Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners met in person at 9:30 am on December 20, 2022. The meeting was held at the Geauga County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Claridon. This meeting was in person only and there was no link to a recording.
Attendance: Commissioners Dvorak and Lennon were present as were Commissioner’s Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Gerard Morgan and Finance Director Adrian Gorton. Commissioner Spidalieri was absent.
County Representatives: County Engineer Shane Hajir, Water Resources Sanitary Engineer Nick Gorris, Economic and Community Development Director Gina Hofstetter, a representative from the Department of Aging, and in the public, Geauga Public Health District Administrator Adam Litke.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer led by Mr. Dvorak.
Minutes: Minutes were approved for November 15, 2022. Reviewer Comment: As of December 24, 2022, minutes are posted on the BOCC website through November 15, 2022.
Administrator Report: Mr. Morgan reported these actions:
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Approved a leave of Absence (unpaid) in Transit,
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Approved various actions by the Engineer Dept and Job and Family Services (JFS).
Financial Report: Mr. Gorton reported these actions:
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Approved a transfer from Transit, approved ADP transfer to cover cost of contracts and approved supplementals from various departments to “true up” for end of year. This was explained as a routine end of year process.
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Approved transfer from General Fund to Victim Witness
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Approved revenue certification for JFS and Juvenile Court.
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Approved revenue certification from ADP for additional revenue received. This item received a lot of discussion precipitated by Commissioner Lennon. Mr. Morgan stated that the certification was necessary in order to provide funds to replace an older Jeep that was not functioning. This Jeep is used by Andy Haines in his work with townships and municipalities. It was being requested because ADP could take advantage of a good deal on a replacement vehicle before the end of year. Observer Note: It is unusual for a department to have revenue certified so close to the end of the year, but the Commissioners voted to approve this due to circumstances.
Mr. Lennon also asked about an ongoing contract for website conversion and Mr. Gorton stated that ADP had outsourced this and wanted to make sure that the work could commence as soon as possible, before the end of the year.
Action Items: Commissioners reviewed requests from County Departments and took these actions:
Engineer’s Office – Commissioners APPROVED Release of Bid bond for these completed projects:
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Ronyak Paving, Incorporated – Asphalt Resurfacing of Thompson Road (CH-0007, Sections A-E)
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Ronyak Paving, Incorporated – Asphalt Resurfacing of Auburn Road (CH-0004, Sections N-O)
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Ronyak Paving, Incorporated – Asphalt Resurfacing of Munn Road (CH-0032, Sections A-C)
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Eclipse Co, LLC – Replacement of Farmington Road Bridge (Structure #0018-01.960
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Grade Line, Incorporated – Wilson Mills Road Bridge (Structure #0008-04.690
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Ronyak Paving, Incorporated – Asphalt Resurfacing Aquilla Road (CH-0005, Sections A-B) and Butternut
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Road (CH-0021, Sections F-H)
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Chagrin Valley Paving, Incorporated – Asphalt Resurfacing of Chagrin Road (CH-0009, Section A)
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Ronyak Paving, Incorporated – Asphalt Resurfacing of Bass Lake Road (CH-0023, Sections A-C)
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Chagrin Valley Paving, Incorporated – Asphalt Resurfacing of Jug Street (CH-0046, Sections F-G)
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Grade Line, Incorporated – Munn Road Bridge Replacements
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The Aero-Mark Company, LLC – Application of Polyester Pavement Markings Various Roads YR 2022
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Ronyak Paving, Incorporated – Asphalt and Concrete Paving Engineers North and South Yards
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Grade Line, Incorporated – Drainage Improvements to Washington Street (CH-0606, Sections C-E)
Department on Aging - Commissioners APPROVED these actions:
1) Reimbursements for numerous grants received:
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Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging Contract with the Department on Aging for SFY2023 HEAP OUTREACH for the period September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023 in the amount of $3,695.72.
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Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging SFY 2022-2023 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) Medicare Savings Programs, Low-income Subsidy and Prescription Drug Assistance through the Aging Network, State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and Aging and Disability Resource Centers Grant Agreement for the period September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023 in the amount of $3,067.02.
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Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging Contract with Department on Aging for the Older Americans Act / Senior Community Services for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 in the amount of $348,000.00 (Supportive Services IIIB $115,000.00, Transportation IIIB $90,000.00, Transportation IIIE $120,000.00, Matter of Balance IIID $15,000.00 and Diabetes Self-Management IIID $8,000.00).
2) Contract with the Village of Middlefield for the use of the Middlefield Village Community Center to provide senior programs and services for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 at an annual amount of $13,000.00 (paid quarterly). Noted this is higher than last year, but an incredible deal.
3) Contracts and bid bonds for these providers of assistance with daily living services:
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The Hills at Home Incorporated d.b.a. Ohman Family Living at Home for the Assistance with Daily Living Program for Geauga Residents Age 60 and over for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024 for 4,160 units of service at a reimbursement rate of $30.00 per unit for a total contract amount of $124,800.00.
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QualCare, LLC (d.b.a. Home Instead Senior Care Services, Incorporated) for the Assistance with Daily Living Program for Geauga Residents Age 60 and over for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024 for 5,768 units of service at a reimbursement rate of $30.00 per unit for a total contract amount of $173,040.00.
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Cherished Companions Home Care, LLC for the Assistance with Daily Living Program for Geauga Residents Age 60 and over for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024 for 14,864 units of service at a reimbursement rate of $30.00 per unit for a total contract amount of $445,920.00.
It was noted that the Department on Aging is still expecting to present a contract for Daily Living with Arcadia but attorneys are completing work on this contract.
The Department of Development (Community & Economic) - Commissioners APPROVED execution of the First Addendum to the Contract Agreement between the County of Geauga, WomenSafe, Incorporated and Geauga Highway Company for the WomenSafe Paving Project under CDBG Grant #B-F-21-1AZ-1 for a partial payment of $30,000.00 with a final payment of $5,100.00 (CDBG) and $11,190.00 (WomenSafe) will be paid upon completion of project and when all specifications have been completed, with all remaining terms and conditions of the original contract in full force and effect.
The Department of Job and Family Services - Commissioners APPROVED appointment of Amy Buresch and the re-appointment of Sara Shininger to the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Child Abuse and Child Neglect Regional Prevention Council for a two-year term.
The Department of Water Resources - Commissioners APPROVED execution of Resolution #22-198 Approving American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Berkshire Heights Sewer Connection Increase for Certain Properties, (PPN #06-106900).
Commissioner’s’ Office - Commissioners APPROVED these actions:
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Execute the Letter of Engagement for Year 2023 with Squire Patton Boggs for assistance with Continuing Disclosure and Economic Development Matters in an amount not to exceed $8,200.00.
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Execute the Request for Partial Payment #24 for Donley’s Independence, LLC for the Geauga County Office Building for GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 in the amount of $129,950.45.
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Execute the Request for Partial Payment #25 for Donley’s Independence, LLC for the Geauga County Office Building for GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 in the amount of $120,376.00.
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Issue Requests for Proposal for the Phase 2 Courthouse Project to Independence Construction, Panzica Construction and Infinity Construction,as these three companies were determined to be the top three firms from the Request for Qualifications submitted. Deadline for Proposals to be submitted is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023. Interviews will be held on January 31, 2023. Mr. Morgan stated that as a result of the Request for Credentials all three firms submitted materials and all three were deemed sufficient for the next step – Request for Proposals.
Dog Warden - Commissioners APPROVED Matt Granito to accept and execute documents related to a bequest from Ed Plottke to help the homeless dogs at the Dog Shelter and deposit the funds received into the Dog and Kennel Fund.
Public Comment
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Acknowledgment of the tree in the lobby which was donated.
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A question was asked by Mr. Howard regarding whether the County is experiencing infiltration of our facilities from migrants. Commissioners responded that this is not happening.
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A question was asked from a man who said that he was improperly forced out of his house and is now facing jail time for not supporting his family. He wanted to know who is in charge of the judges. The Commissioners answered that the Supreme Court of Ohio oversees the judiciary.
Mr. Dvorak and Mr. Lennon wished everyone a wonderful Christmas.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available on BOCC website
Next Meeting: Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 9:30 am (Note change to Thursday as a result of the Christmas holiday)
Name of Observer: Gail Roussey
Name of Reviewer: Shelly Lewis
Submitted 12/21/2022
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