BARBARA PROFFITT | October 5, 2022

The Linn County Commissioner met in regular session on Monday, Oct. 3, and began the meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting on a 3-0 vote with all commissioners present.

Commissioners then voted 3-0 to move the meeting set for Monday, Oct. 10, to Tuesday, Oct. 11, due to Columbus Day.

Commissioner followed that with the approval of bills in the amount of $262, 342.

Chris Martin, Linn County IT Department, reported that as of Oct. 4, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office goes completely digital for radio and the old frequency will no longer work. 

Morgan Northcutt reported on the county dinner costs, noting that a chili and/or chicken and noodle dinner would cost $10 per plate compared to $14 to $16 per plate for the traditional dinner. After a brief discussion commissioners opted to go with the chili and/or chicken and noodle dinner.

Commissioners then approved a conditional use permit for an automotive repair and restoration business near Parker for a five year term with the condition that they have structure up for the business within one year.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Darren Wilson reported he is currently going through the CUP permits to make sure none are expired. He added he has sent 10 to 12 letters notifying business owner of the need to reapply and since he had good response to those letters he has paused his perusal of CUP permits so that the board isn’t overwhelmed with reapplications.

Wilson then noted he needed 15 minutes in executive session for legal matters with Gary Thompson and Shaun West. Commissioners voted to enter into that executive session at that time; returning 15 minutes later with no action taken.

Public Works Field Administrator Shaun West reported that Pleasanton High School Cross Country had requested the closure of a portion Scott Road for a meet on Oct. 6. Commissioners approved the request.

West then reported on tons of solid waste transported from each city site on a yearly basis for the last three years as well as the landfill.

He added that he has rough estimates on costs to dump from Arcadia where they currently dump, and Allen County Landfill. Allen county had given a rough quote of $27 per ton while Arcadia had quoted $40 per ton.

West will continue to look into costs associated with the city sites and will report back to the commissioners.

West reported there had been an issue with a truck requiring repairs to the control lever and pump at cost of approximately $6,700. Commissioners authorized the expense.

West asked for and the commissioners then entered into a 15 minute executive session for personnel. No action was taken following the session.

Commissioners then entered into a 60-minute executive session for employee evaluations with Deputy Clerk Morgan Northcutt also attending.  

At 10:38 a.m. Chris Martin entered the executive session, and left at 10:58 a.m. At 11 a.m. Missy Lancaster, Linn County Health Department, entered the executive session and she exited at 11:25 a.m. when the executive session ended. 

No action was taken as a result of the executive session. 

Commissioner James read Resolution #2022-33, placing a six-month moratorium on Commercial Solar Farms while the county zoning regulations are being revised.  Commissioner Rick James moved to adopt Resolution 2022-33 as presented. Commissioner Danny McCullough seconded the motion and it carried on a 3-0 vote.