The Taylor County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Supervisor Fitzgerald called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Supervisor roll call: Fitzgerald, Watson, Beggs, all present. Also present: Corey Leftwich, Josh Good and Justin Savage.
Beggs motioned to approve the minutes from July 6th, as well as approve the agenda for the meeting. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
There were no public comments. Watson reported on his RC&D committee meeting.
Savage presented updates on Secondary Roads to the Board, as well as discussed current road conditions.
Watson motioned to go into closed session under Iowa Code 22.5(1)(j) to discuss the possible purchase of a Public Health Office with Sarah Guilliatt and Sandy Boswell also present. Beggs seconded. Fitzgerald, Watson, Beggs, voted aye. No nays. MC 3-0.
The Board returned from closed session where Beggs motioned to approve the purchase agreement of 505 & 507 Central Avenue, Bedford, IA 50833 in the amount of $174,299.00 for use as a new Public Health building, with future discussions and paperwork being conducted in open session. Watson seconded. Fitzgerald, Watson, Beggs, voted aye. No nays. MC 3-0.
The Board discussed the creation of a Policy Committee within the Courthouse. Those present debated on the structure and the process to which policies are created. The Board agreed that draft policies are submitted to Beggs as the coordinator, then reviewed by the County Attorney and HR Consultant. Once that process is done, the delegates would receive the policy draft and solicit feedback from their staff, then hold a policy meeting. Afterwards, the policy would be reviewed again by the County Attorney and HR consultant if changes were made, and a second meeting would be held to ensure agreement. It was discussed that the department head would be the delegate from each department, with the ability to substitute the delegate with another employee from each department as needed. Watson motioned to approve the creation of the Policy Committee as discussed. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
The Board discussed the funding request made for the walking trail extension in Lenox. The Board advised they wish to table that discussion for the time being until they can discuss it more with the County Attorney.
The Board reviewed and approved property tax applications and claims to be paid.
Brady Miller with Verkada presented to those in attendance on their offerings in relation to proposals for updated security cameras in the Courthouse. Dan Wyckoff asked questions of Brady on the software and hardware capabilities of the camera system. Debate continued on the cost benefit analysis. No action was taken.
The Board reviewed topics for discussion in future meetings. Beggs motioned to adjourn the meeting. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Ronald Fitzgerald, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Corey Leftwich, Auditor
