The Taylor County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Supervisor Fitzgerald called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Supervisor roll call: Fitzgerald, Watson, Baeggs, all present. Also present: Corey Leftwich, Josh Good, Kimberly Watson, Kenny Beason, Rob Welch, Jarod Hershberger, Shawn Culp, Paige Beason, Shellia Culp, Joe Murphy, Rick Sheley and Justin Savage.
Beggs motioned to approve the minutes from March 23rd, as well as approve the agenda for today’s meeting, with the amendment to include discussion and approval of claims to be paid. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Beason, Murphy, Shawn Culp, Shellia Culp, and Sheley expressed their dissatisfaction with Leftwich.
Welch & Hershberger advised things are going well with the wind project being worked on.
Beggs reported on landfill committee and discussion on investing money for a better return.
Savage advised there are no utility permits for approval. He presented the DOT five-year plan to the Board of Supervisors. He described the plan to the Board of Supervisors in detail to describe how he will keep improving the infrastructure of the County. That the plan needs to be approved next week.
Savage presented to the Board, the request to add belly dump trucks to the fleet to improve the efficiency of operations. He advised he wishes to purchase the ones in good condition, that were well maintained. Savage requested permission to purchase 2 trucks but stated he may not end up purchasing more than one depending on the condition and deal. Beggs motioned to allow the purchase of up to two trailers at a price of $14, 900 per trailer. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
John Thomas, Nicki Lock, Jenny Robinson and Lori Henrichs and Sarah Guilliatt joined the meeting.
Thomas presented on the Hungry Canyons Alliance program. He provided details to the Board on what the program accomplishes and why it is important, including how much the County benefits from the work they do.
Thomas left the meeting.
Guilliatt, Robinson and Henrichs presented the Child Abuse Prevention proclamation, and pinwheels paid for by DCAT. Children deserve to smile and the pinwheels placed throughout the County are a reminder of that. Watson motioned to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention month. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Leftwich presented his request to the Board, for approval and hiring of Lindsay Sonksen as Auditor’s Clerk at a wage of $42,265.22 annually. Watson motioned to approve as presented, Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Clinton Spurrier joined the meeting.
Spurrier presented Resolution 2023-12 for a Temporary Moratorium on the Construction of Utility Scale Energy Systems (USSES) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Unincorporated Areas of Taylor County, Iowa. Welch spoke about the purpose of battery storage and that they go hand in hand with wind turbines. Beggs motioned to approve Resolution 2023-12 as stated. Watson seconded. MC 3-0. Spurrier provided an update on the ordinances being created.
Welch, Hershberger, Savage, and Kimberly Watson left the meeting.
Watson motioned to go into closed session under Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(j) to discuss the potential sale and pricing of 203 Main Street with Corey Leftwich and Clinton Spurrier present. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0. The Board proceeded with the closed session.
Watson motioned to come out of closed session. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Watson motioned to list the property, for sale by owner, as-is, for the price of $80,000. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Watson motioned to go into closed session under Iowa Code 21.17 (3) to discuss union negotiations and arbitration with Corey Leftwich and Josh Weed present. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Watson motioned to return from closed session. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Leftwich present the renewal for the liquor license for Deer Ridge at Lexington. Watson motioned to approve the renewal. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
A group presented concerns to the Board regarding wind turbines, and asked the Board to consider changing setbacks for those that don’t participate in the wind turbine program. The Board advised they would take it under advisement and research the request further.
The Board reviewed and approved claims to be paid.
Beggs motioned to amend the agenda on an emergency basis, for a matter requiring immediate attention of the Board of supervisors, brought up during today’s meeting, under Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(c) regarding potential litigation. The motion for closed session included the attendance of Clinton Spurrier and Corey Leftwich. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Watson motioned to leave the closed session. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
The Board reviewed topics for discussion in future meetings. Watson motioned to adjourn the meeting. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Ronald Fitzgerald, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Corey Leftwich, Auditor
