Board of Supervisors Minutes
June 2018

June 5, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, June 5, 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, Engineer Dan Davis, and Purchasing Agent Jeff Shirley were present for this meeting. 

Hendrickson made a motion to fund Hometown Pride $25,000 for the next two years, to be paid out of County Betterment. Hickey Aye, Hendrickson Aye, Graham abstained.  Motion carried.  

Hendrickson made a motion to extend the Nuisance Abatement for 90 days.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Engineer Dan Davis and Purchasing Agent Jeff Shirley met with the board about taking bids for a new mower.  Hendrickson made a motion to take bids.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Engineer Dan Davis met with the board regarding the following:

Motion was made by Hendrickson to approve the following Resolution 2018-27.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-27

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT LOW BID AND AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

WHEREAS, the Fremont county Secondary Roads Department held a letting for construction projects on May 15, 2018, and

WHEREAS, three (3) bids were received for BRIDGE AND APPROACHES, BRS-CO36(76) - - 60-36,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Fremont County that the contract be awarded to GRAVES CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. OF SPENCER IOWA for the low bid of $611,275.07.  The cost of this project shall be paid from Federal Aid and Farm to Market Funds.

Motion to approve made by Hendrickson.

Approved this 5th day of June 2018.
 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign resolution to accept low bid and award contract to Graves Construction for L-31 bridge over Mule Slough, Project # BRS-CO36(76) - - 60-36. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion was made by Graham to allow Chairman Hickey to sign work in ROW permit for C & D Mount Farms Corp. to clean ditch in Section 22, Township 68, Range 42 near intersection of 342nd Avenue & 240th Street.  Motion carried unanimously.

Motion was made by Graham to sign underground construction application with Iowa Communications Network to lower existing fiber cable plowed in 300th Avenue ½ mile South of 105th Street for 900 feet.  Motion carried unanimously.

Claims were approved for June 8, 2018.

At 9:24 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

June 12, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, June 12, 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. 

At 9:00 a.m. the board canvassed and certified the 2018 Primary Election. The following county candidates were nominated for the Republican Party: Board of Supervisors – Randy Hickey and Dustin Sheldon; County Attorney – Naeda Elliott; County Recorder – Jennifer L. McAllister; Treasurer – Alise Snyder. The following candidates were nominated for the Democratic Party: Board of Supervisors – Dale E. Kirkpatrick and Peter E. Johnson. Let the records show that there were no county candidates from the Libertarian Party on the ballot. 

Motion was made by Hendrickson to approve the Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor Permit for The Wilds. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion was made by Hendrickson approve the following Tax Abatement Resolution for City of Hamburg.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO.  2018-28

RESOLUTION ABATING TAXES ON LAND OWNED BY CITY OF HAMBURG

WHEREAS, the City of Hamburg now owns certain property in Hamburg, Fremont County, Iowa, Parcel No. 430430010000000, described as:  East ½ Lots 11 and 12, Block 2, City of Hamburg, Fremont County, Iowa, according to the recorded plat thereof.

WHEREAS, the property is now owned by the City of Hamburg 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 $213.00 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.

Dated this 12th day of June 2018.

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve resolution.
 

Motion made by to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO.  2018-29                                                                 

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 12th day of June 2018, that the following transfer of funds be approved and made:  $649,043.00 from the Rural Services Basic Fund, share of Rural Services taxes, to the Secondary Road Fund and $31,904.00 property tax relief of local option taxes, from the Rural Services Basic Fund to the Secondary Road Fund. 

Motion to approve transfer made by Graham.
 

Motion made by to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO.  2018-30               

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 12th day of June 2018, that the following transfer of funds be approved and made:  $7,316.90 from the TIF Rebate Fund, to the LMI Assistance Fund, as stated in the Waubonsie Ridge Agreement.

Motion to approve transfer made by Graham.
 

At 9:30 a.m., Hickey left the meeting.

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

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Vice Chairman Graham to sign application for overhead construction in county ROW for MidAmerican Energy Co. to replace an existing 40’ power pole and set a 35’ pole on the opposite side of road on J-18 one mile from Thurman on Plum Creek Road. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Vice Chairman Graham to sign contract for construction services on J-34 Mule Slough Bridge project. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion was made by Hendrickson to allow Vice Chairman Graham to sign the ICAP insurance renewal paperwork.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Arnold Emberton, IT Director, met with the board for the approval of the annual software agreement with Solutions, Inc. Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Vice Chairman Graham to sign the agreement. Motion carried unanimously. 

The board discussed setting a time and date for two requested nuisance hearings. Motion made by Graham to set the first hearing at 10:00 a.m. and the second hearing at 10:15 a.m. on June 26, 2018. Motion carried unanimously. Certified letters will be sent to those requesting a hearing. 

Motion was made by Hendrickson to allow Vice Chairman Graham to sign GAX fund request for payment under CDBG for the Iowa Watershed Approach project. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion was made by Hendrickson to approve Resolution No. 2018-31 for an operating transfer. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO.  2018-31                                                                 

WHEREAS, a payroll item was deducted out of Fund 09000 in error in July of 2017. That fund was no longer in use; THEREFORE,

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 12th day of June 2018, that the following transfer of funds be approved and made:  $5,496.76 from the General Basic Fund to the County Case Management Fund. 

Motion to approve transfer made by Hendrickson.
 

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

Claims were approved for June 15, 2018. 

At 9:47 a.m., there being no further business, Hendrickson made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

June 19, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, June 19, 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. Also present were Sheriff Kevin Aistrope, Custodian Troy Housh, Engineer Dan Davis, Shari Schmitz, and Kathy Hansell. 

Shari Schmitz with Motorola and Kathy Hansell with Electronic Engineering met with the board regarding the new ISICS proposal. The radios quoted are now new instead of doing a flash upgrade. Motorola kept the cost the same. There is also a new radio added for the school resource officer. The other radios listed are for a mobile radio for each fire truck and ambulance. Sheriff Aistrope has talked to the City of Hamburg and the DNR. They have approval to use the water tower in Hamburg. The board would like the county attorney to review the proposal language. There are still conversations to be had about the radios for secondary roads. Hendrickson would also like to see a central dispatch center for the four counties. In the future, he believes that would be something to consider rather than each county having their own dispatch center. Graham expressed that he would like all costs to be included so there are not any surprises with the project. The board will set up a time for Michael Hart with Northland Securities to meet with the board. 

Engineer Dan Davis met with the board regarding the following:

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign contract and bond with Graves Construction Co., Inc. for Project #BRS-CO36(76) - - 60-36. (Mule Slough Bridge) Motion carried unanimously. 

Davis discussed the purchase of a new pipe for the West Nishnabotna overflow south of J-46.  The board of supervisors purchased the tube years ago. The tube is sticking up now and now it is not going to work for overflow. Davis would like Whitehead’s to set a new tube and get large erosion stone and build it up. The road department has the pipe and would provide the rip rap. Motion made by Hendrickson to allow the engineer to pursue the replacement of the pipe. Motion carried unanimously.  

Motion was made by Graham to approve the Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor Permit renewal for Pilot Travel Center. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve a retroactive homestead disallowance on Parcel 150150336000000. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion was made by Hendrickson approve the following Tax Abatement Resolution for City of Tabor.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-32

RESOLUTION ABATING TAXES ON LAND OWNED BY CITY OF TABOR

WHEREAS, the City of Tabor now owns certain property in Tabor, Fremont County, Iowa, Parcel No. 480480075000000, described as:  W 116' E 156' EXC N 33' LT 1 & W 116' E 156' N 7.67' LT 4, City of Tabor, Fremont County, Iowa, according to the recorded plat thereof.

WHEREAS, the property is now owned by the City of Tabor 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 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.

Dated this 19th day of June, 2018.

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve resolution.
 

Custodian Troy Housh met with the board regarding the purchase of a riding mower. He has a quote from AgriVision John Deere for a 2018 John Deere Select Series X350 Tractor. The quote also includes a rear bagger chute, 2-bag hopper, and 44” front blade. He advised he would use the blade for some snow removal. Graham expressed that he would like to wait and use what we currently have. Motion made by Hendrickson to purchase the mower. Hickey, aye. Hendrickson, aye. Graham, nay. 

The board discussed the upcoming vacancy for the general assistance position. It is four hours per week. Chairman Hickey will talk to the VA director and the sanitarian regarding the position and what it entails. Motion by Hendrickson to table hiring someone until they have researched it further. Motion carried unanimously. 

The board discussed the appointment to the conservation board for the term ending June 30, 2018. They received 5 applications. They discussed the gender balance issue. Hendrickson said he would like to see someone from the Farragut area. In the past, they have tried to keep a person from every town or area on the board. Nomination made by Graham for Connie Scott. Nomination made by Hendrickson to nominate Becky Shull. After a brief discussion the board voted on Scott’s nomination. Hickey, aye. Graham, aye. Hendrickson, nay. Connie Scott is appointed to the conservation board for a term beginning July 1, 2018. The term would end June 30, 2023. Chairman Hickey notified the five applicants of the board’s decision. 

The board discussed the future of economic development. Graham would like to see the county partner with Mills County due to the migration from Omaha. The board would also like to talk with Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association about partnering with them. Hendrickson said he would ask them to come speak at the next meeting. The cost to partner with them would be approximately $20,000.   

IT Arnold Emberton met with the board regarding replacing the domain server for the courthouse. Motion made by Graham to allow Emberton to replace the domain server. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the write-in list for the Primary Election. Motion carried unanimously.  

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

Claims were approved for June 22, 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

June 26, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, June 26, 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. Motion made by Hendrickson to amend the agenda to include discuss/action purchase of sandbags for possible flooding. Motion carried unanimously. The agenda was approved as amended. Minutes of the previous board session were read and approved. 

Let the records show that Sandy Parmenter from the Valley News Today was present for this meeting. John Askew stopped by to visit with the board.  

Greg Connell with Shenandoah Chamber and Industry met with the board regarding a partnership for economic development. The board of directors of SCIA provided a proposal. This would be a three-year agreement already approved by their board. It would be $5,000 per quarter. They believe that anything that benefits Fremont County would benefit all Southwest Iowa. They believe Fremont County has a great deal to offer with the interstate, Loess Hills, housing in the northern part of the county, mainline rail, and mainline gas. The county attorney suggested that a contract be drawn up and agreed to by both parties. Connell asked if she could assist with that and she said yes. After much discussion, motion made by Graham to move forward with the partnership pending a contract agreement. Motion carried unanimously. 

Kevin Gowing with Southwest Regional Water District met with the board about water system improvements in Fremont County. He presented maps of their latest project which includes areas of Fremont County. There will be two new groundwater wells in Montgomery County. They are applying for USDA Rural Development funding. This requires them to meet with each board of supervisors to inform them of their project. The board encouraged SWRWD to talk to local cities to see if they were interested in pursuing rural water. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hickey to sign a business agreement with Iowa County Technology Services. Motion died for lack of second. This item will be on for next week for discussion and action.  

Alise Snyder, Treasurer, presented a tax sale report to the board, showing results of the on-line tax sale just completed June 18, 2018.  The report shows 144 parcels were sold for the total dollar value of $78,733.06.  Fremont County acquired 10 parcels at the on-line public bidder sale in the total dollar value of $1,834.00. Snyder said that on-line sale went very well this year. 

Engineer Dan Davis met with the board for the signing of an IDOT payment voucher. 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. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the following Resolution 2018-33. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-33

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 26th day of June 2018, that the Auditor be authorized to cancel outstanding warrants that are over one year old.

Motion made by Hendrickson.
 

Motion made by Hendrickson to approve the following Resolution 2018-34. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-34

BE IT HERBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 26th day of June 2018 that the following change in appropriations be made:

Expenditures

Increase    02000-03200-111-21             $20.00
Decrease   02000-03100-113-12-10         $20.00

Increase    02000-09100-113-51-10          $4.00
Decrease   02000-09110-113-52-10          $4.00

Motion made by Hendrickson.
 

Motion made by Hickey to approve the following Resolution 2018-35. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2018-35

Resolution Authorizing Appropriations to County Offices and Departments FY 2018/2019

Resolution to appropriate 100% of the budgeted amounts for expenditures deemed necessary to all Budgetary Funds/Departments FY 2018/2019, except for the Sheriff as listed below:

                   DEPT.                                                           100%                   APPROPRIATED
                NUMBER               DEPARTMENT NAME        BUDGET                AMOUNT 98.23%

                 05                                  Sheriff                     2,063,839                        2,027,341

Published in the Notice of Public Hearing Budget Estimate on March 1, 2018.

Motion made by Hickey.

PASSED AND APPROVED, this 26th day of June 2018.
 

EMC Mike Crecelius met with the board at their request regarding the purchase of sand bags at $.20 per sand bag. The drainage districts met last night at are requesting sand bags to be housed at three locations. The board would like to purchase three thousand sand bags. This would be one thousand per location. Those locations being in Thurman, Hamburg, and Bartlett. Motion made by Hendrickson to purchase sandbags using county betterment funds. Motion carried unanimously.  

At 10:00 a.m., Graham made a motion to go into public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Present for this hearing was Engineer Dan Davis, Sheriff Kevin Aistrope, Assistant Engineer Robbie Kromminga, EMC Mike Crecelius, and Sandy Parmenter with Valley News Today. This hearing is being held at the request of Dan Kitchens regarding a nuisance abatement notice he received. Kitchens stated that what he was served with a paper that stated Anderson, which is not where his property is located. His property is in McPaul. Kitchens stated that he is going to put a fence up. He also stated that he was served with a notice that said the county was going to steal his property. He stated is working on cleaning up his property. He stated has been hit with 4 tornadoes and a flood. The sheriff said that perhaps they could look at the pictures with Kitchens and decide what should be cleaned up. He asked how tall his fence could be. The engineer thought the fence requirement was a minimum of seven feet. County Attorney Bird explained the board’s options. Kitchens again stated that he would put up a fence. Supervisor Graham explained the purpose of the notices and that things that are unsecured become hazards during future storms. The board explained that he had to do a locate for his fence posts. He stated that he didn’t need to locate them because he knew where they were. He stated that farmers don’t have to do locates. Graham stated that he thinks he should have it cleaned within 30 days. Kitchens said that was unreasonable. At 10:21 a.m., a motion made by Graham to go out of public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Graham made a motion that Kitchens has 30 days to act to abate the nuisance. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 10:23 a.m., Graham made a motion to go into public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Present for this hearing was Engineer Dan Davis, Sheriff Kevin Aistrope, Assistant Engineer Robbie Kromminga, EMC Mike Crecelius, and Sandy Parmenter with Valley News Today This hearing is being held at the request of Robert Hatridge regarding a nuisance abatement notice he received. He stated that the notice said that his property is in Anderson. The property is in McPaul. Hatridge stated that his situation has changed since the last time he was served. He has sold some of his vehicles. His vehicles are all titled. He doesn’t feel that his vehicles meet the criteria in the notice. He doesn’t move all his vehicles; however, does have current pictures that show that four of the vehicles have been moved. Hickey suggested that he move the vehicles to the back. Hickey stated that he doesn’t have to put up a fence. Hatridge stated that his neighbor is putting up a fence and his other neighbor is putting up a building. Supervisor Graham again stated the hazards of having multiple campers and vehicles near his residence. Hatridge again stated that his vehicles are licensed, and he doesn’t consider them junk. The board would like to see the vehicles moved to the back yard. Motion made by Hendrickson to go out of public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Graham made a motion that Hatridge has 30 days to act to abate the nuisance. Motion carried unanimously. 

Claims were approved for June 29, 2018. 

At 10:50 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

June 29, 2018:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in special session on Friday, June 29, 2018, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hickey and Graham present. Let the records show that Hendrickson 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. 

The board discussed a class action suit for PILT funds. Motion made by Graham to allow Chairman Hickey to sign the form to enter the class action suit at no out-of-pocket expense to Fremont County. Motion carried unanimously. 

Additional claims were approved for June 29, 2018. 

At 9:16 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Randy Hickey, Chairman

May 2018     Home     July 2018