LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 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.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Rogers to approve minutes of February 7 & 8, 2023 as printed.
Charlie Nichols, Planning & Development Dir., presented a Preliminary Plat Application for a 116.39 acre area of the Dows Farm property (county owned), located in the 600 Block of Dows Rd. and the 6900 Block of Mount Vernon Rd. SE. The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Lisa Powell, HR Dir., presented a Vacancy Form requesting an Accounting Manager for the Auditor’s Office. She explained how this position replaces a Deputy Auditor and it fits with the other management positions across the county. This was started quite a few months ago before Auditor Miller went to the Board to convert deputies to managers.
Chairperson Zumbach stated that during SF 181 discussions and possible cuts, a list of vacant positions was provided to the Board. He is not comfortable approving this request on Wednesday before they have had a chance to move through the budget process.
Rhonda Betsworth, Deputy Auditor, gave an explanation of the duties of this position and the importance.
Chairperson Zumbach stated that it would be sending a mixed signal if the Board were to approve this position and then make possible position cuts next week. He is not trying to belittle this position, but in fairness, consideration of positions should be a part of their decision making.
Supervisor Rogers stated that under normal circumstances, this would be an easy position to support. However, they are looking at $1.7 million loss of revenue and one option for them to consider is a hiring freeze for a year which would result in a savings of $1.7 million. They are looking at various options that would cause the least amount of pain. He asked for at least another week before making a decision to allow them time to speak with Budget & Finance.
Dawn Jindrich, Finance Dir., stated that she spoke to Chairperson Zumbach this morning and informed him that this position is truly needed and addressed the list of vacant positions. Holding off a week or two to allow the Board to look at the vacant positions and have conversations with department heads would be beneficial.
The Board directed Lisa Powell to hold off approving/submitting any Vacancy Request Forms for two weeks.
Becky Shoop, Deputy Auditor, stated that speaking on behalf of Auditor Miller, holding off for a week or two will not cause the office harm.
Staci Meade, LCCS Financial Mgmt. Dir., presented an updated Resolution approving compensation for attorneys appointed by the District Court increasing the fee from $66/hr. $68/hr. (3% increase). The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Public Comment: Emmaly Renshaw, Feed Iowa First, spoke with regard to the Dows property project. She stated that the well funding has been put on hold and it is not possible to tank and water. She recommends installing the well now and rent to the Feed Iowa First farmer who has been farming the land for 2 ½ years.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Running-Marquardt, to approve the following Payroll Authorizations:
RECORDER’S OFFICE
Clerical Specialist Mary Anne Cassis-Williams Termination/retirement 02/04/23
FACILITIES
Custodian Rocio Calderon Termination/resignation 02/05/23
Custodian Joshua Bader New hire – PT 02/20/23 10A $18.01 + $ .25 20 hrs/wk
Replaces R. Calderon
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Communications Oper. Bryton Franks Termination 02/06/23
Deputy Sheriff Tyler Annis Termination/resignation 02/24/23
Female Corr. Officer Chantel McDowell Termination/resignation 03/01/23
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Intake Technician Cynthia Merritt Step increase/contract 03/21/23 55B $20.90 – 55C $21.99
Youth Worker Melanie Blunn End of probation 03/12/23 56A $21.42 + $ .25 – 56B $22.51 + $ .25
JUVENILE DETENTION
Youth Counselor Mehgan Diefenderfer Termination 01/27/23
Tracker Paige Richert End of probation 03/14/23 56A $21.42 + $ .25 – 56B $22.51 + $ .25
Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Rogers to appoint Jason Kwapil as Clinton Township Trustee, term ending 12/31/26.
Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Rogers to go into Closed Session to discuss pending litigation, pursuant to Code of Iowa 21.5(1)c.
VOTE: Rogers – Aye Zumbach – Aye Running-Marquardt – Aye
Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Rogers to go out of Closed Session.
VOTE: Rogers – Aye Zumbach – Aye Running-Marquardt – Aye
Adjournment at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JOEL D. MILLER, Linn County Auditor
By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor
APPROVED BY:
LOUIS J. ZUMBACH
Chairperson
Published in the MVL Sun Feb. 23, 2023.
LInn BoS Feb 13 minutes
February 23, 2023