By BARBARA PROFFITT | November 9, 2022

The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Nov. 7, and began their weekly meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting and followed that with the approval of the weekly claims in the amount of $402,974.84.

Commissioners then approved the monthly fees report for the Sheriff’s Office totaling $44,628.45, including farm-in fees.

Commissioners then approved the monthly Parks report showing an income for October of $30,623.16 with expenses totaling $22,774.42 for a profit in October of $7,848.64.

Randy Hegwald, Linn County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator reported the Rural Fire departments had responded to 12 events this past week.

Chris Martin, County IT Director, reported that the radio transition is complete and all municipalities are online. Martin stated handhelds appear to be an issue in some areas, but they are working on the problem.

Martin further reported that 9-1-1 circuits are delayed, but he is hoping they will be ready by Thanksgiving and once in place it should take only a week to get 9-1-1 moved to the new facility.

Martin added he is working on training with county employees regarding ransom-ware and issues it can cause.

County Counselor Gary Thompson noted there will be one more change order on the Justice Center project for shuffling a few things around and presented River City Change Order #18 in the amount of $16,166.48. Commissioners approved it on a 3-0 vote.

Missy Lancaster, Director of the Linn County Health Department, presented two bids for approval. One for a meeting or classroom with a safe room inside, and one for the awning on the south side of the building as previously discussed.

Commissioners would like to see further information on the meeting/class room prior to making a decision. They then approved the $55,255 bid from Rocking H Construction for the awning to be added on the south side of the building, to be paid for with grant funds.

Sheri Loveland, Park and Marina Manager, gave commissioners an update on the Park, noting several items that need to be addressed, including the need for more staff, especially during peak use months. (See related article in this edition)

Darin Wilson, Linn County Planning and Zoning Director, reported Kaup would like to invoice monthly until finished writing codes and presented a bill for $2,811.60. Commissioners agreed they don’t need to see the bill each month unless there is an issue as the bid has already been approved.

Commissioners then entered into a 20-minutes executive session for legal matters with 10 set aside for Wilson and 10 set aside for Thompson.

Following the executive session the commissioners, road foremen, and Public Works Administrator Shaun West met with local rock and aggregate suppliers, Whitaker Aggregates and Hamm Inc. The topics discussed were: lime/dust content in the rock, chip loss on roads, prices for next year, and options for chip and seal rock. No action was taken.