Board of Supervisors Minutes
April 2018

May 1, 2018: 

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Graham and Hendrickson present. Hickey was not present for this meeting. 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 that Sandy Parmenter from the Valley News Today and April Topham from the Hamburg Reporter were present for this meeting.  

Motion made by Graham to table the resolution to approve the handbook and set an effective date. The board would like section 3.8 to be removed before they approve the handbook. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to table a decision on healthcare insurance. Motion carried unanimously. 

Safety Coordinator Jeff Shirley met with the board to update them on safety issues. He discussed the portion of the handbook requiring accidents to be reported to department heads and to the safety coordinator. He discussed INCS possibly drawing up a job description for the safety coordinator position. He also briefly discussed drug testing policies after accidents. 

Sheriff Kevin Aistrope met with the board regarding the purchase of jail cameras and air conditioner units for the sheriff’s office. He would like to use room and board money that has been collected for the purchase. That money is split into two categories per state guidelines. Sixty percent of that money must be used for infrastructure improvements of a jail or juvenile detention center, and/or courthouse security and law enforcement personnel costs. The other forty percent may be used when the sheriff and the board of supervisors develop a plan for the use of funds. In this case, the sheriff would like to use the sixty percent towards the purchase. The cost would be around $92,000. Graham made a motion to allow Sheriff Aistrope to purchase the cameras and air condition using the 60% funds. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-24

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 1st day of May 2018, that the 2018 utilities as certified to the Auditor by the Iowa State Department of Revenue and Finance be approved, collected, and disposed of as regular taxes, according to taxing district.

Motion to approve made by Hendrickson.
 

Sandra Bengtson with the Historical Society met with the board regarding their funding allocation. Also present for this discussion was Jon Howery, Harry Wilkins, Mary Howery, Lona Lewis, Lyle Hodde, Alice Hodde, Jim Shirley, Jann Tackett, and Conrad Hall. She handed out items touting many things that they have been a part of in 2017 and 2018 alone. Some of the highlights were helping people from all over the country with genealogy research. They also had a quilt show with 72 attendees featuring quilts from every town in the county. They helped the Ricketts Family (father of Governor Ricketts of Nebraska) with a documentary on their ancestry by providing them copies of pictures and other materials. There were many other items on their hand out. Hendrickson who is also on The Fremont County Tourism Board assured the historical society members present that taking away funding was not the intent of the tourism board. The tourism board has just requested that they fill out a grant application like all other entities to receive the funds, instead of it being a budget allocation. Bengtson said she would fill out the application each year. 

Engineer Dan Davis met with the board for the signing of a work in ROW permit. Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Vice-Chairman Graham to sign work in right-of-way permit for Windstream Iowa Communications, LLC to place 675’ of new cable between 200th Street north to Pedestal 12 on Bluff Road. Motion carried unanimously.  

The board discussed the purchase of a rear mount shredder previously approved on April 17, 2018. The board discussed that the purchase was made from the low quote for the specifications that were requested. It is not always the practice to take the low bid, but in this instance, this is the what the board decided. Motion made by Graham to remain with the previously accepted bid. Motion carried unanimously. 

The board reviewed items additional items for the 2017/2018 budget amendment. These include insurance payments for damaged vehicles for the sheriff’s office. The amendment will be published and a public hearing held. 

Claims were approved for May 4, 2018. 

At 10:11 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Terry Graham, Vice-Chairman

May 8, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, May 8, 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. 

Let the records show that Sandy Parmenter from the Valley News Today was present for this meeting. Also present for this meeting were various Hometown Pride members including Angie Sheldon, Dick McClure, Jane Wilson, and Kay Wing. 

Angie Sheldon with Percival Hometown Pride met with board regarding their recent successes of their organization. She thanked the board for their support and being their fiscal sponsor. They have received $64,400 in grants and 18 gallons of paint. They will soon be attaining 501c3 status. She also discussed the Fremont County Barn Quilt Project and setting up a website to promote Fremont County. Percival Hometown Pride has established a club to create a barn quilt trail throughout Fremont County. The six 4-H clubs are creating barn quilts and they will be auctioned at the Fremont County Fair. They are also having a barn quilt workshop on July 11 and will encourage those attending to enter their works in the open class at the fair. She asked the board to consider funding the part-time Hometown Pride Coach when the program ends in October. 

Dick McClure with Sidney Hometown Pride met with the board to give them an update on items their organization has been working on. He listed some of those events as Sidney clean-up day, pancake feeds, Trail of Treasures, a street dance, Christmas celebration, welcoming new businesses, a shoe drive, and many more. They are working on starting a farmer’s market next month. They have had donations of $18,000 for the Fremont County Endowment Fund. He also spoke to the fact they would like to see Doug Friedli kept on as a part-time Hometown Pride Coach. McClure also pointed out that all the communities are working on getting broadband throughout Fremont County which is a big need. Friedli also has experience in broadband communications. McClure also thank the board for their support. 

Jane Wilson and Kay Wing of Farragut Hometown Pride stopped in and spoke briefly about their accomplishments. They thanked the board for their support. They established the Farragut Community Endowment Fund in 2014. They have received $19,905 in grants. They have raised $6,500 in local donations. They have had many donations toward the new playground equipment. They also support the committee that is establishing the Admiral Trail. They discussed their painting, community carnival, fish fry, community garage sale, and many more events. They also thanked the board and asked that they continue to support the Hometown Pride Coach in October when the funding ends. 

Jeff Shirley spoke to the board to have a portion added to the handbook about drug testing after any accident for county employees. He also would like to be able to amend or revise the handbook depending on how their union contract situation plays out. The board agreed that the drug testing policy should be added to the handbook and that he should consult Jack Reed at INCS for guidance. There are some positions within the county where that may not be possible. Motion made by Hendrickson to table the resolution adopting the new Fremont County Handbook with and effective date of July 1, 2018, until the revisions are made. Motion carried unanimously. 

The board discussed the new partially self-funded health insurance offered by Kingston Life and Health through ISAC. The board would like to wait for at least one year in order to provide employee education regarding the new insurance. No action was taken on this item. 

Motion by Graham to approve the renewal of the Class C, Sunday Sales Liquor License for Mojo’s Sports Bar. Motion carried unanimously. 

Safety Coordinator Jeff Shirley met with the board for the approval of the job description for his position as Safety Coordinator that was prepared by INCS. He also requested approval of the safety committee in this letter. Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign the job description and safety committee members letter pending the addition of Graham’s name to the list. Motion carried unanimously. 

Assistant Engineer Robbie Kromminga met with the board for the approval of a work in right-of-way permit. Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign work in ROW permit for Gil Gee/Gee Development to install field tile across the road in Section 1, Township 70, Range 40. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the cigarette/tobacco/nicotine/vapor permit for Sidney Foods, Ltd. Motion carried unanimously. 

Cara Marker-Morgan with Golden Hills RC & D met with the board about the Engineering RFQ for the Nishnabotna Watershed. She stated that they are pleased with the fact that they are 6 months ahead of schedule. They are working on securing additional grant money for various projects throughout the county. She believes they have enough projects to use all the funding in Fremont County and not have to give any back. Motion made by Graham to approve the RFQ proposal pending the date change when Mills County approves it, so they may be jointly approved. Motion carried unanimously. 

IT Arnold Emberton met with the board for the approval of a proposal for the Document Locator Program with Solutions, Inc. This is an upgraded scanning program from what we are currently using. Our current scanning system support will be phased out in the fall. Emberton has already budgeted $22,000 for this in 2018-2019. This is not a bill, but a proposal. Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the proposal for Document Locator with Solutions, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. 

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

Claims were approved for May 11, 2018. 

At 10:02 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:
 

May 15, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, May 15, 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. Motion to amend the agenda to include Hamburg Hometown Pride update made by Graham. Motion carried unanimously. The agenda was approved as amended. Minutes of the previous board session were read and approved. 

Let the records show that April Topham from the Hamburg Reporter was present for this meeting. Also present for this meeting were Lindsey Carter, Tom Shull, Casey Moyer, Dale Kirkpatrick, Dustin Sheldon, John & Hallie Ferguson, Joe Gutschenritter, Randy Schaeffer, Jim Shirley, Danny Toma, and Sheriff Kevin Aistrope.  

Lindsey Carter with Randolph Hometown Pride met with the board to update them on their accomplishments. They have new playground equipment, a beautification project on main street, and have t-shirts promoting the town to name a few from their list she provided to the board. She thanked the board for their support, like the groups last week she discussed the importance of keeping the Hometown Pride coach in place after his contract runs out. Hendrickson asked if they had an idea as to what amount of funding was needed and how it would be funded. Carter said there is an upcoming meeting where they will discuss options. John and Hallie Ferguson with Hamburg Hometown Pride also spoke about their projects. They have new playground equipment in Golden Acre Park, new landscaping at Hamburg Historic Library, and new murals on buildings. Those are just a few examples of their accomplishments. They also expressed their need for the Hometown Pride Coach. 

Engineer Dan Davis met with the board for the signing of a cover sheet on Project # FM-CO36(77) - - 55-36. Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the signing of the title sheet for the seal coat projects on L-40, M-16, and Waubonsie Avenue. Motion carried unanimously. 

The board discussed the transfer station issue at the Fremont County Landfill. The board discussed keeping the landfill as-is or turning it over to a private company and it then becoming a transfer station. Supervisor Hendrickson who is also the board of supervisor’s representative for the Fremont County Landfill Commission stated that he thought that town hall meetings should be held to get the public involved. He stated that the Hamburg Council voted in favor of the transfer station last night. Tom Shull, Farragut Mayor and representative on the landfill commission for 39 years, presented a letter of interest from the Page County Landfill. They would be willing to work with Fremont County in the future if the need arises. Jon Johnson from Sidney stressed the point of keeping public services in our county and not outsourcing. The sentiments of keeping jobs and services in our county were echoed by Dustin Sheldon and Joe Gutschenritter. After several comments from the other attendees, Shull stated that he believed the board of supervisor should vote as soon as possible in time for the landfill commission meeting coming up. Hendrickson stated that he thought this was a big risk and that he believed the transfer station was a win-win situation for the taxpayers. After much discussion, Graham made a motion that the Fremont County Landfill Commission continue to run the Fremont County Landfill. Hickey, aye. Graham, aye. Hendrickson, nay. 

Motion was made by Graham to sign Wellmark Insurance renewal forms.  The county remains on Plan 9 through ISAC which is the same plan as in years past.  Motion carried unanimously.  

Claims were approved for May 18, 2018. 

 At 9:59 a.m., there being no further business, Hickey made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

May 22, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hickey, Hendrickson, and Graham 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 that Sandy Parmenter from the Valley News Today was present for this meeting. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the resolution to adopt the new Fremont County Handbook and set the effective date of July 1, 2018. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2018-25

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT COUNTY EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

WHEREAS, the Fremont County Board of Supervisors are desirous in providing an updated Employee Handbook as a reference guide to the County’s employees outlining the County’s policies, procedures and employment benefits;

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FREMONT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

That the Employee Handbook presented to the Fremont County Board of Supervisors is hereby adopted and effective on the 1st day of July, 2018.

DATED this 22nd day of May, 2018.
 

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 Hendrickson to approve the cigarette/tobacco/nicotine/vapor permit for Cubby’s, Inc., Motion carried unanimously. 

Assistant Engineer Robbie Kromminga met with the board for approval of the following:

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign IDOT Payment Voucher with HGM Associates on Project #STP-S-CO36(75) - - 5E-36. Motion carried unanimously. 

No action was taken on the second item on the agenda per the engineer’s request. 

At 9:10 a.m., Hendrickson made a motion to recess until the public hearing regarding the budget amendment. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 9:59 a.m., motion made by Hendrickson to go back into session. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 10:00 a.m., Hendrickson moved to go into public hearing on the proposed 2017/2018 budget amendment.  Motion carried unanimously.  At 10:04 a.m., hearing no comments and with no objections, motion was made by Hendrickson to go out of public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Graham to approve the budget amendment along with the following Resolution 2018-26.  Hickey, aye; Graham, aye; Hendrickson, aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-26

RECORD OF HEARING AND DETERMINATION ON THE BUDGET AMENDMENT

And CHANGE OF APPROPRIATIONS

On this 22nd day of May 2018, the Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in session for the purpose of amending the current operating budget adopted March 14th, 2017.  The notice and time and place of hearing was published on May10th & May 11th, 2018.  The amendment was taken up and considered and taxpayers heard for or against the amendment as follows and amendment passed unanimously:

 

Motion to approve made by Graham.
 

Claims were approved for May 25, 2018. 

In other business, the Sheriff’s Monthly Report for April was approved.

At 10:07 a.m., there being no further business, Hendrickson made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

May 29, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hickey, Hendrickson, and Graham 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 that Sandy Parmenter from the Valley News Today and Charles Marker were present for this meeting. 

Assistant Engineer Robbie Kromminga met with the board for approval of the DOT amended budget for 2017/2018. Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign the amendment. Motion carried unanimously. 

Anita Baker met with the board regarding the assessment on her property in Farragut. She asked the board why they serve as supervisors. She asked if they have the power to change taxes. She explained to the board that she has learned in her research that manufactured homes are not assessed equally. She has appealed to the board of review twice and was denied. She appealed to PAAB and signed their settlement. She believes that her 11% equalization was applied to an incorrect value. The board stated that they feel like she has followed the appropriate channels and they rely on the assessor to assess the parcels. They are not the over the assessor. They only have one of three votes on the conference board. The board and assessor explained to her that there will be a countywide reassessment in the coming years. Baker stated she wanted to bring the manufactured home assessment issue to the board’s attention. 

Let the records show that Penny Malcom did not attend this meeting. 

Doug Friedli with Hometown Pride met with the board to update them on their progress. He also thanked the board and asked that the board support continuing the program after the October 31^st deadline. He estimates a cost of $25,000 to continue his part-time status. He says he has spoken to townships, cities, and local banks. They all seemed willing to help. Hendrickson stated that it is a great program and very beneficial to the county. The returns far outweigh the investment. He would like to see the board continue to fund the amount of $25,000. The item will be put on as an action item for next week. 

The board briefly discussed an extension for a nuisance abatement. It will be placed on the agenda next week for action. 

Cara Morgan with Golden Hills RC & D met with the board for the signing of a letter of commitment for matching CDBG-NDR in an application for a Conservation Innovation Grant. These would be grant funds that are already in place. Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign the letter of commitment. Motion carried unanimously. 

Claims were approved for June 1, 2018. 

At 9:52 a.m., there being no further business, Hendrickson made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

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