MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
DECEMBER 31, 2009
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Reports and Inquiries from Executive Assistant Andy Johnson
Reports and Inquiries from the Bard of Supervisors.
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building at 9:18 a.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, Janelle Rettig, Sally Stutsman, and Rod Sullivan.
Conservation Director Harry Graves said the citizens of Johnson County can be justly proud of Johnson County's park system. There are county parks, conservation areas, multiple use river access areas and special use areas. The combined efforts of the dedicated Conservation Board, staff, and supportive Board of Supervisors make this possible. Upcoming events include the January 3, 2010 Ice Fishing Clinic at Kent Park Education Center Pond.
Graves said the Conservation Annual report has been approved and signed by the Conservation Board, and he will leave it with the Board of Supervisors. Sullivan asked about the status of the newest land purchase near the new Clear Creek School. Graves said the 87 acre Barns property in this report has just been repurchased with the Iowa National Heritage Foundation, which took place in FY10. They are now requesting proposals for the design of the trail linkage on that property; they have secured an easement on Lawrence Ryan property. Graves said their goal is to be done by early summer 2010 and then start seeking funding. Sullivan asked if construction would occur this year and Graves said it would be in FY11.
Harney said he read in a current newspaper article something about DNR trails funding, and he asked Graves if that is part of Johnson County's Conservation program. Graves said no. Rettig asked Graves to comment on the Fall Deer Hunt. Graves reported that about 64 antler-less deer have been removed. The archery hunt runs through the end of January and they expect to meet their goal of reducing the female deer population.
Rettig asked Graves to comment on wetland mitigation money. Graves said those were on the Tomash property and will be monitored for five years. Rettig asked if funds came from roads projects and Graves said Secondary Roads paid to have those built. Rettig asked if the new piece of land outside of Tiffin would be a candidate for wetland mitigation dollars. Graves said very likely. Rettig asked if Graves would be able to turn around a wetland project from other road projects in a timely manner. Graves said they have in the past and he expects the same in the future. The timing with the ones in the Easterly Valley Project and the Tomash property couldn't have gone any smoother.
Stutsman said the photos in the annual report are beautiful and asked who the photographer was. Graves said Naturalist Brad Freidhof took those pictures. He said the new maps in the report were provided by Information Technology.
Sullivan asked for an update on the building projects. Graves said rain has impeded progress. The completion date now is by the end of January 2010. Neuzil said that the last he heard is that there would not be a request for funding for FY11. Graves said Iowa National Heritage Foundation will assist with funding purchases.
Stutsman asked if Conservation is doing any work with pheasants. Graves said they are involved with the Pheasants Forever Chapter and he said that in the past they have put out feeders for pheasants, which isn't the best approach because it congregates the pheasants which then become prey for the avian population.
Executive Assistant Andy Johnson said this polling place accessibility grant is for work which has already been completed and these agreements are necessary in order for reimbursements to be issued. Sullivan said he has an issue with this. Swisher now has a public library, the old telephone company building, and it is accessible. Polling places have typically favored the use public buildings and he thinks this might be a more suitable polling place than the American Legion. Harney said this request though is for work already done. Johnson said he thinks all this work was done before the 2008 General Election. Stutsman said the Swisher library is a temporary location.
Johnson announced that County offices will be closed January 1, 2010 for the New Year's holiday, however, the Sheriff's Office and Ambulance Department will not close. The Board's Formal Organizational Meeting is scheduled for January 4, 2010. He said there are three meetings on January 6, 2010 a Department Head Evaluation Meeting at 8:00 a.m., a Budget Meeting at 1:00 p.m., and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee Meeting 4:30 p.m. The Board's Formal and Informal Meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Stutsman said she had a liaison meeting with Planning and Zoning Administrator Rick Dvorak. Stutsman said the west approach to the Sutliff Bridge has been removed. Stutsman recognized the passing of two community members, Mary Jo Small and Elliott Keller, who really made their mark in the community. She said these individuals will be missed.
Sullivan said he shares the same sentiments as Stutsman. These two individuals were very civic minded and will be hard to replace. Sullivan said he had a liaison meeting with Dvorak and they discussed the possibility of buying flood insurance. Sullivan said the Board can expect such a request for consideration in the future.
Rettig said she met with Solon City Hall staff and Library staff. She toured Community Mental Health and the Johnson County Public Health Department. Along with the passing of elders, Rettig noted that Sullivan and Human Resources Administrator Lora Shramek both lost grandparents this past week. She said death at any time is difficult, but particularly hard during a holiday season. Rettig said that the Press Citizen's Person of the Year award this year went to the BarbouRoske family, and she congratulated their efforts in advancing civil rights.
Neuzil said that in February, 2010, he will conduct meetings at the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center, classes on Government in Johnson County. Residents interested in participating in these free classes should contact the Senior Center. Neuzil thanked the public for their patience over the year and said it has been an honor to serve as Chair of the Board of Supervisors. He acknowledged the death of former Supervisory Larry Meyers this past November. Neuzil invited the public to learn more about County government at johnson-county.com.
Adjourned at 9:47 a.m.
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary