Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter

BOARD OF
MEDINA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Stephen D. Hambley Aaron M. Harrison Colleen M. Swedyk

MARCH 10, 2023

MCPT driver receives Acts of Courage award

Jim Kuhn honored for
his act of heroism
Each year, the American Red
Cross presents the Acts of Courage
Awards to those residents of Sum-
mit, Portage and Medina counties
who have acted courageously and
selflessly in a time of emergency.
This year, Jim Kuhn, a Medi-
na County Public Transit (MCPT)
employee, was one of the hon-
ored recipients of the prestigious
award.
Last November while Kuhn was
driving the Fixed Route Transit
bus in Wadsworth, he stopped to Photos by Brian S. Gallatin
pick up one of his regular riders, A humble Jim Kuhn, center, holds the awards he received at the American Red
named Bruce. Cross’ Acts of Courage awards ceremony. The event was held at the Hilton Akron/
Fairlawn on Thursday, March 2. Also pictured is Jim’s family, left to right, daughter
Bruce was about to step on the Amy Kulbaga, wife Mary, and son James Kuhn Jr.
bus when he passed out, falling
straight back onto the pavement. write a letter to Rachel D’Attoma,
Concerned Bruce had hit his who is the Executive Director of
head, Kuhn jumped off the bus to the American Red Cross of Great-
help. er Akron and the Mahoning Valley.
After finding no head injury, he Also serving as a member of the
saw Bruce turning blue. He then American Red Cross Greater Ak-
began to perform chest compres- ron and Mahoning Valley Board
sions. Finally, Bruce let out some of Directors, Swedyk said she was
weak breaths. ecstatic to see Kuhn recognized
Upon hearing about Kuhn’s act for his heroism by receiving the
of heroism, County Commission- Acts of Courage award. the County,” said Swedyk.
er Colleen Swedyk encouraged “Medina County is so proud to Following is the letter Rine sent
Transit Director Shannon Rine to have people like Jim representing Continued on page 2

DIAL program at the OOA launched March 6

Beginning this month, the Of-
fice for Older Adults (OOA) has
started offering Digital Inclusion
and Literacy (DIAL) classes.
The DIAL program was devel-
oped to increase digital literacy.
The monthly training series will be offered at var-
ious locations throughout the County. Currently
classes are being offered at the OOA Senior Center,
246 Northland Dr., Medina.
Participants will learn the basics of computer op-
eration, email and then learn how to stay safe on the
internet.
Chromebooks will be provided, and the class size
is limited to 15.
If you would like to sign up for the DIAL program
classes at OOA, please call Jenny at 330-725-9177.
Additionally, there is no charge for the training
courses.
MARCH CLASS SERIES
Intro to Fiber and Streaming
Monday, March 6: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Intro to Chromebooks
Monday, March 13: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Intro to Gmail
Monday, March 20: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Internet Basics and Online Safety
Monday, March 27: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter March 10, 2023

In addition to Kuhn’s family, Commissioner Colleen Swedyk and

Medina County Public Transit Director Shannon Rine attended the
Act of Courage awards ceremony.

MCPT driver receives Acts of Courage award...

Continued from page 1 awards ceremony held at the Hil- driver for MCPT since January
to both D’Attoma and Kuhn com- ton in Akron/Fairlawn, a humble 2022.
mending him for his heroic action. Kuhn was recognized for his act of Watch and listen as Kuhn de-
“This letter is commending heroism. scribes in his own words how he
Jim Kuhn, Medina County Public He was among eight other in- helped Bruce by viewing the pre-
Transit Driver, for his heroic act dividuals who received this year’s pared video that was shown at the
on the morning of November 7,
Acts of Courage award. awards ceremony at https://bit.
2022.
“While driving the Fixed Route A resident of Brunswick, Kuhn ly/3kK1vG6 or by clicking on the
Transit Bus in Wadsworth, Ohio, has been a part-time transit bus below YouTube link.
Jim witnessed a passenger cross-
ing the street that had passed out
on the sidewalk.
“As a military-trained veteran,
Jim quickly went to him and per-
formed CPR until a medical unit
arrived. We congratulate Jim on
saving this person from unfore-
seeable and life-threatening cir-
cumstances.
“His presence of mind and
courage are truly appreciated.
Thank you for your exceptional
action; keep up the great work.”
During the Thursday, March 2

Tyler Odyssey Go-Live Celebration

Photos provided

Staff representing all the Medina County Courts and Clerk’s office, along with a team from Tyler Technologies, celebrate
the Saturday, Feb. 24 Go-Live event for Odyssey, the new case management system for the courts.

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March 10, 2023 Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter

Thank You St. Francis Xavier Students! Department

Directory
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
www.medinaco.org/building-department
330-722-9220
COMMISSIONERS
www.medinaco.org/county-commissioners
330-722-9208
COUNTY HOME
http://medinacountyhome.com
330-723-9553
DOG SHELTER
www.medinaco.org/dog-shelter
330-725-9121
Photo provided FINANCE
“A heartfelt thank you to the kindergarten, first and second grade No website
classes of St. Francis Xavier! The garland you all created for us is so 330-722-9202
wonderful!
“We’ve happily displayed it in our lobby so all can see your handiwork HUMAN RESOURCES
www.medinaco.org/hr
and thoughts on what “family” means to you!
330-722-9209
“Thank you so much!” 
– The Staff at Medina Job and Family Services JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES
www.mcjfs.us
330-722-9300
OFFICE FOR OLDER ADULTS
www.mcooa.org
330-723-9514
PLANNING SERVICES
www.medinaco.org/planning
330-722-9293
SANITARY ENGINEER
www.medinaco.org/sanitary
330-723-9585
SOLID WASTE DISTRICT
http://recyclemedinacounty.com
GIVE
330-769-0289
TRANSIT
http://medinacountytransit.org
FEATURING FASHIONS FROM
330-723-9670
 Click here to visit our
MARCH 18, 2023
BLUE HERON EVENT CENTER
website with the full
3227 BLUE HERON TRACE, MEDINA directory of public officials
VIP ENTRY 10:30AM
EVENT HOURS 11:00AM - 1:30PM
at www.medinaco.org

DONATION $75: SCAN FOR TICKETS

OR SEND YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER

TO MCSAF, 246 NORTHLAND AVE
MEDINA OH 44256
SPONSORED BY

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CHIPPEWA LAKE LIONS CLUB
CRITCHFILED, CRITCHFIELD & JOHNSON, LTD.
PEARLVIEW REHAB & WELLNESS • HOME INSTEAD
HOSTED BY
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BENEFIT THE MEDINA COUNTY OFFICE FOR OLDER ADULTS

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Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter March 10, 2023
COUNTY HOME BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

MCBDD announces 2023 camperships

Quilting Guild donates
clothing protectors,
walker bags
by Greg Brown, Superintendent
A representative from the Quilt-
ing Guild donated clothing pro-
tectors and walker bags for our
residents.
They are very beautiful and
greatly appreciated!
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) has
a rich tradition of encouraging summer recreational experiences for adults
and children with developmental disabilities. The MCBDD is happy to again
be able to provide camperships for students and adults with developmental
disabilities to attend the camp of their choice this summer.
The MCBDD believes that everyone should have the chance to learn,
grow, develop friendships, and gain confidence through the experience of
summer camp. With campership funding, individuals with developmental
disabilities are able to choose the camp that best meets their needs, and the
MCBDD helps by providing financial support to attend.
The MCBDD provides two types of camperships: student and adult. Stu-
dent camperships are available to children who are ages 4 to 22, live in
Medina County, are eligible for county board services and are not receiving
Medicaid Waiver funding. Adult camperships are available to adults ages 22
and up, who live in Medina County, are eligible for county board services
and are not currently receiving Medicaid Waiver funding. Camperships are
$300 each, with a limit of one per person.
Individuals and families who are interested in applying for camperships
should visit www.mcbdd.org/service-funding/ for more information and ap-
plications or call 330-725-7751 ext. 130.

TREASURER

Treasurer John Burke reports County

interest earnings top $2 million
At the recent Investment Ad-
visory Board Meeting, Medina
County Treasurer Burke reported
that investment earnings for the
County totaled $2,087,913 in
2022, up 61% from the previous
year.
Burke said the large increase
of $795,112 was the result of a
successful investment strategy im-
plemented to take advantage of
rising interest rates in the financial
markets.
“This increase of investment
revenue is extra income for the
County which can
be used by the Com-
missioners to help
pay for services and
operational costs of
the County,” said
John Burke. “This extra
Burke revenue source also
helps to diminish the need for ad-
ditional taxes.”
At the beginning of 2022, inter-
est earnings from the investment
portfolio were projected to be
$1,300,000 for the entire year.
Because of the changes in the fi-
nancial market, Burke rebalanced
the maturity of the investments in
the County’s portfolio to take ad-
vantage of higher short-term rates.
“This investment strategy
brought in an additional $800,000
by the end of the year,” Burke
said.
He reported that the increase
in interest rates over the last year
was largely due to the Federal Re-
serve increasing their fund’s rate
charged to banks.
In 2022, the Fed increased
their interest rate eight times from
0.25% to 4.5%. As a result, the
cost of borrowing money from the
banks dramatically increased.
For example, home mortgage
rates have more than doubled to
over 6%.
“These changes in the financial
market provided opportunities to
earn higher interest earnings on
various investments according to
their type and maturity,” he noted.
As Treasurer, Burke oversees
the County’s investment portfo-
lio which currently has over $168
million invested.
“We normally have about 120
to 170 different investments on
any given day,” Burke explained.
The largest investment alloca-
tion currently is 49% in US Gov-
ernment agencies such as Federal
Farm Credit Bank, Federal Na-
tional Mortgage Association, Sal-
lie Mae Bank, and Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corp.
The second largest investment
of 24% is currently in U.S. Trea-
suries.
To make those investments,
the Ohio Revised Code requires
County Treasurers to take con-
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tinuing education courses each
year approved by the State of
Ohio Treasurer and Auditor.
Besides completing his annu-
al hours of continuing education,
Treasurer Burke has also earned
other certifications such as the
“Chancellor’s Certification for
Public Administration” from IGO
International Government Offi-
cials Association; “Financial Of-
ficer Certification” from National
Association of Treasurers and Fi-
nance Officials (NACTFO); and
numerous Professional Develop-
ment Awards from the County
Treasurer’s Association of Ohio
(CTAO).
“Continual learning is import-
ant for every public fund manager
to safely invest public funds and
get the highest yield possible,”
stated Burke who also has a BA
and a Master’s in business admin-
istration from Miami University.
Treasurer Burke is chairman of
the County Investment Advisory
Board which meets quarterly to
review the investment portfolio
managed by the Treasurer.
Other members of the Invest-
ment Advisory Board include the
three County Commissioners and
the County Clerk of Courts.
Note: The information con-
tained in this article is not intend-
ed to be nor should be considered
investment advice.
March 10, 2023 Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter
SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

World Water Day: protecting water quality

by Abby Costilow
Watershed Education Coordinator
World Water Day is a few weeks
away. On Wednesday, March 22,
people and organizations across
the globe are taking action to
solve the water and sanitation cri-
sis. This year’s theme is “Acceler-
ating Change.”
In Ohio, some of us have nev-
er experienced a lack of access
to water, but this is not true for
all Ohioans, nor has it been true
throughout Ohio’s recent history.
In 2014, a few counties west
of here, residents in Toledo were
without safe drinking water due to
a toxic bloom of cyanobacteria,
which tainted Lake Erie’s water.
This year, Ohioans in Columbi-
ana County are watching, testing,
and worrying about their water
after the train derailment in East
Palestine, Ohio.
However, it doesn’t take a trag-
edy or emergency for people to
notice changes in their water.
People struggle with water pol-
luted from runoff that runs into
their ponds or lakes. People’s prop-
erties erode as storms increase in
severity and as land is developed.
Nonetheless, there are daily ef-
forts in Medina County to improve
and protect its waters’ health.
Groups including Medina Soil
& Water Conservation District, the
Rocky River Watershed Council,
Continued on page 7

BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Employee Learning to Lead

Spotlight
LA VONNE DE BOIS
Medina County Public Transit
Road Supervisor
La Vonne
De Bois has
worked for
Medina
County since
December
2020. She
previously
worked for
Tuscarawas County CSEA for
five years as a child support in-
vestigator.
La Vonne says she enjoys as-
sisting drivers with day-to-day
support as they are on the road.
“Road Supervisors also are
responsible for keeping ac-
curate records of maintaining
our transit fleet, assigning bus-
es and drivers for the weekly
schedules,” she says.
She also trains new drivers.
La Vonne retired in 2015 af-
ter owning her own tour compa-
ny for 31 years in Ohio’s Amish
Country.
“I provided educational, cul-
tural tours of Holmes County,
Ohio,” she says. “When relocat-
ing to Medina, I was following
a transit bus and thought, ‘That
would be a job I would enjoy.’”
She previously worked as a
part-time driver with MCPT un-
til accepting a full-time job as
the PM Road Supervisor in June
2021.
Outside of work, La Vonne
loves to play piano, riding her
motorcycle and traveling.
“I have one son who is a trav-
el nurse,” she said.
MCBDD announces Leadership Academy for
people with disabilities; now accepting applications
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD)
is proud to announce the launching of its Leadership Academy to help
people with developmental disabilities learn the skills needed to take
on local leadership roles.
The Leadership Academy is a six-month training opportunity for
people with developmental disabilities to develop important leadership
and advocacy skills.
The class meets once a month and covers topics such as Understand-
ing Leadership, Roles and Responsibilities, Personal Leadership Pro-
file, Communication and Listening, Problem-Solving, Interview Skills,
Types of Leadership Opportunities, and Goal Setting.
The MCBDD Leadership Academy’s goal is to help people with dis-
abilities develop skills and find ways to contribute their ideas, opinions,
and thoughts so they have a voice in issues which affect themselves
and their neighbors.
It is an opportunity to learn to be a part of creating positive changes
in the world around them.
“People with disabilities have a wide variety of talents and opinions
and want to be more involved as valued citizens in community deci-
sions. They want opportunities to contribute and participate in deci-
sion making processes,” says MCBDD Advocacy Coordinator Michelle
Fortney. “Whether it’s serving on a local non-profit board, participating
in committees, or making their voic-
es heard in local government, people
with developmental disabilities want
2023 Info
the same chances as everyone else to Deadline for 2023 Applications
help shape their communities.” is Friday, March 17.
Individuals interested in being se-
lected to participate in the Leadership 2023 Training Dates:
Academy must fill out and submit an 9:30 a..m..–11:30 a..m..
application form by Friday, March 17. April 18 May 16
Class size is limited. June 20 July 18
August 15 September 19
Monthly classes will be held at the
MCBDD on Tuesdays from 9:30– Training is offered in person only:
11:30 a.m. Additional commitments Medina County Achievement Center
4691 Windfall Road
outside of this time will require atten- Medina, OH 44256
dance. (with occasional community locations)
For more information or an appli- Questions?
cation form visit www.mcbdd.org/ad- Call: Michelle Fortney, Advocacy
vocacy/ or call the MCBDD Advocacy Coordinator, at 330-725-7751 x232
Email: mfortney@mcbdd.org
Coordinator at 330-725-7751 exten- Online: www.mcbdd.org
sion 232.
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Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter March 10, 2023

Current Open HUMAN RESOURCES

Positions Featured

Job Opening of
MEDINA
EMPLOYMEN COUNTY
T APPLICA
TION
Please submit
information one applicatio
will n per position
sure to fill out be rejected. It is your to the
all sides of responsibility address indicated on
a governme this form. Also to assure that the
nt agency. please note your applicatio job posting. Applicatio
that this completed n is received ns lacking
Fill in the informati form will become by the closing sufficient
on in the area a public record date. Please
Job Title ________ below: when submitted be
________________ to

Postings current as of March 1, 2023

Department ________________
________________ _______________
________________ FT/PT ________
________________ ________________
____ Deadline Date __
In the area SUMMARY ________________
below, describe OF QUALIFI ___
which you are
applying. Refer
briefly the experienc CATIONS
to the Minimum e, education, training,
Qualifications and other
and any position-s factors that qualify

WE’RE
pecific qualificati you for the
ons posted position for
for this position.

Click on any of the below job titles

the Week
for a full job description.
HIRING!
Last Name PERSONAL
_________ INFORMATION
_________
Home Address _________
_________
_________ ___ First
_________ Name _________
City _________ _________ _________
_________ _________ _________
_________ _________ ___ Middle
_________ _________ Initial _____
Phone: ( ________ ________ _________
_________
) _________ State ________ _________
_________ Zip _________ _________

• Account Clerk 2 (FT) – Finance

_________ ______ County ______
Social Security _ c Cell
Number Email _________ _________
ccc- c _________
The following
information c- ccc _________
_________
_________
__
will be used
only if it is directly c _________
__
1. Are you related to the
willing and position for
able to secure which you are
2. If the position an Ohio Driver’s applying:
requires travel, License, if a
3. Have you
ever been employed
can you supply license is required? YES NO

Department
your own transporta c
If you are currently in the state tion? . . . . . c
a State employee or county service ..... c
If you answered : Job Title ________ of Ohio? . c
......
“YES” to question ________________ . . . c
#3, please explain ________
c
fully. Barg. Unit
_______________

• Bus Driver (PT) – Transit

• Cleaning Technician (FT) –

DEPUTY DOG WARDEN (FULL-TIME)

Maintenance
• Cleaning Technician (PT) –
Maintenance DOG SHELTER
• Correction Officer (FT) – Juvenile
Detention Center The Medina County Board of Commissioners seeks a full-time Deputy Dog
• Deputy Clerk (FT) – Common Pleas Warden for the Dog Shelter located on Deerview Lane.
Court Probate & Juvenile Divisions
• Deputy Dog Warden (FT) – Dog Responsibilities: Enforces statutes for regulation of licensing, ownership
Shelter and animal control. Maintain records and provide reports. Provide care to
• Deputy Dog Warden (PT) – Dog
animals following shelter guidelines.
Shelter
Schedule: 40 hours per week including weekends and rotating holidays.
• Design Engineer (FT) – Sanitary
Engineers Office
Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with strong communication
• Driver – Meal Delivery (PT) – Office
for Older Adults
and customer service skills. Valid Ohio driver’s license with good driving
record. Six months work related experience and or training in the caring for
• Facilities Technician (FT) –
and handling of animals. Able to lift at least fifty pounds.
Maintenance
• Finance Director (FT) – Finance Apply to: Medina County Human Resources
Department
Attn: DDW
• HR Assistant (FT) – Human 144 North Broadway, Room 202
Resources Medina, Oh 44256
• Kennel Worker (PT) – Dog Shelter
• Operator (FT) – Solid Waste District The successful candidate will be required to undergo and pass a
• Park Planner (FT) – Park District background check and drug screen
• Police Laborer (FT) – Park District
• Police Officer (FT) – Park District

Commissioner Department
• PRN LPN (PT) – County Home
• Protective Services Worker 2 (FT)
– Job & Family Services
• Protective Services Worker 2 (FT)
March Birthdays
– Job & Family Services Building Mary P. Brian B.
• Resident Care Aide (FT) – County Robert B. Paige P. David B.
Home Kelly C. Steven S. Matthew C.
• Seasonal Naturalist (PT) – Park Susan S. Rita F.
Commissioners
District Katherine S.
Rhonda B. Erik J.
• Seasonal Steward (Natural
Resources) (PT) – Park District Maintenance Christopher M.
County Home
• Tech Support Level 2 (FT) – Michael T. Derek M.
Miranda Y.
Information Technology
Office for Older Matthew T.
• Wastewater Operator (FT) – Human
Adults Kyle W.
Sanitary Engineers Office Resources
Katherine D.
• Water Operation Specialist (FT) – Holly M. Solid Waste
Sanitary Engineers Office Michelle H.
• Water Reclamation Facility Shift Job & Family Jennifer K. Terry H.
Supervisor (FT) – Sanitary Services Michelle N.
Engineers Office Transit
Rebecca B.
Planning Amy C.
(FT) = Full-Time • (PT) = Part-Time
Yvonne B.
Enjoy the BENEFITS of working for Denise T. Margaret C.
Judy D.
Medina County! Apply Today! Diana N.
WORK/L
Jenna G. Sanitary Engineers
JOB ! BALANCIF E Chellie H. Alyssa B. Duane R.
STABILIT
Y GREAT! E!
TEAM
Commissioner Department
12 PAID
HOLIDAYS! LOW-COHST
HEALT E!
INSURANC
EXCELLEENT
RE T IR E M
NT GENERO
U
SICK S
Milestone Work Anniversaries
SYSTEM! LEAVE! 5 YEARS
Click here to visit our 3/13 – Tracy F. – Transit
website for any updates: 25 YEARS
www.medinaco.org/hr/ 3/9 – Brandy H. – Maintenance
employment/

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March 10, 2023 Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter
World Water Day: New Signage Installed
protecting water
quality...
Continued from page 5
the Medina County Park District,
Save the Lake Coalition, Main
Street Medina, etc. have hosted
workshops and stream cleanups,
participated in community sci-
ence efforts, or promoted back-
yard conservation efforts all in the
name of protecting water.
Additionally, individuals in this
County take action every day in
their own yards to protect water.
The United Nations, who coor-
dinates World Water Day, makes
a few suggestions on what people
can do to help.
Some recommendations may
sound familiar, but maybe this year,
take an action that’s less familiar.
Try something new to acceler-
ate change. What can you check
off this year?
• Save Water: Take shorter
showers and don’t let the tap run
when brushing teeth, doing dish-
es, and preparing food.
• Protect Nature: Plant trees or
create a rain garden — use natural
solutions to reduce flooding and
stormwater runoff.
• Be Curious: Find out where
your drinking water comes from,
and visit a treatment plant to see
how waste is managed.
• Build Pressure: Write to rep-
resentatives about budgets to im-
prove water at home, in nature, etc.
• Clean Up: Take part in clean-
ups of local streams, rivers, lakes,
wetlands, or beaches. Photos by Brian S. Gallatin
Last week the Medina County Dog Shelter, 6334 Deerview Ln., Medina, had new
• Stop Polluting: Don’t put food signs installed on both the building and at the end of their driveway to reflect its
waste, oils, medicines and chemi- recent name change from Animal Shelter to Dog Shelter.
cals down toilets or drains.
Put only rain down stormdrains:
no pet waste, grass clippings,
leaves, car wash fluids, or litter. CONTACT US
• Flush Safe: Fix leaking water Medina County Commissioners
and waste pipes. Empty full septic 144 North Broadway St., Room 201,
tanks.
• Eat Local: Buy local, seasonal Medina, Ohio 44256
food and look for products made Office: 330-722-9208 • Toll Free: 844-722-3800
with less water. Clerk: Rhonda Beck, rbeck@ohmedinaco.org
What kinds of efforts can you
take to improve Medina County’s Commissioner Meetings are held every
waters? Our waters flow to both Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m.
Lake Erie and the Ohio River, so Please join us at:
our actions can have a huge and
far-reaching impact. www.facebook.com/MedinaCountyCommissioners
For ideas on backyard conser- To be added to our mailing list, please contact Public Information Officer
vation efforts, reach out to Medina Brian Gallatin at bgallatin@ohmedinaco.org,
SWCD at 330-722-9322 or follow or visit our website at www.medinaco.org/newsletter-sign-up/
us on Facebook and Instagram.
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