WEST GEAUGA COMMUNITY JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT
Regular Meeting – September 15, 2026
West Geauga Commons
President Greg Poe called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Board members present: Ed Curtis, Chris Domonkos, Rick Izant, Linda Palchick, Greg Poe, Sara Sustin. Jason Abate and John Gromek were also present.
The minutes from the July 2026 meeting were presented by Clerk, Monica Gromek. Ed Curtis motioned to approve the minutes; Linda Palchick seconded. Vote was taken: Ed Curtis, Chris Domonkos, Rick Izant, Linda Palchick, Greg Poe, Sara Sustin. All in favor, motion carried
Treasurer report - Ed Curtis
Treasurer Ed Curtis distributed the September 2026 treasurer’s report. The treasurer’s report showed: checking balance forwarded: $27,808.46; total disbursements: $16,129.34; Total deposits: $42,581.95; Ending checking balance: $9,771.05, Ending Savings Balance $6,529.48; Total disbursements: $4,010.00, Total encumbered funds $650.00. Improvement Fund as of 8/31/26: $5,149.93. Linda Palchick motioned to accept the treasurer’s report. Chris Domonkos seconded. Vote was taken: Ed Curtis, Chris Domonkos, Rick Izant, Linda Palchick, Greg Poe, Sara Sustin. All in favor, motion carried.
Rick Izant motioned that the following bills be paid:
- West Bend Insurance Co. $2,877.00
- 21st Century Media $123.05 Public Notice for Budget
- Abate Landscaping $630.81 Pickle Ball Court Fencing
- Abate Landscaping $133.66 Doggie Bags
- Alt Media $498.48 Host website
- Monica Gromek $80.00 Minutes August and September 2026
- Harland Checks $142.45
- Sara Sustin $25.20 Reimbursement for Pickle Ball banner
Chris Domonkos seconded. Vote was taken: Ed Curtis, Chris Domonkos, Rick Izant, Linda Palchick, Greg Poe, Sara Sustin. All in favor, motion carried. Our savings account dropped below 5K, charge of $10.00 from the bank.
Ed Curtis reviewed the remaining months of 2026. $2200.84 to spend the rest of the year. $97K was allocated to spend in 2026. The County approves of all we do. Decision needed for what to do with the baseball field for the winter. Break up the dirt? Wait until our October meeting for discussion. Letters received for a donation from Patricia Levan for $50.00 and from Fred Nevar for a $200.00 donation to our Pickle Ball project. Thank you letters were sent.
Facilities – Linda Palchick
Soccer season is in full bloom. Soccer Club in session 21 games – 13 games in the spring. No news from Newbury; using fields mostly on the weekend. Still no response from Rec Council. Last Pavilion reservation is for Russell Days Sat. Sept. 19.
Maintenance - Jason Abate reported killing more bee’s nests. Did the weeds on the baseball diamond. Grass is being cut every 4 days. Doggie bag dispensers are ordered.
Pickle Ball court – Jason brushed and squeegeed the court. Water is collecting between the 2 nets. The net could be stored in the maintenance shed.
Sara Sustin said that The Russell Day at the Commons is this weekend and she has contacted them several times. No information from Russell with their plans: An email blast was sent to all homeowner associations. Ice Cream truck? 1 or 2 food trucks? Newspapers notified? Kristen Foerester offered help; scavenger hunt? Emails were sent to all Chesterland Pickleball Clubs inviting them to the Russell event this weekend. Pickle Ball – Sara Sustin had communication with Ginny at Newbury. Found out they did get a grant to put in pickle ball courts. 2 courts installed + 2 Bocce ball courts. Punderson has pickle ball courts.
Chris Domonkos said website hosting is 395.00. All AED’s are updated.
New Business – Kristen Foerster stated there is no communication between Chester, Joint Rec Board, Newbury. Do we need to establish an annual planning meeting together? Sara Sustin attended the Kiwanis Club meeting last month. Rick Izant stated they do work-in-kind with groups. Maybe a 500.00 grant is possible. Biggest question…landscaping? How do we water plants? A rain barrel suggested. Water from the river? Rick Izant said the state application ends in July and is awarded in November. Are monies available?
Next meeting is Tuesday, October 20 at 7 pm at the High School Library. Ed Curtis motioned for meeting adjournment at 7:29 pm. Rick Izant seconded the motion. Vote was taken: Ed Curtis, Chris Domonkos, Rick Izant, Linda Palchick, Greg Poe, Sara Sustin, Kristen Foerster. All in favor, motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
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Monica Gromek, Clerk Greg Poe, President
