PROCEEDINGS OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING TUESDAY,
FEBRUARY 18, 2025
At 9:00 a.m., Chairperson Richard Young called to order in regular session a meeting of the Washington County Board of Supervisors which took place in the Orchard Hill Boardroom. Items on the agenda included the following: Pledge of Allegiance, approval of agenda, public comment related to agenda items, personnel change request – Communications, personnel change request – Outreach, appointment of deputy or assistant, supplemental agreement No. 1 for final design services for bridge No. 336060, Skunk River Bridge at McKains Access, discussion and possible approval of Competitive Highway Bridge Program Grant 28E Agreement (agenda was amended to include Resolution 25-05 in support of the joint CHBP Agreement and letter of support for the Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) Grant Project), Resolution 25-04 regarding a proposed amendment to the FY25 Washington County five-year road program, approval of employment contract for County Engineer, appointment of boards and commissions for Lime Creek in Washington County, Health and Human Services (HHS) data request, approval of FY26 East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) Assessment, Department Head comment, adjourn.
Supervisors Bob Yoder, Jack Seward Jr., Marcus Fedler and Stan Stoops were also present.
Other individuals in attendance included Kalen McCain with the SE Iowa Union, County Dispatch Supervisor Cara Sorrells, County Attorney Nathan Repp, County Engineer Jacob Thorius, and Board of Supervisors Administrative Assistant Amber Williams. Various other individuals listened and/or watched remotely via Zoom.
Seward led the individuals assembled in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
All motions were passed unanimously unless noted otherwise.
On motion by Fedler, seconded by Seward, the Board voted to approve the agenda as amended.
There was no public comment.
On motion by Yoder, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted to acknowledge, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, a personnel change request from the Communications for the change of status of Rendee Campbell, effective March 3, 2025, from part-time to full-time at the same rate of $24.18 hourly.
On motion by Fedler, second by Seward, the Board voted to acknowledge, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, a personnel change request from Outreach for the hiring of Joseph Williams as a full-time Outreach Director at the rate of $27.85 hourly effective March 3, 2025.
It was noted that Brandon Hamilton will still be on staff to assist in training the new director.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted to approve, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, the appointment of Andrew Stanley to the position of Deputy Sheriff for a term ending December 31, 2028.
County Engineer Thorius presented information regarding the Supplemental Agreement No. 1 for Final Design Services County Bridge No. 336060 (FHWA No. 336060) CB&A No. 2021126 related to Skunk River Bridge at McKains Access. On motion by Seward, seconded by Stoops, the Board approved, and authorized the Chairperson to sign, the supplemental agreement which lists fees added to the original Calhoun-Burns & Associates contract amount dated February 15, 2021.
On motion by Fedler, seconded by Seward, the Board approved the 28E Cooperative Agreement for a Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) Grant Program, and authorized the Chairperson to sign. Thorius reported that Washington County was one of twenty counties selected to receive the grant which totals a minimum of $32.5 million available to counties and cities. If the grant is successful Washington County expects to receive approximately $560,000.00 to be used towards repairing and replacing necessary bridges, specifically one located on Orange Avenue north of G36 with a total replacement cost of $700,000.00.
The Board voted to adopt, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, Resolution 25-05 In Support of the Joint CHBP Grant Agreement and Letter of Support for the Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) Grant Project. Motion was made by Seward, seconded by Fedler, to adopt the resolution.
On motion by Fedler, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted to approve, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, Resolution 25-04 to Revise FY25 Washington County Five-Year Road Program. The revision is to amend the funding types shown on the report due to the Joint CHBP Grant Agreement.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Fedler, the Board approved the Employment Contract and Agreement between Washington County, Iowa, and County Engineer Jacob Thorius, P.E., and authorized the Chairperson to sign. The contract is effective July 1, 2025, ending June 30, 2028, at the rate of $159,764.00 annually.
Seward made a motion to approve the appointment of Gregg Nagel as a Trustee for Lime Creek Township. Nagel is replacing Charlie Johnson. Fedler seconded the motion.
Supervisor Seward presented information regarding a data request from Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS). The data will help with the transition from Mental Health and Disability Service (MH/DS) regions to the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization. The item was tabled until further information is available and questions regarding the data and wording necessary are answered.
On motion by Yoder, seconded by Seward, the Board acknowledged the East Central Iowa Council of Governments FY26 assessment in the amount of $16,111.00. This is an increase of $316.00 from last year.
During Department Head comment, Supervisor Fedler gave an update on Building 2 at Orchard Hill, stating the remodel is mostly complete. He also noted that the courthouse remodel is expected to start in the next week. Recognition was given to Buildings and Grounds supervisor Aaron Wulf and the County IT staff on working diligently to get the Orchard Hill project completed.
At 9:28 a.m. on motion by Yoder, seconded by Stoops, the Board voted to adjourn.
ATTEST:s/ Tamera S. Stewart, Washington County Auditor
Published in The News, Thursday, March 6, 2025 L-175
