Story County

The Board meeting addressed several agenda items, starting with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions centered on the opening of bids for several roadway projects, including culvert work on 730th Avenue, 580th Avenue, 310th Street, and 590th Avenue, with the Engineer indicating a future review before award. There were no bids received for the Dakins Lake Cabin. Bids were opened for the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor (TELC) Shelter and Restroom, which the Director of Operations will review. Reports were presented on the BRIDGE HOME American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Annual Report and the Center for Creative Justice (CCJ). Personnel actions, including pay adjustments for several departments, were approved. The Consent Agenda included agreements with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for pavement work, a Roadway Maintenance Agreement with Iowa State University, the Facilities Management Quarterly Report, and a Grant Agreement with Colo Telephone Company for Broadband Expansion using ARPA funding. The Board held a public hearing to discuss the vacation of a section of 580th Avenue in Grant Township. First consideration was given to Ordinance No. 329 to rescind an unenforceable Land Development Regulation Ordinance (No. 311), and First Consideration was given to Ordinance No. 330 regarding regulations for Digital Asset Mining and Data Processing Centers, which included public commentary opposed to data centers and resulted in an amendment and extension of the current temporary moratorium. Finally, the Board approved a $10,000.00 funding request from Minerva Valley Telephone Co., Inc. for broadband deployment.

The meeting agenda adoption was unanimously approved. Key reports included the Ames Regional Economic Alliance Quarterly Report on workforce re-training programs, participation statistics, and outreach efforts. ChildServe provided an annual report highlighting grants, ARPA funding, building expansion, kitchen renovation, program growth, and increased client service. The City of Colo reported that its ARPA funds will be allocated toward a 15-house development. Personnel actions included approving a new hire for Secondary Roads. Claims totaling $1,117,804.47 were approved, along with associated payment requests from various county funds. The Consent Agenda encompassed setting bid openings for multiple RCB Culvert projects, approving a Bird Friendly County Reapplication, and introducing two resolutions to set public hearing dates for Ordinance No. 329 (Rescinding Ordinance No. 311) and Ordinance No. 330 (Addressing Uses for Digital Asset Mining). The commission also appointed a member to the 2026 Condemnation Commission and approved amended HIPAA Policies and Procedures. Furthermore, the Board approved Resolution #26-53 to enter into an underground electric line easement with the Iowa Power and Light Company. Updates were also provided on the Conservation Quarterly Report and liaison assignments.

Key discussions included the review of the annual written report from the IRVM Vegetation Management Biologist. The Board approved claims and receipts, noting delays in receiving the full January month-end financial reports from the Auditor's Office. Personnel actions were approved. Under the consent agenda, the Board considered several contracts for Campground Attendant duties at Dakins Lake and Hickory Grove Park, reviewed firewood contracts, considered first readings for revisions to Conservation Rules and Regulations and the Safety and Health Management Policy, and addressed easement considerations for utilities. Additionally, the Board acknowledged the acceptance of fee title for land from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, approved an amendment to a cash rent farm lease for the Deppe property, and authorized the release of bids for the Dakins Lake Cabin Project and the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor Shelter and Restroom Project. General updates covered the Watershed Coordinator position and grant applications.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for POW/MIA. Key discussions included a review of metrics showing upward trending statistics over the past year, updates on activities, and budget planning for the County Budget on February 2nd, including claims for burial, rent, and utilities. Training topics included Open Meetings Law. Outreach efforts noted a Nevada Legion Report meeting and subsequent follow-up forms initiated. New business focused on commission remarks and the election of new members and voting for member positions.

The meeting agenda for the Story County Conservation Board included several key areas for deliberation and action. Staff reports featured the Park Superintendent's Annual Report. Items for approval covered claims and receipts from various periods, financial reports, and personnel actions. The consent agenda involved consideration of an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Shive Hattery for the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor Shelter Project, contracts for earthwork/tiling, management grazing, and the second reading of the Story County Conservation Rules and Regulations and the Safety and Health Management Policy. Additional items included the consideration of a bid award and construction contract to Giardino Construction and a supplemental agreement with Bolton & Menk Inc. for final design services for the Deppe Family Recreation Area. Updates were provided on general matters, liaison assignments, and committee meetings.