Welcome to Auburn Township in Beautiful Geauga County Ohio

APRIL 7, 2026: A SPECIAL DAY TO COMMEMORATE THE OFFICIAL “RIBBON CUTTING” FOR THE COURTHOUSE EXPANSION PROJECT.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Geauga County residents have become familiarly comfortable with the 9:30 am starting time of Commissioner Meetings on Tuesday or Thursday of any particular week. In the next several weeks, from now through April 7, they can expect some changes in the schedule. For starters, the Tuesday, March 24, 2025, Commissioner meeting has been canceled.

The big opening day for the historic Geauga County Courthouse renovation is nicely scheduled for another Tuesday, April 7, at 10 am, in the newly-completed courtroom of Judge Paschke. Elected officials at various governmental levels and in various locations are being extended invitations to attend this special opening session so they can be part of the historic and patriotic restoration of the 19^th Century installation of the Chardon Courthouse. Long the center of much Geauga County local history, the official opening of the renovated and expanded Courthouse offers to be a once-in-a lifetime historical event. Also present for opening ceremonies will be the Chardon Band, Chardon Officers from the Graduating Class of 2026, and a presentation of Geauga County Courthouse history from 1866 to the present.

The official opening day ceremonies will continue on Courthouse Square after the initial program, thereby creating some special memories for those elected officials invited to participate with Geauga County residents.

REQUESTS FOR LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR LOCAL AND STATE FINANCING APPEAR TO BE UNIFYING THEME OF TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026, GEAUGA COMMISSIONER MEETING

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Characterized by a shorter-than-usual contingency of agenda items, the presenters seemed intent on gaining from present Commissioners Dvorak and Brakey, written letters of support for current projects with the final intention of gaining funding from local, regional, and state sources. As Commissioner Brakey was not shy to add, it was equally important to spare county taxpayers the agony of additional unexpected expense, perhaps in part because during recent weeks several individuals have come forth to express within Commissioner Chambers in the Administration Building their sense of frustration in dealing with increased financial responsibilities stemming from increased costs.

First on the 19-item program to formally request such a document was Jessica Boldt, Director of the Department of Aging, as she audibly and succinctly presented the necessary levels of necessary renovation for the West Geauga Senior Center. Any resulting funding would be part of Community Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2027. Ms. Boldt prioritized her needs/wants list with removal/replacement of carpeting, removal/repair/replacement of walls and three sets of doors, patching of specific locations in the parking lot, and the provision of sixteen new handicapped spaces within that parking lot.

Next to request a formal letter of support was Matt Granito, Geauga County’s affable Dog Warden after recently come before the Commissioners to acknowledge the decision that the county was in serious need of a a new animal shelter. Warden Granito is primarily recognized and respected for his ability to bond with canines and for his ability to relate stories. This morning was no exception as he acknowledged a dog that got away, after having been retained, simply by slipping its leash and heading for Route 44, causing Warden Granito’s sweet talk and enticing tones to convince the canine to return. Perhaps the funniest and most empathetic part of the story was the Dog Warden’s sharing with those in attendance in person and at home via their electronic devices how dependent the human is upon the cooperation of the dog in question.

Happily, the dog responded favorably to Granito’s non-threatening behavior by returning safely, and Granito was able to take away a vision for the new 6000- square foot animal shelter: a quarantine cell that will eliminate the worry over the dog that is able to slip its leash and be threatened by oncoming traffic before it is safely accounted for.

Thank you, Warden Granito, for helping the residents of Geauga County to share your lifelong experiences with canines and for having the vision for the new Geauga Animal Shelter.

The third formal request for a letter of support for funding was in response to the Burton Volunteer Fire Department’s request for a Congressional Grant to expedite remodeling, expansion of useful area, and improved water infrastructure (hose storage). Two members of the Burton Fire Department were cordial and jovial in Agenda Item Number 13 about continuing pancake breakfasts in March.

The final request for a letter of support from the Commissioners today was presented by Laura Holman, the Director of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City of Aurora, in which Aurora Park at Geauga Lake Phase 2a has been developing on 43 acres. The City of Aurora has been refurbishing a beach front intended to foster community beach activities, such as kayak rental and connecting trails, for summer activity. Ms. Holman indicated that the City of Aurora was already intent on seeking financial aid from the State of Ohio to complete Phase 2a.

Thus far, four requests in a row for letters of support from the Commissioners seems like a new focus of interest.

AUBURN CEMETERY SEXTON CONTINUES TO CREATE DOUBTS ABOUT INTEGRITY

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Auburn Township Fiscal Officer Dan Matsko is still waiting for enough information from Sexton Mike Ludwig to clear up holes in cemetery data that may very well have gone undetected for decades but now appear to be a looming financial crisis. In his report, Mr. Matsko reported not receiving a requested monthly report from Matsko in either January or February 2026.

As a result of this obvious lack of precision on the part of the individual appointed on the wishes of Trustees PJ Cavanagh and Michael Troyan, Mr. Matsko felt compelled to spend his whole weekend trying to cross-reference cash shortages, at least one lost or missing uncashed funeral home check from six months earlier. In addition, he related the agonizing tale about multiple cemetery deeds for which there was either no record of payment, no receipt, or neither, allegedly transferred to both Auburn residents and non-residents, or cemetery deeds not listed in the actual cemetery deed book. In short, the status of Auburn cemetery deeds is in a large state of disarray with $3,300 worth of cemetery plot sales bearing no logical documentation of monetary receipt. So what happened to the money in question?

In complete shock, Mr. Matsko revealed receiving a phone call from St. John’s Funeral Home questioning why an uncashed check from that entity over six months old had not yet been cashed and concluding that it had been sadly misplaced, lost, or mismanaged, ultimately resulting in the execution of another check.

From his attempts to resolve the discrepancies he found, Mr. Matsko seemed shaken by the difficulties of the current sexton to manage money responsibly. In addition, he concluded that there were answers to two important questions that Trustees Cavanagh and Troyan could not answer either: 1) Could a deed be copied into the deed book as proof of its ownership? 2) Shouldn’t a township sexton provide a resident or non-resident purchaser of a grave site a bona fide receipt to document the purchase? Neither Cavanagh nor Troyan could demonstrate his knowledge with any kind of answer, but newly-elected Trustee Riley Davis noted his own frustration with a sexton who would not address ongoing concerns with only silence.

Mr. Davis related the possibility that sloppy accounting may result in graves thought to be empty not necessarily being empty at all. Moreover, it started to become apparent that the current sexton really had no desire to come to a public township meeting to answer questions on a monthly basis.

Nevertheless, Cavanagh concluded that the sexton’s integrity was being questioned, although it was crystal clear that the amount of cash that should have been present as a result of cemetery sites was obviously considerably less than it should have been for quite some time, perhaps as long as decades.

Mr. Davis asked if Cavanagh would be willing to work with him to find the missing pieces of the puzzle so well explained by Mr. Matsko. Cavanagh did not respond either yes or no to Mr. Davis’ first request for about thirty minutes of the former’s time to resolve a serious problem.

Mr. Davis asked for Cavanagh’s assistance to resolve the financial discrepancies, adding, “0% of the data is in the building . . We’ve been missing data for 20 years.”

3% BED TAX COMES UP FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION AMONG COMMISSIONERS

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Deborah Ashton, Geauga’s Senior Financial Analyst, spoke to commissioners regarding regarding institutions that are renting between one and five rooms to visitors visiting the county as tourists. She acknowledged the need to update regulations authorizing the collection of a 3% tax and the need for a five-year look back as Geauga County strives to encourage tourist attractions. While both Commissioner Dvorak and Commissioner Brakey expressed awareness that there are institutions offering temporary nightly rentals of as many as five rooms without currently being subject to paying the 3% tax, they both agreed that encouragement of such payment is a way to encourage and increase tourism, although only the City of Chardon and Newbury are currently the only entities currently collecting the fee. A three-year evaluation of the positive/negative impacts of the tax should be worthwhile to determine if it is a worthwhile long-term practice.

In the meantime, Commissioner Spidalieri again repeated his concern that the imposition of additional taxes on small local business ventures, such as renters of nightly lodging, are disincentives to small business owners. Because Geauga County is not lacking for sufficient finances, compared to the amount of time needed to administer the program and prevent any loose ends. In general, Commissioner Spidalieri believes that the imposition of a bed tax does not create any additional attraction as a source of tourism within the county. In any event it is necessary to keep track of pros and cons of enforcement and the realistic measures of enforcement for non-compliant entities. In addition, it will be critical to keep track of how Destination Geauga funds have been cumulatively spent up to now and to continue to measure how those patterns remain consistent or are subject to unpredicted trends in tourist activity.

PROSECUTOR FLAIZ REQUESTS GEAUGA COMMISSIONERS HIRE ATTORNEY BRYAN KOSTURA TO ASSIST JUDGE BERGER REGARDING CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, after being able to meet with interim Juvenile/Probate Court Appointee, the Honorable Judge Berger, on Monday, February 23, 2026, found that there is an ongoing criminal investigation that involves the question of the Garrity Action rendered by the Supreme Court. Prosecutor Flaiz contacted Attorney Brian Kostura from the legal firm McDonald Hopkins to provide legal counsel for Judge Berger; in the current situation. Prosecutor Flaiz and all of his assistant prosecutors are considered law enforcement officers so that they cannot be involved in providing civil advice in an ongoing criminal investigation that involves the utilization of employees to be engaged in campaigning while on they are on clock. See letter from Keith Faber, Ohio Auditor of State.

When Prosecutor Flaiz relayed that he understood Attorney Kostura’s hourly county rate to be $595 and his regular hourly rate to be $395, Commissioner Brakey advised checking those rates further for accuracy.

Commissioner Dvorak compared the seriousness of this particular criminal investigation with another investigation some two years ago wherein there was acceptance of bribe money. According to Prosecutor Flaiz, there may be an issue of Audit irregularity(ies) as well.

AIRPORT AUTHORITY MAKES REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST #8 FOR PARALLEL TAXIWAY 8

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Some of the [Middlefield] Airport Authority’s appearances before the Geauga County Commissioner in 2025 became memorial for their duration and the impression of conflict that they generated. Paid Director Ric Blamer, the sole representative of the Airport Authority during the AA’s last appearance before the Commissioners on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, was able to negotiate his request for Reimbursement Request Number 8 in a neat five minute time period, When Commissioner Brakey heard his request to be awarded “Construction Grant Number 3-39-0054-028-2024 in the amount of $113,760.37.” she asked if the AA project was 100% complete.

“88%,” responded Ric Blamer.

There was no discussion found necessary, and Agenda Item Number 7 received three affirmative votes in record time.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE $63K TO FUND ELECTRONIC DEED RECORDING

Friday, February 20, 2026

Celesta Mulliins, Geauga County Recorder, and Frank Antenucci, head of Geauga County’s streamlined and sophisticated ADP Services, came before the three Geauga Commissioners to explain the proposed electronic recording of documents from January 1, 1980, through the present as a result of the July 2024 passage of the so-called Ohio Senate Bill 94. Since the legislation became law 90 days after its passage, it has been in effect for County Recorder compliance since October 2024.

Should the Recorder have chosen to use Fidlar Technologies completely to comply with the legislation, the office would have had to compensate that entity $85,000. complete the electronic recordings. Fortunately, the so-called hybrid plan offered by Geauga’s ADP would save about $20,000 while providing ADP 24 hours’ access without incurring overtime charges.

In the meantime, compliance with the new regulations, hopefully, will streamline the operations of the Recorder’s Office as well as provide an opportunity to apply for reimbursement once the documentation is completed. Ms. Mullins explained that she has already initiated the process of filing for application for any available funds, but at this point she has no way to verify the total amount of available reimbursement.

Fiscal Director, Adrian Gorton, inquired if there would be a need for the Recorder’s Office to receive enough funding until further details regarding any grant funding become more understood. Commissioner Brakey assured him that the hybrid version of the deed recording would work out satisfactorily for all sides without the need for any supplemental finances from his office.

Ms. Mullins thanked the Commissioners for their unanimous approval of the digital upgrade.

GEAUGA TAXPAYERS WILL PAY OUTSIDE LEGAL FIRM FOR 11^th DISTRICT COURT CASE IN RE GRENDELL

Friday, February 20, 2025

Probate Juvenile Court Judge Timothy Grendell, currently inactive, is still in the news. He is subject of an Eleventh District Court of Appeals case identified as 25G0028, formally identified as
State of Ohio ex rel. Judge Timothy Grendell v. Geauga County Board of Commissioners et al. As a result of the necessity to defend Grendell’s mandamus and procedendo actions in the Eleventh District, the Commissioners in Agenda Item Number 15 unanimously approved the hiring of well-established local legal firm, Mazanec, Raskin, and Ryder Company, L.P.A., at an undisclosed hourly fee to pick up the gap in defense coverage with the exhaustion of $15,000 in insurance funds.

With unanimous approval of the measure, there was only one comment. Commissioner Brakey concluded that taxpayer responsibility for Grendell’s defense is unfortunate “but that’s better than paying his legal fees.”

McFARLAND WASTEWATER PLANT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CONTINUES

February 19, 2026

The Department of Water Resources has been involved for awhile with the upgrade of the McFarland Wastewater Plant. Periodically remitting payments to Shook Construction Company. Some of our readers may recall that during Covid, many government agencies received ARPA funds to help pay for improvement projects, as long as the commitment to spend funds on certain projects was made by December 31, 2024. In the case of the McFarland Wastewater Plant, the Department of Water Resources is involved already with the eighth payment to Contractor Shook Construction Company, this time already in excess of $900.000, per Agenda Item Number twelve:

The Department of water Resources is requesting the Board approve and authorize Ralph Spidalieri, authorized representative, to execute the Request for Partial Payment #9 to Shook Construction Company for the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $814,815,29. This request will be paid in full using American Rescue Plan [ARPA] funds that must be spent on an ARPA - committed project by December 31, 2026, a date which is creeping in.

In addition, as presented in today’s Agenda Item Number thirteen, the Department of Water Resources is committed to contracting for electrical work including motor and blower service at a rate of $8000.00 per quarter and $5000.00 for motor work for a total not to exceed $37.000.00 during an entire year.

GEAUGA COMMISSIONERS USE THIRD EXECUTIVE SESSION ON FEBRUARY 19, 2026, TO UNANIMOUSLY MERIT THEIR CLERK

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Today’s agenda consisted of 23 items, the last two of which were executive sessions “for the purpose of discussing the employment and compensation of public employees, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22(G) (1).

During Agenda Item Number 21, Maintenance Director Rob Weigle went into executive session with Mark Jemison and the Commissioners. Although no action was formally taken, Commissioners Clerk was able to provide clarification about the rules for advertising a position in the Maintenance Department and to make certain that Director Weigle be made part of the Work Session arranged for Tuesday,, October 24.0

There was a second executive session called about 10:52 am with Agenda Item Number 23. Again, the reason was “employment and compensation of public employees, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G) (1).’’

County Administrator Amy Bevan read about the reclassification of the office of Commissioners Clerk. For those who had the privilege of watching a story with a happy, well-deserved ending, there was well-deserved surprise on the part of Christine Blair as well as unanimous pleasure and empathy on the part of the Commissioners. Ms. Blair, who has been well-regarded for her diligence and attention to detail and correct protocol for as long as this writer can remember her entry upon the scene, seemed unprepared for her job reclassification as she did two little double-takes of amazement as she heard about her job promotion from Grade11 Step 7 to Grade 13 Step 9.. Her hand covered her mouth as in total candor and then she brushed away a few tears.

Then came the unanimous words of praise from three Commissioners who rarely are able to agree about anything unanimously.

“You’ve done a great job. Praise for you is well-deserved.” smiled Commissioner Spidalieri.

“You’ve forgotten more things about this office than many of us will ever know.” noted Commissioner Brakey.

Commissioner Dvorak, had additional words of good will for Christine Blair.”You’re on the front lines for us every day, and I appreciate everything you do for us.”

It was one of those perfect moments that always feel good when we have a change to recall them in their context. Thank you, Christine, and thank you, Commissioners for a sweet little story that will help us enjoy the little warm spot when we remember how Christine Blair’s meticulous work has positively impacted us all in Geauga County.

All the best, Christine!

FEBRUARY 16, 2026, AUBURN TOWNSHIP DISCUSSION

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

About at the 50 minute-mark (see full video here), a multi-faceted discussion arose. First off, Fire Department Board of Directors Member, Keith Blazer, a regular attendee at Auburn Township twice-per-month public meetings, related his concerns that there was more than one trustee in attendance during a recent meeting, Mr. Blazer wanted to explicitly notify everyone in the room that the monthly Fire Department Board of Directors meeting was NOT open to anyone in the community except members of the Fire Department and that ONLY Trustee Michael Troyan was acceptable to the Fire Department membership to attend any meetings. Mr. Troyan repeated several times, “I am the Fire Department liaison, but for as long as this writer can remember attending Auburn Township Public Trustee meetings, Mr. Troyan has never once presented a report as “the Fire Department liaison” about the impact of his role upon the Fire Department, instead each time within memory ceding his allotted report time to Trustee PJ Cavanagh. In other words, Trustee Troyan has appeared most reluctant and uncomfortable to report any information about the Fire Department. Why might that be your stance, Mr. Troyan?

Meanwhile, Trustee Riley Davis, who received more votes from the Auburn Township electorate than the two incumbent trustees, Mr. McCune and Mr. Troyan nearly combined, identified his concern that Auburn Township taxpayers have funded the Fire Department $1.6 million in operating funds, a very large responsibility.

During this time there were a couple of negative responses to Trustee Troyan’s perceived outburst of self-importance and ego. Mr. Troyan dared the one individual to run for Auburn Township trustee and unseat him, “the Fire Department liaison.” The township resident responded, “That’s next.”

During the course of this uneasy discourse, all three trustees managed to agree on two requests for prosecutor opinions.

The third item that came up during trustee discussion insinuated that John Phillips, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, had been the subject of abusive language. Trustee PJ Cavanagh and especially Michael Troyan wanted Trustee Riley Davis to acknowledge having subjected Phillips to inappropriate attack, but neither could produce a tangible written copy of the “abusive” comments in question, although Troyan stated he would “get the comments to the next Trustee meeting the first Monday in March (meeting time is 7 pm).

Mr. Riley observed that in spite of appropriate actions recommended in the township handbook, there have been no yearly performance evaluations and no job descriptions whatsoever. Therefore, since township insurance companies have also asked for township job descriptions with no forthcoming action from Cavanagh and Troyan, insurance coverage is an ever-increasing cost to the township and to the taxpayers who foot the bill. In short, the township has no way of knowing what its job standards have been and will be and, in fact, is facing multiple liabilities and safety risks.

AUBURN RESIDENTS VOICE DISENCHANTMENT WITH TAVERN NOISE

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The Monday, February 16, Auburn Trustees meeting drew a full house of Auburn residents, communicating that that staying informed about civic causes and outcomes may have achieved new importance within the community. It may have started when 38-year Auburn resident Susan Shukaitis realized she and her neighbors were were being disturbed by loud participants imbibing at The Patio, an eatery where alcoholic beverages are also served and guests are said to become loud as a result of too much alcohol in violation of a negotiated legal settlement between owners of the eatery and adjacent residential homeowners.

When Trustee Michael Troyan at the February 2 meeting had spoken words which seemed to imply his own understanding of that judgment, appeared to forget why residential neighbors of The Patio were so distressed by the loud decibels of noise and revelry, 38 year resident Susan Shukaitis had felt compelled to set Troyan straight. Just because the neighbors weren’t coming to Trustee meetings to complain about the intolerant conditions that kept them from enjoying their own back yards, she said. it wasn’t as though the residents were feeling satisfied or comfortable. The court settlement of several years before, simply was no longer working, resulting in intolerant conditions for the neighborhood.

Ms. Shukaitis presented several several photos captured on her cell phone demonstrated the removal of six-foot high fence and the installation of “man doors” for entrance and edit from The Patio. Ms. Shukaitis stressed her desire that “things be returned to the way they had been.” expressing frustration that she couldn’t find any noise ordinances passed by the township zoning commission to protect residents from excessive noise. Troyan explained that The Patio is a special situation of a commercial eatery/drinkery that adjoins a well-established settlement of homes. Ms. Shukaitis elaborated that the sound emanating from The Patio was greater than 11 decibels at 11 pm from at least 130 yards from her cell phone. “The noise is uncalled for.”

Troyan elaborated that although the new owner of the tavern had claimed no knowledge of any negotiated settlement and therefore been unaware of the legal restrictions and judgment, she knows about them now that the Auburn Trustees have cited her for violation.

Ms. Shukaitis’ neighbor, Scott Bayus, also had much to say during the February 16 meeting, stressing that he prefers to avoid adversarial actions and simply remain a good neighbor with a consistent sense of commitment, not like the trustees who “keep moving the goal posts without firm commitments.” Further, commercial owners should be held to a higher moral plane.

Troyan answered back. “As of right now, we’re basically getting back into this. Right now, the Patio is being cited for violation [of legal judgment]. Neighbors will be kept informed. Prosecutors will be involved.”

Trustee PJ Cavanagh added for the record, ”Everyone should bring their attorneys. Everyone will be notified of the hearing. “ When voices were heard to thank the Trustees in general, Troyan appeared to take himself too seriously. After laughing that “thirteen below zero temperatures have kept loud outdoor music and entertainment in check.” he seemed to remember an even more clever thought. “That’s what Trustees are here for.”

We will be watching and waiting for the final outcome.

FAMILIAR FACES OFFER THEIR PUBLIC COMMENTS TO GEAUGA COMMISSIONERS

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Compared to recent weeks, attendance at the Tuesday, February 10, session seemed sparse. For example. Immediately noticeable was the absence of Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri from the proceedings. Also, not in attendance to offer relevant comments were anti-NOACA Geauga residents and taxpayers who in recent weeks had endured frigid weather conditions to voice their thoughts. Perhaps the unseasonably temperate and sunny weather on February 10 provided an opportunity to experience other activities for many citizens. In addition, Commissioners Clerk, Christine Blair, was not in attendance, as employee Deborah Ashton stepped in to pinch-hit successfully.

Budget Director Adrian Gorton was obviously thinking spring when he reminded Commissioners Dvorak and Brakey that he is already anticipating about the 2027 Fiscal Budget. He asked their thoughts about the most appropriate and conservative methodology to establish the most appropriate budgetary basis to figure out expenses. He recommended the 2026 fiscal budget’s actual or initialized basis set at 0. Commissioners Brakey and Dvorak seemed to agree on using that technique,

Although it is only the second week of February, Mr. Gorton is already giving himself about a month in advance to start the budgetary process, planning on March 18^th as his first actual presentation and anticipates public budget hearings every Tuesday in May: May 5, May 12, and May 19. Since the Memorial Day celebrated holiday will be Monday, May25, the last Tuesday of the month (May 26) will not see a Commissioner meeting because that activity will be moved to Thursday, May 28.

Currently, Mr. Gorton anticipates his annual 2027 budget presentation on Tuesday, June 9, with formal adoption by the Board of Commissioners on July7.

Since Commissioner Spidalieri was not present to hear about the 2027 Budget timetable, Mr. Gorton assured the Commissioners in attendance that he would be sharing that information with the absent Commissioner.

When Public Comment time arose, there were only two presenters, both of whom have made frequent contributions during their three-minute permitted timetable. First to step up to the microphone, Walter “Skip” Claypool complimented both Commissioners for their willingness to base the 2027 budget on the so-called 0-based accounting.

Having presented news media with a prepared statement (here), Mr. Claypool made references to his desire for Geauga County to be granted a fourth NOACA seat/vote with the addition of the Geauga County Engineer.

In response, Commissioner Brakey attempted to play a video from a January 7, 2014. Geauga County Commissioner meeting that featuring Commissioners Mary Samide, Ralph Spidalieri, and Blake Rear. Unfortunately, the sound presentation was inadequate to hear all of the discussion regarding the merits of Geauga County’s NOACA representation, although Commissioner Brakey averred that the voice from the unseen attendee was that of Mr. Claypool claiming the necessity of having the County Engineer as a voting member on NOACA issues.

As Mr. Claypool attempted to use his three-minute allotted time most efficiently, he did not respond to reviewing a sheaf of papers she identified as a record of Mr. Claypool’s spoken words and/or actions in regard to Geauga County’s lack of relevance in regard to NOACA issues.

Mr. Claypool made reference to NOACA’s NEO 2050 agenda and further claimed that only he and Mr. Spidalieri had pushed back on principles that they had considered antagonistic to Geauga County.

As the timer signaled the completion of Claypool’s allotted three minutes, Russell resident John Chiappatello, came to the microphone to remind the two commissioners that the so-called $1.7 million in savings promised to Geauga residents would save him only $64. Nevertheless, the Board of Commissioners, he said, was sitting on $15 million of unencumbered funds and needed to investigate further the ways to cut spending. Could more be done to relieve the needs of taxpayers, including himself? If the Commissioners were as passionate as they claimed to be about cutting spending, they needed to demonstrate their intentions with much more sincerity and willingness to listen to the voters of Geauga County.

Mr. Chiappatello continued that NOACA had managed to raise the ire of many citizens. “If NOACA leaves, I don’t care.” He urged the commissioners to be responsive to Geauga taxpayer needs and be less committed to climate initiatives.

Realizing that the sound quality of the January 14, 2014, Geauga Commissioner Meeting was not as good as she had hoped, Commissioner Brakey concluded that the presentation simply would not get any louder. When Mr. Claypool responded audibly from his seat, Commissioner Brakey, in effect, told him he was no longer permitted to speak. Three times she advised him that if he could not control his thoughts “like an adult,” he would have to leave the room.

Then Commissioner Dvorak offered “the facts” to explain the evolution of Geauga County’s two NOACA votes, based on population, to the current three votes. According to Mr. Dvorak’s account, for some reason, perhaps the recommendation made by another county represented at NOACA, the least number of NOACA votes to which any county was entitled should be three. That, he said, constituted the facts about Geauga’s NOACA votes.

When Mr. Claypool attempted to respond to Mr. Dvorak’s statement, Commissioner Brakey responded, “You can’t just interrupt him.” Three more times she threatened that it was time for Mr. Claypool to leave.

Mr. Claypool responded, “I’m not leaving.”

When Commissioners Dvorak and Brakey and County Administrator Amy Bevan and Assistant County Administrator Mark Jemison entered into Executive Session (Agenda Item #20) “for the purpose of discussing the employment and compensation of public employees” Mr. Claypool did leave the room voluntarily.

With the return of the above-mentioned county officials at approximately 10:45 am, announcement was made of the hiring of Maximus Yost as Part-time Communication Director with commissioner approval of 2-0. Max Yost performed in the role of Communication Director during the fourth quarter of 2025.

In addition there was a 2-0 approval of a revised job description for the position of fiscal assistant.

Finally, Commissioners Brakey and Dvorak acknowledged their invitation to NOACA Executive Director, Grace Gallucci, to address the Board of Commissioners for the purpose of weighing the costs of NOACA dues and gasoline taxes versus the potential positive financial returns that Geauga County could realize from its NOACA membership. In regard to establishing the date of Ms. Gallucci’s presentation, Amy Bevan indicated that she would follow up.

Meeting adjournment was announced at 10:52 am.

This writer wished to emphasize the importance of citizen attendance and understanding of the issues that come up at Geauga County Commissioner meetings and urges Geauga citizenry to follow along on You Tube and, if at all possible, in person. Thank you, Geauga taxpayers, for your participation!

NEW VISTRA CORP VP, TERRY BROWNE, PAINTS ROSY PICTURE FOR PERRY NUCLEAR AMIDST SUMMIT COUNTY CRIMINAL TRIALS OF FORMER FIRST ENERGY EXECS, DOWLING AND JONES

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Remember the notoriety connected with House Bill 6 and the subsequent fall from grace of such individuals as Householder, Randazzo, Dowling, and Jones, the latter two now on trial? Today, at the Geauga County Commissioner meeting, we learned how Geauga’s EMA and the Perry Nuclear Power Plant connect Geauga electric consumers with the whole House Bill 6 scandal.

Today’s Agenda Item #15 sounded innocuous enough: “The Emergency Management Agency [EMA], will provide introductions of new Vistra Vice President, Terry Brown and staff over the Perry Nuclear Power Plant.” Many of our readers will identify Austin Rice as the Director of EMA. There he was with this Terry Brown guy, a hiree of Vistra Corporation, out of Irving, Texas. So what does Vistra have to do with the Perry Nuclear Plant, which was already pretty old when it was part of the HB 6 scandal? The First Energy debacle of the last several years has been labeled as the single biggest fraud ever perpetrated in the State of Ohio.

Remember the PUCO? This time, think Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Vistra’s being able in July 2025 to get NRC’s approval to operate Perry through 2046, 20 years longer than its original license. Vistra submitted its application for license renewal back in 2023.

Perry is one of six nuclear reactors acquired by Vistra; each has been granted license renewal. Those plants are Beaver Valley Units 1 and 2 (Pennsylvania), Davis-Besse (Ohio), Comanche Peak Units 1 and 2 (Texas) and now Perry Nuclear (Perry, Ohio). Per Vistra’s own marketing on its website vistracorp.com, “Together, these six nuclear reactors have the capacity to generate more than 6500 MW of emission-free energy, enough to power about 3.25 million homes. ..Perry employs approximately 699 full-time staff and more than 200 permanent contractors, supporting hundreds of families in the region,” This writer urges readers to take that PR for what it is—PR.

Now, who is Terry Brown? In his own words, he expressed his gratefulness for being part of “a very exciting time” that will entail hiring of personnel at Perry Nuclear for March 2027, 2029, 2031, 2033, etc. Remember, Perry has had its operational license extended through 2046, after bankruptcy was declared from First Energy during the scandal years that resulted in First Energy customers realizing that they had been hoodwinked and taken to the cleaners with high utility bills.

Still serving a 20-year prison sentence, Householder is said to be seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump, with talk of new charges and trial in June 2026. It is also widely thought that he may be open to a plea bargain.

Meanwhile, the Summit County trial that began in early February against former First Energy CEO Chuck Jones and lobbyist Michael Dowling, has brought out witnesses. Matthew Brakey, President of Brakey Energy in Geauga County, testified for two days about the actions of the late PUCO Chairman, Sam Randazzo and a 2015 legal settlement with a trade association called IEU-Ohio, to which Mr. Brakey belonged. According to that settlement, First Energy would pay IEU-Ohio customers $5.4 million in exchange for that group not opposing a First Energy rate increase from 2016-2018 with the possibility of First Energy’s paying out an additional $4.3 million during 2019-2024.

Brakey said he learned from unspecified sources that Sam Randazzo had stolen the additional $4.3 million by skimming it off other settlements he had negotiated. Brakey noted that learning this pattern of behavior about his former mentor violated his sense of trust in the man.

Thus, it would appear that the aftermath of House Bill 6 may be far from over in Ohio in general and Geauga County in particular.

AUBURN TWP. TRUSTEE AND FISCAL OFFICER NOTE CEMETERY SEXTON IRREGULARITIES @ FEB 2, 2026, PUBLIC MEETING

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

After hearing a brief presentation from County DARC employee, Frank Antenucci, and two members of his staff about the fragility of paper cemetery records, a full house of Auburn Township public meeting attendees got a “close up and personal view” of the situation as newest Trustee Riley Davis explained his odyssey over the last several weeks of tracking down all the cemetery deeds contained in four bound volumes of cemetery records currently under the auspices of Michael Ludwig. Ludwig was a long-time employee of the Auburn Township Road Department who was also hired as the township sexton, or steward of cemetery records from Auburn’s two official cemeteries, Shadyside and Mapleshade.

Auburn’s sexton position is a part-time position, payable on a monthly basis. Ludwig’s current monthly salary is $440 per month to keep a valid record of all township cemetery plots, cemetery deeds, and receipts for such deeds sold. Some of these sites are occupied by first and second generation Auburn settlers, whose remains have occupied their hallowed ground from the early and mid-1800s.

The current complication seemed to originate when Ludwig left his road-department job to accept other employment, while retaining all cemetery records on his personal computer. After Davis was sworn in as trustee a few days before Auburn’s January 5, 2026, Organizational Meeting, he realized that cemetery records were in disarray because they were all in Ludwig’s personal possession and not centrally located at the township’s Administration Office at 11010 East Washington Street.

Auburn Township public trustee meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7 pm so Trustee Davis was quick to contact Ludwig to request that he deliver all cemetery records of deeds and receipts to the Administration Office, Ludwig made a personal delivery of three worn volumes, known as Books I-III, at 3:30 pm on February 2, 2026. Davis was upset during the public meeting, noting that the information provided was from 2010-2012. So he questioned incumbent trustees PJ Cavanagh, next in line for re-election, and Michael Troyan, where were the results from 2013 on, supposedly Book IV. et al with more current records?

“I think there is something strange with the data. The delivered data (Books I-III} [ cost taxpayers] $3000 ish. . . [Ludwig’s] special trip today contains data that is 15 years old. Is this manner of delivering data okay? Turning to face Cavanagh and Troyan individually, Davis continued, “PJ and Troyan say they are fine with this.”

Frank Antenucci, obviously stunned with the scenario he had just witnessed, said there was no need to complete a Memorandum of Understanding if Auburn Township wanted to pursue a free cemetery data system based on G.I.S offered by Antenucci’s staff under Auditor Charles Walder. Shortly thereafter a citizen, Michael Cardamon, called out from his seat, “Why hasn’t the sexton turned in his data?”

Not responding to the question, Troyan responded only, “We’re in a transition period.” Cavanagh quickly agreed with no further explanations.

Riley again reiterated his disappointment with incomplete records that were 15 years old; nevertheless, Book IV records are available but not yet submitted to the township as requested. A citizen loudly asked when all the data might be available. Antenucci thought the county GIS program could be available within about a month. Michael Cardaman asked for a time frame for sexton Mike Ludwig to get all the cemetery data, including software, in his possession into the township office.

Fiscal Officer Dan Matsko announced his duty to reveal what he had learned from Ohio Revised Code and interactions with Mike Ludwig, announcing that Ludwig had delivered financial receipts minus $100 , that Ludwig’s financial accounts should have been corrected and completed by July 2025. Matsko admitted feeling troubled by Ludwig’s inadequate performance of duty. Matsko also explained his search of ORC records and concluded that any and all cemetery data needs to be stored in the Fiscal Officer's office at the Administration Building,

Riley interjected that as of February 2, 2026, there is no tangible proof that the cemetery data should have been completed back in July 2025, and there is no password for the computer program used and known only by Ludwig. Cavanagh noted his willingness to contact the Geauga Prosecutor’s Office regarding any irregularities.

After all this wrangling Troyan was responsible for a a motion giving Ludwig an additional 90 days until April 30^th, to submit all requested records and cash, if applicable, but Dan Matsko had the final word, noting that as a contractor receiving $440 per month, Ludwig could report personally to the trustees during a trustee meeting, for example the third Monday of the month.

In the meantime, Mike Troyan appeared to lose his dignity altogether, daring Mr. Cardaman “to get your butt up here” if Cardaman thought he could do Troyan’s job. Stress? Guilt? Over the edge? Just plain egocentric? We will keep following this story, but the vote on the motion was 2-1, with Mr. Davis’ loud and clear “No!”

THE PATIO STILL “A HOT ISSUE” FOR AUBURN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORS

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Veteran Zoning Inspector Frank Kitko in his monthly report referred to Geauga County Judgment Entry on 14-M00062 between then owner(s) of The Patio Tavern and residential neighbors negatively impacted by its business practices. 2025 owners of The Patio alleged during the time that they appeared in public session that they knew nothing of any previous court case and judgment entry. Residents who appeared were still deeply wary about negative conditions resulting from actions of customers. Kitko asked, “What do you [the Trustees of Auburn Township] want me to do about The Patio Lounge? How do you amend the Judgment Entry?”

Trustee Troyan expressed lack of knowledge about the fine details of the original judgment but did remember that a fence to be installed on property owned by The Patio was involved.

Auburn resident, Susan Shukaitis, who was in attendance, took the time to interrupt the conversation. “This is a hot point for the residents [in close proximity to The Patio Lounge]. We are not okay with this. Don’t think that because you haven’t heard from the residents, it doesn’t matter to them. It DOES matter to them!”

Kitko continued talking after Ms. Shukaitis’ comments, complaining that he and his long-time assistant, Jane Hardy, do not have the authority to make any judgments or to be involved in amending the original judgment. His additional concern was knowledge of ten cases in the township where owners of accessory buildings had ceased occupying them and moved out so that new individuals had moved into them. He identified this situation as a second residence on the site intended for only one residential building. Furthermore, he related having had a conversation with an assistant prosecutor, who had agreed that if the accessory building had been vacated by the original owner, someone else could indeed now be living there and utilizing an illegal shower that had not been required to be torn out. Kitko bemoaned the fact that he was not permitted to go back and inspect the premises to enforce compliance with the definition of “accessory building.”

So, Kitko continued, if someone should die in one of those illegal buildings, would the township be liable/responsible legally?

Trustee Riley reminded those present that only the County does building inspection, utilizing the services of county building inspector. He noted that Kitko, as a township zoning inspector, is NOT an inspector of buildings.

Kitko complained of being in a kind of limbo because he is unable to get any assistance or legal-type advice from the Health Department, either, making his job very problematic.

Kitko continued by noting increases in zoning and board of zoning appeals fees for 2026 to help compensate for the cost of township appointees to both boards.

Cavanagh mentioned his desire to consult with the township’s assistant prosecutor regarding the fairness of the new fee schedule. Davis discussed permitting applicants for conditional use and variances to be able to complete questions on the application at the actual meeting.

COMMISSIONERS RATIFY AMENDMENT TO NOACA’S ARTICLE 1X FOLLOWING EARLIER RATIFICATION OF ARTICLE IV; SPIDALIERI ALLEGES BEING SILENCED

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

In the midst of alleging that he had been unfairly silenced by a plan engineered by his fellow Commissioners, Ralph Spidalieri before the oral vote “to ratify an Amendment to Article IX” of NOACA’s regulatory code urged everyone to “let the chips fall where they may” He was referring to results of any upcoming commissioner races, the first of which will be the primary contest between incumbent Jim Dvorak and challenger, Steve Oluic this year, He voted “NO” on the ratification of Article IX, just as he had voted “NO” on ratification of Article IV.

“I’m glad young people can see the process,” referring to the seven Chardon High School Seniors in attendance. “At the end of the day, I work for all of you. . .This is a sad day if this gets ratified. . . You guys [Commissioners Dvorak and Brakey] had it planned beforehand,”

Once the 2-1 vote was apparent, a single “boo” resounded through the entire room.

Commissioner Brakey, in the meantime, had done some considerable research on the voting actions of Spidalieri on NOACA when he served as a Commissioner with Mary Samide and Blake Rear and when he served as Commissioner with Timothy Lennon and Walter Skip Claypool.

In the video documentation of the January 7, 2014, Commissioner meeting, Blake Rear made the motion and Ralph Spidalieri seconded the NOACA amendment that changed Geauga County representation from three Commissioners to two Commissioners and the then County Engineer, Joseph Cattell. The vote was 2-1, with Mary Samide voting no because of he upcoming position at the time as President of NOACA. Likewise, at the December 27, 2018, Commissioner meeting, approval of the County Engineer being a permanent voting member, Spidalieri voted approval with then Commissioner Claypool for a 2-0 approval. Commissioner Timothy Lennon was absent.

In addition, Commissioner Brakey reminded Spidalieri of his favorable statements about the importance of the County Engineer as one of Geauga’s three NOACA votes: “We are the only county [in NOACA] with three commissioners and no engineer.”

Commissioner Brakey noted that Spidalieri was subject to periods of “selective memory.”

NOACA STILL IMPORTANT TOPIC AT COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

The topic of NOACA continued to generate the largest number of comments from those individuals who took time to attend the Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Geauga Commissioner Meeting. As has become customary, this meeting offered two public comment sessions: Agenda Item #3 for comments that might offer facts/documentation that ultimately determine approval or failure of an issue and Agenda Item #22, during which comments or questions can be directly relevant to topics on the morning program or can be more general in nature.

During Agenda Item #3 four individuals, including several who had follow-up comments from the last several weeks, took the time to explain their continuing opposition to Geauga County’s continuing membership in NOACA and/or urged Commissioners not to approve an amendment to Article IX of NOACA’s Code of Regulations, also identified as Resolution #26-022 in Agenda Item #20.

Agenda Item #22 frequent attendee, drew more varied comments. John Ciapetetlo, a Russell resident, followed up on his concerns that Geauga Commissioners continue to investigate methods to reduce the property taxes of Geauga County senior citizens and referenced the issue of the real-estate tax referendum, which he labeled as “the brewing storm.” He concluded that, although he had not previously known much about NOACA, his visit two weeks in a row convinced him that the Commissioners were not listening to the comments from county residents.

The representative for The League of Women Voters noted upcoming two upcoming workshops in February discussing the impact of the real-estate tax referendum on local and county governmental ability to function as usual.

Newell Howard, a South Russell resident and frequent attendee of Geauga Commissioner meetings, questioned NOACA’s spending motives and outcomes. He accused NOACA of receiving $40 million in gas-tax monies and wanted to know how what regulations NOACA had to honor when spending those funds. He also referenced a transportation conference of some seven years ago which was supposed to result in a published transportation report and asked for a copy of such report if Commissioners Brakey and Dvorak asked about it during the next NOACA meeting.

Steven Oluic, Geauga County Commissioner candidate in the 2026 Republican Primary spent most of his time praising the the Senior Class students from Chardon High School in attendance for the Commissioner meeting and was able to emphasize the importance of leadership skills as indicators of future success.

NOACA PROTESTERS BRAVE WINTRY CONDITIONS, TO PROTEST RATIFICATIONS, AND WARN OF DEFUNDING

Wednesday, January 27, 2026

With Shane Haijar of the County Engineer’s Office presenting seven of the seventeen agenda items in less than ten minutes and with no announced topic for discussion, the January 26 Geauga Commissioners’ Meeting, attracted former Commissioner Skip Claypool and several private citizens, to protest the actions of the Northeast Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA).

Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri had just commented on his perception that Commissioners Brakey and Dvorak had made momentous decisions about the make-up of the Geauga contingency of NOACA, having voted 2-1 on January 22 to eliminate him from his NOACA seat of 14 years and his perennial alternate, Claypool, from having a vote at the NOACA table. Spidalieri still seemed incredulous that his fellow Commissioners had never asked his opinion or involved him in any way before they, in effect, kicked him out of NOACA. How had the situation come to this, he asked, since they were all equal in speaking for Geauga constituents, a real team, he emphasized. He added that Lake and Medina Counties had not ratified the amendment. So why might Geauga County? To further complicate the situation, Spidalieri reported that out-of-town responsibilities had impeded him from taking any action earlier. Like him, “removed from any position of responsibility,” his constituents have also been silenced. “I’ve gotten hundreds of calls on this from the community.” A broad clap of applause communicated that there would be individuals speaking during the second public comment period scheduled immediately after Spidalieri’s remarks.

When Spidalieri attempted to vindicate his past appointed alternate, Claypool, as having more experience at NOACA than Commissioner Brakey in the last year, she chose not to comment “because of pending litigation,” referring to civil litigation filed in Geauga County Common Pleas Court under Judge Matthew Rambo slated to be heard January 28. Originally filed as Walter Claypool vs Carolyn Brakey, et al, 26M0000007, Claypool’s Emergency Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order, was denied on January 13, but under amendment the January 28^th hearing is for a Preliminary Injunction. In addition to Brakey, the other named defendants are James Dvorak and Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (% Grace Gallucci and Ryan Gembala).

Brakey did comment, however. “NOACA didn’t take you off this board. We just decided our makeup [as NOACA voters].” Her comment drew comment and laughter from the audience.

At that point the meeting moved on to public comment from nearly as many individuals as at the previous meeting. First to speak, Skip Claypool, addressed Spidalieri personally: “Ralph, I think you have cause for litigation. Two Commissioners cannot undermine the third.”

Tiffani Broadbent asked about a timeline for any ratification. “We hear things about two Commissioners acting independently of the third. I would urge you not to ratify.”

Commissioner Brakey urged that those commenting against NOACA ratification “explain why you don’t want ratification.”

Vicki Watson responded, ”We want to hear the reasons why you are making the decision eliminating Spidalieri and Claypool. . .I don’t know how much clearer we can be.”

Brakey explained, “This [NOACA amendment ] gives Geauga County more power within their own county. If Geauga wants different makeup, we don’t need five counties to ratify.”

Listening to Spidalieri’s accusation, “I was taken out,” and judgment that “having only two commissioners is a terrible precedent,” Brakey noted that “the majority gets what they want.”

Next to speak during the Public Comments segment, Carol Roberts of Munson urged Commissioners to still vote against NOACA Articles 4 and 9 and reminded Commissioner Brakey of campaign pledges of two years ago. “Commissioner Brakey, you said you wanted to serve the Geauga Community; serve the residents of Geauga by voting against NOACA.”

There were a few more comments, not necessarily NOACA opposition. John Cippitelo , also from Munson, said that based on limited information he had read about Geauga County’s $15 million dollar carryover, why will taxpayers only receive $1.7 million back? He complained about being a senior citizen on fixed income having to pay his property tax as well as a newly instituted five-year license on his “perfectly fine” septic tank.

Bradley Nett, identifying himself as a Cuyahoga County resident, confided with the other NOACA protesters, “I hate NOACA, too!” He asserted that because “NOACA is being defunded,” Geauga will also lose funding for projects. Certainly this comment seemed to be the most unexpected and unverified comment of the meeting, although a July 30, 2025, press release from State Representative Mike Dovilla of Berea and a September 12, 2025, Cleveland Plain Dealer/cleveland.com article appeared to lend some credibility to upcoming efforts to regulate NOACA and other non-elected MPOs.

Dovilla, serving District 17, was outspoken. “Whether it is the personnel issues with their leader working from Chicago, the highway interchange policy, or their focus on Clean Air Plans and art murals instead of transportation planning, they [NOACA] seem to have lost sight of their core mission. . . Northeast Ohio still acts like Cleveland is going to disappear into the lake if the city doesn’t get a piece of every single project.”

Then Jeremy Pelzer followed up in September 2025, highlighting proposed legislation to be jointly sponsored by both Dovilla and Pickaway County’s Brian Stewart, both ranking members of the Ohio House of Representatives Finance Committee. Such proposed legislation, noted Dovilla, would seek to bring NOACA and other MPOs more in compliance with current federal executive orders.

Dovilla’s and Brenner’s biggest gripe has appeared to be with its CEO/ executive director for “simultaneously holding an out-of-state adjunct teaching job” at Northwestern University. In 2024 Gallucci’s NOACA contract netted her $254,000 annually, per the Pelzer article. Gallucci admitted in the same article that the one engineering class one day a year at Northwestern University netted her an additional $15,000. Gallucci’s CEO contract at NOACA extends through December 31, 2026.

In the meantime, Commissioner Dvorak has justified NOACA membership as a beneficial investment, citing a $29,000 grant for clean air or clean water after Geauga Water Services’ annual payment of $8657 and total annual county dues $39,000 that resulted in the receipt of $500,000 for road and bridge funding.

The NOACA debate remains a breaking story for Geauga County and for 2026 outcomes all over the state of Ohio. Stay tuned as we learn more.

NOACA SEAT RULE CHANGE DOMINATES JANUARY 22, 2026, GEAUGA COMMISSIONER MEETING

Friday, January 23, 2026

Recent changes in the bylaws of the Northeastern Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency have impacted the last several Geauga County Commissioner Meetings for just about the entire month of January. It is our understanding that members of NOACA received a packet of information about the end of November 2025 advising of a special NOACA meeting on January 9, 2026, to amend Article 4 and Article 9 of the NOACA by-laws. By this date, Geauga Commissioners Dvorak and Brakey had attended the meeting in question, but Commissioner Spidalieri had not. Historically, Spidalieri has not attended NOACA meetings because years ago he designated Walter Skip Claypool as his alternate. Although as an elected Commissioner (2014-2018), Claypool was entitled to attend NOACA as a voting member, his loss of office to current Commissioner James Dvorak has raised the question about Claypool’s eligibility to represent any of the current Commissioners.

On January 6, 2026, per a cleveland.com article written by Molly Walsh, Claypool filed litigation in the Geauga County Courtroom of Judge Matthew Rambo, against Dvorak and Brakey and NOACA, for communicating together so that bylaws amended at the January 9 special NOACA meeting would eliminate Claypool’s eligibility to be a NOACA alternate, in this case, for Spidalieri. Claypool, attended the January 9 meeting. Spidalieri, as has been typical for many years, did not attend that meeting.

At the January 22 Geauga Commissioners meeting, Claypool became the topic of interest, as 13 residents, including Claypool, signed in on a sheet at the back of the room to permit each of them to make a public comment that could impact the outcome of an item on the agenda. In this case the Agenda Item was #18, ratification of Resolution #26-008,”to Ratify an Amendment to Article IV, Section 4.2 to ehe Code of Regulations” of NOACA. Each of the 13 speakers spoke about the detrimental impact of NOACA upon Geauga County and several spoke about the importance of forming a Metropolitan Planning Organization (for example, NOACA) with an adjacent outlying county (for example, Lake County).

When it came time to take a vote on Agenda Item #18, about 50 minutes into the meeting, Commissioner Brakey noted that the designation of NOACA as an entity of :unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats” was “fair criticism.” As a result, she continued, the rule changes subject to approval in Agenda Item $18 brought “more pressure for elected officials to be making NOACA judgments.” At this point, Mr. Spidalieri became considerably more loquacious than he has been for a very long period of time, concluding, “As a commissioner, I should have the power to name my representative.” A few minutes later he added to Claypool and the 12 other commenters, “I left the house this morning in seventeen degrees. . .Thank you, the people in support of Skip [Claypool] for turning out.”

When the oral vote on ratification was taken, Spidalieri voted no, for 2-1 approval. The completion of the vote was followed by loud boos and shouts of “Shame on each one of you!” directed to Commissioners Dvorak and Brakey.

Before the agenda could move on to Agenda Item #19, Board Discussion, Spidalieri asked what the layout of the Geauga representatives at NOACA would now be and made a motion “to put Skip as my alternate.” In quick response, Commissioner Brakey verbalized that “no one currently has a seat,” shortly thereafter making the motion that she, Commissioner Dvorak, and Engineer Andy Haupt fill the three seats/votes assigned by NOACA to Geauga County.”

Without realizing that there had been no motion to give him a seat at NOACA, Spidalieri quipped, “I appoint Skip Claypool as my alternate to NOACA.” Having noted his understanding of the three Geauga County seats, he still insisted on his right to name Claypool to his nonexistent NOACA seat. The oral vote was again 2-1 with loud cries of disappointment from those gathered to speak on behalf of Claypool.

At last, the approved NOACA representatives provided the names of their alternates:
Commissioner Dvorak named Director of Water Services, Nicholas Gorris. Commissioner Brakey offered Spidalieri the alternate seat, which he hedged over and obviously declined, so that she will still need to name her elected or appointed alternate. Engineer Haupt named employee Traci Salkiewicz as his NOACA alternate.

A loud voice from the room, presumably a Claypool supporter, could be clearly calling out, “You mean we came here for nothing?”

The “big NOACA meeting” referenced by Commissioner Spidalieri was scheduled to occur today, Friday, January 23, 2026 with litigation still to be resolved. This seems like the latest breaking story.

FIRSTENERGY TO PROVIDE CUSTOMER REFUNDS OVER HB 6; WHEN YOU MIGHT SEE THE MONEY

January 23, 2026

Laura Hancock, cleveland.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio - FirstEnergy, which entered into a settlement last week with the state’s utility regulator over the controversial House Bill 6, may begin making $249 million in restitution to customers as soon as Feb. 1.

As part of the settlement, which the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio formally approved Jan. 7, three FirstEnergy utilities – Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co., Ohio Edison Co. and The Toledo Edison Co. – will provide the money in restitution to customers over three billing periods.

“For a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each month, the total credit received over those three months is expected to be approximately $65.61,” said Jennifer Young, manager of corporate communications for Akron-based FirstEnergy.

The credits are based on current electricity usage, even though House Bill 6 was passed in 2019.

On Monday, FirstEnergy submitted to PUCO a proposal with calculations for the credits. The proposal states the restitution will go into effect Feb. 1.

PUCO officials authorized the three FirstEnergy utilities to submit a final plan at least seven days prior to the issuing of the credits, said Matt Schilling, PUCO’s director of public affairs.

“I don’t expect any further PUCO action to effectuate this,” Schilling said, which means the proposal can go into effect Feb. 1 if FirstEnergy continues with the Feb. 1 date.

HB 6 was a controversial energy bill passed by the Ohio General Assembly in 2019. It provided approximately $1 billion in bailout funds through customer payments to FirstEnergy for its nuclear power plants along Lake Erie. The legislation also supported some Ohio and Indiana coal-fired power plants and weakened Ohio’s renewable energy standards.

In 2023 criminal trials, federal prosecutors proved that FirstEnergy provided over $60 million in payments to former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, a Republican. Householder, who was convicted in the scheme and is serving a 20-year sentence, used most of these funds for political operations and some personal expenses. He steered the bill through the legislature.

The scandal has been described as the largest corruption scheme in state history.

In addition to the $249 million in customer refunds, the settlement with PUCO requires FirstEnergy to offer additional customer support:

- $20 million for low-income customer programs

- $6.6 million refund (plus approximately $6.2 million interest) for improper charges

- $5 million to the Retail Energy Supply Association for corporate separation violations

The settlement ended PUCO’s investigation into FirstEnergy’s HB 6 involvement. The settlement acknowledges that PUCO found FirstEnergy companies violated Ohio law, PUCO regulations and PUCO orders.

The PUCO settlement is hardly the only financial penalty FirstEnergy has faced. Others include:

-A $3.9 million fine for withholding lobbying information from federal regulators

-A $20 million settlement with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to avoid prosecution on state law violations

-A $230 million deferred prosecution agreement with the federal government

NEWEST TRUSTEE REPORTS ON AUBURN IRREGULARITIES

Monday, January 19, 2026

Riley Davis, newly-elected Auburn Trustee, the majority vote getter in the November election, had several issues to report during his assigned time on Monday, January 19, 2026.

During comments regarding the January 5, 2026, minutes at the outset of the latest meeting,

Fiscal Officer Dan Matsko noted that his notes had ad inadvertently referred to John L Phillips as Fire Chief When the suggestion was made to rescind the reference to Fire Chief and then make a motion to appoint John L. Phillips as Fire Prevention Officer, Trustee Davis voted no against the yes votes of incumbents P. J. Cavanagh and Michael Troyan. As he explained later in the meeting, Trustee Davis had spent a lot of time researching current Ohio Revised Code. John Phillips, according to state definition, is legally a Fire Prevention Officer. Because there is no job evaluation, no job description, or physical examination on file for Phillips, Davis explained that trustees “voted for a fire chief that we’re not allowed. . . The most expensive position carries the lowest [job] requirements. . . The confusion jeopardizes the safety of Auburn residents [because of] the lack of a benchmark.” If there is not even a job description for Phillips on file, “there is no justification for improvement.” When Riley noted that he had not received any email communication from Phillips regarding the latter’s plans for his position, Phillips noted that he would be sending all his thoughts by email within a day.

Trustee Davis discovered in his mailbox information about a town hall repairs project. In fact, he discovered that he had been put in charge that project at 3pm on January 19, only several hours before the Monday night meeting. This was the same contract, addressed to Trustees Cavanagh and Troyan from the original contractor, that had come under active discussion on the night of January 5 before being turned down.

Included was a rough blueprint with indication of building permit costs. Davis emphasized that the drawing did not reflect any access for wheelchairs. Although communication noted a $4500 savings with the use of aluminum in rails, cast iron is still the better product. As a result of lack of progress concerning the contract from Caves thus far, the town hall repair project was tabled at the meeting.

Davis also questioned why the absence of both Nancy Dolesal and Jane Hardy on the same recent Friday was permitted to cause the closure of the Administration Building , Mr Troyan explained that Jane Hardy had a doctor’s appointment made a year in advance, and Nancy Dolesal was on a Friday vacation to aid the delivery of a grandchild. Mr. Davis thought that without even phone, Facebook, or Website communication about the closure of the building, residents would unknowingly call or come to the Administration Building for assistance that would not be forthcoming.

Mr. Troyan rationalized that such absences were rare. Mr. Davis explained that according to RC 505.051, it is the responsibility of the chairman of the Trustees [Mr. Troyan] that the Administration Building remain operational.

CAVANAGH REPORTS AT SECOND AUBURN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC MEETING FOR JANUARY, 2026

Monday, January 19, 2026

In spite of near zero temperatures, plenty of snow, and lots of wind, Auburn Trustees met to discuss accomplishments, confusion, conflicts, progress, stagnation. The meeting that began at 7 pm adjourned at 8:41 pm, the second consecutive January meeting extending the obligatory 30-45 minutes. The last two meetings have been meaty and have utilized welcome documentation. Longtime incumbent Patrick J. Cavanagh was able to talk off the cuff and to promote Auburn Township’s potential as a grant recipient,but he avoided demonstrating any research skills regarding Ohio Revised Code and Administrative Code.

He first reported on Auburn’s receipt of an O.P.W.C. grant for repair of Crackle Road and then, apparently with serendipity, had managed to discover that other “languishing” grants in Ohio had resulted in the return of unused finding back to the proverbial grant “pot of gold.” to encourage the filing of another grant application in April 2026 to seek financial assistance with Stafford Road. Selection of township grant recipients will occur after the competition closes in May 2026.

Then he chose to relate the experience that he and Administrative Assistant Lorraine Sevich undertook on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the day of the huge Geauga County blizzard. The purpose of the trek to to Geauga County ADP headquarters was to learn more about cemetery software that permits those interested in purchasing a vacant grave site in Auburn’s Shadyside Cemetery or researching the history of an occupant of a grave-site there to be able to utilize efficient programming to improve their knowledge of local genealogy.

Currently, the software program for the cemetery system is in the hands of one individual, without the benefit of any central map or other critical data, according to newly-elected trustee, Riley Davis, When Trustee Davis asked the whereabouts of the cemetery deed book, Cavanagh assured him that there would be an update, but he was not more specific. Moreover, another complication is that the sexton, who has no other function for Auburn Township.

Having researched the need for two re-roofs on Adam Hall due to roof-pitch problems and leakage, Cavanagh provided anecdotes about using his personal thermometer in Adam Hall to measure heat/heat loss in the attic. He also identified the Adam Hall roof as a priority for Auburn again, citing the need fo-engineering, clear back from the early days when Mr, Padigimas gave the building to the township.

There was a discussion in which Cavanagh conceded that, because he had not had internet at home until quite recently, he took his email at the Administration Building,. Although that email, which was overseen by Office Administrator Nancy Dolezal, was almost exclusively from the OPWC and the Geauga Engineer’s Office, he had not, until very recently, even had access to internet at home.

Finally Cavanagh talked about the township’s good experience with the Chagrin River Watershed Partners, an organization which charges $1,403.00 for annual membership. Cavanagh explained that the township during its many years of membership has received 2 CRWP grants.

FISCAL OFFICER MATSKO REPORTS FOR AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Monday, January 19, 2026

Fiscal Officer Matsko reported that there were 25 outstanding payments he made from January 6 through January 9, 2026, for a total of payment of $76,686.99.

In other comments, he made note of an anonymous letter from an Auburn Township resident opining why property taxes are difficult for senior citizens to pay. In addition, he related his all-day experiences at a January 13, 2026, workshop convened by Auditor Charles Walder to educate township auditors/fiscal officers about several pieces of legislation that will impact Ohio property tax payment starting in tax year 2026, a year from now. Mr. Matsko expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about the impacts of recent legislation on Ohio residents.

Finally, he presented a final accounting from American Legal Claim Services LLC regarding the refund payments issued as a result of a road levy error. As of December 15, 2025, 11.27 % of the original checks disbursed to rightful participants in the settlement were undeliverable and/or unclaimed. The original net distribution fund had amounted to $751,931.31.

HOW GEAUGA COUNTY DEALS WITH NOACA BECOMES BIG QUESTION AT JANUARY 13, 2026, COMMISSIONER MEETING

Thursday, January 15, 2026

The January 6, 2026, Geauga County Organizational Meeting highlighted the difficulties of being a county with small representation in Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency meetings. Geauga Commissioners have dealt with these problems for years, but the latest example highlighted the problem at the Friday morning, January 9, 2026, Special meeting on Superior Avenue in the City of Cleveland.

This writer learned that Commissioners Jim Dvorak and Carolyn Brakey took the initiative to be in attendance at the January 9 special meeting. So was former Commissioner and Chester Township Trustee, Walter “Skip” Claypool. This writer was not in attendance at the NOACA meeting but was aware of corroboration from County Administrator, Amy Bevan, in answer to a private inquiry. Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri was not one of the NOACA attendees on January 9.

The biggest source of information regarding the purpose and outcome of the Special January 9 NOACA meeting resulted from the testimonies of former Planning Commission members, now private Geauga County citizens, Gary Neola and the aforementioned Skip Claypool, during the public comment session. Both gentlemen were succinct and logical in their analyses of complications for Geauga County resulting from the January 9 meeting.

First to address the three Commissioners, Claypool detailed his NOACA attendance and the purpose of the January 9 meeting, voting on two proposed by-law changes regarding membership requirements. He explained the by-law changes to NOACA’s Article 4 and Article 9, claiming that Cuyahoga County should be held responsible for initiating these changes. Geauga County well-being has been negatively impacted, with Article 4 new rules being more devious than first thought because the appointee to a NOACA seat from Geauga County gets the right to name an appointee that does not necessarily express or exemplify the best interests of our county. Further, Article 9’s new language actually removes the firewall formerly guaranteed by the requirement that all five counties must ratify an amended by-law. Claypool then suggested that Geauga County not ratify the changes in an effort to get more acceptable action from NOACA’s chief influence, Cuyahoga County.

Russell resident Gary Neola took the time to refer to his activities as a former member of the Geauga Planning Commission. He reminded Geauga Commissioners of a letter from the Planning Commission outlining suggested procedure for Geauga County’s voluntary removal from NOACA to be able to join Lake County efforts to form a separate Municipal Planning Organization. His biggest objection to NOACA was its inability to make the best use of funds resulting from gasoline tax imposed upon Geauga County residents by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The first official meeting of NOACA is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026, at NOACA headquarters on Superior Avenue in the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County.

COMMISSIONERS LISTEN TO POSSIBLE USES OF OPIOD SETTLEMENT FUNDS

January 14, 2026

Fiscal Manager Adrian Gorton, in his weekly discussion before the Geauga County Commissioners on January 13, 2026, noted that he has $100,000 from the Opiod Settlement to make available for community use.

In late 2025 Commissioner Dvorak informed attendees at a Commissioner meeting that Geauga County shares Region 12 of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation with Ashtabula, Lake, and Portage. Commissioner Dvorak is the current Chairman of the Region 12 Board.

As one of their first 2025 distributions of Region 12 Opiod Settlement funds, Geauga Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of a portable drug-testing machine for the Geauga Sheriff, Scott Hildenbrand, to help reduce the presence of illegal drug dealers within the community.

At the Tuesday, January 13, Commissioner meeting, Kristine Lakoniak discussed the possibility of assisting the Lake Geauga Recovery Center, whose board members have been motivated for over a year to purchase of a home to assist up to 12 residents. So far a purchase has been untenable because of lack of funds. Ms. Lakoniak suggested that financial assistance to the organization could be a beneficial use of Opiod funds. Ms. Lakoniak in further conversations with the Geauga Sheriff has discovered that the Safety Center is devoid of any furniture, particularly table and chairs.

Commissioner Carolyn Brakey noted the critical need of any interested party to file an application, upon which final financial awards will be granted.

COMPLETION OF McFARLAND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS THOUGHT TO BE RUNNING AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

At the January 13, 2026, Geauga County Commissioners’ Meeting, Director of Water Resources, Nick Gorris, expressed a sense of relief as he was able to visualize the completion of the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project during the Fourth Quarter of 2026, instead of the originally scheduled completion in August, 2027.

Conceding that the McFarland Wastewater Improvement Project has “kept me awake at night,” Director Gorris actually sounded exhilarated that the project was running ahead of the original planned completion date of August 2027. “My fingers are crossed,” he shared enthusiastically, noting that the old wastewater plant needs to be run simultaneously with the improved section before the former can be turned off/and or dismantled.

Geauga County residents/taxpayers became more aware of this project when Director Gorris presented item [#21] one year ago on January 14, 2025, awarding the $30,842,000.00 bid to Shook Construction Company as “the lowest and best bid.”

Director Gorris emphasized the importance of Geauga County’s being able to receive a construction loan to be able to pay for the improvements at the McFarland plant. He noted how much more cost-prohibitive infrastructure improvements would be without state agencies to make finances available for entities like county boards of commissioners. In the case at hand,The Ohio EPA has made the borrowed funds available to Geauga County through the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund. Shook Construction Company receives its payments, called Partial Payment Requests, from the Ohio Water Development Authority, the administrator of the awarded loan fund.

Partial Payment Request #1 to Shook Construction for $3,110,816.00, consisting of $1,500,00.00 and $1,610,816.00 from the Ohio Water Development Authority Loan Fund, were authorized by Commissioners during the July 23, 2025, meeting.

Partial Payment Request #2 to Shook Construction for $349,970.00 came solely from the OWDA Loan Fund on August 28, 2025, as Agenda Item #14.

Partial Payment Request #3 to Shook Construction for $1,412,241.15 from the OWDA Loan Fund came September 16, 2025, as Agenda Item #11.

Partial Payment Request #4 to Shook Construction for $478,812.00 from the OWDA Loan Fund was approved on October 16, 2025.

Partial Payment Request #5 to Shook Construction for $2,881,179.36 from the OWDA Loan Fund was approved on November 25, 3025.

Partial Payment Request #6 to Shook Construction for $844,859.60 from the OWDA Fund was approved December 16, 2025.

With the payout of Partial Payment Request #6, Shook Construction Company has received $9,077,867.11 of its $30,842,000.00 contract.

WORKING OUT THE GEAUGA COUNTY ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The updated agenda for the first Tuesday in 2026 started out smoothly and efficiently at 9:30 am. At 9:38 newly-elected County Engineer Andy Haupt was explaining force accounts in Agenda Item #5 when all went dark. The back-up generator started its operation restored tranquility and efficiency.

Since the first meeting in January is the traditional Geauga County Annual Organizational Meeting, that entire topic was discussed under Agenda Item #16, although much of the preparation for appointments was undertaken during the public work session of December 30, 2025, when Commissioner Brakey encouraged Ralph Spidalieri to become the primary Commissioner rep to the ADP Board. Although Ralph initially appeared to be acquiescent about such appointment, he also seemed tuned out, paying attention to his cell phones more than county assignments.

Those of us who watched the events as attendees or as observers of the live-stream witnessed what appeared to be a pout from Mr. Spidalieri, particularly when he thought he and he alone should be entitled to name the alternate of his choice alone to the NOACA Board.

There is a back-story connected with NOACA. For those who may be interested, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency had its foundation in the City of Cleveland in 1968. Geauga County was one of the member counties right from the beginning. In addition, the Mayor of Cleveland and the Department of Urban Affairs took an active role initially. NOACA has continued to grow, with a current total of 46 votes. Officially, as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), NOACA, with the recognition of the Ohio Governor’s Office, as a governing body composed of local elected officials, operators (like LakeTran) of major forms of transportation, as well as the Ohio Department of Transportation, has the power and responsibility for conducting transportation planning, and water and air quality for the five-county area of Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Medina, and Lorain, and the City of Cleveland and the areawide water quality management agency for populated areas carry the bulk of the votes. Geauga County has a maximum of three votes.

At today’s meeting, the NOACA board appointments were tabled. Geauga Commissioners have always been able to represent themselves at the monthly NOACA meeting at 1299 Superior Avenue in Cleveland or they have been able to name an alternate.

The first NOACA Meeting of 2026 has been scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, January 9, 2026. for the purpose of altering one or more bi-laws regarding NOACA membership rules, including regulations about alternates. Consequently, the Geauga County designations regarding NOACA primary representatives and alternates was tabled during the January 6 meeting because of a question regarding Mr. Spidalieri’s currently-named alternate.

In past sessions Commissioner Spidalieri has been critical of overruns and waste on projects like the Courthouse Expansion Project, but has favored hangar and runway improvement projects undertaken by the Airport Authority in Middlefield. Today, however, during the discussion of the Annual Geauga County Organizational Meeting, he publicly opined that he is the victim of the other commissioners’ dislike, resulting in his often becoming the minority vote on an issue to be decided.