The Taylor County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 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 and Justin Savage.
Watson motioned to approve the minutes from June 8th, as well as approve the agenda for the meeting with the addition of discussion and possible approval of various purchases for the Conservation department at the end of the meeting. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Tracee Knapp spoke in public comments. There were no committee reports.
Savage presented an update to the Board on Secondary Roads. He advised he doesn’t have any utility permits for approval. Savage provided the Board with fuel quotes he received via sealed bids. The Board opened, reviewed and discussed the quotes.
Savage presented the hand-written warrant request for the purchase of the semi-truck previously approved. Watson motioned to approve the off-cycle hand-written warrant for the purchase of the semi-truck for Secondary Roads. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Savage then provided the written agreement for Board signature, for the Weed Commissioner position the Board approved in prior meetings.
Cole Walters and Rozann Seela presented a request to the Board for funding from LOST for Economic Development purposes. He described the structure the City of Bedford utilizes as well as the other Counties in Iowa for Economic Development. The Board agreed that it would be a good way to utilize the funds and will continue to research the feasibility with the County Attorney.
Jackie Ewart presented the ICAP renewal for FY24 with the Board. Watson motioned to approve the renewal as presented for ICAP in the amount of $239,157.00 to be paid in two installments. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Leftwich advised that the quotes for security and infrastructure have not yet become available. Culp approached the Board with a request for flowers and ash trays for the Courthouse. The Board advised that obtaining quotes for ash trays would be acceptable, and purchasing flowers for the Courthouse flowerpots would be acceptable.
Crystal Drake presented to the Board on the needs of Public Health regarding a location to operate from. The Board discussed a new building and wanted to do a “feasibility study” to determine potential costs associated with the project. They agreed to reconvene at a later date to discuss the plan.
Sarah Guilliatt provided the Board with the details of the discussion with a potential lessee for 619 Court Street. The proposal was for $100 a month for utilization of the building to offer services to the public. They would utilize the building on Thursdays but are flexible to accommodate the needs of the County. The Board advised they would like to see a draft of a lease agreement once available.
The Board reviewed Resolution 2023-21, Resolution to Establish a Temporary Moratorium on the Construction of Wind Turbines in the Unincorporated Areas of Taylor County, Iowa. The Moratorium includes clauses for the Contrail Wind Project and Black Maple Wind project. Watson motioned to approve Resolution 2023-21 as stated, with the goal of resolving the Ordinance changes (if applicable) by the end of October 2023. Beggs abstained from voting. Fitzgerald second. MC 2-0.
Savage presented the fuel quotes for final approval. Beggs motioned to select RK Fuels to provide fuel for FY24 with a quote for $318,050.50. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Leftwich presented the quote for new election laptops as a part of a discounted purchasing opportunity to the Board. Leftwich advised this will help maintain the integrity of the elections and ensure our equipment is up to date. Beggs motioned to approve the request as presented, for 6 election laptops for $4,200.00. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
The Board reviewed and approved the Secure Benefits Invoice. Watson motioned to approve as stated. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
The Board reviewed and approved Homestead Credit and Exemption applications, as well as Insurance Buyout applications.
Josh Weed presented the request for approval for a 28E agreement to allow the sharing of a School Resource Officer between the Bedford and Lenox schools. Under the agreement, the schools would pay for 70% of the expense with the remainder being covered by the County. Watson motioned to approve the 28E agreement as presented. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Leftwich presented the request to the Board to abate property taxes for 710 W. Michigan, owned by the City of Lenox. Watson motioned to approve the abatement of the full tax amount due, which is currently $876.00. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Nick Fehring presented a request to the Board for a new truck, due to the motor going out in a current truck owned by Conservation. Various quotes were presented to the Board for a new truck for Conservation. Beggs motioned to approve the purchase of a 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 for $42,091.50. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Nick Fehring presented a request to the Board for the purchase of a Jenkins Earth Auger Combo Kit. Beggs motioned to approve the purchase for $3,400. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Nick Fehring presented a request to the Board for the purchase of an 84” Tiller from Vetter Equipment. Beggs motioned to approve the purchase of a for $6,650. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Nick Fehring presented a request to the Board for the purchase of a 9ft Sickle Mower from Vetter Equipment. Beggs motioned to approve the purchase for $14,380.00. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Watson motioned to support any amendment made by the Conservation Board for the purchases approved during this meeting. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
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
