IOWA CITY

The Labor Day holiday this past Monday resulted in a celebratory proclamation issued by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors at its formal meeting August 29 and plenty of union talk.

“I’m proud to be a labor person,” said Supervisor Royceann Porter, who added that she is an organizer with Teamsters 238 in Cedar Rapids. “It’s a wonderful thing just knowing you’re going there to help people.”

Board Chair Rod Sullivan, who has been a member of the Washington D.C.-based American Federation of Teachers union for more than 30 years, said his family includes four generations of union members. His grandfather was among them as a union carpenter.

“I always get a little emotional around Labor Day,” Sullivan said. “We were just raised, there was no other way.”

Several speakers went in front of the board, expressing hope that state legislators will become more friendly to unions around the state. All five supervisors spoke in favor of union work.

“I think labor is on the upswing,” said Supervisor Jon Green of Lone Tree. “You love to see it.”

Poor Farm Kitchen

Peak Construction Group of North Liberty was designated as the winning bidder for construction of a commercial kitchen at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.

Peak’s bid was $1.6 million for a project that will be funded by both American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Johnson County money. ARPA’s share is $1.1 million. The bid came in more than $300,000 under an architect’s estimate of $1.94 million.

Poor Farm officials expect construction work to begin in September with completion in June 2025.

Board Actions

The Board approved job descriptions for assistant ambulance director, veterans affair director and park ranger I and II.

The Board approved a $25,000 ARPA Community Food and Farm Grant program agreement with 5M Emprendimiento Latino LLC.

The Board approved using the Employee Group Health Fund to expand eligibility for respiratory virus vaccinations (flu and COVID-19).

Next meeting:

The Board’s next formal session is at 9 a.m. September 5.