Jennifer Bell

The work session included a public comment period where a resident urged the Commissioners to reconsider and rescind resolutions 11 and 12 from the October 30, 2025 agenda concerning additional homestead and owner-occupied tax exemptions, citing potential multi-million dollar losses for school districts that could necessitate future levy increases exceeding homeowner savings. Commissioner responses addressed the difficulty of rescinding the decisions due to existing tax bill processing timelines and legal constraints, while also discussing the importance of property tax relief for residents and seniors on fixed incomes versus maintaining funding for local government and education. There was a discussion regarding the historical shift in property tax burden from businesses to residents. Additionally, the County Engineer congratulated Commissioner Macintosh and offered availability to discuss ongoing departmental matters.

The meeting included public comments regarding the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), with speakers expressing concerns about its priorities shifting away from core infrastructure needs like roads and stormwater management towards climate change policies and bicycle lanes. The Commissioners adopted several resolutions, including approving plans and specifications for pavement improvements in Concord Township and various utility projects for the Department of Utilities, such as force main replacement, appropriation increases, and maintenance bond acceptances. Resolutions were also passed concerning certifying unpaid water/sewer sums, authorizing an engineering agreement for sanitary sewer improvements, assigning authority for inter-county fund adjustments, revising the NOACA Code of Regulations to grant Lake County more control over its representation, appointing representatives to NOACA, and approving bill payments and purchase orders. Departmental reports covered the Utilities Department's response to impending extreme cold weather affecting water mains, a Job and Family Services announcement regarding EBT card security, and an update on the Public Safety Center construction, which remains on time and budget. The Board convened in Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining and pending litigation.

The meeting addressed several resolutions primarily concerning the Department of Utilities, including the final release of a maintenance surety for a sanitary sewer extension, approval of plans and cost estimates for new Fourth Street sanitary improvements, and various resolutions authorizing appropriations and cash transfers within utility projects (Union Street Waterline Replacement, Adams, Melridge & Industrial Park, and Lake Road Forcemain Relocation). Further resolutions involved certifying unpaid water and sewer sums, approving a Planning Commission member's alternate designation, revising the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency Code of Regulations, approving the payment of bills and purchase orders, increasing and transferring appropriations within non-general funds, and approving the 2026 Permanent Appropriation Measure for the General Fund. The agenda also noted departmental reports from Utilities, Job and Family Services, County Administrator, Clerk, and Legal, as well as an executive session planned to discuss pending litigation.

The meeting agenda included a roll call and public comment period. Resolutions addressed honoring the memory of Commissioner Richard J. Regovich and bestowing the Key to Lake County. Under Utilities, resolutions were passed for approving plans and estimates for the Green Road Waterline Replacement Project, increasing appropriations for utility funds related to water and solid waste projects, awarding a bid contract for the Aquarius Raw Water Pump Station replacement, approving plans for the Solid Waste Facility Baler Building Slab Pavement Repair, and certifying unpaid water and sewer sums. The Commissioners' Office resolutions included authorizing the execution of a revised Radiological Emergency Response Plan (RERP) for the Perry Nuclear Power Plant and reappointing various individuals to the Lake Development Authority Tax Incentive Review Committee and the Lakeland Community College Board of Trustees. The Finance Department resolutions covered the approval of bills and purchase orders, and increasing appropriations and transferring cash within general and non-general fund accounts. Departmental reports were received from Utilities, Job and Family Services, County Administrator, Clerk, and Legal, followed by Old Business and New Business segments.

The meeting involved the adoption of multiple resolutions. Key resolutions included approving Final Estimate No. 13 for the Bennett Road Trunk Sewer Improvements Project and accepting a maintenance bond. Other resolutions authorized agreements for FY-2025 Community Development Block Grant Funds, HOME Investment Partnership Program Funds, and HOME-ARP Investment Partnership Program Funds. The Board also approved Pay Application #8 for HVAC Improvements at the Lake County Buildings, approved various Purchase Orders, and adjusted appropriations within General and Non-General Fund accounts, including cash and appropriation transfers. Departmental reports covered an update on an odor issue where a pilot program showed effectiveness and the next steps toward establishing a permanent feed system. The Job and Family Services department announced an upcoming resume workshop. New business included a recognition of Commissioner Regovich and a commitment from the newly appointed Commissioner McIntosh to tour county departments.