Board of Supervisors Minutes
February 2018

February 6, 2018:

At 8:30 a.m., on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, a department head meeting was held in the Fremont County Courthouse Jury Room.  Present were Randy Hickey, Jenny McAllister, Dan Davis, Arnold Emberton, Troy Housh, Kevin Aistrope, Brenna Bird, Brenda Mintle, Alise Snyder, Robin Shirley, Erman Mullins, Mike Crecelius, and Dee Owen.  Topics discussed: mental health updates from Hickey’s meetings, the possibility of clerk’s office closures in Iowa and writing the legislators to express concerns of losing local court services for residents, snow removal issues, comp time rules in the hand book and state audit, storm spotter class coming in March, handbook changes, and IT phishing scams. 

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hickey, Graham, and Hendrickson 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. 

Also present were Sandy Parmenter with the Valley News Today and Dan Swanson with Big Apple Radio. 

Pheasants Forever has submitted a Fremont County logo to apply to their banners that will be made with the tourism grant money that they received. They believe it is good publicity for the county and is also a thank you for the grant they received. The board agreed that this is a good idea and the auditor’s office will contact the organization to tell them to go ahead with the design. 

The board reiterated to the department heads in the department head meeting this morning the portions of the handbook and union contracts about overtime. 

The board considered a resolution regarding the failings of the Master Matrix and petitioning the Governor and Legislature to act on those failings. Motion by Hendrickson to sign the resolution. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-9

A RESOLUTION PETITIONING THE GOVERNOR OF IOWA AND THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO ADDRESS THE FAILINGS OF THE MASTER MATRIX

WHEREAS, the Fremont County Board of Supervisors, has been presented with several applications for permits to construct concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) in Fremont County, Iowa; and,

WHEREAS, CAFOs in Iowa have proliferated at a rate and number likely unanticipated by the authors of the 2002 Matrix; and,

WHEREAS, the Fremont County Board of Supervisors, has attempted to provide pertinent information regarding the siting of CAFO’s in Fremont County, Iowa; and,

WHEREAS, the current legislation and regulation applies the use of a Master Matrix that has failed to adequately differentiate between the geography, water sources and other critical considerations throughout different regions within the State; and,

WHEREAS, the failure to properly take into consideration information within the knowledge of local sources, has highlighted the failings of the Master Matrix to protect the air, water, health, “quality of life” and economic interests of the citizens we were elected to represent; and,

WHEREAS, the inadequacies of the Master Matrix in its present form have been scientifically documented and legislative remedies are needed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FREMONT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

1. The Fremont County Board of Supervisors do hereby petition the Governor of Iowa and the State Legislature to address the failings of the Master Matrix to protect the air, water, health, “quality of life” and economic interests of the citizens we were elected to represent.

2. The Fremont County Board of Supervisors formally requests that the IDNR be directed to suspend any issuance of any additional CAFO construction permits until such time as corrective new legislation regarding the Master Matrix can be adopted.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of February 2018.

ATTEST:

/s/ Dee Owen                                                                           /s/ Randy Hickey, Chairman
Fremont County Auditor                                                      

Jeff McQueen and John Burkhiser met with the board regarding the Farragut Admiral Trail System. They have been working with several entities to design the trail. The only county road that it will affect is Manti Road. They are looking at options where Highway 2 is concerned. They plan to use volunteers and grant money for future upkeep. They would like a letter of support from the Fremont County Board of Supervisors to use for future grant applications. The board will act on a letter of support at their next board meeting.

The board briefly discussed the hotel/motel tax resolution. They are going to gather information on all options before signing a resolution. Motion made by Hendrickson to table the signing. Motion carried unanimously.

In other business, the Recorder’s Monthly Report for January was approved.

Claims were approved for February 9, 2018.

At 9:50 a.m., there being no further business, Hickey made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

February 13, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hickey, Graham, and Hendrickson 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. 

Also present was Sandy Parmenter from the Valley News Today.  

Dee Owen, Auditor, met with the board for approval of a resolution for a new hire in the auditor’s office. Hendrickson made the motion to approve the new hire. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2018-10

WHEREAS, the Office of the Fremont County Auditor has completed the interview process and wishes to fill the full-time vacancy in her office.

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 13th day of February, 2018, that Jolene Keck-McGinley be hired to fill the open full-time position in the Fremont County Auditor’s Office effective February 12, 2018.

Motion to approve made by Hendrickson.
 

Motion made by Graham to allow Chairman Hickey to sign a letter of support for the Farragut Admiral Trail System. Motion carried unanimously.  

Motion made by Graham to allow Chairman Hickey to sign the 2018 ISAC Wellness Agreement. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign the GAX Form to draw from the CDBG Grant for the East and West Nishnabotna Watershed Project. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Graham to approve the Special Class C Liquor License Beer/Wine for D & L Pro. Hickey, aye. Graham, aye. Hendrickson, abstain. Motion carried. 

Motion made by Hickey to approve the following resolution for new hire for the sheriff’s office. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-11

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 13th day of February, 2018, that the following individual shall be approved as a Telecommunicator/Jailer for the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, as requested by Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope. The effective date of employment shall be February 1, 2018:

Michael Lee Wake

Motion was made by Hickey.
 

The Sheriff’s Monthly Report for January 2018 was approved. 

Claims were approved for February 16, 2018. 

 At 9:25 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

February 20, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hickey, Graham, and Hendrickson 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. 

Also present for the meeting were Mills County Attorney Naeda Elliott, Fremont County Attorney Brenna Bird, Sheriff Kevin Aistrope, and Chief Deputy Steve Owen. 

Michael Hart with Northland Securities called in to speak with the board regarding a possible pre-levy resolution involving the state radio project. He discussed the advantages and disadvantages of a pre-levy resolution. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign request for release of funds & certification for East Nish Watershed Project. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Graham to allow Chairman Hickey to sign contract amendment for East Nishnabotna Watershed Project at SWIPCO’s request. Motion carried unanimously. 

Chairman Hickey discussed possibly using Tusa Consulting Services for the state radio project. Graham stated that he isn’t sure what else Tusa can do for the board. The bid from Motorola has already been negotiated down by Electronic Engineering. He doesn’t believe a consultant is necessary when the board decides to proceed with the project. Aistrope suggested that maintenance be defined and put into the bond. Hendrickson mentioned possibly having a three or four-county dispatch center. Aistrope stated that he was not opposed to this option, but wasn’t sure they would all be able to come to an agreement. Motion made by Graham to table the hiring of a consultant. Motion carried unanimously. 

Robert Bailey with Liberty National Life met with the board again regarding his company’s life insurance plans and what they offer. The group term policy is portable. He stated that there has been a new hire that currently has a policy at their current job. They would like to continue pre-tax coverage when they start at Fremont County. The board would like this item on the agenda next week. 

Engineer Dan Davis met with the board regarding the signing of the following:

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign IDOT Phase 2 Progress Voucher for Plum Creek, Project #BRS-CO36(74) - - 60-36. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign IDOT Progress Voucher for J-18, Project # STP- S-CO36(70) - - 5E-36. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Graham to allow Chairman Hickey to sign a contract for J-34 easement with Delores Sheldon. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Graham to allow Chairman Hickey to sign a contract for J-34 easement with Mule Slough Drainage District. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign work in ROW application for Iowa Communications Network to install new cable along 300th Avenue between Waubonsie Avenue and 105th Street. 

Mills County Attorney Naeda Elliott met with the board to discuss the possible sharing of the county attorney position with Mills County. Bird’s term is up at the end of 2018, so any agreement would not be in effect until January 2, 2019. This would include having the office open daily for the citizens of Fremont County. The two current clerks would remain in their positions. There would be a possibility of sharing an additional clerk. County Attorney Bird had some suggestions for changes to the 28E agreement that Mills County presented for review. Elliott said they would present the agreement with the revisions for the board’s review. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION 2018-12

WHEREAS, the Fremont County Attorney is currently designated as a “part-time” position for the purposes of Section 331.752 of the Iowa Code; and

WHEREAS, Fremont County Board of Supervisors believes that it would be more beneficial to the citizens of the County and that it is in the County’s best interest to designate the County Attorney position as a “full-time” position for the purposes of Section 331.752.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors that, effective January 2, 2019, the County Attorney position shall be designated a “full-time” position for the purposes of Section 331.752. The annual salary for said “full-time” position shall be seventy-two thousand one hundred ten dollars ($72,110.00) or as otherwise amended from time to time by the Fremont County Compensation Board and the Fremont County Board of Supervisors.

Entered into this 20th day of February 2018.
 

Motion made by Hendrickson to table the signing of Resolution 2018-13 for a 28E Agreement for Multicounty County Attorney’s Office with Mills County. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to table allowing chairman to sign and execute 28E Agreement. Motion carried unanimously. These items will be on the agenda for February 27, 2018. 

Claims were approved for February 23, 2018. 

 At 10:42 a.m., there being no further business, Hendrickson made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

February 27, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hickey, Graham, and Hendrickson 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. 

Also present was Sandy Parmenter from the Valley News Today. 

Tyler Loontjer, Assistant Mills County Attorney, met with the board regarding the signing of the 28E agreement with Mills County. He discussed changes that were made to the 28E such as removing the additional position that was originally proposed. The insurance will be negotiated every year. The agreement will be in effect for four years beginning January 1, 2019. Motion made by Graham to sign the following resolution:

RESOLUTION 2018-13

WHEREAS, Fremont County and Mills County are adjacent counties in the State of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary for each County to be served by a county attorney; and

WHEREAS, Fremont County and Mills County, by and through their respective Boards of Supervisors, firmly believe it to be most beneficial for, and in the best interest of, Fremont County and Mills County to share the services of a County Attorney and Assistant County Attorney; and

WHEREAS, Fremont County and Mills County desire to enter into a 28E Agreement for the purpose of formally sharing the services of a County Attorney and Assistant County Attorney in a multicounty office as provided in Section 331.753 of the Iowa Code; and

THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors that, the Chairman is hereby authorized to enter into and duly execute a 28E Agreement, pursuant to Chapter 28E and Section 331.753 of the Iowa Code, to share the services of a County Attorney and Assistant County Attorney in a multicounty office with Mills County.

Entered into this 27th day of February, 2018.
 

Chairman Hickey signed the 28E Agreement per Resolution 2018-13. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION 2018-14

WHEREAS, the Fremont County Attorney is currently designated as a “full-time” position for the purposes of Section 331.752 of the Iowa Code; and

WHEREAS, Fremont County Board of Supervisors believes that it would be more beneficial to the citizens of the County and that it is in the County’s best interest to designate the County Attorney position as a “part-time” position for the purposes of Section 331.752.

THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors that, effective January 2, 2019, the County Attorney position shall be designated a “part-time” position for the purposes of Section 331.752. The annual salary for said “part-time” position shall be thirty-eight thousand dollars ($38,000.00) or as otherwise amended from time to time by the Fremont County Compensation Board and the Fremont County Board of Supervisors.

Entered into this 27th day of February, 2018.
 

Dee Owen, Auditor, presented the board with the levy information on the board controlled drainage districts.  The board reviewed the information and set the levy rates for four of the board controlled districts. They will consider Johnson Run at a later date. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign the GAX Form to draw from the CDBG Grant for the East and West Nishnabotna Watershed Project. Motion carried unanimously. 

Robert Bailey with Liberty National Life met with the board again regarding his company’s life insurance plans. This policy is self-funded by the employee. Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Liberty National to start a group policy and offer it to employees of the county. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve Class B Wine, Class C Liquor, Outdoor Service, & Sunday Sales Permit for Wild’s Property Management. Motion carried unanimously.  

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the following resolution for new hire for the sheriff’s office. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-15

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 27th day of February, 2018, that the following individual shall be approved as a Jailer for the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, as requested by Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope. The effective date of employment shall be February 26, 2018:

Sandra Ranelle Bolejack

Motion was made by Hendrickson.
 

Motion was made by Graham to approve the following Tax Abatement Resolution for City of Imogene.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO.  2018-16

RESOLUTION ABATING TAXES ON LAND OWNED BY CITY OF IMOGENE

WHEREAS, the City of Imogene now owns certain property in Imogene, Fremont County, Iowa, Parcel Number for the concerned property is:  440440056000000 LOCATED IN IMOGENE, FREMONT COUNTY, IOWA, according to the recorded plat thereof.  WHEREAS, the property is now owned by the City of Imogene 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 totaling $257.00 are abated under Iowa Code Section 445.63.  BE IT FURTHER resolved that the Auditor and Treasurer shall enter such change orders required to abate these taxes.

Motion made by Graham to approve resolution.

Dated this 27th day of February, 2018.
 

The board set the date and time for the 2018/2019 budget hearing for March 13, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. 

Let the records show that Weed Commissioner Howard Nelson was unable to attend this meeting. 

Sheriff Kevin Aistrope met with the board requesting a resolution waiving the nepotism policy set out by Iowa Code and the Fremont County Handbook. Aistrope told the board that his son, Derek Aistrope, is the cuurent Chief of Police in Tabor. He would be available at times to work as a reserve deputy and cover shifts. This would be a cost savings to the county as they would not have to pay another deputy over time to cover. It would also benefit the county because he is a certified officer which allows him to process an OWI whereas a reserve that is not a certified peace officer cannot. Chief Deputy Steve Owen advised the board that he is the supervisor of the deputies and reserve deputies. He handles their scheduling, time cards, and all discipline. Hendrickson stated that he didn’t support this hiring. Motion made by Graham to allow Derek Aistrope to work as a reserve deputy. Hickey, aye. Graham, aye. Hendrickson, nay.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-17

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 27th day of February 2018, that the following individual shall be approved as a part-time employee for the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, granting a nepotism waiver for the nepotism policy according to Iowa law and as stated in the Fremont County Handbook, as requested by Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope.  Derek Aistrope is the son of Sheriff Kevin Aistrope. His supervisor is the chief deputy. The effective date of employment shall be February 27, 2018.

Derek Kevin Aistrope – Reserve Deputy

Motion was made by Graham.
 

Claims were approved for March 2, 2018. 

 At 10:16 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

 Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

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