Linn County approves new positions and projects for conservation and public safety

The Linn County Board of Supervisors convened on December 16, 2024, for a work session to discuss several key agenda items, including staffing requests, grant applications, and demolition projects.

The meeting began with a proposal for a vacancy form to upgrade a position within the Linn County Conservation Department. Dennis Goumaine, representing the department, requested the creation of a full-time Natural Resource Vegetation Management Specialist position, which would replace a Resource Technician role. The proposed upgrade would incur an annual cost increase of approximately $8,000, but Goumaine assured the board that funding was secured from current and future budgets, resulting in no net increase to the overall conservation budget. The board agreed to place this item on the consent agenda for the upcoming meeting.

Next, Sheriff Bridal Gardner presented a request for a full-time deputy position at the Linn County Sheriff's Office. He reported that an agreement had been reached with the U.S. Marshals Service to resume housing prisoners at the Linn County Correctional Center, with a significant increase in the daily per diem rate from $80 to $140. This agreement is expected to generate reliable revenue for the county. Gardner emphasized the necessity of hiring additional deputies to manage the anticipated increase in prisoner population, which could rise to 60 or more in the coming months. The board supported placing this request on the consent agenda as well.

The meeting continued with a proposal for electrical work at the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) building, with a cost of $21,973, funded through previously approved ARPA funding. Facilities Director Luke Fisher confirmed that the work would enhance lighting and outlets around the building. This item was also slated for the consent agenda.

Kara Matson from the sustainability department presented a grant application for $27,840 to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for tree planting services on Linn County properties. The initiative aims to plant trees in urban areas, with a focus on locations that would benefit the community. The board expressed support for the project and agreed to include it on the consent agenda.

Stephanie Lintz from Planning and Development proposed a new application fee schedule to account for administrative exceptions in zoning regulations. The proposed fee of $100 would cover staff time and neighbor notifications, with provisions for applicants to reduce subsequent fees if their requests were denied. The board decided to place this item on the regular agenda for further discussion.

Charlie Nichols presented the second reading of an ordinance regarding hazardous liquid pipelines, which includes provisions for minimum separation distances from dwellings and public areas, as well as requirements for road use agreements and agricultural impact mitigation plans. The board noted the lack of public feedback and expressed appreciation for the ordinance's provisions. The second reading was approved unanimously.

The meeting also included public hearings for the Dows Farm Barn and Secondary Road Engineering Barn demolition projects, both resulting from damage caused by the 2020 derecho. Darren Gage, the director of policy, reported that FEMA approval had been obtained for these projects. The board closed the public hearings without receiving any comments and proceeded to grant final approval for the plans and specifications for both demolition projects.

Finally, the board opened and announced bids for the Dows Farm Barn demolition project, with Midwest Demolition Contractors submitting the lowest bid of $78,327.08. For the Secondary Road Engineering Barn project, D.W. Zinsser Company had the lowest bid at $113,250. The board referred both sets of bids to staff for review and tabulation.

The meeting concluded with a clear agenda for the upcoming consent agenda and regular meeting, reflecting the board's commitment to addressing staffing needs, community projects, and infrastructure improvements in Linn County.