Lake County commissioners approve $3.54 million digester contract and clear routine finance measures, appointments

At its second regular meeting, the Lake County Board of Commissioners approved a $3,538,660 contract for Phase 2 digester cleaning and rehabilitation at the Gary L. Kron Water Reclamation Facility and adopted a series of routine finance, procurement and personnel resolutions.

The contract was awarded to North Bay Construction Incorporated after the board moved and seconded the measure and voted to approve the bid. The board also approved transfers and appropriation increases within the Department of Utilities’ Water Project Fund (Fund 595) and the Water Fund to support ongoing projects.

Why it matters: the contract, the appropriations changes and other purchasing approvals authorize county spending that affects utility operations and capital projects. The meeting also ratified routine finance actions and made appointments to the county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, placing new or continuing members on that local oversight board.

Most significant actions and details follow. The board voted on each item during the meeting; the transcript records the motion, seconds and roll-call for each resolution.

The digester contract and utilities matters The board approved a resolution awarding a $3,538,660 bid contract to North Bay Construction Incorporated for the “Gary L. Kron Water Reclamation Facility Digester Cleaning and Rehabilitation Phase 2” project (project text in the transcript: "Gary l Kron Water Reclamation Facility Digester Cleaning and Rehabilitation phase 2 project"). Commissioners moved, seconded and recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

Separately, the board approved a resolution increasing appropriations and transferring cash within the Lake County Department of Utilities’ Water Project Fund (Fund 595) and the Water Fund to cover ongoing work; that measure was approved without additional discussion.

Finance and purchasing approvals The board approved payment of bills listed on the commissioner’s approval journal totaling $6,087,868.87; the roll call recorded two affirmative votes and one abstention (see vote record below). The board also approved purchase orders listed on the commissioner’s purchase order journal in the amount of $5,984,324.43 and approved increases and transfers for several non‑general fund accounts.

Road and sewer project authorization The board approved plans, specifications and an estimate of cost in the amount of $2,815 for Perry Park Road sanitary sewer improvements in Perry Township (JET number 22-08) and authorized construction in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 307.73.

Personnel and board appointments The board approved several appointments to the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board: Kristen J. Hess was appointed to a new four-year term (term expiration in the transcript is ambiguous; not specified here), Philip Orly was appointed to complete the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 30, 2025, and Francis Webb was appointed to a new four-year term expiring June 30, 2028.

Other administrative matters Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the Lake County engineer to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) cooperative purchasing program. The board also designated the clerk and assistant clerk of the Board as designees to attend certified public records training as required by Ohio Revised Code Section 109.43.

Meeting schedule and public comment rules The board revised its regular meeting schedule beginning Jan. 9, 2025, and declared a board workshop meeting schedule beginning Jan. 16, 2025, adopting rules for orderly public comment during workshop meetings. The commissioners noted the revised schedules would be posted on the county website.

Departmental reports and other remarks From the Department of Utilities, Mr. Augsberger advised residents to help prevent frozen interior water lines during expected frigid weather and said, “I think the easiest thing if you've had that occur in the past is to keep a small trickle of water running,” and offered insulation tips posted on the department’s Facebook page.

County Administrator Jason Port updated the board on the jail construction project, saying site excavation is under way, temporary parking and contractor trailer areas were recently installed and utility work should begin within the next week or two; he described recent on-site work as "pretty impressive to watch Mr. Excavator go to work." The clerk reminded listeners that the next commissioners’ meeting would be Thursday, Jan. 23, and that the revised meeting and workshop schedules would be posted on the commissioner’s website that afternoon.

Votes at a glance: selected resolutions approved at the meeting included the following (motion/second recorded in the transcript as "So moved. 2nd.") — all outcomes are recorded as approved unless noted: • Authorize Lake County engineer to participate in ODOT cooperative purchasing program — approved (roll call: Commissioner Beveridge: Aye; Commissioner Plecnik: Yes; Commissioner Ryvitch: Yes). • Increase appropriations and transfer cash within Utilities Water Project Fund 595 and Water Fund — approved (roll call recorded yes by all commissioners). • Award bid contract $3,538,660 to North Bay Construction Inc. for Gary L. Kron Water Reclamation Facility Digester Cleaning and Rehabilitation Phase 2 ("461 s 2022" in the transcript) — approved. • Approve plans/specs/estimate $2,815 for Perry Park Road sanitary sewer improvements, JET No. 22-08, authorize construction under ORC 307.73 — approved. • Approve Lake County Department of Job and Family Services vouchers (date of warrant Jan. 24, 2025) $598,074.78 — approved. • Appoint clerk and assistant clerk as designees to attend certified public records training required by Ohio Revised Code 109.43 — approved. • Revise board regular meeting schedule beginning Jan. 9, 2025 — approved. • Declare workshop meeting schedule beginning Jan. 16, 2025 and adopt rules for public comment during workshops — approved. • Appoint Kristen J. Hess to the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, new four-year term (term expiration not specified in the transcript) — approved. • Appoint Philip Orly to complete remainder of four-year term expiring June 30, 2025 — approved. • Appoint Francis Webb to a new four-year term expiring June 30, 2028 — approved. • Approve payment of bills $6,087,868.87 — approved (recorded roll call shows two yesses and one abstention). • Approve purchase orders $5,984,324.43 — approved. • Increase appropriations for various non‑general fund accounts — approved. • Transfer an appropriation within a non‑general fund account — approved.

The board did not hold an executive session and adjourned after the routine business.