Commissioners approve infrastructure, public safety and social service measures

The Medina County Board of Commissioners approved a series of infrastructure, public safety and social service measures during its June 16 meeting, while also receiving updates on emergency management, building activity and a growing court-appointed special advocate program.

Among the actions approved, commissioners authorized the county engineer's office to reject and rebid projects involving the replacement of the Ledgewood Road bridge in Lafayette Township and guardrail improvements on Greenwich Road after bids received for the projects were deemed unsuitable.

Commissioners also approved several sanitary engineering resolutions, including an amendment to a design services agreement for the Chippewa and Lake roads water main replacement project, a sewage system designer services contract for home sewage system replacements and a change order for the Ballin Branch water main improvement project.

The board approved a county recorder's office resolution reallocating an additional dollar from filing fees to a technology fund while keeping overall user fees unchanged. Officials said the adjustment will help support an upcoming technology project.

Several Job and Family Services resolutions were approved, including agreements related to family peer mentor services and foster care and adoption recruitment efforts. Commissioners also authorized transfers from the county general fund to support public assistance and child support enforcement programs. During the meeting, commissioners recognized the final meeting of Job and Family Services Business Administrator Steve Sikora before his departure from county employment.

Human Resources Director Holly Muren presented personnel actions that included a lateral classification change, pay increases, leaves of absence, a resignation and a retirement. Commissioners also approved revisions to the county compensation plan and amendments to the organizational structure of the Senior and Adult Services Department.

Finance Director Brett Thomas reported weekly bills totaling approximately $1.62 million, along with grant-related revenue and expenditure adjustments that were approved by the board.

The commissioners also authorized the sheriff's office to purchase an inmate transport vehicle using jail donation funds and approved the disposal of surplus county property through public auction, including an Emergency Management Agency boat, motor and trailer, along with two aging sanitary engineering vehicles.

Emergency Management Agency Director Ben Nau presented a quarterly update and secured approval of a resolution reaffirming Medina County's use of the National Incident Management System, a requirement tied to federal grant eligibility and statewide emergency response standards.

Nau reported that the county is transitioning from the WENS emergency notification platform to Regroup and will ask residents to register addresses in the new system to improve the accuracy of localized emergency alerts. He also noted that a large-scale hazardous materials exercise involving a simulated rail incident is scheduled for Sept. 19 at FiberCorrugated Box Corp. in Medina.

Chief Building Official Matt Strehle reported a slower-than-expected month for permit activity but said the department remains busy, completing 1,142 inspections during May. Despite the slower month, building department receipts remain approximately $125,000 ahead of the same period last year.

The board also heard an update from CASA Program Director Erin Grohe, who reported significant growth in Medina County's Court Appointed Special Advocates program. Since July 2025, the program has trained 20 volunteers and has been appointed to eight cases involving 10 children. Volunteers have logged more than 150 service hours and driven more than 1,300 miles while advocating for children involved in court proceedings.

During public comment, Brunswick resident Sue Kravec urged commissioners to reconsider their support of House Bill 445, arguing that the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency played an important role in opposing the previously proposed Boston Road interchange project. She also criticized language in the legislation that she said appeared to target NOACA leadership.

Amanda Chapman, speaking on behalf of residents and developers in the Sharon Falls subdivision, raised concerns about recent property valuations, a potential park project near the development and a proposed Redwood Road water main extension. Chapman also questioned whether developers should be reimbursed for oversized water infrastructure installed for future county use. Commissioners said they would review the matter with county officials.

Commissioners concluded the meeting by entering executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.