LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2022 11:00 A.M.
(These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www.linncounty.org).
The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Chairperson Rogers and Supervisor Walker. Absent: Vice Chairperson Zumbach (personal business). Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.
Chairperson Rogers called the meeting to order.
Public Comment: The following comments were made regarding the proposed ordinance establishing setbacks for the placement of hazardous materials pipelines:
John Zakrasek, 531 Lawndale Dr. SE, stated that he is extremely encouraged by this ordinance. It will create a knowledge base that will be accessible to all that will help with things like best practices or effective management practices. It will be extremely helpful when dealing with the increasing volatile weather they will be facing and disaster preparedness that will probably be in the plan. He hopes that they will work with other cities in the county, several of which already have sustainability plans or are creating them. He thanked the Board for looking ahead in preparing for all future generations.
Josh Henik, 654 Wilcox Rd, Mt Vernon, commended the Board for considering safety as it relates to pipeline projects. As President of the Linn County Farm Bureau he stated that the Farm Bureau has submitted a letter to the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) asking that safety be considered in their decision on routing of the pipeline and has requested that the safety documentation be provided by the pipeline companies to the IUB (to which the pipeline companies have replied that should not be considered). The question in hand is what is the correct local control, county or IUB? The overarching viewpoint from the pipeline company is that safety shouldn’t be considered by either the County or the IUB. He commends the Board for forcing the issue to discuss safety and setbacks as it relates to the pipelines as it is important to be considered as they start to navigate through the world of carbon pipelines. He submitted the press release and legal briefs from both the Iowa Farm Bureau and Wolfe Carbon Solutions.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Walker to approve minutes of November 30 & December 2, 2022 as printed.
Matt Warfield, Deputy Auditor, presented a report on the Recount Board results for the State House Representative District 73, election held on November 8, 2022.
Results: Elizabeth Wilson – 7,297 Susie Weinacht — 6,997
Dir. Kristine Bullock gave a presentation from the Workplace Learning Connection.
The Board thanked Bullock for the presentation and the results it yields.
Supervisor Walker asked about demographics noting that he learned that schools within the Cedar Rapids School District have a student body that is growing with large numbers of people of color. He asked if students are able to see themselves reflected in the business leaders.
Bullock responded that yes, they advise businesses to look at teams and bringing in a diverse group of volunteers.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Walker to open a public hearing for an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa, by amending provisions in Chapter 107, Unified Development Code by establishing setbacks for the placement of hazardous materials pipelines. Proof of publication was presented.
Stephanie Lientz, Planning & Development, requested that the Board postpone the public hearing and first consideration until Monday, December 12, when the full board can be present. They were not aware that at the time they published the notice that there would not be a full board in attendance today.
The Board agreed to continue with this public hearing.
Adam Thompson, Ely City Admin., stated that he has been talking to the Director of Planning & Development and the city of Ely looks forward to working with the Board and partnering with them. They are supportive of the action.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Walker to close public hearing.
The Board concurred with rescheduling the public hearing and first consideration on an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa, by amending provisions in Chapter 107, Unified Development Code by establishing setbacks for the placement of hazardous materials pipelines until Monday, December 12, 2022..
Tamara Marcus, Sustainability Program Dir., asked that the Board postpone indefinitely the resolution to adopt the proposed 2023-2025 Linn County Internal Sustainability Plan until she can touch base with Supervisor Zumbach.
Supervisor Walker stated that the Supervisors have had ample time to review the document (she met with all three members independently) and now they are being asked to push it to another date. He stated that Marcus has been diligent making sure they have all had ample time.
The Board concurred with the request.
Mike Tertinger, Planning & Development, presented a Temporary Use Permit, Case JTU22-0007, V.G Stoner & Sons, owner; and Dairyland Power Cooperative, petitioner; requesting permission to operate a construction staging area for a project to rebuild an existing CIPCO electric transmission line. He stated that all conditions are listed in the Resolution that will be presented for approval on Wednesday.
Tertinger also presented an agreement between Linn County and Sarah Blais (Contractor) for the contract period of Nov 15, 2022 through Nov 14, 2023, in an amount not to exceed $9,000 for Program Coordinator services in support of the ARPA funded Linn County Food Systems Council’s Food Access, Resiliency and Equity Grant Program. Max 10-12 employees. The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Steve Estenson, Risk Manager, presented request for separation of services from Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc, third-party administrator for workers’ compensation claims. He stated that Linn County did not receive the customer service that they expected. He needs to give the company a 60-day notice. When he finds a replacement third party administrator, the information can be transferred from Sedgwick.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Walker to approve the separation of services from Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc, third-party administrator for workers’ compensation claims.
Estenson also presented an engagement letter with Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. for guidance, advice, and legal support as it relates to Linn County’s workers’ compensation programming ($1,000/monthly bill to be paid from self-insurance fund).
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Walker to allow Chair to sign on behalf of Steve Estenson a letter of engagement with Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. for guidance, advice, and legal support as it relates to Linn County’s workers’ compensation programming ($1,000/monthly bill to be paid from self-insurance fund).
Joi Alexander, Communications Dir., presented the Linn County Communication & Branding Policy, PM-024 and the Linn County Media Relations Policy, PM-025.
Chairperson Rogers stated that situations this past summer shined a light on how important it is to standardize and protect Linn County’s brand.
Supervisor Walker stated that it is important for departments to have uniform communications and can operate within the guidelines, therefore relieving the small Communications Department from certain pressures. The Board will approve Wednesday.
Sara Bearrows, Budget Dir., presented a proposed 2023 Medical Examiner contract reflecting an increase of 4.5% per case and 4.5% for the Admin. Assistant (the same as other county managers). The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Walker to approve Liquor License for the Whittier Market, 3482 Whittier Rd., noting all conditions have been met.
Public Comment: Ruth Van Tol, 3103 Sue Lane NW, asked for a copy of the proposed pipeline ordinance discussed earlier in the meeting.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Walker to approve Payroll Authorizations as follows:
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Clerk Typist Abigail Wells Transfer – internal applicant 12/31/22 56B $22.76 — 53E $21.10
Replaces T. Nunemaker
Criminal Prosecutor Heidi Weiland Promotion 12/31/22 Gr 27 $86,047.97/annually – Gr 29 $99,979.55/annually Replaces L. Craig
HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resources Analyst Andrea Ewers Promotion – reclassification 12/01/22 Gr 24 $31.44/hour – Gr 25 $34.49/hour
FACILITIES
Custodian Ethan Glenn Termination/resignation 11/28/22
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Duty Officer Abagail Wells Transfer to County Attorney’s Office 12/30/22
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Family Service Worker Allyson Nye New hire 12/27/22 54A $18.47 Replaces A. Vargas
Youth Worker Melanie Blunn New hire 12/12/22 56A $21.42 PT, 20 hrs/wk Replaces M. Brandt
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Walker to approve claims for reissued payroll checks #63000017-#63000018 in the amount of $52.44 and payroll wires in the amount of $221,385.22 (Longevity).
The Board recessed at 11:52 a.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. for a review of proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Board Other budget. Present: Dawn Jindrich, Finance Dir. and Sara Bearrows, Budget Dir.
Adjournment at 1:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JOEL D. MILLER, Linn County Auditor
By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor
Approved by:
BEN ROGERS, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors
Published in the MVL Sun, Dec. 15, 2022.