MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
DECEMBER 3, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Public Health Director Douglas Beardsley: Amendments to Update the Board of Health Water Well Regulations 1
Planning and Zoning Administrator Rick Dvorak: Resolution De-Annexing Certain Real Estate from the City of Hills....................................................................................................................................... 3
County Engineer Greg Parker: Resolution Supporting the Application to the Region 10 Regional Planning Affiliation (RPA) for Regional Transportation Enhancement Funds for Mehaffey Bridge Separated Trail from North Liberty to the Intersection of Sugar Bottom Road.................................................................................... 4
Social Services Coordinator Amy Correia: Memorandum of Understanding With the Iowa Department of Public Health for $10,000 to Provide Substance Abuse Prevention Services................................................... 5
Social Services Coordinator Amy Correia: Progress Report....................................................... 6
Executive Assistant Andy Johnson: Letter to the Conservation Board Regarding Future Maintenance of Sutliff Bridge, If Restored........................................................................................................................ 10
Reports and Inquiries from Executive Assistant Andy Johnson................................................. 11
Board of Supervisors: Making Purchase Offers for 4414 Driftwood Lane, 4418 Driftwood Lane, 4428 Driftwood Lane, 4440 Driftwood Lane, And 4437 Driftwood Lane Pursuant to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division Hazard Mitigation Grant Voluntary Property Acquisition Program and Resolution Authorizing Purchases...................................................................................................................... 11
Board of Supervisors: Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors...................................................................................................................................... 11
Reports and Inquiries from the Board of Supervisors............................................................... 12
Human Resources Administrator Lora Shramek: Collective Bargaining Strategy for 2010-2011: (Executive Session)...................................................................................................................................... 12
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building at 9:04 a.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, Janelle Rettig, Sally Stutsman, and Rod Sullivan.
Public Health Director Douglas Beardsley said staff reviews the Health Department's regulations periodically to ensure they are up to date with State codes and laws. The majority of the current changes to the water well regulations are clerical in nature. He said the first section involves the adoption of language used in the current State Code, which has to be adopted and followed. The definition of administrative authority was clarified in the next section and includes a reference to State law, which defines a Local Board of Health. The use of the word board is also defined as referring to the Local Board of Health. Beardsley said the section also includes a definition of a standby well, which was not previously included. Headings were added to the next several sections to provide better guidance to readers. Section three is new and codifies the current practice regarding shared wells. Beardsley said they want to ensure appropriate agreements and easements are in place and documented. The information on platting and rezoning refers back to that information to ensure that shared systems are promoted and to refer back to the requirements of those shared systems. He said the changes in the last two sections involve clarification regarding penalties from the County Attorney’s Office. The only new information is that regarding shared systems.
Beardsley said the Board of Health has reviewed the changes, and a public hearing was held. No comments were received at the hearing. The Board of Health subsequently voted to approve the changes and forward them for the Board of Supervisor’s for approval, which must occur before they can take effect. Following approval by the Board, it is recommended that the changes become effective upon publication. Beardsley said Environmental Health Coordinator James Lacina is available to answer any technical questions. Harney said it appears that a paragraph regarding wells was removed. Beardsley said the new paragraph essentially provides the same information but updates the reference to the State codes. Harney asked if the change basically involves the adoption of the State’s verbiage. Beardsley said yes.
Stutsman asked Planning and Zoning Administrator Rick Dvorak if he has reviewed the language regarding platting and zoning. Dvorak said he supports the amendment. Beardsley said the changes serve to codify current requests for information. Lacina said putting the information in writing allows them to require specific documents rather than simply requesting them.
Rettig said the regulations indicate that an infraction is considered a misdemeanor or a County infraction. She said the amended information states each additional day of neglect or failure to comply with such provision, will, or lawful order, after notice of violation by the Board, shall constitute a separate offense. She asked if a person would be guilty of a separate misdemeanor every day they are out of compliance. County Attorney Janet Lyness said it is standard language and provides an incentive for people to correct problems quickly. It allows the potential for more severe penalties for people who are in direct violation and refuse to make the necessary changes. Beardsley said it is standard procedure to notify individuals who are in direct violation and provide them a reasonable period of time for correction. If it is found that the problem has not been addressed upon reinspection, they may refer back to the regulations. Lyness said they very rarely file for County infractions.
Sullivan asked if that section of the regulations also applies to geothermal systems. Lacina said he believes that information will be contained in a separate chapter and is currently being written. Neuzil indicated that the item would be placed on a future Formal Meeting agenda.
Dvorak said the exhibit he previously provided the Board regarding the proposed de-annexation of real estate from the City of Hills was incorrect, and he has now provided them with a corrected version. He said Chad Murphy's, which was annexed into the City of Hills, is the highlighted area on the exhibit on the north side of the city. It was previously thought that the property description went from his property line to the City limits on Highway 923, across from the Johnson County Fairgrounds; however, that was an error. It actually starts at the section line, which is a half mile north of what was shown on the previous exhibit.
Dvorak said the City of Iowa City is happy about the resolution because the situation has been somewhat of a nuisance for the City of Iowa City, the County, and the City of Hills. He said the resolution will put the railroad right-of-way back under County jurisdiction. A portion north of Izaak Walton Road would be annexed into the City of Iowa City at a later date. Stutsman asked if he is just referring to the railroad right-of-way. Dvorak said yes. Stutsman asked why the City wants to do that. Dvorak responded that it is to make the line go to the highway. Stutsman asked if the City plans to annex it all the way from the City limits. Dvorak said no, just Izaak Walton Road. Stutsman said that makes sense.
Sullivan asked why the annexation would not continue all the way down to Murphy’s property. Dvorak said there are some residential developments that might be interested in annexing into the City at some time, although he is speculating about that. Dvorak said the annexation would involve the section line. Sullivan asked what would happen if the City of Hills annexes the homes to the west of the railroad right-of-way without having the railroad right-of-way. Dvorak said they would not be contiguous in that case. He said he is not saying that will happen, but it seemed logical to him. It is also more convenient to start at a section corner in terms of the property description. Harney asked if Dvorak is saying the City will not be de-annexing north of Izaak Walton. Dvorak said no, they will annex from Izaak Walton north to the concrete business in the area. Neuzil asked if this involves a request from the City of Hills. Historically, Dvorak makes a presentation and staff supports the annexation. Executive Assistant Andy Johnson would then send a letter from the Board of Supervisors to the City Development Board in support of the de-annexation.
Stutsman said she thinks it is good that all three entities are involved, the County, the City of Iowa City, and the City of Hills. Dvorak said the past reason for the change was for the purpose of moving Hills Bank into the City of Iowa City. The related law changed; however, and it is no longer necessary for Hills Bank to be located in Iowa City. Neuzil asked Dvorak what action is needed from the Board. Dvorak responded that he would need a document stating that the action appears to be fine, and he will work on it with Johnson. Sullivan asked if Dvorak needs a vote by the Board regarding the letter. Dvorak said he doesn’t think the Board needs to vote.
Stutsman asked Dvorak to explain how the Board handles notifications and requests for annexations and de-annexations, since Rettig is new to the Board. Dvorak said the Board has staff review them, which generally involves both Planning and Zoning and Secondary Roads staff. The findings and recommendations for large annexations and de-annexations are then presented to the Board. A lot of requests for one lot annexations are also received, but those decisions are generally made without guidance from the Board. The Board is always notified of valuable information however, and a presentation is made if they prefer. Historically, representatives from cities with which the County has fringe area agreements also meet with the Board during the presentation to answer questions. Dvorak said the City of Hills did not feel it was necessary to be present at this meeting.
County Engineer Greg Parker said the same application requesting funds for the Mehaffey Bridge Separated Trail from North Liberty to the intersection of Sugar Bottom Road was submitted last year. He believes they requested funding for 80% of the project, but less money was available for the project this year. There is renewal of the Transportation Enhancement Funds, which will not be available until 2013. He said he is requesting the full available amount for the project. The group’s decision will be based upon his submittal. Parker said they are trying to obtain 80% cost reimbursement from the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) or the Transportation Enhancement Program through the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), and they are hopeful they will obtain additional funds so they can proceed with the project, which is in the Five Year Road Plan. Parker is seeking the Board’s support of the project and the application for funds.
Sullivan said the flood waters reached the Mehaffey Bridge in both 1993 and 2008. He said they have talked about moving the bridge back so that it is higher and asked if doing so would be included in this request and if it would be helpful to obtain funding. Parker said the current application for funding is only for the separated trail portion from North Liberty to the bridge. As part of the application, he indicated that the County would cover the differential cost for the trail for the bridge, which will be over $1 million. The match will potentially help obtain funding.
Parker said he and the design engineer have had conversations regarding the potential impact of flooding on the bridge. If water is flowing over the bridge, they will obviously have to close it. He said the structure is designed to handle the pressure of water pushing up against it, and the flow of water is relatively low in the area. Sullivan asked if that also applies to the pedestrian trail section of the Bridge. Parker said yes, they will all be at the same elevation, although there will be a crown. He doesn’t think they raised the elevation of the structure very much, although they had to go deeper due to the design of the structure. They are also opening up the waterway for the Bridge, and doing so should prevent the collection of debris. Harney said he would like to have a future discussion about raising the elevation of the bridge, and he thinks doing so would be beneficial in terms of funding. Parker offered to attend a future Board meeting to do so. Neuzil said they can talk about it during discussion of the Five Year Road Plan.
Neuzil said his only concern has to do with the timeline for funding notification, although he knows the project would not start until 2013. Parker said the application is due December 15, 2009, and a presentation will be made to the technical committee during the first part of January 2010. He thinks a decision is made shortly thereafter. Parker said the funds would not be available until 2013 or later.
Rettig said the information states that the cost of the project is $750,000. Parker is requesting $450,000 in funding and stated that the County would be responsible for $150,000. She said the math does not add up to $750,000. Parker said there are two $150,000 markers on the project. Funding in the amount of $150,000 has already been received from ECICOG. He said 80% of the $750,000 cost of the project is $600,000. He is requesting $450,000, $150,000 has already been received, and the additional $150,000 would be a 20% match. Rettig said the resolution itself does not indicate that there is additional money available. Parker said it is a standard resolution, and he can clarify that. Stutsman said the resolution does indicate that the County is applying for additional funding so the clarification would just involve the amounts. Neuzil asked Parker to discuss the change with the DNR and determine whether stating there is funding already available that may even enhance the application. Parker agreed and said the amended resolution will be prepared for the Board. Neuzil indicated that the item will be placed on a future Formal Meeting agenda.
Social Services Coordinator Amy Correia said this contract through the Department of Public Health has been in place for a number of years and involves the use of revenue from Sunday sales of alcohol for County substance abuse prevention services. Counties are required to match the money and can either conduct their own prevention services or contract with a provider. Correia said the County has historically contracted with MECCA for the services, and the match has been the money in the block grant to MECCA for prevention services through Department 20. This is a yearly contract with the Department of Public Health. The County claims the money through the State and delivers it to MECCA. Stutsman said she thinks the program has been in effect since she was elected Supervisor and asked if Correia knows when it began. Correia indicated that she is uncertain. Stutsman said the amount of the funding probably hasn’t changed. Correia said the maximum available funding is $10,000, and the County provides a match of $30,000 through a block grant. Neuzil indicated that the item will be put on an agenda for a future Formal Meeting.
Correia listed the programs within Social Services and said she will provide some highlights from the four page progress report regarding the General Assistance (GA) program. There are three programs which make up the GA program, including the Short-Term Assistance Program, the One-Time Assistance Program, and the Interim Assistance Reimbursement Program. The Short-Term Assistance Program involves a maximum of three months of assistance in any 12 month period. The One-Time Assistance Program has a maximum of one month of assistance per 12 month period. The Interim Assistance Reimbursement Program is an ongoing assistance program for persons applying for social security disability and supplemental security income. Correia said an agreement is signed with the Social Security Administration stating that the County will provide ongoing assistance while the applicant is awaiting determination. When the person is determined eligible, the County is reimbursed for those funds. Correia said there was an increase in use of GA program services over the last year. There has been a 44% increase in applications received, a 38% increase in months of assistance provided, and a 34% increase in households served. She said not all the applications received are approved. The majority of assistance is for rent and utilities and is paid directly to the landlord or utility company. One of the largest increases in services over the past year was assistance for burial costs. There was an 81% increase in the number of cases and a 122% increase in the dollar amount provided. Correia said a more detailed report regarding GA was given to the Board and will be posted on the County website.
Correia said the Decategorization (Decat) program is a State program that provides funding to local areas. There is a local board in place, and participation from the Board of Supervisors and staff from Juvenile Court Services and the Department of Human Services (DHS) is required by State Code. Local boards can expand their participation, and there is an expanded board in Johnson County. The Board meets on a monthly basis, generally on the third Monday of the month. Her role as Decat Coordinator is to coordinate all of the meetings and prepare meeting agendas. Public agendas are required for public postings, and they have to comply with the open meetings law. The agendas and minutes are now posted on the County website as well as in community locations.
Correia said there were 16 active contracts, with a total value of $382,000, in place during the past year. The Decat Board helped coordinate funding rounds. There was a renewal funding process in the spring, and they received additional carryover dollars from the Juvenile Court Officer and the DHS Service Area Manager. There was an additional funding round in late summer 2009 as well. Correia said she prepares required documents for the State.
Correia said the Juvenile Justice/Youth Development Program provided contract monitoring and oversight for eight contracts in FY09. There are a reduced number of contracts in FY10. Programs that receive County funding are members of the Work Group, and monthly meetings of the Work Group are held. Correia said they have begun to organize a comprehensive youth services planning process to better understand what youth programs are already in place, what services are currently available, and what gaps exist in terms of locations and times. Correia said they have reached out to other youth programs, including faith based programs and all of the recreation centers in the County.
Correia said the County provides funding to 16 agencies in three program areas through the Social Services Block Grant. The services help to enhance family and child well being, meet basic human needs, and provide health services. Correia said she receives joint funding quarterly reports from each of the agencies. There are coordinated site visits for the Board from Spring through early Fall. Planning has occurred with the United Way as part of their community impact counseling.
Correia said the Community Partnership to Protect Children is a special program of the State Department of Human Services. She believes there are 40 to 60 sites throughout the State, and Johnson County was one of the early sites for the program. The State provides the County with $20,000 in grant funding. During the last year, the funding was used to assist in an after school program serving low income youth at Lemme Elementary School in collaboration with Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (NCJC) and Iowa State University Extension. The funding was also used to assist programming for youth living in Breckenridge Mobile Home Park, which is outside the Iowa City limits. It was also used to continue to support the North Liberty Summer Work and Learning Project for youth who are transitioning from 8th to 9th grade and live in North Liberty. The program involved internships at local community based agencies, and program participants learned to be accountable. Correia said programming was also provided to youth in Savannah Village, which is a low income housing neighborhood in North Liberty. There is an agreement in place to provide after school programming two days per week, and it has been extremely popular. There have also been some special neighborhood programs. Correia said the State funding is also used to provide mini grants up to $500 to support efforts to work with youth and families around the County. Sullivan asked if the Community Partnership Program solely involves willing, cooperative groups. Correia said yes, and it also involves identifying underserved areas and collaborating with other entities.
Correia said the Consortium for Youth Employment is a program involving collaboration with Goodwill, NCJC, and United Action for Youth (UAY) to provide pre-employment training, youth support services, and paid internships at area businesses and non-profit organizations. A total of 23 youth were served in FY09. Although the program had a summer component in FY08 and FY09, there was not one in FY10 due to a summer internship program offered through Kirkwood Skills to Employment that had over 100 slots available for youth, as the result of Federal Stimulus Funds. Because youth were steered to that program over the summer, the Consortium for Youth Employment program has the potential to serve additional youth during the current school year. Correia said 13 youth completed 821 internship hours with 71 months of support provided to participating youth during FY09. The program also received funding from the City of Iowa City, the Community Foundation of Johnson County, and the Decat Board.
Correia said the You Earned It Now Claim It tax preparation program provided 126 hours of tax preparation assistance through a total of 36 tax clinics held at four locations. There is an increasing number of student volunteers from the University of Iowa, primarily from the Tippie College of Business Accounting Program. They go through IRS training, and Professor Joyce Berg provides faculty oversight. A total of 950 returns were completed in FY09 with more than $1.2 million in Federal tax refunds. The assistance was supported in grants from Iowans for Social and Economic Development (ISED) Ventures and local entities including the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, Veridian Credit Union, and the United Way of Johnson County. Correia said she coordinates outreach, marketing, and fundraising for the program. She also recruits Spanish translators.
Neuzil left at 9:40 a.m.
Correia said the Focus on Youth Fund is a new program involving a wrap around fund for youth with mental health concerns. The program began in March 2009 with a $12,500 grant from the Federal government. She said grant funding in the amount of $85,000 has been secured for FY10 from Linn County. A part-time position to administer the program, accept applications, and work with individuals, referring agencies, and the community was created with funding from Decat. A number of individuals have been helped since the program began, and it seems to be meeting a previously unmet need in the community.
Correia said she serves as a liaison between DHS, Juvenile Court Services, and the Board of Supervisors. During the past year, she negotiated a change of terms in the renewal contract with the Juvenile Detention Center in Linn County and developed guidelines for the Child Protection Unit Support Fund. She was also selected by DHS to participate in their Breakthrough Series Collaborative, which is a special project funded with money the State received from the Annie E. Casey Foundation to develop strategies to reduce the number of minority of children in foster care and the amount of time minority children spend in foster care. She said she is participating with the State DHS Transitioning Youth Initiative to bring the program to Johnson County. It is designed to provide support to youth as they transition out of foster care and into adulthood. Correia said she also works with Juvenile Court Services through both the Linn County/Johnson County Detention Planning Committee and the Johnson County Detention Alternative Program.
Correia said work with the University of Iowa School of Social Work continued this past year, and a group of graduate students helped complete a Coralville Needs Assessment, which resulted in a three page executive summary on the social services needs in Coralville. The department served as a site for practicum students, and one of the students developed a client satisfaction survey for GA. The results of the survey will be available in the annual report.
Correia said she is convening the Rural Outreach Committee for the Livable Community for Successful Aging. She submitted an application to the Iowa Association of Counties for the Excellence in Action award for the Johnson County Livable Community Initiative, and it was received. Correia said she was on a committee that reviewed policies related to in-home childcare and made recommendations for revisions to the zoning code to support in-home childcare and help it match the State Code. She said she also became a member of the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) Board of Directors during the past year and is co-chairperson for the Community Leadership Program Human Services Day.
Sullivan said he was pleased about the ISAC award and asked if a press release was done. Correia said the Communications Team for the Livable Community for Successful Aging is working on a press release, and she sent them the pictures. She said she has the award itself, and she assumed it would be placed in the Board of Supervisor’s Office after the remodeling has been completed.
Rettig asked Correia to talk about the One-Time Assistance Program. Correia said the Short-Term Assistance Program is the main stay GA program that has been operating for over 20 years. The guidelines are based on income and other factors. The benchmark for income eligibility for the Short-Term Assistance Program is 50% or less of the Federal poverty guidelines. The One-Time Assistance Program was developed in 2007 to assist households that meet all of the eligibility requirements for the Short-Term Assistance Program, with the exception of income. To qualify for one-time assistance, their income must be between 50% and 100% of the Federal poverty guidelines. Correia said the resolution stated that the program would operate as long as funding is available to do so. It could be suspended at any time during the year. She said a significant increase in applications was seen between July 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009. She thinks the increase is partially due to the state of economy and the job market. Correia said approximately 40% of the available funding was spent during the first four months of FY10. The One-Time Assistance Program involves approximately 30% of the total number of people served by GA. Correia said the program is suspended as of December 1, 2009. The situation will be reviewed three months from now.
Correia said HACAP did receive stimulus funds to address homeless prevention and rapid rehousing. She thinks the program went into effect October 15, 2009, and there has been communication between Social Services and HACAP to ensure understanding of the program and to facilitate appropriate referrals. Correia thinks many individuals who would apply for the One-Time Assistance Program will be appropriate referrals to HACAP’s program. They will monitor the referrals as much as they can.
Rettig said the One-Time Assistance Program provides assistance for more than just housing. She asked what the maximum amount of assistance available is to one family. Correia said it depends on the size of the household. A one-person household can receive up to $450. A household with more than one member could receive up to $550 in assistance. The maximum benefit level for rent is $350. The maximum assistance for utilities is $150, and they only help when there is a disconnect notice. Correia said the program does not assist with security deposits. Rettig asked if the program only assists with rent. Correia said that is the primary reason people seek assistance, and the second most frequent reason is for assistance with utilities. She said HACAP offers assistance with utilities if it helps to prevent an eviction or helps a family obtain housing. HACAP offers assistance with past utility bills while Social Services does not. Correia said there may certainly be some people who will not be eligible for assistance from HACAP, however.
Rettig asked if the One-Time Assistance Program had to be suspended only five months into the Fiscal Year due to lack of funds. Correia said yes. Stutsman said she thinks it reflects the state of the economy and its impact locally. Sullivan said when people come in to apply for GA, referrals are also made to help meet their needs. Correia agreed and said they try to refer individuals to all available government and community based programs for which they may be eligible. Stutsman said Correia’s staff has created a list of job openings in the area to provide to individuals, and it has been very well received. Correia agreed and said they have heard from people who have been successful in obtaining employment with the help of the list.
Johnson said the letter to the Conservation Board regarding future maintenance of Sutliff Bridge, if it is restored, was discussed by the Board during the Key Issues Meeting on November 25, 2009. The Board is currently awaiting further information from FEMA regarding compensable costs before making a final decision regarding restoration of the bridge. However, interest was expressed in obtaining more information about the potential maintenance responsibilities the County will have if the Bridge is restored. Johnson said the Board requested that a letter be sent to the Conservation Board to outline questions they may have. Scheduling a joint meeting between the Board of Supervisors and the Conservation Board could subsequently be discussed. Johnson said he wrote a draft letter, and it is available for the Board’s input and consideration.
Stutsman said she thought the letter was well written. She said Conservation would have to agree to accept responsibility for the maintenance of the bridge because they are an autonomous board. The letter is asking if they are willing to do so. Johnson agreed and said the Board also wants to obtain information regarding the related needs for which the Board would need to budget. Stutsman said the letter will be voted on at a future Formal Meeting.
Johnson said the Public Health Department is having an H1N1 clinic on December 5, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Health and Human Services Building. The priority groups have recently been expanded to include all persons six months through 24 years of age. Additional information is available on the County’s website at www.johnson-county.com. The Public Health Department can be contacted at 319-688-5894 to schedule appointments. Stutsman said appointments are required. Johnson said the vaccine is also available for established patients at a number of area clinics, and related information is available on the County’s website.
Johnson said the next Budget Meeting is scheduled for December 7, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. to review the budget for the Auditor’s Office. A Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee Meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. The next Formal and Informal Board Meetings are scheduled for December 10, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
Lyness said this agenda item is in regards to the buyout of the five properties on Driftwood Lane that were destroyed in the 2008 flood. She said the County has been working on the buyout with ECICOG and JCCOG for some time. The County has the money, but the Board needs to pass a resolution to proceed forward. Hawkeye Title and Settlement is working on the abstracts and a local attorney is working on the titles. The County Attorney's Office doesn't anticipate any title issues with these properties. There are more properties on Driftwood Lane that are looking at participating that they are looking at trying to resolve first. Johnson said that the County would be advancing the money and would then be reimbursed. Stutsman asked how long the reimbursement will take. Johnson said he thinks it will take a couple of weeks. The Board agreed to put the resolution on a future formal agenda for approval.
Stutsman said that the Board normally looks through the applications and then gives Johnson their recommendations. Stutsman said that there aren't a lot of new applications or a lot of people applying for the same position. Johnson said that they continue to have openings on the Compensation Commission for an owner of farm property, two more licensed real estate brokers or salespersons, and two more members under other occupations. Stutsman said that there are also openings on the Trails Commission. Stutsman said that the Compensation Commission needs personal contact to find people to serve on the Commission. She said that the response from putting it in the paper has not been good.
Rettig said this week was World AIDS Day and the Health Department and I-CARE worked together to do testing. She said that at the end of 2008 there were 33.4 million people living with AIDS. She said that since 1981, 25 million people have died of AIDS. Rettig reported that she had liaison meetings with MH/DS Director Kris Artley and Correia. She attended the Joint Libraries Meeting with Legislators and the Joint Chamber of Commerce Roundtable Meeting. Rettig toured SEATS and the Joint Communications Center. Rettig noted that the County has a meeting with Legislators on December 16, 2009 at 8:00 a.m.
Sullivan attended a liaison meeting with Dvorak. Sullivan thanked recently retired Secretary II Mary Craig for her 24 years with Planning and Zoning. Sullivan attended a Joint Meeting with Community Mental Health Center and Legislators. Sullivan has been working with the Senior Center on their Accreditation Committee. Sullivan said that the homeless overflow program has started again in Johnson County because the Shelter House is too small. He said that thankfully this year the old Saint Patrick's Parish hall is empty so there is a single spot where people can go. He said that on any given night there are as many as 100 people with no roofs over their heads. Sullivan thanked the volunteers who work for the overflow program. Sullivan said that on December 5, 2009 the Homeless Children's Trust is having their annual Christmas Party. Sullivan attended a JCCOG Board of Directors meeting.
Harney attended a liaison meeting with SEATS Director Tom Brase. He attended the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce Roundtable Meeting and an Economic Development Committee Meeting. Harney congratulated Craig on her retirement.
Stutsman attended a liaison meeting with Correia and Dvorak. She attended the Joint Meeting with the Libraries and Legislators. Stutsman attended the JCCOG Board of Directors meeting.
Motion by Rettig, second by Sullivan, to enter Executive Session at 10:16 a.m. to discuss collective bargaining strategy for 2010-2011 under section 20.17(3), Code of Iowa: “negotiating sessions, strategy meetings of public employees… shall be exempt from the provisions of chapter 21 (Official Meetings Open to the Public).” Roll call: aye: Harney, Stutsman, Sullivan, Rettig; absent: Neuzil.
Recessed at 10:17 a.m.; reconvened at 10:30 a.m.
Motion by Harney, second by Sullivan, to leave Executive Session at 11:15 a.m. Roll call: aye: Stutsman, Sullivan, Rettig, Harney; absent: Neuzil.
Adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary