Board of Supervisors Minutes
October 2017

October 3, 2017:

At 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, a Department Head meeting was held in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom.  Present were Randy Hickey, Earl Hendrickson, Terry Graham, Jenny McAllister, Dan Davis, Jeff Shirley, Arnold Emberton, Troy Housh, Brenna Bird, Alise Snyder, Robin Shirley, Erman Mullins, Mike Crecelius, and Dee Owen.  Topics discussed: Recent OSHA visit/no violations found, equalization notices, J-24 project completion, local road safety program, IDOT looking at safety by Sapp Bros. from I-29 southbound off ramp to 211th Ave., first half tax deadline, courthouse security, compliments from judge on the two jury trials held here, new hire at clerk’s office, deer tags, and thanks from the supervisors to all department heads for all their hard work. 

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson, Hickey, 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 with the Valley News Today and Cliff Davis with the Hamburg Reporter were present for this meeting. 

IMWCA met with the board and department heads regarding experience mod numbers for the county. Ed Morrison and Jeff Hovey discussed our experience ratio decline for the past three years. They would like the safety committee to become active again to keep our experience mod down. They are pleased with our progress over the last three years. Jeff Shirley, Safety Coordinator, discussed options for the future. He thought we could possibly incorporate the safety meetings with the quarterly department head meetings. Each department is responsible for safety requirements within their departments and must enforce the rules. 

Motion made by Hickey to sign IDOT payment voucher with HGM Associates for Engineering services for J-34 over Mule Slough Bridge replacement per agreement. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hickey to sign IDOT payment voucher with HGM Associates for Engineering services for J-24 construction per agreement. Motion carried unanimously. 

Troy Housh, Maintenance, met with the board regarding elevator upgrade requirements. The cost for the upgrade is $5,538.00 plus applicable taxes. That quote from O’Keefe Elevator Company, Inc. is good until December 31, 2017. We have until May 1, 2020, to complete the required upgrade; however, costs could rise. Motion made by Hickey to accept the quote from O’Keefe Elevator Company, Inc. to be paid from Department 51. Motion carried unanimously. 

The Recorder’s Office monthly report was approved for September 2017. 

Claims were approved for October 6, 2017

At 10:10 a.m., Hickey made a motion to recess until 11:00 a.m. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 11:00 a.m., the board returned to regular session.  

Cara Morgan and Michelle Franks with Golden Hills RC & D met with the board regarding the East and West Nishnabotna Watershed Management and Flood Resiliency Plan Request for Proposal and to update the board on the project. She stated there would be two motions made today. One motion to release the RFP jointly with Mills County and one to approve the RFP. The watershed coalition board had agreed this would be the best option.  

Motion made by Hickey to release the East and West Nishnabotna Watershed Management and Flood Resiliency Plan RFP jointly with Mills County. Motion carried unanimously.  

Motion made by Hickey to approve the East and West Nishnabotna Watershed Management and Flood Resiliency Plan Request for Proposal. Motion carried unanimously. 

Morgan handed out an outline of the progress that has already been made on the project. This also contained a timeline as to what to expect as far as progress for the first quarter FY18. They expect to have public meetings in the first quarter to make sure the project remains local and the public is involved. They will be back in January for the next quarterly report. 

At 11:47 a.m., there being no further business, Hickey made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

October 10, 2017:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson, Hickey, 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 with the Valley News Today and Cliff Davis with the Hamburg Reporter were present for this meeting. 

Assistant Auditor Wendy Stenzel met with the board for the approval of new and disallowed homestead and military claims for 2017. Motion made by Hickey to approve the claims. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion was made by Hickey to approve the following Tax Abatement Resolution for property now owned by the City of Tabor.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-54

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 totaling $804.00 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 10th day of October, 2017.

Motion by Hendrickson and carried unanimously.
 

ATTEST:

       

       

/s/Dee Owen

   

/s/ Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

 aye

Fremont County Auditor

   

/s/ Randy Hickey

 aye

                                                                

   

/s/ Terry Graham

 aye

Motion made by Hickey to allow Chairman Hendrickson to sign Mills County Resolution 17-25 the Watershed Joint Agency Agreement. Both Fremont & Mills County signed Fremont County Resolution No. 2017-53 regarding the same. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hickey to sign the following resolution for a public hearing regarding a road vacation for a portion of 250th Avenue. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION FOR ROAD VACATION PUBLIC HEARING

Fremont County Resolution No. 2017-55

WHEREAS, a request has been filed with the County Engineer asking that action be taken to vacate and close a section of Fremont County Secondary Road, described as follows:

     A portion of 250th Avenue, originally established on June 15th, 1881 (Book 3, page 521) lying on the West line of Sections 17 and 20, T69N, R42W of the 5th PM, Fremont County, Iowa. The intention of this road closure is to vacate roughly 0.75 miles of the  public road as now established (original and with modifications): Commencing at the SW Corner of Section 20, T69N, R42W; thence North along the West Line of Said Section 20 to the North right of way of Horse Creek Road ( a county road), and the Point of Beginning; thence continuing along the said West Line to the NW corner of Said Section 20; thence North along the West Line of Section 17, T69N, R42W to the South right of way of 185th Street (a county road).  See Exhibit A. (Available in the Engineer’s & Auditor’s Office)

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a hearing on the proposed vacation will be held in the Board Room, Fremont County Courthouse, Sidney, Iowa 51652, at 9:00 A.M. on October 31st, 2017, in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 306.

Motion made by Hickey and seconded by Graham.

Approved this 10th day of October, 2017.
 

ATTEST:

       

       

/s/Dee Owen

   

/s/ Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

 aye

Fremont County Auditor

   

/s/ Randy Hickey

 aye

                                                                

   

/s/ Terry Graham

 aye

Claims were approved for October 13, 2017

At 9:58 a.m., there being no further business, Hickey made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

October 17, 2017:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson, Hickey, 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 County Attorney Brenna Bird, Engineer Dan Davis, and Sandy Parmenter with the Valley News Today were present for this meeting. 

Ron Loewe met with the board to discuss a drainage tube under a bridge on State Highway 2 east of Sidney. He put a tube in under Highway 2 to allow the water drain from his field down an existing ditch. The Iowa Department of Transportation originally said he could leave the tube in. He received another letter from the DOT now stating that the tube must be removed. He would like the board to look at the situation to see if there are any options that the county could look in to so that the tube could remain in place. Engineer Dan Davis said he would call Scott Schram with the DOT to see if there are any options. Loewe said he would take the tube out if need be and replace it properly if that is what needed to be done. The county attorney stated there is also an option for a petition for public hearing to be filed. 

Let the records show that Sheriff Kevin Aistrope joined the meeting.

Shari Schultz and Kathie Hansel with Motorola discussed the revised quote for the State of Iowa Radio System. The quote is for $1,820,422. This could be paid for by a lease with Motorola or an emergency purpose bond. The board will look in to the options for funding and discuss them at the next meeting. The deadline to accept the proposal is November 17th, 2017.  

Motion made by Hickey to accept the resignation of Terry Lewis from the Conservation Board. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Graham to accept the resignation of Brian Kingsolver from the SWIPCO Board. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hickey to appoint Graham as the board of supervisor’s representative to the Fremont County Security Committee. Motion carried unanimously.  

The Sheriff’s Office monthly report was approved for September 2017. 

Claims were approved for October 20, 2017. 

At 10:17 a.m., there being no further business, Hickey made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

October 24, 2017:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson and Graham present.  Let the record show that Hickey was not present for the start of 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 with the Valley News Today and Cliff Davis of the Hamburg Reporter were present for this meeting. 

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

Motion made by Graham to allow Chairman Hendrickson to sign payment voucher with HGM Associates for engineering services on J-24, Project #STP-S-CO36(75) - - 5E-36. Motion carried unanimously. 

Let the records show that Randy Hickey called in for the appointment of a Conservation Board Member. He is at a meeting in Des Moines. Motion by Graham to appoint Michael Fox to the Conservation Board. Hickey, aye; Graham, aye. Hendrickson, nay. Hickey terminated the phone call, leaving the meeting. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hendrickson to sign agreement for design services with HGM Associates for bridge replacement on 180th Street over local stream, 0.3 miles East of M-16 or 370th Avenue. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Hendrickson to allow Chairman Hendrickson to sign payment voucher with McClure Engineering for engineering & construction inspection administration costs on Project BRS-CO36(74) - - 60-36, box replacement over Plum Creek. Motion carried unanimously. 

The board discussed the 2017/2018 Budget Amendment. Much of the amendment is for the East & West Nishnabotna Watershed Joint Agency Agreement pass-through funds. The other items are for insurance funds, library, and mental health funds. 

At 9:19 a.m., Graham made a motion to go in to closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Vote: Hendrickson, aye; Graham, aye.  Present were Supervisor Earl Hendrickson, Supervisor Terry Graham, Attorney Brenna Bird, Maintenance Supervisor/IT Arnold Emberton & Auditor Dee Owen. At 9:19 a.m., the board went into closed session.  At 9:44 a.m., motion was made by Graham to go out of closed session. Vote: Hendrickson, aye; Graham, aye.  

At 9:56 a.m., Ron Loewe met with the board regarding the drainage tube bridge on State Highway 2 east of Sidney. The board stated that Engineer Davis would be calling him regarding his conversation with the DOT. The board suggested he contact an attorney to settle this civil matter. They will not be taking action on this matter. 

Claims were approved for October 27, 2017

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

ATTEST: 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

October 31, 2017:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson, Hickey, 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 with the Valley News Today and Cliff Davis with the Hamburg Reporter were present for this meeting. Also present for this meeting were David Roberts, Gean Clapper, Gary Whipple, Henry Petersen, Twila Larson, Doug Friedli, Jeff Shirley, Robbie Kromminga, Mike Crecelius, and Dennis Reilly. 

At 9:01 a.m., Hickey made a motion to go into public hearing to vacate a portion of 250th Avenue. Henry Petersen explained that this was a road that has not been used for years. Most adjacent owners weren’t aware that it was a road. When his property was surveyed it went to the center of the road. Assistant Engineer Kromminga stated that the adjacent land owners would have the portion of the road adjacent to their property to the centerline. David Roberts stated that he owns 2 acres on the west side of the road that is difficult to get to and isn’t sure that this solves the problem though he is not opposing the vacation of the road. After much discussion, at 9:11 a.m., Hickey made a motion to go out of pubic hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Graham made a motion to approve Resolution 2017-56 vacating a portion of 250th Avenue. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION FOR ROAD VACATION PUBLIC HEARING

Fremont County
Resolution No. 2017-56

WHEREAS, This being the date and time set for the hearing on the proposed vacation and closure of a portion of Fremont County secondary Road, described as follows:

     A portion of 250th Avenue, originally established on June 15th, 1881 (Book 3, page 521) lying on the West line of Sections 17 and 20, T69N, R42W of the 5th PM, Fremont County, Iowa. The intention of this road closure is to vacate roughly 0.75 miles of the  public road as now established (original and with modifications): Commencing at the SW Corner of Section 20, T69N, R42W; thence North along the West Line of Said Section 20 to the North right of way of Horse Creek Road ( a county road), and the Point of Beginning; thence continuing along the said West Line to the NW corner of Said Section 20; thence North along the West Line of Section 17, T69N, R42W to the South right of way of 185th Street (a county road).  See Exhibit A.

WHEREAS, No objections have been received, either in writing or by persons present.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors that the section of roadway from the Section 17 and 20, T69N, R42W be ordered vacated and closed.

Motion made by Graham and seconded by Hickey.

Approved this 31st day of October, 2017.

ATTEST:

/s/ Dee Owen                                                                           /s/ Earl Hendrickson, Chairman
Fremont County Auditor 

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

Motion made by Hickey to allow Chairman Hendrickson to sign work in right-of-way permit for Windstream Iowa Communications, LLC, to place new buried service drop to 1784 Bluff Road, Section 12, Township 69N, Range 43W. Motion carried unanimously.                                                                 

Motion made by Hickey to allow Chairman Hendrickson to sign work in right-of-way permit for Mike Nenneman to dig drainage ditch on the north side of 210th Street, south end of Section 28, Benton North Township and also a small portion of Section 29 to the south. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Graham to allow Chairman Hendrickson to sign a payment voucher with HGM Associates for engineering services for J-34 over Mule Slough Bridge replacement Project #BRS-CO36(76) - - 60-36. Motion carried unanimously.  

Safety Coordinator Jeff Shirley gave the board an update on workman’s compensation claims for the county for 2017. He went through the issues and suggestions for solutions for claims. 

Motion made by Graham to approve the Class B Native Wine Liquor License for Southern Loess Hills Welcome Center. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion made by Graham to approve the Class C Beer, Class B Native Wine, and Sunday Sales Liquor License for Sidney Foods. Motion carried unanimously. 

EMC Mike Crecelius met with the board regarding a septic tank issue at 1988 300th Avenue. Due to unknown factors in this case Crecelius recommended that the board turn this matter over to the insurance company. Motion made by Graham to turn the matter over to the insurance company. Motion carried unanimously.

Crecelius also discussed Alert Iowa with the board. He attended Alert Iowa training with other county employees from the sheriff’s office and the board of health. The sheriff’s office is going to set up calling groups specific to their needs. Crecelius would like to set up a calling group for the courthouse for weather related closings or other emergencies. 

Doug Friedli with Hometown Pride and Twila Larson with FREDCO met with the board to update them on Hometown Pride progress. To date Hometown Pride efforts have had 266 citizens volunteer for their communities with a result of 8,478 volunteer hours. There have been 99 grant applications and 80 grants received for a total of $405,847. Efforts are on-going and they look forward to more progress in the future. 

Hickey called Michael Hart, Vice President of Northland Securities for information regarding the $1.8 million dollars for the upgraded radios. Hart explained the differences between general and essential purpose bonds. He explained the process for going ahead with an essential purpose bond. He went over scenarios of 8, 10, 12, & 15-year bonds. After much discussion, the board said they would like more information on the timeline to implement the new system. They will reach out to Motorola and possibly the Iowa Department of Public Safety to gather more information on options before deciding. 

Claims were approved for November 3, 2017

At 10:30 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:
 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                            Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

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