PAINESVILLE – During a Thursday, Jan. 29, meeting, the Lake County Board of Commissioners posthumously presented the third key to Lake County to the late Commissioner Richard J. Regovich, recognizing his service, leadership and contributions to the county.
The key was accepted on his behalf by his wife, Lynn Regovich.
According to a county press release, the key to Lake County represents the county’s highest and most prestigious honor. Established by the board, the key is awarded very selectively and only by unanimous consent, recognizing individuals or organizations whose accomplishments and contributions have made a profound and enduring impact on Lake County.
“Regovich dedicated more than a decade of his life to public service, guided by a deep love for Lake County and its residents,” the release states. “His leadership priorities included economic and workforce development, infrastructure improvements and initiatives designed to strengthen quality of life across the county. His integrity, compassion and tireless dedication left a legacy that will be felt for generations.”
Regovich began his public service as a ward councilman in Willowick in 2014, later serving as mayor beginning in 2016. He was sworn in as Lake County’s 81st commissioner on Nov. 29, 2022, and served as board president at the time of his passing.
Regovich was instrumental in the creation of the key to Lake County program, proposing the initiative alongside Commissioners John Plecnik and John Hamercheck.
“His belief in recognizing excellence and meaningful contributions to the community is reflected in the very program that now bears his honor,” the county release states.
“What I said before still stands. I am deeply grateful to the family for sharing Rich with us and for everything you’ve done. I know the sacrifice that comes with public service and it is never carried by just one person. It is carried by the entire family. So, I want to thank all of you who are here today for supporting him, for sharing him with our community, and for allowing him to make the impact he made. Nobody who serves in public life does it alone. It is always a family effort. So again, thank you to the entire family,” said Board President Morris W. Beverage III. “And to Momma (Ann) Regovich, I want you to know that I will do my best to carry on the ‘Fun Advisor’ on the fifth-floor tradition — the title Rich proudly displayed on his office door.”
“Richard Regovich made a profound and immeasurable impact on this community as our friend, colleague, commissioner and president. Though no words can fully capture his contributions, today we honor his legacy with gratitude and as inspiration for every public servant who follows. The strength of Lake County, the community others look to for guidance, did not happen by accident but through the prayers, dedication and hard work of a humble man who loved his city and served his county with integrity. It was an honor to serve alongside him and witness the difference he made. Though we lost him far too soon, his influence will endure through the family he raised, the city he cherished, and the county he uplifted. By awarding him the key to Lake County, the first and only commissioner to receive this honor, we affirm that anyone who hopes to make a true difference should look at Rich’s example,” said Commissioner John Plecnik.
“The past few months have been exceptionally difficult as we have worked through the challenges before us. At last week’s NOACA meeting, several certificates of appreciation were presented, including one recognizing Rich. It was a profound honor to accept it on his behalf. Walking into a room of individuals I do not know well made the moment even more emotional, and it was challenging to maintain my composure,” said Commissioner Morgan McIntosh. “Rich was an extraordinary person. I was proud to call him my friend, and I continue to look up to him. Sitting here today, striving to carry forward the work he cared about, underscores how significant this transition has been. I am proud to serve in this role, yet I remain deeply saddened by Rich’s absence.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Regovich was widely admired for his love of family, sense of humor and commitment to helping others. His passion for serving seniors and those in need was evident through his founding of the Willowick Hearts and Hammers program. The release states.
In other business
The board approved payment of bills in the amount of $1,337,765.46 and purchase orders totaling $1,916,749.05.
In legislation
• Approving plans, specifications and estimates of cost in the amount of $1,330,008 for a waterline replacement project on Green Road in Perry.
This project will replace 3,300 lineal feet of watermain with 8-inch PVC pipe, as well as hydrants and interconnections to existing mains and side streets, according to an email to the board from Sanitary Engineer Randall Rothlisberger.
• Increasing appropriations and transferring cash in the Department of Utilities Fund 595, the Water Fund and Project Fund 457 for River Street.
The project is complete and the transfer sends funding from the project fund to the water funds, according to an email to the board from Rothlisberger.
• Increasing appropriations and transferring cash within the Department of Utilities Fund 597 for a one-acre cell liner at the Solid Waste Facility in Painesville Township.
This project is complete and appropriations are reduced to zero, according to an email to the board from Rothlisberger.
• Awarding a bid contract in the amount of $1,721,832 to Workman Industrial Services for raw water traveling screens replacement at the Aquarius Water Treatment Facility in Willoughby.
The screens remove debris prior to entering the treatment process, according to an email to the board from Rothlisberger.
• Approving plans, specifications and estimates of cost in the amount of $546,000 for slab pavement repair at the baler building in the Solid Waste Facility in Painesville Township.
The project replaces 50-year-old pavement inside and outside the north side of the baler building, according to an email to the board from Rothlisberger.
• Certifying unpaid water and sewer sums, plus administrative charges, to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.
• Executing a revised Radiological Emergency Response Plan for the Perry Nuclear Power Plant for the Lake County Emergency Management Agency.
Reappointing various people to the Lake Development Authority Tax Incentive Review Committee for two-year terms ending Feb. 21, 2028.
The personnel are Jason Boyd, Joel DiMare and Pat Rosini, according to an email from the board from LDA Executive Director Patrick Mohorcic.
• Reappointing Matthew Hebebrand to the Lakeland Community College Board of Trustees for a five-year term expiring March 6, 2031.
• Reappointing Janet Ruth Majka to the Lakeland Community College Board of Trustees for a five-year term expiring March 6, 2031.
In administrative reports
County Administrator Jason Boyd offered his thanks to volunteers and leaders of the countywide Code Blue system, which opens multiple locations to unhoused people during dangerously cold weather.
Boyd told the board that, as of the meeting, there had been wither eight or nine Code Blues declared in a row. He thanked a number of people and organizations, such as the United Way of Lake County, Lifeline Inc., Laketran, Extended Housing and the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services, as well as the Sub Zero Mission, which was recently granted a conditional use permit for its Painesville Township headquarters to be opened as a shelter.
The next regular session meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. in the fourth-floor meeting room of the Lake County Administration Building, 105 Main St., Painesville.
