Minutes - 11/7/2023

NOVEMBER 7, 2023, FORTY-FIFTH MEETING OF THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 3:15 p.m.  Board members present were Nelson, Ung, Bittinger II, Radig, and Taylor.  Staff members present were Karen James, Board Administrative Assistant, Dennis Butler, Finance and Budget Director, Joshua Widman, Assistant County Attorney, Melissa Thomas, Human Resources Director, and Michelle Skaff, Deputy Auditor/Clerk to the Board.

Motion by Ung second by Nelson to go into a closed joint session with the law enforcement authority per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c).  Carried 5-0 on roll-call vote.

Motion by Ung second by Nelson to go out of a closed joint session with the law enforcement authority per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c).  Carried 5-0 on roll-call vote.

Motion by Ung second by Nelson to go into closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c).  Carried 5-0 on roll-call vote.

Motion by Taylor second by Nelson to go out of closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c).  Carried 5-0 on roll-call vote.

The regular meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Moment of Silence.

Motion by Ung second by Taylor to approve the agenda for November 7, 2023.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.
        
Motion by Ung second by Radig to approve the following items by consent:

To approve minutes of the October 31, 2023 meeting.  Copy filed. 

To approve the claims totaling $943,110.66.  Copy filed.

To approve the permit to work in the right of way for SBT Foods/RP Constructors.  Copy filed.

To approve the separation of Heidi Reising, Deputy Sheriff, County Sheriff Dept., effective 11-01-23. Resignation.; the appointment of Jesse Rayevich, Motor Grader Operator, Secondary Roads Dept., effective 11-15-23, $26.93/hour. Job Vacancy Posted 8-30-23.  Entry Level Salary:  $26.93/hour.; the separation of Douglas Shupe, District Foreman, Secondary Roads Dept., effective 12-31-23.  Retirement; and the separation of Benjamin Kusler, Assistant to the County Engineer, Secondary Roads Dept., effective 12-31-23.  Retirement. Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Authorization to initiate the hiring process for District Foreman, Secondary Roads Dept.  Wage Plan:  $2,859.52-$3,056.66/bi-weekly.  Copy filed..

To approve the 2024 Delta Dental renewal.  Copy filed.

Carried 5-0.  

Mark Nahra, Secondary Roads, receiving of the 2023 National Lifetime Pavement Recognition Award.  Copy filed.

Chris McGowan, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, addressed the board regarding hiring legal counsel. 

Motion by Taylor second by Nelson to hire John Templar, Jr. as outside legal counsel regarding the Law Enforcement Center project pending an engagement letter to be created with a unified approach by the board members.  Carried 5-0.

Ron Weick, Law Enforcement Authority, addressed the board regarding working together with the County Board of Supervisors regarding the LEC project and potential litigation. 

Motion by Taylor second by Bittinger to authorize $1,340 from gaming revenues to highlight and support veterans and their families during the month of November.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed. 

Motion by Taylor second by Radig to receive for signatures a Resolution for Veterans.  Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION #13,679
WOODBURY COUNTY RESOLUTION FOR VETERANS

WHEREAS, the residents of Woodbury County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and 
       
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and 
       
WHEREAS, Woodbury County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and

WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and
       
WHEREAS, Approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and 
       
WHEREAS, an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and 
       
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and
       
WHEREAS, active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and 

WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and
       
WHEREAS, the Woodbury County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted; therefore be it

RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Woodbury County hereby declares the month of November and especially Veterans Day, November 11th 2023 a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service; therefore, be it further

RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Woodbury County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 7th through the 30th, 2023.

BE IT RESOLVED this 7th day of November 2023.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Ung second by Taylor to approve placing links of the LEC Authority public meeting recordings for public access on the Woodbury County Website.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.
 
Reports on committee meetings were heard.

There were no citizen concerns.  

Board concerns were heard.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting until November 14, 2023.

Meeting sign in sheet.  Copy filed.