Board Approves a 3% Salary Increase for BODD Employees
Board of Developmental Disabilities (BODD) Meeting - June 17, 2026
Meeting Details: The Board of Developmental Disabilities held a Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm on June 17, 2026 in the Administration Board Room at the Metzenbaum Center at 8200 Cedar Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026. Virtual access was available via Zoom, and the agenda and board materials were provided in advance. For virtual meeting information contact Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich at ktvergyako@geaugadd.org. This Observer attended in person.
Public Comment: The Board of Developmental Disabilities has a written public comment policy, first approved by BODD in 2001, and most recently reviewed by the board in October 2023. See policy here.
Board Attendance:
Developmental Disabilities Staff:
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Don Rice - Superintendent
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Dave Carlson - Assistant Superintendent
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Rean Davis - Business Operations Director
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Tami Setlock - Support and Service Administration
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Richelle Mills - Transportation and Business Coordinator (via video)
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Janice Chesnes - Human Resources
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Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich - Administrative Assistant
Others Present:
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Sally Contizano - Executive Director, Metzenbaum Foundation (via video)
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Sara Clemson - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Community Residences (via video)
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Carol Benton - LWV Geauga Observer
Ethics Council Meeting - The Ethics Council convened at 5:55 pm and took the following actions:
APPROVED - Minutes from the May 20, 2026 Ethics Council meeting.
RECOMMENDED APPROVAL - An addendum to a contract for direct services agreement with Curtis Jones who is the grandfather of a person receiving services and is transporting his grandson to place of employment.
The Board meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mr. Lair.
Minutes: Minutes for the May 20, 2026 Board Meeting were approved without edits. Minutes can be found on the BODD website here.
The Board took the following actions:
APPROVED - The acceptance of a $200 donation from the Toth family for general use. Mr. Rice noted that the Toth family has provided an annual donation for many years.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - The Board entered into Executive Session at 6:05 - Pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1) – To Consider the Compensation of Public Employees the Board entered Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(1) to discuss the compensation of public employees. Mr. Carlson and Ms. Davis joined the Board in the session.
At 6:25, the Board returned from Executive Session with no report.
APPROVED - The Board reviewed the May financial statements. Ms. Davis reported that the month was routine, with no significant variances. May was a three-pay-period month, resulting in higher salary expenditures than usual. Board members also discussed the "Other" expense category, which includes auditor and treasurer fees as well as annual lease grant transactions, explaining the higher year-to-date expenditures in that category.
APPROVED - Financial Transactions & Voucher Approvals - The Board approved the May purchase orders, financial transactions, and vouchers for the General Operating, Donation, and Residential funds.
APPROVED - The Board approved a Locally Funded Services Agreement with Curtis Jones for Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) Services in the amount of $12,000. The Ethics Council reviewed the contract and recommended approval without comments.
APPROVED - Effective with the 17th pay period of the year 2026, a salary increase of three percent (3%) for all eligible full-time and part-time employees, with the exception of positions that need to be adjusted higher due to the market increase ranges. Mr. Rice noted that annual step increases are not automatic and that salary ranges are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain competitive in the marketplace.
APPROVED - A lease agreement with ESC (Educational Service Center) of Northeast Ohio to utilize available space at BODD’s facility at 8200 Cedar Rd., Chesterland for programs and services that directly benefit individuals with developmental disabilities. The lease agreement is for a monthly amount of $2,447, effective from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Mr. Rice noted that this organization is based in Cuyahoga County and appreciative of the space available at BODD’s facility. He informed the Board that the ESC of Northeast Ohio does not receive any grants from BODD.
APPROVED - Modifications to Data Specialist job description. The changes align the position with its actual responsibilities as they have developed over time.
APPROVED - Financial Fraud Policy designed to strengthen safeguards against increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. The policy formalizes existing financial controls and protects both the agency and employees by documenting procedures and responsibilities. The draft of this policy was reviewed with the Board at the May meeting. Observer Note: See the May 20, 2026 Observer report for the discussion of this policy.
APPROVED - Disposal of assets including 2 pool noodles, 3 pairs of water weights and a basket of pool toys for children.
APPROVED - The cancellation of the scheduled Board meeting on August 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm, consistent with prior years.
APPROVED - A contract with Clemici Manor, LLC, licensed by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to operate a Class 2 residential facility known as Precious Care, which provides residential stabilization services for individuals diagnosed with mental health needs. The contract amount shall not exceed $20,000 and is contingent upon the contractor successfully completing all required background screenings and the approval of the draft contract by the Geauga County Prosecutor's Office. Mr. Rice explained that the organization will serve some clients with mobility issues and behavioral issues.
The Board received the following status and program reports:
Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs):
Population & Residential Services:
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Mr. Rice noted a slight increase in the total eligible population and surmised that this was related to the school age population transitioning and people going through the eligibility process.
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Residential waiver waiting list was at 10. Mr. Rice noted there were increases in Level One waivers due to efforts to maximize Medicaid funding.
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Employment & HR Updates:
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Community employment participation remained strong with 190 individuals employed.
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Human resources staffing was at 59 after a position was filled as expected to bring staffing back to full staffing level.
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Early Intervention reported another busy month with 15 referrals.
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Npower Sports programs continued operating successfully.
Board discussion of issues - None.
General Announcements:
Ms. Clemson reviewed the Maple Leaf Community Residences annual report, highlighting the many improvements made at their properties and a donation by Leadership Geauga from proceeds from their Emerald Ball in March, 2026.
Other Business/Comment: Mr. Lair asked if there were any comments from the floor. There were none.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:50 pm.
The next BODD meeting is scheduled for July 15 , 2026 at 6:00 pm.
Minutes when posted are available here: Board Minute Summaries|Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Observer: Carol Benton
Editor & Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Submitted: July 1, 2026
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