Avalon Resort & Spa, L.L.C. v. Unemp. Comp. Rev. Comm. , 2018 Ohio 4294 ( 2018 )

[Cite as Avalon Resort & Spa, L.L.C. v. Unemp. Comp. Rev. Comm., 2018-Ohio-4294.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
TENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
Avalon Resort and Spa LLC, :
Appellant-Appellant, :
No. 18AP-212
v. : (C.P.C. No. 17CVF-9763)
State of Ohio Unemployment : (ACCELERATED CALENDAR)
Compensation Review Commission,
:
Appellee-Appellee.
:
D E C I S I O N
Rendered on October 23, 2018
On brief: Brouse McDowell, LPA, and Peter B. Grinstein, for
appellant.
On brief: Michael DeWine, Attorney General, and Susan M.
Sheffield, for appellee.
APPEAL from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
DORRIAN, J.
{¶ 1} Appellant, Avalon Resort and Spa LLC, appeals the February 28, 2018
decision of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas that affirmed the decision of
appellee, Unemployment Compensation Review Commission ("commission"), finding
appellant was an employer liable for contributions to the unemployment compensation
fund. For the following reasons, we affirm.
I. Facts and Procedural History
{¶ 2} On April 15, 2017, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of
Unemployment Compensation ("ODJFS") sent appellant a document titled Ohio
Unemployment Tax Notification Determination of Employer's Liability and Contribution
Rate Determination ("determination") notifying appellant that it was a liable employer
No. 18AP-212 2
under Ohio unemployment compensation law. In the determination, ODJFS found that
appellant employed Richard J. Pilla and set contribution rates for appellant for 2014-2017
as applied to Pilla "together with all individuals rendering similar services, whether
executive or manual, as the services do not fall within the context of excluded employment"
as required under R.C. 4141.26. (ODJFS Ex. A.)
{¶ 3} On May 3, 2017, appellant filed a request for reconsideration of the
determination, arguing that Pilla was working as an independent contractor. On May 4,
2017, Megan Robinson, attorney for ODJFS, sent appellant a letter requesting additional
documentation. On May 17, 2017, appellant sent ODJFS a letter containing additional
documentation in response to the May 4, 2017 letter. On June 1, 2017, ODJFS issued a
Director's Reconsidered Decision ("director's decision") affirming the determination.
{¶ 4} On June 22, 2017, appellant filed an application for review of the director's
decision. On September 19, 2017, a hearing officer for the commission held a hearing by
telephone.
{¶ 5} At the hearing, Pilla stated he was a massage therapist licensed by the state
of Ohio. After discovering a job opportunity with appellant on the internet, Pilla sent
appellant his resume and participated in an interview. On January 6, 2017, he signed a
Massage Therapist Agreement ("the agreement"), which was admitted into evidence, to
provide massage therapy services at appellant's facility in Warren, Ohio. Pilla stated it was
his understanding that under the agreement he was providing services to appellant as an
independent contractor. Pilla did not draft or edit the agreement; rather, it was presented
to him by Penni Mokros, the spa director for appellant, who signed the agreement on behalf
of appellant. Pilla began providing services for appellant in February 2017. While he was
providing services for appellant, Pilla was also employed as a licensed massage therapist at
Cleveland State University.
{¶ 6} Pilla agreed that "as a massage therapist, [he was] an independent contractor
and not an employee of [appellant]" and, as such, was required to pay his own taxes and
provide his own professional liability insurance. (ODJFS Ex. B.) The agreement contained
the following provisions related to payment for Pilla's services:
As a convenience to the [appellant] members and guests, and
as an accommodation to [Pilla], * * * [appellant] has agreed to
bill the member's account or the guest's room and collect
No. 18AP-212 3
monies for services rendered by [Pilla]. [Appellant] will retain
a portion of the collected monies as payment for the rental of
space, scheduling services, use of [appellant's] equipment, and
promotion of [Pilla's] services to [appellant's] members and
guests.
(ODJFS Ex. B.) Pilla agreed to "present [appellant] in a positive light and encourage
members and guests to participate in the services offered by [appellant] to the fullest extent
possible" and to "NOT solicit the members and guests of [appellant] to other locations
where I also provide massage therapy services." (Emphasis sic.) (ODJFS Ex. B.) The
agreement did not specify a termination date, and Pilla stated the agreement had never
been terminated.
{¶ 7} Pilla testified he did not discuss or otherwise negotiate the prices for his
services with appellant. Instead, he stated that "when I had the interview for * * * the job, I
was instructed, or I was told these were the price structures, these were the fees that were
being charged; these are the fees that I would be receiving." (Tr. at 42.) Appellant provided
Pilla with supplies, including a massage table and towels. Pilla testified he did not provide
appellant any money for utilities.
{¶ 8} According to Pilla, appellant had no right to control how he performed his
massage services and did not train him in any respect on how to perform his services.
However, Pilla stated he was required to provide a record or report of his services for a
client. In the course of performing services for appellant, Pilla submitted his availability to
appellant but could only schedule appointments with clients at appellant's facility during
their hours of operation.
{¶ 9} Pilla filed an application for unemployment benefits on January 26, 2017,
and filed an additional application for unemployment benefits on March 14, 2017. Pilla
stated he was not doing any work for appellant or Cleveland State University when he filed
his application for benefits.
{¶ 10} Mokros testified she did not negotiate any of the terms of the agreement with
Pilla. Pilla was required to conform his hours to appellant's availability. Pilla was also
required to maintain his license and obtain his own professional liability insurance, which
had to include coverage for appellant.
{¶ 11} According to Mokros, clients were charged a specific amount based on the
type of service Pilla provided and the duration of the services. From the amount charged
No. 18AP-212 4
to a client, appellant would deduct a certain portion to pay for Pilla's rent, utilities,
promotion of services, equipment, and other expenses. Although appellant set the prices
for Pilla's services, Mokros stated that Pilla agreed to those prices. However, Mokros also
testified the agreement did not contain terms related to the prices for Pilla's services.
Furthermore, the agreement did not specify the amounts appellant would deduct from
payments made by Pilla's clients.
{¶ 12} Cindy Shaffer, director of human resources for appellant, testified appellant
did not control or supervise Pilla in any aspect of his services, including the hours he worked
or the training he was required to complete. Shaffer stated either appellant or Pilla could
terminate their relationship at any time. Shaffer denied Pilla was required to make any
reports, though he was required to notify appellant that he performed services on clients
for billing purposes.
{¶ 13} According to Shaffer, appellant collected money for Pilla's services "[a]s a
convenience to [Pilla's] customers." (Tr. at 84.) Appellant would then pay Pilla twice a
month for the services he performed, less deducted expenses. Shaffer stated "[i]t is strictly
for convenience sake that [Pilla] * * * will receive the net from his massage therapy services.
And, that's after [appellant] will take out for rent, the promotion of his services, any
equipment rental, things like that." (Tr. at 90.)
{¶ 14} Shaffer stated the person to whom Pilla provided massage services were his
clients. However, she also stated they were appellant's "members and/or guests." (Tr. at
95.) According to Shaffer, Pilla had the ability to accept or reject any assignment. She
stated Pilla was "free to perform massage therapy services at any location he desires," but
that, for appellant, he would have to perform his services at their facility and pay to use
such facility. (Tr. at 88.)
{¶ 15} Robinson, attorney for ODJFS, testified she reviewed appellant's request for
reconsideration of the determination. In her review of appellant's arguments and the
additional documentation submitted by appellant, Robinson found there was "some
indication of independence" regarding Pilla's relationship with appellant. (Tr. at 13.)
Specifically, Robinson cited the fact that Pilla paid for his own professional liability
insurance and his work for other businesses as factors tending to show independence.
Robinson contacted Pilla, from whom she learned that appellant provided all his supplies,
No. 18AP-212 5
set the prices for his services, and collected money from clients. As a result of her
investigation, Robinson concluded appellant was a covered employer.
{¶ 16} On October 16, 2017, the commission issued a decision affirming the
director's decision. On October 31, 2017, appellant filed a notice of appeal in the common
pleas court and the commission. On November 10, 2017, appellant filed an amended notice
of appeal. On February 28, 2018, after having been fully briefed by the parties, the common
pleas court filed a decision and entry affirming the October 16, 2017 decision of the
commission.
II. Assignment of Error
{¶ 17} Appellant appeals and assigns the following single assignment of error for our
review:
The Court of Common Pleas erred by affirming the
Reconsidered Decision of the Unemployment Compensation
Review Commission which determined that Appellant is a
liable employer under Ohio law, and that Richard J. Pilla and
all other individuals rendering similar services are engaged in
covered employment rather than providing services as
independent contractors. As a matter of law, the independent
contractor agreement, Ohio Administrative Code § 4141-3-05
and R.C. § 4141.01(B)(1) defining "employment," and R.C. §
4141.01(A)(1)(a) defining "employer," as well as case law,
overwhelming support the establishment of an independent
contractor relationship. The court's decision was not in
accordance with law, is against the manifest weight of the
evidence, and constitutes an abuse of discretion.
III. Discussion
{¶ 18} In its assignment of error, appellant contends the common pleas court
applied the incorrect standard of review. Additionally, appellant contends the common
pleas court's decision was not in accordance with law, was against the manifest weight of
the evidence, and constitutes an abuse of discretion.
A. Standard of Review
{¶ 19} On appeal from a decision of the commission regarding unemployment
compensation contributions or the amount of such contributions, the common pleas court
applies the standard of review set forth in R.C. 4141.26(D)(2), which states the court "may
affirm the determination or order complained of in the appeal if it finds, upon consideration
No. 18AP-212 6
of the entire record, that the determination or order is supported by reliable, probative, and
substantial evidence and is in accordance with law." To be "reliable," evidence must be
dependable and true within a reasonable probability. Our Place, Inc. v. Ohio Liquor
Control Comm., 63 Ohio St.3d 570, 571 (1992). See also Rupert v. Ohio Dept. of Rehab. &
Corr., 10th Dist. No. 17AP-173, 2017-Ohio-8377, ¶ 9. To be "probative," evidence must be
relevant or, in other words, tend to prove the issue in question. Id. To be "substantial,"
evidence must have importance and value. Id.{¶ 20} Our review is more limited than that of the common pleas court. As to factual
issues, we apply an abuse of discretion standard. Miracle Home Health Care, LLC v. Ohio
Dept. of Job & Family Servs., 10th Dist. No. 12AP-318, 2012-Ohio-5669, ¶ 18. An abuse of
discretion occurs when a court's judgment is unreasonable, arbitrary or unconscionable.
Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219 (1983). " 'Absent an abuse of discretion on
the part of the common pleas court, this court is obligated to affirm its judgment.' " BNA
Constr., Ltd. v. Dir. of Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Servs., 10th Dist. No. 16AP-317, 2017-
Ohio-7227, ¶ 25, quoting Stouffer Hotel Mgt. Corp. v. Ohio Unemp. Comp. Bd. of Review,
87 Ohio App.3d 179, 183 (10th Dist.1993); Lorain City School Dist. Bd. of Edn. v. State
Emp. Relations Bd., 40 Ohio St.3d 257, 261 (1988). However, our review of questions of
law is plenary. BNA at ¶ 25, citing BRT Transp., LLC v. Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Servs.,
10th Dist. No. 14AP-800, 2015-Ohio-2048, ¶ 15.
B. Applicable Law
{¶ 21} Ohio employers are required to make contributions to Ohio's unemployment
compensation fund. R.C. 4141.23. The statutory definition of "employer" includes limited
liability companies that have "in employment at least one individual." R.C.
4141.01(A)(1)(a). Employment is defined as "service performed by an individual for
remuneration under any contract of hire, written or oral, express or implied * * * unless it
is shown to the satisfaction of the director that such individual has been and will continue
to be free from direction or control over the performance of such service, both under a
contract of service and in fact." R.C. 4141.01(B)(1). Consistent with the statutory definition
of employment, Ohio Adm.Code 4141-3-05(A) provides:
[A] worker is in employment when an "employer-employee"
relationship exists between the worker and the person for
No. 18AP-212 7
whom the individual performs services and the director
determines that:
(1) The person for whom services are performed has the right
to direct or control the performance of such services; and
(2) Remuneration is received by the worker for services
performed.
{¶ 22} Ohio Adm.Code 4141-3-05(B) provides 20 factors derived from the common
law to consider "[a]s an aid to determining whether there is sufficient direction or control
present" when determining whether an employment relationship exists:
(1) The worker is required to comply with the instructions of
the person for whom services are being performed, regarding
when, where, and how the worker is to perform the services;
(2) The person for whom services are being performed
requires particular training for the worker performing
services;
(3) The services provided are part of the regular business of
the person for whom services are being performed;
(4) The person for whom services are being performed
requires that services be provided by a particular worker;
(5) The person for whom services are being performed hires,
supervises or pays the wages of the worker performing
services;
(6) A continuing relationship exists between the person for
whom services are being performed and the worker
performing services that contemplates continuing or
recurring work, even if not full time;
(7) The person for whom services are being performed
requires set hours during which services are to be performed;
(8) The person for whom services are being performed
requires the worker to devote himself or herself full time to
the business of the person for whom services are being
performed;
(9) The person for whom services are being performed
requires that work be performed on its premises;
No. 18AP-212 8
(10) The person for whom services are being performed
requires that the worker follow the order of work set by the
person for whom services are being performed;
(11) The person for whom services are being performed
requires the worker to make oral or written progress reports;
(12) The person for whom services are being performed pays
the worker on a regular basis such as hourly, weekly or
monthly;
(13) The person for whom services are being performed pays
expenses for the worker performing services;
(14) The person for whom services are being performed
furnishes tools, instrumentalities, and other materials for use
by the worker in performing services;
(15) There is a lack of investment by the worker in the
facilities used to perform services;
(16) There is a lack of profit or loss to the worker performing
services as a result of the performance of such services;
(17) The worker performing services is not performing
services for a number of persons at the same time;
(18) The worker performing services does not make such
services available to the general public;
(19) The person for whom services are being performed has a
right to discharge the worker performing services;
(20) The worker performing services has the right to end the
relationship with the person for whom services are being
performed without incurring liability pursuant to an
employment contract or agreement.
These factors possess varying degrees of importance "depending on the occupation and the
factual context in which the services are performed." Ohio Adm.Code 4141-3-05(B).
Furthermore, the rule states that such factors are "designed only as guides for determining
whether sufficient direction or control exists and must be considered in totality." Ohio
Adm.Code 4141-3-05(B).
No. 18AP-212 9
{¶ 23} "The alleged employer bears the burden of proving that the worker is not an
employee and, thus, that it need not contribute to the unemployment compensation fund."
BRT at ¶ 17, citing Miracle at ¶ 21.
C. Analysis
{¶ 24} First, appellant asserts the common pleas court applied the wrong standard
of review. Specifically, appellant states that "[a]n important issue in this case is the
construction of a written contract, to wit, the [agreement], which is a question of law to be
reviewed by the court de novo; also the law set forth in Section 4141-3-05 of the Ohio
Administrative Code." (Appellant's Brief at 6.)
{¶ 25} Appellant's argument fails to appreciate the nature of a common pleas court's
review in an appeal from a contribution determination under R.C. 4141.26. Here, the issue
was not a contractual dispute involving purely legal review of the terms of the agreement;
rather, the common pleas court was required to determine with regard to the totality of the
record before it whether the commission's decision was supported by reliable, probative,
and substantial evidence and in accordance with law. The contractual language at issue in
the agreement between appellant and Pilla is merely one evidentiary component of the
analysis of the key question at issue: the right and extent of control of the employer over
the worker. R.C. 4141.01(B)(1); Prime Kosher Foods, Inc. v. Admr., Bur. of Emp. Servs.,
35 Ohio App.3d 121, 123-24 (10th Dist.1987) (finding contractual language not sufficient to
sustain employer's burden of proving that worker was not an employee). Here, the court
noted the importance of the 20 administrative code factors, stating that "[a]ll the factors
must be reviewed and the evidence must be weighed in order to make a decision." (Decision
at 4.) Ultimately, the common pleas court found, as required by R.C. 4141.26(D)(2), that
the decision of the commission was "supported by reliable, probative, and substantial
evidence" and was "in accordance with law." (Decision at 6.) Therefore, we find appellant's
argument to be without merit.
{¶ 26} Next, appellant argues the common pleas court abused its discretion in
finding the decision of the commission was supported by reliable, probative, and
substantial evidence and was in accordance with law. Here, the record reflects some
evidence supporting a finding that appellant was an employer under Ohio unemployment
No. 18AP-212 10
compensation law, whereas other evidence was indicative of an independent contractor
relationship.
{¶ 27} Importantly, the record reflects appellant possessed a great deal of control
over the prices for Pilla's services and the amounts it charged for expenses. Pilla did not
negotiate to set the prices for his services under the agreement; nor did Pilla have any
control over the standard prices for his services in practice. Furthermore, Pilla did not
negotiate for or have control over the portion of money derived from his services that
appellant retained to pay for rent, utilities, supplies, promotion, and other assorted
expenses assessed by appellant against Pilla. Instead, Pilla performed services for clients
at the amounts dictated by appellant and received on a bi-weekly basis from appellant his
earnings from his services, with amounts for expenses already deducted, in addition to any
tips he received from clients.
{¶ 28} Appellant argues Pilla agreed to perform his services at the rates specified by
appellant. However, the agreement contained no terms setting the prices for Pilla's services
or the cost of expenses incurred by appellant relating to Pilla's services. Nor does the record
reflect that any separate document contained an agreement between Pilla and appellant for
such prices.
{¶ 29} Among the other evidence in the record, Pilla was required to perform his
services for appellant at appellant's facility, during the hours the facility was open.
Testimony reflected Pilla did submit his own schedule to appellant; however, Pilla's
availability was required to be in conformance with the hours of appellant's facility.
Appellant provided Pilla with all the equipment and supplies he required to perform his
services. However, appellant also charged Pilla for the provision of such equipment and
supplies. Pilla testified he was required to provide a report or record of the services he
provided to clients.
{¶ 30} Appellant required Pilla to obtain and pay for his own professional liability
insurance; appellant required that Pilla's insurance also provide coverage for appellant.
The parties had an open-ended agreement, as the agreement lacked a termination date, and
Pilla testified it had never terminated. However, either party was able to terminate the
agreement at any time without consequence. Pilla was not required under the agreement
No. 18AP-212 11
to exclusively provide services as a licensed massage therapist for appellant, and did in fact
provide similar services to another employer while working for appellant.
{¶ 31} Thus, some of the evidence in the record militates in support of the finding
that appellant was an employer under Ohio unemployment compensation law, whereas
other evidence tends to support a finding that Pilla was operating as an independent
contractor. Indeed, this is a close case. However, whether or not, in weighing such facts,
we would have reached the same conclusion as the commission is not the question before
us. Miracle at ¶ 30 (stating that "on close questions—where the Commission might
reasonably decide either way—courts have no authority to upset the Commission's
decision"); Evans v. Dir., Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Servs., 10th Dist. No. 14AP-743, 2015-
Ohio-3842, ¶ 22. Instead, we conclude, on the facts of this case, based on the totality of the
record, the common pleas court did not abuse its discretion in finding that the decision of
the commission was supported by reliable, probative, and substantial evidence and was in
accordance with law.
{¶ 32} Finally, appellant cites a federal court case and two prior administrative
actions which it argues demonstrate that the common pleas court's decision was not in
accordance with law. First, appellant cites Ren-Lyn Corp v. United States, 968 F.Supp. 363(N.D.Ohio 1997). In Ren-Lyn, the court examined a question regarding unemployment
contributions under the United States Internal Revenue Code and the Federal
Unemployment Tax Acts. Unlike in Ren-Lyn, this matter involves a question of Ohio
unemployment contribution law and associated administrative regulations; as a result, we
find Ren-Lyn to be without precedential value to the present matter and decline to apply it.
{¶ 33} Second, appellant cites an administrative case, In re Gallego, Unemployment
Compensation Board of Review case No. 650912-E-BR (June 5, 1986). As noted by the
commission, Gallego was decided over five years before the promulgation of Ohio
Adm.Code 4141-3-05.1 Furthermore, Gallego involved facts and circumstances different
from those in the present matter. Specifically, appellant notes the workers in Gallego fixed
their own charges for their services. Here, as admitted by appellant, Pilla did not negotiate
or otherwise set the prices for his services; rather, appellant fixed the prices for Pilla's
1We note Ohio Adm.Code 4141-3-05 became effective on December 30, 1991 and was subsequently amended
three times, in 2001, 2006, and 2018.
No. 18AP-212 12
services. As a result, Gallego is of limited precedential value to the present matter and we
decline to apply it.
{¶ 34} Third, appellant points to a prior unemployment contribution administrative
action involving "affiliates" of appellant which addressed the question of whether "tennis
pros and personal trainers" were independent contractors under "similar independent
contractor agreements." (Appellant's Brief at 25.) The commission and the common pleas
court found that prior administrative action, which resulted in a settlement, lacked
relevance to the instant matter. Appellant does not contend the prior administrative action
involved the same facts or parties. Given the inherently fact-specific nature of inquiries in
unemployment contribution cases under R.C. 4141.26, we agree with the commission and
common pleas court that the prior administrative action is not dispositive in this case.
Therefore, we find appellant's arguments regarding the cited case and administrative
actions to be without merit.
{¶ 35} Accordingly, on the facts of this case as noted above, we overrule appellant's
single assignment of error.
IV. Conclusion
{¶ 36} Having overruled appellant's single assignment of error, we affirm the
judgment of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
Judgment affirmed.
TYACK and HORTON, JJ., concur.