Harrison County Supervisors Meeting June 15, 2023 Chairman John Straight called the meeting to order with members Tony Smith and Brian Rife in attendance. The tentative agenda was approved on a motion by Rife, second by Smith. Motion carried. Previous minutes were approved on a motion by Rife, second by Smith. Motion carried. Attendance: Deputy Auditor Elizabeth Lenz, Paul J. Rhoten, Rebecca Wilkerson, Brettly James, Stephanie A. Blackford, Tina Fagan, Patrick Cronin, Kenneth W. Kline, Mara Kline, Emily Allmon, Todd Noah, Laura Noah, Steven Struble, Terry Crawford, Linda Herman, Jon Rosengren (by phone) Employee Leave Payout Tina Fagen requested a payout for LaJean Fajen for personal and vacation time accrued in the amount of $1,440.00. On a motion by Rife, second by Smith, the payout was unanimously approved as presented. Profane Political Signs Patrick Cronin spoke with the board concerning political signs with profanity that can be seen by the public. He was concerned that children were being exposed to such signs. He stated that this wasn’t a political argument, he is just against profanity on signs. After listening to Mr. Cronin’s concerns, the Board felt that the first step would be to contact the county attorney. Mr. Cronin told the Board that he had contacted the county attorney, Jennifer Mumm, and was waiting for an answer. Spencer-Faylor Drainage District Mara and Kenneth Kline brought their concerns to the Board regarding their assessments for the Faylor-Spencer Drainage District. They questioned what their exact assessment would be this year. Jon Rosengren, Drainage Engineer, attended the meeting by phone, and spoke regarding assessments. This year’s assessments for the Kline’s would be approximately $10,374.00 but does not include interest accruing on the outstanding warrants. After the costs for establishment are paid, the Kline’s assessments would be reduced by 15% for any future costs. The Kline’s were concerned about paying any future costs since they had established a private levee and pump. It was confirmed that the Kline’s assessments would be reduce to the minimum assessment once the levee was to the height and compaction required by the engineer. Once confirmation is received that the levee is at the height and compaction required, the drainage clerk would then reduce the assessments. Rebecca Wilkerson Rebecca Wilkerson voiced the following concerns: • She does not agree with the $20,000 awarded to Susan Bonham for being the interim assessor. • She stressed that you need to look at like sized counties when comparing salaries. She would like to see lower wage increases. • Reviewed several departments, and even when revenues are brought in, the departments do not show a positive balance. • Will not be able to draw from reserves on the long term. Cuts need to be made. • Questioned were the additional money would come from for the change order on the window project. • Would like to see how many counties have performance recognition pay. • Concerned with the difference between assessor acre amounts and the auditors acre amounts. The Board listened to the Ms. Wilkerson’s concerns and stated that the compensation awarded to Mrs. Bonham was set by the compensation board, they do look at like sized counties when determining wages, and agree that cuts need to be made but do not want to cut any services to the citizens of the county. Regarding the change order for the windows, that would be covered by ARPA monies and suggested that Ms. Wilkerson speak with the assessor regarding acre amounts. Ms. Wilkerson stated that she is the voice of the people who cannot attend the meetings. Handwritten Warrants On a motion by Smith, second by Rife, the US Bank warrant in the amount of $6,426.19 was unanimously approved. On a motion by Rife, second by Smith, the Wheeldon Construction LLC warrant in the amount of $30,700.00 for the public health parking lot was unanimously approved. Soldier Valley and Grimes IDOT Bridge Replacement Projects The Board met as trustees for the Soldier Valley and Grimes Drainage Districts. IDOT drainage district consent agreements were presented for bridge replacement projects. On a motion by Smith, second by Rife, the Soldier Valley Drainage District consent agreement was unanimously approved. On a motion by Rife, second by Smith, the Grimes Drainage District consent agreement was unanimously approved. Copies showing the exact location of the bridge replacement projects are on file in the Auditor’s office. Ehlert Drainage District A petition was presented stating that the Ehlert ditch’s north tube at the Woodbine Saddle Club was not functioning due to silt. Acting as trustees for the district, the Board approved the petition on a motion by Smith, second by Rife, and directed the drainage clerk to advise Rick Shearer of Shearer Contractors to review the ditch. Unanimous approval. Law Enforcement Contracts The following law enforcement contracts, 28E agreements, were unanimously approved on a motion by Smith, second by Rife: City of Pisgah, City of Persia, City of Little Sioux, City of Mondamin, City of Magnolia, and City of Modale. Engineer Project updates include: Jefferson #1 Bridge Over Boyer River on Parker Trail – Contractor should be ready to pour the deck next week. Taylor #12 Bridge on F50 over Allen Creek- Waiting for IDOT for added pay item for structures removal. Melody Oaks OttaSeal Resurfacing – OttaSeal asphalt is now being placed, they began laying the first layer of surface on Monday, June 12th and the second layer on Wednesday, June 14th. Construction is going well. FM Asphalt Resurfacing on Toledo Avenue South of Dunlap for 4.5 Miles – Shouldering should begin tomorrow, with the project completed next week with the exception of pavement markings. OttaSeal Asphalt Surfacing on Panora Ave- Work will begin mid to late July. Morgan #3 Bridge on K-45 South of Soldier River- Wetland field investigation will begin next week with report back within 14 days. K45 Bridge Approach Patch North of River Sioux- Ten Point Construction plans on patching within the next two weeks. Dust Control- Heffron will start to apply dust control in the county on Monday, June 19th. Centerline Pavement Marking/Painting- Vogel Traffic Services will start painting 133 miles of centerline and 15 RR crossings on Monday, June 19th. Utility Permit Application Request for MidAmerican Energy Company for a permit to install a utility in the road right of way to replace a 2700 volt overhead line near 1801 Kendall Trail with an underground 2 “ conduit was unanimously approved on a motion by Smith, second by Rife. Unanimously approved on a motion by Rife, second by Smith, was the application from Aureon Network Services for a permit to install approximately 18 miles of underground fiber cable and conduit in the public right of way in Mounds Trail, 296th Street, Yale Avenue and 288th Street. On a motion by Rife, second by Smith, an application by Ronald Lee for a permit to install approximately 1000 feet of potable water line as a private utility place in the public right of way of Norfolk Avenue was unanimously approved. Zoning Public Hearings Chairman Straight opened the public hearings as advertised. Zoning Administrator Matt Pitt reviewed the following zoning requests: 1. A request from Todd Noah to rezone approximately 2 acres from A-1 Agricultural to R-1 Rural Residential on property located in part of the SW NW of Section 8-81-43. 2. A request from Colton Neill to rezone approximately 6.2 acres from A-1 Agricultural to R-1 Rural Residential on property located in part of the SW NW & NW SW of Section 27-81-44. 3. A request from Jerald Pickle to rezone approximately 2 acres from A-1 Agricultural to R-1 Rural Residential on property located in part of the NW NW & NE NW of Section 12-79-43. 4. A request from Adam Dickinson to rezone approximately 7 acres from A-1 Agricultural to R-6 Planned Development on property located in part of the NE NW of Section 20-80-41. No comments were heard or received. Motion to close the public hearings was made by Smith, second by Rife. Motion carried. Motion by Smith, second by Rife to approve Todd Noah’s rezoning request. Motion carried. Motion by Rife, second by Smith to approve Colton Neill’s rezoning request. Motion carried. Motion by Smith, second by Rife to approve Jerald Pickle’s rezoning request. Motion carried. Motion by Rife, second by Smith to approve Adam Dickinson’s rezoning request. Motion carried. On a motion by Rife, second by Smith, Mike Dickinson was appoint to the Board of Adjustments for the unexpired term ending 12/31/24. Unanimous approval. Comments Comments on roads, salaries, and the Little Sioux/River Sioux water project were heard from Rebecca Wilkerson, Linda Herman and Terry Crawford. With business of the day completed, the Board adjourned on a motion by Smith, second by Rife. Motion carried. ATTEST: Elizabeth Lenz, Deputy Auditor John Straight, Chairman June 15, 2023 Tony Smith and Brian Rife attended the monthly Republican meeting held in Mondamin. No action was taken by the Board. ATTEST: Susan Bonham, Auditor Tony Smith, Vice Chair NOTE: These minutes are as recorded by the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors and are subject to Board approval at the next regular meeting. MVTN 6-28-23
