Board of County Commissioners - October 31, 2023
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met at 9:30 AM on October 31, 2023 at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. BOCC meetings are in-person only and there are no recordings for the public. An agenda is available in advance via request to the Commissioners’ Clerk. Observer Comment: At the July 11, 2023 meeting, it was noted that the public had difficulty hearing the discussions between Mr. Morgan, Ms. Blair, and the Commissioners. At the time it was stated that microphones would be installed. There are now working microphones for everyone, except that Mr. Lennon and Mr. Morgan share one microphone still making it difficult to hear what is said by Mr. Morgan.
Public Comment Policy: Observer Comment: Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri announced at the end of the April 4, 2023 meeting that public comment would be permitted and that a more formal policy would be forthcoming. There was no formal policy introduced today.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by Commissioner James Dvorak.
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Ralph Spidalieri, James Dvorak and Timothy Lennon. Also present were Commissioners' Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Gerald Morgan, Assistant County Administrator Linda Burhenne, and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand, Chief Deputy Thomas Rowan, Shane Hajjar, Deputy Design/Planning Engineer; Richard Blamer, Airport Manager; Kathleen Miller, Water Resources; Jessica Boalt, Director of Office on Aging;
Others in Attendance: Elaine Malkamaki, Program Director, Department of Community and Economic Development; Reporters from the Geauga Maple Leaf and Chagrin Valley Times; Carolyn Brakey, President Geauga Public Health, Adam Litke, Administrator, Geauga Public Health; Craig Swenson, Director, Job and Family Services; Michael Barb, Executive Director, Lake/Geauga Habitat for Humanity. several other members of the public, and this observer.
Minutes were approved for the following meetings: September 26, 2023, October 3, 2023 and October 12, 2023. Reviewer Comment: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for BOCC are available online through October 31, 2023 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved BOCC minutes.
Report of County Administrator Mr. Morgan - Mr. Morgan reported on the following actions taken by him pursuant to authority granted to him by the Commissioners:
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Approved Purchase Order for a weekly service mailing
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Commissioners agreed with the Department of Community Development Economic to the satisfaction of a mortgage for $200,000 for Steven Douglass Corp Holdings LLC Reviewer Note: The Department of Community Development Economic receives funding that they use to assist businesses, which in this case was to obtain a lower cost mortgage. No details were presented regarding when the original transaction occurred.
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Agreed with Chester Township not to request a hearing on a liquor license for Element Fitness Studios on Mulberry Road in Chesterland
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Agreed with Department of Community Development Economic for a job certification for Scheff Electric as they have fulfilled the job creation portion of their revolving loan
Financial Report - Mr. Adrian Gorton received approval for the Financial Report, containing the following:
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Appropriation from the Sheriff’s Dept for miscellaneous refunds and checks
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Supplemental for the Board of Developmental Disabilities in their reserve balance fund
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Travel for the Commissioners, Common Pleas Court, Engineers Dept, and Public Defender
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Then and Now to Ibold and O’Brien for legal fees for indigent defendants
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Vouchers:
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$32,500 from the Building Dept to Junction Auto for 2024 GMC vehicle
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$751,039.60 from the Engineers to Ronyak Paving for Brakeman, Mumford and Messenger Roads
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$57,898.80 to Preston Chevrolet from the Sheriff’s Office for a vehicle
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Revenue Certification for Board of Developmental Disabilities for additional unbudgeted revenue to be received in 2023
The Airport Authority received approval for the following:
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Reimbursement Request #1 for FAA 2023 AIP Grant project (#3-39-0054-027-2023) for Construct Parallel Taxiway A Pavement and LED Lighting, Phase ½ Design in the amount $29,350.00 ($26,415.00 FAA Portion, $1,467.50 ODOT and $1,467.50 Local County Match) of the total grant amount of $181,500.00 (FAA $163,350.00, $9,075.00 ODOT and $9,075.00 Local County).
Airport Manager Richard Blamer said this was the first submission for this Grant.
The Airport Authority also received approval:
The Commissioners asked about the parallel runway and Mr. Blamer said that construction has not
started. He also said he has met with the FAA about the new T Hangar and that they are very positive.
Mr. Dvorak asked about repairs to the roof of the current T Hangar and Mr. Blamer said they expect to be
ready to go out to bid in December - January.
The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
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To execute Resolution #23-181 appointing Board Member, James W. Dvorak, as the Chief Executive Officer and Certifying Representative for the proposed Asphalt Resurfacing of Auburn Road (CH-0004, Sections K-M) in Munson and Newbury Townships and further approve and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute the State of Ohio Public Works Commission application for financial assistance.
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To approve and execute Resolution #23-182 appointing Board Member, James W. Dvorak, as the Chief Executive Officer and Certifying Representative for the proposed Asphalt Resurfacing of Chardon Windsor Road (CH-0013, Sections A-D) in Claridon and Hambden Townships and further approve and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute the State of Ohio Public Works Commission application for financial assistance.
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To approve and execute Resolution #23-183 appointing Board Member, James W. Dvorak, as the Chief Executive Officer and Certifying Representative for the proposed Replacement of Riverview Drive Bridge (Structure #BR-0380-0031) in Bainbridge Township and further approve and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute the State of Ohio Public Works Commission application for financial assistance.
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To approve and execute Resolution #23-184 appointing Board Member, James W. Dvorak, as the Chief Executive Officer and Certifying Representative for the proposed Replacement of Sperry Road Bridge (Structure #BR-0012-0359) in Newbury Township and further approve and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute the State of Ohio Public Works Commission application for financial assistance.
The Sheriff’s Office received approval to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Attachments A – Services, B – Price Offering, C – Medical Claims Processing Standard Procedure and D – Business Associate Agreement between Heritage Health Solutions, Inc (a Texas Corporation) and Geauga County Ohio Commissioners to provide off-site administrative healthcare services, that include managing medical claims administration, provider network contracting and provider payment for all outpatient, emergency room and hospital inpatient claims when residents leave the County detention facility for medical services that are the financial responsibility of the County for an initial term period of three years effective November 1, 2023 with automatic renewal for an additional two (2) one-year terms in the amount of $50.00 per claim.
Chief Deputy Rowan said that this will actually be more efficient and a cost saving as the medical billing for jail residents when they go to the hospital can be very complicated.
Office on Aging - received approval to execute the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging Contract with the Geauga County Department on Aging for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the period October 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 in the amount of $153,901.00 (Adult Day Service).
Ms. Boalt said that the contract was due today and this resolution will allow Mr. Morgan to sign off on the contract.
The Department of Water Resources received approval to execute the Application for Authorization to Permit the Use of County Credit Cards form, pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27 for the remainder of the Year 2023 for the Home Depot Commercial Account card with a not to exceed amount of $1,000.00 per month per person for Nicholas J. Gorris, P.E, David Osborn II, Brian Loza, Karen Peterson and Ray Farinacci.
Mr. Miller clarified that each of the individuals would have their own card.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
Ms. Burhenne said that this Grant must be submitted the following day (November 1, 2023)
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To execute the Ohio Department of Aging, Grant Agreement between the Ohio Department of Aging and Geauga County Board of Commissioners Healthy Aging Grants, including Attachments A, B, C, D and E for the period ending October 31, 2024.
The Executive Director of Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity, Michael Barb, presented a request for $250,000.00 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the purpose of creating additional housing for the Geauga County workforce and providing critical home repairs for seniors and veterans.
Mr. Barb said that Habitat for Humanity groups around the country have applied for and received ARPA funding. He said that the specific language of ARPA permits money to be spent to help the workforce to obtain housing due to impacts of the pandemic. He said that they have also applied for a slightly larger amount to Lake County and this is pending.
Mr. Dvorak asked how many homes they have built and Mr. Barb said about half of their total (98) for Lake/Geauga and that they are building a home in Chardon next year. He also said that the owners have to contribute to the effort and have to assume a 30-year (no interest) mortgage.
Mr. Lennon questioned whether ARPA funds could be used for this. Mr. Barb said that the reason Habitat can get these funds is the negative impact on their fundraising due to the Pandemic.
There was no action taken on this request. See Observer Note at the end of this report.
Actions regarding the Revaluation: The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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To execute Resolution #23-186 Requesting the Geauga County Budget Commission Suspend Collection of the Job and Family Services .50 Mill Levy for the Tax Year 2023 and Partially Suspend Collection of the Job and Family Services .70 Mill Levy for the Tax Year 2023.
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To approve and execute letters to the City, Townships, Villages, and Geauga County School Districts requesting that they follow the Commissioners’ lead on reducing collection of Voted Levies.
The Commissioners reiterated that they would ensure that Job and Family Services (JFS) receive an equivalent amount (or whatever was needed) to make up for the suppression of these two levies from the Commissioners. Mr. Craig Swenson, Executive Director of Job and Family Services (JFS), stated that, although he had been upset the prior week, that he was in agreement with the actions being taken. He said he had very good discussions with the Auditor and Prosecutor and now has a better understanding about why the action was suggested and about the timing of it. He said he wanted it to be known that this is not a case of JFS not needing the money. It is about saving taxpayers money and providing the funds in a different manner.
There was a discussion by the Commissioners concerning the actions that they have taken to reduce the impact of the revaluation. See more detail in the Observer Report for the Budget Commission Meeting held on October 24, 2023. Mr. Spidalieri said that they want to build awareness and that “some school districts will be receiving a windfall into a million dollars.” Mr. Spidalieri also said that levies are happening now, which this Observer took to mean that there are levies on the ballot for this election.
He said that “Geauga County is establishing itself as a leader.” Observer Note: This statement is referring to the fact that the Geauga County Commissioners have voluntarily eliminated their inside millage windfall that they would have received due to the increased valuations of properties.
Mr. Lennon said that this is a temporary band aid. Observer Note: The action taken to eliminate and reduce the two JFS levies is just for one year. Next year, if the Ohio Legislature has not taken any actions to mitigate the impact of the 6 year revaluation, then the Commissioners will need to decide what to do again.
Mr. Dvorak said that the actions of the Commissioners “will ease the burden on taxpayers.”
Executive Session: The Commissioners’ Office went into Executive Session for the purpose of considering the purchase of property for public purposes and the sale of property at competitive bidding, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G)(2).
Following Executive Session at 11:06 am, it was announced that there was no action. Commissioner Spidalieri said that maybe next week there will be some action announced.
Public Comment:
This Observer said that there will be a Special Budget Commission Meeting Wednesday night at 7 pm. Reviewer Note: This meeting did occur on November 1st at 7 pm. It was well attended and an Observer Report will be posted at a later date.
This Observer asked about the total ARPA funds remaining to be distributed, and Mr. Morgan said it was $7.5 million. He said that everyone who discussed wanting ARPA funds has already made a request. Morgan also said that the Commissioners will take action to distribute these funds at a later date.
Mr. Spidalieri also asked a general question about whether a department could do advertisements on Facebook, and whether there was a cost to do so. He wanted to know who pays for these ads, and whether these amounts were approved. Mr. Morgan said he would look into this. Mr. Litke said that some grants and contracts require social media postings.
Motion to Adjourn occurred at approximately 11:15 am.
More Information and Posted Minutes: Available here
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: November 7, 2023 at 9:30 am.
Observers: Gail Roussey
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: 11/03/23
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