BOCC Votes 2-1 to Approve the Airport Authority's Application
for Additional Funding from the FAA
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - March 31, 2026
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 9:30 am for a Regular Meeting at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. There was no BOCC meeting on March 24, 2026. BOCC 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 313 times. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the video for a particular section. Observer Note: There is a time at the beginning when there is no audio, as will be noted in the report. 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 and February 24, 2026.
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: Ric Blamer, Geauga County Airport Manager; Jacob Scotese, Deputy Engineer; Matt Granito, Dog Warden; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand; Rob Weigle, Maintenance Director; Liz Ruvino, Contract Coordinator, Maintenance; Chuck Tkach, Program Manager, Maintenance; Court of Common Pleas Magistrate Randy Taylor; Clerk of Courts Sheila Bevington; Jessica Boalt, Director, Office on Aging; Craig Swenson, Executive Director, Job and Family Services (JFS); Gina Schultz, Administrator, Job and Family Services; Max Yost, County Communications/Media Specialist; Gina Hofstetter, Director, Community and Economic Development; Human Resources Administrator Kathy Hostutler; Megan Ericson, Benefits Specialist.
Others in Attendance: unidentified outside counsel; Allison Wilson, Geauga Maple Leaf reporter; Anastasia Nicholas, Chagrin Valley Times reporter, other members of the public and this Observer.
8:48 Min. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer (Commissioner Dvorak) Observer Note: There is no sound or video at the beginning of the meeting.
Public Comment on Agenda Items - No Comments from the public.
Minutes - Minutes were approved for the November 25, 2025 meeting. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for the BOCC are available online through March 31, 2026 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through October 28, 2025.
10:56 Min. (no sound or video) Report of Administrator, Amy Bevan: Due to the cancellation of the March 24 meeting, Ms. Bevan also approved financials during this time period. The following item was mentioned:
On March 17th, for the Department of Water Resources, accepted the resignation of water systems supervisor number 2327 to be effective April 10th, 2026 and also granted permission for Water Resources to advertise for the position of water systems supervisor 2327.
Financials
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Formal contract purchase order from the Commissioners to Title Professionals Group in preparation for a land purchase for the Chardon Senior Center.
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Then and Now purchase order from the Common Pleas Court to Lake Geauga Recovery Centers for the New Leaf program expenses from July, September, and November of 2025 that were not previously encumbered.
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Travel encumbrance from Water Resources to attend the County Sanitary Engineers Association of Ohio annual summer conference in Columbus, Ohio.
Vouchers
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$67,428.63 from the Commissioners’ office to Ohio State University for the county's first quarter 2026 agricultural program support payment.
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$21,030 from Maintenance to Air Force One LLC for the installation of a new hot water boiler in the Safety Center.
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$56,155.92 from Water Resources to Perkin Elmer US LLC to purchase an AVO 220 Max inductively coupled plasma water quality sample testing device.
11:52 Min. (sound begins during this presentation and visual shortly thereafter) Financial Report - Mr. Gorton received approval for the following:
Cash Transfers
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To the Sheriff's 911 and 800 communications fund, funds from the general fund for the first half of 2026 budgeted commitments
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From the Board of Developmental Disabilities from their operating fund to the residential services fund for Medicaid waiver and locally funded services
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From the General Fund to the Sheriff's victims of crime act fund to pay local match for VOCA grant 2026 VOCA 13636081.
Incumbrances - Travel incumbrances from the Commissioners for the Common Pleas court to attend the 2026 spring conference held by the Ohio Association of Court Administration in Toledo, Ohio.
Vouchers
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$51,015 from ADP to ZeroEyes Incorporated for the firearm detection system renewal for county locations on the square
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$66,533.58 from the Engineer’s Office to Morton Salt Incorporated for Road Salt
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$13,253.36 from Maintenance to Gov Trust Partners LLC for payment number three on the safety center visitation room alterations project.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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To execute the Request for Partial Payment #31 for Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 expenses in the amount of $111,216.02. Mr. Gorton said that two small items will be removed in the final change order.
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To execute the Request for Partial Payment #32 for Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 partial release of retainage in the amount of $456,311.48. Mrs. Brakey asked for clarification on how much would be left in the retainage, and Mr. Gorton said that an equal amount was left ($456, 311).
16:00 Min. The Airport Authority received approval for the following
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For Reimbursement Request #9 for the Taxiway Extension Construction Project, specifically to Construct Parallel Taxiway A including Taxiway Connector A1 and A2 – Construction, Final Phase and Install Taxiway Edge Lights – Construction, Grant #3-39-0054-028-2024 in the amount of $24,610.00 (FAA Share $22,149.00, ODOT Share $1,230.50 and Local County match share $1,230.50).
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To execute Resolution #26-046 Authorizing the President of the Geauga County Airport Authority Board to execute and submit the application to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FY2027 Airport Improvement Program Infrastructure Invest and Job Act (IIJA) Grant Program for the Airport Authority Construct T Hangar Phase 2 project. Mrs. Brakey objected to the fact that nothing was written concerning the local share. She said that typically the BOCC pays the local share, but that in 2025 the Commissioners approved an $800,000 payment to Geauga Airport for this project, and that if they are now getting a grant, she didn’t feel the BOCC should pay any local share. Mr. Blamer said that was his understanding, but again Mrs. Brakey objected to the fact that this was not stated. This was approved 2-1 with Commissioner Brakey voting no.
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To execute the Sponsor Certifications forms for: Construction Project Final Acceptance Airport Improvement Program Sponsor Certification; Drug Free Workplace Airport Improvement Program Sponsor Certification; Equipment and Construction Contracts Airport Improvement Sponsor Certification; Project Plans and Specifications Airport Improvement Program Sponsor Certification; Selection of Consultants, Airport Improvement Program Sponsor Certification; and Certification and Disclosure Regarding Potential Conflicts of Interest Airport Improvement Program Sponsor Certification. Mrs. Brakey objected that this contract was not reviewed by the Prosecutor’s Office. This was approved 2-1 with Commissioner Brakey voting no.
24:34 Min. The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
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To award the Bid to Ronyak Paving Incorporated for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Mumford Road (CH-0024, Sections E-F) in Troy Township in the amount of $499,749.00 as they represented the lowest and best bid. The Bid Bond submitted shall be held to serve as the Performance Bond for this project.
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To award the Bid to Geauga Highway Company for the Asphalt Resurfacing of Messenger Road (CH-0031, Sections B-C) in Auburn Township in the amount of $621,926.69 as they represented the lowest and best bid. The Bid Bond submitted shall be held to serve as the Performance Bond for this project.
25:29 Min. The Sheriff’s Office received approval to execute the Combined Public Communications, LLC Inmate Communications General Service Agreement Addendum A, and Cyberpath Services, LLC Inmate Messaging and Handheld Device Service Agreement Addendum A, for inmate video visits, chirping and educational/entertainment services, that includes a twenty-four (24) month renewal term beginning April 20, 2026 and reflects the FCC ruling that caps commissions from phone calls to $0.13 per minute and Remote Video Visitation to $0.17 per minute for a facility of Geauga County’s size. This will include the addition of tablets via CPC/Cyberpath to enhance communications, programming and educational services to the inmates. Sheriff Hildenbrand said that “across the country they have been charging the inmates a lot of money for making telephone calls.” He went on to say that “there was no consistency there so the FCC stepped in and they said that they can only charge 13 cents a minute for phone calls and 17 cents a minute (for a facility our size)... for video for the tablets. Chirping services will be maintained via the tablets instead of current stand-alone chirping devices.” Reviewer Note: See here for more information about “chirping” services that facilitate communications between incarcerated individuals and the outside community.
30:28 Min The Building Department received approval for the following:
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To execute the Agreement with Duber Architectural and Consulting Services, LLC to provide required professional plan review services for the period April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029, at the rate of $140.00 per hour for 2026, $150.00 per hour for 2027, $160.00 per hour for 2028 and $170.00 per hour for 2029.
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To execute the Agreement with Code Consultation and Plan Review Services, LLC to provide required professional plan review services for the period April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029, at the rate of $140.00 per hour for 2026, $150.00 per hour for 2027, $160.00 per hour for 2028 and $170.00 per hour for 2029. Mr. Scotese said that there are only 100 of these types of firms in the State and that there is one in Geauga and several in Lake County.
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To execute the Agreement with SIXMO to provide required professional plan review services for the period April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029, at the rate of $140.00 per hour for 2026, $150.00 per hour for 2027, $160.00 per hour for 2028 and $170.00 per hour for 2029.
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To approve the Statement of Qualifications received for Master Plans Examiners and firm ranking for 1. F & B Engineering, Incorporated, and further grant the department the authorization to begin contract negotiations with the firm to be the most qualified to provide the required professional services of plan review and examiner services.
33:05 Min. The Department of Community and Economic Development received approval to acknowledge receipt of the following Statement of Qualifications for Architects and Engineering firms to be considered for projects and be on file for one year from date of approval, including Architects: Byron D. Myers, Architect LLC; GPD Group; LDA Architects; Technical Assurance; ThenDesign Architecture; Verdantas and Burgess and Niple; and Engineers: Barrington Consulting Group, Incorporated; GPD Group; Technical Assurance; Verdantas and Burgess and Niple.
34:08 Min. The Dog Warden received approval to execute the Agreement for Services between the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners and the Geauga County Board of Commissioners that allows the Geauga County Dog Warden to accept for shelter and confinement dogs seized and impounded by the Ashtabula County Dog Warden, pursuant to O.R.C. Chapter 955, which includes to house, feed and care for all dogs, providing minimal medical care if necessary and humane destruction of a dog if necessary, until an owner is found, the dog is placed or adopted, with Ashtabula County paying Geauga County quarterly if the dog(s) are taken back $15.00 per dog per day for daily board, plus medical costs if necessary and if the dog is kept by Geauga for adoption or euthanasia, a flat fee of $200.00, commencing January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026 and will be renewed automatically for one additional term of one year through December 31, 2027, unless otherwise terminated. Mr. Granito said that Ashtabula has created a safe zone so Geauga won’t have to take as many dogs. He further said that Ashtabula is planning on building a shelter and that at certain points Geauga will be full and unable to take animals from Ashtabula. He said that they have made arrangements in case that occurs. Mr. Granito introduced a dog named Little Bit, who is available for adoption.
39:46 Min The Statutory Group, consisting of the Commissioners, Sheriff, Judge of the Common Pleas Court, Judge of the Probate Court and Clerk of Courts, pursuant to O.R.C. 153.36 met at 10:00 am for the review and approval of plans, drawings, representations, bills of materials, specifications of work and estimates of the cost thereof in detail and in the aggregate for the proposed Geauga County Safety Center Roof Upgrade Project. Observer Note: All Commissioners were present, as well as the Sheriff, Court of Common Pleas Magistrate Randy Taylor and Clerk of Courts Sheila Bevington. Judge Berger, visiting Juvenile and Probate Court Judge, was unavailable due to trial. It was stated by Mr. Tkach that the building plans are not subject to public records requests.
Maintenance Program Manager, Mr. Tkach, presented and described the plans. He said this project will improve infrastructure and a new roof. There was extensive discussion about the roof, which will be a complete tear off for two of the sections (totaling 40,000 sq. ft) and an overlay for the remaining two sections of 25,000 sq feet.
Sheriff Hildenbrand said that, “when it rains outside, it rains inside.” He said they had to close off one section of the jail and that the repair is “urgently needed.”
Mr. Tkach said that they hope to go out to bid in the next 3-4 weeks, after they receive approval from the State, which is required for safety centers. He said that they hope to get started and finish in 2026.
This project will not include the replacement of damaged inside ceiling tiles, but Mr. Tkach said that their staff could perform that work.
Sheriff Hildenbrand said that he was proud of Geauga County getting this done and convening the Statutory Group. He referenced problems with other counties. Observer Note: See the March 30, 2026 Plain Dealer for a description of problems from other counties.
53:20 Min. The Department of Job and Family Services received approval for the following:
Ms. Schultz described the display on Route 44 and Mayfield Road by Junction Auto that indicates by pinwheels the number of investigations into child abuse. This year the number of investigations is estimated to be 410. She said that last year was an anomaly at 329. Mr. Swenson said some years there were 500-600 investigations. He said that they screen many cases from a prevention perspective.
Mr. Swenson said that support for the work of protection of children is a priority for county residents as they passed two renewal levies last year. He also mentioned that one levy was suspended, in order to return property taxes to residents. The services were then funded by the BOCC. Observer Note: This levy suspension was approved by the Commissioners on December 16, 2025. See Geauga Maple Leaf article here for more information.
Mr. Swenson also said that costs are going up faster than counties can pay. As an example, he said that in January 2025 they paid $46,000 for 32 children in placement but in December 2025 they paid $134,000 for 28 children. He said that partly this was caused by an out of state placement that cost $1,600 a day.
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To approve hiring for the position of Social Services Supervisor I at the rate of $38.47 per hour to be effective April 13, 2026, with a nine-month probationary period. Mr. Swenson said this meant paying this person at a rate higher than entry level for the position, but that the person hired had substantial experience and took a pay cut to work in Geauga County.
1:01:30 The Department of Water Resources received approval for Contract Change Order #2, increasing the Contract with Shook Construction Company for the McFarland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $257,081.05 and further authorize Ralph Spidalieri, authorized representative to execute the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) and Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA) Contract Change Order Form. Mr. Gorris said there were a lot of factors going into the change order. Some were based on site conditions. There were also changes and upgrades to some materials and the fire alarm system. He said that they are still within the grant amount.
1:06:05 Min The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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To execute the Phase 1, Operational/Functional Program, Architectural Program, Schematic Design; Phase 2, Design Development; and Phase 3 Construction Documents Submission Checklists to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for review and approval of proposed upgrade to the Geauga County Safety Center Roof, as required by O.A.C. Sections 5120:1-7-01(G) and 4101:1-1, 106.1.2,6.
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To execute Change Order #2, increasing the Contract with 5K Commercial Roofing LLC for the Geauga County Maintenance Barn Roof Replacement project by extending the contract completion date by sixty-one (61) days through June 15, 2026.
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To execute Change Order #1, increasing the Contract with V.L. Chapman Electric Incorporated for the West Geauga Senior Center / MSI Wastewater Treatment Plant dedicated Generator Installation to revise the design location of the automated transfer switch in the amount of $25,720.15.
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To execute the service Contract Agreement with HZW Environmental Consultants, LLC to provide various professional Health, Safety and Environmental Consulting Services per the Director for a two-year period, effective March 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $25,000.
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To approve hiring for the position of Technology Supervisor (#1910) at the rate of $30.64 per hour (Grade 13, Step 3) to be effective April 13, 2026. Mr. Weigle said that this person will be a supervisor in the Safety Center.
1:13:50 Min The Commissioners’ Office received approval to designate Commissioner James W. Dvorak as voting representative (Alternate, Megan Erickson) at the CEBCO (County Employee Benefits Consortium of Ohio) Annual Membership Meeting, on Friday, April 10, 2026.
1:14:44 Min. Public Comment
A resident from South Russell Village acknowledged Vietnam Veterans Day. He said that there are 650,000 Vietnam veterans alive today and again asked if the BOCC had received a response from NOACA to come and speak at a BOCC meeting. Mr. Dvorak said that he had called Ms. Gallucci, Executive Director of NOACA, and that follow up is continuing between Ms. Gallucci and Administrator Bevan. The resident also stated that NOACA had not funded anything for the Amish community. This was disputed by Christine Blair and Commissioner Dvorak, who pointed to the buggy lane in Middlefield (608 north of Middlefield).
1:19:21 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(3). Outside counsel, Ms. Bevan, and Mr. Jamison joined the session. Observer Note: The identity of outside counsel was not disclosed, but Ms. Blair verified that it was not Amilie Imbrogno (outside counsel appointed at the March 17, 2026 BOCC meeting from the law firm of Myers Roman.) On February 19, 2026 the Commissioners also appointed Mazanec, Raskin and Ryder Co., L.P.A. for continued representation concerning the defense of the actions pending in the Eleventh District Court of Appeals brought by Judge Timothy Grendell. Visually the attorney appeared to be Sarah S. Chiappone from Mazanec, Raskin and Ryder but that has not been confirmed.
2:21:49 Min. Return from Executive Session - The Commissioners returned from Executive Session at 11:43 am and reported there was no action.
2:22:36 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing compensation of a public employee, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(1). Sheriff Hildenbrand, Ms. Bevan, Mr. Jamison, Mr. Gorton, Human Resources Administrator Kathy Hostutler and Benefits Specialist Megan Ericson.
2:55:30 Min. Return from Executive Session - The Commissioners returned from Executive Session and reported no action.
2:55:47 Min. Department on Aging Ms. Boalt provided an overview of its 2025 activities. Highlights included:
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The stated mission of the Department on Aging is “to support positive aging through programs, services and resources that do the following: promote health, wellness, safety, independence and dignity.”
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“We have four senior centers - Middlefield, Bainbridge, Chesterland, and Chardon. There is one adult daycare that is a service for individuals with cognitive impairments, most commonly Alzheimer's dementia. That's at our Chesterland Senior Center.”
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“We have an administrative and in-home services department, which is housed in suite 200. In this building, we have 42 staff and in 2025, we had 425 volunteers, 208 of those were for home delivered meals.”
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She said they used the federal definition of a senior, which is 60 years of age.
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The list of programs includes: adult daycare, social services, assistance with daily living (a home care program in the house to help individuals with bathing and dressing to avoid early institutionalization), home safety, congregate meals and home delivered meals, legal assistance program, recreation and education programs (at the senior centers), Medicare assistance, HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) assistance with filling out that application for the reduction in energy bills, and information and referral.
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Ms. Boalt said that right now, they are wrapping up tax season. She said they scheduled 416 appointments and some were joint appointments.
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They receive Title 20 transportation vouchers through Job and Family Services. They have durable medical equipment and supply programs. So if an individual needs a walker, a rollator, incontinence supplies, they work with different community partners as well as Medwish in Cleveland to be able to get those items.
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Mrs. Brakey asked, “What are your most popular programs? What do you serve the most people within the community out of those?”
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Ms. Boalt said that the senior center usage is very high. She said they served 2,470 individuals last year through the senior centers.
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She said they served 1,465 individuals with their tour and home safety program where they go into homes providing some critical home repair.
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She said that congregate meals have had an upward trend over the last three years. She said, “In fact, since I have been with the agency, we are serving more individuals and more meals than our agency has ever served at the senior centers - 851 clients and 16,030 meals. And last year, our staff saved Geauga County seniors $198,714.98 that they didn't have to pay on their prescription prices.”
Ms. Boalt reviewed some community trends.
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Geauga County’s senior population continues to increase. Seniors represent over 30% of the population in our county.
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Demand for in-home supports, congregate and in-home meals, home safety, and transportation have grown immensely.
She concluded that more residents are choosing to age in place rather than enter assisted living or other long-term care facilities. Ms. Boalt said that, “Our value to the county, we keep seniors safe and independent in their homes. We reduce reliance on costly institutionalization and emergency services.” She also said, “We support caregivers and families. We leverage our volunteers and grant funding to maximize our county resources. And we do provide essential safety net services for vulnerable residents. Our home delivered meals program is not just a nutritional meal or one-third of your daily values nutritional needs, but it is a wellness check. So that is very important. As we focus in 2026, we look to maintain and strengthen our core services, continue partnerships and volunteer engagement.”
Ms. Boalt thanked the community and the commissioners “for always being supportive of our programs.” She also said that “it's the taxpayers who have supported our levies 72% or more above our passing rate in the last three elections.”
Observer Note: See information on the Geauga County Commissioners Facebook Spotlight on Departments here.
3:10:43 Min. Berkshire Local School District Safe Route to School Grant Ms. Bevan asked if the Commissioners would like to have more research done on this issue and clarified that there are no signed agreements related to this. Ms. Bevan said she will follow up regarding liability and risk related to this grant project. Mrs. Brakey also wondered if Burton would be a better entity to administer this grant. See details presented at the March 17, 2026 Commissioners meeting on this subject here.
3:20:03 Min. Courthouse Ribbon Cutting Mr. Yost provided an overview of the upcoming Courthouse ribbon cutting event to be held on April 7, 2026 after the regular BOCC meeting. Observer Note: As noted below, the meeting will start at 10:00 am in Judge Paschke’s courtroom on the 2nd floor and will be open to the public. Mr. Yost said that following the meeting, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and a conclusion of the event at Heritage House, adjacent to the Courthouse on Chardon Square.
3:23:51 Min. Autumn Ridge Trespassing - Ms. Bevan shared her plans to inspect the Autumn Ridge property to assess the level of dirt bike activity and determine the amount of no trespassing signage on the property.
3:26:29 Min. Opioid Settlement Award - Ms. Blair received the rubric from the Geauga Mental Health and Recovery Services for the opioid settlement grant and provided it to the Commissioners. They will decide at the next meeting to whom to award the grant of up to $100,000.
3:27:30 Min. Good Friday - The Commissioners voted to close the county offices at noon on Good Friday.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 1:00 pm.
Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next Regular Meeting of the BOCC will be on Tuesday, April 7, at 10:00 am (Note time and location change) at the new Courthouse, in Judge Paschke’s Courtroom on Chardon Square in Chardon OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Sarah McGlone
Reviewer: Carol Benton
Date Submitted: April 4, 2026
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