MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
SEPTEMBER 24, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
County Treasurer Tom Kriz: Recommendation from the Finance Committee to Transfer $1 Million to Pay Down the Loan on the Health and Human Services Building.......................................................... 1
Ambulance Director Steve Spenler: Grant Application to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation to Support the Purchase of Educational Materials............................................................................ 2
Executive Assistant Andy Johnson: Use of Rural Economic Development Funds as Matching Funds for Grant Application to the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association to Support the Development of a “Historical Sites of Johnson County” Brochure............................................................................................ 2
Reports and Inquiries from the Board of Supervisors........................................................... 2
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building at 9:22 a.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, Sally Stutsman, and Rod Sullivan.
County Treasurer Tom Kriz said the Finance Committee has a recommendation for the Board to move $1 million from the Capital Projects account into the Debt Service account to reduce the debt on the building by $1 million. In July 2009 $3 million was moved into this account for this purpose but decided, at that time, to pay only $2 million down in case any projects came up or the cash would be needed prior to the tax collection period. He said nothing happened in that respect. Now that taxes are in the Capital Projects Fund they will have the dollars to complete all projects. Kriz said it is now the recommendation to take the last million of the $3 million and place it down on the note they have on the Health and Human Services Building. In turn that would leave $1 million left to be paid from the normal budgeting by June 30, 2010 making the building debt free. Kriz said by doing it now instead of June 30, 2010 they will save about $15,000 in interest. Neuzil said this is a great accomplishment.
Sullivan said he serves with Kriz on a subcommittee dealing with Justice Center funding and there were concerns if cash would be available if the County had future needs for cash. Sullivan said that Kriz assured the subcommittee that they could come up with a couple million dollars if they had to. He said the County would not be cash strapped. Kriz said they would be able to move the money internally or borrow for a short period of time. Neuzil said by making this move they would have everything budgeted to pay the building off and they are seeing a significant savings in rent. Kriz said there were no extra levies for this building and it was all absorbed within the County’s budget.
Ambulance Director Steve Spenler said this is the third time they have applied for this grant. Last year they were disqualified because they misunderstood the deadline and were late in applying. He said one of the requirements is that the Board signs a resolution of support. If they are funded for this they will use the grant to purchase an Andy the Ambulance to be used in s pre-school through grade school safety and injury prevention programs. Harney asked when the deadline is. Spenler said a hard copy is due October 8, 2009. Part of their association includes Riverside and Kalona and this would be available for community education in those agencies.
Executive Assistant Andy Johnson said the Board has set aside some funds for rural economic development and there is not currently a committee overseeing this so he is bringing it to the Board. He said that Johnson County Historical Society President Shaner Magalhaes would like to apply for a grant through the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association to develop a brochure on the historical sites in Johnson County. The hope is to highlight the sites and provide some economic development opportunities for some of the rural historical sites. The grant was identified as a potential source of $1,000 for matching funds to develop this brochure.
Neuzil asked if the matching funds could be covered by the Historical Society’s existing budget. Neuzil said the Board would like to know that the fund still has $5,000. Johnson said none of those funds have been used and are not designated for other purposes at this time. The Board agreed to put this item on a future formal agenda. Johnson said this would be a joint project with the Historical Society and Johnson County would be recognized as a partner and the County would have the potential to use the brochure on the County website.
Stutsman had liaison meetings with Johnson, Planning and Zoning Administrator Rick Dvorak, and Social Services Coordinator Amy Correia. She had discussion with County Engineer Greg Parker about public inquiries she has received in reference to county roads.
Harney attended a Military Affairs meeting, a Livable Community celebration, and an Iowa City Area Development and Investor Council meeting. He attended the 6th Judicial Department of Corrections meeting, and a joint meeting in Cedar County with the Cedar County Board of Supervisors. Harney said he judged the First Annual Lone Tree Farmer’s Market Chili Cook-Off. He had liaison meetings with Human Resources Administrator Lora Shramek and SEATS Director Tom Brase. Harney said he had several conversations with farmers on level B roads whom are anxious to harvest their crops and are asking that the roads be graded.
Sullivan said he has received a road inquiry regarding Oakdale Boulevard and spoke with Coralville City Engineer Dan Holderness and County Engineer Greg Parker about road concerns from the public. Sullivan attended discussion sessions held by the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center. Sullivan attended the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts ground breaking. Sullivan said he has received an outpouring of phone calls and emails regarding condolences on Larry Meyer's passing. This is a testament to what a great guy he was. Sullivan said Meyers really will be missed. Sullivan said he is sure Meyers' family would love to hear from any members of the public wishing to express their condolences at tonight's visitation.
Neuzil attended the Johnson County Emergency Management Commission meeting. Neuzil had a liaison meeting with Medical Examiner Administrator Michael Hensch. Neuzil said his next Listening Post is scheduled on September 29, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center.
Stutsman said she has missed several community events this week because she had the flu. She also extended her sympathy to the family of Meyers. Stutsman said she enjoyed working with Meyers and he was always professional, very engaged, and very interested in the issues.
Adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary