Cynthia L. Renstrom

The Board meeting included the approval of the agenda and a Consent Agenda, which covered previous meeting minutes from January 13, 2026, claims for payment, and four tax abatement resolutions. Specific resolutions (2026-32 through 2026-35) were passed approving Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption applications for the Simms, Rettig, Osbon, and Boyer properties. The Board also approved claims for the Meller Family Health Center Building Project and specific change orders for water issues and carpet extension at the same facility. Additionally, the canvass of the January 17, 2026 Green Bay Drainage District Election was approved, along with the publication of 2025 wages. Approvals included an Agreement for Engineering Services with Kirkham, Michael & Associates for inspection of Koch Barge Facility Haul Routes, and Resolution #2026-36 authorizing the filing of an STBG Grant application for the resurfacing of 303rd Avenue (X32). Step increases were approved for an Administrative Assistant in the Assessor's Office and an EMT in the Ambulance Service. Various committee reports were presented.

The Regular Meeting agenda included several key considerations. The consent agenda involved the approval of claims for payment, a tax abatement resolution, and Class C Retail Alcohol Licenses for Harvestville Farm and The Hitching Post at Sugar Creek LLC. The board addressed claims for the Meller Family Health Center Building Project, specifically approving a payment to Mohrfeld Electric. Discussions included the consideration of approving an amendment to the Lee County Personnel Policy to include Bluetooth devices for compliance with the new hands-free driving law, and the approval of a proposal from Tri-State Sheet Metal for the LCSO Kitchen Exhaust Hood Project. Further items involved considering approval for a $5,000.00 funding request for the DVIP/RVAP Program for FY26/FY27, and reviewing Personnel Actions which included a reclassification in EMS, a promotion within the Sheriff's Office, and a step increase for a Deputy Sheriff. A compensation workshop was scheduled to follow the adjournment.

The Board of Supervisors addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the consent agenda, which involved claims for payment and two Tax Abatement Resolutions. The Board passed resolutions approving tax exemption applications for James & Jacque Moeller and Bonnie Peterson under the County-wide Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption District plan. The Board also approved claims for the Board of Health/EMS Building Project. During public input, a request was made to investigate moving Board meetings to the Lee County Correctional Center. Key actions included approving a Change Request for Arnold Refrigeration, approving the FY2026 Lee County Budget Amendment with a public hearing set for January 2, 2026, and approving a Federal Aid Agreement for a bridge replacement project in Montrose. The proposal for the Keokuk Courthouse was tabled pending further information. The Board approved amended and new Opioid Funding Applications for the Keokuk Homeless Alliance, Keokuk Police Department, and Lydia House. A promotion within the Maintenance Department was approved, effective December 27, 2025. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss a matter pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j), followed by authorization to proceed with a bid process to purchase property.

The meeting included a Public Hearing regarding whether the Board should enter into noncurrent debt for body cameras, which concluded without public comment. The Board subsequently approved Resolution #2023-43, authorizing the proposed noncurrent debt for the purchase of body cameras and accompanying software from Axon, not to exceed $271,869.08. Other actions included approving an amendment to the SEIL/Lee Memorandum of Understanding for FY23 sub-fund costs, approving the hiring of seasonal employees for Conservation, and allowing Pen City Cruisers to use the East Parking Lot for car shows on specific dates in 2023. Resolution #2023-42 was approved, detailing appointments to the County Compensation Commission in Eminent Domain, Owners of City/Town Property, Farmers, and Bankers categories. The Board also approved a Letter of Support for a RAISE Grant for the Keokuk Rail Bridge. Salary details for 2022 employees were received and filed. Personnel actions included approving a promotion for Shauna Stuart and new hires for the Treasurer's Office and Information Technology. Committee reports were given, covering topics such as the Landfill Board, Conservation Board, Employee Insurance Committee, opposition to the CO2 pipeline, and discussions with a company interested in establishing an emergency care unit at Keokuk Area Hospital. The Chairman reported on discussions with legislators regarding SSB1124. The Board also approved a Class C Retail Alcohol License for The Hidden Tower Event Center and accepted no raise for the Supervisors.

The meeting involved several key actions, commencing with the approval of the agenda. Significant resolutions included the appointment of Ginger Knisley as Chairman and Garry Seyb as Vice-Chairman for the year 2026. A public hearing was held regarding an amendment to the FY26 County Budget, which was subsequently approved via Resolution #2026-21. The Board also approved Amended Appropriations (Resolution #2026-22), the final list of board committees, and the appointment of Lisa Nafziger to the Southeast Iowa Regional Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Furthermore, the Board approved the sale of the Previous EMS Building, final plans for an HMA Resurfacing Project, rescinded a motion regarding a lease with Appleberry Orchard, and approved the creation of a Jail Captain position for the Sheriff's Office. Funding for the DVIP & RVAP Program for FY2027 was conditionally approved. Various other resolutions were passed concerning the execution of real estate documents, authorization for the Auditor to issue checks, designation of 2026 holidays, appointment of tax sale agents, designation of official newspapers, designation of bank depositories, authorization for the County Engineer regarding underground construction permits and excessive size/weight vehicle permits, authorization for road closures, designation of the County Engineer to execute construction completion certifications, authorization for posting load limits on designated roads, and appointments for Weed Commissioner, General Assistance Director, and representatives to the SEIRPC Board of Directors. Finally, several applications for Urban Revitalization Tax Exemptions were approved, and a transfer for an EMS employee was approved.