Minutes - 11/21/2023

NOVEMBER 21, 2023, FORTY-SEVENTH MEETING OF THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 3:15 p.m.  Board members present were Nelson, Ung (by phone), 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 Taylor second by Radig to go into closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c).  Carried 5-0 on roll-call vote.

Motion by Radig second by Taylor 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 Radig second by Bittinger to approve the agenda for November 21, 2023.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.
        
Motion by Radig second by Nelson to approve the following items by consent:

To approve minutes of the November 14, 2023 meeting.  Copy filed.

To approve the claims totaling $887,102.54.  Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution approving petition for suspension of taxes for Lisa Tweet, 725 Helen, parcel #894726157015.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,680
RESOLUTION APPROVING PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF TAXES

WHEREAS, Lisa Tweet, as titleholder of a property located 725 Helen, Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, and legally described as follows:

 Parcel #894726157015

EAST TERRACE LOT 19 BLOCK 7

WHEREAS, Lisa Tweet of the aforementioned property has petitioned the Board of Supervisors for a suspension of taxes pursuant to the 2017 Iowa Code section 427.9, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors recognizes from documents provided that the petitioner is unable to provide to the public revenue; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors hereby grants the request for a suspension of taxes, and hereby directs the Woodbury County Treasurer to so record the approval of this tax suspension for this property.

SO RESOLVED this 21st day of November 2023.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS    
Copy filed.

To receive for signatures a Resolution Thanking and Commending Douglas Shupe for his years of service with Woodbury County.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,681
A RESOLUTION THANKING AND COMMENDING
DOUGLAS SHUPE
FOR HIS SERVICE TO WOODBURY COUNTY

WHEREAS, Douglas Shupe has capably served Woodbury County as an employee of the Secondary Roads Department for 44 years from July 11, 1979 to December 31, 2023

WHEREAS, the service given by Douglas Shupe as a Woodbury County employee, has been characterized by his dedication to the best interests of the citizens of Woodbury County; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA that the undersigned members of this Board thanks and commends Douglas Shupe for his years of service to Woodbury County; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the wish of all those signing below that the future hold only the best for this very deserving person, Douglas Shupe.

BE IT SO RESOLVED this 21st day of November 2023.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS    
Copy filed.

To receive for signatures a Resolution Thanking and Commending Benjamin Kusler for his years of service with Woodbury County.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,682
A RESOLUTION THANKING AND COMMENDING
BENJAMIN KUSLER
FOR HIS SERVICE TO WOODBURY COUNTY

WHEREAS, Benjamin Kusler has capably served Woodbury County as an employee of the Secondary Roads Department for 27 years from June 3, 1996 to December 31, 2023

WHEREAS, the service given by Benjamin Kusler as a Woodbury County employee, has been characterized by his dedication to the best interests of the citizens of Woodbury County; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA that the undersigned members of this Board thanks and commends Benjamin Kusler for his years of service to Woodbury County; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the wish of all those signing below that the future hold only the best for this very deserving person, Benjamin Kusler.

BE IT SO RESOLVED this 21st day of November 2023.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To approve the promotion of Jordan Schultz, Jail Sergeant, County Sheriff Dept., effective 11-06-23, $35.52/hour, 23%=$6.75/hr.. Promotion from Civilian Jailer to Jail Sergeant.; the separation of Jackson Newton, Civilian Jailer, County Sheriff Dept., effective 11-13-23. Resignation; the appointment of Corey Jorgensen, Maintenance Technician, Building Services Dept., effective 11-27-23, $22.25/hour.  Job Vacancy Posted 8-16-23.  Entry Level Salary:  $20.53/hour.; the appointment of Hayden Harmon, Civilian Jailer, County Sheriff Dept., effective 11-27-23, $24.95/hour.  Job Vacancy Posted 10-18-23.  Entry Level Salary:  $23.97/hour.; the appointment of Tristen Vanderschaaf, Civilian Jailer, County Sheriff Dept., effective 11-27-23, $24.95/hour.  Job Vacancy Posted 10-4-23.  Entry Level Salary:  $23.97/hour.; and the reclassification of Michael Trowbridge, P/T Youth Worker, Juvenile Detention Dept., effective 11-27-23, $23.03/hour, 3.5%=$.77/hr.  Per AFSCME Juvenile Detention Contract agreement, from Grade 1/Step 2 to Grade 1/Step 3. Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Authorization to initiate the hiring process for Civilian Jailer, County Sheriff Dept.  CWA:  $23.97/hour and (2) Deputy Sheriff, County Sheriff Dept.  CWA:  $28.14/hour.  Copy filed.

To approve the request of Jeanne Zyzda to remain on County Health and Dental Insurance.  Copy filed.

To approve the permit to work in the right of way for Brenda Brouillette.  Copy filed.

To approve property tax refund for Richard Steinbach, for parcel #894709379014, 3806 Jackson St., in the amount of $281.12.  Copy filed.

To approve property tax refund for Jesus Verdin Munoz, for parcel #894729285018, 508 Market St., in the amount of $822.00.  Copy filed.

Carried 5-0.  

Motion by Taylor second by Radig to receive amended Salix Drainage District report. Carried 5-0. Copy filed. 

Kevin Nelson, Salix mayor, addressed the board in favor of the district proposed in the amended report. 

A public hearing was held regarding the Engineer’s amended report for the creation of Salix Drainage District.  The Chairperson called on anyone wishing to be heard.
    
Denise Burkhart, Salix Counsel and Salix resident, addressed the board in favor of the amended report as proposed.

Jerry Gengler, 1419 280th St, addressed the board with a request to have access to the document before speaking for or against the proposed report.

Brian Yung, Johnson Law Firm, addressed the board regarding the classification of the drainage district. 

Dan Barkley, 154 Nimrod St, addressed the board regarding notifications to the public.

Dan Dykstra, Heidman Law firm, on behalf of Paul and Carmen Wagner, and Wally Wagner addressed the board in support of the ditch, but against the amended report as proposed.  Troy Groth, Sundquist Engineering, addressed the board with a concept of an alternate plan.

Motion by Taylor second by Nelson to receive Heidman Law letter. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Taylor second by Radig to receive a report from Troy Groth of Sundquist Engineering. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Bill Walker, 1417 280th St, Greg Jochum, 1629 270th St, Leroy Jochum, 1691 250th St, Colby Hannasch, MidAmerican Energy, Robert Ankerstjerne, 1401 275th St, Wade Brown, 8 Lakeview Ln, Salix, addressed the board with concerns about the proposed ditch with a preference of an alternative solution to be determined to provide a drainage ditch for Salix. 

Motion by Taylor second by Nelson to close the public hearing.  Carried 5-0.

Motion by Taylor second by Radig to direct the appointed engineer to make further recommendations and continue the hearing on February 20th.  Carried 5-0.  

The 2nd tier canvass of the November 7, 2023 City/School Election was held.  Motion by Radig second by Taylor to receive for signatures the canvass.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

It was reported by Auditor Patrick F. Gill as follows: 

City of Sioux City Mayor

Bob Scott            Received Five Thousand One Hundred and Ninety Two (5,192) votes
Scattering            Received Three Hundred and Seventy One (371) votes
Total                Five Thousand Five Hundred and Sixty Three (5,563) votes

We therefore declare:
Bob Scott duly elected to the office of City of Sioux City Mayor for the term of four years beginning Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

City of Sioux City Council Member

Tom Murphy            Received Three Thousand and Fifty Three (3,053) votes
Julie Schoenherr            Received Three Hundred One Hundred and Sixty (3,160) votes
Scattering            Thirty Two (32) votes
Total                Six Thousand Two Hundred and Forty Five (6,245) votes

We therefore declare:
Julie Schoenherr duly elected to the office of City of Sioux City Council Member for the term of four years beginning Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
    
Lawton-Bronson School Director At Large
    
Bryan Mesz            Received Eight Hundred and Eleven (811) votes
Scattering            Received Thirty Eight (38) votes
Total                Eight Hundred and Forty Nine (849) votes

We therefore declare:
Bryan Mesz duly elected to the office of Lawton-Bronson School Director At Large for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Lawton-Bronson School Director District 1 

Chad Michael White        Received Seven Hundred and Sixty Three (763) votes
Scattering            Received Fifteen (15) votes
Total                Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight (778) votes

We therefore declare:
Chad Michael White duly elected to the office of Lawton-Bronson School Director District 1 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Lawton-Bronson School Director District 2

Blake Sappingfield        Received Seven Hundred and Forty Eight (748) votes
Scattering            Received Twenty Five (25) votes
Total                Seven Hundred and Seventy Three (773) votes

We therefore declare:
Blake Sappingfield duly elected to the office of Lawton-Bronson School Director District 2 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Lawton-Bronson School Director District 3 

Nicle Scott            Received Three Hundred and Forty (340) votes
Dennis Reinke            Received Five Hundred and Eighteen (518) votes
Scattering            Received Nine (9) votes
Total                Eight Hundred and Sixty Seven (867) votes

We therefore declare:
Dennis Reinke duly elected to the office of Lawton-Bronson School Director District 3 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Lawton-Bronson School Public Measure WJ

Yes                Received Four Hundred and Fifty One (451) votes
No                Received Five Hundred and Thirty Seven (537) votes
Total                Nine Hundred and Eighty Eight (988) votes

We therefore declare:
Lawton-Bronson School Public Measure WJ to not be passed.

Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto School Director District 2

Laura M. Streck            Received Three Hundred and Sixty Nine (369) votes
Scattering            Received Fifteen (15) votes
Total                Three Hundred and Eighty Four (384) votes

We therefore declare:
Laura M. Streck duly elected to the office of Maple Valey-Anthon-Oto School Director District 2 for the term of four years beginning 11/22/2023.

Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto School Director District 4

Jeremy Schram            Received Three Hundred and Ninety Seven (397) votes
Scattering            Received Five (5) votes
Total                Four Hundred and Two (402) votes

We therefore declare:
Jeremy Schram duly elected to the office of Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto School Director District 4 for the term of four years beginning Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

River Valley School Director At Large

Adam Kelly            Received Two Hundred and Twenty Three (223) votes
Kory Dausel            Received Two Hundred and Six (206) votes
Scattering            Received Eight (8) votes
Total                Four Hundred and Thirty Seven (437) votes

We therefore declare:
Adam Kelly duly elected to the office of River Valley School Director At Large for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 18, 2023.

River Valley School Director District 2

Bob Dewitt            Received Three Hundred and Sixty Seven (367) votes
Scattering             Received Fifty (50) votes
Total                Four Hundred and Seventeen (417) votes

We therefore declare:
Bob Dewitt duly elected to the office of River Valley School Director District 2 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 18, 2023.

River Valley School Director District 3

Amanda Heilman            Received One Hundred and Fifty Eight (158) votes
Jacie Pyle            Received Two Hundred and One (201) votes
Karmen Beazley            Received Ninety Six (96) votes
Scattering            Received Two (2) votes
Total                Four Hundred and Fifty Seven (457) votes

We therefore declare:
Jacie Pyle duly elected to the office of River Valley School Director District 3 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 18, 2023.
    
Sioux City School Director At Large

Treyla M. Lee            Received Three Thousand Five Hundred and Forty Four (3,544) votes
Earl Miller            Received Three Thousand and Ninety Four (3,094) votes
Trisha Rivers            Received One Thousand Five Hundred and Eight Nine (1,589) votes
Dustin Rhoades            Received One Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty Five (1,435) votes
Philip Hamman            Received Two Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty Nine (2,459) votes
John P. Meyers            Received Two Thousand Eight Hundred and Ten (2,810) votes
Marguerite Margo Cortez        Received Two Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Eight (2,328) votes
Lance D. Ehmcke            Received Two Thousand Nine Hundred and Three (2,903) votes
Jebediah Hibbs            Received Eight Hundred and Thirty (830) votes 
Scattering             Received Sixty Seven (67) votes
Total                Twenty One Thousand and Fifty Nine (21,059) votes

We therefore declare:
Treyla M. Lee duly elected to the office of Sioux City School Director At Large for the term of four years beginning Monday, November 27, 2023.
Earl Miller duly elected to the office of Sioux City School Director at Large for the term of four years beginning Monday, November 27, 2023.
John P. Meyers duly elected to the office of Sioux City School Director at Large for the term of four years beginning Monday, November 27, 2023.
Lance D. Ehmcke  duly elected to the office of Sioux City School Director at Large for the term of four years beginning Monday, November 27, 2023.

Sioux City Director At Large to Fill a Vacancy

Dan Greenwell            Received Three Thousand Five Hundred and Firty Four (3,554) votes
Semehar Ghebrekidan        Received Two Thousand Six Hundred and Thirty Eight (2,638) votes
Scattering            Received Thirty Eight (38) votes
Total                Six Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty (6,230) votes

We therefore declare:
Dan Greenwell duly elected to the office of Sioux City Director At Large to Fill a Vacancy for the term of two years ending Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Sioux City School Public Measure WK

Yes                Received Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Seven (4,707) votes
No                Received One Thousand Two Hundred and Ninety Eight (1,298) votes
Total                Six Thousand and Five (6,005) votes

We therefore declare:
Sioux City School Public Measure WK to be passed.

Westwood School Director At Large

Jeff Berg                Received Three Hundred and Forty Seven (347) votes
Andy Clayton            Received Three Hundred and Twenty Two (322) votes
Dan Lee                Received Three Hundred and Seventy Three (373) votes
Elliott Johnson            Received Two Hundred and Ninety One (291) votes
Scattering            Received Six (6) votes
Total                One Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty Nine (1,339) votes

We therefore declare:
Jeffrey Berg duly elected to the office of Westwood School Director At Large for the term of four years beginning Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Andy Clayton duly elected to the office of Westwood School Director At Large for the term of four years beginning Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Dan Lee duly elected to the office of Westwood School Director At Large for the term of four years beginning Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

Westwood School Public Measure WL

Yes                Received Three Hundred and Seventy Two (372) votes
No                 Received One Hundred and Thirty Three (133) votes
Total                Five Hundred and Five (505) votes

We therefore declare:
Westwood School Public Measure WL to be passed.

Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 1 To Fill a Vacancy

Micah Lang            Received One Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty Three (1,723) votes
Scattering            Received Ten (10) votes
Total                One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Three (1,733) votes

We therefore declare:
Micah Lang duly elected to the office of Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 1 To Fill a Vacancy for the residue of the term ending Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 3

Blanca I. Martinez        Received One Thousand Six Hundred and Ninety Three (1,693) votes
Scattering            Received Twenty Four (24) votes
Total                One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventeen (1,717) votes

We therefore declare:
Blanca I. Martinez duly elected to the office of Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 3 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 4

Linnea Fletcher            Received Four Hundred and Seventy Three (473) votes
Scattering            Received Twelve (12) votes
Total                Four Hundred and Eighty Five (485) votes
    
We therefore declare:
Linnea Fletcher duly elected to the office of Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 4 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 6

Maribel Parker            Received Nine (9) votes
Scattering            Received Ninety Nine (99) votes
Total                One Hundred and Eight (108) votes

We therefore declare:
Maribel Parker duly elected to the office of Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 6 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 7

Jeremy R. Ogle            Received One Thousand One Hundred and Sixty Five (1,165) votes
Al Aymar            Received Five hundred and Twenty One (521) votes
Scattering            Received Ten (10) votes
Total                One Thousand Six Hundred and Ninety Six (1,696) votes

We therefore declare:
Jeremy R. Ogle duly elected to the office of Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 7 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 9

Erin Muck            Received One Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty One (1,221) votes
Scattering            Received Eight (8) votes
Total                One Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty Nine (1,229) votes

We therefore declare:
Erin Muck duly elected to the office of Western Iowa Tech Community College Director District 9 for the term of four years beginning Monday, December 11, 2023.

Motion by Radig second by Bittinger to receive the November 7, 2023, City/School Election winners abstract and certificate for Shawn Joy as a Cushing Council member, as next highest vote getter.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Taylor second by Bittinger to approve the certificate of completion of project Slurry Leveling Wedge K45 2022 with Midwest Coatings for $173,860.00.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Taylor second by Radig to approve the certificate of completion of project Ice Sand Little Sioux Pit 2023 with Bedrock Gravel for $99,000.00.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Treasurer Bertrand discussed the homeowner’s assistance fund.  

Motion by Taylor second by Nelson to receive homeowner’s assistance fund document from Treasurer Bertrand. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.
 
Reports on committee meetings were heard.

There were no citizen concerns.  

Board concerns were heard.
    
Motion by Radig second by Nelson to receive the LEC recap budget report for the Budget Director Butler.  Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting until November 28, 2023.

Meeting sign in sheet.  Copy filed.