Tama County supervisors approve routine items, authorize HomeBase Iowa payment and road rumble-strip agreement

The Tama County Board of Supervisors met at 8:30 a.m. May 18 and approved several routine agenda items and administrative requests.

Supervisor Curt Hilmer moved and Supervisor David Turner seconded to approve the meeting agenda; the motion carried unanimously. The board then approved the minutes of its May 11 meeting on a motion by Supervisor Heather Knebel, seconded by Hilmer; all voted aye.

Supervisor Curt Kupka gave a roads report and noted the county discussed receiving rock from the Salt Creek Wind I project and maintenance needs on L Avenue near Dinsdale.

Interim County Engineer Nick Amelon submitted an updated preconstruction agreement for two rumble strips on Highway T47 north of Highway 30 reflecting a corrected cost of $1,400. Supervisor Curt Hilmer moved and Supervisor David Turner seconded approval of the agreement; all voted aye.

Representatives from the Council on Aging, Mike Gilchrist and Berleen Wobeter, outlined needs within Tama County and provided an application for distribution to constituents seeking funds.

Dirk Henle, Tama County maintenance director, reported drainage-tile problems at the Tama County Farm. Supervisor Curt Kupka said he will obtain an estimate for repair costs; the board took no formal action on the issue.

The board reviewed a HomeBase Iowa application from Hunter Clark and received proof that Clark owns a home in Tama County and is an active member of the military. Supervisor Curt Hilmer moved and Supervisor David Turner seconded approval of a $2,500 payment to Clark; the motion passed with all voting aye.

On licensing matters, Supervisor Heather Knebel moved and Supervisor Curt Kupka seconded approval of an ownership update to Backyard Vines LLC's alcohol permit; the board approved the update unanimously. The board also approved the annual liquor license for Rusty Ridge Campground on a motion by Kupka, seconded by Turner.

Supervisor David Turner reported he will meet a copier vendor regarding county contracts and said contracts should be presented to the Board and reviewed by the county attorney before execution. Turner also said a fax-service contract entered by Public Health approximately three months ago is now unnecessary and would cost about $30,000 to cancel; the board did not take action on cancelling that contract.

The board approved claims for payment as presented in the amount of $221,895.49 on a motion by Turner, seconded by Kupka; all voted aye.

The board voted to move next week’s meeting to Tuesday, May 26, at 8:30 a.m. due to the Memorial Day holiday. Public comments during the meeting were heard from Berleen Wobeter and Karen Murty. Supervisor Curt Hilmer moved and Supervisor David Turner seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:34 a.m.; Chair Mark Doland adjourned the session.

Votes at a glance: - Approve agenda: mover David Turner; seconder Curt Kupka; outcome: approved (all voted aye). - Approve minutes (May 11): mover Heather Knebel; seconder Curt Hilmer; outcome: approved (all voted aye). - Approve preconstruction agreement for two rumble strips ($1,400): mover Curt Hilmer; seconder David Turner; outcome: approved (all voted aye). - Approve HomeBase Iowa payment to Hunter Clark ($2,500): mover Curt Hilmer; seconder David Turner; outcome: approved (all voted aye). - Approve Backyard Vines LLC alcohol-permit ownership update: mover Heather Knebel; seconder Curt Kupka; outcome: approved (all voted aye). - Approve Rusty Ridge Campground annual liquor license: mover Curt Kupka; seconder David Turner; outcome: approved (all voted aye). - Approve claims for payment ($221,895.49): mover David Turner; seconder Curt Kupka; outcome: approved (all voted aye).

The board did not take formal action on drainage-tile repairs at the county farm or on cancelling the Public Health fax contract; Supervisor Curt Kupka will obtain a repair estimate and Supervisor David Turner requested that future contracts be reviewed by legal counsel before execution.