Minutes - 2/18/2025

FEBRUARY 18, 2025, EIGHTH MEETING OF THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.  Board members present were Ung, Carper, Nelson, Dietrich, and Bittinger II. Staff members present were Joshua Widman, Assistant County Attorney, Karen James, Board Administrative Assistant, Melissa Thomas, Human Resources Director, and Michelle Skaff, Auditor/Clerk to the Board. 

Motion by Bittinger second by Carper to receive the WCICC budget as received. Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the General Relief Administration budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to receive the General Relief Assistance budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to receive the Community/Economic Development budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Carper to receive the Emergency Management budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Emergency Services budget as submitted. Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Emergency Services Paramedics budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to receive the Emergency Services Animal Control budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to receive the Emergency Services EMS Training budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Juvenile Detention Facility budget with an increase expense of $10,835.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Building Services Courthouse budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Carper to receive the Building Services LEC budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Dietrich to receive the Building Services Trosper/Hoyt budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Dietrich second by Bittinger to receive the Building Services budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to receive the Building Services Anthon Courthouse budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive the Building Services Prairie Hills Facility budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Building Services District Health Building budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive the Building Services Tri View Facility budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Carper to receive the Building Services New LEC Justice Center budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Board of Supervisors CF Rebates & Miscellaneous Refunds budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Board of Supervisors Expense budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to receive the Board of Supervisors Administration budget with an increase in expenses of $550.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive the Board of Supervisors Public Bidder budget with a  decrease of $1,000.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive the Board of Supervisors Mail Services budget with a decrease of $8,500.  Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive the Board of Supervisors District Court Operations budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive the Board of Supervisors Court Appointed Juvenile Attorneys budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Board of Supervisors Risk Management Services budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to receive the Board of Supervisors Rolling Hills Region budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to receive the Board of Supervisors Solid Waste Landfill budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Ung second by Nelson to receive the Board of Supervisors Township Officers budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive the Board of Supervisors Tax Increment Funds budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive the Board of Supervisors Wage Plan Adjustments at 3%.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Dietrich second by Carper to receive the Board of Supervisors Hard Rock Gaming Fees Siouxland Regional Transit System budget as submitted.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

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

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve the agenda for February 18, 2025 with the removal of action on the contract for the lease and maintenance of copier from Loffler (item 13). Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve the following items by consent:

To approve minutes of the February 11, 2025 meeting.  Copy filed.

To approve the claims totaling $577,598.00.  Copy filed.

To receive the appointment Bibi Jauron and Darrel Bullock to the Community Action Agency of Siouxland Board of Directors for a three year term beginning April 1, 2025.  Copy filed.

To receive the appointment of Hanna Reinders, 4105 Country Club Blvd, to WIT Director District III, previously held by Blanca Martinez, until the nest regular election.  Copy filed.

To approve the transfer of Kyle Sanderson, Equipment Operator, Secondary Rods Dept., effective 02-17-2025, $28.18/hour, -1%=-$0.30/hr.  Transfer from Motor Grader Operator to Equipment Operator. In-House Vacancy posted on 1/29/2025.; the other of Stefani Nunez-Diaz, Youth Worker PT, Juvenile Detention Dept., effective 02-17-25, $22.05/hour, 0%.  Transfer from PT-Temp to PT.; the promotion of Jennifer Wersal, Civilian Lieutenant, County Sheriff Dept., effective 03-24-2025, $3473.82/bi-weekly, 18%=$533.02/bi-weekly.  Promoted to Lieutenant.; and the promotion of Blake Stahlecker, Civilian Lieutenant, County Sheriff Dept., effective 04-16-2025, $3473.82/bi-weekly, 18%=$533.02/bi-weekly.  Promoted to Lieutenant.  Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Authorization to initiate the hiring process for Youth Worker – PT Temp, Juvenile Detention Dept.  AFSCME Juvenile:  $22.05/hour.  Copy filed.

To approve the overlap of staff in the Sheriff’s office.  Copy filed.

To approve the property tax refund request for Lois Ward, parcel #894719327023, in the amount of $273.59.  Copy filed.

o approve the property tax refund request of Jack Girard, parcel #874734428002, in the amount of $859.00. Copy filed.

To approve the property tax refund request of Dawit Kifleyesus, parcel #894709379024, in the amount of $3,702.00. Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution approving abatement of taxes for Julie Torres, Vin #884730326965, J1094.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,852
RESOLUTION APPROVING ABATEMENT OF TAXES

WHEREAS, Julie Torres is the titleholder of a mobile home VIN # 884730326968 (B/LL)  located in Woodbury County, Iowa and legally described as follows: 

VIN # 884730326965 Year/Model B/LL for J1094(MH)

WHEREAS, the above-stated mobile home has taxes payable including special assessments and the mobile home is owned by Julie Torres.

WHEREAS, these taxes are uncollectable or impractical to pursue collection through personal judgment or tax sale.

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors sees that good cause exists for the abatement of these taxes and;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors hereby abates the taxes owing on the above mobile home according to Code of Iowa, 445.16 for the taxes owed and hereby directs the Woodbury County Treasurer to abate these aforementioned taxes from the tax records.

SO RESOLVED this 18 day of February, 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution approving abatement of taxes for Lake Forest MHC LLC, Vin #88A16298, 1978 Shar-Lo.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,853
RESOLUTION APPROVING ABATEMENT OF TAXES

WHEREAS, Lake Forrest MHC LLC is the titleholder of a mobile home VIN # 88A16298  located in Woodbury County, Iowa and legally described as follows: 

VIN # 88A16298   Year/Model 1978 Sjar-Lo

WHEREAS, the above-stated mobile home has taxes payable including special assessments and the mobile home is owned by Lake Forest MHC LLC.

WHEREAS, these taxes are uncollectable or impractical to pursue collection through personal judgment or tax sale.

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors sees that good cause exists for the abatement of these taxes and;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors hereby abates the taxes owing on the above mobile home according to Code of Iowa, 445.16 for the taxes owed and hereby directs the Woodbury County Treasurer to abate these aforementioned taxes from the tax records.

SO RESOLVED this 18 day of February, 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution approving abatement of taxes for Evergreen Village, Vin #M307447, 2002 Schult.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,854
RESOLUTION APPROVING ABATEMENT OF TAXES

WHEREAS, Evergreen Village is the titleholder of a mobile home VIN # M307447  located in Woodbury County, Iowa and legally described as follows: 

VIN # M307447  Year/Model 202 Schult

WHEREAS, the above-stated mobile home has taxes payable including special assessments and the mobile home is owned by Evergreen Village.

WHEREAS, these taxes are uncollectable or impractical to pursue collection through personal judgment or tax sale.

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors sees that good cause exists for the abatement of these taxes and;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors hereby abates the taxes owing on the above mobile home according to Code of Iowa, 445.16 for the taxes owed and hereby directs the Woodbury County Treasurer to abate these aforementioned taxes from the tax records.

SO RESOLVED this 18 day of February, 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To receive Recorder’s Third Quarter Financial Report for the period of 09/01/24 through 12/31/24.  Copy filed.

Carried 5-0.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive report from Civils Service Commission. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Information was presented by Charlie Hertz, Civil Service Commission, on Civil Service Annual report.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive report from the Compensation Board. Carried 5-0. Copy filed. 

Information was presented by Daniel Lynde, Compensation Board, on Compensation Board schedule.  Copy filed.

Motion by Dietrich second by Carper approve to separate the Board of Supervisors pay from other elected officials.  Carried 4-1, Ung opposed.  Copy filed.

After amendment, motion by Dietrich second by Bittinger to decrease the recommended wage increase for the Board of Supervisors for FY25/26 from 4% to 0% and to include changing the chair stipend to $3,500. Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Ung second by Dietrich to approve the canvass sheets for three shared drainage ditches with Monona County.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve the renewal contract for the Hosted Online Index Books Systems with Cott Systems.  Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve the 2025 CIP Project Courthouse Clerk (North-West) Office in the amount of $78,833.00.  Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to approve the bond counsel engagement agreement for FY 25 Capital Improvement Note.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution fixing date for a meeting on the authorization of a loan agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $700,000 taxable General Obligation Capital Loan notes of Woodbury County, State of Iowa (for essential County purposes), and providing for publication of notice thereof.  Carried 5-0.  

RESOLUTION #13,855
RESOLUTION FIXING DATE FOR A MEETING ON THE
AUTHORIZATION OF A LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE
ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $700,000 TAXABLE
GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL LOAN NOTES OF
WOODBURY COUNTY, STATE OF IOWA (FOR ESSENTIAL
COUNTY PURPOSES), AND PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION OF NOTICE THEREOF

WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary and advisable that Woodbury County, State of Iowa, should provide for the authorization of a Loan Agreement and issuance of Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, to the amount of not to exceed $700,000, as authorized by Sections 331.402 and 331.443, of the Code of Iowa, for the purpose of providing funds to pay costs of carrying out essential county purpose project(s) as hereinafter described; and

WHEREAS, the Loan Agreement and Notes shall be payable from the Debt Service Fund; and

WHEREAS, before a Loan Agreement may be authorized and Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, issued to evidence the obligation of the County thereunder, it is necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code of Iowa, as amended, and to publish a notice of the proposal and of the time and place of the meeting at which the Board proposes to take action for the authorization of the Loan Agreement and Notes and to receive oral and/or written objections from any resident or property owner of the County to such action.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, STATE OF IOWA:

Section 1. That this Board meet in the Board Room, Woodbury County Courthouse, 620 Douglas Street, Sioux City, Iowa, at 4.40 P.M., on the 4th day of March, 2025, for the purpose of taking action on the matter of the authorization of a Loan Agreement and issuance of not to exceed $700,000 Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, for essential county purposes, the proceeds of which notes will be used to provide funds to pay the costs of erecting, equipping, remodeling or reconstructing various public buildings including tuckpointing at the EMS Building and conference room remodeling and ceiling replacement at the Courthouse; and equipping various public buildings including software, hardware and other equipment.

Section 2. The Auditor is authorized and directed to proceed on behalf of the County with the negotiation of terms of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, evidencing the County's obligations to a principal amount of not to exceed $700,000, to select a date for the final approval thereof, to cause to be prepared such notice and sale information as may appear appropriate, to publish and distribute the same on behalf of the County and this Board and otherwise to take all action necessary to permit the completion of a loan on a basis favorable to the County and acceptable to the Board.

Section 3. That the Auditor is hereby directed to cause at least one publication to be made of a notice of the meeting, in a legal newspaper, printed wholly in the English language, published at least once weekly, and having general circulation in the County. The publication to be not less than four clear days nor more than twenty days before the date of the public meeting on the issuance of the Notes.

Section 4. The notice of the proposed action to issue notes shall be in substantially the following form:
(To be published on or before: March 1, 2025)

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, STATE OF IOWA, ON THE MATTER OF THE PROPOSED AUTHORIZATION OF A LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED
$700,000 TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL LOAN NOTES OF THE COUNTY (FOR ESSENTIAL COUNTY PURPOSES), AND THE HEARING ON THE ISSUANCE THEREOF

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, State of Iowa, will hold a public hearing on the 4th day of March, 2025, at 4:40 P.M., in the Board Room, Woodbury County Courthouse, 620 Douglas Street, Sioux City, Iowa, at which meeting the Board proposes to take additional action for the authorization of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $700,000 Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, for essential county purposes, to provide funds to pay the costs of erecting, equipping, remodeling or reconstructing various public buildings including tuckpointing at the EMS Building and conference room remodeling and ceiling replacement at the Courthouse; and equipping various public buildings including software, hardware and other equipment. Principal and interest on the proposed Loan Agreement will be payable from the Debt Service Fund.

The annual increase in property taxes as the result of the issuance on a residential property with an actual value of one hundred thousand dollars is estimated in aggregate not to exceed $4.78. This estimate considers the impact on property taxes of the finance authority established by all hearings and elections for the issuance as of the date hereof, which may be issued in one or more series over a number of years. Future additional finance authority may be established, causing the estimate for the annual increase in property taxes for the entire issuance to be greater than the estimate stated herein. Changes in other levies may cause the actual annual increase in property taxes to vary.

At the above meeting the Board shall receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner of the County to the above action. After all objections have been received and considered, the Board will at the meeting or at any adjournment thereof, take additional action for the authorization of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of the Notes to evidence the obligation of the County thereunder or will abandon the proposal to issue said Notes.

This notice is given by order of the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, State of Iowa, as provided by Sections 331.402 and 331.443 of the Code of Iowa.

Dated this 18th day of February, 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution fixing date for a meeting on the authorization of a loan agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $500,000 taxable General Obligation Capital Loan notes of Woodbury County, State of Iowa (for essential County purposes), and providing for publication of notice thereof.  Carried 5-0.  

RESOLUTION #13,856
RESOLUTION FIXING DATE FOR A MEETING ON THE
AUTHORIZATION OF A LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE
ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 TAXABLE
GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL LOAN NOTES OF
WOODBURY COUNTY, STATE OF IOWA (FOR ESSENTIAL
COUNTY PURPOSES), AND PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION OF NOTICE THEREOF

WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary and advisable that Woodbury County, State of Iowa, should provide for the authorization of a Loan Agreement and issuance of Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, to the amount of not to exceed $500,000, as authorized by Sections 331.402 and 331.443, of the Code of Iowa, for the purpose of providing funds to pay costs of carrying out essential county purpose project(s) as hereinafter described; and

WHEREAS, the Loan Agreement and Notes shall be payable from the Debt Service Fund; and

WHEREAS, before a Loan Agreement may be authorized and Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, issued to evidence the obligation of the County thereunder, it is necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code of Iowa, as amended, and to publish a notice of the proposal and of the time and place of the meeting at which the Board proposes to take action for the authorization of the Loan Agreement and Notes and to receive oral and/or written objections from any resident or property owner of the County to such action.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, STATE OF IOWA:

Section 1. That this Board meet in the Board Room, Woodbury County Courthouse, 620 Douglas Street, Sioux City, Iowa, at 4:45 P.M., on the 4th day of March, 2025, for the purpose of taking action on the matter of the authorization of a Loan Agreement and issuance of not to exceed $500,000 Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, for essential county purposes, the proceeds of which notes will be used to provide funds to pay the costs of demolition of abandoned, dilapidated, or dangerous buildings, structures or properties or the abatement of a nuisance including demolition of the old law enforcement center.

Section 2. Based on many factors including reports of consulting engineers and architects, the County hereby finds that the old law enforcement center is an abandoned, dilapidated or dangerous building, structure or property.

Section 3. The Auditor is authorized and directed to proceed on behalf of the County with the negotiation of terms of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, evidencing the County's obligations to a principal amount of not to exceed $500,000, to select a date for the final approval thereof, to cause to be prepared such notice and sale information as may appear appropriate, to publish and distribute the same on behalf of the County and this Board and otherwise to take all action necessary to permit the completion of a loan on a basis favorable to the County and acceptable to the Board.

Section 4. That the Auditor is hereby directed to cause at least one publication to be made of a notice of the meeting, in a legal newspaper, printed wholly in the English language, published at least once weekly, and having general circulation in the County. The publication to be not less than four clear days nor more than twenty days before the date of the public meeting on the issuance of the Notes.

Section 5. The notice of the proposed action to issue notes shall be in substantially the following form:

(To be published on or before: March 1, 2025)

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, STATE OF IOWA, ON THE MATTER OF THE PROPOSED AUTHORIZATION OF A LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL LOAN NOTES OF THE COUNTY (FOR ESSENTIAL COUNTY PURPOSES), AND THE HEARING ON THE ISSUANCE THEREOF

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, State of Iowa, will hold a public hearing on the 4th day of March, 2025, at 4:45 P.M., in the Board Room, Woodbury County Courthouse, 620 Douglas Street, Sioux City, Iowa, at which meeting the Board proposes to take additional action for the authorization of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $500,000 Taxable General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, for essential county purposes, to provide funds to pay the costs of demolition of abandoned, dilapidated, or dangerous buildings, structures or properties or the abatement of a nuisance including demolition of the old law enforcement center. Principal and interest on the proposed Loan Agreement will be payable from the Debt Service Fund.

The annual increase in property taxes as the result of the issuance on a residential property with an actual value of one hundred thousand dollars is estimated in aggregate not to exceed $4.78. This estimate considers the impact on property taxes of the finance authority established by all hearings and elections for the issuance as of the date hereof, which may be issued in one or more series over a number of years. Future additional finance authority may be established, causing the estimate for the annual increase in property taxes for the entire issuance to be greater than the estimate stated herein. Changes in other levies may cause the actual annual increase in property taxes to vary.

At the above meeting the Board shall receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner of the County to the above action. After all objections have been received and considered, the Board will at the meeting or at any adjournment thereof, take additional action for the authorization of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of the Notes to evidence the obligation of the County thereunder or will abandon the proposal to issue said Notes.

This notice is given by order of the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, State of Iowa, as provided by Sections 331.402 and 331.443 of the Code of Iowa.

Dated this 18th day of February, 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Ung second by Nelson to approve a 10% salary increase for the Juvenile Detention director position, effective 2/18/25.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.
    
Reports on committee meetings were heard.

Robin Schiro, Elk Point, expressed concerns about crimes in the community.  Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive document from Ms. Schiro. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Board Concerns were heard.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting until February 25, 2025.

Meeting sign in sheet.  Copy filed.