The Cherokee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 with Gary Lundquist, Rick Mongan, Bryan Petersen, Duane Mummert and Wane Miller present. There were no representatives from the press. Sarah Tracy and Justin Pritts were also in attendance. Unless otherwise indicated, all votes were offered as follows: Ayes – Mongan, Petersen, Mummert, Miller, Lundquist; Nayes – none; Abstentions – none.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Wane Miller, Veteran Affairs Commissioner.
Motion by Miller, seconded by Mummert to approve an amended agenda postponing the fair board discussion one week. Motion carried.
Motion by Petersen, seconded by Mongan to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.
Motion by Mummert, seconded by Miller to open a public hearing for the proposed 2021/2022 fiscal year budget. Roll call vote: Mongan-aye, Petersen-aye, Mummert-aye, Miller-aye, Lundquist-aye. Motion carried. Chairman Lundquist asked for comments from the public.
Hearing no comments from the public, a motion was made by Mongan, seconded by Petersen to close the public hearing at 9:02 a.m. Roll call vote: Mongan-aye, Petersen-aye, Mummert-aye, Miller-aye, Lundquist-aye. Motion carried.
Motion by Mongan, seconded by Mummert to adopt Resolution #2021-05 Adopting the County Compensation Board recommendations for 2021/2022 elected official salaries as follows: Attorney $109,250 ($2,500 increase), Auditor $66,750 ($2,000 increase), Recorder $66,750 ($2,000 increase), Sheriff $86,000 ($2,500 increase), Treasurer $66,750 ($2,000 increase), and Supervisors $29,750 ($750 increase) with a $1,000 stipend for the Chairman. Roll call vote: Mongan-aye, Petersen-aye, Mummert-aye, Miller-aye, Lundquist-aye. Motion carried and resolution adopted.
Motion by Miller, seconded by Mummert to adopt Resolution #2021-06 to Approve the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget and Certification of Taxes as published. Roll call vote: Mongan-aye, Petersen-aye, Mummert-aye, Miller-aye, Lundquist-aye. Motion carried and resolution adopted.
Gary Goebel, Construction Manager, presented utility permits for consideration.
Motion by Mummert, seconded by Petersen to approve an underground construction application on county right of way for Osceola Rural Water System in Section 5 of Spring Township. Motion carried.
Motion by Petersen, seconded by Mongan to approve an underground construction application on county right of way for Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative in Section 33 of Cherokee Township and Sections 4 and 5 of Pilot Township. Motion carried.
Sarah Tracy, County Engineer, discussed staffing needs for the summer season and presented a personnel policy for consideration.
Motion by Mongan, seconded by Mummert to authorize the county engineer to hire up to four temporary/seasonal general labor positions for the 2021 summer season. Motion carried.
Motion by Mummert, seconded by Mongan to adopt a “CDL Staff Drug & Alcohol Policy” effective March 16, 2021 that applies only to Secondary Roads and Conservation Department employees who are required to maintain a CDL per their job descriptions. Motion carried.
Motion by Mummert, seconded by Miller to develop an additional drug and alcohol policy as an addition to the current personnel handbook for all Cherokee County employees with guidance from the county’s HR Consultant and County Attorney. Motion carried.
Motion by Mongan, seconded by Miller to approve ISG Field Services Invoice #C1815 for submission to Dakota Access Pipeline for payment of inspection services provided from January 31, 2021 through February 27, 2021. Motion carried.
The board reviewed line items and descriptions for proposed changes to the current budget.
Motion by Petersen, seconded by Miller to approve a proposed 2020/2021 budget amendment for publication and set a public hearing for 9:00 a.m. on April 6, 2021. Motion carried.
Discussion of Rural Betterment Fund budget balances and day care funding was tabled.
The supervisors provided committee reports and reviewed meeting schedules.
Lundquist called for comments from the public and none were offered.
There being no further business, Chairman Lundquist adjourned the meeting at 10:27 a.m.
All board agendas and minutes are available online at www.cherokeecountyiowa.gov.
Attest: Kris Glienke, County Auditor
Gary Lundquist, Chairman
Published in the Marcus News on April 1, 2021