Court Opinion

ID: 2697440
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 17:10:17.263745+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:37:17.033154
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Ohio Power Co. v. Ogle, 2013-Ohio-1745.]

                      IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                         FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                              HOCKING COUNTY

OHIO POWER COMPANY,             :
                                :
     Plaintiff-Appellee,        : Case No. 12CA14
                                :
     vs.                        :
                                : DECISION AND JUDGMENT
CHARLES R. OGLE, et al.,        : ENTRY
                                :
    Defendant-Appellants.       : Released: 04/19/13
_____________________________________________________________
                          APPEARANCES:

Charles R. and Melanie A. Ogle, Rockbridge, Ohio, Appellants, pro se.

Bryan L. Buzby, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP, Columbus, Ohio, for
Appellee.
_____________________________________________________________

McFarland, P.J.

        {¶1} Appellants, Charles and Melanie Ogle, appeal the decision of

the Hocking County Court of Common Pleas concluding their appropriation

action and denying several of their pending motions, without calculating and

requiring Appellee to pay post-judgment interest on the jury award. On

appeal, Appellants contend that the trial court 1) erred to their prejudice in

denying their pending motion for distribution and interest in the

appropriation case; 2) erred as a matter of law in concluding this action prior

to and without the court’s calculation and Appellee’s deposit of interest on
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                          2

the jury award in the appropriation case; 3) erred to their prejudice in

denying their pending motion for attorney’s fees; 4) erred as a matter of law

in concluding the action prior to and without awarding them attorney’s fees;

5) erred to their prejudice in denying their pending motion for compensation

of personal property, which they claim was stolen by Appellees; and 6)

abused its discretion in denying their pending motion for sanctions against

Appellee.

       {¶2} In light of our finding that Appellants were not entitled to post-

judgment interest on the jury verdict under R.C. 163.17, Appellants’ first

and second assignments of error are overruled. Because we have determined

that Appellants’ motion for attorney’s fees and sanctions related to the

contempt proceedings was untimely, Appellant’s third and fourth

assignments of error are overruled. Finally, as we have determined that the

arguments raised under Appellants’ fifth and sixth assignments of error were

moot in part, and barred by res judicata in part, these assignments of error

are also overruled. Accordingly, the decision of the trial court is affirmed.

                                    FACTS

       {¶3} Appellee, Ohio Power Company, commenced this action in June

2007 to obtain an easement across real property owned by Appellants,

Charles and Melanie Ogle. Appellee sought the easement in order to install a
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                        3

power line which would serve a communications tower being constructed on

property adjacent and to the south of Appellants’ property. Pursuant to R.C.

163.09, the trial court bifurcated the matter, first holding a hearing to

determine if the proposed easement was a public necessity and reserving for

later the issue of compensation.

       {¶4} Appellee’s easement would be approximately 1,500 feet long

and 30 feet wide, constituting approximately one acre in total. After a full

hearing on the matter, the trial court determined the taking was necessary.

Subsequently, a jury trial was held to determine the amount of compensation

Appellants would receive for the easement and for the damage to the

residue. Ultimately, the jury awarded Appellants $4,000 for the market

value of the granted easement and $50,000 for damages to the residue of the

property. The trial court entered its final judgment entry in the case on

December 11, 2008.

       {¶5} Both parties appealed the trial court's decision to this Court.

During the pendency of the appeal, Appellants moved multiple times to stay

execution of judgment. On April 4, 2009, after all stays had expired,

Appellee deposited the $54,000.00 jury award with the clerk of courts. It

appears that the money was not immediately released to Appellants, but

rather stayed on deposit with the clerk. This Court affirmed both the
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                         4

granting of the easement and the award of compensation in a decision issued

on November 3, 2009. Ohio Power Co. v. Ogle, 4th Dist. Nos. 09CA1,

09AP1, 2009-Ohio-5953. Appellants then appealed our decision to the

Supreme Court of Ohio, but the Court denied the appeal.

       {¶6} Meanwhile, On August 6, 2009, while the initial appeal was still

pending, Appellee moved to compel Appellants to show cause for contempt

of court. Appellants also moved for an injunction restraining Appellants

from interfering with the trial court's final judgment. Appellee claimed that

Appellants had totally blocked access to the granted easement, thus

preventing preparations for the installation of the power line. On August 12,

2009, the trial court conducted a hearing on Appellee’s motion. After a full

hearing, including post-hearing briefs, the court found Appellants in

contempt.

       {¶7} Ohio Power subsequently moved for attorney's fees and

damages in the amount of $25,136.78, related to the contempt of court.

After this Court’s decision was released affirming the easement and award

of compensation, on December 9, 2009, the trial court went ahead and

ordered distribution of $28,863.22 of the $54,000.00 jury award be made to

Appellants, but ordered the balance of $25,136.78 be retained by the clerk

pending the resolution of the contempt proceedings. Then, on June 22,
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                        5

2010, the court entered judgment against Appellants in the amount of

$25,136.78, as sanctions in the contempt proceedings. When Appellants did

not pay the judgment within thirty days, the clerk distributed $25,136.78 to

Appellee pursuant to the court’s order.

       {¶8} Appellant subsequently appealed the finding of contempt and

the award of sanctions. In a decision dated July 27, 2011, this Court

reversed the trial court’s contempt finding and remanded the matter to the

trial court. Ohio Power Company v. Ogle, 4th Dist. No. 10CA13, 10AP13,

2011-Ohio-3903. On August 5, 2011, Appellants then began filing the first

of what would become a series of post-remand motions. Specifically,

Appellants filed a motion for distribution and interest on August 5, 2011, a

motion for attorney’s fees and sanctions on June 5, 2012, and a motion for

compensation and additional sanctions on July 3, 2012.

       {¶9} The record indicates that as a result of there being a visiting

judge, the trial court did not become aware of and did not act on this Court’s

remand order until June 15, 2012. Subsequently, on June 27, 2012, the trial

court issued an entry ordering Appellee to “forthwith deposit with the Clerk

of Court the sum of $25,136.78[,]” noting that Appellee had made a deposit

of $12,451.45 on June 26, 2012, and ordering that Appellee deposit the

remaining sum of $12,685.33. Appellee, though it disputed the amount it
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                       6

should return to Appellants because of sanctions ordered against Appellants

in another, related case, deposited the rest of the money as ordered by the

court, on July 12, 2012.

          {¶10} Finally, on July 20, 2012, the trial court issued a final,

judgment entry finding that distribution had been completed by the clerk and

that the action had been concluded. In its entry, the trial court expressly

denied all pending motions. It is from this decision that Appellants now

bring their timely appeal, assigning the following errors for review.

                           ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

   I.        THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF
             DEFENDANTS IN DENYING DEFENDANTS’ PENDING
             MOTION FOR DISTRIBUTION AND INTEREST IN THIS
             APPROPRIATION CASE.

   II.       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW IN
             CONCLUDING THIS ACTION PRIOR TO AND WITHOUT
             THE COURT’S CALCULATION AND PLAINTIFF’S
             DEPOSITING OF INTEREST ON THE JURY AWARD IN THIS
             APPROPRIATION CASE.

   III.      THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF
             DEFENDANTS IN DENYING DEFENDANTS’ PENDING
             MOTION FOR ATTORNEY FEES IN THIS APPROPRIATION
             CASE.

   IV.       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW IN
             CONCLUDING THIS ACTION PRIOR TO AND WITHOUT
             DEFENDANTS BEING AWARDED ATTORNEY FEES IN
             THIS APPROPRIATION CASE.
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                        7

   V.      THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF
           DEFENDANTS IN DENYING DEFENDANTS’ PENDING
           MOTION FOR COMPENSATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
           OF DEFENDANTS STOLEN BY PLAINTIFF.

   VI.     THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION TO THE
           PREJUDICE OF DEFENDANTS IN DENYING DEFENDANTS’
           PENDING MOTIONS FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST
           PLAINTIFF FOR INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTATION TO
           THE COURT, IGNORING THIS COURT’S AUGUST 12, 2009
           HEARING INSTRUCTIONS AND OHIO LAW IN REGARD TO
           NOTICE OF ENTRY ONTO AGRICULTURAL LAND, AND
           FOR STEALING DEFENDANTS’ PERSONAL PROPERTY.

                    ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR I AND II

        {¶11} Appellants’ first and second assignments of error challenge the

trial court’s decision denying their motion for distribution and concluding

the action prior to calculating post-judgment interest on their $54,000.00

jury award. Because Appellants argue these two assignments of error

together, and because the same legal principles apply to both assignments of

error, we have combined them for ease of analysis.

        {¶12} Initially, we note that Appellants’ motion for distribution of the

jury award has arguably been rendered moot to the extent that it requested

that the $54,000.00 jury award on deposit with the clerk of courts to be

distributed. A review of the record indicates that $28,863.22 of the

$54,000.000 was distributed by the clerk to Appellants on January 4, 2010.

The remaining $25,136.78 had already been distributed to Appellants when
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                          8

the trial court issued its final entry on July 20, 2012. Thus, at the time the

action was concluded, distribution of the $54,000.00 jury award had been

made to Appellants and the issue of distribution, in general, was moot.

       {¶13} This observation leads us to another issue of importance, which

is Appellee’s argument that Appellants’ acceptance of the complete

distribution of the $54,000.00 jury award constitutes a satisfaction of

judgment, thereby rendering Appellants’ appeal moot. The Supreme Court

of Ohio, in Blodgett v. Blodgett, 49 Ohio St.3d 243, 245, 551 N.E.2d 1249,

stated as follows:

       “It is a well-established principle of law that a satisfaction of

       judgment renders an appeal from that judgment moot. ‘

       “Where the court rendering judgment has jurisdiction of the

       subject-matter of the action and of the parties, and fraud has not

       intervened, and the judgment is voluntarily paid and satisfied,

       such payment puts an end to the controversy, and takes away

       from the defendant the right to appeal or prosecute error or even

       to move for vacation of judgment.” ’ Rauch v. Noble (1959),

       169 Ohio St. 314, 316, 8 O.O.2d 315, 316, 159 N.E.2d 451,

       453, quoting Lynch v. Lakewood City School Dist. Bd. of Edn.

       (1927), 116 Ohio St. 361, 156 N.E. 188, paragraph three of the
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                          9

       syllabus. See, also, Seifert v. Burroughs (1988), 38 Ohio St.3d

       108, 526 N.E.2d 813.”

       {¶14} This Court has since adhered to the reasoning espoused by the

Blodgett Court. See Slovak v. University Off-Campus Housing, 4th Dist. No.

99CA50, 2000 WL 680479, *1 (May 19, 2000) (deciding not to address the

merits of appellant’s claim where record indicated court’s judgment had

been satisfied); see also Atlantic Veneer Corp. v. Robbins, 4th Dist. No.

03CA719, 2004-Ohio-3710, ¶ 8 and 17 (acknowledging the holding in

Blodgett and also adhering to our prior reasoning in Slovak “that satisfaction

of a judgment renders an appeal moot where an appellant may preserve her

appeal rights by seeking a stay of execution pending appeal.). Although

several stays were granted early on in this litigation, any and all stays had

expired and there was no pending request for a stay at the times when

Appellants accepted the distributions of the jury award from the clerk of

courts. Nonetheless, in light of the long history of this case and in the

interests of justice, we will address Appellants appeal on the merits to the

extent these issues have not been rendered moot for other reasons, as noted

above and which we will discuss more fully as needed below.

       {¶15} In addition to requesting distribution of the $54,000.00 jury

award, Appellants’ trial court motion also requested that interest on the jury
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                      10

award be calculated and distributed as well. Having already determined

Appellants’ motion is moot with respect to the distribution of the

$54,000.00, we limit our review to the question of whether Appellants were

entitled to post-judgment interest on the jury award. Thus, we turn our

attention to the applicable law which governs the accrual of interest in

appropriation proceedings.

       {¶16} The appropriation procedure followed in this case was pursuant

to R.C. Chapter 163, which governs the appropriation of property. R.C.

163.17 governs the accrual of interest in an appropriation action. Because

this assignment of error calls for us to review a legal question, we review it

de novo. Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources v. Hughes, 145 Ohio App.3d 202,

206, 762 N.E.2d 422 (6th Dist. 2001); citing Castlebrook, Ltd. v. Dayton

Properties L.P., 78 Ohio App.3d 340, 346, 604 N.E.2d 808, 811-812 (1992).

R.C. 163.17 provides, in pertinent part, as follows:

       “Where the agency has no right to take possession of the

       property before the verdict, if the award is not paid to the owner

       or deposited in court within twenty-one days after

       journalization of the verdict, interest thereafter shall accrue,

       except that where the owner appeals, interest shall not accrue

       until the agency takes possession.”
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                       11

         {¶17} To award interest under R.C. 163.17, the trial court must

determine certain dates, including the date that the agency took possession

of the property and the date that the landowner was paid. Ohio Dept. of

Natural Resources v. Hughes at 210. Here, the trial court denied Appellants’

motion without citing its reasoning. Thus, we look to the record to

determine the pertinent dates to be considered in determining this issue.

         {¶18} According to its plain language, R.C. 163.17 provides that

interest begins to accrue if payment is not made within twenty-one days after

the verdict. However, it also provides that where a landowner appeals,

“interest shall not accrue until the agency takes possession.” R.C. 163.17.

Further, after interest begins to accrue, it stops accruing when an agency

places the funds on deposit with the clerk. Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources

v. Hughes at 21. Further, in City of Athens v. Warthman, 25 Ohio App.2d

91, 266 N.E.2d 583, we reasoned as follows with respect to the accrual of

post-judgment interest when funds had been placed on deposit with the

clerk:

         “[T]he running of statutory interest upon the award * * * is

         inapplicable when a deposit is made and the agency requests it

         to be withheld-it being required only to pay interest upon the

         award from the taking of possession until payment or deposit.”
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                          12

         {¶19} Here, Appellants obtained a jury verdict in the amount of

$54,000.00 against Appellee on December 11, 2008. Appellee deposited

$54,000.00 with the clerk of courts on April 1, 2009; thus, the jury award

was not deposited within twenty-one days after the verdict. However,

Appellant filed an appeal of the trial court’s decision. As such, interest did

not begin to accrue at that time.

         {¶20} This Court issued a decision affirming the appropriation of

Appellants’ property, as well as the amount of the jury award on November

3, 2009. However, as indicated above, while that appeal was pending and

after all stays had expired, on August 6, 2009, Appellee filed a contempt

action against Appellants claiming they had blocked access to the

appropriated easement when Appellee had tried to take possession in order

to begin the tree removal process. Appellee alleged it had incurred expenses

and attorney’s fees of $25,136.78 in connection with pursuing the contempt

matter. Throughout the appeal, and until the contempt proceedings were

decided at the trial court level, the $54,000.00 remained on deposit with the

clerk.

         {¶21} Meanwhile, after our decision affirming the jury award was

issued on November 3, 2009, the trial court approved a distribution in the

amount of $28,863.22 to Appellants, but it ordered that the remainder of the
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                        13

$54,000.00, or $25,136.78, be held pending resolution of the contempt

matter. After finding Appellant in contempt, the trial court ordered

Appellants pay $25,136.78 to Appellee as sanctions for their contempt

within thirty days. When Appellants did not pay the sanctions, the

$25,136.78 still on deposit with the clerk was distributed to Appellee per the

trial court’s order. Appellant again appealed.

       {¶22} As set forth above, this Court reversed the trial court’s decision

finding Appellants in contempt by decision dated July 27, 2011. Our

decision made no express finding or directive related to the $25,136.78 that

had been awarded to Appellee as part of the contempt proceedings. Further,

it appears due to a visiting judge situation in the lower court after the matter

was remanded, the trial court was not made aware of the contempt reversal

or our remand order until June 15, 2012.

       {¶23} As a result, on June 27, 2012, the trial court ordered Appellee

to forthwith deposit $25,136.78 with the clerk of courts. As indicated above,

Appellee had already deposited $12,451.45 with the clerk of courts the day

before. The remaining $12,685.33 was deposited on July 12, 2012.

Although the record does not specify when the $25,136.78 was distributed to

Appellants, it appears it must have been distributed sometime after July 12,
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                       14

2012, and before July 20, 2012, when the trial court issued its final entry

noting distribution had been completed by the clerk.

       {¶24} Thus, the record reveals that Appellants appealed the initial

appropriation action, and thus, interest would not have begun to accrue until

Appellee took possession. However, prior to attempting to take possession,

and while the initial appeal was still pending, Appellee placed the jury award

on deposit with the clerk of courts. These funds stayed on deposit until a

portion was awarded back to Appellee as a subsequent contempt sanction

against Appellants. Then, nearly immediately after the trial court ordered it

to re-deposit the funds upon our reversal and remand of the contempt

finding, Appellee complied, re-deposited the funds, and the funds were

distributed to Appellants. Based upon our consideration of the facts herein,

in light of the applicable statute as well as the above cited case law, we find

Appellants were not entitled to post-judgment interest in this matter.

Therefore, Appellant’s first and second assignments of error are overruled

and the decision of the trial court is affirmed.

                   ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR III AND IV

       {¶25} Appellants' third and fourth assignments of error challenge the

trial court's decision denying their motion for attorney’s fees and conclusion

of the action without awarding attorney’s fees. Because Appellants argue
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                        15

these two assignments of error together, and because the same legal

principles apply to both assignments of error, we have combined them for

ease of analysis.

       {¶26} Although the wording of Appellants’ assignments of error

suggests that they requested attorney’s fees for the entire appropriation

action, a review of the record indicates that the motion for attorney’s fees

and sanctions Appellants filed in the trial court requested attorney’s fees and

sanctions related to the filing of a “frivolous motion for contempt[,]” and

for Appellee’s “intentional misrepresentation to [the] Court in a hearing on

December 9, 2009 that [Appellee] had complied with the road work permit

requirement for Donaldson road, in order to secure an order for sanctions

against [Appellants] and to withhold the appropriation award in this case.”

Thus, our review is limited to whether Appellants were entitled to attorney’s

fees, as a sanction for frivolous conduct by Appellee with respect to

Appellee’s filing of a contempt action against Appellants, which claimed

Appellants were blocking access to their appropriated easement.

       {¶27} Appellants cite no authority in support of their claim for

attorney’s fees or sanctions on appeal. Further, the argument portion of their

brief under these assignments of error contains no actual legal arguments,

but rather simply catalogues a long list of alleged factual and legal
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                       16

conclusions, many of which challenge the validity of the original

appropriation action, which was already considered and upheld on appeal.

Nonetheless, we note that R.C. 2323.51 governs the award of attorney’s fees

as a sanction for frivolous conduct, which appears to be the rationale upon

which Appellants base their claims.

       R.C. 2323.51(A)(2) defines “frivolous conduct” to mean:

       “(a) Conduct of [a] * * * party to a civil action, * * * or of the *

       * * party's counsel of record that satisfies any of the following:

       (i) It obviously serves merely to harass or maliciously injure

       another party to the civil action or appeal or is for another

       improper purpose, including, but not limited to, causing

       unnecessary delay or a needless increase in the cost of

       litigation.

       (ii) It is not warranted under existing law, cannot be supported

       by a good faith argument for an extension, modification, or

       reversal of existing law, or cannot be supported by a good faith

       argument for the establishment of new law.

       (iii) The conduct consists of allegations or other factual

       contentions that have no evidentiary support or, if specifically
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                       17

       so identified, are not likely to have evidentiary support after a

       reasonable opportunity for further investigation or discovery.

       (iv) The conduct consists of denials or factual contentions that

       are not warranted by the evidence or, if specifically so

       identified, are not reasonably based on a lack of information or

       belief.”

       {¶28} R.C. 2323.51(B) authorizes a trial court to award attorney’s

fees to any party adversely affected by frivolous conduct; however, section

(B)(1) specifies that a party make a motion for such award “not more than

thirty days after the entry of final judgment in a civil action or appeal.”

       {¶29} Courts must carefully apply R.C. 2323.51 “ ‘so that legitimate

claims are not chilled.’ ” Burchett v. Larkin, 192 Ohio App.3d 418, 2011-

Ohio-684, 949 N.E.2d 516, ¶ 20 (4th Dist.); quoting Hickman v. Murray, 2nd

Dist. No. CA15030, 1996 WL 125916, *5 (Mar. 22, 1996). As we noted in

Burchett, the Hickman court explained that:

              “A party is not frivolous merely because a claim is not

       well-grounded in fact. Richmond Glass & Aluminum Corp. v.

       Wynn (Sept. 5, 1991), Columbiana App. No. 90-C-46, [1991

       WL 172902, at *2]. Furthermore, the statute was not intended

       to punish mere misjudgment or tactical error. Turowski v.
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                       18

       Johnson (1991), 70 Ohio App.3d 118, 123 [590 N.E.2d 434],

       quoting Stephens v. Crestview Cadillac (1989), 62 [64] Ohio

       App.3d 129, 134 [580 N.E.2d 842]. Instead, the statute was

       designed to chill egregious, overzealous, unjustifiable, and

       frivolous action. Turowski v. Johnson (1990), 68 Ohio App.3d

       704, 706 [589 N.E.2d 462].

       {¶30} Whether a claim is warranted under existing law is an

objective consideration. Lewis v. Celina Fin. Corp. (1995), 101 Ohio

App.3d 464, 473 [655 N.E.2d 1333], citing Ceol v. Zion Indust. Inc.

(1992), 81 Ohio App.3d 286, 291 [610 N.E.2d 1076]. The test, we

find, is whether no reasonable lawyer would have brought the action

in light of the existing law. In other words, a claim is frivolous if it is

absolutely clear under the existing law that no reasonable lawyer

could argue the claim.” Id.

       {¶31} We have held that the question of whether conduct is frivolous

is a question of law that an appellate court independently reviews. Burchett

at ¶ 22; see also Passmore v. Greene Cty. Bd. of Elections, 74 Ohio App.3d

707, 712, 600 N.E.2d 309 (2nd Dist. 1991); Burns v. Henne, 115 Ohio

App.3d 297, 685 N.E.2d 294 (2nd Dist. 1996); Wiltberger v. Davis, 110 Ohio

App.3d 46, 51, 673 N.E.2d 628 (10th Dist. 1996); Tomb & Assoc., Inc. v.
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                         19

Wagner, 82 Ohio App.3d 363, 366, 612 N.E.2d 468 (2nd Dist. 1992).

However, if a reviewing court finds that the trial court's frivolous-conduct

finding is substantiated, the decision to award attorney’s fees as a sanction

for that conduct rests within the trial court's sound discretion. Consequently,

we will not reverse a trial court's decision to award attorney’s fees for

frivolous conduct under R.C. 2323.51 absent an abuse of that discretion.

Burchett at ¶ 22; citing Riley v. Langer, 95 Ohio App.3d 151, 159, 642

N.E.2d 1 (1st Dist. 1994), overruled on other grounds in Riston v. Butler, 149

Ohio App.3d 390, 2002-Ohio-2308, 777 N.E.2d 857, at ¶ 22, fn. 16 (1st

Dist.); Blackburn v. Lauder (Nov. 12, 1996), 4th Dist. No. 96CA5, 1996 WL

666658 (Nov. 12, 1996). An abuse of discretion connotes more than a mere

error of law or judgment; rather, it implies an unreasonable, arbitrary, or

unconscionable attitude on the part of the trial court. See, e.g., Franklin Cty.

Sheriff's Dept. v. State Emp. Relations Bd., 63 Ohio St.3d 498, 506, 589

N.E.2d 24 (1992); Wilmington Steel Prods., Inc. v. Cleveland Elec. Illum.

Co., 60 Ohio St.3d 120, 122, 573 N.E.2d 622 (1991).

       {¶32} In the case sub judice, our review of the record indicates that

the trial court did not err in denying Appellants’ motion for attorney’s fees

and sanctions related to Appellee’s contempt action. Initially, we note that

Appellants did not file their motion for attorney’s fees and sanctions until
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                         20

June 5, 2012. As set forth above, R.C. 2323.51(B)(1) specifies that a party

must make a motion for such award “not more than thirty days after the

entry of final judgment in a civil action or appeal.” As already indicated,

Appellants’ motion for attorney’s fees and sanctions was related to

Appellee’s contempt action. The trial court issued a final, appealable order

on August 31, 2009, finding Appellants in contempt. Appellants appealed

that decision and this Court reversed the finding of the trial court in a

decision dated July 27, 2011. Thus, Appellants motion for attorney’s fees

and sanctions, which wasn’t filed until nearly a year after the appeal was

decided was untimely filed and we need not reach the merits of Appellant’s

motion. As such, we find no error on the part of the trial court in denying

Appellants’ motion for attorney’s fees and sanctions in relation to the

contempt action.

       {¶33} Further, as noted by the Tenth District in Real Estate

Appraisal, Inc. v. Starks, et al., 10th Dist. No. 02AP-377, 2002-Ohio-6752, ¶

27, R.C. 2323.51 does not require a trial court to conduct a hearing prior to

denying a motion for attorney’s fees. See also, Ohio Dept. of Adm. Serv. v.

Robert P. Madison Internatl., Inc., 138 Ohio App.3d 388, 399, 741 N.E.2d

551 (10th Dist. 2000); citing Tosi v. Jones, 115 Ohio App.3d 396, 401, 685

N.E.2d 580 (10th Dist. 1996). The trial court must only schedule a hearing on
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                          21

those motions which demonstrate arguable merit. Justice v. Lutheran Social

Serv. of Cent. Ohio, 79 Ohio App.3d 439, 444, 607 N.E.2d 537 (10th Dist.

1992). The trial court should examine the motion to determine whether it

warrants an evidentiary hearing, and where the trial court determines that

there is no basis for the imposition of sanctions, it may deny the motion

without a hearing. Id. See, also, Pisani v. Pisani, 101 Ohio App.3d 83, 87-

88, 654 N.E.2d 1355 (8th Dist. 1995). In light of our determination that

Appellants’ motion was untimely filed, we find no error on the part of the

trial court in concluding the action without holding a hearing on Appellants’

pending motion.

       {¶34} Accordingly, we find Appellant’s third and fourth assignments

of error are overruled.

                   ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR V AND VI

       {¶35} Appellants’ fifth assignment of error challenges the trial court’s

denial of their “motion for compensation of personal property of defendants

stolen by plaintiff.” Appellant’s sixth assignment of error challenges the

trial court’s denial of their motion for additional sanctions, which was filed

as part of their motion for compensation. Because Appellants argue these

two assignments of error together, we have combined them as well for ease

of analysis.
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                         22

       {¶36} Appellants’ arguments under these assignments of error

essentially challenge the original appropriation action and determination of

damages, which have already been considered on appeal. The brief also

contains a re-argument of the issues that were covered during the contempt

action, which were also already appealed. Thus, we find it helpful to instead

consider the arguments raised in the actual trial court motion, in order to

better understand Appellant’s arguments on appeal, and to determine if there

was error by the trial court in denying this motion.

       {¶37} A review of the record indicates that Appellants’ trial court

“motion for compensation and additional sanctions” was essentially

comprised of three arguments. First, Appellants argued they were entitled to

“additional sanctions” against Appellee for Appellee’s “intentional

misrepresentation” to the court in its memorandum contra Appellants’

motion for attorney’s fees and sanctions that “this case is over,” in support

of their argument that Appellants were not entitled to attorney’s fees.

Having already determined that Appellants motion for attorney’s fees and

sanctions was untimely filed and thus, that the trial court did not err in

denying the motion, we find this portion of Appellant’s argument to be

moot. Thus, we will not address it.
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                        23

       {¶38} Second, Appellants’ motion argued that Appellee made

intentional misrepresentations to the court regarding the notice of deposit

filed after this Court reversed the contempt matter. Specifically, Appellant

alleged that Appellee misrepresented to the court information related to

sanctions awarded it as against Appellants in another related case. Again, to

the extent that this argument related to Appellee’s deposit of the $25,136.78

which had been previously awarded to it in the contempt matter, the issue

has now been rendered moot.

       {¶39} Appellants’ motion for compensation and additional sanctions

was filed on July 3, 2012. At that time, Appellees had filed a notice of

deposit of $12,451.45, dated June 26, 2012, reasoning at the time that it was

entitled to withhold the rest of the money in satisfaction of sanctions

awarded it as against Appellants in another, related matter. However, the

trial court issued an entry on June 27, 2012, ordering Appellee to deposit the

full $25,136.78 with the Clerk, which Appellee complied with as indicated

in its notice of further deposit filed on July 12, 2012. Finally, as indicated in

the trial court’s final entry issued on July 20, 2012, Appellee complied with

the order to deposit the full amount, and distribution of the funds had been

completed by the clerk. As Appellee has deposited the full amount ordered

by the court, including the amount they argued they were entitled to
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                       24

withhold in relation to the sanctions awarded in the other matter, Appellants’

argument has been rendered moot.

       {¶40} Third, Appellants’ motion argued they were entitled to

additional compensation “for theft of their trees from their property.”

Appellants cited the court to the testimony given at the August 12, 2009,

hearing on the contempt motion in support of their argument. On appeal,

Appellants argue as follows:

       “During the August 12, 2009 hearing on Appellee’s motion for

       contempt, the trial court indicated that the trees Appellee had

       already cut and removed from Appellant’s property and those

       trees yet to be cut, were the property of Appellants.”

In reviewing the transcript from the contempt hearing, it appears Appellants

argued that Appellee had cut some trees outside of their appropriated

easement. Appellants also seemed to argue that by removing and/or

otherwise disposing of the trees, or the cut wood from the trees within the

easement, that Appellee was stealing Appellants’ property.

       {¶41} However, our review of the record leads us to a different

conclusion. After hearing all of the evidence presented, the trial court found

Appellants in contempt of the previous order of the court granting Appellant

an easement. There is no indication that after hearing the testimony
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                        25

presented, the trial court determined any trees cut were actually outside of

the easement. The trial court did make a statement regarding Appellants’

request that the cut timber be given to them instead of removed. In

particular, the trial court stated as follows:

       “* * * I would encourage the parties to the extent there might

       still be any trees that are to be removed if Mr. and Mrs. Ogles

       [sic] do wish to have those trees delivered to some spot, on their

       property, Mr. Michalski, I would certainly encourage – I don’t

       know that it’s going to be part of the order, but I would

       encourage you to communicate that to Mr. Buzby and I would

       encourage Ohio Power to make all possible arrangements to

       accomplish that if they wish that to be done. And if not, then

       the court understands some other procedure has been followed.

       Apparently it is being chipped and moved and taken away or

       whatever. Whatever that is. It doesn’t really matter.”

Thus, although the court seemed to suggest that Appellee should deliver the

cut wood to Appellants as a courtesy, it made no finding that Appellants

were entitled to compensation for the value of the removed wood.

       {¶42} Additionally, and of importance, we note that although

Appellants presented the issue of Appellee going outside of the easement
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                       26

and “stealing trees” as a defense to the contempt action, they did not, at that

time, file a claim seeking damages for the value of that property. Further, if

they were expecting to be awarded any compensation via presentation of this

testimony at the contempt hearing, they did not raise the issue of their

entitlement to compensation during their direct appeal of the contempt

finding. Finally, the following exchange took place between Appellee’s

counsel and Charles Ogle during the 2009 contempt hearing in response to

Charles Ogle’s argument that his trees were a crop that Appellee had not

paid him for after removing them from the easement area:

       “A.    I understand that easement holder has the right to clear

              the thirty foot. Okay. Those trees are still my personal

              property and I should have been asked where they would

              like me – or where I would have liked them to put my

              personal property, my trees once they were removed

              from the easement. I don’t recall AEP paying me

              anything the trees. The trees are a crop and I don’t recall

              I’m being paid anything for the trees.

       Q.     Well, we had an entire trial on the amount that’s been

              paid to you and that amount is over in the Clerk of Courts

              office, isn’t it?
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                      27

       A.     Is there anything for the trees there?

       Q.     The court knows what the compensation was for and

              what the final judgment says. Now, if you disagreed then

              with the analysis in the final judgment entry about the

              right to remove the trees, did you consult with your

              attorney and ask that this issue be raised with AEP?

       A.     No, we didn’t do it. We just appealed the case.”

A review of the record further indicates that the value of the trees was taken

into consideration in arriving at the initial damage award of $54,000.00,

which amount was upheld on appeal. Ohio Power Company v. Charles R.

Ogle, et al., 4th Dist. No. 09CA1, 09AP1, 2009-Ohio-5953, ¶24 and 27.

       {¶43} In light of the foregoing, and based upon the following, we find

no error on the part of the trial court in denying Appellants’ motion for

additional compensation and sanctions. As set forth above, Appellant’s

motion for sanctions based upon alleged misrepresentations made by

Appellee regarding Appellants’ entitlement to attorney’s fees and Appellee’s

notice of deposit have been rendered moot, and were moot at the time the

trial court issued its final entry denying the pending motions.

       {¶44} Further, with respect to Appellants’ claim for additional

compensation, Appellants were aware that Appellee had possibly cut trees
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                         28

outside of the easement area, and had removed the trees cut within the

easement in the summer of 2009. Thus, although a cause of action for

alleged damages accrued at that time, Appellants never filed a separate

action seeking compensation and damages. Further, to the extent Appellants

sought additional damages related to Appellee’s removal of the trees within

the easement as part of the contempt proceedings, certainly that issue could

have been raised as part of the appeal from the contempt decision. However,

it was not.

       {¶45} The doctrine of res judicata bars claims that the defendant

raised or could have raised on direct appeal. In re B.C.S., 4th Dist. No.

07CA60, 2008-Ohio-5771, ¶ 14. “[T]he doctrine serves to preclude a

defendant who has had his day in court from seeking a second on that same

issue. In so doing, res judicata promotes the principles of finality and

judicial economy by preventing endless relitigation of an issue on which a

defendant has already received a full and fair opportunity to be heard.” State

v. Saxon, 109 Ohio St.3d 176, 2006-Ohio-1245, 846 N.E.2d 824, ¶ 18.

Based upon the facts before us, we conclude that the doctrine of res judicata

serves as a bar to Appellants raising this motion after the conclusion of the

contempt action and nearly a year after the direct appeal thereof was
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                   29

concluded. Accordingly, we find no merit to Appellant’s fifth and sixth

assignments of error and they are therefore overruled.

       {¶46} Having found no merit in any of the assignments of error raised

by Appellants, the decision of the trial court is affirmed.

                                                 JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Hocking App. No. 12CA14                                                        30

                           JUDGMENT ENTRY

     It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and that the
Appellee recover of Appellants costs herein taxed.

       The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

      It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing
the Hocking County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into
execution.

       Any stay previously granted by this Court is hereby terminated as of
the date of this entry.

      A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to
Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Exceptions.

Abele, J. & Hoover, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.

                                              For the Court,

                                       BY: _________________________
                                           Matthew W. McFarland
                                           Presiding Judge

                          NOTICE TO COUNSEL

      Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final
judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from
the date of filing with the clerk.