[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6168120,"mediaKeyId","5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268","parentId",5409040,"title","Resident asks for clarity on engineer dismissal; board moves to executive session on personnel","audioSeconds",184,"startMs",2183000,"endMs",2367000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268&start=2183&end=2367","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268/thumbnail_2183000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6168120/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Resident-asks-for-clarity-on-engineer-dismissal-board-moves-to-executive-session-on-personnel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168120-1a3bdaef3d421708b961c0fe40de4fd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579784&Signature=fL1~UPGQLcXbuY4PR7rEvLagwZbVkT8sOlRIuEINznCU9sEh9biWLt9cajgoM1aLEDHmP3G09DypEuohdvyqN2a3-lK-nhEUBdLhlrRs8cmRdBk4478kx1zz0mu5sbXVVUO-QmAulW174E6kxQvevrJkkx3ItT-D~lnQb4IwBh3TvA-SeNRQAHFpH6U~n6qRCCj3GMWHm602ppccSsMoYeMGvoqwJlwUlhcngXzaLLgtEEpWFQjLUmNh6ykAPzDoKS2X8Qi3FZ5dfb0LRM0kgTG1nBFs7FCkhXHMLBThaYQhh6T-NztY79ZhXXNklfFfA3VxnCp5ujuBymBh~iYU-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pottawattamie County, Iowa","date","2025-07-15T17:42:32Z","article","A resident, Sean Anderson of Oakland, addressed the board during public comment to ask for clarity on the county's firing of its county engineer and on what the board's \"new direction\" will be for the engineering function. Anderson said the issue has been discussed in surrounding counties and asked the board to explain its plan for roads and bridges that the previous engineer had prioritized.

Anderson said the dismissal had been seven weeks earlier and that outside county officials were asking about the situation. He said he was concerned about continuity of bridge and road improvement work that the prior engineer had pursued. \"I'm still curious as to what that new direction is,\" Anderson said.

After public comments later in the meeting the board took a roll call and moved into closed session under Iowa Code (meeting record cites \"Iowa code 21.5, parent 1, parent 5\") for discussion and decision on personnel matters. The board completed the roll call to convene the executive session; the minutes record the motion to enter closed session and the roll call votes to do so. The contents of the closed session were not disclosed on the public record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors - Open Session - July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident raised public concerns about the county's dismissal of the county engineer and asked what the board's 'new direction' is; later the board entered a closed executive session citing Iowa Code to discuss personnel matters.","taxTitle","taxId",25020,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6168125,"County approves $50,000 one-year grant to PACE; board asks group to return for multi-year contract discussion",749,1101000,1850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268&start=1101&end=1850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268/thumbnail_1101000.jpg","/articles/6168125/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/County-approves-50000-one-year-grant-to-PACE-board-asks-group-to-return-for-multi-year-contract-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168125-ece8c516e3aa01a5817822255ff8e65d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579784&Signature=fMd3F9BenY4w6~D2BY1ntnU2-JGosa~I7vau~N6axVF7VNvnjjwwufUjqVLmi9DMCjxOP~SIn77mZC9HcjVI1D3hk0hJ-GXqvX3T1-0riBCuEr4mxfSPQStEJMvIqD3inUfazMmMZsXRg2q5zkMdFHCK3uwteWsp7yMmvC9mnE6EDtInTj1figOwrXKxl~W7~AaYM6gjLxsqeaWPIhor4Hu3X1n8L9MXqNfBT7sBVE5wQO-Sb-QuKmqf~IfzdmzeJ0vbwDFFcDLh2~JW9SYjzxPn37y~njPGdl63Ap5rEALvzV2K1gQ7HM5ESg7Ud8R4xEgiXV5fGC5FhADlUUj65Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board approved a one-year county grant of $50,000 to PACE (as described in the meeting record) to support programming and operations, with the expectation that PACE representatives will meet with supervisors to discuss any multi-year support or a contract. The decision followed extended discussion about whether to phase down support (one motion proposed $25,000 this year and $10,000 next year, then stop) and how the program’s activities qualify under county gaming-funded economic development priorities.

Board members debated the organization’s business model, local economic impact and role providing arts and youth programming for the region. One supervisor described the center as providing numerous community opportunities — arts classes, entrepreneurial support and events — and said those services have regional benefit. Other supervisors said the organization needs to rethink strategies to increase foot traffic and revenue if it will be self-sustaining.

An initial motion to provide $25,000 this year and $10,000 next year failed. A later motion to provide $50,000 for the current fiscal year passed; board members said they will invite PACE leadership to discuss a multiyear contract or formal written agreement if the organization wishes ongoing support. Staff and supervisors referenced that the original multi-year arrangement had been in place previously and that confirming terms in writing is appropriate if multi-year funding is sought in the future.

The transcript shows the board took two votes: an earlier motion to do a stepped-down funding plan that did not pass, and a later one-year $50,000 appropriation approved by the board. Supervisors tied the next steps to a conversation and possible contract with PACE to clarify expectations and any sunset timeline.","After debate over phasing out previous multi-year support, the board approved $50,000 in county gaming funds for one year to PACE and directed the organization to meet with the board if it seeks a multi-year contract.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6168130,"Board approves contracts to replace bridge and straighten Sumac Road",128,962000,1090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268&start=962&end=1090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268/thumbnail_962000.jpg","/articles/6168130/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Board-approves-contracts-to-replace-bridge-and-straighten-Sumac-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168130-8863c1cfa31404b828aa68e3beaa50dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579784&Signature=Xdx8AxJivVmQGrkqK596XZaX6BK4eyqfPR~s5BlLW98NPLKJLpDpm47ahKllp6B-ECrhkQ-bWPgECMKqHmAUzqQ4u93ls~2OQYSDky-zwtdkKFdkENZBQFNfGKJdDv6ShP7P6fgcx5KXc9Ji6ccNHoSX0O4hEORtbIO0HRUQbnIrnuhM0ysOYA3MN9P0u~XqfxyhDqzwlUrRpiYji7Lq5fFMDzowsn-7GJaopbdIhw4wB9fsvjNRf5dLd8ALzIKrW0~CnFtwM9NZt6PUxZE8Iee-uoft47VkHTzNRk~KZlhwtl7lulvsJCJJgnrd~SE8ZnxdAeocHaw9KPuFBU2k~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brandon Biermeister, interim county engineer, told the board the county will remove an existing bridge, install an 80-foot bridge, and realign Sumac Road to improve a hazardous alignment. The board authorized the chairman to sign contracts for project NE27-73-78 after members said the project will reduce crash risk where bridge railings are frequently struck.

Biermeister described the area as having an “awful alignment” and noted the existing bridge railing is struck several times a year. The contracts the board approved authorize right-of-way purchase and construction to straighten Sumac Road in the project area so the new bridge and alignment will improve travel safety.

Supervisors asked about fence relocation and whether property owners or the county will pay; staff said the county may have to pay for fence work if necessary but that arrangements had been worked out with landowners. Staff also confirmed land vacated by the old road will be conveyed to the adjacent farmer on the west side of the creek, and access needs remain on the east side to the existing bridge during construction.

A motion to approve the contracts was made and seconded and passed by voice vote. Board members did not add conditions to the contracts at the meeting; staff will proceed with right-of-way acquisition and construction scheduling under the approved contracts.","County authorized contracts for project NE27-73-78 to remove an existing bridge, install an 80-foot replacement structure, and realign Sumac Road to improve safety and alignment.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":90,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6168135,"Board declines Harbor Lane vacation as drafted, orders republish to property line",799,163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268&start=163&end=962","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5409040-d136c04ca3ea07dfbf77be1700ae1268/thumbnail_163000.jpg","/articles/6168135/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Board-declines-Harbor-Lane-vacation-as-drafted-orders-republish-to-property-line","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168135-dfbc3674640edebf167ef54d69dd0967/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579784&Signature=F~98V~-ow5hXdWW93osA1yFQqGqYaxTWqj2bJsCULnOJBZ-25wHFtyObEXNJdi-f1qGaomD2T~bySg2ADdY5qf7isq5b2xDzTQKxU1-IpTyMFxBTdfBhg4UA8uiOCnvoYzJKVgUTZuK9RiOKhEBSKtG~ZRyTYNkQ5CTSubpfLFCZHTKOHytElNEi4a66AyNRosUco8x7asNdLEKZ1zZe38YThPt07hTkbgxEUpyXOajkB2RWVZWg~CJKpngRlqssROXquwgGl4rODXj3dvO70lsvFfPx1k-V9~bC4eHr9oE7QD6ZhroCcE4QgkUPuqScACLL1UOMzEwJJfvMJ9Kn0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brandon Biermeister, interim county engineer, presented Resolution 37-2025 to vacate approximately 928 feet of Harbor Lane, but the board voted to deny the resolution as it was published and directed staff to republish the vacation to the property line so the entire stretch can be considered at a future public hearing. The motion to not approve the currently-published resolution and republish carried on a roll call vote.

The matter mattered because the map in the packet did not extend to the property line the landowners and some supervisors expected. County staff and a landowner said they had understood the vacation would go to the property line; county staff reported that extending the vacation would require republishing the notice and holding another public hearing. “I just checked with the county attorney if we could extend it without republishing, and, no, we can't,” a county staff member said during the discussion.

Biermeister described the item as a request to vacate roughly 928 feet of Harbor Lane. Landowners who appeared said they had been told the matter was finished and that the vacation would include the driveway area to the property line. County staff and the county attorney advised that any extension beyond the originally published map would require a new publication and additional public hearing notices.

After extended back-and-forth with the landowners and staff about whether the published map reached the property line, Supervisor Tim (first name provided in the transcript) moved to not approve Resolution 37-2025 as published and to republish the vacation to include the property line; that motion was seconded and passed by roll call (the board recorded ayes). The board directed staff to republish legal notice and schedule a new public hearing; staff indicated a hearing could be scheduled in two weeks after publication requirements are met and cited a likely public hearing date of July 29 at 10:00 a.m.

The action means the board will consider the full stretch — from the currently published endpoint to the property line — in a single republished notice and hearing rather than approving the shorter segment as currently published. Staff said the road department will handle the republishing and notices and bring the republished item back for a new public hearing and vote.

Affected parties were told they are welcome to attend the republished hearing and speak in favor or opposition; staff and the landowners were directed to coordinate on the notice timeline.

Notes: the board did not approve the version of Resolution 37-2025 that was on the agenda and instead directed republication to include the property line for one consolidated hearing.","The county board voted to deny Resolution 37-2025 as published and directed staff to republish notice to vacate Harbor Lane to the property line after landowners said they expected the vacation to include the full property line.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident asks for clarity on engineer dismissal; board moves to executive session on personnel

County approves $50,000 one-year grant to PACE; board asks group to return for multi-year contract discussion

Board approves contracts to replace bridge and straighten Sumac Road

Board declines Harbor Lane vacation as drafted, orders republish to property line