Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 15, 2013
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 A.M. with
Furlong, Howard, Sorensen, Sauer and Kelly present. Chairperson Sorensen presiding.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the agenda was approved as written. Ayes:
All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Furlong, claims dated April 15, 2013 were approved
in the amount of $435,846.97. Ayes: All.
A Public Hearing was called to order at 9:03 A.M. by Chairperson Sorensen on a
proposal to dispose of County-owned real property located at 609 6
th
Street W,
Muscatine, Iowa. No one spoke against the proposed disposal of County-owned real
property. Steve Boka, City of Muscatine Director of Community Development, stated
that the City does not intend to ever sell the property. On a motion by Kelly, second by
Furlong, the public hearing was closed at 9:06 A.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All. On a
motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved Resolution #04-15-13-01
Authorizing the Disposition of County - Owned Real Property. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, the Board approved the following resolutions:
Resolution #04-15-13-02 Assigning a Tax Sale Certificate – Parcel #13-02-128-003;
Resolution #04-15-13-03 Assigning a Tax Sale Certificate – Parcel #13-02-128-001;
Resolution #04-15-13-04 Assigning a Tax Sale Certificate – Parcel #13-02-126-002;
Resolution #04-15-13-05 Assigning a Tax Sale Certificate – Parcel #13-02-126-004; and
Resolution #04-15-13-06 Assigning a Tax Sale Certificate – Parcel #13-02-126-005. Roll
call vote: Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with Vic Amoroso, A&J Associates, on Muscatine County Jail
Building HVAC Design Project – Phase 2 Change Order #1. Amoroso stated this
Change Order is because J. L. Brady LLC, contractor, offered a system change to the
project that would save significant dollars. Howard asked Amoroso why he never
pursued this alternative in the design phase of the project. Amoroso responded that he
had tried this method on a previous project, but found it to be more expensive on that
project. Kelly stated that this reaffirms that they have chosen the right company to do the
work for them. On a motion by Furlong, second by Howard, the Board approved
Muscatine County Jail Building HVAC Design Project – Phase 2 Change Order #1 in the
amount of -$171,861. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with Sheriff Dave White regarding amending the Jail Commissary
Expenditure Policy to include payment of wages and benefits for Jail Diversion/Inmate
Work Crew Staff. White stated this would help get the personnel costs under control at
the Jail. On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, the Board amended the Jail
Commissary Expenditure Policy to add payment of wages and benefits for Jail
Diversion/Inmate Work Crew Staff from that fund. Ayes: All.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 15, 2013
Page 2
Discussion was held with Sheriff Dave White regarding proposed staff reductions
(layoffs) due to a continued decrease in the number of inmates per day. White proposed
laying off ten full time and four part time Corrections Officers, laying off one part time
Food Service Worker, reducing ten part time Corrections Officers to 29.9 hours per week,
moving 2 part time Corrections Officers to Commissary, moving a part time Receptionist
to the Sheriff’s budget and cutting the vacant full-time Nurse position while increasing
the 2 part time Nurses to 29.9 hours per week. White stated that these reductions will
save the County $142,800 in FY12/13 and $837,500 in FY13/14. Howard appreciates
that Sheriff Dave White and Jail Administrator Dean Naylor came forward with this plan.
White stated that the Jail Administrator is actively making calls to try to fill the Jail so
that hopefully the layoff will not last long. On a motion by Howard, second by Furlong,
the Board ratified staff reductions (layoffs) as determined by the Sheriff. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with Sheriff Dave White regarding his request to hire a part-time Jail
Nurse-RN (up to 10 hours per week). Administrative Services Director Nancy Schreiber
stated that if this is approved, one of the PT Nurses will not be increased to 29.9 hours,
but will remain at 20 hours. On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, the Board
approved the hiring of Susan Mullen as part-time Jail Nurse-RN (up to 10 hours per
week) at Grade 11, Step 12 at $20.36 per hour. Ayes: All.
Sheriff White updated the Board on the condition of vehicles acquired for free through
the federal government stating that they are in the process of performing some minor
repairs on the vehicles, but that all of the vehicles are extremely low mileage and will be
useful vehicles to the County.
Discussion was held with Steven Forbes regarding a request from the Muscatine
Arboretum Association to build an asphalt parking area in Discovery Park. Forbes stated
that this parking lot would provide easy access to the new trail projected to be completed
this summer. Kelly asked who would be maintaining this parking lot. Forbes stated that
if the County will not maintain it, then they will probably just treat it like they do their
sidewalks, which means it would not be accessible when it snows. Conservation Director
Curt Weiss stated that they would work with the Arboretum to keep it maintained, but it
would not be plowed in the winter. On a motion by Furlong, second by Sorensen, the
Board approved construction of an asphalt parking area in Discovery Park, subject to
approval by the Muscatine County Conservation Board. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board approved the following utility
permit: Centurylink – relocate a 24 fiber cable on Zachary Avenue South of Old Hwy 61
and running to the entrance to SSAB. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, the Board approved the contract, bond and
certificate of insurance for the L-(M13-1)—73-70, HMA Resurfacing on portions of
North Isett Avenue, North Tipton Road and 120
th
Street (F65) from Brandt Construction
Company in the amount of $726,100.34. Ayes: All.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 15, 2013
Page 3
On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board approved plans and specifications
for L-(CUL13&CUL14)—73-70, Pipe Culvert Project on 110
th
Street, 122
nd
Street, 241
st
Street, Bancroft Avenue, Elder Avenue, Eliason Avenue, North Isett Avenue and Tucker
Avenue with Erosion repairs on 231
st
Street (G28). Ayes: All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Furlong, the Board approved setting a letting date of
May 6, 2013 at 9:30 A.M. for L-(CUL13&CUL14)—73-70. Ayes: All.
County Engineer Keith White updated the Board on secondary road projects stating that
the recent wet weather has caused a couple of road closings and some significant soft
spots on the roads.
The Board recessed at 10:03 A.M. and reconvened at 10:15 A.M.
The Board held an update meeting with Community Services Director Mike Johannsen.
Johannsen reviewed the General Assistance Budget Update and Director’s Report stating
that expenditures are currently at 57.61% with a target of 75%. Johannsen stated he is
watching rent because the federal sequestration affected the City Section 8 Housing
Voucher system which may increase requests for assistance through the County.
Johannsen reviewed the Veterans Assistance Budget Update and Report stating that
expenditures are at 59.11% with a target of 75%. Veterans Affairs Coordinator Sara
Creamer reported there is about a two year back log on decisions coming out of the State
regarding claims. Creamer stated she has had 30 requests in the last two months to place
their Veteran status on their Driver License. Creamer stated there are approximately
3,100 Veterans registered in Muscatine County.
Case Manager Kathie Anderson-Noel reported on the activities of the Case Management
Department stating that they currently have 284 cases.
Johannsen reviewed the Trust Budget Update and Director’s Report stating that they have
seen an increase of 13 cases since July with referrals coming from Nursing Homes, DHS
and Case Management.
Johannsen reviewed the CPC Budget Update and Director’s Report stating that
expenditures are at 63.50% with a target of 75%. Johannsen stated that the issue in the
future will be what funding will be available to the program.
Johannsen updated the Board on the Regionalization stating that the Eastern Iowa
MH/DS Region has hired Jeff Schott, Institute of Public Affairs, to facilitate meetings
regarding the development of regionalization for MH/DS services. Howard asked who
will pay for the core services. Johannsen stated they will either be paid by the State or
County, but it has not yet been decided. Howard also asked if the County will retain
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 15, 2013
Page 4
autonomy. Johannsen stated there will be a local access point and that the five Counties
will each equally have one vote on decisions made by the Region.
Johannsen updated the Board on several legislative issues.
Public Health Director Mary O’Dell reported on Public Health stating that the Legislature
has required a TDAP booster for every 7
th
grader starting this fall. O’Dell stated that after
auditing all of the public and private schools and preschools records, all schools in
Muscatine County are over 95% compliant at this time on vaccinations. O’Dell stated that
another Community Health Assessment has been released showing that Muscatine
County has improved in some of the social and economic factors, but scores have
decreased in physical environment so they need to continue working on Blue Zone efforts
to transition Muscatine County into a healthier community.
On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, minutes of the Monday, April 8, 2013 regular
meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All.
Correspondence:
The Board received a letter from the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner
extending thanks and appreciation for hard work and dedication of the
Muscatine County Medical Examiner Office.
All Supervisors received calls and emails regarding the possibility of a Nuclear
Power Plant in Muscatine County with all except one individual against a
Nuclear Power Plant.
Furlong and Sauer received calls regarding road conditions.
Howard received a call regarding the use of slag on County roads.
Committee Reports:
Kelly and Sorensen attended a M.A.G.I.C. meeting April 8
th
.
Kelly attended a Seventh Judicial District meeting April 12
th
.
Howard attended a Muscatine County Search and Rescue meeting April 10
th
.
Sauer attended a Muscatine County Fairgrounds Cleanup day April 13
th
. Howard
attended a Fruitland City Council meeting April 9
th
. Sorensen attended a Blue Zone
Walkability Presentation April 11
th
.
On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, the Board approved Resolution #04-15-13-07
Transferring $10,000 from the Conservation Reserve Fund to the Conservation
Equipment Reserve Fund. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Sauer, the Board approved Resolution #04-15-13-08
State of Iowa Designation of Matthew Shook as Applicant’s Authorized Representative
(Hazard Mitigation Plan Update). Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 15, 2013
Page 5
On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, the Board set a public hearing for May 6, 2013
at 9:00 A.M. on a request from Leo E. or Lois A. Ochiltree, record owners, to rezone
approximately three acres in Wilton Township from I-2 Heavy Industrial to A-1
Agricultural District. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held on requests from the Muscatine County Historical Preservation
Commission to hire a consultant at a cost not to exceed $500 to assist with completing an
application for “Certified Local Government” status and to increase the number of
commissioners from five to seven. Board consensus was to proceed with both items.
The Board reviewed capital projects with Budget Coordinator Sherry Seright. Furlong
stated he does not want the demolition of the Old Sheriff’s quarters delayed to FY14/15
as proposed. Furlong is also concerned about delaying connection of the Engineer/Sheriff
Office to City sewer to FY14/15. Sorensen is also concerned about delaying the DHS
Roof Repair to FY14/15. Seright suggested the County enter into a $600,000 ten year
loan instead a five year loan if the Board wants to move these projects to FY13/14. Board
consensus was to proceed with these changes.
Discussion was held regarding staff/public parking designations in the County-owned lots
at the Administration Building and at the Courthouse. Furlong stated he would like to see
more public parking behind the Administration building, but would like to see it restriped
to allow more room for backing around. Furlong stated he would also like to see the
twelve spaces along Mulberry Avenue in the new lot be designated as public parking.
County Auditor Leslie Soule suggested that if a spot is designated for any one department
that a space be designated for each department. Board consensus was to redesign the back
lot for public parking only, move the three departments from the upper lot plus General
Services from the back upper lot to the lower lot next to the other departments with all
remaining parking spaces in the lower lot available for employees, designate the new
parking lot as public/employee parking, and the 5
th
and Walnut Street parking lot as
employee parking.
Kelly stated she would like to see hours painted on the Administration Building doors.
Budget Coordinator Sherry Seright stated that it is already on her list of things to do.
The Board reviewed the health/dental fund balance as of March 31, 2013.
Howard reminded the public that today is the federal income tax deadline. Howard stated
that the Board and County Employees do a great job managing the County’s money.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 P.M.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 15, 2013
Page 6
ATTEST:
___________________________
______________________________
Betty L. Wamback
Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson
First Deputy Auditor
Board of Supervisors
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 7:00 P.M. with
Furlong, Howard, Kelly, Sauer and Sorensen present. Chairperson Sorensen presiding.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the agenda was approved as written. Ayes:
All.
Discussion was held with Muscatine County Emergency Manager Matt Shook regarding
flash flooding in the City of West Liberty due to recent storms. Shook stated that 350
households in West Liberty have been inundated with water or sewage and that 240 – 250
of these households may be eligible for the Iowa Individual Assistance Program. Shook
stated that other individuals that were affected by the flooding who live in the County
may be eligible for assistance. Shook stated that if the disaster declaration is ratified
there will be a link on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website that
people can use to determine if they qualify for disaster assistance. On a motion by Kelly,
second by Sauer, the Board ratified the disaster declaration executed by the Chair of the
Board of Supervisors on April 19, 2013. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with Vic Amoroso, A&J Associates, regarding Muscatine County
Jail Building HVAC Design – Phase 2 Change Order #2. Amoroso stated that the change
order is to fix a problem with the roof. On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the
Board approved Muscatine County Jail Building HVAC Design – Phase 2 Change Order
#2 in the amount of $5,384. Ayes: All.
Amoroso stated that Change Order #3 is to replace the current Andover control system
and is an incorporation of Alternate #6 which had been declined when the bids came in
for review. Amoroso stated that the control system has been discontinued and is no
longer supported by the factory. On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, the Board
approved Muscatine County Jail Building HVAC Design – Phase 2 Change Order #3 in
the amount of $37,000. Ayes: All.
Amoroso reviewed the April, 2013 issue of the magazine “Traditional Building” which
has a picture of the Muscatine County Courthouse on the cover and an article on the
Courthouse renovations.
On a motion by Howard, second by Furlong, the Board approved Resolution #04-22-13-
01 Rescinding and Replacing Resolution #10-03-11-04 Establishing a Historic
Preservation Commission for Muscatine County, Iowa; Providing for the Recognition
and Promotion of Historic Sites and Defining Powers and Duties of the Commission.
Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board approved Resolution #04-22-13-02
Suspending the Collection of Taxes. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 22, 2013
Page 2
On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved Resolution #04-22-13-03
Re: Proposed Location of a Nuclear or Natural Gas Power Plant in Muscatine County.
Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, minutes of the Monday, April 15, 2013 regular
meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All.
Correspondence:
Kelly, Sauer, Howard and Furlong received several contacts concerning road
conditions.
Kelly received a call concerning the agenda for the April 22
nd
Board of
Supervisors meeting.
Sauer received contacts concerning the former W. G. Block property.
Howard received a contact concerning layoffs at the Muscatine County Jail.
Howard received a contact concerning a complaint about the Zoning Office.
Howard received two contacts concerning the Lutheran Homes loan assistance
proposal.
Howard received a question on when slag issues will be placed on the agenda for
a future Board of Supervisors meeting.
Committee Reports:
Sauer attended a River Bend Transit Board meeting April 17
th
.
Howard attended a Muscatine County Conservation Board meeting April 15
th
.
Sorensen attended a Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
meeting April 19
th
.
Furlong attended a Muscatine County Veterans Affairs Commission meeting
April 15
th
.
Howard and Sauer attended the dedication of Deep Lakes Park on April 20
th
.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board appointed Marsha Gerot to the
Conesville Benefited Fire District for a 3 year term ending December 31, 2015. Ayes:
All. Gerot was already formally approved by the Louisa County Board of Supervisors.
Howard updated the Board on issues concerning the use of slag on Muscatine County
roads. Howard gave the Board material he has received from various state agencies.
Howard stated that he is still pursuing information on questions regarding dust issues,
possible ground water contamination, cost savings and quality of slag material. Board
consensus was to have discussion of slag issues be put on a future meeting’s agenda.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 P.M.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, April 22, 2013
Page 3
ATTEST:
_______________________________ _________________________________
Leslie A. Soule, Auditor
Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors