Lake County commissioners reflect on accomplishments, highlights of 2022
Jan. 2—EDITOR'S NOTE — This is one in a series looking at what Lake County communities and agencies experienced in 2022 and what is facing them in 2023.
As the third anniversary of the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic nears, the Lake County commissioners — with the assistance and collaboration of community agencies, political subdivisions, and county department officials — continue to pursue plans and projects in meeting the changing needs of residents, minimal and massive.
According to the board, 2022, like 2020 and 2021, presented unique challenges and changes, notably the retirement of Commissioner Ron Young, the appointment of Commissioner Mark Tyler, and the election of Commissioner Rich Regovich.
And in describing 2022 as a "banner year" for the county, the officials delineated several key accomplishments in rounding out the last 365 days.
The Lake County Fair
The 2022 Lake County Fair, held July 26-31 was a "phenomenal success," the board concurred, with 121,772 people in attendance. The last day, the officials confirmed, set an attendance record with 37,528 people, and included a sold-out demolition derby watched by 3,000 people.
"The Lake County Fair continues to bring more interest each year," said Commissioner John Hamercheck. "It was an honor to support the first-ever school bus demolition derby and we are pleased to recognize this achievement."
Lake County awarded $306 million in opioid litigation
Judge Dan Aaron Polster of the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division, issued an abatement order in the National Prescription Opiate Litigation, which awarded Lake County $306.2 million over 15 years.
Lake, along with Trumbull County, was a participant in the Track Three case that began on Oct. 4, 2021.
According to the board, the settlement continues to represent a new day in our fight to end the opioid epidemic.
"After years of doing what we could with limited resources, Lake County will finally receive the funds that are desperately needed to help abate the opioid epidemic from our community," Hamercheck said, noting the county remains committed to continuing the "critical relief work performed by our incredible frontline workers consistent with the court's ruling."
It is estimated that 61 million pills were dispensed in Lake County between 2012 and 2016 —265 pills for every resident, with impacts of the epidemic evident within several local agencies, including law enforcement, children's services, local courts, the coroner, and local treatment facilities.
Laketran Mobile Food Pantry renewal
The Lake County Mobile Food Pantry, a retrofitted 12-passenger Dial-a-Ride bus operated by Laketran, with its traditional passenger seating replaced with shelving, continues to provide free produce to seniors with weekly distributions at locations across the area.
The transit agency, which has announced distribution dates through March, operates weekly in Madison, Mentor, Painesville and Wickliffe.
Lake County seniors, 60 years and older, may register for one pick-up per month. Participants must certify annual gross household income is at or below $25,759 for a household of one and $34,839 for a household of two.
Pre-registration is required for the 100 spots available each Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m.
"We are fortunate to have the resources to assist the seniors in our community," Hamercheck said. "We thank all those involved in executing this wonderful service."
Opportunity Lake County
The year also saw the launch of the Opportunity Lake County website, a collaborative project between local workforce, economic development and education partners.
The site aims to become a talent attraction piece for Lake County and its employers, providing links to education, housing, transportation, and careers, while serving as a hub connecting various partners like the Lake County Visitors Bureau, the Lake Development Authority, and Lake Metroparks.
"I am particularly excited about showcasing Lake County to workforce members outside of the traditional Cleveland Metropolitan area," Tyler said. "Lake County has a great blend of affordable housing, well-paying jobs, and many amenities, including Lake Erie and wineries to attract new workforce members to our area."
Sheriff's training facility
This summer, county officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Lake County Sheriff's Training Facility, located at the current shooting range at 2041 Blasé Nemeth Road in Painesville Township.
The facility, which will be available to all county law enforcement agencies, will include a multipurpose training building that will incorporate a classroom setting that can be converted to a training site for defensive tactics or a shooting simulator to assist officers in scenarios from negotiations to shoot/don't shoot decision making.
The existing two outdoor shooting range stations will also be utilized and a precision rifle range will be constructed.
"After discussing this project with the Lake County chiefs, it was clear there was a need to construct a facility that all of our police department partners could use," said Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno. "To have better-trained officers who can work together in a training setting and adapt to crises is paramount."
Hostile action-based exercise
This fall, county officials participated in the Radiological Emergency Preparedness, Full Participation, Plume Exposure Pathway Hostile Action Based Exercise for the Energy Harbor Perry Nuclear Power Plant.
According to the commissioners, the exercise was the culmination of over 18 months of planning by both public and private agencies. In the end, the drill included over 511 participants, being evaluated over multiple days.
As a result, during the participant briefing, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reported no findings, meaning officials will be able to confirm to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that they have reasonable assurance that the county and partnering off-site response agencies can protect the public.
"As always, we need to be proud of the public service in our county, which continuously collaborates to ensure we are prepared, should an incident occur," said Lake County Emergency Management Agency Director Joseph Busher, noting partnerships expanded to include Ashtabula County, Geauga County and the state.
All participants were closely observed by FEMA controllers to certify compliance with policies and procedures.
Lake County selected 12 Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program capability targets for evaluation, with all 12 targets met.
"This year's exercise, along with our nationally recognized virtual drill completed in 2020, clearly shows our commitment to emergency preparedness in Lake County," Hamercheck said.
Workforce podcast
In October, the commissioners and OhioMeansJobs Lake County also announced the launch of a new workforce podcast series, "North Coast Careers: Lake County's Workforce Beacon."
According to officials, the mission of the series is to serve as an innovative platform to inform and inspire residents, job seekers, and business owners by generating open dialogue with community leaders and industry specialists from the public and private sectors.
Additional emphasis will highlight career services issues and information.
"I appreciate Director of Workforce Development Cory Vojack and his team putting forth this new means of communicating the services Lake County provides," Hamercheck said. "Continuing to evolve our delivery models will only benefit the citizens and workforce of Lake County."
As one of the only OhioMeansJobs podcasts in the state, all content is developed locally and tailored specifically for Lake County residents.
Moreover, each episode is hosted by local staff and will feature a subject matter expert to assist in the presentation of program details and resources of a specific workforce topic that is relevant to listeners.
The podcast will also cover local job search and training resources as well as information about the latest career opportunities and upcoming events.
Great Places in Ohio Awards
The Ohio Chapter of the American Planning Association recently announced winners of its 2022 Ohio APA "Great Places Awards," with Lake County securing two prizes.
The biennial awards program honors "outstanding physical spaces that planners have made permanent through careful planning and unbridled imagination in Ohio."
The county was recognized by the nonprofit for Downtown Willoughby and the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve.
According to the association, "Downtown Willoughby is a beautiful, charming, historical neighborhood that goes by the nickname of the 'Courtesy City.' "
Additionally, the Mentor Marsh, which is home to many different local plant and animal species, is one of the largest natural marshes along the shores of Lake Erie.
"It is such an honor for Lake County to be recognized by the Ohio APA not only once, but twice," said Commissioner John Plecnik. "The residents of our county are lucky to have such wonderful places to visit so close to home."
New commissioner sworn in
Rich Regovich became the 81st Lake County commissioner in the board's 180-year history Nov. 29 as he was sworn in by Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge John P. O'Donnell at the Lake County Administration Center in Painesville.
Securing the designation as the Republican nominee by defeating Morris Beverage III in the May 3 primary, Regovich won the seat — an unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2025 — in the Nov. 8 General Election.
Regovich has formally served as Willowick Ward I councilman, a position to which he was appointed, and, most recently, as the city's mayor for six years.
"Together, we move forward," he said. "It's a privilege to be here, and I'm happy and honored."
Regovich, 55, was born and raised in Willowick and attended Eastlake North High School. He later enrolled at Lakeland Community College.
Regovich has been married to his wife, Lynn, for 33 years. Their son, Brian, 22, is currently in graduate school at Baldwin Wallace University. Their daughter Lizzie, 20, currently attends the University of Mount Union.
Lakefront Trail and Chagrin River
The commissioners recently approved the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for two enterprises — the Lake Metroparks Lakefront Trail and the Chagrin River Riparian Corridor Stormwater Management and Water Quality Project.
The park system is working to construct a 2.5-mile multipurpose trail costing $500,000 along the Lake Erie coastline from Fairport Harbor to Painesville Township Park.
Upon completion, the 10-foot-wide asphalt trail will link the park and the village.
Together, the parks attract over 500,000 visitors annually.
Additionally, the trail, which will be "the longest Lake Erie lakefront trail in Ohio, will be a catalyst for further economic development in the area....and will provide clean, safe access to outdoor recreation and a location for visitors to stay healthy by walking, running, or biking."
Willoughby is partnering with two local nonprofit agencies to acquire over 100 acres of floodplain adjacent to a city-owned park to increase stormwater management infrastructure in the city.
The Chagrin River Riparian Corridor Stormwater Management and Water Quality Project, costing $675,000, is eligible for ARPA funds under the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund Program.
The floodplain will be planted with native trees to extend the nominal forested riparian buffer and prevent soil erosion, officials noted.
The improvements, to be secured conservation easements, will control peak runoff rates, improve water quality and manage runoff volume, as recommended strategies in the EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
"Our freshwater is the biggest asset Lake County has," Regovich said. "We need to protect that, and use these assets to attract residents and businesses to Lake County."
Anticipation of 2023
Looking ahead to 2023, many projects will be dependent on final guidance from the federal government, as the commissioners have "many priority areas" identified with ARPA funding, including economic and workforce development, health and safety, and infrastructure projects.
"These areas are a continual investment, but ARPA funding will provide an opportunity to enhance these efforts," Hamercheck added.
