PAINESVILLE – The Lake County Republican Party Central Committee appointed Morgan McIntosh to fill the vacant seat previously held by Lake County Commissioner Richard Regovich.
McIntosh will run to retain this seat in 2026.
McIntosh released the following statement:
“I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility. Rich Regovich was a close friend and a devoted public servant who truly cared about our community. I am committed to honoring his legacy, continuing his work and making decisions that are in the best interest of Lake County.
“As commissioner, my priorities are to maintain low taxes, ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars and to actively support local law enforcement and first responders. I am dedicated to enhancing workforce and economic development initiatives that will make Lake County an even better place to live and raise a family.
“I will work hard for all of Lake County to preserve and build a vibrant and prosperous community for us all. Working together, we will continue to move Lake County forward. I look forward to serving our community.”
During the meeting, the board also welcomed McIntosh as the 84th commissioner of Lake County.
“Today is bittersweet for me as I step into both the figurative and literal seat once held by our friend, Commissioner Richard J. Regovich,” Commissioner Morris Beverage III said. “While he is no longer with us physically, his spirit and lasting impact on this building and our community remain. I am deeply grateful to the Regovich family for sharing him with us and to our county staff for their professionalism, grace and dedication during this difficult transition. I also thank Commissioner John Plecnik for his leadership throughout this process.
“As we look ahead, I am excited and energized to welcome Morgan McIntosh to the board and to continue the important work of serving our neighbors and making a positive impact in Lake County.”
Commissioner John Plecnik also offered his congratulations and reflections on the Board’s leadership transition.
“As we enter the new year and Commissioner McIntosh carries on the work of our friend Rich, I extend my congratulations to both of you,” he said.
“I am humbled to serve alongside you and fully support our return to the tradition of rotating the presidency, which strengthens collaboration and shared leadership on this Board.
“I want our community to know the hope and excitement I have for what lies ahead under Commissioner Beverage’s leadership.
“I congratulate you, Mr. President, and you, Commissioner McIntosh—I don’t guess, I know you’ll do great things.”
Commissioner McIntosh addressed the board and community during his first official meeting as a Lake County Commissioner on Thursday, Jan. 8.
“As this is my first meeting as a Lake County commissioner, I want to first recognize Commissioner Richard Regovich,” he said.
“I am here because he is not and I take that responsibility to heart. Having experienced a transition in leadership under difficult circumstances before, I understand what it means to carry that mantle.
“I am honored to pick up his term and will grow into being my own commissioner, while keeping his dedication to Lake County firmly in mind.
I am here to serve this community, not for a title, but to do good work for this county. I recognize the significance of this role, look forward to getting to know our departments and staff and am grateful for the support of my fellow commissioners as I begin this work.”
In other business
The board approved purchase orders in the amount of $13,152,331.87.
In legislation
• Approving a final estimate and release of retainage in the amount of $20,000 with J.S. Bova Excavating, and accepting a three-year maintenance bond in the amount of $573,985.38 for trunk sewer improvements on Bennett Road in Madison Township.
• Certifying unpaid sewer and water sums, plus administrative charges, to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.
• Executing agreements between the board and various entities for fiscal year 2025 Community Development Block Grant funds.
The agreements were funded out of $1,352,458 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant funding for fiscal year 2025, according ton meeting materials.
• Executing agreements between the board and various entities for fiscal year 2025 Home Investment Partnership Program funds.
These agreements are for 232,711 in tenant-based rental assistance funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to meeting materials.
• Executing agreements between the board and various entities for fiscal year 2025 HOME-ARP Investment Partnership Program funds.
These agreements are for $1,631,860 in American Rescue Plan Act funds granted through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to meeting materials.
• Approving a pay application and release of retainage in the amount of $382,724.85 with Trane Partners U.S. Inc. for HVAC improvements at the Lake County Department of Buildings and Grounds.
In administrative reports
Sanitary Engineer Randall Rothlisberger reported that efforts to mitigate strong odors from a wastewater pumping station in the Woodhill subdivision in Painesville Township have been effective.
The next step is to set up a permanent chemical feed system, pending a final report and recommendation from an outside consultant brought in to help address resident complaints.
The next regular session meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. in the fourth-floor meeting room of the Lake County Administration Building, 105 Main St., Painesville.
