LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023 10:00 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 Zumbach, Vice Chairperson Rogers and Supervisor Kirsten Running-Marquardt. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.
Chairperson Zumbach called the meeting to order.
Public Comments:
Chairperson Zumbach stated that based on today’s large attendance he assumes most of the Public Comments are going to be about the agenda item entitled “Discuss and decide on amending the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Round 2 funding awards by removing funds for the Linn County Director of Resiliency Operations”. He clarified that comments would have to be exactly about what is on the agenda which is not about the need of the position (which is not in question), but is simply about funding it with ARPA funds.
The following public comments were regarding the ARPA funding agenda item:
Melissa McCollister, Asst. Prof. of Social Work at Mt. Mercy Univ. and serves with the local NAACP, stated that she is concerned that there was a vote in October to allocate $363,389 from ARPA to fund the department operations including a position of Resiliency Coordinator for three years. Beyond the three years, the original position was to continue to be funded through the county’s general fund. She hopes that the Board will consider keeping the original ARPA round 2 funding approval. She shares the concern that was in the paper that reversing the decisions of a previous Board would set a precedent of acceptable behavior that could harm future decision-making protocol.
Rev. Jonathan Heifner, St. Paul’s United Meth. Church stated that he is guided by social principals (and he read them) and that there is a great deal of agreement between his responsibility and the Boards authority and responsibilities.
They need the position and what concerns him is if they remove ARPA funding, there needs to be a clear path forward in which the position will be funded. The funds are available at no cost to the taxpayers, and since this decision would undermine the conclusion of this body’s predecessor (and the need is urgent), he implores the Board to vote against the proposed amendment.
Cindy Garlock, 2248 Tranquil Ct. NW, stated that she was going to speak about the importance of this position, however, Supervisor Zumbach made it clear that he also values the position. She is guessing that there was a lot of give and take in negotiations when making the final funding decisions. She finds it troublesome to go back and revisit a decision that was made knowing there were things probably given up. She also stated that it is a concern of hers that at this very meeting of the new Board of Supervisors, there is an agenda item that undoes the work of a previous Board of Supervisors, and she finds that very troubling as well. The general feeling is that the position is important, and they are not debating that. She asked that they make sure it is an item in the budget before funds are taken away.
John Zakrasek, 531 Lawndale Dr. SE, stated that he is in support of a Resiliency Coordinator that will get them through the next catastrophe. Government has a strong role to make sure citizens are protected. What bothers him after hearing comments today is why do they want to remove the ARPA funding and what will the funds be used for if not for that. This is a key position and wondered if it will be funded with the urgency that is necessary.
Adam Wright, 905 3rd St. SE, asked why this is just now an agenda item after it was decided by a previous term of the Board on Oct. 10, 2022. Another point he made is that it seems like there is some issues with the Board wanting to defund a program without a way forward. His hope is that they keep the ARPA funding in place until it sunsets in 3 years and if not, keep it in the general fund. He also hopes that if they don’t want to keep the position going with ARPA funds, that they also table the item and consider what the county’s plans are with the position going forward.
Sophie Joseph, 2017 Grande Ave. SE, stated that Supervisor Zumbach is saying there is a need for the position, but his voting record does not show a commitment to sustainability, and she can understand his motivation for wanting to bring it back up. What she is concerned about is that they have a new Supervisor that has extended that she supports these kinds of actions. Joseph stated that she is confused as to why the new supervisor, a Democrat, would team with someone who has not been voting in support of climate change action and sustainability one week after replacing the only black man that had that role. She compared this to what Trump did right after Obama left office.
Renee McCrary, 1455 Bever Ave., SE, stated that she supports the ARPA funding as it was decided months ago. It makes sense to continue something that has already been decided. The funds are there, and it makes sense.
Ayla Boylen, 3106 E. Ave. NE, stated that she echoes sentiments that have been shared today. She asked for some clarity as to why this timeline has happened and she is
curious as to why this is “discuss and decide” on a Monday right after a Supervisor is replaced. So many people in the room thinks that there is something suspicious, shady
and weird going on with the funding. It is causing distrust in the Board of Supervisors and has set a bad precedent. Sustainability should be taking action now. She recommends that they trust the sustainability staff member who was hired to be an expert on this position.
Angelina Ramirez, 1751 C. Ave. NE, stated that she was just protesting at the Courthouse with the Black Lives Matter protestors who are concerned about the judicial and criminal justice system.
Chairperson Zumbach asked Ramirez to speak to the topic on the agenda.
Supervisor Rogers stated to Chairperson Zumbach that he is purposely limiting comment of people who have taken time off work or other activities to be at today’s meeting. Chairperson Zumbach is holding them to the letter of the agenda, and they should be allowed to speak their 5 minutes as long as it is regarding the Dir. of Resiliency as it relates to ARPA and the need within the community. Chairperson Zumbach is purposefully limiting public comment.
Chairperson Zumbach stated that he specifically limited it on the agenda because he didn’t want it to become a “need” issue. It’s about the funding.
Ramirez continued with her comments. She stated that her voice is shot today because she came from the Courthouse protesting and the basis of that protest was the lack of trust in the government. When they go back on a decision made by a body and with a timeline as others have suggested, it does feel conspicuous and creates a lack of trust in government. As a young person of color who is interested in politics, she keeps a close eye on this body at all times. It makes it difficult to trust the government she lives under.
Eric Guschmidt, 1110 12th St. SW, stated that others have already said what he would have said, and he would like his voice to be counted in favor of keeping the original funding as it was decided 90 days ago. In talking to other community members this morning, there were others that couldn’t make it to the meeting because of other obligations. He asked that in the future they discuss on Monday and decide on Wednesday.
Angie Wieland, 1114 1st St. SW, stated that she has always been a woman with a purse full of supplies for the “what if” scenarios. What if the next Linn County emergency is like a Derecho where everyone lost power for a week or a tornado or a flood. These questions are what the Linn County Sustainability Dept. is to answer and prepare for. She understands this agenda item today is that it was previously approved to use ARPA funds but suddenly a second vote is being called to wipe out the first vote and possibly the department. She’s asking the Board to approve the department’s request for more personnel and to look like the inside of her purse. Ready for anything life or mother nature throws in their direction.
Lisa Smith, 1622 3rd Ave. SE, stated that when the Derecho happened, she received a lot of questions from patients that are on fixed incomes and can’t afford portable backup batteries for their oxygen and CPAP machines. They were optimistic that this money was available were something to happen. What does she tell patients that can’t afford backup batteries or generators when this funding is taken away and what is the Board’s plan to help.
Linda Langston, 716 E Post Ct. SE, stated that she recognizes that ARPA funding is one time funding, and it is a difficult decision to spend one time money on a continuing position. She invited the Board to consider this as a pilot because the opportunity is there to work collaboratively with other jurisdiction and grant funding organizations in the community to look for funding to continue the position past the 3 years. She explained her experience working in the arena of resiliency on a federal level. She noted a challenge whereby the Duane Arnold Center is no longer in place so consequently they do 2 drills a year rather than 6 a year. This lessens the relationships. The report that the Board received and paid for indicated that the not for profits in the community and people significantly impacted by the Derecho (West side and immigrants) were challenged. She hopes the Board will consider information received today. If after 3 years and the pilot project has not proved worthy with no interest or support to continue funding, then make that change.
Sandy Locke, 3131 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, echoed the sentiments of her neighbors in support of the position and its funding and asked the Board to uphold the previous vote. She hopes there is discussion as to why Chairperson Zumbach previously voted in favor and now a week into the new year wants to change it. It leaves her wondering if the yes vote was made maliciously in order to bring it up at a future board meeting.
Tammy Lafantane, 1545 2nd Ave. SE, stated that she lives in the Willington Heights neighborhood and gives her vote yes for this as well. She doesn’t see why it should be taken away when it was already voted yes. She also asked where money will go instead.
Dedric Doolin, 3624 Terrace Hill Dr. NE, stated that he hopes the voices of the community make a difference to the Board. If it doesn’t, they shouldn’t be in the position. He represents the local, state, and national NAACP. He personally lost
property in the Derecho and the flood of 2008. Environmental conditions affect people of color disproportionately and he doesn’t want to see that continue. He stressed the importance of having this position and funding it. He also wants the people to respect the Supervisor’s and realize they will take the time to make quality decisions and decisions that will have a positive impact on the community. He supports keeping the funding for this position.
Brad Bergeson, 2411 2nd St. SW, stated that he wanted to affirm his vote for the continuation of the funding. The question comes into consideration if funding is cancelled or allocated to somewhere else, not one person in the room is in agreement with that.
August Stolba, 1861 B. Ave. NE, Chair. of Linn County Food Systems Council, stated that he has been trying to get a position approved for a while and am always told it is a priority but then there is never enough money to put forth a salary proposal. He is worried there won’t be funding to replace this position. What bugs him is that the item was placed on the agenda Friday for discuss and decide on Monday without opportunity for them to have that conversation. With the dynamics of the new Board, it has put a lot of people at odds with one another. If they are taking away the funding for the position, a pilot project sounds like a good idea. Cutting it without knowing where the funding is coming from is troublesome.
Courtney Ball, 1710 Wenig Rd. NE, congratulated Supervisor Running-Marquardt on her new position and his story today is mostly for her. She knows his older brother and they started Matthew 25. Another brother was brought in as a Sustainability Coordinator in southern Iowa and he continued to explain what his brother did and eventually lost his job. This position is important, and they would be foolish to do like southern Iowa did who had federal money available. They have it so use it. It’s already been decided, and they must follow through on other ways to fund this very necessary position.
Anne Carter, 3626 Bever Ave SE, stated that she is grateful for this process and all who have shown up. She is a county employee and off the clock and presenting as a community volunteer. She has three concerns about removing the funds: 1) The process and her take on it. 2) Impact on progress. Progress has been made since the Office of Sustainability was created in 2021. She referred to Linn County’s PAFR and how Linn County likes to brag about their “firsts”. Her father is regarded as the first black doctor in Cedar Rapids. The progress that Tamara Marcus has made is about credibility and partnerships. 3) Withdrawing the funds will have unintended consequences. It’s been alluded to today and she knows from working in Cedar Rapds, every large corporation has concerns about workplace development and attracting and retaining people of color and other unrepresented groups. Cedar Rapids is a hard place to grow and lead as a person of color. How deeply has the Board considered unintended consequences.
Lisa Casey, 333 1st St. SE, stated that she has concerns since she was not given the opportunity to research and prepare herself for speaking about this issue. The funding was a big deal and the things that have happened in the community to help make the community was a better place and she recalled experiences from the Derecho and how fast it affected others. It was horrifying to her to see what had happened and how long it took and has taken to put the community back together. She is concerned about the equity of putting this decision back on the agenda. Many people in marginalized groups do not have the opportunity to give notice to come to the meeting and speak. It concerns her about the shadiness of how this was done, and she wishes that the people on the Board would include people that this would directly impact.
Mike Carberry, 2029 Friendship St., Iowa City, congratulated Supervisor Running-Marquardt on her new role. One time funding for an ongoing position is very dangerous but Johnson County has used it. They funded a Transportation Coordinator for people of low income and accessibility issues. They partnered with Iowa City on that funding and after two years made it permanent. He encouraged the Board to use the funding and if the position doesn’t seem worthy, they have the authority to not fund it in future years.
Mike Wyrick, 2006 Canton Dr. SE, stated that he is the Chair of the local Sierra Club. He is involved in sustainability and resiliency, and which is very important to him. There is a standing room only crowed today and he asked the Board to not push it back any further. Now is the time to fund it and use temporary funds as a trial basis but keep funding the position as it is key to keeping the community better and stronger.
Charles Jones, 616 4th Ave. SE, stated that he is in support of the ARPA funding and the position staying the same as it was 3 months ago. It is remarkable that so many people were able to make it to the meeting. He came to the meeting to add his voice to the others in support of the position the same way it was voted months ago.
David Andersen, 1509 Whitters Way NW, stated that he is a retired military and retired from civilian life. He pays real estate taxes (which go up every year) and he would
gladly pay more taxes to help fund this program. He doesn’t think they should cancel it or reduce the funding. There are a lot of people that this could benefit. He is
more than willing to pay his share because his parents and grandparents provided an education and a way of life that sustained him and his family for the last 70 years.
Monica from Cedar Rapids stated that she is a Latino representing her community and remembered when the Derecho happened. She helped her family and immigrants in the area. Last Friday she tried to find more information and couldn’t find it. She hopes the Board listens to everyone as they took the time from work. They really need the position.
A gentleman from 207 N St. SW stated that four years ago he got his nursing degree and started a nonprofit to help immigrants and refugees and to give a voice to the voiceless. Four years in, they were fortunate to collaborate with many folks at different levels and organizations. Last year alone 1200 families used their food pantry and they continue to grow and address access to food. This position has allowed some of their families to get education and be connected to certain information. This position should stay.
Rich Crumbaugh, SE side of Cedar Rapids, stated that he realizes it is the Board’s prerogative to revisit the issue, but he does not think it is wise to set a precedent to revisit decided actions as soon as a new Board comes in place. The action was taken not that long ago and that was the time to raise the question. It seems that some of the Board are being opportunists. If all governments take that approach, they have a government that has a dog chasing its tail. It’s inefficient, redundant and casts doubt in the rationale and integrity of the body. He asked the Board to have the integrity to stand by the policy already voted for and set.
Dan Borngraver, 1709 8th Ave. SE, reiterated what everyone said and thanked everyone for showing up on a Monday morning when it was scheduled on Friday. It’s frustrating and the overall theme is that this was an attempt to sneak it by, a rather underhanded attempt and that should be incredibly concerning to the public. To say it was anything else is not being honest and truthful. He encouraged the Board and the public to speak their voice and keep the position already voted on.
Ben Kaplan, 908 8th St. SE, echoes his support for the position. Using ARPA funds is a responsible use of funds and is not taxpayer money. It’s already allocated, and it makes sense to continue what was started.
Lois Mather, Cedar Rapids, stated that this is about the Resiliency Coordinator and the use of ARPA funds. Some people are dependent on other parts of the ARPA funds. Is the Board going to take away another funding expected under ARPA funds? The Board should think about their credibility and why this is being brought up. She hopes that they can be honest with one another. They have recognized the need for the position so go for it. Use those federal funds to sustain and help Cedar Rapids and Linn County become even better than they are today.
Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Rogers to approve minutes of January 3 & 4, 2023 as printed.
Atty. Dean Spina presented history following the flood of 2008 which involved Midwest Disaster Revenue Funds to recover from the flood. Those fonds enabled a lot of projects to be financed in 2010 and 2011 including TEG Property related to the ESCO Group. At the time the bond was issued it was simply a conduit way of financing and getting a lower rate for financing using this legislation (and no tax dollars were involved). It is necessary now to amend the bond to adopt a new rate. He is just alerting the Board for when it comes before them in a week or two. Spina continued to say that the second reason he is at the meeting today is that the variable rate of interest causes anxiety to borrowers, they can get a fixed rate of interest with Bankers Trust. He will have the following come before the Board as well: Resolution (1) approving an amendment to the terms of a Bond and Loan Agreement changing from a LIBOR index to a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) index for setting the variable interest rate on and (2) Identifying on the books and records of Linn County, Iowa, a hedge contract with Bankers Trust Company, all with respect to Linn County, Iowa Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue Bond, Series 2010 (TEG Property I, Inc. Project)
Col. Riniker presented a Vacancy Form requesting 4 part time Communication Operators for the Sheriff’s office. He explained that they have been trying to fill the void due to the inability to hire people (they have mandatory minimums). These positions would also help eliminate overtime and would be revenue neutral. The Board will approve Wednesday.
At this time the Board discussed amending the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Round 2 funding awards by removing funds for the Linn County Director of Resiliency Operations.
Chairperson Zumbach stated that he brought this forward and the reason he kept the agenda item specific to the funding was to avoid comments about the position and the need of that position. It is strictly about the funding and clarified that at the time of the vote he asked for more time that day and it was not given. It was voted on by all three board members in hast. There was no malice intended and no position posted.
Tamara Marcus, Sustainability Program Dir., stated that the job description was development at the time of the ARPA application submission, and she has been working with Human Resources. The plan was to negotiate a wage later this month with the union. She continued with a PowerPoint presentation of the Resiliency Coordinator Position Overview.
Camille Bonar stated that she worked with Ms. Marcus this past summer to develop the proposal for the Resiliency Coordinator position and gave some insight on how other communities have found value in positions like this.
Dawn Jindrich, Finance Dir., stated there is enough money in the current ARPA award to pay for the position for 3 years (depending on the salary) or “stairstep” it which would require an approved Offer. She stated that it will be a very challenging budget year because a lot of their flexibility has been removed. They are losing another $250,000 in back fill money when the State eliminated the commercial/industrial rollback; they will be paying for a Raycom contract to maintain the radio system and towers; and a legislative change that they don’t know the magnitude of dollars (change). She does not expect the Offer pot to be very big this year and she doesn’t feel optimistic about the general fund. If the Board decides to fund the position with the general fund, it will have to be a number 1 priority.
Chairperson Zumbach clarified that the Board had agreed early in the process that when considering APRA funds that one of the rules was not to hire any individuals on a countywide basis (with the exception of the person that oversees the ARPA funds). That held up until the very end and it happened in a hurry. That was not intended to be the consequence and was done in haste.
Supervisor Rogers stated that Chairperson Zumbach was the only Supervisor to support Horizons but yet he singled out sustainability which he has voted against almost 100% for every initiative, request and committee structure. The danger with the precedent that he wants to set is that the Board did everything in good faith and in public. All of it was done in public and not one initiative got 100% funded. They reached a bi-partisan unanimous decision. He stated that what is not fair is that once it was brought to Zumbach’s attention that he voted for sustainability, he could have brought it immediately to the Board’s attention and to reconsider at that time. He waited 90 days. Rogers thinks that waiting for Supervisor Walker to leave and waiting until the first week of a new Supervisor is not good public policy. Will he be asking to claw back the $64,000 from Horizons? Supervisor Rogers stated that he does not recall ever going back to undo a decision a previous Board made, it sets a dangerous precedent. This funding also gives this position a 3-year runway with full weight of the American taxpayers supporting them to help justify. That makes good business sense but waiting 90 days to do this does not sit well with him.
Chairperson Zumbach responded that before he placed this item on the agenda, he went to several staff members and asked about how it could be handled. Yes, he could have brought it back sooner. He also didn’t realize there was a job description. As far as going back to Horizons, after talking to staff, he was told that the only funding that they could go back on is money given to county projects. He reiterated that they had agreed to not hire anyone with ARPA funds. He has no plans to put the money someplace else. He is simply saying that one time money should not be spent on ongoing expenses. He called Ms. Marcus twice and stopped in her office to discuss this but she was unavailable.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that she understands that any Board member can put whatever agenda item on the agenda, however, she has learned that it is not common practice to place on an agenda Friday afternoon for discuss and decide on Monday. What really disappoints her is that she found a really great solution and there were emails and phone calls that went out that only talked about the problem and not the solution that she had found (she met with Dir. Marcus at noon). She sees two paths for this. 1) Funding something this important and critical for the community out of one-time funding is a bad precedent. She stated that when and if a motion is made to eliminate the funding for the position, her next action is to immediately make a motion that the funding stays within the department setting unprecedented amounts of money to be used in Linn County for sustainability and resiliency. Her next move is going to be that the Offer that Dir. Marcus was going to present to the Board would include this resiliency position and she would make that a top priority. They are fixing some of the messiness and sloppiness that has been happening.
Supervisor Rogers argued that there is nothing that needs to be fixed. If it was sloppy, he’ll take ownership but there is nothing to be fixed. If it needed to be fixed, it should have been done during the next meeting. If it escaped a certain Supervisor’s attention, then okay, recognize that the next week. They are now focusing on something that they agreed on 90 days ago, it’s not broken.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt clarified that her interest is in making the position a long-term position rather than a 3-year funded position and her priority will be to
approve Dir. Marcus’ Offer for the position, a long-term union position. The ARPA money will be turned into programming money under that department.
Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Running-Marquardt to not fund the resiliency position through ARPA funds.
Discussion: Supervisors Zumbach and Rogers confirmed that they understand the explanation of the path Supervisor Running-Marquardt plans for the position and funding.
Supervisor Rogers asked that it be on record that Supervisor Running-Marquardt understands that this means there will be no staff member and Dir. Marcus will have to contract for the work as this would have been a collective bargaining unit position.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that she understands that when there is a long-term position that it is better to have a long-term union position that does not have to come up with an Offer every year. That is a better solution than 3-year temporary funding. An unprecedented amount of $363,000 to run the program is a better solution. If there’s going to be a fix, then she would rather have a Kirsten Running-Marquardt fix that sets the department up for success in the long term. That is where her priorities lay. She asked Supervisor Zumbach if he understands that this is going to put some very critical, statutory obligated items back because they are trying to fix the messiness that happened and to make sure the sustainability department is sustainable for many years to come.
Chairperson Zumbach stated that he understands what she is saying.
Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Zumbach to amend motion to say that with the money ($363,000) that was originally in the ARPA funds not be removed from department and stay within that department for operational usage with focus on resiliency and that it has to fall within ARPA guidelines and Linn County guidelines for approval.
VOTE on amendment: Zumbach & Running-Marquardt – Aye Rogers — Nay
Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Running-Marquardt to not fund the resiliency position through ARPA funds, that with the money ($363,000) that was originally in the ARPA funds not be removed from department and stay within that department for operational usage with focus on resiliency and that it has to fall within ARPA guidelines and Linn County guidelines for approval.
VOTE: Zumbach & Running-Marquardt – Aye Rogers — Nay
Darrin Gage, Director of Policy & Admin., presented for discussion and a decision on Linn County Board of Supervisors 2023 Committee Appointments and Liaisons Assignments.
After lengthy discussion and consideration, the appointments and assignments were ready for a vote.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Linn County Board of Supervisors 2023 Committee Appointments and Liaisons Assignments.
Gage also presented written comments from the Board to the Iowa Utilities Board about the proposal by Wolf Carbon Solutions US LLC to build and operate a carbon capture pipeline system. The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Class E Liquor License for Troy Mills, Inc., 5913 Troy Mills Rd., Troy Mills, noting all conditions have been met.
Public Comment:
John Zakrasek, 531 Lawndale Dr. SE, stated that with regard to the resiliency position, nobody should ever remove something until there is something ready to go to fully replacement it. Three years is an eternity, and they have to come back to the Board for approval beyond that. Since the budget is not final, it’s hard to know if this is the best decision.
Anne Carter, 3626 Bever Ave SE, thanked the Board for their robust comments today. She wanted to remind them that she is not being insubordinate for taking some liberties this morning. She recapped points made by each Supervisor. Regarding Tamara Marcus, it is hard to thrive and lead as a person of color and unrepresented groups. She is an individual leading this work with unprecedented qualifications and she encouraged the Board to look at each other and what does trust, and relationships look like with each other and staff.
Mike Carberry, Iowa City and representing Bright Future Iowa, stated that there are committees that are going to meet later this month on the renewable energy ordinance and as a member of one of those committees, he would like to monitor what is going on in the other committee meetings. There are sunshine laws and technically these meetings are not required to have an agenda and minutes but it’s a good idea. It’s
important that the public is aware of what is going on and he supports the Board asking Planning & Development to have an agenda with minuets and minutes published.
Linda Langston, 716 E Post Ct. SE, stated that there has been a long history of the Board rotating the Chair assignment and she is grateful to the Board for choosing Supervisor Zumbach. There has been discourse in government that hasn’t worked out well but she takes great pride in this Board that they continue to rotate the assignment, so everyone has a chance. Secondarily, she thanked the Board for the discussion today. Having sat on the Board, she knows the challenges. She also thanked Supervisor Running-Marquardt for problematically coming up with a solution and appreciates the skill she brings to the arena based on her past serve in the legislature. She has confidence that Supervisor Running-Marquardt will continue to provide that kind of expertise to this Board.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that with regard to Mr. Carberry, it is interesting to her that other county’s come to them and recommend how to do things better and she appreciates his opinion, background and experience. She stated that she wants to look into the practice of allowing people in other counties to serve on Linn County committees. She wants to make sure that they are balancing committees with people that live in Linn County. Maybe it’s not an issue and maybe other counties do that. She thanked everyone for coming to the meeting today. The Board can do better when it comes to bringing something up on a Friday to discuss and decide on a Monday. She looks forward to working with her two colleagues on other issues and they can work on better communication with community leaders, directors and staff to the best of their ability.
Ben Rogers, Cedar Rapids, stated that he is going back to the points about the ARPA discussion. He stated that he is a very transparent person, wears his heart on his sleeve, so it is hard for him to hide his disappointed in the action taken by his two colleagues today. They could have waited until after they had final budget numbers to see how much money was available. If there was no rush with the previous Board, then there is no rush with the current Board. He advised Supervisor Running-Marquardt that with her plan, there are a lot of “ifs” and he looks forward to working with her on the many issues that come before the Board. However, having never sat in on a budget meeting and not having to make these decisions, to call the previous Board’s process sloppy is not the best foot to start off on. Once again, he said there was nothing to fix, and a lot of harm has been done. Harm has been done to a department head who has not been supported by a board member. Hopefully Dir. Marcus is such a class act and a total professional that she will do everything to work with Supervisor Running-Marquardt. This sets a bad introduction into county government that they couldn’t have waited until they got a budget estimate to make a strategic decision. He is disappointed that a new precedent has been set to go back and undo work a previous Board have done. This is not the legislature, and he hopes it discontinues.
Moton by Zumbach, seconded by Rogers to approve Employment Change Roster (payroll authorizations) as follows:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Policy & Comm Rel Dep Dir Brent Oleson Transfer to Elected Official 12/31/22
CIVIL SERVICE
Civil Service Secretary Rhonda Dillemuth Termination/resignation 12/31/22
FACILITIES
Custodian Andrea Geissler Step increase/contract 02/07/23 10B $18.59 + $ .25 – 10C $19.33 + $ .25 SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Deputy Sheriff John Schuchmann Termination/retirement01/19/23
Deputy Sheriff Austin Whiting Termination/resignation 01/14/23
Secretary Amber Hotz New hire – FT 01/23/23 55A $19.92
PUBLIC HEALTH
HIV/HCV/STI Outreach Coord Herber-Downey Step increase/contract 01/10/23 39B $31.83 – 39C $33.53
Public Hlth Nurse Pract Nicole Pruchno Step increase/contract 01/13/23 42D $54.97 – 42E $57.68
Environ Hlth Tech Diane Midcalf, Step increase/contract 01/13/23 57D $27.08 – 57E $28.56
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Claims for payroll checks #71009655 — #71009666 in the amt. of $9,361.02, payroll deduction ACH in the amt. of $28,265.00, and payroll wires in the amt. of $2,018,177.70 for a total of $2,055,803.72.
Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Rogers to appoint the following:
General Assistance Advisory Committee: Karey Chase, replacing Vicki Ellison, fulfilling the term of 7/1/22 – 6/20/24; Carol O’Brien, replacing Isabella Burns, fulfilling the term of 7/1/21 – 6/30/23; and Erin Koehn, replacing Ken Benson, fulfilling the term of 7/1/22-6/30/24.
Historic Preservation Commission- term ending 12/31/25:
Barb Westercamp, Hillary Copeland-Marvin and Todd McNall
Historic Preservation Commission: Kim Hanna, fulfilling an unexpired term ending 12/3/23.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Running-Marquardt to make the following appointments:
ECICOG Board of Directors: Chris Nosbisch, term ending 12/31/25
Region 10 Trans. Tech. Adv. Comm.: Carter Baldwin & Curtis Logan, terms ending 12/31/25; Randy Burke, term ending 12/31/24 (Alternate).
Region 10 Regional Trails Adv. Comm.: Randy Burke, term ending 12/31/24; Ted Doscher, term ending 12/31/23.
Region 10 Passenger Trans. Adv. Comm.: Carter Baldwin, term ending 12/31/23; David Thielen, term ending 12/31/24.
Transportation Policy Comm.: Kirsten Running-Marquardt, term ending 12/31/24;
Louis Zumbach and Ben Rogers, terms ending 12/31/24 (Alternates).
Revolving Loan Fund Comm. (LC Rep.): Kristina Kremer, term ending 12/31/23.
The Board recessed at 12:30 p.m. and reconvened at 1:33 p.m. to review FY24 budgets. Also present: Dawn Jindrich, Finance Dir.; Sara Bearrows, Budget Dir., Jon Gallagher, Soil Conservation; Sheriff Brian Gardner and Col. Doug Riniker.
Soil Conservation – FY24 proposed appropriation exceeds the Board’s guidelines by $205 due to increased cell phone costs.
Gallagher presented his budget and KPI’s.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve FY24 Soil Conservation appropriations in the amount of $138,335.
Sheriff – FY24 proposed appropriations exceed the Board’s guidelines by $396,977.
Col. Riniker reviewed the budget, KPI’s and Offers: Patrol Deputy — $165,952 and Crime Analyst – Criminal Division — $80,000.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve FY24 Sheriff expenditures in the amount of $29,882,747 and revenue in the amount of $6,930,830.
Gage presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget for Capital Improvement Projects I.
Adjournment at 3:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JOEL D. MILLER, Linn County Auditor
By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor
and Amanda Hoy, Executive Assistant
Approved by:
LOUIS J. ZUMBACH, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors
Published in the MVL Sun, Jan. 26, 2023.