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Muscatine County Board of Supervisors

Monday, November 18, 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 November 18, 2013 were

approved in the amount of $1,177,459.20. Ayes: All.

Discussion was held with Zoning Administrator Jodee Stepleton regarding approval of a

preliminary plat of the proposed two lot agricultural subdivision, LewLou Subdivision,

containing approximately 71.49 acres in Orono Township. On a motion by Howard,

second by Sauer, the Board approved a preliminary plat of the proposed two lot

agricultural subdivision, LewLou Subdivision, containing approximately 71.49 acres in

Orono Township. Ayes: Kelly, Sauer, Sorensen and Howard. Furlong abstained due to

his relationship to the owners.

On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, the Board approved Resolution #11-18-13-01

Approval of Final Plat of LewLou Subdivision, subject to approval by the Muscatine

County Board of Health. Roll call vote: Ayes: Kelly, Sauer, Sorensen and Howard.

Furlong abstained due to his relationship to the owners.

Discussion was held with Zoning Administrator Jodee Stepleton regarding approval of a

preliminary plat of the proposed one lot agricultural subdivision, Sweetland Farmstead,

containing approximately 6.9 acres in Sweetland Township. On a motion by Kelly,

second by Furlong, the Board approved a preliminary plat of the proposed one lot

agricultural subdivision, Sweetland Farmstead, containing approximately 6.9 acres in

Sweetland Township. Ayes: All

On a motion by Furlong, second by Sauer, the Board approved Resolution #11-18-13-02

Approval of Final Plat of Sweetland Farmstead, subject to approval by the Muscatine

County Board of Health. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.

Discussion was held with Zoning Administrator Jodee Stepleton regarding approval of a

preliminary plat of the proposed one lot agricultural subdivision, Sparks Farm Addition,

containing approximately 1.781 acres in Cedar Township. On a motion by Howard,

second by Sauer, the Board approved a preliminary plat of the proposed one lot

agricultural subdivision, Sparks Farm Addition, containing approximately 1.781 acres in

Cedar Township. Ayes: All

On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved Resolution #11-18-13-03

Approval of Final Plat of Sparks Farm Addition, subject to approval by the Muscatine

County Board of Health. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors

Monday, November 18, 2013

Page 2

The Board reviewed the following Special Use Permit approved by the Muscatine County

Board of Adjustment on Friday, October 4, 2013: Case #13-10-01 is an application filed

by James E. or Jeanette A. Billingsley, Record Owner. This property is located in

Moscow Township, in the SE ¼ of Sec. 11-T78N-R2W, 2679 Hwy. 6, containing

approximately 3.45 acres and is zoned A-1 Agricultural District. This request, if

approved, would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a Special Use Permit in order

for the owners to park and use up to two campers, theirs and one other family members,

in their grove of trees. The Board of Adjustment approved this request.

The Board reviewed variances granted by the Muscatine County Board of Adjustment on

Friday, November 1, 2013. Case #13-11-01 is an application filed by Jeffrey L. and

Jacqueline M. Swope, Record Owners. This property is located in Sweetland Township,

in the SW ¼ of Sec. 2-T77N-R1W, 1673 Tucker Avenue, containing approximately

38.58 acres, and is zoned A-1 Agricultural District. This request, if approved, would

allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a Variance for the construction of a 36’ X 48’

pole barn in front of the dwelling, but it would be at least 50 feet back from the front lot

line. On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board accepted the variance. Ayes:

All. Case #13-11-02 is an application filed by Darrell and Melissa Bell, Record Owners.

This property is located in Bloomington Township, in the NW ¼ of Sec. 13-T77N-R2W,

2744 180

Street, containing approximately 19.91 acres, and is zoned R-1 Residential

District. This request, if approved, would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a

Variance in order to place an outbuilding in front of the existing dwelling, but it would be

at least 500 feet from the front lot line. On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the

Board accepted the variance. Ayes: Kelly, Sauer, Sorensen and Furlong. Howard

abstained. Case #13-11-03 was tabled by the Board of Adjustment until their next

meeting. Case #13-11-04 is an application filed by Melvin P. and Susan M. Bird, Record

Owners. This property is located in Cedar Township, in the NW ¼ of Sec. 33-T76N-

R4W, 2716 Casey Avenue, containing approximately 2.49 acres, and is zoned A-1

Agricultural District. This request, if approved, would allow the Zoning Administrator to

issue a Variance to build a detached outbuilding in front of the dwelling, but it would be

at least 50 feet back from the front lot line. On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the

Board accepted the variance. Ayes: All. Case #13-11-05 is an application filed by Blaine

A. and Jodi L. Kelly, Record Owners. This property is located in Wapsi Township, in the

NE ¼ of Sec. 14-T78N-R4W, Country Heights Subdivision, Lot 26, 1229 Country

Heights Lane, containing approximately one acre, and is zoned R-1 Residential District.

This request, if approved, would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a Variance to

build an attached garage approximately 35 feet from the side lot line instead of the

required 37 feet. On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board accepted the

variance. Ayes: All.

On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, the Board set a public hearing for December 2,

2013, at 9:00 A.M. on proposed amendments to the Muscatine County Construction

Codes and Enforcement Ordinance. Ayes: All.

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors

Monday, November 18, 2013

Page 3

On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board approved 2013 Family Farm Credit

applications as recommended by the Assessor’s Office. Ayes: All.

Discussion was held with County Treasurer Jerry Coffman regarding a possible revision

to the Muscatine County Investment Policy to set the interest rate for unpaid warrants at

6%. Sorensen stated his understanding is that the revision is to set an interest rate for

when the County has to loan out funds to a Drainage District who might not have levied

an appropriate amount of funds for maintenance and repair. Sorensen stated they will

have two years to pay the funds back to the County. Furlong feels the rate should be set at

the 6% maximum allowed in order to deter borrowing from the County. On a motion by

Furlong, second by Sauer, the Board approved a revised Muscatine County Investment

Policy that sets the interest rate for unpaid warrants at 6% as recommended by the

County Treasurer. Ayes: All.

On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, the Board approved the FY2013 Annual Urban

Renewal Report for Muscatine County. Ayes: All.

Discussion was held with County Auditor Leslie Soule regarding a possible extension of

the CenturyLink phone contract. Soule stated that CenturyLink is proposing switching the

County to VOIP, but she needs time to research whether or not switching is in the best

interest of the County. Soule stated that the current contract is expiring and she is

requesting that the Board authorize an extension of up to three years on the contract in

order to maintain good monthly rates. Soule explained that the current contract

guarantees 50 lines, but the new one would only guarantee 10 lines so the County would

not incur any penalties if we decided to switch to VOIP, but that it comes with the price

of an extra $1.00 per line per month. Soule stated she still felt this was a good deal and

asked the Board to extend the contract. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the

Board authorized the extension of the CenturyLink contract for up to three years. Ayes:

All.

On a motion by Sauer, second by Furlong, minutes of the Monday, November 4, 2013

regular meeting and Wednesday, November 13, 2013 special meeting were approved as

written. Ayes: All.

Correspondence:

Howard reported a contact regarding a Fruitland road.

Committee Reports:

Kelly attended a Bi-State Drug & Alcohol meeting November 12

Kelly attended a Muscatine County Health Association meeting November 6

Kelly attended a Decategorization meeting November 15

Sorensen attended a Muscatine County Safety Committee meeting November 6

Howard attended a Milestones Advisory Board meeting November 12

Howard attended a Muscatine Search and Rescue meeting November 13

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors

Monday, November 18, 2013

Page 4

Furlong attended a Veterans Day event at the American Legion November 11

. Furlong

attended a Comprehensive Zoning Plan meeting November 13

. Furlong attended a

WeLead Open House for new Director Shannon McNaul. Howard attended the Annual

Muscatine School Breakfast Report November 12

. Howard attended a Fruitland City

Council meeting November 12

On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board approved Resolution #11-18-13-04

Suspending the Collection of Taxes. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.

On a motion by Howard, second by Furlong, the Board approved Resolution #11-18-13-

05 Transferring $720,000 from the Rural Services Fund to the Secondary Roads Fund.

Roll call vote: Ayes: All.

The Board reviewed the health/dental fund balance as of October 31, 2013.

On a motion by Furlong, second by Kelly, the Board authorized an amendment to the

Muscatine County Flexible Benefits Plan to allow employees to rollover up to $500 of

unused medical reimbursement funds at the end of a plan year. Ayes: All.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 A.M.

ATTEST:

________________________________

____________________________

Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson

Board of Supervisors

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors

Monday, November 25, 2013

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 Howard, second by Sauer, claims dated November 25, 2013 were

approved in the amount of $322,686.27. Ayes: All.

Muscatine County Historic Preservation Commission members David Nowling and Lisa

Wertzbaugher updated the Board on activities with the Muscatine County Historic

Preservation Commission. Nowling stated the State turned down their application to be a

Certified Local Government because the list they submitted was too broad. Nowling

stated the Commission traveled the County to look at historic sites, refined the list to

meet the State criteria and have submitted a list to the State of about 70 locations

throughout the County that have good potential for further action. Nowling stated he is

confident they will now get State approval to become a Certified Local Government.

Wertzbaugher stated they are hoping to achieve Certified Local Government status by

December and then hire a consultant in time to apply for grants in 2014 for projects

starting in 2015. Wertzbaugher explained that they evaluate needs, financial and

community impact when choosing a project. Wertzbaugher stated that the Muscatine

County Fair has three potential buildings to rehabilitate and the Fair Board has agreed to

have a preservation architect perform a site visit and submit a summary report of the

proposed project. Wertzbaugher stated they have received a grant to hire the architect to

perform the site visit and the State of Iowa is also sending out a preservation historian to

complete an assessment of the entire fair grounds and possibly recommend it be deemed

a historical district. Howard asked why the initial list was not adequate and how is the

new list different. Nowling stated the State wanted them to go out into the County and

find the historic sites that they think are important on their own rather than using the

initial large list that was created by others. Kelly clarified that this group covers all areas

of the County and smaller communities except the City of Muscatine because the City of

Muscatine has its own Historic Preservation Commission.

On a motion by Kelly, second by Furlong, minutes of the Monday, November 18, 2013

regular meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All.

No correspondence was noted.

Committee Reports:

Furlong attended a Veterans Affairs Commission meeting November 18

Furlong attended a West Liberty Economic Area Development Strategic Planning

Session November 21

Howard attended a Muscatine County Conservation Board meeting November

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors

Monday, November 25, 2013

Page 2

Sorensen attended a Wilton Development Corporation meeting November 20

Sorensen attended a Website Redesign Committee meeting November 20

Sauer attended a Muscatine County Hazard Mitigation Committee meeting

November 21

Kelly attended a Bi-State Regional meeting November 20

Kelly spoke to a Muscatine Community College class November 19

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 Secondary Roads Department between Muscatine County and Chauffeurs,

Teamsters & Helpers, Local Union #238. Ayes: All.

On a motion by Howard, second by Furlong, the Board authorized the Chair to execute

an Equitable Sharing Agreement between the Federal Government, the Muscatine County

Sheriff’s Office and the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors and a Certification

Report for federally forfeited cash, property, proceeds and any interest earned thereon for

FY12/13. Ayes: All.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 P.M.

ATTEST:

_____________________________

______________________________

Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor

Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson

Board of Supervisors

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors

Monday, December 2, 2013

The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Howard,

Sorensen, Sauer and Kelly present. Furlong was absent. Chairperson Sorensen

presiding.

On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, the agenda was approved as written. Ayes:

All.

A Public Hearing was called to order by Chairperson Sorensen at 9:02 A.M. on proposed

amendments to the Muscatine County Construction Code and Enforcement Ordinance.

Zoning Administrator Jodee Stepleton stated that corrections were made to align the

Muscatine County Construction Code with the International Building and Residential

Codes, identifying the basis for a fee schedule, and eliminating provisions that were less

restrictive than the National Electrical Code. Charles Lorensen, 1808 Briarwood Lane,

stated on the weekend before the public hearing, there should be a summary available of

what will be discussed. Sorensen stated that the County is in the process of redesigning

its website that could probably allow the County to post more information in the future.

No one spoke for or against the amendments. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer,

the public hearing was closed at 9:11 A.M. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.

On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, an ordinance amending the Muscatine County

Construction Code and Enforcement Ordinance was approved on the first of three

readings. Roll call vote: Ayes: All.

On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved a Letter of Understanding -

Mutual Aid Between Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine County Sheriff’s

Office. Ayes: All.

On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the following utility permit was approved:

Muscatine Power & Water - conduit work in the right-of-way near 2400 57

Street.

Ayes: All.

County Engineer Keith White updated the Board on various road construction projects.

On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, minutes of the Monday, November 25, 2013

regular meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All.

Correspondence:

The Board received a copy of Stipulation and Settlement Agreement for Hy-Vee

Food Store versus the Board of Review for assessment as of January 1,

2011.

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors

Monday, December 2, 2013

Page 2

Committee Reports:

Furlong attended a Muscatine County Solid Waste Management meeting

November 26

On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board accepted the November 2013 payroll

claims. Ayes: All.

Administrative Services Director Nancy Schreiber updated the Board on vacant positions

on various Boards and Commissions.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 A.M.

ATTEST:

______________________________ ______________________________

Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor

Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson

Board of Supervisors