Washington County Nov 3, 2026

PROCEEDINGS OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026

At 9:00 a.m., Chairperson Jack Seward, Jr. called to order in regular session a meeting of the Washington County Board of Supervisors which took place at Orchard Hill. Items on the agenda included the following: Pledge of Allegiance, approval of agenda, public comment related to agenda items, employee years of service recognition, personnel change request – Ambulance, discussion regarding Urban Renewal Plan for 2026 Riverside Commercial Urban Renewal Area, Resolution 26-35 to Approve Inclusion of Certain Property in the 2026 Riverside Commercial Urban Renewal Area of the City of Riverside, Iowa, acceptance of quote for Otta Seal on 140th Street, Resolution 26-36 related to the establishment of various bridge embargos, review and approval of Riverside VFW Post #6414 liquor license renewal, discussion regarding Magistrate Appointing Commissions, Operation Green Light in Support of Veterans, Department Head comment, adjourn.
Supervisors Marcus Fedler, Bob Yoder, Richard Young, and Stan Stoops were also present.
Other individuals in attendance included Giovanni Coronel with the Southeast Iowa Union, County Engineer Jacob Thorius, Public Health Fiscal Administrator Peggy Wood, Veterans Affairs Director Carrie Rich, Ambulance Director Jordan Wright, IT Systems Administrator Dustin Flake, and Riverside City Clerk Stephanie Thomann. Various other individuals listened and/or watched remotely via Zoom.
Fedler led the individuals assembled in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
All motions were passed unanimously unless noted otherwise.
On motion by Fedler, seconded by Young, the Board voted to approve the agenda as published.
There was no public comment.
While taking no formal action, the Board recognized Public Health employee Peggy Wood for her 20 years of service with Washington County. Wood was thanked for her ongoing service.
On motion by Fedler, seconded by Yoder, the Board approved and authorized the Chairperson to sign a personnel change request from Ambulance Services for the hiring of Paramedic Madison Petersen, effective November 10, 2026, at the rate of $34.78 hourly.
Riverside City Clerk Stephanie Thomann presented information regarding the Urban Renewal Plan 2026 Riverside Commercial Urban Renewal Area. Thomann stated there are three parcels to be considered for the Urban Renewal Area; the Black Jack RV Park and Waterpark Resort Development Project, Lot Two in Eastside Commercial near the existing Dirty Bottom campground, and Lots Two, Three, Four, and Outlot A in Enterprise Park near Maverik Gas Station along Hwy 22. The area for Black Jack is the current project, with the other two areas for potential future development. Upon question by Fedler, Thomann informed the Board of the City’s total commitment of incremental property tax revenues will not exceed $4,000,000.00 and to run for 23 years.
On motion by Fedler, seconded by Stoops, the Board approved by way of roll call vote, Resolution 26-35, Resolution to Approve Inclusion of Certain Property in the 2026 Riverside Commercial Urban Renewal Area of the City of Riverside, Iowa, and authorized the Chairperson to sign Resolution 26-35 as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 26-35
Resolution to Approve Inclusion of Certain Property in the 2026 Riverside Commercial Urban Renewal Area of the City of Riverside, Iowa

WHEREAS, the City of Riverside, Iowa (the “City”) has begun the process of establishing the 2026 Riverside Commercial Urban Renewal Area (the “Urban Renewal Area”), pursuant to Chapter 403 of the Code of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, the property which is proposed to be included in the Urban Renewal Area is located outside but within two miles of the City limits, such property being described on Exhibit A hereto (the “Property”); and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 403.17(4) of the Code of Iowa, a city may exercise urban renewal powers with respect to property which is located outside but within two miles of the boundary of that city, but only if the city obtains the consent of the county within which such property is located; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City has requested that the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, Iowa (“Washington County”) adopt this resolution giving its consent that the City may exercise urban renewal powers with respect to the Property; and

NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, Iowa, as follows:
Section 1. The Washington County Board of Supervisors hereby gives its consent that the City may include the Property in the Urban Renewal Area and exercise urban renewal powers pursuant to Chapter 403 of the Code of Iowa with respect to the Property.
Section 3. This Resolution shall be deemed to meet the statutory requirements of paragraph 4 of Section 403.17 of the Code of Iowa and shall be effective immediately following its approval and execution.
The areas involved in the resolution are currently located outside of the Corporate boundaries of Riverside; however, they are set to be annexed into City Limits in the near future.
County Engineer Jacob Thorius presented a quote of $82,862.80 for maintenance work on 140th Street for Stone Ridge Estates Subdivision, which will be paid by the subdivision Home Owners Association per the previously approved agreement. The original estimate was approximately $90,000.00, including the initial rock and stabilization work to be completed by the county maintenance crews. Work is expected to take place in 2027, with stabilization work to begin earlier. This timeline and costs are contingent upon Stone Ridge Estates Home Owners Association obtaining funding. On motion by Fedler, seconded by Stoops, the Board acknowledged the quote for 140th Street Otta seal.
On motion by Stoops, seconded by Yoder, the Board approved by way of roll call vote, Resolution 26-36, Bridge Embargo, and authorized the Chairperson to sign Resolution 26-36 as follows:

RESOLUTION 26-36
BRIDGE EMBARGO

WHEREAS, under the provisions of Chapter 321.236(8), 321.255, and 321.471 to 321.473 of the Code of Iowa, the Board of Supervisors may prohibit the operation of vehicles or impose limitations as to the weight thereof on designated highways or highway structures under their jurisdiction and limitations shall be designated by appropriate signs placed on such highways, and

WHEREAS, The County Engineer has completed (or has caused to be completed) the structure inventory and appraisal of certain Washington County bridges, in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards, and it has been determined that these bridges are inadequate for two-lane legal loads at allowable operation stresses.

IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Washington County Board of Supervisors that vehicle and load limits be established and that signs be erected advising of the permissible maximum weights thereof on the bridges listed, as follows:

Structure Number / Feature Crossed / Location / Load Limit (tons)
051510 North Fork Long Creek 22-75-6 28, 40, 40
335590 Small Stream 22-74-06 28, 40, 40
335791 Small Stream 17-74-7 15
336280 South Fork Long Creek 28-75-6 28, 40, 40
336300 Small Stream 1-75-7 28, 40, 40
336521 West Fork Crooked Creek 22-75-8 28, 40, 40
336640 Over CPKS RR 25-75-9 10
336910 Whiskey Creek 33-76-6 26, 39, 40
337000 Davis Creek 15-76-7 15
337040 North Fork Long Creek 28-76-7 28, 40, 40
337050 North Fork Long Creek 29-76-7 8
337140 Small Stream 21-76-8 28, 40, 40
337170 West Fork Crooked Creek 29-76-8 28, 40, 40
337360 West Fork Crooked Creek 28-76-9 24, 35, 40
337380 Small Stream 8-77-6 15
337580 Camp Creek 20-77-7 28, 40, 40
338030 Smith Creek 27-77-9 25, 40, 40
WASH 07 Small Stream 17-74-9 10
WASH 10 Small Stream 30-75-7 10
WASH 13 Small Stream 35-75-9 3
WASH 14 Small Stream 3-76-7 8
WASH 16 Small Stream 21-76-8 6

On motion by Fedler, seconded by Yoder, the Board approved and authorized the Chairperson to sign a Class C Retail Liquor License renewal for Riverside VFW Post #6414, effective November 10, 2026, and expiring November 9, 2027.
Chairperson Jack Seward, Jr., informed the Board of changes regarding County Magistrate Appointing Commissions, specifically the need for the Board to appoint one lay member from Washington County to the District Appointing Commission for a six-year term beginning January 1, 2027, and each sixth year thereafter. This person cannot be an attorney or active law enforcement officer. Interested volunteers will also be provided to the County by the District Court Administrator for consideration. The Board will contact the Commission regarding the terms and the item will be on a future agenda.
Upon presentation by Veterans Affairs Director Carrie Rich, on motion by Seward, seconded by Stoops, the Board approved and authorized the Chairperson to sign the following proclamation:

PROCLAMATION

Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans 2026

WHEREAS, the residents of Washington County to include the cities of Ainsworth, Brighton, Crawfordsville, Kalona, Riverside, Washington, Wellman, and West Chester have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and our communities in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and

WHEREAS, Washington County to include the cites of Ainsworth, Brighton, Crawfordsville, Kalona, Riverside, Washington, Wellman, and West Chester seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and

WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve our communities in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former services members access more than $52 billion in Federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and

WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually;

WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and

WHEREAS, active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and

WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and

WHEREAS, Washington County to include the cities of Ainsworth, Brighton, Crawfordsville, Kalona, Riverside, Washington, Wellman, and West Chester appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific reignition should be granted;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Washington County to include the cities of Ainsworth, Brighton, Crawfordsville, Kalona, Riverside, Washington, Wellman, and West Chester hereby declares November -11, 2026, as a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of those who have served and are transitioning from active service; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Washington County to include the cities of Ainsworth, Brighton, Crawfordsville, Kalona, Riverside, Washington, Wellman, and West Chester encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4-11, 2026.

During Department Head comment, County Engineer Jacob Thorius gave information regarding the approval of a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant application with Jones and Cedar Counties for safety improvements on Old 218/Vine Avenue, from Highway 22 to Highway 218, for paved shoulders. The grant awarded a total of $11.6 million for $14.5 million worth of work. Washington County was awarded $4.3 million for approximately $5.4 million worth of work to be completed.
Auditor Tamera Stewart informed the Board that over 4,100 absentee mail-in and over-the-counter ballots have been received by the Auditor’s Office. Polling locations started off busy at their 7:00 a.m. opening and all precincts opened with very minor issues reported.
At 9:40 a.m. on motion by Fedler, seconded by Stoops, the Board voted to adjourn.

ATTEST: s/ Tamera S. Stewart, Washington County Auditor

Published in The News, Thursday, November 12, 2026 L-379