By BARBARA PROFFITT | November 30, 2022

The Linn County Commissioners began their meeting on Monday, Nov. 28, with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims totaling $186,338.45.

County Clerk David Lamb reported the canvass had resulted in a three-way tie for the position of Township Trustee for Scott Township. Commissioners would break the tie by drawing later in the meeting, resulting in Robert Burns being named to the position. Those on the board of canvassers then signed the abstract of the canvass.

Galen Anderson with AMR reported the holiday weekend was fairly quiet for them with only five transports in the last week.

Linn County Fire Chief Randy Hegwald reported they had responded to seven incidents in the last week, one being a structure fire. 

Chris Martin, IT, reported that the power outage in Linn County last Friday had brought to light an issue at the jail.  Martin explained that the boiler system had not been wired into the generator so there was not heat in the pods or the facility for the duration of the outage. They also found that they can’t cook because the grills are gas with an electric start and they weren’t wired in either. Martin stated they are working with the electrician to get these issues handled as soon as possible.

Linn County Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower noted the two applications for ARPA funds from SEKMH and the City of La Cygne. City Clerk Jodi Wade spoke on behalf of the City of La Cygne on the need for the grant and what they intend to use the funds for. Commissioners took the requests under consideration.

Hightower noted there is a mayors meeting set in the commissioners room for 3 p.m. next Monday, Dec. 5.

Discussion then turned to the repairs on Zenor Road and 1175 Road and Public Works Administrator Shaun West stated the cost for that would be $638,000. He stated that federal entities are currently looking at grant possibilities because it is federally owned land on both sides of the road there. Commissioners asked about the possibility of changing it to a low water crossing or simply vacating the road in that area. West will talk with the landowners and bring it back to commissioners.

West then asked about the buyback program, noting he and the road area managers would rather use the funds elsewhere on older equipment.

Commissioners then approved a list of pricing increases for the Park and Marina on a 3-0 vote.

Discussions turned to grants available for work and replacements at the Centerville and Parker senior centers. The Centerville center grant would replace the HVAC unit and a refrigerator and would cover 40 percent of the $9,440 cost. The Parker grant would make necessary upgrades and cover 40 percent of the $9,552 cost. Commissioners opted to approve both options but noted they want a plan in place on the Pleasanton senior center meals site also.

Commissioner held a five minute executive session for personnel matters with West and asked Commissioner-elect Jason Hightower to sit in on it for learning purposes. The session was extended for ten minutes and no action was taken after the executive ended.

Commissioners then ordered a 10-minute recess.

Following the recess, Missy Lancaster with the Linn County Health Department reported on various grant opportunities available to them but commissioners asked her to speak with her advisory board and come back with recommendations.

Commissioners then heard from Al Doan regarding multiple issues with the Solid Waste Department.

Doan noted the county is currently under contract with Arcadia on what he called a rolling contract and notification of intent to end the contract would have to be made. Commissioners asked him to get the contract to County Counselor Gary Thompson.

Questions then arose about the dumping and hauling practices in regards to compactor sites and Doan explained they only pick up if they call. Commissioner James asked why they couldn’t pick up on a rotating schedule and West replied they’re currently doing a study to determine the cost analysis of that and other scenarios, adding that if the county has to redesign the tipping floor now it could be cost prohibitive. (See related article in this edition.)