Blackhawk County Board plans public hearings on new zoning ordinances for residential development

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors convened on April 22, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including public hearings for proposed zoning changes and discussions surrounding recent legislative mandates affecting local governance.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on the county's electronic open enrollment process, highlighting the transition to digital formats for most materials, except for a comprehensive new hire orientation packet. The board recommended an outright purchase for necessary training materials, emphasizing the efficiency of the IT department in managing service needs.

Subsequently, the board moved to direct the county auditor to advertise for public hearings on three proposed zoning changes. The first item involved a request from Eric Johnson to rezone 2.99 acres from agriculture to residential for an existing house on Dubuque Road. The second request, submitted by Graham Thompson, sought to rezone 2.9 acres for a new single-family home west of Marquis Road. The third request, from Jim Koloff, aimed to rezone 1.5 acres for another single-family home north of Winslow Road. All motions were approved unanimously.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the implications of Senate File 75 legislation, which mandates a shift from at-large supervisory districts to district-based elections in Black Hawk County. Board members expressed concerns regarding the constitutionality of the legislation, particularly the potential for incumbents' terms to be cut short. Discussions included the need for guidance from the Secretary of State's office, with a call scheduled for later in the week to clarify the requirements and next steps.

The board acknowledged the necessity of appointing a temporary redistricting commission by May 15, 2025, to comply with the new law. Members expressed frustration over the lack of clear guidelines from state officials and emphasized the importance of public input in the redistricting process. The board plans to continue discussions and gather more information before proceeding with the necessary appointments.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed critical zoning issues and the transition to district-based elections, with board members committed to ensuring compliance with state mandates while advocating for the interests of Black Hawk County residents. Further updates are expected following the upcoming discussions with the Secretary of State's office.