Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 10, 2013
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session 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 Furlong, second by Kelly, claims dated June 10, 2013 were approved in
the amount of $1,318,149.19. Ayes: All.
Presentation by Muscatine County Agent of Record Jeff Miller of Miller and Harrison
Insurance, Tim Kergan of Iowa Municipal Workers Compensation Association, and Russ
Sporer of Iowa Communities Assurance Pool regarding Muscatine County’s claim
experience and the role of the Safety Committee. Miller congratulated Muscatine County
on a reduction of its workers compensation premium from $278,167 to $150,088. Miller
stated that Matt McCulley, McCulley, Eastman & Associates Inc., sits on the Muscatine
County Safety Committee and offers valuable insight that really is helping the
departments. Miller stated that the efforts of the Safety Committee are really starting to
show up and the Safety Bucks Program is making employees aware of safety and doing
things more safely. Miller stated that Safety Bucks is a good program that rewards
employees for better than average safety. Furlong stated it is obvious the Safety Bucks
Program is working. Howard stated the employees have played a major role in this
outcome. In response to a question from Kelly, Miller estimated the cost of the Safety
Bucks Program under $10,000. Kergan stated the experience modification factor is based
on the County’s loss experience for the last three completed years. Kergan stated that the
experience modification factor reduced from 1.10 to .82. Kergan stated that the County
now receives a Loss Experience Credit because the experience modification factor
dropped below .99 as well as a Good Experience Bonus as a result of the experience
modification factor dropping below .95. Sporer congratulated Muscatine County on its
success and stated it is important for the Board to maintain their commitment in the
future. Sporer stated that ICAP returns excess funds to its members and Muscatine
County has received a total of approximately $138,000 of those funds since 2007.
Discussion was held with Chad Bishop of the MCC Video Department regarding
provision of video production and cablecast services for Muscatine County Board of
Supervisors meeting. Bishop stated that he added as needed contract fees outside of the
normal contract for special meetings. On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, the
Chair was authorized to execute an agreement between Eastern Iowa Community
College/Muscatine Community College and the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
to provide video production and cablecast services for the period of July 1, 2013 to June
30, 2016 at a base cost of $9,179.00 for FY13/14, $9,454.00 for FY14/15, and $9,738.00
for FY15/16 as amended to strike reference to political activity. Ayes: All.
Muscatine County board of Supervisors
Monday, June 10, 2013
Page 2
Discussion was held with Vic Amoroso, A&J Associates, on Muscatine County Old Jail
HVAC Design Project Change Authorization Request #4. Amoroso stated this change is
an adjustment to the first change authorization because the contractor erroneously
removed too many items under the first change authorization. Howard asked if the
amount added back is the same as the amount that was removed in error. Amoroso stated
that it was the same amount. On a motion by Howard, second by Furlong, the Board
approved Muscatine County Old Jail HVAC Design Project Change Authorization
Request #4 in the amount of $9,315.00. Ayes: All.
Amoroso updated the Board on various HVAC Design projects stating that the Old Jail
HVAC Project - Phase 1 involved parking lot repairs that have been made and as soon as
the checklist is completed they can close out that project. Amoroso stated that the Old Jail
– Phase 2 and DHS projects are progressing. Amoroso stated that the New Jail addition
has a domestic water softener, but the old jail does not and since there is space for one
with the new setup, he would encourage the Board to consider a domestic water softener
for the Old Jail. Maintenance Supervisor Oscar Alvarez stated that they replace less
plumbing and fixtures when they have a water softener. Board consensus was for
Amoroso to return with a proposal for a domestic water softener. Amoroso stated that the
Community Services Building control system update is essentially done except for the
checkout for summertime operation and setup. Amoroso stated that the Administration
Building HVAC Project is under design and they are working on the Courthouse Lighting
Study. Amoroso stated that the Preventive Maintenance Project is operational for
Community Services and the Courthouse, with the Jail and DHS being added upon
completion of their HVAC projects.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved the contract, bond and
certificate of insurance for BRS-C070(59)—60-70 for a bridge replacement on F58 (old
Hwy 6) near Stockton from Schroeder Construction in the amount of $1,337,473.23.
Ayes: All.
County Engineer Keith White updated the Board on secondary road projects and progress
on purchase of equipment budgeted in FY12/13.
On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, minutes of the Monday, June 3, 2013 regular
meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All.
Correspondence:
The Board received notification from the Iowa Department of Human Services
that the regional formation for Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and
Scott Counties has been approved.
Howard reported that residents on Funks Hill Road are asking for that road to be
closed due to excessive dumping of trash along that road.
Committee Reports:
Howard attended an Emergency Management Association Quarterly meeting June
5
th
.
Muscatine County board of Supervisors
Monday, June 10, 2013
Page 3
Kelly attended a Muscatine Community Health Association meeting June 5
th
.
Kelly attended a Muscatine County Decategorization Board meeting June 7
th
.
Howard attended a Generations Agency on Aging Executive Board meeting June
6
th
.
Howard and Kelly attended the City of Muscatine Urban Renewal meeting June 3
rd
.
Discussion was held with Budget Coordinator Sherry Seright on Muscatine County
Courthouse - 2013 Landscape and Accessibility Project Change Order #1. Seright stated
the change order is for additional reinforced steel on a portion of the driveway where the
soils appear unstable. On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board approved
Muscatine County Courthouse – 2013 Landscape and Accessibility Project Change Order
#1 in the amount of $300.00. Ayes: All.
Seright updated the Board on capital projects stating the structural repairs and roof
replacement on the Administration Building have not closed out yet because there are
still some issues with leaking in the Auditor’s Office. Seright stated that they have done
some landscaping around the Administration Building with plants split off from other
County grounds and donated river rock. Seright stated she is working on designs for new
signage for the Administration Building Parking Lot. Seright stated she is replacing the
landscape timbers and gravel with cement pads under benches on the Courthouse lawn.
Seright stated she is trying to repair the current Courthouse lawn benches, but may return
for approval to replace them if they cannot be fixed. Seright reported that the Historic Jail
fascia and soffits have been repaired, front entry steps have been replaced and new
windows are installed and ready for paint. Seright stated that the Community Services
cooling tower has been an issue and will cost approximately $55,000 – $60,000 to replace
it. Seright stated she is looking at uniforms or shirts for General Services staff in order for
them to be more identifiable. Kelly asked where the pillar cap from the Courthouse lawn
is and Seright responded that it is in storage until they decide where it is going on the
Courthouse lawn.
The Board recessed at 10:36 A.M. and reconvened at 10:47 A.M.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board went into non-public session at
10:47 A.M. pursuant to Chapter 20.17(3), Code of Iowa, to discuss strategy in union
negotiations. Roll call vote: Ayes: All. On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the
Board returned to open session at 11:05 A.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, the Board went into closed session at 11:06
A.M. pursuant to Chapter 21.5.1(i), Code of Iowa, for a performance evaluation. Roll
call vote: Ayes: All. On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board returned to
open session at 11:51 A.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
Chairperson Sorensen appointed Supervisors Howard and Furlong to negotiate the
County Engineer’s FY13-14 salary.
Muscatine County board of Supervisors
Monday, June 10, 2013
Page 4
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 A.M.
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Betty L. Wamback
Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson
First Deputy Auditor
Board of Supervisors
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 A.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.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, the Board approved Resolution #06-17-13-01
Setting Date for a Public Hearing on Designation of the Van Meter, Inc. Urban Renewal
Area and on Urban Renewal Plan and Project and on Development Agreement for July
22, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. and a consultation with the Muscatine Community School District
for July 1, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
The Board reviewed the following Special Use Permits granted by the Muscatine County
Board of Adjustment on June 7, 2013: Case #13-06-01 is an application filed by Leo J.
or Mildred M. Hora, Record Owners, and Jimmy Hora, Applicant. This property is
located in Orono Township, in the NW¼ of Section 5-T76N-R4W, 2222 Blue Heron
Avenue, West of Blue Heron Avenue, containing approximately 2.88 acres and is zoned
A-1 Agricultural District. This request would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a
Special Use Permit in order for Jimmy Hora and his family to continue living in the
existing mobile home on this property. The Board of Adjustment approved this request
with the following stipulations: 1. All taxes must be paid and be kept up-to-date. 2. If
this property were to be sold to anyone other than Jimmy Hora, the mobile home must be
removed. 3. If for some reason, Jimmy Hora would not be residing in the mobile home,
it must be removed. 4. If Jimmy Hora were to purchase or inherit this property he must
go before the Board of Adjustment to ask to place a rural residence on this property.
Case #13-06-03 is an application filed by Stephen P. and Barbara A. Dierickx, Record
Owners. This property is located in Sweetland Township, in the NW¼ of Sec. 3-T77N-
R1W, 3111 Highway 61, containing approximately 17.33 acres, and is zoned A-1
Agricultural District. This request would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a
Special Use Permit in order for Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dierickx to have a native winery at
their residence. The Board of Adjustment approved this request.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Chairperson was authorized to sign an
Application to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council to be Certified to Carry
Weapons for Reserve Officer Justin C. Sharp. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, the Board approved a Memorandum of
Understanding FFY 2013 Justice Assistance Grant Direct Award in the amount of
$18,833.00. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with Sheriff Dave White regarding staffing levels at the Muscatine
County Jail. White stated that the part time receptionist at the jail has resigned, a jail
shift lieutenant is retiring and the civil deputy has tendered her resignation. White stated
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 17, 2013
Page 2
that they will try to get by without a receptionist at the front. White stated the
receptionist takes all the gun permits, admits the attorneys in to see prisoners and updates
the sexual offender registry and they will try to absorb those duties. White stated they
had an extra sergeant position when the jail was at full capacity and he proposes filling
the shift lieutenant position with one of the existing sergeants and eliminating the
administrative sergeant position. White stated the civil assistant will step up into the civil
deputy position. White proposed changing the civil assistant position to part-time.
Administrative Services Director Nancy Schreiber stated that the County also has a full
time corrections officer opening and they had discussed moving one of the part time
officers to full time and filling that part time position with one of the previously laid off
officers. Kelly stated she is very concerned about the sex offender registry falling
through the cracks. White stated that would not happen as the State mandates the
Registry be maintained. Board consensus was for White to proceed with the proposed
staffing changes.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Howard, the following utility permits were approved:
Iowa Network Services – bury a fiber optic cable along Vail Avenue from just north of
U.S. Highway 61 then north to 150
th
Street; Windstream Communications, Inc. – place a
buried fiber telephone cable along 231
st
Street from Highway 70 east to Blue Heron
Avenue and then south to a cell tower at 2362 Blue Heron Avenue; CenturyLink –
relocate a copper cable from the bridge on Saulsbury Road over Chicken Creek due to the
bridge replacement. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with County Engineer Keith White regarding roadside mowing bids.
White stated there were two bids for roadside mowing, both from local Muscatine
companies: Kellor & Kellor Landscape Inc. - $69,509.28 and Greenscape Turf & Design
– $180,432.00. White stated the low bid was competitive with DOT estimates. White
stated they would like to do this new venture for a year and then see how it goes. White
stated he does not necessarily project any savings to the County, but that this is a way to
get more done because this is one less demand on the man hours they have. Furlong
suggested trying this and returning after the mowing season for Board review. On a
motion by Furlong, second by Howard, the Board approved the low bid from Kellor &
Kellor in the amount of $69,509.28. Ayes: All.
White updated the Board on various projects.
White stated he has received a letter from the City of Durant requesting Muscatine
County and Scott County change the speed limit coming in from the south on Vail
Avenue to 45 mph near or before the bridge, and then dropping to 25 mph near the pond
and the cemetery entrance and remain 25 mph to F58. White stated that Cedar, Scott and
Muscatine Counties come together there so all the Counties would be involved. White
stated he was not sure if the speed limit should drop from 45 mph to 25 mph without first
stepping down to 35 mph. White stated he will continue discussions with Cedar County,
Scott County and the City of Durant.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 17, 2013
Page 3
CPC/Community Services Director Mike Johannsen updated the Board on the Mental
Health-Disability Services regionalization planning process. In response to a question
from Howard, Johannsen stated the goals of regionalization are equalization of service
across the state and to save money through efficiencies. Johannsen stated he will be
working with the County Attorney on the 28E Agreement. Johannsen stated they will
keep the current Case Management practices, but move it out of Fund 10 (Mental Health
Fund). Johannsen stated they are considering hiring an outside accounting firm to look at
all five counties in the region with the idea of moving forward with a unified financial
picture. Johannsen stated this would be paid for with the technical assistance money.
Board consensus was to have Johannsen move forward with the regionalization planning
process.
The Board recessed at 10:30 A.M. and reconvened at 10:40 A.M.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Sauer, the Board approved an application for a Class
B Native Wine Sunday Sales and Outdoor Service permit for Sweetland Farmstead LLC,
3111 Hwy. 61, Muscatine, IA 52761. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, minutes of the Monday, June 10, 2013 regular
meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All.
Correspondence:
Howard received two contacts regarding the work on G-28.
Howard received a call regarding the cost of slag.
Sorensen received a call regarding concerns on Mental Health services.
Committee Reports:
Furlong and Sauer attended a Muscatine County Joint Communications meeting
June 13
th
.
Howard attended a special Muscatine County Conservation Board meeting
June 11
th
.
Howard attended a Muscatine Search and Rescue meeting June 12
th
.
Sorensen and Kelly attended a MAGIC Board meeting June 10
th
.
Kelly attended a Mental Health Committee meeting on June 13
th
.
Kelly attended a Seventh Judicial District meeting on June 14
th
.
Kelly gave a presentation to a Government class at Muscatine Community College on
June 11
th
.
Discussion was held with County Attorney Alan Ostergren regarding a recommendation
to regrade the Fines Collection Coordinator position. On a motion by Furlong, second by
Howard, the Board approved changing the Fines Collection Coordinator position from
Grade 8 to Grade 9. Ayes: All.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 17, 2013
Page 4
On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board authorized the Chair to execute the
FY13/14 Contract for Specialized Transportation Services with River Bend Transit in the
amount of $7,000. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Howard, the Board approved the FY13/14 Salary
Schedule (2% adjustment to the FY12/13 schedule). Ayes: All.
The Board reviewed the health/dental fund balance as of May 31, 2013.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board went into closed session at 11:02
A.M. pursuant to Chapter 21.5.1(i), Code of Iowa, for a performance evaluation. Roll
call vote: Ayes: All. On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board returned to
open session at 12:32 P.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
The Board recessed at 12:32 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 1:30 P.M. with Howard, Kelly, Sauer and Sorensen present.
Furlong was absent.
Cerro Gordo County Auditor Ken Kline gave a demonstration of the Precinct Atlas
electronic poll book. Kline stated that the concept of the program is to organize Iowa
election laws into a computer program. Kline stated they have seen a decrease in
provisional ballots due to implementation of the program. Kline stated the program is
designed to make the precinct official’s job easier not harder. Kline stated the program is
used in 58 Counties to date.
Furlong joined the meeting at 2:07 P.M.
Kline stated the program is revised continually to reflect law changes. Muscatine County
Auditor Leslie Soule stated the voter information is downloaded by the Auditor’s Office.
Kline stated the cost is about $2,000 per precinct plus additional costs. Soule stated the
licensing fee will be roughly $2,100 per year. Kline stated that they thought the program
would decrease the number of precinct officials needed, but have found that is not the
case.
Precinct Election Official (PEO) Pat Hafner stated that the program was really user
friendly and it would save a lot of time during the election. PEO Don Mahraun stated this
program would make it a lot easier to verify the voter. PEO Mary Danner stated there is a
lot to remember and this would be a lot easier. PEO Marilyn Kean stated she would love
for the County to do this. PEO JoAnne Thrap stated that our goal should be to make sure
every person who is eligible to vote and wants to vote should have that opportunity.
Thrap stated she thinks this system would eliminate a lot of the human errors and
eliminate a lot of the frustration of the voters who don’t understand what precinct they are
supposed to vote at. Thrap stated she would recommend this purchase.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 17, 2013
Page 5
Soule stated the cost of Precinct Atlas will be around $51,600 with the license fees,
equipment, scanners and miscellaneous supplies. Soule stated she would have the
equipment shipped to Cerro Gordo so their programmers could setup the computers and
get them ready for Muscatine County. Board consensus was for Soule to put this on next
Monday’s agenda for a possible decision.
The Board recessed at 2:53 P.M. and reconvened at 3:02 P.M.
On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, the Board went into closed session at 3:03
P.M. pursuant to Chapter 21.5.1(i), Code of Iowa, for a performance evaluation. Roll call
vote: Ayes: All. On a motion by Howard, second by Furlong, the Board returned to open
session at 4:14 P.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:14 P.M.
ATTEST:
_______________________________ _________________________________
Leslie A. Soule, Auditor
Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 24, 2013 – Special Session
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in special session at 9:00 A.M. with
Furlong, Howard, Sorensen, Sauer and Kelly present. Chairperson Sorensen presiding.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the agenda was approved as written. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with County Engineer Keith White regarding placement of hot mix
overlay on 102
nd
Street. White stated Brandt Construction is willing to overlay 102
nd
Street at the contracted unit prices for an estimated cost of $90,000. White stated their
unit prices were very low and he suggested adding 102
nd
Street to their contract. Board
consensus was for White to add replacement of the hot mix overlay on 102
nd
Street to the
Brandt Construction contract.
County Engineer Keith White updated the Board on secondary road projects.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board went into closed session at 9:16
A.M. pursuant to Chapter 21.5.1(i), Code of Iowa, for a performance evaluation. Roll
call vote: Ayes: All. On a motion by Furlong, second by Howard, the Board returned to
open session at 10:58 A.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
The Board toured the following County buildings with Maintenance Supervisor Oscar
Alvarez and Budget Coordinator Sherry Seright: Community Services, Old Sheriff
Quarters/Jail, Historic Jail, Optimae, Friends of the Old Barn Cottage, and Department of
Human Services.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
_____________________________
_____________________________
Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor
Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 24, 2013 – Regular Session
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 7:00 P.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 Kelly, second by Howard, claims dated June 24, 2013 were approved in
the amount of $1,936,104.08. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with County Auditor Leslie Soule regarding the possible purchase of
Precinct Atlas Electronic Pollbooks for all Muscatine County Precincts. On a motion by
Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board approved Resolution #06-24-13-01 Authorizing the
Chair to Sign the 28E Agreement for Iowa Precinct Atlas Consortium. Roll call vote:
Ayes: All. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the County Auditor was authorized to
purchase Precinct Atlas Electronic Pollbooks for all Muscatine County Precincts. Ayes:
All.
Discussion was held with County Auditor Leslie Soule regarding a Class B Native Wine
Permit approved June 17, 2013 for Sweetland Farmstead LLC. Soule explained that
Sweetland Farmstead LLC and the State of Iowa had withdrawn the permit application
without notifying Muscatine County. Soule stated that the State of Iowa determined that
all that was needed for the native winery was a manufacturer’s permit which is approved
by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, not the local authority. On a motion by
Howard, second by Furlong, the Board rescinded a Class B Native Wine, Sunday Sales
and Outdoor Service Permit for Sweetland Farmstead LLC, 3111 Hwy. 61, Muscatine, IA
52761. Ayes: All.
Discussion was held regarding the possible abatement of taxes on buildings on leased
land with County Treasurer Jerry Coffman and First Deputy Treasurer Amy Zybarth.
Coffman stated that the buildings are gone and the owners cannot be found in order to
collect the taxes. Coffman stated the property owner of the land is not responsible so
there is really nothing they can do to recover these taxes. Zybarth stated that they are
working with the Assessor and Zoning to make an effort to identify these situations
sooner while the owner can still be located. On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer,
the Board approved Resolution #06-24-13-02 Abating Taxes: Buildings on Leased Land.
Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
Discussion was held with Jerry Denning, Attorney for Michael Deahr, on a request for an
extension for filing the Final Plat of Deahr Addition. Denning stated he missed the
original deadline and was requesting an extension. Furlong stated he thinks there should
be a fee for an extension in the future. Administrative Services Director Nancy Schreiber
stated she will work with the Zoning Administrator Jodee Stepleton to develop a policy
and appropriate fee for future extensions. On a motion by Furlong, second by Howard,
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 24, 2013 – Regular Session
Page 2
the Board approved Resolution #06-24-13-03 Granting a 90-day Extension for Filing the
Final Plat of Deahr Addition as recommended by Zoning Administrator Jodee Stepleton.
Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, minutes of the Monday, June 17, 2013 regular
meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All.
Gary Stephenson presented the Board with a framed actual 1934 Lithograph of the
Constitution for placement in the Courthouse. Stephenson thanked the Board for allowing
him to do this project and thanked the following sponsors that donated to this project:
Edward Jones – Bob Sheets; First National Bank of Muscatine; Great River Tire &
Service Inc. – Chad and Jennifer Littleton; Prudential – Michael J. Gaeta; Uptown Motor
Sales Inc.; Community Bank & Trust; Holmes Collision Repair, Inc; Veterans of Foreign
Wars John Harold Kembel Post 1565 and Auxiliary; American Legion Edward H. Bitzer
Post 27, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion; and
AMVETS Larry W. Brendel Post 2013. Furlong stated the Board appreciates the time
and effort he has put into this project in Muscatine County and throughout the State.
The Board recessed at 7:29 A.M. and reconvened at 7:45 P.M.
Correspondence:
Howard reported a couple of contacts regarding the reduced Jail inmate
population.
Committee Reports:
Kelly attended an Eastern Iowa Mental Health Committee meeting June 20
th
.
Kelly attended the West Liberty Foods Landfill Free Certification Ceremony June 19
th
.
Supervisor Furlong stated that he and Supervisor Howard met with County Engineer
Keith White to discuss his salary. Furlong stated that White’s salary is in line with other
County Engineers as there are 8 or 9 County Engineers with a higher salary than White.
Furlong stated that based on his experience and performance evaluation, he and
Supervisor Howard were around 2.8% – 3%. Howard stated that he was originally
leaning toward a 2.5% - 2.8% increase, but after he thought about the experience and
expertise that the County gets from White, he is now in favor of a 3% increase. On a
motion by Furlong, second by Howard, the Board approved a 3% increase for the County
Engineer for FY13/14. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board scheduled a public hearing for
Monday, September 16, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. on proposed FY13/14 Muscatine County
Budget Amendments. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board approved a fireworks permit for
Kevin D. Ellsworth unless there is a burn ban at the time of the fireworks. Ayes: All.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, June 24, 2013 – Regular Session
Page 3
On a motion by Furlong, second by Sauer, the Board approved a fireworks permit for
Robert Timmons unless there is a burn ban at the time of the fireworks. Ayes: All.
The Board scheduled fiscal year-end cash counts with County departments.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
ATTEST:
____________________________
__________________________
Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor
Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, July 1, 2013
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 A.M. with
Furlong, Howard, Sorensen, Sauer and Kelly. Chairperson Sorensen presiding.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the agenda was approved as written. Ayes:
All.
The Board had scheduled a meeting at this time with representatives of the Muscatine
Community School District to discuss the proposed urban renewal plan for the Van
Meter, Inc. Urban Renewal Area, but no representatives attended this meeting. Matt
Gable, Russell Construction, explained that a 16” water main would be extended from
Fridley Theatres down Hwy 61 to Van Meter, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $250,000.
Gable stated that the water main will run on private property, not the right-of-way, and
has an expected project completion date of August 1
st
.
Discussion was held with Vic Amoroso, A&J Associates, on Muscatine County DHS
Office Building HVAC Design Project Change Authorization Request #4. Amoroso
stated this change is due to restricted space in the lower level ceiling requiring changes to
multiple duct elbows to meet the space requirements. Howard stated he had an issue with
this not being in the original contract. Amoroso stated the bids were submitted from
drawings and these were not in the drawings. Amoroso stated he originally thought the
lower room was not going to be used for anything other than equipment, but some people
felt there might be a possible use for that room so the elbows are needed to raise the
height of the ducts. On a motion by Furlong, second by Sauer, the Board approved
Muscatine County DHS Office Building HVAC Design Project Change Authorization
Request #4 in the amount of $8,062.59. Ayes: All.
County Engineer Keith White updated the Board on secondary road projects. White
stated that he is working on an issue between two residents on Casey Avenue. Kelly
offered to meet with the property owners to mediate and resolve the dispute if needed.
Discussion was held with Zoning Administrator Jodee Stepleton regarding a vacancy in
the Zoning Office. Stepleton stated that the position of part-time Building Inspector will
be vacant July 12
th
and she would like to fill the position. Stepleton stated that by January
2014, we will have to have a certified electrician on staff in order to continue to do
electrical inspections. Stepleton is checking to see if a 28E agreement between the City
and County would allow the City to handle the County’s electrical inspections. On a
motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board authorized the Zoning Administrator to
fill a part time Building Inspector vacancy. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, minutes of the Monday, June 24, 2013 special
meeting and Monday, June 24, 2013 regular meeting were approved as written. Ayes:
All.
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, July 1, 2013
Page 2
Correspondence:
All Supervisors received an email from John Sparks regarding a maintenance
issue on Casey Avenue.
Howard and Kelly reported contacts regarding the recent tornado and lack of
si r ens.
Sauer reported calls regarding road conditions.
Sorensen reported a contact regarding a fence dispute in Wilton Township.
Howard reported a pond dispute he is working on in the County.
Committee Reports:
Kelly attended a Bi-State Regional meeting June 26
th
.
Sauer attended a Riverbend Transit meeting June 26
th
.
Howard attended a Muscatine County Emergency Management meeting June
25
th
.
Howard attended a Generations Area on Aging meeting June 26
th
.
Sauer, Howard and Kelly attended a Department of Natural Resources Air Quality
meeting June 24
th
. Furlong and Sorensen attended an Emergency Management Process
Review with Muscatine City staff June 28
th
.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, appointments to the Muscatine County
Compensation Commission were approved for the period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.
Ayes: All.
On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, the Board re-appointed Bonnie Adkins as the
Board of Supervisors’ representatives to the Muscatine County Compensation Board for
a 4-year term ending June 30, 2017. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Sauer, the Board appointed Jennifer Ruchholz to the
Benefitted Fire District #6 Board of Trustees for a 3-year term ending June 30, 2016
subject to re-appointment by the Scott County Board of Supervisors. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board re-appointed George Alt to the
Muscatine County Veterans Affairs Commission for a 3-year term ending June 30, 2016.
Ayes: All
On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board approved the hiring of Melissa
Bailey as full-time Civil Deputy in the Sheriff’s Office at $36,606 (Grade 10, Step 8).
Ayes: All.
On a motion by Furlong, second by Howard, the Board approved Resolution #07-01-13-
01 FY2013-14 Budget Appropriations. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved Resolution #07-01-13-02
Rescinding and Replacing Resolution #04-22-13-01 Establishing a Historic Preservation
Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, July 1, 2013
Page 3
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 Kelly, second by Howard, the Board approved a fireworks permit for
Daryl Eichelberger unless there is a burn ban at the time of the fireworks. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved and authorized the Chair to
execute the July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 agreement regarding the Muscatine
County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Unit between Muscatine County and Chauffeurs,
Teamsters & Helpers, Local Union #238. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved and authorized the Chair to
execute the July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2016 agreement regarding the Muscatine
County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Unit between Muscatine County and Chauffeurs,
Teamsters & Helpers, Local Union #238. Ayes: All.
Loretta Spilger, 1412 Kelly Avenue, Atalissa, stated that a hog confinement facility was
constructed and utilized their 137
th
Street property to access utilities without their
permission. The Board stated they do not have jurisdiction over this issue and directed
Spilger to deal with Eastern Iowa Light and Power. Spilger stated she just wanted the
Board to realize how many hog confinement facilities are going up in that area. The
Board thanked Spilger for bringing the matter to their attention.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 A.M.
ATTEST:
____________________________
________________________________
Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor
Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors