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UPDATED MARCH 5, 2023 - SEE INFO RE: CHANGE IN GPH LOGO

Meeting Details: The GPHD Board met in Regular Session at the Geauga County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite B303, Chardon, OH, on February 22, 2023 at 5 pm.   The Agenda was available ahead of the meeting on the GPH facebook page.  The website did not have the Agenda as it was still under construction.  Geauga County Automated Data Processing (ADP) live streamed this meeting and a recording is available here. At publication, the recording had been viewed 122 times.

Board Attendance: (as seated, from L to R)

• Richard Piraino, President

• Dr. Ashley Jones, Pro Tem

• Lynn Roman

• Carolyn Brakey   

• Dr. Mark Rood

Staff Attendance:

• Dr. Jeffrey Cameron - Medical Director/Health Commissioner

• Adam Litke – Administrator

• Carol Straniero – Population Health Director - ABSENT

• Daniel Lark, Environmental Health Director

• Alta Wendell, Administration Director - ABSENT

Call to Order: called to order at 5:00pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  

Meeting Minutes - seven sets of minutes were reviewed. These previously tabled minutes were APPROVED with minor typos and additions noted by Mrs. Roman and Ms. Brakey.  

• Dec 12, 2022 - Special Meeting 

• Dec 19, 2022 - Regular Meeting

• Dec 28, 2022 - Special Meeting

• Jan 4, 2023 - Special Meeting

• Jan 11, 2023 - Special Meeting

• Jan 18, 2023 - Special Meeting
  

Jan 25, 2023 - Regular Meeting: these minutes were APPROVED with minor modifications noted. 

One clarification noted by Ms. Brakey was that in the event of a future cooperative agreement with Lake County Health District, that Geauga County Health District would not dissolve but would be a policy maker. Also, Mrs. Roman “called out” that they did not get the list of mandatory services they had requested. Mr. Litke said TB (tuberculosis), and communicable diseases are the ones that are mandatory.  

INFORMATION SESSION

a. Environmental Health Division Update - board members appeared to receive information but nothing was communicated to the public. Mr. Lark stated that there was nothing to add.   

b. Population Health Division Update - board members appeared to receive information but nothing was communicated to the public. Ms. Straino was absent and no one presented on her behalf.

c. Administration Division Update - Ms. Wendell was absent but Mr. Litke reported on a few items as follows:

Website - The web site is up and running.  They were assisted by Company 119.  He said they changed the logo to look like other Boards of Health.  Mr. Piraino stated that he hoped that the website would be easier for staff to update. 

Observer Note:  It is not clear if the Board knew about the change in logo ahead of time.  The logo now looks like the Lake County logo. 

UPDATE: Prior to publication, LWV Geauga examined health department websites for Lake, Ashtabula, Portage, Summit, Medina and Cuyahoga and noted that all except Lake and Geauga used unique logos.  Mr. Litke subsequently shared that the new Geauga logo is a national public health logo.

Dr. Rood mentioned that the hospitalization rates for RSV, Covid and flu have gone down.  They peaked early.  What is being seen now is rhinovirus (common cold).   “You aren’t going to die from the common cold.”

East Palestine Train Derailment - they have received questions and have responded.  Geauga is  in a separate watershed - the Ohio River watershed.  Litke is working on a post regarding the watershed.   He has been in contact with the Ohio EPA and Soil and Water.  The plume is the biggest concern.  He is working with Geauga Soil and Water for a facebook page.  They are planning a meeting, maybe on March 7 there will likely  be a meeting to talk about aquifers and how to take care of wells.  

Observer Note: The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, Geauga Public Health, Geauga County Department of Water Resources, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency are collaborating to present "Well Educated: A Deeper Look at Groundwater and Well Maintenance" on Wednesday, March 8th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Geauga County Public Library Administrative Center (12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Staffing - One clerk resigned, so they are short-staffed. Piranio asked how many down in sanitarians.  Litke said they were down 2, but then another position got put on hold, so they are down 3. 

Administrative Hearings - They are contacting owners who have failing septic systems.  This is a public health nuisance that has to be addressed.  There are administrative hearings.  Last Thursday 4 residents who received notices appeared, out of 15 who received notices.  Usually once they appear GPHD is able to come up with a plan.  New letters are not going out.

d. Administrator/Health Commissioner Update - Litke reported on the following:

HDAC Meeting - Litke is working on a draft of the Annual Report for HDAC - the Board had the copy. It was similar to last year and will be going to HDAC (Health District Advisory Council).  It will go up on the website on Thursday as long as they are able to fix their log-in.  The financial information is at the end of the report. Observer Note:  As of 2/26/23 only the 2021 report is on the website here.

Parkman Well Drilling - Per Litke, these wells were impacted by an ODOT salt facility.  Ohio EPA has provided $300,000 to drill new wells and is happy with how the project is progressing.  GPH is trying to get additional funding from OEPA.  The contract runs through the end of February so a second extension will be needed.  The first extension stemmed from GPH needing to establish a portal to pay the contractors.

• They are on their third depth.  At the 1st level there were a lot of issues, at the 2nd level they found too much iron.  The 3rd level (300’) appears to be good. If one works, they will do that with the others.   

• There are more wells coming, looking at that to see what else can be done.  There is also a question of whether you need a community well.  The downside is if you have a private well you can’t get grants.  OEPA can’t help a private well.  Litke, “I’m not saying we’re doing that”  Henry from Parkman kept sending me more wells.   It includes funding for 7 now, but one didn’t need it.  

• Mrs. Roman inquired whether there has been more discussion of the origin of this?  The salt was an ODOT, state issue. 

• Mr. Piraino commented there might be other issues other than the salt impacting the quality of their well.  

• Dr. Jones wanted to know about the iron they found. 

Financial Report - Litke said it was due 3/1 and the Audit will start right after that - 2 year audit, a little more expensive than last time. 

Grant Opportunity - GPH was notified about our Get Vaccinated Ohio grant. The state said we are too small to apply, and need to co-apply with another county.  Lake is large enough, but they agreed to co-apply with us.  $26,000, helps fund the nurse.  

Ms. Brakey inquired if there are grants we can’t get due to our size?  Litke confirmed this is true, stating that Geauga is  too small for some and “too healthy”  for other grants. Size is an issue.  Litke referred to the “Future of Public Health Report” that had originally said communities smaller than 100,000 people don’t need a health department.  He stated that figure was later revised to 50,000.

Faith Coalition - Litke reported working with a Faith Coalition.  He stated that Amie Martin-D'Arienzo, (prior Deputy Director for Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services) is part of this organization. There will be a carnival type program in June  Observer Note:  We were unable to verify the name of this organization or Ms. Martin-D’Arienzo’s position.

Lot Splits Regulation - Litke went to the Geauga Planning Commission regarding the new regulation regarding 5 acre and above lot splits. The language is a little different but basically 5 acres and above.
Observer Note:  This change in regulation has been approved by both the Planning Commission and the board of County Commissioners and eliminates the requirement that potential buyers in a 5 -20 acre lot split would have to get a site plan and review prior to the lot split.  They would still need such a review prior to building as required by the GPHD.

Finance report - Board members asked numerous questions. Observer Note - no documents or figures were provided to the public. 

• Litke reported that they had to buy some new refrigerator/freezers.  There was a question from Mrs. Roman and Litke said that it looked like there was damage but they are not sure who was responsible.  It was not related to the move.  Mr. Piraino said not expecting a refund then?  Right.  $8900.  

• Ms. Braky asked why there were no legal expenses, and Litke said the bill came in after the cut off.  

• Records request - documents from 1971 regarding Parkman skydiving and campground septic.  Issue happened in 2020.  6-7 requests, 250 emails, documents, etc.    This is a large request. 

• Mr. Piraino had a question about payment for contract services - Litke said his work didn’t get billed for the month. 

• Mrs. Roman asked a question about an item called remit to state and about  travel.  Litke said the travel had to do with events with the Sheriff.  He went to an event with the sheriff. 

• Ms. Brakey also asked about the exam room charge- requested a while ago to outfit 2 exam rooms.  

• Mr. Piraino inquired about refunds to installers for septic.  Per Mr. Lark - overcharge due to the change in O&M permit.  

• Mr. Piraino asked how much it cost for the new website.  Litke said he didn’t pull the contracts.  Did authorize them to do extra work to get up to date. 

• Mr. Piraino inquired (due to concern following the train derailment) how much GPHD has for emergency services.  GPHD has $25,000.  Litke would like $250,000.

OLD BUSINESS

Operations Planning - Mrs. Roman and Ms.Brakey reported that they are meeting with Lake County weekly and that no decisions had been made.  They have nothing to bring to the Board.

Reviewer Note: since the last GPHD Board meeting on January 25, 2023, no information has been publicly shared about the weekly meetings taking place between representatives of the Geauga Public Health District and Lake County General Health. It appears the GPHD Board is actively negotiating a cooperative agreement with Lake County General Health. 

See comments from the January 25, 2023 LWV Geauga Observer Report below:

• Dr. Rood stated his opinion that by not pursuing applicants they were in fact making a decision to pursue the cooperative agreement with Lake County. A question was raised as to whether the Board should meet weekly in order to resolve the questions about which direction to proceed.  

• Ms. Roman echoed Dr. Rood’s comments that it appeared that the Board is going forward with pursuing a cooperative agreement with Lake. 

• Mr. Pirano said he thought it looked like that as well. 

• Both Ms. Jones and Ms. Brakey said that the Board had to see a full package before making a decision. 

• Ms. Brakey said that she didn’t think they should come before the board unless there was a full package as hard working employees could face consequences as a result of an agreement.

Administrator and Environmental Health Director Positions - Dr. Jones reported that this is still on hold and they had written to the candidates to advise them of this.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution 2023-3 OEPA (Ohio Environmental Protection Agency) Water Pollution Control Loan Fund Agreement - GPHD will receive up to $50,000 this year.  It is for low income residents with failing septic. Mrs. Roman said that it used to be $150,000 and the hope is that if GPH can again show the need for the greater amount that it would be awarded.  Litke stated that H2Ohio is another source of potential funding. Mr. Lark said it has mostly gone to areas near Lake Erie, but another one is in the works for rivers.  Observer Note:  There was no mention as to whether GPHD applied for this funding.  It appears that Lake County has received several grants.

Health Commissioner Contract - Mr. Piraino acknowledged it was brought to the Board’s attention that the prior contract had expired at the end of January.  This new contract was approved for up to $14,300 a year and is now a month to month contract.  Ms. Brakey asked for a copy of the contract to review and it was approved.

Dr. Rood suggested that the Board thank Mary Briggs for bringing this to the attention of the Board.

Health District Advisory Council (HDAC) - Litke introduced Jonathan Tiber,  Chair of the HDAC to explain the process and meeting date.  

• The meeting is scheduled for March 15th at 7 pm at the County Building on Ravenwood Drive 3rd floor, large meeting room.  As there are 22 members of the council, 12 will need to attend to achieve a quorum.  They will vote on any new appointments to the GPH Board and will hear presentations from Mr. Litke about the 2024 Budget and the Annual Report.  It was stated that the GPH Board does not have to attend but are certainly invited.

• Mr. Tiber noted that the HDAC is a 22-member council composed of 1 trustee from each of the 16 townships, 1 mayor or council member from each of the 5 municipalities and 1 commissioner from the Geauga Board of County Commissioners.

• This is a public meeting and the public may attend.

• The deadline to apply for a position on the board is March 1st.  The screening committee will meet on March 8.  Mr. Pirano’s position is up for renewal and Mr. Tiber said that to date he has not applied to be re-appointed. 

Observer Note: HDAC annually appoints one member to the Geauga Health District Board to serve a five year term. Deadline to apply is March 1st. Interested parties may contact Mr. Tiber at JTiber@claridontownship.com  The public may relay their viewpoints to their HDAC representative: 2023 HDAC Representatives and Alternates

PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION

Ms. Mary Briggs stated that 2 minutes is not enough time to adequately address the Board.  She stated her opinion that Commissioner, Dr. Cameron has not met the minimum requirements for the Health Commissioner.  She references ORC 3709.01.  Dr. Rood talked about hospitalizations but the Commissioners should have done that.  Felt that 3709.01 that potentially the contracts between Geauga and Lake Board of Health might not have been followed.

She gave her opinion that the HDAC should be involved in the discussions about the potential cooperative agreement with Lake County.  Sunshine Law questions, in particular the Special meeting of November 21, 2022 and the action taken was not in the meeting notice or agenda.  She stated that the Board has put us in a predicament because they have not instituted the state mandated O & M (Operation and Maintenance)  program.  Observer Note:  This is a state mandated program regarding septic systems.  Mr. Lark made a presentation on the plans for implementation by GPH at a  GPH Board Meeting in 2022.

Ms. Briggs stated that the fee program, if implemented, would instantly change the issues of budget.

Burton Resident - Strongly suggested a forum so that the public can hear the proposals for collaboration with Lake County - share the entire picture and how this came about.  Criteria should involve more than 2 minutes of dialogue or Mary Brigg’s proposal of her doing the program and asking the Board to attend as a work session.  

Geauga Resident - In regard to the joint Boards, the Board hasn’t discussed the impact on residents.  Concerned about the Amish citizens having to travel to Painesville?  Will we follow the Lake County permit fee schedule?. We don’t have a permit structure with fees in Geauga County.  I don’t want to pay a fee every year just to have a system.  We have a different demographic than Lake County.  

• Ms.Brakey agreed there are different demographics and values, but she said that the thought of the Board is that with this agreement, residents won’t notice anything different in service.  The Public would still come here, not to Painesville.  She repeated that the average member of the public wouldn’t notice any difference.  

• Mr. Litke stated septic requirements are in the code - it has to happen in Geauga as well as Lake County.  The O&M program is state wide.  There would be a fee depending on the type of system.  We are working on getting an O&M.  If we don’t have one the State can take the Environmental Health program away and give it to another county.  It’s a huge program and will have a big impact on everyone.  We are working on getting that up and running. 

Chris Alusheff,  Aquila Village Council member and HDAC Representative, said he agrees wholeheartedly with Mary Briggs that the HDAC needs to be in the loop.  The Board should be seeking the input of the HDAC.  This would allay the questions of the public.  If the local officials have some skin in the game the public would be assured.  He also questioned how much is being spent on the COVID vaccine clinics. 

• Mr. Litke responded that the COVID vaccine clinics are being administered by two nurses who are paid by the State.  There is no charge to Geauga County.  Brakey stated, “It’s not free, Adam.”  Mr. Litke said that’s correct, but it’s not paid by Geagua.

Unidentified Woman - I want to say that if you come to the meetings, or watch the video, you will know what is happening.

Ms. Briggs - Is the Board considering a public meeting?  If you don’t, I will have a forum and invite you.

Jonathan Tiber - HDAC President -  Stated he wanted to talk about something slightly off topic - a group has been formed by those in the Amish community called NOHH (Northern Ohio Helping Hands).  They have asked for ideas on how they can help the wider community and have already done a lot.  They helped a resident who was  housebound.  120 volunteers signed up to help six townships clean up along the roads.  

Executive Session: The Board moved into Executive Session at 6:08 pm to discuss matters of pending litigation, and personnel including appointment, employment, discipline and compensation.  Mr. Piraino stated that he didn’t know if there would be further action after the Executive session. The Board was joined by their attorney, Mr. Bryan Kostura, of the firm Flannery, Georgalis.  

After nearly 3 hours, at 8:59 pm, the Board re-entered regular session.  There was no action taken after this Executive Session and the Board adjourned.

Next meeting: March 22, 2023 at 5 pm (Regular). All meetings at Geauga County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite B303, Chardon, OH.

More Information: http://gphohio.org/

Approved minutes are shared on the GPH website through Nov 21, 2022 (scroll to middle of page).

Social media postings available here: https://www.facebook.com/GPHOHIO

Observer: Gail Roussey

Reviewer: Shelly Lewis

The League of Women Voters of Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.