Dubuque County

The meeting included an engineers' report detailing progress on several bridge projects, including Lovers Lane (two bridges) and Spec's Ferry Road, noting significant completion status. The board discussed and referred two cable cutting damage claims to the insurance company and county attorney for review, opting not to approve them directly. A portion of the meeting was dedicated to oaths of office for newly elected/reappointed officials, including the County Recorder, County Treasurer, and a Supervisor. The board also held discussions regarding road crew activities related to snow and ice, and a fatality on Sundown Road. Key procedural items included the election of the Chairperson (David Baker) and Vice Chairperson (Jay Wickham) for 2019. Consent items approved included a manure management plan, a five-day class C liquor license for the volunteer fire department, and 2018 utilities tax valuations. Furthermore, a public hearing was opened and closed regarding the plans and specifications for the shooting range bullet trap, which will utilize a granulated rubber backstop for long-term cost, environmental, and sound reduction benefits over traditional materials. Following this, the board reviewed the receipt of one bid for the bullet trap project, referring it to the Sheriff for review. Finally, the board addressed the Notice of Request for Proposals for an architectural needs assessment for the jail, prompted by safety and liability concerns associated with the older South Jail's steel bar structure compared to the newer North Jail.

The meeting featured a work session with Houston Engineering to discuss the water watershed study, which is nearing completion after approximately ten months. The presentation covered the progress of the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) model, intended to target agricultural ground for flood control and water quality structures. Due to COVID-19, public outreach was conducted via an ArcGIS story map summarizing project goals, existing practices, and potential implementation areas. Houston Engineering detailed the methodology, which involves leveraging ACPF and Prioritized Targeted Measure Application (IPTA) data to identify cost-effective conservation practices that deliver benefits in water quality (sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen reduction) and flood damage reduction (peak flow reduction). The weighting favored flood reduction benefits twice as much as water quality benefits. The deliverables include tiered outreach products, such as four-page implementation profiles for watersheds.

The meeting commenced with public comments limited to three minutes per individual regarding agenda items. Key discussions involved multiple procurement procedures, specifically requests for quotes for two current model year heavy duty tandem axle trucks for the secondary roads department, and a subsequent request for quotes for snow equipment installation on those trucks. The agenda included multiple zoning cases requiring consideration. Zoning Case ZC 01-01-22 involved a request to rezone 1.53 acres from A1 Agricultural to A2 Agricultural Residential to allow for a new home for the applicant's daughter to support the farming operation. This case involved discussion about previous zoning commission consideration and the submission of updated application materials after the initial 3-3 vote at the zoning commission level. Zoning Case 01-02-22 involved a similar A1 to A2 rezoning request for 1.7 acres for a new home to assist in farming operations. Zoning Case 05-11-21 concerned rezoning 10 acres from A1 Agricultural to PC Planned Complex to bring an existing campground with amenities into compliance with county health and zoning regulations, a process that involved previous zoning commission tabling and discussion regarding the completeness of the application and procedural steps.

The discussion centered on reviewing participation and appointments for various boards and commissions, following up on a January 2nd meeting where 26 boards and commissions were listed for appointments. Key topics included investigating bylaws and obligations for making appointments, determining if appointees must be supervisors, and deciding on whether to maintain or drop participation in certain groups. Specific focus was given to the status of the Road Name Advisory Committee (which was found to no longer exist) and the Courthouse Security Committee, where the ongoing issue of gun control within the courthouse was noted. Appointments were made to the Convention and Visitor's Bureau Advisory Committee and the CEO Workforce Development Board. The status of the Crimestoppers committee representation was debated, with a preference expressed for investigating its necessity before making a commitment or dropping representation. There was general consensus on establishing a structured process for supervisor representation, delegation, or withdrawal from boards.

The meeting commenced with a proclamation declaring May 2019 as National Community Action Month, with recognition given to Operation New View Community Action Agency for its service to the county, including Head Start and LIHEAP programs. Key discussions involved approving the minutes from the April 22nd and April 30th meetings. The consent agenda addressed annual manure management plan updates for several entities and Class B beer permit requests. Under procurement procedures, the board approved the request for quotes for secondary roads fuel and established procedures for receiving sealed proposals for a culvert replacement project and a maintenance patching project. Several public hearings addressed zoning ordinance amendments: the first case involved approving a request to rezone from A-1 Agriculture to A-2 Agricultural Residential to allow for the construction of a new home on a farm site, with the requirement for passage at two prior meetings suspended. The second case involved reversing a previous rezoning request, moving a property back from A-2 Agricultural Residential to A-1 Agricultural zoning to facilitate building a new home on a more suitable parcel on the farm property.