Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
    Monday, January 15, 2007
    The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 10:00 A.M. with
    Shoultz, Dean, Kelly, Furlong and Watkins present. Chairperson Kelly presiding.
    On a motion by Dean, second by Furlong, the agenda was approved as written. Ayes:
    All.
    On a motion by Watkins, second by Dean, claims dated January 15, 2007 in the amount
    of $466,984.63 were approved. Ayes: All.
    On a motion by Dean, second by Furlong, Resolution #01-15-07-01 Transferring Funds
    from the General Basic Fund to the Capitol Projects Fund in the amount of $125,000 was
    approved. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
    A Public Hearing was continued from January 8, 2007 on a request from Harry W. Marx,
    record owner, to rezone approximately 54 acres in Fruitland Township from R-1
    Residential District to R-2 Residential District. No one spoke against the proposed
    rezoning. Bob Dekock, Attorney for record owner, spoke in favor of the proposed
    rezoning. Zoning Administrator Eric Furnas stated that he had no objections and
    confirmed that a centralized sewer system would be required if the development
    contained over 39 lots. On a motion by Watkins, second by Dean, the public hearing was
    closed at 10:10 A.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
    On a motion by Shoultz, second by Dean, an ordinance rezoning approximately 54 acres
    in Fruitland Township from R-1 Residential District to R-2 Residential District was
    approved on the first reading. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
    Discussion was held regarding potential uses of the Care Facility building. Dean stated
    that she was not aware that Dave White was considering the former Care Facility
    building for use as a minimum security jail and that he had contacted other agencies to
    see if they were interested in setting up offices in the facility. Dean stated that housing
    DHS and Child Protective Services with a minimum security jail was not compatible.
    Dean and the other supervisors received calls against moving the minimum security
    facility to that neighborhood. Watkins stated he felt it was advisable to look at potential
    uses of the Care Facility building as it is probably not marketable at a good price. Jail
    Administrator R. D. Oppelt stated that the current work release center cannot be
    remodeled because it is in a flood plain and the inspector will not allow permanent use of
    the facility. Chief Deputy Dave White stated that they would much rather add a pod to
    the jail, but that at a cost of $4,000,000, it may not be feasible.
    Lynette LaScala stated that a lot of people living near the former Care Facility have
    disabilities and like living in a safe and secure neighborhood. LaScala feels that they will
    no longer feel that safety with a minimum security facility in the neighborhood. She
    suggested turning the facility into a day facility for persons with disabilities. Linda
    Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
    Monday, January 15, 2007
    Page
    2
    Smock presented a petition to the Board with 123 signatures asking the Board not
    proceed with the facility.
    Sheriff Orr stated that the project was strictly exploratory and they were not trying to
    push it. Orr offered to not pursue use of the Care Facility as a work release facility.
    Board consensus was to continue looking for an alternative work release facility and to
    provide details on the possible addition of another pod at the Jail.
    The Board held their monthly meeting with County Assessor Dale McCrea. McCrea
    stated that the legislature will be looking at property tax issues this session with a
    possible emphasis on commercial property. McCrea also stated that the Department of
    Revenue has new rules regarding the valuation of agricultural buildings. Dean requested
    that McCrea provide budget figures for the past five years for Conference Board budget
    discussions.
    County Recorder Cindy Gray reviewed the FY07/08 budget request for the Recorder.
    Zoning Administrator Eric Furnas informed the Board that he had attended the Muscatine
    City Council meeting last week stating that the City Council proceeded with scheduling a
    first reading of the proposed Sidewalk Ordinance for Thursday, January 18
    th
    even though
    the Board had sent City Administrator A. J. Johnson a letter asking them to wait to
    discuss the matter at their joint meeting on Monday, January 22
    nd
    . Bob Axtell, developer
    of Bloomington Hollow, expressed concern over sidewalks in rural subdivisions where
    they are not needed. Board consensus was for Administrative Assistant Nancy Schreiber
    to submit another letter directly to the Muscatine City Council asking them to not take
    any action until after their joint meeting on January 22
    nd
    . Zoning Administrator Eric
    Furnas stated that he will attend the public hearing on Thursday and voice the Board’s
    concerns if the letter is not mentioned.
    Sheriff Greg Orr and Chief Deputy Dave White reviewed the FY07/08 budget request for
    the Sheriff.
    On a motion by Furlong, second by Shoultz, minutes of the Monday, January 8, 2007
    regular meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All.
    On a motion by Dean, second by Watkins, the Board accepted the County Treasurer’s
    Semi-Annual Report for the period July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006. Ayes: All.
    Correspondence:
    All Board members received phone calls regarding possible uses of the Care
    Facility.
    Committee Reports:
    Shoultz attended the Joint Communications Commission meeting on January 11
    th
    .
    Dean and Furlong attended the MAGIC Committee meeting on January 8
    th
    .
    Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
    Monday, January 15, 2007
    Page
    3
    Dean attended the Seventh Judicial District meeting on January 12
    th
    and was
    elected chairperson.
    Furlong attended RC&D Council meeting on January 10
    th
    .
    On a motion by Furlong, second by Shoultz, Supervisors Dean and Watkins were
    appointed to a committee to evaluate needs/use of the Courthouse. Ayes: All.
    The Board reviewed the health/dental fund balances as of December 31, 2006.
    On a motion by Furlong, second by Dean, Jenny Paetz was appointed to the Muscatine
    County Conservation Board to fill a vacancy for a term ending December 31, 2010.
    Ayes: All.
    On a motion by Dean, second by Watkins, a public hearing was set for January 29
    th
    at
    10:00 A.M. for three rezoning requests.
    The Board recessed at 12:00 P.M. and reconvened at 1:15 P.M. to hear budget requests
    for FY07/08 from outside agencies with Shoultz, Dean, Kelly, Furlong and Watkins
    present.
    Unity Community Nursing – Jane Caes and Tom Huber
    FY06/07 Allocation $175,704
    FY07/08 Request
    $175,704
    Wilton Library – Sharon Bowers
    FY06/07 Allocation $12,000
    FY07/08 Request
    $15,000
    Musser Public Library – Sheila Chaudoin and Eugene Johnson
    FY06/07 Allocation $98,000
    FY07/08 Request
    $101,430
    Dean left the meeting at 1:55 P.M. for a previously scheduled appointment.
    West Liberty Library – Janette McMahon
    FY06/07 Allocation $12,000
    FY07/08 Request
    $15,000
    Muscatine Greater Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Gary Carlson
    FY06/07 Allocation $25,000
    FY07/08 Request
    $28,000
    Muscatine Convention & Visitors Bureau – Heather Shoppa
    FY06/07 Allocation $6,000
    FY07/08 Request
    $8,000
    Wilton Development Corporation – Bill Vetter
    FY06/07 Allocation $3,200
    FY07/08 Request
    $3,200
    On a motion by Watkins, second by Shoultz, the meeting was adjourned at 3:19 P.M.
    ATTEST:
    ______________________________
    _______________________________
    Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor
    Kas Kelly, Chairperson
    Board of Supervisors

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