Board of Supervisors Minutes

March 2011

March 1, 2011:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Morgan, Bartholomew and Hickey present. A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:00 a.m. Minutes of the previous Board session were read and approved. The agenda was approved as posted.

Let the records show Twila Larson was present for this meeting.

At 9:00 a.m. Pat Hume, David Magel and Edna Eaton with the Tourism Board met with the Board to discuss bookkeeping and duties of the Tourism Board. Also present was John Walter.

At 9:30 a.m. motion was made by Hickey authorizing Chairman Morgan to sign a Lease Agreement for County Farm rent with C.W. Farms. Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye; Morgan, aye.

At 9:45 a.m. Dan Davis, Engineer, met with the Board. Motion was made by Hickey authorizing Chairman Morgan to sign DOT Amended Program. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

At 10:30 a.m. Jan Winkler, CPC met with the Board to give them a department update.

In other business claims were approved for March 4, 2011.

At 11:30 a.m. there being no further business, Bartholomew made a motion to adjourn.

Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                 Cara Morgan, Chairman

March 8, 2011:

At 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, a department head meeting was held in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom. Present were Cara Morgan, Bart Bartholomew, Randy Hickey, Judy Crain, Dan Davis, Art Claiborne, Karen Berry, Steve Whitehead, Jennifer McAllister, Margaret Johnson, Arnold Emberton and Joan Kirk. Also present was Grace Johnson with The Hamburg Reporter. Topics discussed were: updating employee manual; employee grant site visit; local break-ins; ISAC Scholarship; report on recent Veterans Affairs meeting.

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Morgan, Bartholomew and Hickey present. A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:00 a.m. Minutes of the previous Board session were read and approved. The agenda was approved as posted.

Let the records show Grace Johnson with The Hamburger Reporter was present for this meeting.

At 9:00 a.m. regarding 292nd Ave. the general consensus of the Board is that the road is a private driveway and not a county road. The county will honor the 28E Agreement with the City of Sidney regarding maintaining the Southerly 470’ from Highway 2. Dan Davis was also present for this meeting.

At 9:15 a.m. Dan Davis, Engineer met with the board. Hickey made a motion to approve the following Resolution No. 2011-16. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 2011-16

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT LOW BID AND AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

WHEREAS, the Iowa Department of Transportation held a letting for construction projects on February 15, 2011, and WHEREAS, five (5) bids were received for Pavement Markings, Project FM-CO36(56)--55-36, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Fremont County that the contract be awarded to DPLM. Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa for the low bid of $63,749.47. The cost of this project shall be paid from Farm to Market funds.

Motion to approve made by Hickey.

Approved this 15th day of March, 2011

ATTEST:

/s/ Joan Kirk                                                                                     /s/ Cara Morgan, Chairman       aye
Fremont County Auditor                                                                   
  /s/  Bart Bartholomew               aye
                                                                                                
        /s/  Randy Hickey                     aye

Motion was made by Bartholomew authorizing Chairman Morgan to sign Agreement with IDOT for use of Federal Funds on RCB Culvert over Copper Creek on J34 STP-S-CO36(59)- -55-5E-36. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

Motion was made by Bartholomew authorizing Chairman Morgan to sign Agreement with IDOT for use of Federal Funds on Bridge over Plum Creek on L-44 BRS-CO36(60)--60-36. Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye; Morgan, aye.

At 9:30 a.m. the Board discussed newspaper-publishing costs for year 2009/2010 noting a significant difference in charges between the two county newspapers used for county publications. Present were Ellen Longman, Dennis Bateman and Grace Johnson. Also present were Arnold Emberton, Fremont County Information Technology Director and Christy Briley, Assistant Auditor. Fremont County IT and the Assistant Auditor have been trying to send publications in different formats hoping to cut costs.

At 9:55 a.m. Motion was made by Bartholomew to sign the following Resolution 2011-17. Also present Twila Larson and Brian Kingsolver. Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye; Morgan, aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 2011-17

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 8th day of March, 2011, that the following resolution be made: WHEREAS, the Fremont County Board of Supervisors has developed confidence and trust with West Central Community Action Corporation (WCCA) in its 40+ year partnership for the common good of our residents; and WHEREAS, WCCA has utilized Community Services Block Grant funds (CSBG) during the partnership to maintain a local Outreach office in Fremont County to provide economic stability to people in need; and WHEREAS, WCCA in 2010 has utilized those offices to provide $417,501 to address emergency needs within the County thus alleviating a drain on County Relief budgets; and WHEREAS, WCCA provided services to 1,121 Fremont County residents this past year which represents 15% of the total county population; and WHEREAS, WCCA employs 7 Fremont County residents providing opportunities throughout the county; and WHEREAS, In 2010 Fremont County supported WCCA with an investment of $3,000 of County funds to enhance the work of the agency in our county; and the towns in Fremont County also invested an additional $2,140 to ensure community action programs; and WHEREAS, the Outreach offices that are funded by CSBG are the "glue" that enables WCCA to administer federal, state and locally funded programs with efficiency; and WHEREAS, a 50% cut of CSBG funding would diminish the efficiency in service delivery by eliminating a full-time presence in Fremont County; and WHEREAS, President Obama has proposed a 50% reduction of the CSBG funding and made the remaining funds competitive, which due to their smaller voice places rural communities at an unfair disadvantage; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fremont County Board of Supervisors supports the positive impact of CSBG in Fremont County and opposes action by Congress or the President to reduce CSBG funding disproportionately compared to the rest of the federal domestic discretionary budget.

Motion to approve made by Bartholomew.

ATTEST:

/s/ Joan Kirk                                                                                     /s/ Cara Morgan, Chairman       aye
Fremont County Auditor                                                                   
  /s/  Bart Bartholomew               aye
                                                                                                
        /s/  Randy Hickey                     aye

At 10:00 the public hearing for adoption of the 2011/2012 County Budget was held. Present were Supervisors Cara Morgan, Bart Bartholomew, Randy Hickey and Auditor Joan Kirk. Brian Kingsolver and Twila Larson were also present. After hearing no objections, at 10:05 a.m. motion was made by Bartholomew to close the hearing. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye. The following resolutions were passed to approve the FY 2011/2012 Budget. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 2011-18

RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF BUDGET AND CERTIFICATION OF TAXES:

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 8th day of March 2011, that the proposed budget for fiscal year July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012, after one public hearing as required by law on March 8, 2011, be adopted as proposed and published. Property taxes levied will be as follows: Countywide levies; General Basic amount of $1,540,777.00 with a rate of 3.70000, General Supplemental amount of $721,758.00 with a rate of 1.73322; MH-DD Services Fund amount of $444,106.00 with a rate of 1.06647, with a countywide valuation without gas and electric of $416,426,203. Rural Services with a valuation without gas and electric of $320,839,456, for an amount of $962,518.00 at the rate of 3.00000. Grand total dollars is $3,669,159.00.

Motion to approve by Bartholomew, carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

/s/ Joan Kirk                                                                                     /s/ Cara Morgan, Chairman       aye
Fremont County Auditor                                                                   
  /s/  Bart Bartholomew               aye
                                                                                                
        /s/  Randy Hickey                     aye

RESOLUTION NO. 2011-19

RESOLUTION FOR APPROPRIATIONS

WHEREAS, it is desired to make appropriations for each of the different officers and departments for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011 in accordance with Section 331.434, Subsection 6, Code of Iowa. THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 8th day of March 2011, the following: SECTION 1-The amounts itemized by fund and department on the attached schedule are hereby appropriated from the resources/fund as shown. SECTION 2- Subject to the provisions of other county procedures and regulations, and applicable state law, the appropriations authorized under Section 1 shall constitute an authorization for the department/officer listed to make expenditures or incur obligations from the itemized fund, effective July 1, 2011. SECTION 3-In accordance with Section 331.437, Code of Iowa, no Department/Officer shall incur any liability in excess of the amount appropriated to this resolution. SECTION 4-If, at any time during the 2011/2012 budget year the Auditor ascertains that the available resources of a fund will be less than said fund's total appropriations, he/she shall immediately inform the Board and recommend appropriate corrective action. SECTION 5-The Auditor shall establish separate accounts for the appropriations authorized in Section 1. The Auditor shall report the status of such accounts to the applicable Departments/Officers monthly during the 2011/2012 budget year. SECTION 6-All appropriations authorized pursuant to this resolution lapse at the close of business on June 30, 2012. The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Motion to approve by Bartholomew, carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

/s/ Joan Kirk                                                                                     /s/ Cara Morgan, Chairman       aye
Fremont County Auditor                                                                   
  /s/  Bart Bartholomew               aye
                                                                                                
        /s/  Randy Hickey                     aye

RESOLUTION 2011-20

RESOLUTION REGARDING SALARY INCREASES RECOMMENDED BY THE COMPENSATION BOARD

WHEREAS, the Fremont County Compensation Board has recommended an increase of pay of 4% ($2194) the County Attorney, 3% ($1557) Sheriff, 2.5% ($1049) Auditor, Recorder and Treasurer and an increase of pay of 0% for each of the Board of Supervisors, and THEREFORE, be it resolved, after considerable discussion, that the recommended raises be reduced by 20%. This rate allows for 2% based on benefits received by union employees for employees that do not receive union benefits. The Fremont County Attorney will receive an increase of $1755, the Fremont County Sheriff will receive an increase of $1245, the Fremont County Auditor, Recorder and Treasurer will each receive an increase of $839 and the Fremont County Board of Supervisors will not receive an increase.

Motion to approve made by Bartholomew, carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

/s/ Joan Kirk                                                                                     /s/ Cara Morgan, Chairman       aye
Fremont County Auditor                                                                   
  /s/  Bart Bartholomew               aye
                                                                                                
        /s/  Randy Hickey                     aye

At 10:15 a.m. dozer work at the county farm will be put out for bids.

At 10:30 a.m. the Board discussed the flooding problem west of Riverton. Also present was Dan Davis. The recommendation of the Fremont County Engineer is to have a flap gate put on the tube that is allowing water from the river to fill the ditches, and flood county road J-46. The County Attorney will be asked to address the property owner concerning this issue.

At 10:45 a.m. Jerry Jordison and Dan Olson with Iowa DNR met with the Board to give them an update on the water and waste water systems at Sapp Brothers. Also present were Twila Larson, John Walters, Karen Berry, Brian Kingsolver, Grace Johnson, Roger Kissel and Linda Cruickshank.

At 11:05 a.m. Twila Larson, FREDCO Director met with the Board of Supervisors regarding annual membership dues. Larson gave the Board an update on FREDCO, and covered some of the goals they have met. The Board of Supervisors requested FREDCO make their request in writing before the end of next December to be sure it is considered in the next year’s budget. Also present were Brian Kingsolver, Grace Johnson, Roger Kissel and Linda Cruickshank.

In other business payroll was approved for March 11, 2011.

The Recorder’s Monthly Report was approved.

At 11:45 a.m. there being no further business, Bartholomew made a motion to adjourn.

Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                 Cara Morgan, Chairman

March 15, 2011:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Bartholomew and Hickey present. A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:10 a.m. Minutes of the previous Board session were read and approved. The agenda was approved as posted.

Let the records show Morgan was not present for this meeting.

Also let the recorders show Grace Johnson with the Hamburg Reporter was present for this meeting.

At 9:10 a.m. Dan Davis, Engineer, met with the Board. Motion was made by Hickey authorizing Vice-Chairman Bartholomew to sign DOT Payment Voucher with HGM for Design of RCB on J-34 over Cooper Creek #STP-S-CO36(59) - - 5E-36. Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye.

Motion was made by Hickey authorizing Vice-Chairman Bartholomew to sign DOT Payment Voucher with HGM for Design on bridge on L-44 over Plum Creek #BRS-CO36(60) - - 60-36. Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye.

Davis is requesting permission to hire someone for the position of Assistant Engineer after July 1st. This would allow the current Assistant Engineer six months to train the new hire. Davis said two Assistant Engineers are retiring the first part of 2012, and Fremont County will be losing many years of knowledge and experience. Motion was made by Hickey to table any decisions until all Board members are present. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye.

At 9:20 a.m. Ellen Longman with Sidney Argus Herald Newspaper met with the Board to discuss difference in publication costs between the two county papers. Also present was Christy Briley, Assistant Auditor and Dennis Bateman with The Sidney Argus Herald. Longman reported part of the discrepancy in cost is how the newspapers print the publications and a few publications may only be required to be published in one paper. The county and newspapers will try to work together to keep cost at a minimum.

At 9:30 a.m. Steve Whitehead, Maintenance did not make it to this meeting.

In other business, claims for March 18, 2011, were approved.

At 10:20 a.m. there being no further business, Hickey made a motion to adjourn. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                 Cara Morgan, Chairman

March 22, 2011:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Morgan, Bartholomew and Hickey present.  A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:00 a.m.  Minutes of the previous Board session were read and approved.  The agenda was approved as posted. 

At 9:00 a.m. Twila Larson, FREDCO, Bahi Berry, Golden Hills RCD, Melvin Houser, Pottawattamie County Supervisor, and Duane McFadden, Cass County Supervisor met with the Board to discuss Local Food System.  Also present was Terry Lewis and Brian Kingsolver.  Berry gave a presentation regarding the County’s role in the food system.  Cass and Pottawattamie County Supervisors each talked about what their counties are doing to participate in the Local Food System.  Berry said she would be able to help with about any information including grant information. 

At 9:55 a.m. Dan Davis, Engineer met with the Board.  Motion was made by Hickey authorizing Chairman Morgan to sign Contracts and Bonds for pavement marking FM-CO36(56) - - 55-36.  Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye; Morgan, aye.   

Motion was made by Bartholomew to allow Davis to seek an assistant to be hired after July 1st, 2011.  Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye; Morgan, aye.  

 Motion was made by Hickey authorizing Chairman Morgan to sign DOT Budget and Program.  Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye; Morgan, aye.   

At 10:10 a.m. Bob Josten with Dorsey & Whitney LLP met with the Board via conference call regarding County TIF’s. 

At 10:40 a.m. Ken Mather and Bob Mather met with the Board regarding maintenance of 292nd Avenue.  Mather said the DOT is going to put a tube in and fix the road.  Mather said he would like to see the road added to the County’s road maps so this will not come up again in the future.       

At 11:06 a.m. Motion was made by Hickey approving the following Resolution 2011-21.  Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye; Morgan, aye.

RESOLUTION  NO. 2011-21

RESOLUTION ABATING TAXES ON LAND OWNED BY CITY OF HAMBURG

WHEREAS, the City of Hamburg now owns certain property in Hamburg, Fremont County, Iowa, Parcel No. 430430393000000, 1711 Main Street, described as: LT 1 in Block 83, IN THE ORIGINAL TOWN OF HAMBURG, FREMONT COUNTY, IOWA according to the recorded plat thereof. WHEREAS, the property is now owned by the City of Hamburg and therefore should not be on the tax rolls according to Section 427.1(2), Code of Iowa, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the above described property shall be listed as exempt on the tax list of the Fremont County Auditor.  Further, all current and delinquent real property taxes are abated under Iowa Code Section 445.63.  This includes taxes payable as long as the City of Hamburg owns the property.

BE IT FURTHER resolved that the Auditor and Treasurer shall enter such change orders required to abate these taxes. Motion made by Hickey to approve resolution.

Dated this 22nd day of March, 2011.

ATTEST:

/s/ Joan Kirk                                                                                     /s/ Cara Morgan, Chairman       aye
Fremont County Auditor                                                                     /s/  Bart Bartholomew               aye
                                                                                                        /s/  Randy Hickey                     aye

At 11:10 a.m. Motion was made by Hickey authorizing Chairman Morgan to sign the renewal for Wellmark Insurance.  Bartholomew, aye; Hickey, aye; Morgan, aye. 

In other business, payroll for March 25, 2011, was approved. 

Sheriff’s Report was approved.   

The following claims were approved for hand written warrants:

General Basic, Uniformed Patrol, Safety & Protective Supplies $13.00
General Basic, Uniformed Patrol, Education & Training $300.00
General Basic, Investigations, Minor equip & hand tools $96.02
General Basic, Adult Correctional Services, Food & Provisions $71.78
General Basic, Adult Correctional Services, Supplies $180.81
General Basic, Administration, Office Equip $1,083.86
General Basic, Adult Correctional Services, Commissary $57.84
General Basic, Law Enforcement Communications, Office Equip $8.52
General Basic, Uniformed Patrol Services, Fuels $5,217.07
General Basic, Sanitation, Fuels $78.01
Joint Disaster Service Fund, Emergency Management, Fuels $78.00 

At 11:50 a.m. there being no further business, Bartholomew made a motion to adjourn.

Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

ATTEST:

 Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Cara Morgan, Chairman

March 29, 2011:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Morgan, Bartholomew and Hickey present. A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:00 a.m. Minutes of the previous Board session were read and approved. The agenda was approved as posted.

At 9:00 a.m. Dan Davis, Engineer met with the Board. Motion was made by Hickey approving the following Resolution. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 2011-22

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors that the following salaries be in effect commencing on the 1st day of July 2011, for the supervisory and non-union personnel in the Secondary Road Department. The figures below represent a 2% increase.

ASSISTANT TO COUNTY ENGINEER: $22.00 per hour salary
MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT: $19.29 per hour salary
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: $15.88 per hour salary
ENGINEER: $74,732.00 salary

Motion is hereby made by Hickey and seconded by Bartholomew to adopt this resolution.

Dated this 29th day of March, 2011.

ATTEST:

/s/ Joan Kirk                                                                                     /s/ Cara Morgan, Chairman       aye
Fremont County Auditor                                                                     /s/  Bart Bartholomew               aye
                                                                                                        /s/  Randy Hickey                     aye

Let the records show Grace Johnson with the Hamburg Reporter joined the meeting.

At 9:15 a.m. Motion was made by Hickey to approve Class B Native Wine Permit for Friendly’s. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

At 9:20 a.m. Motion was made by Bartholomew authorizing Chairman Morgan to sign the Flexible Benefit Plan for Wellmark. Also present was Christy Briley, Assistant Auditor. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

At 9:25 a.m. Motion was made by Bartholomew to change the account payable schedule to every other week, allowing departments to get payments made in a timely manner. Also present was Christy Briley, Assistant Auditor. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

At 9:30 a.m. the County Auditor is requesting the Board’s permission to give the County Attorney, for her review, two TIF Development Agreements and Resolutions for maturing TIF’s within the county. Hickey made a motion to approve. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

At 9:35 a.m. Steve Whitehead, Maintenance, met with the Board to discuss which line item could be used to pay a $1,010.72 bill for replacing tubes on the courthouse boiler. Whitehead also let the Board know it will cost approximately $6,000 for boiler repairs that should be completed this summer. Hickey made a motion to approve paying the repairs out of Local Option Infrastructure. Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

The Board received a phone call from the County’s insurance company (ICAP) regarding payment for damage caused to attic beams by 2010 heavy snows. ICAP is willing to pay for half of the repairs. This will be put on the agenda for further discussion.

At 11:20 a.m. there being no further business, Bartholomew made a motion to adjourn.

Hickey, aye; Bartholomew, aye; Morgan, aye.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                 Cara Morgan, Chairman

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