Family Services, Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services for funding the Geauga County Family First Council for the period January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. This agreement commits the Board of County Commissioners to providing a support payment of $29,739.00 from the General Fund.
Mrs. Brakey said that under HB (House Bill) 96, Family First Council’s are “more optional.” She said that if property taxes are abolished, statutorily this is one that is not required. Mrs. Brakey further said, “I think you are doing valuable work.” She just wanted them to be aware, and Mr. Kehres said that this had been discussed with Craig Swenson, Executive Director of JFS.
19:57 Min. The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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To reject the bid submitted by Calvary Mechanical LLC for the West Geauga Senior Center Condenser Upgrade project, as the Bid Form did not comply with the requirements of the Invitation to Bid, making it non-responsive. Mr. Tkach said that it didn't mention lead time or break down the lump sum.
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To award the Bid to The John F. Gallagher Plumbing Company for the West Geauga Senior Center Condenser Upgrade Project in the amount of $327,900.00 as they represented the lowest and best bid. This was passed 2-1, with Mrs. Brakey voting no as she thought they should not have replaced the 5-year old chiller.
Mrs. Brakey asked to confirm that this was two chiller units, replacing one that was just five years old. Mr. Tkach confirmed that and said that they added that the newer of the units being replaced would be put on market for resale.
22:22 Min. The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
Mrs. Brakey asked if there were any of the following items that were new or required further explanation. Mr. Gorris said that there was one item, the Bergran Associates contract - they have been brought under the umbrella of BissNuss, Incorporated. Another one is the Diesel contract with Independent Diesel Service, Incorporated.
They had good results with them and wanted to bring them on board as an on-call service.
Mrs. Brakey moved to approve all items.
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Geauga Coatings to perform concrete leveling and coating services, as needed at various locations within the department, for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00.
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Swift First Aid to perform refilling first aid kits at various locations within the department for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $2,500.00.
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Tim Frank Septic Tank Cleaning Company to perform emergency sludge hauling and vactor services for the department for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Workman Industrial Services, Incorporated to perform Emergency rehabilitation and improvements, as needed, at various wastewater locations within the department for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00.
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Auburn Fence Corporation to perform fence repair, replacement, and installation as needed at Wastewater and Water District buildings for the Department for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00 ($10,000.00 Wastewater, $5,000.00 Water).
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with BissNuss, Incorporated to perform Maintenance service and installation of all telemetry and control systems, including meter calibration, at various Wastewater and Water District facilities for the department, for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00 ($5,000.00 Wastewater, $10,000.00 Water).
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Buckeye Power Sales to perform Generator services and repairs as needed at the Wastewater and Water District locations within the Department for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 ($15,000.00 Wastewater, $5,000.00 Water).
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with C.U.E. Excavating Contractors, LLC to perform General Excavating Services as needed at Wastewater and Water District locations within the Department for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00 ($15,000.00 Wastewater, $15,000.00 Water).
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Emery Electric, Incorporated to perform electrical repairs as needed at Wastewater and Water District locations within the Department for a one-year period, effective December 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $45,000.00 ($30,000.00 Wastewater, $15,000.00 Water).
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with Gz, $5,000.00 Water).
29:08 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval to execute Change Order #16, increasing the Contract with Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated, for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion Project, GMP Phase #1 and #2 by adding eighty-four (84) days to the date of Substantial Completion through January 31, 2026.
Ms. Bevan said that the delay is mainly due to the furniture and the fire monitoring services that had to be acquired.
The Commissioners received approval to conduct meetings whether regular, special, or emergency of the Board of Commissioners for the year 2026 at the office of the Board in room B303 on the third floor of the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Claridon Township, Ohio.
31:14 Min. The Commissioners held a work session to review items for the upcoming organizational meeting. Ms. Blair said that there would be no voting but they are reviewing various items regarding the organizational meeting that will be held in January.
This work session was explained by Ms. Blair as a way to get ready for the organizational meeting in January. No votes were taken and all items discussed will be raised for a vote at the January 6 meeting.
Mrs. Brakey said that she and Ms. Bevan had a discussion about holding a meeting at the new Courthouse. This date would be set when the completion date is known for certain.
The next section for discussion was the various boards that Commissioners sit on and that includes ADP, Board of Revision, Community Corrections, Courthouse Security Advisory, Family First, Agricultural Society. Ms. Blair said that some would be all three commissioners. She said they need to decide on the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Board, the Health District Advisory Council, Investment Advisory, NOACA (Northeast Ohio Area-wide Coordinating Agency) and Planning Commission. She also said they should discuss how the Commissioners want to handle alternates for this year. She said that the Revolving Loan and Local Revolving Loan for Community Development are two-year appointments.
NOACA is holding a later meeting than normal, a special meeting. Observer Note: This is relevant because it could mean that the County Engineer is an automatic member, with only two Commissioners. See Geauga Maple Leaf here for more information.
Ms. Blair said that for the Board of Revision they name a Primary and Alternate, and that the County Administrator or Deputy County Administrator could be alternates.
Mr. Dvorak said that the tradition was to serve for two years as President of the BOCC and then alternate and he said he would serve the second year of that term as President.
37:46 Min. Mrs. Brakey asked if Mr. Spidalieri would want to serve on the ADP since he had brought up a lot of points about it. Mr. Spidalieri said, “Sure”, and Mrs. Brakey said she would be the alternate.
Board of Revision - Mr. Dvorak said he was comfortable doing it.
Community Corrections - Mr. Spidalieri said he would continue. Mrs. Brakey asked how the meetings were advertised and Ms. Blair said that, “Nicole usually sends out information.” Ms. Blair said she got the notice last time and sent it to Mr. Spidalieri.
Courthouse Security Advisory Committee - The BOCC President is typically the primary and then there's an alternate. Ms. Blair said that when she reached out to Judge Paschki, she said that that board itself hasn't been overly active, but now with the new changes to the courthouse she plans to make sure that it gets going again.
Family First - Mrs. Brakey said she would do that one again.
Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Advisory - President of the Board is the primary and Mr. Spidalieri alternate.
Health District Advisory Council - Mrs. Brakey said she would take that one.
NOACA - There was a discussion about alternates. There was another mention of a possible change with NOACA membership at their special meeting later in January, but they decided to go ahead with past membership criteria and make changes later if NOACA does change the membership criteria.
42:02 Min. Mr. Spidalieri said that he wanted Mr. Claypool as his alternate. Mrs. Brakey said that she didn’t think he was an appropriate choice. Mr. Spidalieri said, “It’s not your choice though.”
Northeast Ohio Consortium Council of Governments (NOC COG) – Area 19 - Mr. Dvorak said he would do it, and
Mrs Brakey said she would be the alternate. See information here about NOG COG.
Board of Revision - Mr. Jimison will be the alternate. Mr. Dvorak said that he goes to 95% of the Board of Revision meetings.
Starting at 46 Minutes, there were more discussions of various appointments.
Ms. Blair said she was still waiting for the IRS Mileage rate. Reviewer Note: The IRS mileage rate for 2026 of 72.5 cents was announced on December 29, 2025 and became effective on January 1, 2026.
56:11 Min. The Work session ended at 10:20 am.
Board Discussion - No items from Ms. Bevan. Ms. Blair said that Deputy Chief Sheriff Rowan informed her that Ashtabula County wants to extend the agreement for prisoner housing next year, at least for the first quarter. Mrs. Brakey and Mr. Dvorak asked Deputy Chief Sheriff Rowan about the progress being made on the extension to the Ashtabula County jail and whether it was clear when it would be complete. Deputy Chief Sheriff Rowan stated that the Geauga County jail is currently housing 1 inmate. Ms. Blair stated that the current agreement expired on December 31, 2025 and that the extension agreement would be presented at the next meeting.
58:51 Min. Public Comment - none
Meeting adjourned at about 10:25 am.
Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next Regular Meetings of the BOCC will be on Tuesday, January 6, 2025 at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Carol Benton
Date Submitted: January 2, 2026
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