Jennifer Davies

The board meeting addressed several urgent matters, including concerns from Walter Sanitation regarding the wind conditions affecting landfill operations, leading to a decision to keep the landfill open for the day and schedule a follow-up with the Landfill Administrator regarding policy. A joint meeting was held with the Webster County Board of Supervisors to discuss repairs needed in a joint Drainage District. A discussion on a potential "On Call" policy was tabled pending further information. The board approved various consent agenda items, including tax exemptions for several properties and numerous county claims totaling $152,369.22. Furthermore, Resolution #26-09 supporting the Annexation Application into the City of Madrid by Gentry Homes Iowa, LLC was approved. A public hearing was set for March 4, 2026, to consider vacating a portion of a street. The board approved the second reading of Ordinance #167, rezoning 12.34 acres from A-1 to R-1, waiving the third reading. Resolution 26-10 adopting a new Schedule of Fees for Planning & Development and Health & Sanitation departments was approved. A significant discussion led to an approved TIF agreement offer to Fareway involving an 85% rebate under specific valuation and term conditions.

The Board addressed several agenda items, including pay adjustments for county assessor staff, approval of secondary roads and county claims, and the issuance of a Letter of Support for the Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity. The Board also passed a resolution regarding the destruction of noxious weeds, approved a roadway maintenance agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation, and conducted a public hearing concerning the vacation and abandonment of a section of 17th Street. Additionally, the Board convened a Joint Drainage District meeting and performed the canvass of votes for the Ogden Special Election.

The board conducted several key items of business, including the approval of a mowing bid for the County Home Cemetery and a software contract with ReGov. The board approved a contract for right-of-way and easement acquisition, as well as various insurance program renewals. Additionally, the board adopted a resolution regarding the vacation and abandonment of a section of 17th Street and established dates for upcoming public hearings on zoning ordinance amendments. Resolution 26-12 concerning drainage engineer fees was tabled for future consideration.

The board reviewed the Sheriff's Office Report of Fees and approved various financial and operational items, including contractor pay requests for drainage districts, low bids for drainage repairs, and secondary road and county claims. Departmental updates were provided by the Landfill Administrator, Human Resources Director, and County Engineer. Additionally, the board discussed Iowa Code and county resolutions regarding property tax abatements, approved a Road Use and Repair Agreement with Great Pathfinder Wind, LLC, addressed a snow removal issue, and accepted a quote for spraying drainage districts.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of signing the IDNR Underground Storage Tank letter concerning financial responsibility for county sheds. The Board reviewed and filed the County Auditor's Report of Fees Collected for the quarter ending December 31, 2015. Personnel actions involved approving a pay adjustment for a 911 Dispatcher and accepting the resignation of a part-time Deputy. The Board approved Change Order #1 and a Contractor's Application for Payment related to Open Ditch Repairs, Drainage District No. 222. Department updates were provided by Planning & Development, Veteran Affairs, and the Landfill Administrator, resulting in the approval of the FY16 Landfill Budget Amendment. Discussions were held regarding the Planning Director position, which will be posted on the next agenda. The Board approved secondary road claims and other county claims totaling $155,724.53, and finalized discussions regarding the Voluntary Petition for Annexation into Drainage District 178.