Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners met in person at 9:30 AM on February 28, 2023 at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. This meeting was in person only and there was no link to a recording.
Attendance: Commissioners James Dvorak and Timothy Lennon were present. Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri was absent. Also present were Commissioner’s Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Gerard Morgan and Finance Director Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Jacob Scotese, PE, Engineer’s Dept., Scott Hildenbrand, Sheriff, Nick Gorris, Water Resources, Jessica Boalt, Director, Office on Aging, Don Rice, Superintendent, Dept. of Developmental Disabilities and Transit Director Joanne Santilli.
County Administrator Report - Mr. Morgan reported as follows: He accepted a resignation in the Transit Department. He approved a Notice to Proceed for Kangas Realty Investors, LLC for Community and Economic Development for the Camp Ho Mita Koda weatherization project.
Minutes - Minutes for January 19, 2023 were approved. Reviewer Note: As of March 3, 2023, approved minutes are available on the BOCC website through December 29, 2022.
Financials - Mr. Gordon reported on the following:
-
Encumbrance increase- Water Resources to HDR Engineering for additional services required for the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant.
-
Approved a Contract Purchase Order for Kangas Realty Investors LLC for the Camp Ho Mita Koda weatherization project.
-
Approved JFS Purchase Order to Junction for Buick GMC for 2023 replacement vehicle.
-
Vouchers: $ 27,017.12 from Maintenance to Nolsky Inc ; $12,489 was for remodeling in the auditor’s office and annex, and the bathroom in the Youth Center; and $49,694.56 from Transit to Junction Bucik for a new GMC Sierra.
The Board of Developmental Disabilities received approval to recognize March 2023 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Several members of the staff, the Superintendent Don Rice and Board Member Dave Lair, as well as several individuals who receive services from the Geauga Board of Developmental Disabilities were in attendance for the presentation..
The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
-
To execute Resolution #23-032 to Order the Asphalt Resurfacing of Fairmount Road (CH-0016, Sections A-B) in Russell Township. This section is between County Line and 306. This resolution also requests the Board to approve and execute the Title Sheet of the Specifications for the same and sets a Bid Opening on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Notice of this Bid Opening will be advertised on March 2, 2023 and on the County website.
-
To executive Resolution #23-033 to Order the Asphalt Resurfacing of Clay Street (CH-0037, Sections C-D) Huntsburg Township and Sections K-L in Thompson Township and to set a Bid Opening on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 2:05 p.m. Notice of this Bid Opening will be advertised on March 2, 2023 and on the County website.
The Department on Aging received approval for Resolution #23-035 Honoring Peggy Peters on the occasion of her Retirement of Twenty-one Years of Service and Dedication to Geauga County and its Seniors. Director Jessica Boalt and several members of the staff were there to present the resolution. It was stated that Ms. Peters worked all through Covid to ensure that members of the senior community received meals.
The Transit Department received approval to execute the Ohio Department of Transportation Rural Transit Program, CY2023 Grant Program Year Subaward Grant Agreement for Rural Areas in the total amount of $254,363.00 ($135,000.00 in Federal Funds and $55,000.00 in State Funds for Operating Expense and $57,000.00 in Federal Funds and $7,363.00 in State Funds for Preventative Maintenance Expense). The BOCC further authorized the Transit Director to submit the Grant Agreement electronically. It was stated by Director Santilli that this is just the first quarter grant.
The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
-
To execute the Revision of the 208 Facilities Planning Area for Burton Township, to reflect the addition of Parcel #04-150595 to “Existing Sewers.” Observer Note: Section 208 of the federal Clean Water Act governs areawide water quality management planning. Learn more about Section 208 plans here.
-
To approve the creation, title and job description for the position of Assistant Water Supervisor (#2352) and to make revisions to the Organizational Chart: to include the new position of Assistant Water Supervisor (#2352), to increase the number of positions for Design Engineer (#2305) from one to two (2) positions and remove the Engineer Section Manager (#2350) position, all to be effective February 28, 2023. Mr Nick Gorris, Sanitary Engineer stated (in response to a question) that this will not impact the budget as they have many vacancies.
Kenston Girl Scout Award - BOCC executed a Resolution #23-036 to honor Madeline Ramsey, Kenston Service Unit, Troop #71146, on achieving her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts. It was stated that she constructed a compost bin for Kenston High School and that the Gardening Club is using the compost. This year she has obtained a grant from Geauga Soil and Water to construct a butterfly garden.
Not on the Agenda - Security Officer: At this point Mr. Dvorak introduced Deputy Brian Sebor, who will be the Deputy assigned to the front desk of the County Office Building. Observer Note: At last week’s meeting the BOCC approved this position and outlined the duties which would include providing security for staff and the public, monitoring cameras, heading up a Safety Committee for the building and other duties as assigned.
Executive Session - The Board went into Executive Session at approximately 10:00 am for the stated purpose of discussing Union negotiations with the Sheriff’s Office. BOCC returned from Executive Session at 10:43 am. It was announced by acting chair Dvorak that there would be no action.
Public Comment - Dvorak asked if there was public comment, but no one responded.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available on BOCC website
Next Meeting: Tuesday March 7, 2023 at 9:30 am
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Shelly Lewis
Submitted 2/28/2023
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.