County Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Turn off your phones. Good afternoon. It is Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, 3.30. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Moore.

I am here.

Commissioner Gallagher.

Aye.

Commissioner Riddell.

Here.

We have a quorum.

Okay, good. Yeah, before we get going here, I want to at least acknowledge we have a little proclamation here. Whereas Tom Ivanik announced retirement from his position as records clerk on June 30th, 2026. And whereas Tom is being recognized for 20 years of service to Lorain County and where Tom began his appointment with the Lorain County Records Center on February 28th, 2006. Tom's responsibilities included records management, the development and duplication of microfilm. He was a valued member of the staff in his detailed record keeping and research to provide history in years to come for County of Lorain. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Commissioners of Lorain County that we hereby express appreciation for the faithful, conscientious, and rewarding service given by Tom Ivanik to the County of Lorain and its citizens. We wish Tom the best of happiness, peace, and good health to be enjoyed throughout his retirement. May he continue to enjoy reading and birdwatching as well as camping with his wife Kim and their grandchildren. Signed by the three of us this day, 30th of June, 2026. Tom is here today with Marilyn and his wife Kim. You want to come on up? and give you this proclamation, and we'll get a photo. And the bottom line here is, as I'm working on the history of Lorain County, Tom has been an asset, especially in trying to read the cursiveness. So Tom has helped us out a lot. A lot of you, I know a few of you in the room do a lot of public records requests. That's the guy everyone usually talks to and deals with. So he has a lot of knowledge, and he's helped me a lot with history, and I'm hoping to stay in contact with you, Tom.

I think Karen's got it. Oh, nice.

Y'all ready?

I'll send these to Chris.

Hello, Kim.

Congrats.

Go ahead.

Under resolutions number one, investments.

Move to approve. Second.

Discussion? Mr. Gallagher. Aye. Mr. Riddell.

Aye. Mr. Moore.

Aye.

Number two, appropriations.

Move to approve.

Second.

Discussion?

Casey, do you want to address the large one in the line three there? Certainly, yes, for the Mars Board. Explain to folks that are watching what's going on.

Yeah, certainly. So as the grants and the different programs that Mars works with, as those grants start to come to fruition and solidify, and they know the funds they have coming in, this is Mars essentially setting those appropriations up as appropriate for those different programs. So essentially setting the budgets for those different programs that are coming in now that their grants and whatnot are solidified.

And if I'm not mistaken, their fiscal year starts tomorrow, correct?

Yeah, hard to believe. Yeah, tomorrow, July 1st, yeah.

So that's why we're seeing it today probably.

Anything further? Commissioner Riddell? Aye. Commissioner Moore?

Aye. Commissioner Gallagher?

Aye. Number three, transfers?

So moved. Second.

Discussion? Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Mr. Riddell?

Aye. Mr. Moore? Aye.

Advances and repayments?

Move to approve.

Second. Discussion? Mr. Moore? Aye. Mr. Riddell? Aye. Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Number five, requisitions.

We have two pages today. This is page one. Page two, please.

Move to approve pages one and two. Second.

Discussion? Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Mr. Moore? Aye. Mr. Riddell? Aye. Number six, travel.

Move to approve. Second.

Discussion? Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Mr. Moore?

Aye.

Mr. Murdoch? Aye. Number seven, bills.

We have five pages. Page one. Page two, please. Page three. Page four. And page five. Move to approve.

Second. Discussion. Mr. Gallagher?

Aye. Mr. Moore? Aye.

Mr. Riddell?

Aye.

County Commissioners may recess an executive session to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of public employee or official along with any other matters as specifically identified by motion in accordance with the Ohio Rights Code 121.22G1-8. Unless expressly stated otherwise during executive session, matters discussed in executive session are designated by the County Commissioners as confidential. because the confidentiality of such matters is necessary for the proper conduct of government business any disclosure outside of executive executive session is prohibited by ohio high rise code 102.03b one executive session the county commission may discuss and deliberate of the matters at issue but no votes may be taken until open session resumes and we will be going into executive session for a total of five to ten minutes and it will be out of order and we will let you know when it happens

Public comment.

On agenda items.

On agenda items only. Superintendent Jeff Graham, in regards to item number 26. 26 is the item regarding the repeal of the resolution that we voted on on June 5th. Good morning, sir.

I'm doing great. Thanks. How are you? Good. Good afternoon. I appreciate your time, and I just want to say thank you. I appreciate the compromise you made last time. I appreciate your consideration for this afternoon. And Bill Sturgill is a great grandfather. He has great grandkids in our district. And I think he summed it up pretty well when he said, I really appreciate the tax break that I got, but I feel guilty because I feel like I'm taking it for my grandkids. Meaning two great causes. And we have a room full of decision makers out here. And we understand how difficult these decisions can be. But again, I just want to say thank you for your consideration. And I appreciate the fact that you don't underestimate the value these funds mean to a district to meet the needs of our families. So thank you very much. Okay.

Thank you. David Haynes and item number 26 also. Good afternoon.

Hello there. My name is David Haynes. I'm a school board member for North Ridgeville City Schools. Interesting with being our 250th anniversary of the U.S., I've often wondered the what ifs. What if the bridge didn't raise the taxes on the tea? What if we didn't have the Boston Tea Party? What if the alum will never happen? And what if I didn't have to be here? But you have an opportunity to correct that, repeal it, give the money back to the schools. We're underfunded as it is, and we all know it's unconstitutional. Money back to schools. Sorry, my notes get a little sloppy. But I digress. Part of being elected officials is making difficult decisions. We also have the opportunity to learn from I won't say mistakes, but learn from our actions. Obviously, there's a lot more people here, far more intelligent than I'll ever be, but we all come here with the same cause for the kids. We really, really appreciate this opportunity for you guys to listen to us again. And basically, we really need the other half. because it's not like we can go out and have bake sales, which, if you remember, I brought that up last time. Hopefully, the information garnered by the people you're going to hear here will clarify how valued that money is. A lot of wonderful things have happened for the school districts, and I would really like to keep them going.

Thank you.

Thank you. Love the shirt. Roxanne Casero, also in regards to number 26.

good afternoon thank you for the opportunity to speak today again my name is Roxanne Casario and I serve as the proud superintendent of North Ridgeville City Schools I appreciate your service to Lorain County and the difficult decisions you make each and every day on behalf of our communities today I respectfully ask that you reconsider and rescind your previous vote to renew the homestead piggyback exemption when this exemption was originally approved on June 5th school districts municipalities and other local entities across Lorain County accepted significant financial losses to provide tax relief to our senior citizens our veterans and ultimately our most vulnerable today those circumstances have changed the state of Ohio has taken meaningful action to provide property tax relief with the state level relief now available continuing this county exemption is no longer necessary and places an added financial burden on our local school districts and municipalities for north ridgeville city schools alone rescinding this exemption would restore approximately nine hundred thousand dollars in revenue those are local tax dollars that could be reinvested directly into our classrooms our staff student programming and educational opportunities our families expect and deserve we respectfully ask you to recognize these changes and vote to rescind your previous approval of the homestead piggyback exemption I thank you for your time, your consideration, and your continued service to the people of Lorain County.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Franco Gallo, item number 26 also. Afternoon. Good afternoon.

Frank O'Gallo, Superintendent of the ASC of Lorain County. Lorain County resident 2388 Norton Place in Avon. Thank you commissioners for placing this resolution on today's agenda to reconsider the homestead piggyback exemption in light of House Bill 479. i want to thank you for listening to the concerns that were raised by the school districts and the local taxing entities throughout the process we support the meaningful property tax relief for seniors and eligible residents and now that house bill 479 provides state-funded relief for the homestead recipients i am asking that you would consider the repeal of the piggyback i know that this is a difficult decision to make but i do appreciate your consideration and listening to us. And I just wanna just give you thanks for doing that. So thank you. Thank you.

Thanks for coming in. Ms. Schloss in regards to issue number 26. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, thank you. Yes, I'm Ann Schloss. superintendent of the Elyria schools and have spent my whole life in Elyria and through the school system everyone has already pretty much summarized what's going on but what I wanted to share was what the stake is for Elyria almost a million dollars I think all of you know that we just cut nine million dollars out of our budget and it was pretty devastating for many of our staff members and students and We just want to thank you first for compromising, as they said at the last meeting, but also to obviously the governor saw there was an issue and is supporting it. And I think that that is wonderful news for us. and in hopes that you do decide to rescind. But thank you from Elyria and thank you for your service.

You're welcome. Congratulations on your retirement. Five more months. Five more months? Thank you. I think you'll be missed. William Zimmerman, item number 13. Item number 13 is an agenda item in regards to the rescission of some money out of the jail account.

Good afternoon. William Zimmerman, beautiful Avon Lake. So it's my understanding back in 22, there was a surplus of $41 million. And in this time in the last four years, we're now concerned about our general fund cash. And so now you're rescinding 22, eight 69 in hopes of trying to push some of that money back into the general fund. Now it's my understanding that Q construction has been getting paid. to do projects, lead-ups, and the infrastructure that's going to help try to put in some other projects. And I don't understand if these are cash advance, if they're just payments upon the work that's done. So I'm trying to understand that. But needless to say, now you're trying to transfer this money back. It's not 20 million anymore. And so this was supposed to be for the original jail fund, and now it's going to be four million short. And I don't understand how the citizens can find that to be acceptable. And I figure at some point during the discussion today, I may get an opportunity to learn something.

Thank you. Karen Johnson regards items number 13 and 15. 15 is regards to a land use plan. Yeah, agenda item and public comments. Are you going to do both?

I want to do both. I circled it.

I circled public.

Well, because you forgot for the last two times.

I know.

Anyway, so Karen Johnson, Carlisle Township, 15 first. I've received assurances from Carlisle Township Trustee Smith that the land use plan for Carlisle Township will be the people's plan and not have county influence except procedurally. I am concerned about a professional contract with for planning with the county because I've seen what's happened in some of the other townships. So I want to make sure that that goes smoothly and I will be involved. And I would also like to ask for copies of the grant money terms and also the professional the contract that you're going to do with carlisle as far as the other one the jail on december 14 2022 when resolution 22 869 was created there was a 12-minute discussion which was not in the minutes i watched the meeting on youtube last night at the time there was a 41 million dollar county surplus The resolution set aside $20 million for a jail fund called Q Construction. David Moore voted no because he said the new administration will decide on the details of the jail and it will happen immediately after the new administration with Jeff Rydell in 2023. Moore said that he looked ahead financially three years and saw the current quarter percent sales tax will cover the new jail. No new tax or funding is needed. What happened? You said the first thing you would do in 23 was address this, yet it's 2026 and the county appears to be near broke and we need an additional quarter percent sales tax that you said that we wouldn't need. And today it appears that you're trying to get money out of the jail fund that was set aside that you said we didn't need because we had enough with the quarter percent. So, I'm trying to understand that. I have looked in other records requests and saw that that queue construction has been used for millions of dollars in cash advances for infrastructure, which has nothing to do with the jail. So, it's very confusing. And is it legal to use money for something that it wasn't approved to be used for, for the queue construction? And how do you rescind a resolution when part of the money is gone, and where did the $4 million go? And why is the money going back to the general fund and not being used for its still intended purpose for the jail? And what would the $60 million be used for? Because my suspicions are that you're releasing it to match the AOFF loan, that though you seem to no longer be in a position to honor the terms of the loan, it seems like it's still being used.

Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, let's see, five to four. Let's do this. We're gonna go out of order. In item number 26, Madam Clerk, could you please read that resolution, please? We're gonna move item 26 up to now.

under old business number 26 repeal resolution 26 330 adopted june 5th 2026 authorizing permissive piggyback exemption for homestead in accordance with the high rise code 319.304b for texture 26 for real property and texture 27 for manufactured homes for taxes payable in cy2728 respectively in lorraine county this is due to the passage of hospital 479. move to approve second discussion

Yes. One of the things is when you have a, this tax was originally put in on the homeowners when we had the big increase in taxes. This was a way to give relief to the most in need. I don't want this to be a permanent resolution here, so it's just for this resolution. It does give me the option in a year to be able to vote on this again. In both cases, the homestead as well as the owner-occupied. So it gives us a checks and balance system so that when the needy do need it or we do need some relief, that we have the option.

Yes. May I? Yes, thank you for the comments, both the last time we met as well as today. And I think what we have here is a lesson in government processes. When we passed this on June the 5th, we appreciated the position that you thought the commissioners were put in, those of you in the educational system, as well as the mayor of North Ridgeville on public services and so forth. So funded through the property tax. Unfortunately, on June 5th, we were not aware of any activity at all in the legislature to make a different kind of remedy to the situation. We were very interested in the fact that they did come through, I think it's only a little over two weeks ago, and passed a legislation allocating $350 million for the piggyback exemption extension that the state would grant in essence doubling the piggyback exemption. I think for me one of the big issues is that you know the state did cause this and when they took care of the owner occupied credit they set up a schedule of four years how that owner occupied credit would go up so that people would have an opportunity to budget and and process themselves through the future the state did make it clear to us that this current 350 million dollar legislation is for this coming year alone uh and that is you know while they may act on it again in the future uh right now it's for this year and i think it it it makes it very easy for us to extract ourselves from a situation that we shouldn't have been in in the first place because the state will backfill that $350 million means that the seniors will get their homestead exemption and the levy holders, the real estate tax people, schools and public services and the rest will get backfilled by the state of Ohio. So it's a no-brainer because it will be a gain for the seniors and it will not be a loss for the other public entities. So at the end of the day, we think that that's the correct way to do it. A little disappointed that there wasn't a more forward-looking multi-year resolution to this, and I think Commissioner Gallagher said it, that next year we'll be faced with this same decision. I continue to offer our support, specifically mine, but the Board of Commissioners for what little say or influence we may have in what's essentially a legislature school system situation because the schools make up 60, 65% of the property taxes and therefore you folks have the biggest targets on your back when it comes to talking about real estate taxes. So you guys are the bullseye. And so we welcome anything that you think we can do to get a more permanent solution to this where the property taxes and the increases will not become so onerous for those that for decades paid their property taxes and supported their future, which is now here. So at the end of the day, I think that this is, today was the last day we're allowed to do that. While we thank the legislature for doing it, it would have been nice if they would have done it prior to June 5th.

I've talked to a few of you already back about when we did this, and I think I said if I could triple it, I'd triple it. And I think the state is allowing us to do that. So my position hasn't really changed. People have now accepted the pain that they received three years ago with the excessive unvoted on increases in property taxes. What we did was adjust the increase. We adjusted the excessive increase. And this is only for one year. This is an example of government just kicking it down the road, which they've been doing since, what, 1997, when the Supreme Court ruled that the funding for schools was Not appropriate or not legal and so you're looking out coming up on 30 years. And nothing except kicking the can down the road. So, um, when the other Commissioners asked to put this on the agenda. I agreed. I've been picking on them for the last two weeks, thinking maybe, or last week, saying maybe we should just cancel because today's the last day. But we all got the phone calls from the people. We got the calls from the schools. And so... yeah so my position hasn't really changed so if it were up to me if you're over 65 you own a home i don't think you should pay any but that's just except for police and fire and local but again we're not in charge of that they put it on us last year and really this is columbus's issue and i think um i hope they can fix it i after 30 years i'm not holding out too much hope you know I hope this isn't how it is every year, where you guys have to come in and see whether or not this board will approve or disapprove the homestead exemption, or will the state of Ohio take that power away from the county commissioners? But right now, we do have the power to double the homestead exemption. And so when the state of Ohio doubled it and said they'll backfill so nobody loses money, I felt that, okay, well, I got a lot of phone calls from people who are $500 to $600 a year. They have escrows, and that helped them out quite a bit. So I'll just let you know why I'm voting the way I'm voting. So go ahead and call the roll. One more. Oh, okay.

I'd like to agree. I failed to... make the calendar, we did this on June the 5th, the following week the legislature acted, and it was only a week ago today, it was only a week ago today that we got the facts on how this 350 million was gonna work, and is it gonna backfill, and all that kind of stuff, and the implications to the permanent funding for the schools that they see at this time. and that was essentially through a regional conference with our county commissioners association who brought in state legislatures and school auditors and tried to talk about the long-term implications of this very issue so i think we acted swiftly and as commissioner moore said we we got the information on tuesday and thursday of last week you know he was asked to put this on the agenda for today's meeting so that we could get in before the end of June.

Well, I called up school board member Mark Ballard, told him I got good news and I got some bad news. And he wanted to hear the bad news first. So the good news for the schools was that they were getting their money. The bad news is I have a feeling I'm not going to win this issue. So that was a... Go ahead. I'm sorry. I didn't know you wanted to...

Yeah, one more little comment. Because last year when I voted on this, it was doubling the exemption. This year they ultimately would be getting a triple exemption. And, you know, there is a point. And looking at this from that standpoint, the state made a correction, and they backfilled it, and they created the double on their own. So moving forward, that's what my decision will be based on, that scenario.

I'm good.

Is there anything further?

Nope.

OK. Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Mr. Ronell?

Aye. Mr. Moore?

No.

Keep going if you want. We can go to executive. We've got a 430 commitment, so.

OK. Well, we're good till 430 then.

OK. Item number nine. You want old business?

I just did old business.

OK.

I'm going to do it. We're going to go into executive about 430. Okay.

Okay. So number nine, improving the rating in the county commission meeting minutes of June 16th and 24th.

Move to approve. Second.

Discussion. Mr. Moore.

Aye.

Mr. Riddell. Aye. Mr. Gallagher. Aye. 10, renew medical mutual services LLC of Ohio as a healthcare insurance provider for Lorain County effective retroactive January 1st, 25 through December 31st, 25.

Move to approve. second discussion yes karen could you um or casey touch on this one a little bit because this may we did sign the document on time and correct i want you to explain why this is being approved today yes so uh commissioners did sign the document on time um we had to wait again for medical mutual to return the documents to us this has been a problem

for quite some time and we've been working with medical mutual on a regular basis trying to make sure that they understand our processes and the need for us to have this stuff done in a timely manner the clerk has complained for quite some time and we're trying to appease the clerk and get our business done as we're supposed to here in lorraine county okay so you will you will you will not see this again next year i promise okay well really it was out of our it was medical mutual that took that yes

But we could rest assured business was taken care of for the entire year of 25. It's just that we needed to execute this paperwork to make it kosher for what we were doing.

Yes, that's correct. And Medical Mutual is a large company, and things get lost on people's desks, and nobody knows where it's at, and they keep asking for the same documents four or five times over. So it's been quite the chore. So I'm glad that we finally got it straightened around.

Anything further? Commissioner Moore. Aye. Commissioner Gallagher. Aye. Commissioner Riddell. Aye. 11, execute the participation agreement with Discount Drug Mart as part of the ongoing national opiate litigation.

Move to approve.

Second. Discussion.

Do you want to follow up on this, Casey, a little bit?

Yeah, sure. So this is another in a long line of settlements that have been reached recently. as part of this national opioid litigation. So we have several settlements already taking place where we're receiving payments, you know, Walgreens, CVS, down the line. I believe this is probably the seventh or eighth, maybe even more, of these settlements that the state has reached, and we're a part of that larger settlement. participation agreement. So this is again, this is just another in a long line of these settlement agreements.

How much money we got in the account now?

It's approximately 2.6 million dollars.

Do we know what our total settlement will be when it's all received?

Unfortunately, we don't because like I said, some of them over 30 years, some over five years, some over and I think there's some maybe some assumptions that maybe some of these companies won't be able to see those settlements all the way through and whatnot. So we don't really have a concrete number of what those settlements will end up being over that span of time.

One national chain has already surrendered. but I just, I think it's good for the public to know that we're accumulating these dollars. They have a very narrow ways that they can be spent. This is not a slush fund that we can decide, you know, what we want to do with it. It has to be used to make a direct effect on the opioid situation, uh, in Lorain County. So we'll be accumulating those. And before we overspend, We just want to make sure that we have a reserve that when we do something that we have the money to fulfill the obligation. So somewhere in the coming months or maybe even next year, we'll be sitting down to work with the community to find out where we can best reduce our opioid exposure with these funds.

Anything further? Mr. Moore? Aye. Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Mr. McDowell? Aye. To have a just salary overland municipal court in place, which reflects the county's two-fifth share effective retroactive January 9th of 26. Bailiff Joseph Davidson, new bi-weekly rate is $875.77. In-court standard cohort, new bi-weekly rate is $1,341.48.

Move to approve.

Second.

Discussion? Commissioner Gallagher? Aye. Commissioner Brudell?

Aye. Commissioner Moore?

Aye. 13, recent resolution 22869, adopted December 14th of 22, setting aside $20 million in unappropriated funds in the acute construction account for Lorain County Correctional Facility project. Authorize a reversal of said transfer and remaining funds in the amount of $16,306,220.72 from Kew Construction Fund 5000-5054 Kew Building Jail should be transferred back to the County General Fund. Move to approve. Second. Discussion.

Yes, oops. Yeah, I voted no when they did this originally because Matt was on his way out of being a commissioner and this was just another example of government acting like they were doing something. We had like over 41 million at that time, if that's the number that I heard. Two weeks prior to 2020, the end of the year, the Democrats decided to shove the Republicans with some fun and reduce the sales tax from 6.75 to 6.5. That was damaging, I believe, to the board. It was damaging to the people. But we got lucky. We got $60 million in ARPA funds to be used for infrastructure. And so that's what kind of kept us afloat. We can debate all day on how that money was spent, whether it was appropriate to give $9 to $10 million to nonprofits, whether to use it for infrastructure. I knew at that time, just like the radios I knew was the right decision, to rescind it. And we save $22 million, and we have a world-class system. Similar for this, this should be used for infrastructure and let the public decide moving forward on whether or not to fund the jail through a sales tax, which I think is more fair, as we just heard, that property taxes are being paid by those that invest in our county by buying homes in our county and then living in our county. I think this should be shared, that quarter percent should be shared by everybody, including those that spend the weekends in our jail. So that debate will be coming up on July 17th and July 21st. And so just to let you all know that that carryover was technically ARPA funds, the $60 million that was given to us, because if not... I think Commissioner Riddell said it in 23, or near the end of 23, that the ARPA hangover's coming, and we saw it last year. We had our budget meeting. We're actually being sued by a couple elected officials because we cut their budget. It's going to be uglier this year because it's very difficult to shrink county government when they're accustomed to having maybe county commissioners impose money when they're short. So expect July and August to be a little bit rough. I expect November to be rougher because we will be looking more and more at the operations of each and every elected official, including our own. And again, we did get an extra $60 million. That was really nice. And we did a lot of good things with it. And I think this is going to be another positive aspect to how we're going to move forward. So what we did is we're just reversing, we're rescinding this resolution. And we're going to be, that money will be going to be put into the general fund. And then we'll be having more policy discussions as we go on for the year on how that money will be Use in order to move forward.

I don't know if that said enough for the two of you Well, one of the things is is that the original was 20 million, correct? Correct and the the remaining balance is after money already spent on The process we've been going through now with the jail.

Yeah, we're leaving money in the account. Yeah. Yeah, we're leaving money in the account. I

May I?

Yeah.

I'd like to address this evening as well as many previous meetings. There's been this trying to connect the dots to say that whatever's happened the last three years has been some kind of now the county is broke and all that kind of stuff. I think those kinds of adjectives are not only inaccurate, but they're obviously inflammatory. As was stated, this county was running on six and three quarter percent sales tax. The first five and a half percent, five and three quarter percent goes to the state of Ohio. We are only in receipt of the sales tax in excess of the five and three quarters. And we are currently running on a half percent. Up until 2016, we were running on three quarters of a percent. That net difference is $13 million, give or take a couple hundred thousand. So we referred to the ARPA hangover, which I take pride in being the author of that, because when I got here in 23, we were plugging that $13 million hole with ARPA money. And someday there was going to be a hangover when that money was no longer available. And the reason that the budget is where it is at today is largely due to the fact that instead of restoring the sales tax to six and three quarters, the voters of Rain County overwhelmingly voted to leave it at six and a half. So we had departments that were running as if there was six and three quarter percent, and now there's only six and a half percent. So we had to fill that $13 million hole now with budget cuts. And so that's the angst that we read about, we hear it in conversation, and also with those that are taking us to court because they feel that their budget is somehow more important than other people's budgets. But at the end of the day, had that quarter percent been restored, many of the predictions on how a jail might be financed or how we might be able to fund existing county operations there's no doubt that 13 million dollars would solve a lot of those problems so the root cause of that the difference between 2020 and today is the loss of a quarter percent of of revenue at the same time costs as we've heard from the school folks and the others costs continue to rise and we actually reduced our budget and we're essentially operating on a two hundred and two thousand sixteen budget with a little help from inflation over the last six or seven years but there's no doubt that we have less money that we would have had and we return that tax to the sales tax to six and three quarters and i think for a lot of people, they think that, you know, five and a half percent, six and a half percent is a lot of money. And why, why do we have a budget problem? And that's because the first five and three quarter percent goes to the state of Ohio. It doesn't come to the commissioners. It goes through, it goes through the county and goes to Columbus, but we're operating on only the excess over five and three quarters. So just wanted to make those facts clear in hopes that future conversation could be a little bit more accurate.

Now, a quarter percent of that was voted on in 1994, I believe it was 94, and 100% of that goes to the jail. I think it's 13-9, and I think we're at about 21 million to run the jail.

That's the transfer I believe we saw today in the books. We have a quarter percent sales tax to fund the jail. There was a time when the jail ran on $13 million. The jail now runs on $18 million. And so it's necessary to transfer money from the general fund to augment that sales tax because the quarter percent is not enough to fund the jail.

One other notable thing is that we are the lowest sales tax in the state of Ohio. There's two other, I believe there's two other counties that are with us, and out of the larger counties which we are, we are the only one that is at 6 1⁄2 or lower than, or at the lowest.

Yep, and you even look at Cuyahoga County, they're talking because of the stadium issues of even increasing their sales tax another 1%. Which means, if that happens, you're going to have a boom along 83 with people shopping over here. But just to let you know how much that money is, in December of 2020, they reduced their sales tax by a quarter percent, which really means the good news is that was $84 million over the past six years that our citizens got to keep in their pockets. So that's the good news there. the harder news that we have to sell because how do we continue to shrink county government moving forward and we'll it's going to be this that's going to be this see how it works out i guess so That's that's a news at 11. Yeah. Well, we'll see. Okay, that's it.

That's it. Yeah. Mr. Moore. Aye. Mr. Murdell. Aye. Mr. Gallagher. Aye. Community Development 14 approve a community reinvestment area agreement between the Lorain County Board of Commissioners and Damson Limited for a property redevelopment project in Sheffield Township. Total investment by the property owner is approximately $2,570,000 including $1.8 million for facility construction and $250,000 for machinery and equipment, $20,000 for new inventory. Project will create 13 new full-time permanent job opportunities and 21 new part-time permanent job opportunities within 36 months of the construction commencement, generating approximately $525,000 in additional annual payroll.

So moved. Second.

Discussion?

Yes. Who would like to touch on this? Oh, Rob? Yeah. Okay.

having me this afternoon. First of all, I would like to say, Congratulations to my colleague, Brandon Temke, who worked very hard on this CRA. Sheffield Township came to us last year and said they would like to create a CRA because they were concerned that they didn't have enough tools to draw business into their community. And as you know, they recently lost the Marks grocery store, so this is very important to them to have a tool to be able to help draw some businesses into their township. The specific one, though, the reason it's coming today is because this business and the reason I'm here instead of Brandon is because this business came four years ago and started this process. And unfortunately, due to a lot of regulations and such on stormwater specifically, the project was delayed until they could make changes. There was even a building on this property that they were gonna use that they had to demolish and recreate somewhere else for the stormwater runoff. So it cost them literally thousands and thousands of dollars in both the delay and the improvements that they had to make. And because of that, Once the CRA got created, the township trustees were in favor of us working with this company, and we did. And it's going to be 10-year, 75%. So the schools are not affected by this. However, we did get letters of support from both Brookside and from the JVS that they supported this going forward. So we do have those letters, even though they're not losing any money on this. But it does help make up for this business. And as Commissioner Gallagher and I were talking earlier today, a lot of small businesses, this kind of setback would have literally put them out of business. So this helps them recoup a little bit of the funds, not completely, but a little bit of the funds that they've had to give up in this process to do the additional work on the property and obviously the time delay for the business starting.

It's a really difficult thing when you hear a business taking four years to be able to get their business up and running or getting to a point where they can start it. Economic development-wise, most small businesses wouldn't have survived it. Correct. They're paying huge property taxes on the land. and the economic impact on their business. I think this is the only appropriate way to handle this as well, even though it's not gonna make them whole again, but hopefully their business will totally thrive. Am I allowed to say what business it is?

As far as I know.

Okay, well, it's a Dunkin' Donuts. No coffee drinkers in the room. You got a new place. And they've put a lot of time into it themselves. And thanks for their patience on it. We welcome them. I'll pass that along. And you well said what you said. I didn't have to cover any of it.

Thank you.

Mr. Gallagher. Aye. Commissioner Moore. Aye. Mr. Riddell. Aye. 15, enter professional service agreement with Carlisle Township for the preparation of an updated Carlisle Township comprehensive land use plan. County shall provide a non-refundable planning assistance grant in the amount not to exceed $5,000 to offset a portion of the project cost.

So moved. Second.

Discussion?

Dave.

Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioners.

departments across ohio provide a myriad of services to the cities villages and townships within their within their county i'm happy to announce them with the with the qualified staff and kristen brandon and kelly smith i feel comfortable that we'll be able to provide carlisle township with a comprehensive land use plan they approached us about our ability to provide them the service they they did go out and and seek as i understand it um from the private sector some quotes or some understanding of what the cost would be. We are able to provide the services to them at cost. We cannot charge a profit for our services. So the county services that will be provided to prepare this comprehensive Lange's plan will be significantly less than that which would be provided by a private sector business, which would save our township money. I'm hopeful that we'll be able to continue to provide these services to other communities in the county. This is our first foray into this service but I believe it's one that our townships, villages and cities will see value in and hopefully they will approach us again or others will for us to provide similar services. One final comment the trustees did pass this and execute the agreement and once you pass it and execute the agreement then we will be able to begin work and our first meeting with them to assist them and I want to be clear we are assisting them in their land use plan. This is their plan. We are merely a vehicle to provide them the resources and our talents to reflect their goals, their objectives and their mission for their township. First meeting scheduled for early July to begin the process should you adopt this resolution.

Thank you. We've been talking to the townships for quite some time to say, look, you've got to update your land use plan, your master plans.

i'm glad yeah this is the biggest controversy yeah well this yeah the main thing is just you know making sure they understand we're you know we're here to help at least use our resources that we can help so my decisions based on the fact that i've made it very clear that we are not telling the townships or any other government in this area what to do with their land this is to give them the support because we have the expertise to at least tell them what you have as options these are the townships will be making their decisions for themselves. We won't be, but we have some of the tools that they need and they can afford, and that's why this is a great opportunity for them.

Anything further?

Yeah, I think the township's one of the best form of government. It's very limited, it's very small, but unfortunately they have no money. And so sometimes it's those little things right here that do help out, and at least they may have the best intentions to do something, but if they don't have the funds, and I'm like, you know what? We got a county, we got a development that does this. Let's see if we can help you out.

Agreed. I appreciate the work you're doing.

Nice work on it. Thank you.

Kristen and Kelly deserve the credit.

Thank them too. Mm-hmm.

Anything further?

No.

OK. Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Mr. Ronell?

Aye. Mr. Moore? Aye.

Sanitary engineer Warren and I are contracted with Underground Utilities, Inc. of Monroeville, Ohio on the amount of $1,189,159 for the Rolling Heights Allotment Sanitary Sewer Phase 1 Project in Sheffield Township. Five bids were received on June 9th, this being the most responsive, complying with specifications. Work consists of installing approximately 3,080 feet of 8-inch sewer and sanitary sewer laterals on School Street and Hecox Avenue in Sheffield Township. Notice perceived will be issued upon full execution of contract and work lead an honor before November 30th at 26 OPWC will provide funds for the construction of this project in the amount of three hundred ninety five thousand nine hundred eighty nine dollars ninety four cents remaining seven hundred ninety three thousand one hundred sixty nine dollars and six cents will be paid from the sanitary engineer account which will be in reverse total of seven hundred fifty thousand for a residential public infrastructure grant received through the Ohio Department of Development

Move to approve. Second.

Discussion? I don't know, Bob.

Quickly, this is an area that's long since needed sanitary sewers. However, years ago the county looked at, actually the plans were actually done, but the residents could not afford assessments to put the sewers in. We were able to secure a grant, like I said, through the Ohio EPA with the help of Community Development. We also have a loan from Ohio Public Works to make this happen. So it's a good project to help clean up failing septic systems in the county.

Anything further? Good job. Good job. Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Mr. Riddell? Aye. Mr. Moore?

Aye. I said aye. So we're going to make a motion to go into executive session. I'll second it. OK. It will be between five and eight minutes. Lee, it's just only five, eight minutes, so that's all. Commissioner Moore? Aye.

Commissioner Gallagher? Aye. Commissioner Burdell?

Aye.

And we're back. Commissioner Riddell had a family commitment, so he won't be joining us for the rest of the meeting. Item number 17.

Under transit, reduced routes for Lorain County Transit effective July 1st of 2026, which includes a downtown loop and hours of service, will be reallocated to increase service needs for demand response service through Lorain County Dollar Ride Services.

So moved. Second.

Discussion.

Do you have anything to add to that? I know we've been talking about it for the last month or two.

Yeah, it does seem like we have. Our original request to this board was to establish public meetings, which we did conduct at the transportation center. We had two public meetings.

How were they attended?

There was low attendance. Yeah, there was low attendance. I will also say that we've tried to work closely with the courts with regards to juror busing and I think we've come to an agreement that while Lorain County Transit is not going to be able to provide on, on call transportation for the jurors that we will be able to at least hopefully get the majority of the jurors to the justice center before 10 AM, uh, five days a week. So, and I, I did let Ms. Clouser know that we would adjust that schedule as we kind of gather the information to see how well the service is working and how well it's being used.

Keep the faith. Keep going with it.

Yes, but it will provide more hours for Dial-A-Ride, and that's an important service, too.

You're getting stumbling blocks here and there, but keep the faith.

I'm plugging away.

I feel like we're going from a failed system to a successful system with VIA. Doing a great job.

Thank you. Anything further? Mr. Gallagher.

Aye. Mr. Moore. Aye.

18, enter in contract with the City of Overland regarding distribution of federal funds for fixed bus services for a period retroactive from June 3rd to 24th through June 30th to 27th. Lorain County Transit is sub-recipient of funds from the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, award name Lorain County Operating Assistance, ADA Paratransit Capital Grant, and will be paid from the Contractual Purchase Services and Vehicle Repair Maintenance Accounts.

Move to approve.

Second discussion.

Karen, would I add anything to this? Absolutely.

Lorain County Transit, County of Lorain, and the City of Oberlin have partnered to be able to provide public transportation for the City of Oberlin. Our role has always been to apply for and receive the federal grants and state grants, whatever we can, to fund the Oberlin routes. The City of Oberlin, of course, they're very... environmentally friendly, so they want to make sure that they have the electric buses, which they do have, and they also contribute their local match. So you'll see that this is a retroactive contract. This is one of those things that, due to a change in personnel, we did discover that the contract, while we've been operating as if we've had one, was actually not signed. So we did have to go back and make some corrections, do a little housekeeping in order to get us back where we need to be today.

Thanks. Thanks. Anything further?

Mr. Moore? Aye. Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Airport of world change area number one in the amount not to exceed $61,755 to 5K commercial roofing LLC LaGrange for unforeseen conditions discovered during the roofing project at Lorain County Regional Airport. Main hangar roof replacement project and will be paid from the airport capital permit account.

Move to approve. Second.

Discussion?

Yeah, it's nice to get a Lorain County company. All right.

And they've been doing a wonderful job. As the clerk mentioned, this is an unforeseen condition. So as they were tearing off the roof on the main hanger, they did discover some damaged insulation and the work just needed to be completed. So we can't do a roof without a good base underneath.

Anything further? Mr. Gallagher?

Aye.

Mr. Moore?

Aye.

Excuse me. 20. Prove change order number six to area black tapping for quantity adjustments due to field conditions and time extension of December 31st to 25 for the airport runway 725 rehab and lighting project that results in a net decrease of $262,553.11. Move to approve. Second. Discussion?

Okay. Why?

The Federal Aviation Administration is a stickler about their paperwork. So we have been working these grants, which are very large grants, between the runway rehab and the airport lighting and some of the taxiway projects for years. It's a whole process that you have to go through in order to get to the end of a project. We are now at the end of this project, and you'll see the actual completion date was December 31 of 2025, and we're submitting our closeouts, and this is just a quantity adjustment. It is in our favor. That should be a decrease change order, so that's always a good thing.

That's good to hear.

Anything further? Mr. Moore?

Aye.

Commissioner Gallagher? Aye. Children's Services 21, authorize and rescind various personnel to utilize the agency's MasterCard for the year 26, not to exceed 2,500 in accordance with the Ohio Race Code and permissible policy.

Move to approve. Second.

Discussion? Mr. Gallagher? Aye. Commissioner Moore? Aye. 22, amend Resolution 26249, adopted April 24th to 26th, request the Lorain County Auditor, pursuant to Ohio Rescue Code Section 570503, to certify the Lorain County Board of Commissioners total current tax valuation in Lorain County and the dollar amount of revenue generated by a 0.3 mil additional levy Lorain County Children's Services for the purpose to fund essential services Lorain County's abused, neglected, and dependent children in the county. Set amendments to reflect this would be placed on our current tax year beginning 26, not 27, and first due for collection 27, not 28. Move to approve.

Second.

Discussion? Commissioner Gallagher?

Aye. Commissioner Moore? Aye.

23 requests Lorain County Auditor pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code 5705.03 to certify Lorain County Board of Commissioners total current tax valuation of Lorain County and the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by a .35 mil additional levy. 0.40 mill additional levy and 0.45 mill additional levy for Lorain County Children's Services for the purpose to fund essential service to Lorain County's abused, neglected, independent children of Lorain County to be placed on the ballot of November 3rd, 26 and be levied upon the entire territory of the subdivision for five years.

Move to approve. Second.

Discussion. Mr. Gallagher.

Aye.

Mr. Moore.

Aye.

Developmental Disabilities 24, approve and enter into lease agreement with ViaQuest Inc. Dublin for 14,004 square feet, which includes offices in area C, D, E, G, and H, and adjoining restrooms and hallways to be effective July 1st to 26th through June 30th to 27th. ViaQuest will pay $6,126.75 per month for the lease space, and the proposed lease includes a 90-day cancellation clause.

Move to approve.

Second.

Discussion. Commissioner Gallagher.

Aye. Commissioner Moore. Aye.

Mars 25, change to board size of the mental health addiction and recovery services board in accordance with the Ohio Vice Code 340.02A from 18 members to 12 members.

Move to approve.

Second. Discussion.

Commissioner Gallagher.

Aye. Commissioner Moore. Aye.

Yeah, we did that one.

Interim County Administrator.

Karen, you have anything to...

I have two items, update items. So the airport master plan, a draft version of the first three chapters of the master plan have been posted on the commissioner's website. We are encouraging folks to take a look and to provide public comment. It's... been over 20 years since we've updated the master plan to the airport. So you can access that through our website, LorainCountyOhio.gov. Also, Mr. Zimmerman, during his public comments, has made a request to know what kind of grants that transit would be applying for. So we did a resolution quite some time ago giving us the authority to apply for grants. And here's just a list that I have received. from the government apportionment for small urbans for operating and buses for about $4 million. FTA 5339, state of good repair for buses, $520,000. ODOT Urbanized Transit Grant for operations for about $540,000. FTA 5310 for operations, $600,000. ODOT Workforce Mobility for the Brokerage and Vermilion Service, $880,000. ODOT OPT2 operations, $500,000. And then we'll also be seeking FTA direct grants and other discretionary grants for ODOT, FTA, and NAWACA. And that concludes my update. Thank you.

Okay, we already did number one. Friday, July 3, county officers are closed. There are no commissioners meeting. Tuesday, July 7, at 3 o'clock, we'll have a stormwater meeting in room A. Tuesday, July 7, at 4.30, we'll have a commissioners meeting and a hearing on the Curtis ditch. Thursday, July 9, at 9 a.m., we'll have a land bank meeting. Board correspondence.

Move to waive the reading of the board correspondence.

Second. Discussion? Mr. Moore? Aye. Mr. Gallagher? Aye. New business.

Yeah, we had a visitor's meeting last week. It went very well. A lot of great things happening. We have the aviation coming up. I think it's next weekend. It started out, I think, the first year we had like 1,500. We're up to probably 10,000 to 12,000. It seems to be a very successful event. So stop on out. Also, in celebration of our 4th of July, the visitor's borough is also funding with the bed tax that they get The Cleveland Orchestra, which is a Pops.

That's what it is? Okay.

And I know that's your favorite. You've been getting them here.

And I know, Teresa, you've been working on this for some time.

So we still haven't decided how we're going to pass it out because I think we need to do tickets. That's my opinion.

We got tickets. We did tickets. We took care of you.

Hot dogs and hamburgers, right? No, no, no.

Are you cooking hamburgers? No. Sorry. Sorry.

It's America. It's hot dogs and apple pie. Hot dogs from...

Hot dog heaven.

And apple pie.

Popcorn from Jenny's.

Oh, popcorn from Jenny's. Where's Jenny's from?

In North Ridgeville. North Ridgeville, okay. Cookies from Fligner's.

Fligners, okay.

Apple pies from Mama Joe's.

Mama Joe's.

And water from Artesian's. All local. All local.

We're only doing 500.

Limit to 500, so you will get a water, a hot dog, popcorn, and your choice of apple pie or cookie for lunch that day from 11 to 2.

Okay. From 11 to 2. July 24th. July 24th. Throughout the whole country, isn't it 1130? Is that the time to read the Constitution?

I believe that's what I have.

There's something going on throughout the whole country that they'll be reading the Declaration of Independence at 1130 throughout the whole country. So that'll be kind of interesting. We'll see who wins that one, I guess, between us. Also, under new business, let me see. Under new business, I'd like to do a couple things in regards to today's meeting. I'd like to do an appropriation, a fund transfer. So let me hand this over to Theresa. And you can make the motion and second that.

Was that a motion?

Okay, I'll make a motion to approve the appropriations for $16,306,220.72 from the acute construction out to the general fund. Second.

Discussion? Mr. Moore? Aye. Mr. Gallagher?

Aye. Number two? Aye. We're doing the right order, right, Casey? OK. Is this number two? OK. Move to approve the transfer. Second.

Discussion? Mr. Moore? Aye. Mr. Gallagher?

Aye. OK. What else? Any other news?

I have two things. Number one, it's Friday. Happy 4th of July, Independence Day to everybody. Secondly, a little over a week ago, we received one of the highest grants in the state of Ohio for the Welcome Home Ohio grant. It's designed to infill housing in areas where a neighborhood normally wouldn't have a brand-new house built. And so there's a grant there. There's 10 of them. that will be issued. Habitat for Humanity, City of Lorain, City of Elyria, and Oberlin and Lorain County all participated in it. It was a collaborative effort and hopefully we will be putting some brand new houses in some areas that the recipient can receive about a $75,000 grant per house. We have one of the highest awards in the state of Ohio. Thanks to our legislators that participated in it because they helped us get it.

first time ever for us too good job like four or five years ago i tried to get in and uh talking to drake who used to be who used to work here and we you know the way the valuations of homes are going up and the way you just couldn't get people to afford you know the cost of these homes so this is an out now grant if you live there what 15 years it gets forgiven

Well, it's actually forgiven after five, but at 15, there are no restrictions. You would have to sell to somebody in the same capacity that you are. It's for affordable housing. It's not low income, and it's not standard housing.

Right. They don't want people getting in and flipping these. That's the whole purpose of this. I mean, you're like me. You're anywhere you want to get them in. How many do we want to get? Like 100 homes, right?

Yeah, we want a lot.

We wanted six or seven million.

If you guys were to compare it, you look at Ohio City or you look at Gordon Square, some of those other places where they put new houses in, most houses when they do this, the economic impact is $13 to one spent. So it's a huge impact in the area, and it's done through the Lorain County Land Bank. And the new grant cycle actually starts next month, July. It starts for next year's grant, and we just got awarded the grant literally a week and a half ago. But very happy to announce it.

Well, we got... Lots of other things going on behind the scenes, so I'll share some of it. When this came up, when I voted no in regards to issue 13 with the Q construction, back when they did it, I looked at it, they were setting it up as a savings account, and I know we repaired the jail a few times, didn't we, Karen? Yeah, we were using the money to help fix the jail out of that account. So we ran it by the county prosecutor's assistant, Gabe, and We did get an opinion making sure that we were able to move forward with this resolution. But he recommended that we also contact the state auditor's office, which you did, I believe. And we wanted to make sure everything was done appropriately, which we did. And what you saw under new business when we put the transfers out there, that was basically us doing some accounting for KC. And now it's up to the county auditor to move those funds. A little shot across the bow to all the other elected officials that is not don't expect to see that in your budget We don't know we're still going to debate on how that money will be spent But I can tell you right now that we're done plugging holes You know if this county only generates 90 million dollars in the request, which I believe is the prediction We'll see we're all making our predictions you will know in about a month what the county elected officials are gonna ask and including us. And I think the bet's about $100 or $100 million, I think, they ask. And I think the income projections are flat. So whatever we did this year, it looks like it's been flat. So we're going to project it out to be flat for next year. Like I said, we're going to find out and see what happens here, and just stay tuned. It's not going to be fun, but shrinking county government is something that's not very easy to do. So we will see how that goes moving forward. So stay tuned for that. If anybody wants a copy of the email, I got it. I have no problem giving it to you tonight in regards to that opinion. We do have quite a few public comments. I'll start out with Dan Wilson in regards to, thanks, Casey. Thanks. In regards to Kellner Ditch.

Thank you. Yeah, my name is Dan Wilson, 14400 Meadow Creek Lane in LaGrange. You may recall I attended a meeting a couple months ago to voice my frustration and displeasure with the Kellner Ditch project. At that time, it had been 13 months since workers began clearing property my property along the ditch in the absence of a legal right-of-way or easement allowing them to come onto my private property. I reached out to Don Romanchik and the last communication I had from him indicated that the work would be completed by June 1st. Like all the other previous promises of completion date, this one was hollow, and the work is still ongoing, although progress has been made, I will admit. So now we're past the 15-month mark that I've been hindered in the use of my private property. So I thought I'd read you a couple quotes that I pulled up. These are from the public final ditch hearing that was held on October 1st, 2024. The first one was from Alex Ault from K.E. McCartney and Associates, which if anybody doesn't know, that's a company that was hired to fulfill some of the county engineer's duties for these ditch projects, or this ditch project. So Mr. Ault said, No land will be taken, only in easement. And he indicated it would be a permanent easement in his slide deck. He went on to say, no property will suffer any change of use. No structures will be physically impacted in any way. No building area will be changed. No usable land will be reduced. Um, second quote I'd like to, uh, mention is, uh, from commissioner Rydell. This was the end of the meeting when I basically told him that what he was doing to me was illegal. He said, we're not putting a gas pipeline underneath your property or electric lines overhead or impairing the use of your land in any way. except for a temporary an easement to temporarily use it and maintain the ditch which should be you know in your best interest so it's actually a permanent easement that they're trying to put on my property anyway and then he went on to say which this quote baffles me why commissioner would suggest this but he said and the good news is that america has 10 of the world's population but 24 of the lawyers so you should be able to find one Just amazes me that a commissioner, I believe he was a president at the time, would actually suggest that a resident sue the commissioners. Anyway, despite these statements by Mr. Ault and Commissioner Rydell, I'd say my property has suffered a change in use. I haven't been able to use it for 15 months. The building area has been restricted. I haven't been able to get back there to do anything. And the use of my land has been impaired. So as I mentioned last time, my patience is, if you can't tell, it's a little thin at this point. These continuing project delays and trespassing, in my opinion, of the workers in my backyard going back and forth have hampered the enjoyment of my property and the execution of various projects I have planned for my property. So I realize I'm probably running short on time. I'll end there. I think you get the point. I think this project is being ill-managed. I think there's some issues that we can discuss maybe in a different forum over some of the legalities. And I thank you for your time.

Thank you. Thank you.

Amanda Klemper?

Good afternoon. Good afternoon.

uh... two two nine nine west river road north leary ohio uh... manda john quimper i'm the creator of awaken and unite dot com tv with purpose i'm here today because of flock cameras and because the fourth amendment doesn't disappear simply because technology has advanced the constitution protects the people against unreasonable searches and seizures yet today's surveillance systems are evolving far behind traditional cameras no longer It no longer ends with reading the license plate. New technologies are being developed that can detect wireless device signals, expanding the ability to track vehicles and all the people traveling inside of them, including children. Think about what that means. Your phone, your smartwatch, your earbuds, the electronic devices that travel with your family every day. these technologies become more sophisticated and are connected through powerful data centers they can create detailed records of where people travel who they associate with and their daily routines all without a lawful warrant courts have already begun recognizing these concerns Supreme Court case Chattery v. United States, a Virginia judge ruled that long-term location data gathered from flock license plate readers constituted a Fourth Amendment search requiring a warrant. That should make every community stop and think before expanding these systems. I support law enforcement solving crimes, but our constitutional rights cannot become collateral damage. History has shown that surveillance tools can be misused through unauthorized searches insider abuse and cyber security breaches The more location data that is collected and centralized the greater risk that could be accessed by malicious care actors Including organized criminals or human traffickers to identify people's routines vulnerabilities and movements We should never build systems that could put innocent families and children at great risk greater risk several communities across the country have already reconsidered or discontinued these surveillance systems because of concerns over privacy costs and most importantly our liberties I urge this board to defend constitutional liberty by demanding transparency independent oversight strict warrant requirements for prolonged tracking and limited data retention before expanding unconstitutional surveillance technologies in Lorain County. Freedom isn't preserved by trusting technology. It is preserved by limiting government power and protecting the constitutional rights of every American. I'm sorry. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Gerald Phillips.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Gerald.

Gerald Phillips, Avon Lake.

I'm here on behalf of individuals that have no voice in representation. the disabled, the veterans, the seniors, and the survivors of the disabled and veterans with respect to the homestead exemption. They're on fixed income, Social Security, and their COLA doesn't even keep up with inflation. You know, unfortunately, these people aren't rich, successful businesspersons like you, Mr. Gallagher, or Mr. Riddell. You know, I'm just shocked of your lack of compassion on the way you voted, both you and Mr. Riddell. And I would be ashamed for not giving those people extra money to live on. You know, we can't even give the JFS $1 an hour extra for people who need it. I was here a week ago, or a couple weeks ago. We talked about the finance of the auditor's office and the dire consequences that may come. Mr. Moore indicated that he's taking care of it, so I want to make a public records request as far as what steps are being done, emails that show that you are taking on the additional responsibilities that the auditor's office cannot do. i'd like a copy of the old airport zoning master plan and there's a problem when the commissioners get involved in township zoning like the mega site the data centers and the sewers townships have a conflict of interest compared to the commissioners you are pushing those whereas whereas they are resisting it and there's a conflict of interest The prosecutor office represents the townships, and the prosecutor's office represents the commissioners. And the commissioners and the townships have adverse interests. You can't represent either. I can't represent two of my clients. I can't, and neither can she. So I think that needs to be addressed. Thank you.

Thank you. Sandra Jensen.

Hello, Sandra Jensen, 617 Lafayette Boulevard, Sheffield Lake. Adult protective services intake, $17.77 an hour. So last week I got a text about an incident at the JFS that resulted in Director Cabot and the sheriff getting involved and going out to the line. Apparently an individual had called the agency on Tuesday and stated they intended to run over the picketers. And it was said that Director Cabot filed a report and the sheriff was going to be investigating. Then on Saturday, like you, Mr. Moore, I start my day reading all the papers. I don't even, I have my phone in bed and I read both papers, then I get up. I read an article in the Morning Journal titled, Picketing JFS Workers Complain of Harassment. And I read it and I thought, oh, it made my colleagues and me sound really whiny. And we're actually pretty tough out there. People give us the finger and we yell, you forgot one, you know, that kind of thing. So... I asked for more information, and I was told that on Wednesday, a man stood across the street with a neon-colored sign that said, fuck child support. Director Cabot was notified of this, and he went out and talked to the man. Then there was another incident. A person in a car screaming at picketers, we always get that, went inside and said he was going to blow up the place. Another person drove by, gave the middle finger, then parked at the tire store, staring. So I put in a records request regarding the initial incident, because I know everything doesn't get reported. I'm still waiting on that. The team was told that the sheriff would be doing additional patrols to keep us safe. I for once have never felt unsafe out on the picket line. But this action is treating only the symptoms, not the problem. Clearly, things are not going well inside. People are not being served. They're getting frustrated. So again, as I ask every time I speak, get back to the table Get JFS back to work, and we will help the citizens who are frustrated by your lack of action. Thank you.

Thank you. Tyler Brickman.

Good afternoon. Good afternoon.

Howdy.

Tyler Brickman, 6703 Joppa Road, Huron. Okay. I'm here to talk about the gold on the flag. Just kidding. Just kidding. I'm a real American. I'm actually a real American patriot. I served my country, and I bled for it. Thank you for your service. You know what? Jeff Rydell says I'm not American. I'm not a true American patriot, though.

So I just wanted to make clear that I am.

You know. So... Yeah, that's his words, by the way. I have something here for you I wrote out. You keep putting responsibility on the state, but it's actually your party. It's been your party that's been in charge of the state for 30 years, so don't act like you're not going to toe the line when they say what to do. Also, sales tax and property taxes are regressive and hurt low-income households most of all. It's pretty easy and simple to fix that, but you don't want to do it because political stuff. Pat yourself on the back for doing nothing. Politics should not be about feeding your ego. It should be about feeding the people. Government doesn't exist to preserve the status quo or protect the comfort of the powerful. Yet here in Lorain County, we're watching a pact play out between the donor class and the politicians who prioritize wealth for their friends and their family over the well-being of the public. I was reading the Rubicon the other day. It's a book about how societies fall when their leaders forget who they serve. And I couldn't help but see the parallels because what we're witnessing right now isn't leadership, it's entitlement. We tried to negotiate with you guys seven times before mediation. In seven meetings, we showed up ready and willing to discuss what are the challenges our folks are facing. Seven meetings, and you came back and said, we don't wanna hear it. That's not how bargaining works. Even children understand this concept. Greed and stupidity are equally dangerous, and I'm not sure which one is at work here. But I do know this, incompetence is not an excuse for failing to do the job you are paid to do. Too many people in public office today behave more like sycophants than public servants. Loyalty is held above all else, above integrity, above honesty, above intelligence, above one's own self-respect and agency. When loyalty becomes the highest virtue, corruption becomes inevitable. With everything happening in the world and in our community, you would think empathy would come naturally, but from your position of power, the only thing you've managed to show is contempt, and contempt from leadership always trickles down. Sorry. It harms workers, it harms families, and it harms the people who rely on JFS every day. 19 weeks of a strike, it's not an accident. It's a choice. And it's a choice by people who refuse to negotiate, refuse to listen, and refuse to acknowledge the harm that they are inflicting. We are ready to talk. We always have been. The question is whether you are finally ready to be leaders, start acting like leaders instead of beneficiaries of a broken system.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Tammy McGinnis.

Tammy McGinnis, Elyria, Ohio.

Morning. Afternoon. Afternoon now, Martin.

So as Tyler, Jeff, has also called me un-American, Here's the thing, we all have wants and we all have needs. I don't know how many children you have, Dave, I think two. Marty, you've got four. If your child came to you and said, Dad, I really, really, really want this iPhone, and it's really expensive, but you would have to take your grocery money to get that iPhone, Would you do that? Does that make logical sense? Because you have all of us JFS employees, excuse me, out there on the picket line, and you're choosing sewers, tax returns, or income tax revenue increases, all of this, instead of your employees. Do you know how embarrassing it is to those of us that say, yeah, I work at JFS. Yeah, I'm on benefits. Is that something that you would be okay with? You know, at what point did the three of you take accountability for the financial problems that you've created for our county? Instead of saying, well, the state put this on us. Michelle Hung did this. Matt Lundy did this. You know, you ran for this office, so what you got, you fought for. So fix it. 19 weeks man work we are down nine people not because they went back in the building because they got different jobs you guys can't fill the empty positions even with your temporary postings that should scream loud and clear that you're not paying enough for the amount of work we do And I would personally really appreciate it if you guys would make some effort because it's 97 degrees out there. I spent $47 of my strike money to buy us a misting fan so that we can stay out there one day longer and one day stronger.

Thanks, Annie. Thank you. William Zimmerman. William Zimmerman. How about, oh, okay. Stop. What was that, Karen? Karen's coming back up. I know. Is that okay? I think so. Okay. As long as you guys are cool with that, I don't mind. I was thinking about that today.

It actually makes sense. Okay.

No, I appreciate that. As long as you're cool with it, I'm cool with it.

Thank you for your time this afternoon. Karen, you're on deck. I was talking and I couldn't hear all I'd like to thank Karen for saying that my public records request she was trying to fulfill that can I get those in writing as well because I didn't get an opportunity to write them down as you were going so I thank you for that because I'm still waiting for Jeff Riddell his assistant, who I spoke to before the meeting, and said, hey, I'm still waiting for the oral public records request that I made two, three months ago. And he says, which one? I have no idea what you're talking about. Well, if he did his job, he could go back and see the meeting and look it up. I mean, that's a ridiculous response from a person who's supposed to be working in public service. So anyhow, I do agree with you that November will be a little rough, because if you end up without Riddell on this board anymore, it'll be really rough. My opinion. Citizens of Lorain County will never pass a quarter percent income tax for the jail. They'll never do it. They don't want to give you any more money. They don't care. Jail is a jail. Unfortunately, most of them aren't there, so they don't care. It's going to be a problem, ongoing, I'm sure. So I'd like to finish with a quote from, since we're being all 250 and everything, George Washington. Associate with the men of good quality. You esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company. Not calling you all a bad company yet, but it might be close. Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks. You too.

Have a good Fourth. Karen?

Karen Johnson, Carlisle Township. Thank you to everybody who's spoken because I learned some things when I come to the meetings and listen to people. Most recently, I was looking the other night in some of your old YouTube videos and I noticed the pattern. The decisions that you as commissioners make seem to give yourselves more power while taking power and input away from the residents and local governments and it concerns me. As an example, the urban designation gives access to federal grants, but the county controls the distribution of the money in accordance to financial need, and it takes away access to the state block grants. Another example is the county controlled economic development is based on a strategic plan that's not sanctioned by law. Now the airport master plan says that the sponsor, the county, hasn't bought up enough land around the airport. Yet you're planning on selling the land around the airport. Which is it? You're proposing an airport overlay where you, the commissioners, apply zoning restrictions to the land around the airport. While this makes some sense, the FAA already has restrictions that are airport related. My suspicions are that you're trying to come up with a creative way to zone for industrial use of the land around the mega site. In July 16th, 24, Commissioner meeting, Commissioner Moore said, we missed out on Micron coming to this county because of our outdated master plan. Yet you told the community last year it was because it wasn't shovel ready. Which is it? Have you spoken with Carlisle and New Russia about the new master plan that you've been working on for two years? Carlisle doesn't know anything about it. And I saw a map where the airport mega site expanded into Carlisle Township. There's a reason why zoning isn't county controlled, and that it's township, village, and city controlled. It's their jurisdiction. And I'd like you to note that Cuyahoga County Airport is 640 acres and has controlled airspace. They handle larger, heavier corporate aircraft, and they have a lot of housing fairly close to the airport, being a true urban county. Richmond Heights isn't that far off the end of the runway. They're more appropriate a reliever airport for Hopkins. I suggest that there is a trustee from both New Russia and Carlisle Township on the airport board so they know what's going on and have a say. And also on another note on the Carlisle issue earlier, that an attorney, an ethical attorney told me that a township trustee cannot be on a land use plan committee as it's a subcommittee of the zoning committee. However, the prosecutor's office has told our township otherwise. I would appreciate that that be clarified. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. And...

have a happy fourth we are adjourned thank you thank you you want all this right here