Court Opinion

ID: 4710455
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-08-11 14:22:30.840734+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:07:03.540642
License: Public Domain

[Cite as McGiffin v. Skurich, 2021-Ohio-2741.]

                      IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                        SEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                             MAHONING COUNTY

TIMOTHY MCGIFFIN, ET AL.,
                                                         CASE NO. 20 MA 0076
       PLAINTIFFS-APPELLANTS/
       CROSS-APPELLEES,

  v.

MATTHEW SKURICH, ET AL.,                                 OPINION

       DEFENDANTS-APPELLEES/
       CROSS-APPELLANTS.

               Appeal from Mahoning County Common Pleas Court
                          Trial Court No. 2017 CV 2300

                                     Judgment Affirmed

                             Date of Decision: August 4, 2021

APPEARANCES:

        Glenn R. Osborne and T. Scott Kamenitsa, Jr. for Appellants/
        Cross Appellees

        Thomas F. Hull, II and Martha L. Bushey for Appellees
        /Cross-Appellants
Case No. 20 MA 0076

WILLAMOWSKI, P.J.

       {¶1} Plaintiffs-appellants, cross-appellees Tim McGiffin and Lisa McGiffin

(collectively “the McGiffins”) appeal the judgment of the Mahoning County Court

of Common Pleas. This suit began when the McGiffins filed a complaint alleging

that the defendants-appellees, cross-appellants Dr. Matthew Skurich and Dr. Ruth

Skurich (collectively “the Skuriches”) intended to build a house in the Catarina

Place residential development (“Catarina Place”) that violated the deed restrictions

governing that subdivision.

       {¶2} On appeal, the McGiffins allege that the trial court erred in determining

(1) that a deed restriction requiring design plans to be submitted to the Design

Review Committee (“DRC”) of the homeowners’ association (“HOA”) for approval

could not be enforced in the absence of an HOA; (2) that Skuriches did not need to

submit their design plans to the DRC of an HOA that was formed after the initiation

of this suit; and (3) that the Skuriches’ design plans complied with the deed

restrictions.

       {¶3} The Skuriches allege that the trial court erred (1) in determining that the

McGiffins’ residence and shed were built in compliance with the deed restrictions;

(2) in finding for the McGiffins on the Skuriches’ abuse of process claim; and (3)

in constructively overruling the Skuriches objections to the magistrate’s decision to

grant the McGiffins’ request for a temporary restraining order. For the reasons set

forth below, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

                                         -2-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

                           Facts and Procedural History

         {¶4} Paolo Ricottilli (“Ricottilli”) was the President of the Ricottilli

Construction Company, Inc. (“Ricottilli Construction”). Doc. 72, Ex. A. In 2004,

Ricottilli Construction began to develop a residential subdivision called Catarina

Place in Poland Township, Mahoning County, Ohio. Doc. 1, Ex. A. Doc. 72. On

September 15, 2004, Ricottilli Construction recorded a Declaration of Covenants,

Conditions, and Restrictions/Building Guidelines (“Declaration of Covenants”) for

Catarina Place. Doc. 72, Ex. A.

         {¶5} This Declaration of Covenants contained several provisions that

governed the process of reviewing design plans for proposed builds in Catarina

Place:

         2.1 Required Submissions

         All plans for improvements, including building design, site plan,
         landscape plan and color combinations must be submitted for
         approval of a Design Review Board [(“DRB”)], as provided for
         herein prior to commencement of construction.

         ***

         2.3 Design Review Board

         Initially, the Design Review Board shall consist of the Developer,
         who shall have exclusive right of approval during the
         Development Period, or until such time as the Developer
         relinquishes all or part of said right to the [Homeowners’]
         Association. Notwithstanding, said right of approval shall
         become the sole responsibility of the Association 10 years from the
         recording of this Document, or when 80% of the lots are sold,
         whichever occurs first. At such ti[m]e as the design review

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

       function become[s] the responsibility of the Association, the
       Association shall establish a Design Review Committee made up
       of 5 members to govern such issues, as provided for in the By-laws
       of the Association. At no time shall either the Developer or the
       Association approve such plans which are in violation of the basic
       design requirement[s] as provided for herein.

Doc. 72, Ex. A. Further, the DRB had “the right to decide that a variance from the

Design Guidelines is slight and inconsequential and will have minimal effect on the

overall appearance of the community.” Doc. 72, Ex. A.

       {¶6} The Declaration of Covenants also contained building restrictions and

guidelines. Doc. 72, Ex. A. The houses in Catarina Place were required to have an

attached garage that was “designed for not less than two (2), nor more than four (4)

vehicles.” Doc. 72, Ex. A. The Declaration of Covenants also contained a general

prohibition against unattached buildings, stating that “[e]xtra storage must be

attached and part of the main structure on the property.” Doc. 72, Ex. A.

       {¶7} In 2013, Ricottilli Construction built a house and a detached storage

shed for the McGiffins’ in Catarina Place. Doc. 72. Subsequently, the Skuriches

purchased a vacant lot in Catarina Place that is adjacent to the McGiffins’ residence.

Doc. 72. In 2017, the Skuriches began taking steps towards building a house on this

lot. Doc. 4, Ex. A. After reviewing the original design plans (“Original Plans”) for

the Skuriches’ house, Poland Township issued a zoning permit to the Skuriches in

July of 2017. Doc. 4, Ex. A. Doc. 72.

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

       {¶8} The Skuriches’ Original Plans included a two-story structure (“the

storage unit”) that was situated behind the main residence. Doc. 4, Ex. A-3. The

first story of the storage unit was a two-car garage. Doc. 4, Ex. A-3. The second

story of the storage unit contained a storage area. Doc. 4, A-3. A breezeway

connected the storage unit to the main residence by “both a foundation and a roof *

* *.” Doc. 84. See Doc. 4, Ex. A. In addition to the two-car garage in the storage

unit, the main residence had a garage with spaces for three cars. Doc. 4, Ex. A-3.

Thus, the Original Plans depicted garage space for a total of five vehicles. Doc. 4,

A-3.

       {¶9} On August 31, 2017, the McGiffins filed a complaint against the

Skuriches. Doc. 1. The complaint alleged Skuriches planned to build a house that

violated the restrictions in the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 1. The complaint

requested a declaratory order that stated the proposed storage unit violated the

Declaration of Covenants and a permanent injunction that would enjoin the

Skuriches from building the proposed storage unit. Doc. 1. The McGiffins also

filed a motion that requested a temporary restraining order that would stop

construction of the proposed storage unit. Doc. 2.

       {¶10} On September 11, 2017, the Skuriches filed a motion to oppose the

McGiffins’ motion for a temporary restraining order. Doc. 4. Dr. Matthew Skurich

submitted an affidavit with this motion that included the following representations:

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

       2. In designing our dream home, we worked closely with Poland
       Township Zoning and substantially adapted our original vision
       for the home to accommodate the McGiffins’ concerns and to
       ensure that this area of the home * * * [the storage unit] is
       ‘attached’ to the house and, therefore, in full compliance with all
       zoning and deed restrictions. We plan to use this part of the house
       for storage of our large collection of toys, not as a second living
       space or any other purpose that would violate any other deed
       restrictions.

       3. In consultation with Poland Township, we were informed that
       the structure would be considered ‘attached’ to the house and not
       detached, as long as it is connected through the roof and
       foundation. * * * Based on Poland Township’s representations *
       * *, we had the drawings for our house redone to connect the
       garage/storage area both through the roof and the foundation to
       ensure it was considered ‘attached’ to the main structure. * * *
       This extension of the house is clearly attached at the roof and
       foundation as required by Poland Township and it is also
       architecturally cohesive with the house.

Doc. 4, Ex. A.

       {¶11} On October 5, 2017, the magistrate issued a temporary restraining

order as requested by the McGiffins. Doc. 9. This temporary restraining order was

set to expire after fourteen days. Doc. 9. This order also scheduled a preliminary

injunction hearing for October 17, 2017. Doc. 9. On October 11, 2017, the parties

filed a motion with the trial court that requested the upcoming hearing be converted

into a status hearing. Doc. 11. This request was made to give the parties more time

“to see if a mutually acceptable redesign of the Skuriches’ home [could] be found.”

Doc. 11. The trial court granted this motion and extended the temporary restraining

order to October 31, 2017. Doc. 13.

                                        -6-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

         {¶12} During the settlement negotiations, the Skuriches adjusted the Original

Plans for their house. The Skuriches “remove[d] one of the garage spaces, reducing

the total garage spaces to four.” Doc. 84. The Skuriches also “replace[d] the

breezeway with a fully-enclosed area that makes the four car spaces one continuous

space.” Doc. 84. The settlement negotiations produced a revised set of design plans

(“Revised Plans”) for the Skuriches’ house but did not yield an agreement between

the McGiffins and the Skuriches. See Doc. 23, Ex. A. Doc. 67.

         {¶13} On April 24, 2018, the Skuriches filed an answer and counterclaims.1

Doc. 21, 25. The Skuriches alleged that the McGiffins had a detached shed on their

property in violation of the restrictions in the Declaration of Covenants and that the

location of the McGiffins’ house was not in compliance with the setback

requirements in the Declaration of Covenants. See Doc. 44. On the basis of these

allegations, the Skuriches requested a declaratory judgment and a permanent

injunction. Doc. 44. The Skuriches also raised an abuse of process claim against

the McGiffins. See Doc. 30, 66.

         {¶14} In response, the McGiffins produced a document titled “An

Amendment to the Declaration of Covenants” (“Amendment”). Doc. 47, Ex. 1.

1
  Their answer and counterclaims were attached to a motion that requested leave to file an answer and
counterclaim. Doc. 21. The Skuriches stated that “an Answer and Counterclaims had not been filed
previously * * * because all parties believed they had this matter settled in principal prior to the due date of
responsive pleadings. Doc. 21. The Skuriches also stated that settlement negotiations “ha[d] broken down”
and that the counterclaims were based on newly discovered information. Doc. 21. The trial court granted
the Skuriches request for leave on June 5, 2018. Doc. 25.

                                                      -7-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

This Amendment was dated November 20, 2006 and reads, in its relevant part, as

follows:

       4.12 Unattached Buildings

       One storage shed of a reasonable size and of reasonable
       construction shall be allowed per lot in the Development. It shall
       be in the sole discretion of the Design Review Board as to the
       reasonableness of size and construction. The Design Review
       Board must approve, in writing, the size, style, type of
       construction, and placement of said storage shed on the lot prior
       to said storage shed’s construction. * * *

Doc. 72, Ex. D. This Amendment states that it was created in compliance with the

terms of the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 72, Ex. D. However, this copy of the

Amendment only contained the signatures of two homeowners from Catarina Place.

Doc. 72, Ex. D. Further, it was “never recorded and no versions are known to exist

with any additional signatures on it.” Doc. 72.

       {¶15} On January 29, 2019, articles of incorporation were filed to form the

Catarina Place Homeowners Association, Inc. (“CPHOA”). Doc. 44, Ex. A-5.

Before this time, Catarina Place had no HOA. Doc. 72. On February 12, 2019, Dr.

Matthew Skurich filed an affidavit that stated the following:

       Our original build was approved by the Builder/Developer
       Ricottilli Construction Company, Inc. and the Poland Township
       Zoning Board in mid-2017 and we were on the verge of building
       when the Magistrate issued the TRO. Almost seventeen months
       after this lawsuit was filed, a Home Owners Association for the
       Catarina Place Development was finally officially formed.
       According to the Articles of Incorporation * * *, the HOA was
       officially filed on 1/29/19. It would be unjust if after litigating this
       case we now have to get approval from an organization that did

                                         -8-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

       not even exist until a little over one week ago. The revised plan
       has only minor alterations to the original plan to comply with the
       restrictions and has no structural or aesthetic changes that would
       or should merit wholesale review by the new body.

Doc. 44, Ex. A. By the end of February, the CPHOA had formed a DRC to carry

out the functions of the DRB. Doc. 47, Ex. 3. Doc. 72. On March 13, 2019, an

attorney representing the CPHOA sent a letter to the Skuriches’ attorney. Doc. 47,

Ex. 3. This letter stated that the Skuriches needed to submit their building plans to

the DRC of the CPHOA for approval before they began construction on their house.

Doc. 47, Ex. 3.

       {¶16} On July 23, 2019, the parties filed agreed upon stipulations to the trial

court. Doc. 72. The fifth stipulation in this document read as follows: “Drawings

and elevations for the home the Skuriches currently wish to build on the lot are

attached hereto as Ex. B.” Doc. 72. The Revised Plans were attached to this filing

as “Exhibit B.” Doc. 72, Ex. B. The Skuriches argued that the Revised Plans were

in full compliance with the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 66.

       {¶17} On June 19, 2020, the trial court rendered a decision in this matter.

Doc. 84. The trial court found “in favor of the Skuriches on all counts of the

McGiffin[s’] Complaint” and “in favor of the McGiffin[]s on all Counts of the

Skurich[es’] Complaint * * *.” Doc. 84. The trial court determined that “the

Skuriches may proceed to build their home in accordance with the [Revised P]lans

set forth in Stipulated Exhibit B.” Doc. 84. Finally, the trial court ordered Ricottilli

                                          -9-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

to “record[] the 2006 Amendment to the Declaration of Covenants addressing sheds

within 30 days of the date of this Entry.” Doc. 84.

       {¶18} The McGiffins filed their notice of appeal on July 17, 2020. Doc. 86.

On appeal, the McGiffins raise the following three assignments of error:

                     Appellants’ First Assignment of Error

       The trial court erred when it ruled that the procedural
       requirement in the deed restrictions, specifically relating to the
       Design Review Committee (DRC) approval, are not enforceable
       against the Skuriches.

                    Appellants’ Second Assignment of Error

       The trial court erred when it ruled that the Skuriches[’] design
       plans did not need to be reviewed by the Design Review
       Committee formed in 2019.

                    Appellants’ Third Assignment of Error

       The trial court erred when it ruled that the Skuriches[’] proposed
       build did not violate specific deed restrictions.

On July 27, 2020, the Skuriches filed their notice of cross-appeal. The Skuriches

raise the following three cross-assignments of error:

                 Cross-Appellants’ First Assignment of Error

       The trial court erred in finding that the McGiffins’ residence and
       shed are not in violation of the Declaration of Covenants.

                Cross-Appellants’ Second Assignment of Error

       Assuming, arguendo, that the trial court intended to render
       judgment in favor of the McGiffins on the Skuriches’ abuse of
       process claim via its June 19, 2020 Judgment Entry, the trial court
       erred in doing so.

                                        -10-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

                 Cross-Appellants’ Third Assignment of Error

       The trial court erred in constructively overruling the Skuriches’
       Motion to Set Aside Magistrate’s Order and/or Objections to the
       October 5, 2017 Magistrate’s Decision granting the McGiffins’
       Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order.

We will consider the assignments of error raised by the McGiffins before we

consider the cross-assignments of error raised by the Skuriches.

                      First and Second Assignments of Error

       {¶19} For the sake of analytical clarity, we will consider the McGiffins’ first

and second assignments of error in one analysis. The McGiffins argue that the trial

court erred in determining that the provision in the Declaration of Covenants that

required design plans to be submitted to the DRC of an HOA was unenforceable.

The McGiffins argue that this provision is enforceable because the CPHOA was

formed in 2019 and that the Skuriches should be required to submit their design

plans to the DRC of the CPHOA.

                                   Legal Standard

       {¶20} “The construction of written contracts and instruments, including

deeds, is a matter of law.” Long Beach Assn., Inc. v. Jones, 82 Ohio St.3d 574, 576,

1998-Ohio-186, 697 N.E.2d 208, 209 (1998). See Siltstone Resources, LLC v. Ohio

Public Works Commission, 2019-Ohio-4916, 137 N.E.3d 144, ¶ 29 (7th Dist.)

(holding that “[c]ontract construction rules apply to the interpretation of the deed

restrictions”). “Questions of law are reviewed de novo.” Jones at 576. Under a de

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

novo review, an appellate court may interpret the language of the contract

substituting its interpretation for that of the trial court. Siltstone Resources at ¶ 29.

“Contract construction rules apply to the interpretation of the deed restrictions.” Id.

       {¶21} “When interpreting a deed, the primary goal of this court is to give

effect to the intentions of the parties.” LRC Realty, Inc. v. B.E.B. Properties, 160

Ohio St.3d 218, 2020-Ohio-3196, 155 N.E.3d 852, ¶ 17. “The best way to do that

is to look at the words found within the four corners of the deed itself and to adhere

to the plain language used there.” Id. “Where the language in the restriction is clear,

the court must enforce the restriction. Otherwise, the court would be rewriting the

restriction.” Clark v. Osting, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-03-17, 2004-Ohio-98, ¶ 11,

quoting Dean v. Nugent Canal Yacht Club, Inc., 66 Ohio App.3d 471, 475, 585

N.E.2d 554, 557 (6th Dist. 1990).

       {¶22} “A ‘restrictive covenant’ is a ‘private agreement, usu[ally] in a deed

or lease, that restricts the use or occupancy of real property, esp[ecially] by

specifying lot sizes, building lines, architectural styles, and the uses to which the

property may be put.’” Canton v. State, 95 Ohio St.3d 149, 2002-Ohio-2005, 766

N.E.2d 963, ¶ 28 (2002), quoting Black’s Law Dictionary 371 (7th Ed. Rev. 1999).

“Restrictive covenants are often utilized to effect a general plan for a development.”

Dillingham v. Do, 12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2002-01-004, CA2002-01-017, 2002-

Ohio-3349, ¶ 16. “An owner of land is free to adopt a general building plan for a

                                          -12-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

development, designed to make it more attractive for residential purposes.” Id. at ¶

10.

       {¶23} However, “[o]ur legal system does not favor restrictions on the use of

property.” Driscoll v. Austintown Associates, 42 Ohio St.2d 263, 276, 328 N.E.2d

395 (1975). Thus, the Ohio Supreme Court has held that

       [d]eed restrictions are generally disfavored and will be ‘strictly
       construed against limitations upon * * * use, and * * * all doubts
       should be resolved against a possible construction thereof which
       would increase the restriction upon the use of such real estate.’

Cincinnati City School Dist. Bd. of Edn. v. Conners, 132 Ohio St.3d 468, 2012-

Ohio-2447, 974 N.E.2d 78, ¶ 20, quoting Loblaw, Inc. v. Warren Plaza, Inc., 163

Ohio St. 581, 127 N.E.2d 754 (1955), paragraph two of the syllabus.

                                  Legal Analysis

       {¶24} The Declaration of Covenants for Catarina Place contains the

following relevant provisions:

       2.1 Required Submission

       All plans for Improvements, including building designs, site plan,
       landscape plan and color combinations must be submitted for
       approval of a Design Review Board, as provided for herein prior
       to commencement of construction.

       ***

       2.3 Design Review Board

       Initially, the Design Review Board shall consist of the Developer,
       who shall have exclusive right of approval during the
       Development Period, or until such time as the Developer

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

      relinquishes all or part of said right to the Association.
      Notwithstanding, said right of approval shall become the sole
      responsibility of the Association 10 years from the recording of
      this Document, or when 80% of the lots are sold, whichever occurs
      first. At such tine [sic] as the design review function become [sic]
      the responsibility of the Association, the Association shall
      establish a Design Review Committee made up of 5 members to
      govern such issues, as provided for in the By-laws of the
      Association. At no time shall either the Developer or the
      Association approve such plans which are in violation of basic
      design requirement as provided for herein.

Doc. 72, Ex. A. Since the Declaration of Covenants was recorded on September 15,

2004, a DRC of the HOA for Catarina Place was to assume the responsibilities of

the DRB in 2014. Doc. 72, Ex. A.

      {¶25} However, “[a] formal Homeowners’ Association was not formed for

the Catarina Place until January of 2019. The Design Review Committee was also

formed at the same time.” Doc. 72. Thus, no DRC or HOA existed at the time that

the Skuriches began the process of building their house in 2017. Doc. 72. In

between 2014 and 2017, “[s]everal homes were constructed in the Catarina Place

Development * * *.” Doc. 72.

      Palo Ricotilli [sic], an owner of Ricotilli [sic] Construction,
      testified at his deposition that he reviewed and approved the
      Skuriches’ proposed build, and that he believed that, on behalf of
      Ricotilli [sic] Construction, he had authority to approve it as [the]
      acting Design Review Committee for the Catarina Place
      Development. The McGiffins disagree with Palo Ricotilli’s [sic]
      assessment, based on paragraph 2.3 of the [Declaration of
      Covenants] * * *.

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

Doc. 72. Further, the Skuriches also “obtained a permit from Poland Zoning to

build.” Doc. 72. The McGiffins and Skuriches disagree as to whether this permit

is relevant to this action. Doc. 72.

       {¶26} After reviewing these facts, the trial court concluded that the provision

in the Declaration of Covenants that required design plans to be submitted to DRC

of the HOA was not enforceable. Doc. 84. On appeal, the McGiffins assert that

this provision is enforceable and that the Skuriches should be required to submit

their building plans to the DRC of the CPHOA, which was formed in 2019. Doc.

72. In determining whether this provision is enforceable against the Skuriches, we

have found two cases from our sister districts to be informative.

       {¶27} In Garvin v. Cull, the Eleventh District Court of Appeals considered a

case in which homeowners (“defendants”) erected a fence after obtaining a permit

from their local building department. Garvin v. Cull, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2005-L-

145, 2006-Ohio-5166, ¶ 3. The applicable declaration of restrictions for this

subdivision required homeowners to seek the approval of their HOA before erecting

a fence. Id. at ¶ 6. However, no such HOA existed at the time the defendants built

this fence. Id. at ¶ 17. The defendants’ neighbors (“plaintiffs”) filed a suit, alleging

that the defendants’ fence was not in compliance with the deed restrictions because

the fence had not been approved by the HOA. Id. at ¶ 3, 12.

       {¶28} The trial court found that “the deed restrictions that required prior

approval of fences by the homeowners’ association or its architectural committee

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

[were] unenforceable against the [defendants.]” Garvin at ¶ 14. On appeal, the

Eleventh District noted that

       there was no Association, or any approval committee, in existence
       or otherwise operating, at the time the subject fence was erected
       in July 2004. It follows that there was no entity that the
       [defendant] could apply to for approval of the fence.

Id. at ¶ 17. The Eleventh District determined that the plaintiffs could sue to enforce

deed restrictions as members of the subdivision. Id. at ¶ 23. However, the plaintiffs

could not act as the HOA or architectural committee when the deed restrictions did

not give them any authority to act in such a capacity. Id. The Eleventh District then

concluded that the provision requiring fences to be approved by the HOA was

unenforceable in this situation. Id.

       {¶29} In Barbato v. Shundry, the Fifth District Court of Appeals considered

a case in which homeowners (“defendants”) sought to build a detached garage after

obtaining zoning approval from the township. Barbato v. Shundry, 5th Dist. Stark

No. CA-8451, 1991 WL 115949, *3 (June 10, 1991). The defendants’ property was

subject to a deed restriction that required plans for buildings to be submitted to the

grantor for approval before construction.        Id.    The defendants’ neighbors

(“plaintiffs”) sued to prevent the construction of this detached garage. Id. at *4.

The trial court found for the defendants. Id. at *1.

       {¶30} On appeal, the plaintiffs argued that, as property owners, “they [had]

standing to enforce restrictive covenants even if the grantor has refused, arbitrarily

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

or not, to enforce them.” Barbato at *2. The Fifth District disagreed, finding that

the deed restriction that required homeowners to have their proposed building plans

reviewed was not enforceable by the plaintiffs

       because the rejection procedure no longer exists. A property
       owner cannot unilaterally and arbitrarily assume that authority,
       however capable he is of enforcing a clear cut restriction that
       requires no aesthetic or other judgment.

Id. at *2. Since “no entity [was] available to reasonably exercise the authority to

disapprove of the proposed garage,” the Fifth District concluded that the trial court

did not err in denying the plaintiffs an injunction to enjoin the defendants from

building their detached garage. Id. at *1-2, 6.

       {¶31} Turning to the facts of the case before this Court, the functions of the

DRB were supposed to move from Ricottilli Construction to the DRC of an HOA

in 2014 pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 72, Ex. A.

Since no HOA was formed in 2014, Ricottilli, as the developer, appears to have

continued to carry out the functions of the DRB. The record indicates that a number

of houses were built in Catarina Place in between 2014 and 2017 in the absence of

an HOA with a DRC that could serve as a DRB. Doc. 72.

       {¶32} As the Skuriches were seeking to build their house in 2017, they

submitted the Original Plans to Ricottilli for review in accordance with the

prevailing practice of that time. The Skuriches could not submit the Original Plans

to the DRC of an HOA that did not exist. In his capacity as developer and in the

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

absence of an HOA, Ricottilli reviewed the Original Plans for the Skuriches’ house.

Ricottilli testified that he approved the Skuriches’ design plans in 2017, “believ[ing]

that, on behalf of Ricotili [sic] Construction, he had authority to approve it as acting

Design Review Committee for the Catarina Place Development.” Doc. 72. Thus,

the Original Plans went through the same approval process that every other existing

house in Catarina Place had gone through by that point in time. Doc. 84.

       {¶33} Further, the record also indicates that the Skuriches submitted the

Original Plans to the local authorities in Poland Township for review. Doc. 4, Ex.

A. Doc. 47, Ex. 1. Doc. 72. Poland Township informed the Skuriches that their

storage unit was an attached structure as it was connected to the main residence

“through the roof and foundation.” Doc. 4, Ex. A. The Skuriches were then issued

a zoning permit from Poland Township. Doc. 72. See Garvin, supra, at ¶ 2;

Barbato, supra, at *3.

       {¶34} When the McGiffins initiated this suit, the Skuriches’ Original Plans

had already been approved by Ricottilli, having gone through the design review

process as it existed in between 2014 and 2017. The trial court, in its judgment

entry, explained the problems that could arise from finding that the design review

process, as it prevailed in between 2014 and 2017, is invalid:

       [This] would be to find that the several other homes built between
       October 2014 and June of 2019 were all built in violation of the
       Deed Restrictions and it would subject those homeowners to the
       possibility of having the validity of their homes put into question

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

       in future lawsuits by Development residents. Such a finding
       would be unjust and extremely disruptive to the Development.

Doc. 84. We also note that no HOA had been formed for Catarina Place by the time

that the McGiffins had filed their complaint. Doc. 1, 72. Thus, even if the Skuriches

had not already gone through the existing design review process with Ricottilli, they

still could not have, at this point, submitted their Original Plans to the DRC of an

HOA that did not exist.

       {¶35} Section 3.4 of the Declaration of Covenants also gives the DRB the

authority to reject design plans based on “aesthetic considerations.” Doc. 72, Ex.

A. This is exactly the type of authority that the Fifth District determined an

individual homeowner could not “unilaterally and arbitrarily assume * * *” in

Barbato. Barbato, supra, at *2. The design review process described in Section

3.4 is not a “clear cut restriction” and instead relies on “aesthetic or other judgment.”

Id. at *2. Thus, in the absence of an HOA, the procedures in Section 2.3 of the

Declaration of Covenants that required an HOA with a DRC were not enforceable

by the McGiffins as individual homeowners at the time that this suit was initiated.

See Garvin, supra, at ¶ 17; Barbato, supra, at *2.

       {¶36} Further, the subsequent creation of the CPHOA in 2019 did not render

the requirement that plans be submitted to the DRC of an HOA in Section 2.3 of the

Declaration of Covenants enforceable against the Skuriches. In this particular case,

the Original Plans had already gone through the design review process as it existed

                                          -19-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

in between 2014 and 2017.2 To require the Skuriches to submit their design plans

to the DRC of the CPHOA would be require them to go through a design review

process two times. Doc. 84. We also note that the CPHOA was not formed until

almost seventeen months after the McGiffins had initiated this suit. Doc. 1. Doc.

44, Ex. A.

        {¶37} Next, the McGiffins point to the fact that the Original Plans were

modified during the course of this litigation and argue that the Revised Plans need

to be reviewed by the DRC of the CPHOA. However, the trial court found that the

Revised Plans did not include “major structural changes or any changes that

materially affect the aesthetics of the already-approved design.” Doc. 84. Thus,

this litigation did not result in an entirely new set of building plans. Instead, the

Skuriches made a few minor modifications to the Original Plans to ensure full

compliance with the Declaration of Covenants.3 Because only minor modifications

were made to building plans that had already been approved by Ricottilli, the

Skuriches do not need to start the entire design review process over again.

        {¶38} For these reasons, we conclude that the provision in the Declaration of

Covenants that requires design plans to be submitted to the DRC of an HOA is

2
  This does not mean that the provision requiring the DRC of an HOA to review design plans as the DRB is
unenforceable in the future now that the CPHOA is in existence. In this case, however, the CPHOA did not
exist during the timeframe in which the Skuriches were going through the design review process. Thus, this
provision is unenforceable against the Skuriches in the case presently before us. See also Doc. 84.
3
  We note that the trial court did not make a determination as to whether these modifications were necessary
to bring the Original Plans into compliance with the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 84. Instead, the trial
court simply found that the Revised Plans were in compliance with the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 84.

                                                   -20-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

unenforceable against the Skuriches under the facts of this case. The McGiffins

cannot, therefore, compel the Skuriches to go through a second design review

process with the DRC of the CPHOA.4 As such, the McGiffins’ first and second

assignments of error are overruled.

                                     Third Assignment of Error

         {¶39} The McGiffins argue that the trial court erred in determining that the

challenged design plans do not violate the specific deed restrictions.

                                            Legal Standard

         {¶40} We here reincorporate the legal standard set forth under the first and

second assignments of error.

                                            Legal Analysis

         {¶41} During the course of this litigation, the McGiffins argued that the

Skuriches’ design plans violated Section 4.1 and Section 4.12 of the Declaration of

Covenants. Doc. 72, Ex. A. These two provisions read as follows:

         4.1 General Building [R]equirements

         No building shall be erected, placed, altered, or suffered to remain
         on any lot included in the said Plat other than (1) detached single
         family dwelling, not to exceed (2) stories in height with a private
         garage attached thereto, designed for not less than two (2), nor
         more than four (4) vehicles.

4
  While we have found that the McGiffins could not compel the Skuriches to submit their Original Plans or
Revised Plans to the DRC of the CPHOA in this case, this does not mean that the McGiffins, as individual
homeowners, could not challenge aspects of the Original Plans or the Revised Plans as failing to conform to
the “clear cut” restrictions in the Declaration of Covenants. Barbato, supra, at *2. In fact, such challenges
are the subject of the McGiffins’ third assignment of error.

                                                   -21-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

       ***

       4.12 Unattached Buildings

       No unattached building or sheds of any type are allowed. Extra
       storage must be attached and part of the main structure on the
       property.

Doc. 72, Ex. A. In its judgment entry, the trial court determined that Revised Plans

submitted by the parties with the agreed stipulations as “Exhibit B” did not violate

the restrictions in the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 84. See Doc. 72, Ex. B.

       {¶42} On appeal, the McGiffins argue that trial court erred in determining

that the Revised Plans do not violate the deed restrictions. As in the first two

assignments of error, the McGiffins argue that the Skuriches are failing to comply

with the the Declaration of Covenants. However, unlike the restriction that was the

subject of the first two assignments of error, Section 4.1 and Section 4.12 contain

“clear cut restriction[s] that require[] no aesthetic or other judgment.” Barbato,

supra, at *2. Further, the enforcement of Section 4.1 and Section 4.12 also do not

rely on the existence of a formal HOA in 2017. See Garvin, supra, at ¶ 23.

       {¶43} As to the restriction in Section 4.1, the Original Plans emerged from

the design review process with garage space for five cars. Doc. 1, Ex. A. Doc. 4,

Ex. A-3. See Doc. 72, Ex. F. However, during the course of this litigation, the

Skuriches modified their building plans and “remove[d] one of the garage spaces,

reducing the total garage spaces to four.” Doc. 84. See Doc. 72, Ex. B.          The

evidence in the record indicates that the Skuriches’ building plans are not designed

                                       -22-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

for more than four vehicles and are, thus, in compliance with Section 4.1. Doc. 72,

Ex. B.

         {¶44} The restriction in Section 4.12 states that “unattached building[s] or

sheds” are not permitted and that “[e]xtra storage must be attached and part of the

main structure on the property.” Doc. 72, Ex. A. Thus, the question is whether the

Skuriches’ proposed storage unit is attached to the main residence.            Poland

Township defines “attachment” as follows: “a structural addition or alteration to a

principal building by physically affixing it to the principal building with both a

foundation and a roof * * *.” Doc. 4, Ex. A-2. Doc. 84.

         {¶45} In the Original Plans, a breezeway connected the storage unit and the

main residence by “both a foundation and a roof.” Doc. 84. Doc. 1, Ex. A. While

the breezeway is converted into a “fully-enclosed area” in the Revised Plans, the

storage unit and the main residence are still joined “by both a foundation and a roof.”

Doc. 84. Based on the definition from Poland Township, the trial court found that

the storage unit was not an “unattached building.” Doc. 84. The trial court also

noted that Poland Township issued a building permit without “requir[ing] the

Skuriches to obtain a variance and issued a zoning permit for the build.” Doc. 84.

         {¶46} Because the “fully-enclosed area” connects the storage unit to the

main residence by roof and by foundation, the storage unit is attached to the main

residence. Doc. 4, Ex. A-2. Doc. 84. As such, the storage unit is not an “unattached

building.” Doc. 72, Ex. A. For these reasons, the Revised Plans do not violate

                                         -23-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

Section 4.12 of the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 72, Ex. A. Thus, in this appeal,

the McGiffins have not identified a violation of Section 4.1 restrictions in the

Skuriches’ building plans.

       {¶47} Finally, the McGiffins argue that the Skuriches have not submitted the

final plans for their proposed build. However, in the agreed upon stipulations that

were submitted to the trial court, the Skuriches attached a copy of the Revised Plans

and indicated that these represented the house that they wished to build. Doc. 72,

Ex. B. The trial court evaluated these Revised Plans, finding them to be in

compliance with the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 84. In its judgment entry, the

trial court stated that “the Skuriches may proceed to build their home in accordance

with the [Revised P]lans set forth in Exhibit B * * *.” Doc. 84. Thus, the McGiffins’

final argument is without merit.

       {¶48} In conclusion, the Revised Plans submitted by the Skuriches indicate

that the garage space in their house is not designed for less than two or more than

four vehicles in compliance with Section 4.1. Further, the Revised Plans indicate

that their storage unit will be attached to their main residence in compliance with

Section 4.12. Thus, the McGiffins’ have not demonstrated that the trial court erred

in determining that the Skuriches’ building plans complied with these restrictions in

the Declaration of Covenants. As such, the McGiffins’ third assignment of error is

overruled.

                                        -24-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

                         First Cross-Assignment of Error

       {¶49} The Skuriches argue that the trial court erred in determining that the

McGiffins’ property complies with the restrictions in the Declaration of Covenants.

                                  Legal Standard

       {¶50} We here reincorporate the legal standard set forth under the

McGiffins’ first and second assignments of error.

                                  Legal Analysis

       {¶51} The Skuriches argue that the McGiffins’ property does not conform to

the restrictions in the Declaration of Covenants in two ways. First, they argue that

the McGiffins’ house is situated too close to the property line with the Skuriches in

violation of the setback requirements in the Declaration of Covenants. Second, they

assert that the McGiffins have a freestanding shed that violates the prohibition

against detached structures in the Declaration of Covenants.

       {¶52} The first argument alleges a violation of Section 4.4 of the Declaration

of Covenants. This provision reads, in its relevant part, as follows:

       4.4 Front, Side and [R]ear Yard Requirements.

       All buildings * * * shall be located within the Building Site and
       shall be in accordance with the building set-back lines, minimum
       side yard and rear lot line requirements as set forth in the
       Township of Poland Ordinances. * * * There shall be two (2) side
       yards with a total width of not less than twenty (20) feet. The
       width of the narrowest of the two (2) side yards shall not be less
       than ten (10) feet. * * *

                                        -25-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

Doc. 72, Ex. A.5 During this litigation, Chamberlin Surveying examined the

McGiffins’ property and determined that their house is situated only 8.5 feet from

their property line with the Skuriches. Doc. 72, Ex. C.

        {¶53} However, this fact does not, by itself, establish a violation of the

Section 4.4 because Section 3.3 of the Declaration of Covenants states the

following:

        3.3 Inconsequential Items.

        The Design Guidelines have been designed to provide general
        standards for the approval of plans. The Design Review Board
        shall have the right to decide that a variance from the Design
        Guidelines is slight and inconsequential and will have minimal
        effect on the overall appearance of the community.

Doc. 72, Ex. A. Since the McGiffins’ house was built before 2014, there is no

dispute that the developer, Ricottilli, was serving as the DRB pursuant to Section

2.3 of the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 72, Ex. A. Further, the trial court noted

that “Ricottilli testified that he sometimes built homes with slight variations from

side yard set-back requirements as necessary during this time.” Doc. 84. As such,

Ricottilli testified that he believed the McGiffins’ house did “not violate the Deed

Restrictions.” Doc. 72.

        {¶54} Based on these facts, we conclude that the location of the McGiffins’

house does not violate Section 4.4. At the time the McGiffins’ house was built, the

5
  The trial court found that “it is undisputed that the McGiffin[s’] home complies with the set-back
requirements of Poland Township.” Doc. 84. Thus, the Skuriches’ argument is strictly about whether the
McGiffins’ house complies with the setback requirements specified in the Declaration of Covenants.

                                                -26-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

developer, as the DRB, had the authority to approve a variance from the general

building guidelines that was “slight and inconsequential.” Doc. 72, Ex. A. The

record indicates that Ricottilli used this authority to approve minor alterations to the

general setback requirements of Section 4.4 as he built houses in Catarina Place.

Doc. 72, 84. Thus, the trial court did not err in determining that Ricottilli was within

his authority to approve a 1.5-foot variance between the McGiffins’ house and the

Skuriches’ property line and that the McGiffins’ house did not violate Section 4.4

of the Declaration of Covenants. As such, the Skuriches’ first argument herein is

without merit.

       {¶55} Next, the Skuriches argue that the McGiffins’ have a shed on their

property that violates Section 4.1 and Section 4.12 of the Declaration of Covenants.

These two provisions read as follows:

       4.1 General Building [R]equirements

       No building shall be erected, placed, altered, or suffered to remain
       on any lot included in the said Plat other than (1) detached single
       family dwelling, not to exceed (2) stories in height with a private
       garage attached thereto, designed for not less than two (2), nor
       more than four (4) vehicles.

       ***

       4.12 Unattached Buildings

       No unattached building or sheds of any type are allowed. Extra
       storage must be attached and part of the main structure on the
       property.

                                         -27-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

Doc. 72, Ex. A. The McGiffins have a shed in their backyard that is not attached to

the main structure on their property. Doc. 72.

      {¶56} However, the parties to this action submitted a document that is

entitled “Amendment to Declaration of Covenants” (“Amendment”). Doc. 72, Ex.

D. This Amendment reads, in its relevant part, as follows:

      The * * * DECLARATION OF COVENANTS * * * is hereby
      amended to read as follows:

      4.12 UNATTACHED BUILDINGS

      One storage shed of a reasonable size and of reasonable
      construction shall be allowed per lot in the Development. It shall
      be in the sole discretion of the Design Review Board as to the
      reasonableness of size and construction. The Design Review
      Board must approve, in writing, the size, style, type of
      construction and placement of said storage shed on the lot prior
      to said storage shed’s construction. Failure to obtain such
      approval shall result in the removal of said shed at the owner’s
      cost. * * * Should the Design Review Board find a violation of
      any of the above, or any other issue which is reasonable in nature
      relating to said shed, the owner shall have 14 days to cure the
      complaint, or the Design Review Board shall cause the shed to be
      removed at the owner’s expense.

Doc. 72, Ex. D. This amendment was dated November 20, 2006 but had not been

recorded by the time that the McGiffins initiated the instant suit. Doc. 72. In

between 2006 and the time of this suit, a number of homeowners in Catarina Place

had erected sheds on their properties. Doc. 84.

      {¶57} According to Ricottilli’s testimony, he was aware of this Amendment

and relied on its existence when he approved sheds for homeowners in Catarina

                                       -28-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

Place as the developer in control of the DRB. Doc. 84. We note that Section 7.7 of

the Declaration of Covenants gives the developer the authority to make

“adjustments and amendments * * *” to the Declaration of Covenants. Doc. 72, Ex.

A. Section 7.7 reads, in relevant part, as follows:

         The Developer, while in control of the Design Review Board, may,
         unilaterally and without notice, make such adjustments and
         amendments to this Declaration as may become necessary, in
         Developer’s sole discretion, to allow for the orderly construction
         and progression of the Development * * *.

Doc. 72, Ex. A. There is no dispute that Ricottilli, as developer, controlled the DRB

through 2014. Doc. 72, Ex. A. The record indicates that Ricottilli built the

McGiffins’ shed at the same time he constructed their house in 2013. Doc. 72.

Further, the Skuriches do not allege that the McGiffins’ shed does not comply with

the specifications contained in the Amendment. Doc. 84. Given that Ricottilli relied

on this Amendment when he was the developer in control of the DRB, we conclude

that the trial court did not err in determining that the McGiffins’ shed did not violate

the Declaration of Covenants in consideration of the Amendment thereto.6 For these

reasons, the Skuriches’ first cross-assignment of error is overruled.

                               Second Cross-Assignment of Error

         {¶58} The Skuriches argue that the facts of this case present a clear abuse of

process claim against the McGiffins.

6
  The trial court determined that the failure to record this Amendment was a procedural defect that could be
rectified by simply recording this Amendment. Doc. 84. Thus, the trial court ordered Ricottilli to record the
Amendment within thirty days of the issuance of its judgment entry. Doc. 84.

                                                   -29-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

                                  Legal Standard

       {¶59} “Ohio law, like the English common law before it, has long recognized

a right to recover in tort for the misuse of civil and criminal actions as a means of

causing harm.” Yaklevich v. Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe Co., L.P.A., 68 Ohio St.3d

294, 297, 1994-Ohio-503, 626 N.E.2d 115, 117 (1994), quoting Trussell v. Gen.

Motors Corp., 53 Ohio St.3d 142, 144, 559 N.E.2d 732, 734 (1990). Abuse of

process is a tort recognized in the State of Ohio that addresses such misuse of the

legal process. Id. at 298. This claim

       must initially be distinguished from malicious prosecution. The
       tort of abuse of process arises when one maliciously misuses legal
       process to accomplish some purpose not warranted by law. 1
       American Jurisprudence 2d (1962) 250, Abuse of Process, Section
       1. * * * Abuse of process does not lie for the wrongful bringing of
       an action, but for the improper use, or ‘abuse,’ of process.

Clermont Environmental Reclamation Co. v. Hancock, 16 Ohio App.3d 9, 11, 474

N.E.2d 357, 361 (12th Dist. 1984).

       The three elements of the tort of abuse of process are: (1) that a
       legal proceeding has been set in motion in proper form and with
       probable cause; (2) that the proceeding has been perverted to
       attempt to accomplish an ulterior purpose for which it was not
       designed; and (3) that direct damage has resulted from the
       wrongful use of process.

Yaklevich at paragraph one of the syllabus.

       In order to establish the second element of abuse of process, “a
       claimant must show that one used process with an ‘ulterior
       motive,’ as the gist of [the] offense is found in the manner in which
       process is used. * * * There must also be shown a further act in
       the use of process not proper in the regular conduct of the

                                        -30-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

       proceeding.”      Clermont Environmental Reclamation Co. v.
       Hancock, 16 Ohio App.3d 9, 11, 474 N.E.2d 357 (12th Dist.1984).
       ‘The gravamen of the misconduct for which the liability * * * is
       imposed is not the wrongful procurement of legal process or the
       wrongful initiation of criminal or civil proceedings; it is the
       misuse of process, no matter how properly obtained, for any
       purpose other than that which it was designed to accomplish.’
       Restatement of the Law 2d, Torts, Section 682, Comment a.
       ‘Ulterior purpose’ or ‘motive’ has been interpreted as ‘an attempt
       to gain an advantage outside the proceeding, such as payment of
       money or surrender of a claim, using the process itself as the
       threat.’ Wolfe v. Little, 2nd Dist. No. 18718, 2001 WL 427408, *10.

Thomason v. AT&T, 7th Dist. Belmont No. 18 BE 0016, 2018-Ohio-4914, ¶ 31.

       “The key factor in an abuse-of-process lawsuit ‘is whether an
       improper purpose was sought to be achieved by the use of a
       lawfully brought previous action.[’]” Carson at ¶ 16, quoting
       Yaklevich, 68 Ohio St.3d at 300. ‘[T]here is no liability [for abuse
       of process] where the defendant has done nothing more than
       carry out the process to its authorized conclusion, even though
       with bad intentions.’ Hershey v. Edelman, 187 Ohio App.3d 400,
       2010-Ohio-1992, [932 N.E.2d 386,] ¶ 41 (10th Dist.), quoting
       Yaklevich at 298, quoting Prosser & Keeton, The Law of Torts 898
       (5th Ed.1984).

Turkoly v. Gentile, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 20 MA 0043, 2021-Ohio-965, ¶ 14.

                                   Legal Analysis

       {¶60} The Skuriches first argue that the judgment entry of the trial court was

not a final appealable order because it did not specifically discuss the Skuriches’

abuse of process claim. Doc. 84. However, in its judgment entry, the trial court

clearly disposed of all claims, finding in favor of the McGiffins on the claims raised

by the Skuriches and finding for the Skuriches on the claims raised by the

McGiffins. Doc. 84. “A final order * * * is one disposing of the whole case or

                                        -31-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

some separate and distinct branch thereof.” Lantsberry v. Tilley Lamp Co., 27 Ohio

St.2d 303, 272 N.E.2d 127 (1971). This judgment entry does not “leave[] issues

unresolved [or] * * * contemplate[] further action * * *.” VIL Laser Sys., L.L.C. v.

Shiloh Industries, Inc., 119 Ohio St.3d 354, 2008-Ohio-3920, 894 N.E.2d 303, ¶ 8.

As such, this judgment entry is a final appealable order.

       {¶61} Next, the Skuriches assert arguendo that the trial court erred in finding

for the McGiffins on their abuse of process claim. We will focus our analysis on

the second element of this claim. The Skuriches allege that the McGiffins perverted

this proceeding to accomplish the improper or ulterior purpose of imposing their

personal design preferences on the Skuriches. Id. In support of this claim, the

Skuriches raise two main arguments that we will examine in turn.

       {¶62} First, the Skuriches argue that the McGiffins used settlement

negotiations to make demands that “were not based in law * * *.” Cross-Appellants’

Brief, 27. In general, settlement negotiations exist to provide adverse parties with

an opportunity to find a mutually agreeable compromise that can bring their dispute

to an end. See Marks v. Allstate Ins. Co., 153 Ohio App.3d 378, 2003-Ohio-4043,

794 N.E.2d 129 (5th Dist.). The Ohio Supreme Court has held that

       ‘[t]he law favors the resolution of controversies and uncertainties
       through compromise and settlement rather than through
       litigation. * * * The resolution of controversies * * * by means of
       compromise and settlement * * * results in a saving of time for the
       parties, the lawyers, and the courts, and it is thus advantageous to
       judicial administration, and, in turn, to government as a whole.’

                                        -32-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

Spercel v. Sterling Industries, Inc., 31 Ohio St.2d 36, 38, 285 N.E.2d 324, 325

(1972), quoting 15 American Jurisprudence 2d 938, Compromise and Settlement,

Section 4.

       {¶63} On appeal, the Skuriches have not identified any demands from the

McGiffins that were not “directly tied to the litigation pending in the trial court.”

Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. v. Wentz, 9th Dist. Summit No. 23535, 2007-Ohio-

3237, ¶ 13 (rejecting the argument “that any settlement demand that goes beyond

the relief requested in the complaint is a perversion of the legal process”). Given

that public policy favors resolution of disputes through settlement negotiations, a

conclusion that the kinds of requests made by the McGiffins during settlement

negotiations amounts to “abuse of process is untenable.” Id. at ¶ 14.

       {¶64} Second, the Skuriches point to the McGiffins’ decision to continue this

action after the Skuriches had made modifications to the design plans as evidence

of an ulterior motive. In this situation, when the settlement negotiations failed to

yield a mutually agreeable compromise, the McGiffins moved forward with their

legal action. The fact that settlement negotiations were not successful in producing

a mutually agreeable compromise does not mean that the McGiffins engaged in

abuse of process. The Ohio Supreme Court has held that “there is no liability [for

abuse of process] where the defendant has done nothing more than carry out the

process to its authorized conclusion * * *.” Yaklevich, supra, at 298. Thus, the fact

                                        -33-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

that the McGiffins continued to press their legal claims does not suggest that they

abused the legal process in this case. Id.

       {¶65} Having examined the materials in the record, we conclude that the

Skuriches did not produce evidence to establish the second element of their abuse

of process claim. For this reason, the trial court did not err in finding for the

McGiffins in this matter.      Since the Skuriches failed to carry the burden of

demonstrating that the McGiffins acted with an ulterior motive, their second cross-

assignment of error is overruled.

                         Third Cross-Assignment of Error

       {¶66} The Skuriches argue that the trial court erred in constructively

overruling their objections to the magistrate’s decision granting the McGiffins’

motion for a temporary restraining order.

                                    Legal Standard

       {¶67} “The duty of this court, as of every other judicial tribunal, is to decide

actual controversies by a judgment which can be carried into effect, and not to give

opinions upon moot questions or abstract propositions, or to declare principles or

rules of law which cannot affect the matter in issue in the case before it.” Miner v.

Witt, 82 Ohio St. 237, 92 N.E. 21 (1910), quoting Mills v. Green, 159 U.S. 651, 653,

16 S.Ct. 132, 40 L.Ed. 293 (1895). Thus, “[t]he mootness doctrine provides [that]

‘American courts will not decide * * * cases in which there is no longer any actual

                                         -34-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

controversy.’” In re A.G., 139 Ohio St.3d 572, 2014-Ohio-2597, 13 N.E.3d 1146,

¶ 36, quoting Black’s Law Dictionary (9th Ed. 2009).

       {¶68} The doctrine of mootness applies when “issues are no longer live, or

when the parties no longer have a legally cognizable interest in the outcome.” U.S.

Bank Natl. Assn. v. Marcino, 7th Dist. Jefferson No. 09 JE 29, 2010-Ohio-6512, ¶

7, citing State ex rel. Gaylor, Inc. v. Goodenow, 125 Ohio St.3d 407, 2010-Ohio-

1844, 928 N.E.2d 728, at ¶ 10. “As a general rule, courts will not resolve issues that

are moot.” Nextel West Corp. v. Franklin County Bd. of Zoning Appeals, 10th Dist.

Franklin No. 03AP-625, 2004-Ohio-2943, ¶ 10.

                                   Legal Analysis

       {¶69} On August 31, 2017, the McGiffins filed a motion for a temporary

restraining order. Doc. 2. On October 5, 2017, the magistrate issued a temporary

restraining order that was set to expire after fourteen days. Doc. 9. This order also

set a hearing on this matter for October 17, 2017. Doc. 9. However, on October 11,

2017, the parties filed a joint motion that requested that the October 17, 2017 hearing

be converted to a status conference. Doc. 11. On October 13, 2017, the magistrate

granted this motion and extended the temporary restraining order until October 31,

2017. Doc. 13. On October 16, 2017, the Skuriches filed a motion that raised a

general objection to the magistrate’s temporary restraining order. Doc. 14.

                                         -35-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

       {¶70} However, we have examined the record and have not found an order

that extended this temporary restraining order after its expiration on October 31,

2017. When a “temporary restraining order has expired, there is no longer a

controversy in dispute.” Bambeck v. Catholic Dioceses of Cleveland, 8th Dist.

Cuyahoga No. 86894, 2006-Ohio-4883, ¶ 20. See State ex rel. v. Board of County

Com’rs of Allen County, 32 Ohio St.3d 24, 512 N.E.2d 332, fn. 2 (1987). Since the

temporary restraining order has expired in this case, the “question of its propriety”

is moot. State ex rel. Pfeiffer v. Columbus Inn & Suites, 10th Dist. Franklin No.

14AP-132, 2014-Ohio-4358, ¶ 41.          See also McClead v. McClead, 4h Dist.

Washington No. 06CA67, 2007-Ohio-4624, ¶ 14.

       {¶71} Underlying the Skuriches’ challenge to the propriety of this temporary

restraining order is an argument that their Original Plans complied with the

Declaration of Covenants and that they should be allowed to build their house in

accordance with these Original Plans. The Skuriches argue that this Court should

“affirmatively conclude that the Skuriches’ * * * [Original Plans] are compliant with

the Declaration of Covenants and permissible to build.” Cross-Appellants’ Brief,

30. However, even if the expiration of the temporary restraining order had not

rendered the issue of its propriety moot, the Skuriches would still not prevail on this

underlying argument.

       {¶72} On July 23, 2019, the McGiffins and Skuriches submitted agreed upon

stipulations to the trial court. Doc. 72. The fifth stipulation reads as follows:

                                         -36-
Case No. 20 MA 0076

“Drawings and elevations for the home the Skuriches currently wish to build on the

lot are attached hereto as Ex. B.” Doc. 72, Ex. B. The Skuriches attached the

Revised Plans—not the Original Plans—as Exhibit B. Doc. 72, Ex. B. See Doc. 4,

Ex. A-3. The trial court, in its judgment entry, evaluated the Revised Plans in light

of the restrictions in the Declaration of Covenants, the arguments of the parties, and

the applicable law. Doc. 84. The trial court then concluded that the Revised Plans

complied with the Declaration of Covenants and that “the Skuriches may proceed

to build their home in accordance with the plans set forth in Stipulated Exhibit B *

* *.” Doc. 84.

       {¶73} The Skuriches could have submitted a copy of the Original Plans along

with the Revised Plans for a determination as to whether the Original Plans were

also in compliance with the Declaration of Covenants. However, the Skuriches

chose only to submit their Revised Plans for evaluation. In its judgment entry, the

trial court issued the exact determination on the Revised Plans that the Skuriches

requested. The Skuriches now appear to have found the relief that they requested

to be insufficient and argue on appeal that they should be permitted to build their

house in accordance with the Original Plans.

       {¶74} Because the Skuriches could have presented this argument for a

determination by the trial court but did not, they have waived this argument on

appeal. J.P. Morgan Chase Bank v. Macejko, 7th Dist. Mahoning Nos. 07-MA-148,

08-MA-242, 2010-Ohio-3152, ¶ 36; Jones v. Carpenter, 10th Dist. Franklin No.

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Case No. 20 MA 0076

17AP-401, 2019-Ohio-619, ¶ 63. The trial court granted the Skuriches the relief

that they requested. They have not, in this cross-assignment of error, demonstrated

that the trial court committed an error. For the foregoing reasons, the Skuriches

third cross-assignment of error is overruled.

                                    Conclusion

       {¶75} Having found no error prejudicial to the plaintiffs-appellants, cross-

appellees in the particulars assigned and argued, the judgment of the Mahoning

County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed as to these issues.

       {¶76} Further, having found no error prejudicial to the defendants-appellees,

cross-appellants in the particulars assigned and argued, the judgment of the

Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed as to these issues.

                                                               Judgment Affirmed

ZIMMERMAN and SHAW, J.J., concur.

/hls

Judges John R. Willamowski, William R. Zimmerman, and Stephen R. Shaw,
of the Third District Court of Appeals, sitting by assignment of the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio.

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