New Board Member Sworn In; Facilities Assessment Approved
Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (GC-MHRS) - August 19, 2026
Meeting Details: GC-MHRS Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Board offices located at 13244 Ravenna Road, Chardon, OH 44024. This meeting was in person only with no recording available. The agenda was available through a request to Office/Administrative Manager Teresa Slater by email at tslater@geauga.org and at the meeting.
Public Comment Policy: No formal policy but in practice, public comment is permitted at the end of the meeting.
Board Members Attending: Chair Dr. Steven Oluic, Vice Chair Kathy Johnson, Secretary Jimmy Lee Holden, Treasurer Reba Dykes; Board Members: Pat Varanese, Doug Lundblad and Melody Coniglio
Absent: David Fabig (appointed but not yet sworn in)
Staff Members Attending: Executive Director Christine Lakomiak, Finance Director Jim Mausser, Office/Administrative Manager Teresa Slater, and Clinical/Compliance Manager Michelle Maneage
Others Attending:
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Agency Representatives: Andrea Gutka (WomenSafe), Paul Bondi (Ravenwood Health), Mary Wynne-Peaspanen (Signature Health), Angi Daugherty (Family Pride), Angela North (NAMI)
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Community Members: none
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Press: None
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This LWVG Observer
I. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance - The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Roll call was taken. Observer note: Pledge of Allegiance occurred later.
II. Swearing in Board Members for 4-year terms
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James Lee Holden - Ohio Department of Behavioral Health
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Kathy Johnson - Geauga County Board of Commissioners
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Melody Coniglio - Geauga County Board of Commissioners
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David Fabig - Geauga County Board of Commissioners
Observer note: The actual swearing in process involved Melody Coniglio. She was the only new board member present. Holden and Johnson are reappointed for new terms and Fabig, who is the new appointee, was absent. There is still one vacancy.
I. Call to Order, Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance
Observer note: Dr. Oluic explained that he needed to leave early, so the order in which the Amended Agenda items would be addressed would be modified. This allowed everything that required a vote to be addressed before he had to leave. In this Observer’s Report, the Roman Numerals and titles of the various agenda items come from the Amended Agenda. The order in which each is addressed in this report is the chronological order of the meeting.
IV. Chairman’s Report - Dr. Oluic reported:
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The new outdoor digital sign is installed and working. Congratulations to all involved.
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He attended the Butterfly Release (LOSS event) and found it to be very impactful. This was the closing event of One Geauga Day. Reviewer Note: Learn more about One Geauga Day here. (It may be behind a pay wall.)
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Welcome to new member Melody Coniglio.
VI. Board Review of Action Items
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Acknowledgment of Geauga County Single Audit for Calendar Year 2024
Mr. Mausser reported that the board packet contains audit results pertinent to the GC-MHRS Board. He provided a link to the entire Geauga County Audit. The Geauga County Single Audit is 153 pages as it includes all Geauga County Agencies. There were no findings related to the GC-MHRS Board. For Geauga County, there were two findings both unrelated to MHRS. The first was a qualified opinion concerning 3-4 reports around Coronavirus Recovery funds that were never submitted. This resulted in a finding. The second was a mistake by the county auditor in reporting property tax which was understated by $215 million with a corresponding overstatement of inter governmental payrolls. This resulted in significant deficiency. This has been corrected and Geauga is awaiting approval of the Audit by the State Auditor. Reviewer Note: See Maple Leaf article about the State Auditor’s report on the county’s audit here. (It may be behind a pay wall.)
B. Resolution 26-08-1 SFY2027 Ohio 988 Awareness Project Mini-Grant
The GC-MHRS Board has been awarded a grant for $4,698.87 through the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, with funds allocated by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. The grant funds will be used to implement a countywide "988 Community Awareness Campaign" to increase public awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, reduce stigma and connect the community with resources. The GC-MHRS Board shall allocate the grant funds for the above-mentioned purpose.
Roll call vote: Ayes Unanimous
C. Financial Report - Mr. Mausser reported the following recap for June and July:
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The Board SFY2026 (7/1/25-6/30/26) office budget is through year end, and we expended 97.6% of the budget.
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The Board SFY2027 (7/1/26 - 6/30/27) office budget is through July 2026, and we expended 8.7% of the budget.
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Mr. Mausser noted that at the end of SFY2027, the line item for insurance will be over budget due to unanticipated additional insurance costs for the Transitional Living Center. He anticipates being able to cover over budget insurance costs with funds from other line items that will likely come in under budget.
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The County calendar year (1/1/26 - 12/31/26) Budget Performance Report: we expended just over $4.42 million through July.
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The Auditor's Fund Balance: Our July Unencumbered Balance is just over 1.95 million.
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Voucher recap# 720 for June $314,661.29 and recap# 721 for July $1,162,806.96.
VIII. New Business
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Facility Discussion and Capital Reserve Plan Discussion
Director Lakomiak explained that this is a new item that has not been brought to the board previously so it is being addressed as new business. The staff is ready to make a recommendation if the board is in agreement. She went on to explain that the Board owns 3 different properties. There is a need for better information about what costs to anticipate. This resolution is for funding for a professional to come in and assess expected future costs. Four bids were received and evaluated. Staff recommends Lakeland Construction. Their bid was in the middle range of the quotes. Lakeland Construction proposes a comprehensive site inspection that includes architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC reviews. Dr. Oluic commented that he recently attended Budget Committee hearings. Reserves are being scrutinized as some entities have large reserves. It’s good to have a plan that shows what Capital expenses are anticipated - both for unplanned expenses but also for planned expenses to be covered by reserves. Dr. Oluic recommended voting on this resolution tonight.
Resolution 26-08-2 Facility Assessment and Capital Reserve Plan for Board Owned Properties
The GC-MHRS Board has received proposals for an assessment of the following Board-owned properties: Administrative Offices at 13244 Ravenna Road, Geauga Independent Apartments at 13230 Aquilla Road, and the Transitional Living Center at 12741 Ravenwood Drive. The assessment of each property will include, but is not limited to, an on-site evaluation of current condition, identification of maintenance issues, safety concerns, capital improvements, replacement/repairs/upgrades to support operational needs, prioritization schedule, and anticipated costs to assist in long-term budgeting purposes and capital planning over the next ten years. Staff has reviewed the four proposals received and recommends accepting the proposal submitted by Lakeland Construction in the amount of $29,750.
Roll Call vote: Ayes Unanimous
B. Friends of LOSS Team Funding Request
The GC-MHRS Board has received a request for $2,500 from the Friends of the Loss Team. This cost could be covered by the discretionary line item in the budget. The GC-MHRS Board has funded them in the past. They did not ask for funding in the last two years. The LOSS team volunteers provide immediate intervention for those experiencing traumatic loss. Often, they are responding to calls in the middle of the night. This year they are requesting funding to hire someone to write policies and procedures for volunteers and for the LOSS Team. It’s a 501(C)(3) under the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, but a separate entity. Asking for approval from the Board, but not needed as the funds are discretionary. Voice vote: Passed
C. Transfer of Properties into Board’s Current Name
In the process of applying for a Board credit card it was discovered GC-MHRS Board has had at least 3 different names in the past. The incorrect names appear on bank documents and some of the GC-MHRS board property deeds . Director Lakomiak reached out to Susan Wieland in the Prosecutor’s office for assistance in rectifying this problem. She recommends that Director. Lakoniak was advised executing a quick claim to update deed for each property to transfer them into the current name.. Motion from the floor: The GC-MHRS Board authorizes the Executive Director to execute a quick claim deed for each property. Voice vote: Ayes unanimous.
D. Board Committees Discussion
Last year it was decided to do away with the committees with the exception of the Nominating Committee and the Executive Committee. Discussion to see if Board members are still comfortable with that decision for SFY2027. No objections to continuing the current structure.
E. Appointment of Nominating Committee
Discussion about how to proceed. Got rid of committees last year. Has not been a problem this year. Keep it smaller. Will keep the same Executive Committee for a few more months. The Executive Committee will sta in place as is for at least the next few months. The Executive Committee will appoint a Nominating Committee.
As Dr. Oluic left the meeting for another obligation in Hamden he commented: “Things are odd in the world today and the country. People are getting tired of perceived and or real corruption. As chair of the Board I am concerned about future levies.” He stated that “There is a lot of collateral damage when future incidents arise. There is a consequence to malfeasance in handling the public’s money. The loss of trust is unbelievable.”
III. Minutes: Minutes from the June 17, 2026 Regular Meeting were approved.
V. Executive Director’s Report - Director Lakomiak discussed the following:
Welcome to new board members Melanie Conigilia and Dave Favbig. Dave was not able to attend today. Both have been oriented to the Board. Both are county-commissioner appointed. Kathy Johnson and Jimmy Lee Holden were reappointed. There is one vacancy. Looking for someone with lived experience with recovery.
State Updates
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Recovery Housing: New State Oversight. Order signed by DeWine gives the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (ODBH) authority to certify Recovery Housing. This has not been a problem in Geauga. In other parts of Ohio are many Recovery Houses with poor living conditions in non-certified homes. Geauga has 7 certified Recovery Houses.
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Overdose Awareness Day: Received $35,000.00 from ODBH for this day. Event coming up on August 31, 2026: Every Life Matters.
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988 Mini Grant - $4,689 to help with the Every Life Matters event
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Clear Pathways 911/988 Interoperability Pilot Program - Geauga was one of 5 chosen to pilot the program. This news has been covered in local papers. The goal is to expand this across the nation. Funding by the PEG Foundation.
Local Updates
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Suicide and Accidental Deaths in 2026
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3 Deaths in June and July. 2 male, one female, ages 21-53
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One overdose in 2026, but there are others awaiting toxicology reports which may change that number
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Crisis Call Outs -Individuals who were able to get help
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In July, 37 crisis incidents
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35 were hooked up immediately with services
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22 hospital transport, 21 adults, 16 under age 21. They ranged from 11 years old to 80. Many involved suicide ideation.
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9 of these calls were initiated through 988
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Amish Safety Day - 700 attendees, very interested in learning about services.
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One Geauga Day ended with the Butterfly Release. It was very moving. Dr. Oluic had mentioned it earlier.
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Helping Students Get Through the Day - Sixteen were trained.
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Behavioral Health Resources for Geauga County Bus Drivers
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Concept of a Pit stop
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West Geauga Schools Transportation Director (new board member Melanie Coniglio) promoted this concept. She wanted behavioral health information for bus drivers. The Pit Stop is a place on the bus where a kid can sit if they want to talk, don’t want to talk, or just need to calm themselves down. Bus drivers can invite students with the simple phrase, “Can you join me in the Pit?” It is a place to stop and regroup. West G has been working on integrating special education students on the bus. Angela North, NAMI, and Director Lakomiak were the trainers.
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Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Turning the Board Offices into a Resource Hub with information on medication awareness, overdose information, sharps disposal kits, safe storage, naloxone kit, lock boxes and more. It will be a hub for those in active addiction, and their family members. Working to prevent misuse of medications, as misuse is a precursor to substance abuse. There will be information about community resources, housing referrals, and hygiene products for recovery houses. Event for everyone to join in the Open House format.
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Professional Training - Two training opportunities are coming up:
1.Case Western Reserve Substance Abuse Worker’s Ethics and Boundaries training is next Thursday.
2. Dr. Lakomiak just learned that GC-MHRS was chosen as a training site for a National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) training. It will be offered to anyone in Ohio and offers Geauga professionals the chance to attend without travel expenses.
VII. Old Business
None
IX. Public Comments:
As there is a new board member, those attending were asked to introduce themselves which we all did.
X. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 pm.
Board Minutes: Available at https://www.geauga.org/board-minutes/
Next meeting: The next meeting will be the Regular Meeting on September 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm. Meetings are held at the Board offices located at 13244 Ravenna Rd., Chardon, OH 44024.
More Information: https://www.geauga.org/
Observer: Kathy Franz
Editor: Carol Benton
Reviewer: Marla Zwinggi
Date Submitted: September 3, 2026
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