IOWA CITY

Less than one month after the Four Oaks Youth Shelter closed, Johnson County Supervisors moved closer at their July 26 work session to answering a request for funds that would cover the construction of a new facility for youth.

Sarah Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of CommUnity Crisis Services, and Talia Meidlinger, Executive Director of United Action for Youth, appeared in front of the board for the second time in 10 weeks to ask for $1 million in funds. The new facility would shelter youth who are in crisis and need immediate help.

Four Oaks closed July 1.

“Without this ability to place kids who are a risk to self harm, to others or major family conflict, we’re only going to continue to see high-risk cases,” Meidlinger said.

Nelson said building contractors were set to begin work by the middle of September with a potential opening of the new building in winter 2024. The financial request is $1.05 million. Another $250,000 is expected to come from the Mental Health/Disability Services of the East Central Region.

Supervisor Rod Sullivan said additional funds may still come from the regional administration.

“I think it’s important we find the money regardless,” Supervisor Jon Green of Lone Tree said. “This is a priority for me.”

“I think that we need to work the region as much as possible for what we can get …,” said Supervisor Chair Lisa Green-Douglass. “It is in fact a regional-type thing.”

Nelson said funds would be needed by the end of August to get the work started.

The proposed facility, located on Highway 6 in Iowa City, is big enough to offer shelter for 12 youth, along with programming space, a pond, and open space for walking and other activities.

County building remodels

At its July 27 formal session, the Board approved a contract with McComas-Lacina Construction of Iowa City for $7.352 million for an extensive remodeling project at the county’s administration and Health & Human Services buildings at the Iowa City campus.

Five bids ranged up to $8.1 million and McComas-Lacina had the lowest bid.

OPN Architects of Iowa City is heading up the design on a project that will include a remodel of the administration building on South Dubuque Street and a remodel of the third floor of the HHS building. Among the changes will be a new board room.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used to finance a portion of the project over two fiscal years.

Board Action

The Board approved a services agreement of $105,000 with Iowa Valley Resource Conservation & Development for management services at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.

The Board approved several pay-range plans for non-bargaining employees.

Next board meeting: The board will hold its next formal meeting at 9 a.m. August 3.