Welcome to Auburn Township in Beautiful Geauga County Ohio

GEAUGA FINANCE DIRECTOR GORTON AND INFINITY’S BESTGEN EXPLAIN “RETAINAGE” DURING LAST PHASE OF COURTHOUSE EXPANSION

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Agenda Item #20 was the second-last order of business at the November 4 Geauga Commissioner meeting to explain “Retainage Release” as the long-tolerated Courthouse Expansion Project winds down in anticipation of post-construction normalcy on Chardon Square. Finance Director Adrian Gorton and Infinity Construction Company employee, Brett Bestgen, came forward to provide updates as the project heads toward completion and Chardon Square returns to a sense of normalcy. In the past Jared Parker, an employee of NV5, would have also addressed the Commissioners on the update, but this time he had a previous commitment.

“Retainage Retention” has referred to what dollar amount/percentage of the total value of the Infinity contract has been held back to pay for any unexpected expense as the project nears completion.

Mr. Bestgen and Mr. Gorton both helped clarify that as of November 4, 2025, there was still an excess 10% cash withheld “across the board” from contractors/services and goods in the amount of $800,000. Commissioner Brakey asked for an estimate percentage of completion; Mr. Bestgen replied “85-90% rate of completion” with “two million left to bill.” Both gentlemen agreed that “everyone is on board” as they anticipate just “one more pay request.” In the meantime both agreed that there were no major issues, but it was time to start clearing up minor items before the fourteenth of November to anticipate move-in of courthouse personnel.

Therefore, Mr. Gorton noted that there was no need to take an oral vote or any action because Commissioners will have the opportunity to release excess retainage at the time of the next (and final?) pay request.

GEAUGA JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES DIRECTOR PROVIDES UPDATE ON S.N.A.P. BENEFITS TERMINATION AND FOOD PANTRIES

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

During the Geauga County Commissioners’ meeting of November 4, 2025, JFS Director, Craig Swenson, in attendance, came forward to explain the impact of S.N.A.P. termination upon the operation of Geauga County food pantries. Director Swenson emphasized that 2700 Geauga County employees have found themselves negatively impacted by this crisis. Although that number of individuals is just less than 3% of the Geauga County population, they were caught off-guard. Listen to Director Swenson’s insights about how Geauga County residents wishing to help can be part of a solution while being mindful of possible scam activities.

ACTION STEMMING FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION (10:15-10:43 a.m.) NOV. 4. 2025

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Commissioners voted to enter Executive Session “for the purpose of discussing the employment and compensation of public employees, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22(G)(1).” This was the final item on the agenda. When Commissioners and County Administrator Bevan returned at 10:43 a.m., there was the announcement of action on two items:

1) revised County Organizational Chart, and

2) appointment of Rick Wareham as the Acting Director of the Geauga County Maintenance Department, following the retirement October 31 of Glenn Vernicks. Mr. Wareham is to receive $37.33 per hour for his “not to exceed six-month position.”

UPDATE FOR GEAUGA SAFETY CENTER HVAC ON-CALL SERVICE CONTRACT

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Liz Rubino of Geauga Maintenance Department reported on Agenda Item #10:

The Maintenance Department is requesting the Board approve and execute Change Order #1, increasing the Contract with Air Force One, Incorporated, executed December 12, 2023, Effective January 1, 2024, for the Geauga County Safety Center HVAC Maintenance and On-call Serveries, including Post 2 and all Tower Sites to increase the on-call services in the amount of $50,000, to a not to exceed total amount of $150,000.00 for a new total contract amount of $258,340.00. There will be no change to the preventative maintenance part of the contract.

Increased expenses for the same routine maintenance services typically performed on the Safety Center demonstrate the impact of inflation on even existing contracts that seem to be typical of our times.

All three Commissioners were present to hear today’s agenda and all three agreed to accept the terms presented, known as Change Order #1 over the original terms of the December 12, 2023, contract with Air Force One.

COMMISSIONERS GIVE MAINTENANCE’S TKACH PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS ON 2 BRAND NEW CONDENSERS AND TO SEEK SALE OF NON-COMPLIANT EQUIPMENT AT W. GEAUGA SR. CENTER

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

With a request for explanation about replacing two condensers at the same time for approximately $320,000 instead of replacing one immediately and facing the need to replace the second unit just a little later in time, Maintenance Department’s Charles Tkach explained that there are two such condensers at the West Geauga Senior Center in Chesterland. The nearly 20-year-old unit has been non-operative for quite some time, and the nearly 5-year-old unit, while operative now, still comes under a January 2025 update in the accepted refrigerant. Therefore, while expensive to replace two 3010 units at the same time, complying in this fashion might help to extend the use of both newly-ordered units. Mr. Tkach was able to verify during his presentation that the projected $320,000 combined expense is coming out of the Senior Center Fund.

After an absence of two consecutive Commissioner meetings, Ralph Spidalieri suggested marketing the five-year old condenser as a source of replacement parts to an individual or entity. Although Mr. Tkach acknowledged that some research might be involved in helping the county realize an end-value, he was confident that it could be a successful undertaking.

Mr. Tkach presented Agenda Item #11, which read as follows:

The Maintenance Department is requesting the Board grant permission to advertise for Bids for the West Geauga Senior Center Condenser Upgrade Project to be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Notice of this Bid Opening will be advertised on November 7, 2025, November 14, 2025, and on the county website.

When the call for oral vote was announced, Commissioners Dvorak and Spidalieri voted 2-1 to approve the agenda item at hand.

GEAUGA COMMISSIONERS APPROVE PARTIAL PAYMENT #25 FOR ANOTHER $759,913.41 FOR COURTHOUSE EXPANSION PROJECT

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

AGENDA ITEM #7:

The Commissioners’ Office is requesting the Board approve and authorize the President of the Board to execute the request for Partial Payment #25 for Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated [sic] for the Geauga County Expansion Project, GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 expenses in the amount of $759,913.41.

MORE CONFUSION OVER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT FOR GEAUGA COURTHOUSE EXPANSION PROJECT

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

County Administrator took the lead trying to explain why a contract approved in June 2025 for $33,500 to cover the cost of electronic equipment intended for various locations within the expanded and improved Geauga Courthouse project, evidently resulted in “an Infinity markup and a subcontractor markup.” Ms. Bevan indicated that she had had conversations with NV5 representatives, who were not present at the discussion of this agenda item, which was #29. The only individual who might be in the know was Courthouse employee Velta Moisel, who approached the floor microphone to explain what she understood about the issue.

Agenda Item #29:

The Commissioners’ Office is requesting the Board approve and authorize the President of the Board to execute Change Order #15, increasing the Contract with Infinity Construction Company, Incorporated [sic] for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion Project, GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 for the purchase, delivery and installation of 17 Samsung commercial displays, 10 65” interactive screens, 4 50” 4K UHD and 3 43” 4K UHD along with 3 Logitech Rally Bar + Tap IP Bundles and mounts not covered in the original contract in the amount of $44,961.00.

Although Ms. Bevan’s original explanation appeared to indicate that the Geauga Commissioners might only be responsible for paying the $11,461 difference between the original $33,500.00 and the latest billing of $44,961.00, it appears that the Commissioners are responsible for not just an approximate 33% increase because of inflation over five months ( This rate of inflation based on twelve months appears to calculate in excess of 50%), but for a total lack in understanding about electronic communication needs.

Ms. Moisel was able to answer Commissioner Brakey’s query about where such electronic equipment would be efficiently utilized in the new and improved courtroom; the communications hardware/software is to be utilized by members of the probation department, the judges, and the magistrates.

Thus, the total cost of the Courthouse Expansion Project appears to be well over the more than $19 million cost cited during the term of previous Commissioners Lennon, Spidalieri, and Dvorak. In fact, the incredible number of change orders raise the question again of having reached a payment threshold of at least $22 million. Change Orders are not yet completed, and it is important that a final cost to Geauga taxpayers during challenging economic times be made available for accuracy and as a lesson to use during additional county building expansion projects that continue to be discussed in public meetings.

COMMISSIONERS GIVE MIDDLEFIELD AIRPORT $1 MILLION IN 2025

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The Geauga County updated October 28 Agenda covered 33 items including an executive session and still adjourned in a relatively timely fashion at 10:55 am.

The most significant outcome of the meeting was Commissioner Carolyn Brakey’s three minute update on the status of the Middlefield Airport since paid employee-director Blamer’s October 16 appearance requesting Agenda Item #6:

Reimbursement Request #5 . . .to Construct Parallel Taxiway A. . . Grant #3-39-0054-028-2024 in the amount of $676.752.20 (FAA Share $609.076.98, ODOT Share $33,837.21 and Local County match share $33,837.21

Those taxpayers following the adventures of the Middlefield Airport should recall that Commissioners Dvorak and Spidalieri approved the previous financial request from the Airport 2-1, with Commissioner Brakey voting “No.”

The most recent question that has surfaced in response to personnel appearances focuses around whether those personnel gained approval from Geauga County Commissioners for one or more change orders before seeking full payment for that change order from the Commissioners. Following the oral vote and the latest financial remuneration to the airport, Director Blamer noted that the responsibility for paying the change order was solely between the Airport and the contractor, as per the written operational agreement between the Airport and the Geauga County Commissioners. Moreover, in any one calendar year, Commissioners are legally obligated to provide (pay) only the first $25,000 for grant matching.

Commissioner Brakey ably concluded that the Commissioners’ responsibility for $25,000 in any one calendar year is further demonstration that the Commissioners have no obligation to make up any additional money resulting from an increase in price from a questionable change order that Commissioners Dvorak and Spidalieri approved on October 16, 2025. This latest revelation confirms that the taxpayers of Geauga County may very well have already borne the financial responsibility. Commissioner Brakey cited County Financial Officer Adrian Gorton’s confirmed research that “[b]y the end of 2025, the Airport will have been given one million dollars. . . also the $800,000 as the local mat5ch for the T-hangar. If we’re going to give the Airport $1,000,000 in one year, that should be enough for awhile.”

As events regarding the Middlefield Airport’s receipt of county funding continue to unfold, taxpayers should stay tuned in to the need to respect proper procedure and transparency in accounting, as 2025 comes to an end and new financial demands may predominate the actions of Middlefield Airport personnel during 2026.

SURPRISE LOSS OF AUDIO TRANSMISSION CREATES LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR GEAUGA COMMISSIONERS AND RECORDING STAFF ON OCT 21

Thursday, October 23, 2025

The Geauga County Commissioners’ weekly meeting, thrown into a Thursday meeting on October 16 because of the so-called Columbus Day holiday of October 12, reverted back to its usual Tuesday at 9:30 am commencement (October 21), and everything on the program seemed pretty normal, even fairly abbreviated with only 14 total agenda items, including two “Public Comment” periods and even an Executive Session.

All seemed to transpire on cue, starting with the announcement during Agenda item #5, that the Petty Cash Drawer will be eliminated and the $40.00 inside will be returned to the General Fund. That event generated the usual quips, including the laughing quip from Commissioner Brakey about the dangers of spending all $40 at once.

Ironically, Shane Heijer from County Engineer Andy Haupt’s Office, offered to complete that action if the Commissioners approved Agenda Item #6, “Resolution #25-190 to Order the Asphalt Resurfacing of Gingerich Road. . .in Burton Township” with a bid opening on Friday, November 7, 2025. After 2-0 passage of the resolution with Commissioner Spidalieri absent, Commissioner Dvorak asked when Gingerich Road was last time paved. After a little bit of thought, Heijer recalled that the last paving occurred in 2012 and ending with the information that construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026.

So far, so good. At this point County Prosecutor James Flaiz comes forward to present Items #7 and #8. No one ever has a problem hearing the oral presentation of Mr. Flaiz, microphone or no microphone so it seems as though there will be no worries hearing the following items:

Agenda Item #7:

The Prosecutor’s Office is requesting the Board approve and execute the Construction Agreement with Millstone Management Group, Incorporated, for the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office Renovation Project in the amount of $379,400.

and

Agenda Item #8:

The Prosecutor’s Office is requesting the Board accept the Performance and Payment Bonds for Millstone Management Group, Incorporated, for the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office Renovation Project, and further release the Bid Bond.

Prosecutor Flaiz was on a seeming roll, explaining that the Prosecutor’s Office had reached the “final leg of the renovation project for kickoff.” Everyone inside the room could comfortably hear the dialogue between Commissioner Brakey and Prosecutor Flaiz, but those watching from home were in for a unique surprise. What transpired was a segment lasting just about 5 minutes in which the audio portion of the Commissioner video was devoid of any sound. This momentous event in Commissioner public comment resulted in the need for special outside assistance in repair of the video tape transmission and reinstatement. That reinstatement did not occur until Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Ironically, it was Prosecutor Flaiz’s presentation of #7 and #8 that elicited three public comments, all negative, during Agenda Item #12.

At any rate, Commissioner Brakey asked when Flaiz expected the renovation project to begin, followed by Flaiz’s note that there would be a staff meeting next week because he feels “very tied up this week.”

Nevertheless, he expected to have some prosecutorial staff work in the old courtroom or from home while construction is ongoing in the Prosecutor’s office. Approval was 2-0.

Elizabeth Rubino presented Agenda Item #9:

The Maintenance Department is requesting the Board approve and execute a service Contract Agreement with Hershberger Roofing and Siding, LLC to perform roof installation, repair and maintenance services at various county locations per the Maintenance Director for a period of one -year, effective October 21, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00.

Approval for Agenda Item #9 was 2-0.

County Administrator Amy Bevan presented Item Numbers 10 and 11 for 2-0 approval.

Agenda Item #10:

“The Commissioner’s[sic] Office is requesting the Board approve the revised job description for the position of Director, Maintenance. . .”

and

Agenda Item #11:

“The Commissioners’[sic] Office is requesting the Board grant permission to advertise for the position of Director, Maintenance . . .”

As noted earlier, residents Jim Deralia, Jonathan Broadbent, and Walter “Skip” Claypool stepped up to the microphone to indicate displeasure with the $379,000 being contracted for renovation of the Prosecutor’s Office, in contrast to other projects which had appeared to generate a financial burden to Geauga County taxpayers.

The subject of the Board discussion in number 13 was the completion of another grant application for demolition of areas in the Geauga Lake Park development. The Director of Community and Economic Development, Gina Hofstetter, asked for assistance from County Administrator Amy Bevan in order to complete a template originally to the department from the Ohio Department of Development. She had not received the information in a timely manner and felt behind the eight ball but with Bevan’s assistance and signature of support she hoped to be able to forward the necessary paper work to qualify for the third round of grant assistance as the so-called “lead entity.”

Agenda Item #14, an executive session involving Commissioners Brakey and Dvorak, County Administrator Bevan, Assistant County Administrator Mark Jimisen, Cathy Hofstetter, Megan Ericson, and Adrian Gorton went behind closed doors to discuss health insurance for elected officials and Anthem prescription plan for employees, returning at 10:23 am with approval and adjourning moments later.

INTERESTING UPDATE FOR THESE RESIDENTS/PROPERTY OWNERS

Claudine Steinfurth October 16, 2025

Lorain County is introducing a resolution that will provide property tax relief to qualifying seniors, veterans and disabled residents.

Established under Ohio's most recent state budget and known as the Homestead Tax Exemption, it can "piggy-back" on the state's homestead exemption and offer an additional 2.5% owner-occupied tax exemption.

The exemptions will apply to real property beginning with the 2025 tax year and manufactured homes beginning with the 2026 tax year.

Residents who already receive the state-level Homestead Exemption will automatically benefit from the county-level exemption, with no additional application required.

FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION ABOUT LACK OF MAGISTRATE ACCESS TO COURTROOM BENCH AND RESOLUTION OF NEARLY $34,000 FOR COURTHOUSE CHANGE ORDER #14

Friday, October 17, 2025

Readers will recall the appearance of Judge Paschke on October 6, 2025, before Geauga Commissioners to explain the door design in the second-floor courtroom that has resulted in Change Order #14 for an increased charge of over $33,000 to saw off a door, to remove a short portion of wall, and to make some other alterations. That meeting resulted in the last agenda item, #24: “Board Discussion Follow up discussion regarding Change Order #14 [an additional $33,571.00 charge from Infinity Construction]. The flaw in the original courtroom door design should have been caught by TDA [Then Design Architecture], according to Commissioner Brakey, instead of continuing possibly continuing construction that has added nearly $34,000 more to Geauga taxpayers’ bill in the form of Change Order #14. It is this editor’s understanding that the the preceding set of Commissioners, consisting of Ralph Spidalieri, Jim Dvorak, and Tim Lennon hired TDA as an owner’s representative to engage in pre-planning and supervision that TDA to avoid design flaws from being constructed into the Courtroom Expansion Project based on the company’s 30 year reputation in the Northeast Ohio area for at least the last 30 years; the company’s current location is Willoughby, Ohio.

On October 6 Commissioner Brakey noted to Judge Paschke, “This modification has to happen, but not at taxpayer expense” to rip out the newly-completed courtroom doors and pay for any labor in completing the job. The issue was subsequently tabled when Commissioner Dvorak agreed with Commissioner Brakey, thereby disregarding Commissioner Spidalieri’s attempt to break rank and vote “No.” Readers will recall that the motion to table passed over Commissioner Spidalieri’s objection, resulting in the need for a TDA representative, in this case, Brad Gellert, to explain whether there was a design flaw, the chronology of events that had permitted the latest snafu in the project, and the possible solutions that could remediate the latest confusion slowing down completion of the project.

Mr. Gellert brought with him records from January 25, 2023, detailing that “TDA had mailed 2^nd and 3^rd floor plans, including courtroom design to judges and asked for comment.” Gellert showed documentation that Judge Paschke had received a copy of the plans and signed her subsequent approval of them in 2023. In addition, Commissioner Brakey questioned why flaw in the design of the magistrates’ bench wasn’t accounted for. Mr. Gellert referred to uncertainty whether the second-floor plans ever depended on the existence of more than two magistrates. Certainly, he continued, the existence of a third magistrate at the time that the judges were asked for comment would have determined the perceived flaw at an earlier time. As it worked out, Gellert explained, “We found out about this issue in August, 2025, long after we approved the drawings.”

Commissioner Brakey asked for the financial impact of the additional $34K from Change Order #14. Per recent discussions and appearances during Commissioner meetings, we are aware that more Change Orders are at hand in the final stages of the Courtroom Expansion Project.

Although Mr. Gellert expressed willingness to work with the Commissioners as a “good-faith gesture,” the presence of another solution during this past week come to the fore: the Courthouse Donation Fund, an asset not funded at taxpayer expense to be used to remediate structural deficiencies incurred within county court buildings. Judges Paschke and Rambo agreed with the use of that fund to pay off the almost $34,000 to help remediate the newly-discovered design flaws.

At this point,TDA’s Gellert quietly thanked the Commissioners.

Finally, we must all remember that the latest Change Orders on the Courthouse Expansion Project will still be coming up before the Commissioners for latest approval and subsequent payment before the court house and its personnel can get on with the most unflawed completion of their personal duties as they resume normal duties for 2026 and beyond.

MIDDLEFIELD AIRPORT PAID DIRECTOR CLAIMS “NO RESPONSE” TO BRAKEY’S REQUEST FOR TRANSPARENCY; AIRPORT REIMBURSEMENT GETS APPROVED REGARDLESS, 2-1

Friday, October 16, 2025

Since August 16, 2025, Middlefield Airport’s paid director, Ric Blamer, has made several appearances before the Geauga County Commissioners. Yesterday, October 16, 2025, he brought with him Lake County Airport Director, Patty Fulop. Ms. Fulop appeared with Mr. Blamer on at least one other public meeting during which Blamer was motivated to appear before the Commissioners in an apparent request for monetary funds. The October 16 meeting demonstrated one more occasion during which Blamer appeared to evade direct answers to a repeated question from Commissioner Carolyn Brakey, herself, a licensed attorney.

For the record, Patty Fulop’s paid relationship with the Lake County Airport for several years seems to raise the question about why Commissioners called upon her to provide support for Mr. Blamer’s and Middlefield Airport’s (aka “The Airport Authority] explanation justifying approval for reimbursement requests. Mrs. Fulop appeared to take issue with the request from both Commissioners Brakey and Dvorak to provide back-up documentation regarding responsibility for approval of any change orders on the current Middlefield Airport runway. In fact, Ms. Fulop’s body language appeared to be on edge as she walked up from the audience on October 16 and appeared to this writer to avoid close contact with the microphone provided for her. From a body-language standpoint she seemed to be uncomfortable with the timeline regarding the Middlefield Airport and paid employee-director Ric Blamer.

Before Ms. Fulop’s appearance, Middlefield Airport paid employee-director had comfortably sat himself down at the table facing the Commissioners and had responded comfortably to Agenda Item #6, which read as follows:

The Airport Authority [sic] is requesting the Board approve Reimbursement Request #5 for the Taxiway Extension Construction Project, specifically to Construct Parallel Taxiway A including Taxiway Connector A1 and A2 Construction, Final Phase and Install Taxiway Edge Light-Construction, Grant #3-39-0054-028-2024 in the amount of $676,752.20 (FAA Share $609,076.98, ODOT Share $33,837.21 and Local County match share $33,837.21).

With Commissioners Dvorak and Spidalieri remaining silent prior to the appearance of Ms. Fulop, Commissioner Brakey reconstructed the timeline of events since August 16. She referred to the previous meeting (September 16) with Blamer, who claimed to have sent the reasons behind assuming a change order in airport construction to County Administrator Amy Bevan, asserting that this communication absolved him from the need for any further clarification to the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Brakey claimed that the FAA Operating Agreement of 2013 did not specify in black-and-white language which entity would be responsible for any additional funds incurred in the Runway Project if Blamer, as the local paid employee, had failed to get the proper approval at the time of the Change Order inception. In fact, she noted, nothing from Blamer since September 16 has provided documentation to absolve the Commissioners from further payment. Mrs. Brakey wished to table approval of Agenda Item #6 until she received a timely and direct answer from Blamer. Mrs. Brakey’s conclusion was that “ We [the Board of Commissioners] give out the money without getting the answers [when the Commissioners had approved the Change Order in the first place]. Further, she noted after not having received “a straight answer” from Blamer and than Fulop that control over the funds for which Blamer was holding out his hand was the only leverage granted to the Commissioners to regulate proper behavior on the part of the Middlefield Airport.

In response to Ric Blamer’s response that he had no further information to add because of his lasting perception that he had answered all questions properly, Commissioner Dvorak asked Mrs. Fulop if she could provide the information sought by Commissioner Brakey before the end of the day [October 16] because of the need for better communications on the part of the airport. After asserting that she would “try to find the information this afternoon in the Operating Agreement of 2013,” Mrs. Fulop turned her back abruptly and walked away from the Commissioners and Blamer quipped, “Don’t put words in my mouth.”

About this point in time, a silent Ralph Spidalieri perked up. “ I would like to move forward” and “take a vote on the motion as written.” [See Agenda Item #6 as written above.]

“I second the motion,” stated Dvorak.

With Commissioner Brakey voting “No,” the item passed with the approval of both Dvorak and Spidalieri, with the airport getting approval for Reimbursement Request #5 and some tense body language being broadcast in Commissioner Chambers.

BRAKEY ASKS THEN DESIGN ARCHITECTURE (TDA) TO MAKE $33,571 ADDITIONAL CHARGE “RIGHT”

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Agenda Item #7 on the October 7 Geauga Commissioners Agenda authorized the execution

of Change Order #14
increasing the Contract with Infinity Construction Company Incorporated for the Courthouse Expansion Project, GMP Phase #1 and Phase #2 for changes related to the magistrates bench doors (+$33,571.00) and a decrease for the elimination of redundant bond charges (-$1,487.00) for the total amount of $32,084.00.

Readers will remember that double bond charges resulted in a recent announcement from Commissioner Brakey that taxpayers were being charged on the technicality of “redundant bond charges” to the tune of nearly $1500 on the backs pf Geauga County taxpayers. Even with that technicality corrected, the latest situation of having to pay the labor of removing incorrect swinging doors at a cost of nearly $34,000 because the paid architectural oversight firm, Then Design Architects, had apparently failed to exercise the right judgment on behalf of the Commissioners and the Geauga taxpayers.

At the table facing the Commissioners were Randy Gordon and Judge Carolyn Paschke from the Courthouse and a representative from Then Design Architecture, identified as Ms. Marie. Judge Paschke did the large bulk of the explanation, noting that the “magistrates bench doors” were incorrect and certainly atypical of any such doors that Judge Paschke and Commissioner Carolyn Brakey, herself a practicing attorney, had ever seen in any courtroom in which they practiced. Commissioner Brakey said she didn’t fault anyone for the error of choice of courtroom door, but she did not want Geauga taxpayers to have to pay the nearly $34,000 for the labor to remove the erroneous product and then any additional cost along the way for the correct installed product. She called on TDA “to make it right. Make it right.”

At that point Mrs. Brakey called for Agenda Item #7 to be tabled. Commissioner Dvorak agreed, calling for the issue to be tabled for a week. At that point, Commissioner Spidalieri said, “I vote no,” apparently motivated by the issue that the need to move in sooner, rather than later because of any further delays, was the most important issue; Spidalieri noted that Commissioners “could always find a way” to collect for yet another financial shortcoming later on down the road.

Commissioner Brakey immediately spoke up: “Point of Order!” She reprimanded Spidalieri for not having spoken up beforehand. Spidalieri immediately fell silent and did not volunteer another word during the entire meeting.

This writer expects that the tabled issue contained in Agenda Item #7 will come up again at next week’s Commissioner meeting. Inasmuch as Monday, October 13, (Columbus Day or Indigenous Day) will result in the closure of County offices for general business, Commissioners will hold their next session at 9:30 am on Thursday, October 16, 2025,

We will get to see if Then Design Architects will make the effort to “make it right” for overburdened Geauga taxpayers. Then Geauga taxpayers can watch to see, how well TDA earns its keep. When the next building project comes along, can TDA expect to be hired by Geauga Commissioners to protect the financial interests of the taxpayers?

As usual, readers, stay tuned. . .

GEAUGA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AT OCTOBER 7, 2025, MEETING

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

County Administrator Amy Bevan took the opportunity to present Agenda Item #8:

The Commissioners’ Office is requesting the Board approve the hiring and appointment of Mark Jimison to the position of Deputy County Administrator (#1324) to be effective October 14, 2025, at the rate of $48.19 per hour (Grade E18,Step4). This offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the required pre-employment conditions

Press Release

GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Carolyn Brakey, Esq. James W. Dvorak Ralph Spidalieri

12611 Ravenwood Dr, Suite 350 ● Chardon, OH 44024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Geauga County Commissioners Appoint Mark Jimison as Deputy County Administrator

Geauga County, OH, October 7, 2025:

A t today’s Session, the Geauga County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint lifelong county resident Mark Jimison as deputy county administrator. Jimison, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over thirty years of commissioned service, carries a wealth of professional experience and the skillset to propel Geauga County government forward.

Jimison received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Citadel in South Carolina. He then received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron, after which he worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Geauga County Prosecutor's Office before beginning active duty.

Jimison’s extensive career in the U.S. Marine Corps affords him the aptitude to advance the day-to-day operations of Geauga County government. With expertise in executive assistance, personnel and facilities management, public engagement, and budget execution, among others, Jimison knows the value of public service done correctly.

Speaking on Jimison’s appointment, Geauga County Administrator Amy Bevan said, “Mark will bring a suite of skills to the Board of County Commissioners’ Office, given his experience… and his overall knowledge of Geauga County.”

Geauga County Commissioner Carolyn Brakey, congratulating Jimison, added, “We’re very fortunate that you’re willing to do your second act [of public service] here in Geauga County.”

Speaking at Session after his appointment, Jimison stated that when looking to continue his career in public service, he “wanted two things: good people and a good mission. I can’t think of a better mission than serving the county I grew up in.”

The Geauga County Board of County Commissioners is excited to work with Mark Jimison to further the Board’s priorities and maintain efficient county government, all for the benefit of Geauga County residents.

###

Media Contact:
Max Yost
Public Relations and Communications Intern
myost@geauga.oh.gov
Cell: 440-567-1667
Geauga County Board of County Commissioners
12611 Ravenwood Dr, Suite 350
Chardon, OH 44024

DID TWO AUBURN TRUSTEES RATIONALIZE “THE BEST BID” FOR SEPTIC INSTALLATION IN AUBURN COMMUNITY PARK?

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

As the last official “new” business at the first October township meeting, Auburn Trustee Gene McCune Jr. read the three contractor bids, only two of which appeared in the paper agenda for October 6, 2025, public session. The bids read by McCune, from low to high dollar amount were as follows:

Klarich Septic at $26,089.00

Horizon at $36,337.00

Auburn/Bainbridge Excavating at $38,750.00

Mr. McCune went on to explain to Auburn residents who had arrived as early as 6:15 pm to hear an explanation and second discussion, continued from the September 15 meeting, when only these two editors showed up to hear explanations of zoning amendments ZC2025-01, ZC2025-02, and ZC2025-03.

The septic system installation in the park was the sixth and final issue of new business. Readers can watch the whole township video or they can watch the 4-minute clip at the end of this article, during which they can hear Mr. McCune announce that the lowest bid, which is a jaw-dropping $12,661.00 less expensive than the highest bid submission, was not the best bid.

To Trustee P. J. Cavanagh’s credit, he announced his intention not to enter into any discussion, even though he noted he might prefer Auburn/Bainbridge Excavating, which has operated under the ownership of the local Tomsic name for many years. The original owner, Lewis Tomsic, Sr,. still votes on Auburn zoning appeals affecting Auburn Township residents. We understand that several years ago he transferred ownership to Auburn/Bainbridge Excavating to a close family member with the same surname as his own, quite possibly his own son.

Trustee Cavanagh, who is not up for re-election in November, 2025, noted that he had done business with both Klaridge and Auburn/Bainbridge Excavating.

The remaining two trustees, Michael Troyan and Gene McCune, are both seeking re-election in November and both were quick to market their talents. Mr. McCune insisted that “we did our homework,” compared to several local governmental entities and even a known park district, had run into unforeseen difficulties with installation of one or more septic systems.

Troyan noted that he had never done any personal business with any of the companies that had submitted the bids. Nevertheless, he noted that he was agreeing with PJ’s conclusions. Again, PJ talked about the two grants that the township had received: $34,583.00 and $6,700.00 for a total value of $41,283.00 that would pay for “the local” choice of Auburn - Bainbridge Excavating.

When it was time for the oral vote, Cavanagh kept his word by reaffirming “I have to abstain” for the sake of transparency. Both candidates for re-election, McCune and Troyan, voted to accept the $12,661 higher bid, after Cavanagh had rationalized that the choice of the Tomsic - operated excavating venture to install a park septic system was the right decision.

Could this be a conflict of interest? What is your opinion?

Was McCune’s and Troyan’s 2-0 decision to choose the highest bidder the best ethical, financial, and moral decision? You, readers, will make your decision when you cast your votes for Auburn Trustee in person at the Board of Elections, in person at your polling location, or by absentee ballot.

We know that you will cast your vote with meaningful purpose in the Auburn Township Trustee race. There are three candidates running for two positions. Mike Troyan, Gene McCune, and Riley Davis.