Changes to NOACA Membership Discussed
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - January 13, 2026
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 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 and can be accessed here by scrolling down and clicking on the section for YouTube videos. Recordings are available for the public. This meeting can be found here. As of this report’s publication date, the video has been viewed 285 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: Robert Weigel, Maintenance Director; Christine Lakomiak, Director, Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Elaine Malkamaki, Program Director, Community and Economic Development.
Others in Attendance: Andrew Haupt, PE, PS, County Engineer; Frank Antenucci, Chief Deputy Administrator, ADP; Walter (Skip) Claypool, Metropolitan Housing Authority Board Member; Gary Neola, former Planning Commission member; Anastasia Nicholas, Chagrin Valley Times reporter; Allison Wilson, Geauga Maple Leaf reporter; Tom and Diane Jones; members of the public and this Observer.
4:50 Min. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer (Commissioner Dvorak)
Public Comment on Agenda Items - None
Minutes - No Minutes were submitted for approval. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for the BOCC are available online through January 13, 2026 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through September 24, 2025.
6:03 Min. Administrator’s Report - Ms. Bevan reported on the following actions she took on January 8 and 12:
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Approved an unpaid medical leave of absence in Department on Aging
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Approved, for Community and Economic Development, a Satisfaction of Mortgage for Pattie Holdings LLC for a $193,000 loan
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Approved hiring of a Custodian for the Maintenance Department
7:15 Min. Financial Report - Mr. Gorton received approval for the following financials:
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Supplemental Appropriation for the Recorder and Veterans Commission for the purchase of dog tag engraving equipment, historic flag restoration and for making Veteran ID cards as approved at BOCC session (meeting) on December 16th, 2025.
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Supplemental in the Opioid Settlement Fund to make funds available for grants.
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Supplemental in the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Fund. Mr. Gorton said that the remaining funds equal $3.1 Million and these must be expended before the end of 2026.
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Travel for the Commissioners’ Office, Engineer’s Department and JFS (Job and Family Services).
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Purchase Order for Water Resources to Perkin Elmer US LLC to purchase a plasma water quality sampling testing device.
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Vouchers
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$50,629.50 from Maintenance to Junction Auto for a 2026 Ram ProMaster low roof van.
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$21,375 from the Sheriff to Lexipol LLC for training software.
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$15,614.54 from the Sheriff to PARR Public Safety Equipment Incorporated for four mobile data terminals with docks.
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$9,752.50 from the Veterans Commission to Inter Museum Conservation Association for a deposit on the restoration of the historic flag. Observer Note: This was not discussed, but the minutes from the October meeting of the Veterans Commission state the following: “Director Pemberton proposed a quote for conserving the donated 1889 US Flag (42 stars). The cost for Full Display is $19,505.00 and Partial Display is 15,839.00.”
10:12 Min. The Sheriff’s Office received approval to execute the Amendment to Agreement by and between the Ashtabula County Commissioners and the Geauga County Commissioners to keep, board and maintain prisoners from Ashtabula County in the Geauga County Safety Center for the period January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $45,000.00 per month, with all other terms and conditions of the original agreement remaining in full force and effect.
Mrs. Brakey confirmed that the $75/day for each inmate plus medical expenses would still be sufficient to reimburse the County. Mr. Dvorak said he was fine with the rate because that was the rate at the Safety Center.
12:00 Min. The Department of Community and Economic Development received approval for the following:
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To execute the Ohio Department of Development / Community Services Division (CSD) Organization Contacts Form, Ohio Department of Development / Community Services Division Users and Roles Form and the State of Ohio, Ohio Department of Development Data Confidentiality Agreement – Agency Staff (OCEAN User Agreement Forms) that are used to apply for and maintain CSD (Community Services Division) programs and grants.
Ms. Malkamaki said that the update was for adding Ms. Bevan and Mr. Jimison.
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To authorize the President of the Board to electronically execute and submit the Ohio Department of Development, Brownfield Remediation Grant Agreement, Second Amendment to Grant Agreement, (Grant #DEV-2023-205118B) to extend the date for completion through June 30, 2026.
Mrs. Malkamaki said that she thought the extension was for a year, but it was only six months. She said they would wrap up the project by June 2026.
14:27 Min. The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
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To authorize Ralph Spidalieri, authorized representative, to execute the Ohio Water Development Authority Fund Payment Request #10 for the McFarland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project for technical services by HDR Engineering Incorporated in the amount of $69,223.94.
Mr. Gorris said this is for on-site work and technical review.
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To authorize Ralph Spidalieri, authorized representative, to execute the Request for Partial Payment #7 for Shook Construction Company for the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project in the amount of $832,207.46. This request will be paid in full using ARPA funds.
Mr. Gorris said that the project is moving along well. They anticipate being able to start the new plant in October 2026. He said that they need to get the new plant started before they start shutting down and taking down the old plant. He said that the final completion estimated date is July 2027.
17:20 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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To execute Resolution #26-006 Approving the Use of County Credit Cards for Year 2026 for Offices and Departments (per attached, Exhibit A – revised), pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27.
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To execute the Applications for Authorization for the use of County Credit Cards forms for the Year 2026, per O.R.C. 301.27 for the County Engineer’s Office (additional employees), the Department of Aging, Building Department, Job and Family Services (additional employees) and Maintenance (additional employee).
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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 2026 (Quarters 1, 2, 3 and 4) for the Department on Aging, Building Department and Department of Water Resources (1st Quarter – Visa, all Quarters – Home Depot and Tractor Supply).
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To approve the creation, title and job description for the position of Part-time Communications / Media Specialist (#1333-1) to be effective January 13, 2026. Ms. Bevan said that this position is new, based on the success of the intern who did this type of work until recently.
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To approve the revised Organizational Chart to remove Intern (temporary) and include the Part-time Communications / Media Specialist (#1333-1) to be effective January 13, 2026.
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To grant permission to advertise for the position of Part-time Communications / Media Specialist (#1333-1). This position will remain posted until filled. Ms. Bevan said it will be posted on the website, on Indeed and with the News Herald.
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To authorize the President of the Board to execute the Letter of Representation: Outside Counsel with Meyers, Roman, Friedberg and Lewis for the Year 2026 in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00 unless prior approval by the Board. Mrs. Brakey abstained from this approval due to a prior engagement with this firm. Ms. Bevan also said that she would look into any other recommendations by the Board. None were mentioned at this time.
21:35 Min. Board Discussion –
NOACA - Ms. Bevan said she wanted to discuss the changes approved by the NOACA Board on January 9th. She said there was a Resolution they will need to approve but that they still didn’t have a copy of the Resolution. She said that the new requirement will be that representatives on the Board be elected officials or those with expertise in NOACA-related matters. Observer Note: The new requirement would be for those who “hold positions in areas concerned with transportation, environmental planning, land use planning, and economic development.” See the NOACA Resolution here.
Ms. Bevan said they would handle this next week.
Outside Counsel – Additional Firms Listed on the Agenda but not discussed.
Opioid Settlement Funds - Ms. Bevan said that she had discussed the Opioid Settlement Funds (mentioned in the Financials at this meeting) with Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services Director Christine Lakomiak, and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. She said their plan for the $100,000 is to send out an RFP (Request for Proposals) by the end of January for any entities interested in a grant for part of these funds. A time frame of 30 days for a response was mentioned.
Additional Board Discussion Items added at the meeting:
Schedule for holidays - Ms. Bevan said she wanted to mention the three holidays that could be approved by the Board: November 27 (day after Thanksgiving), December 24 (day before Christmas) and December 31 (New Year’s Eve). It was decided to postpone any decision until later. Mr. Dvorak said maybe in July.
Planning Commission and OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission)
Motion approved for Mr. Jimison to be the alternate for Mr. Dvorak on the OPWC.
Planning Commission - The following items were discussed:
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Ms. Blair asked that the Commissioners work with her on alternates for the Planning Commission. Observer Note: At the January 6, 2026 Organizational Meeting no alternates were approved for the Planning Commission.
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Ms. Bevan said that Ms. Crombie, Planning Commission Director, had reached out to her. She said that according to the Planning Commission bylaws, members are required to attend 75% of the meetings. One Planning Commission member had missed 4 meetings in the past year. She quoted the bylaws that stated that the BOCC must: “determine whether the citizen will continue to serve or forfeit their membership. If the BOCC chooses to have the member forfeit, the board (BOCC) shall appoint a new citizen member per OC713.22B.”
Both Mr. Dvorak and Mrs. Brakey suggested writing a letter to the member to ask that they improve their attendance.
Revolving Loan Fund Board - Mrs. Brakey said there was a new application from Mr. Robert Kovey. Ms. Blair also said that there is a requirement for the Planning Commission Director to serve on that Board. Motion approved to appoint Mr. Kovey and Ms. Crombie to the Revolving Loan Fund Board.
30:21 Min. Opioid Funds
Ms. Lakomiak came forward at this time to answer questions having just arrived at the meeting. She said that a 30-day time frame for returning the RFP was fine. She also had several other matters to bring before the Board.
Ms. Lakomiak said that Lake Geauga Recovery had received $300,000 from One Ohio for a Recovery House, but they had not been able to find anything in Lake County. She said that they had found something (later clarified as being in Geauga County) that was “perfect.” She said it was fully renovated with beds and would help about 12 people. The cost would be $350,000 and she wanted to know if the Commissioners would consider contributing the $50,000 needed. Mrs. Brakey said the Agency would need to submit a proposal.
Ms. Lakomiak also discussed a meeting at the Sheriff’s Office, where she learned that they had completed the area for agencies to use at the Safety Center, but that there were no funds for furniture. She wondered if the Commissioners would consider contributing to the furniture expense from the Opioid Fund.
Mr. Dvorak said that he had spoken with Chief Deputy Sheriff Rowan and that it seemed logical to him.
Mrs. Brakey said that the Sheriff’s Office should apply, just like everyone else.
33:53 Min. Public Comment
Mr. Walter (Skip) Claypool - Mr. Claypool spoke about the recent rule changes enacted by NOACA. He objected to the changes. Observer Note: Mrs. Brakey confirmed after the meeting that Mr. Claypool had attended the January 9 Special meeting and was permitted to vote. See LWVG report from BOCC January 6 Meeting here for more information. He urged the Commissioners to vote against ratifying the changes. He said that one of the changes in Article IV allows the Commissioners to appoint three people, and possibly Commissioners would not even be among the appointees. He said that “that person gets to appoint an alternate.” Mr Claypool also said that the change to Article IX which permits changes to membership to be voted upon only by the county impacted. He also said that the other change “sets up internal battles between the three commissioners."
Observer Note: The assertion that the person appointed (who may or may not be a Commissioner) gets to appoint his or her alternate could not be verified by this Observer. More information will be available after the NOACA resolution is received and voted upon next week.
Mr. Gary Neola, former Planning Commission member, spoke about a letter that had been sent to the BOCC from the Planning Commission that advocated moving Geauga County from NOACA and joining Lake County. Mr. Neola said that Geauga County doesn’t get its fair share of the gas tax that is contributed by the County. He said that Lake County is willing to join with Geauga. Observer Note: Mr. Neola did not supply any statistics or any further information on who in Lake County had agreed to this. See ODOT Funding information here. See Geauga County ODOT projects here. In order to receive gas tax funds through ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation), counties must be part of a Municipal Planning District. See more information here. Also see the LWVG Observer Report on the December 9, 2025 Planning Commission meeting at which this letter was discussed.
39:32 Min. The Maintenance Department received approval to 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). Observer Note: This Executive Session was moved from an earlier portion of the Agenda to after Public Comment at the request of Mrs. Brakey.
Executive Session began at 10:04 am. The Commissioners were joined by Maintenance Director Weigel, Ms. Bevan and Mr. Jimison.
Return from Executive Session at 10:50 am with no action reported by Mr. Dvorak.
Mr. Dvorak reviewed upcoming meetings.
Meeting adjourned at about 10:52 am.
Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next Regular Meeting of the BOCC will be on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. The BOCC schedules meetings following a Monday holiday (such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on January 19) on the following Thursday.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: January 15, 2026
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