~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
The Greene County board of supervisors heard progress reports and requests for funding from numerous programs at the regular meeting on Dec 9. Additionally, Jefferson city administrator Mike Palmer updated the board on the restoration status of buildings around the square.
Palmer said, “We’re working from original photos” as work progresses on the former Pizza Ranch. He also said restoration was being done to the tin ceilings in the building on the NE corner of Chestnut and State, which will be leased to Heartland Bank. Palmer said the bank might be in the building by Feb 1.
Palmer said work has been started on public parking behind Arch Alley, located on the north side of the square. He also spoke of “the harness shop” behind the former Angie’s Tea Room. That building had been used for harness making in by-gone days and is being restored.
Palmer noted the outdoor speakers had performed well during the recent Winter Festival event. Chair John Muir had previously commented to the board about the event being well-attended with an “unofficial estimate of 750 people” viewing the display of decorated Christmas trees.
Tess Cody, director of ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support), described the program as serving a five-county area of Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, and Tama counties. She said ACCESS had provided more than 157 hours of support last year in Greene County for 37 survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Cody described future efforts of the program being directed toward smaller communities in the county by “connecting with clergy and bringing newer advocates into the county.” She requested the board continue the current $5,000 support in FY21. The board did not act on the request.
Michelle Hull, director of RSVP 55+ of Boone and Greene Counties, and Sheilah Pound, local volunteer coordinator, spoke about services designed to help the elderly stay in their homes for as long as possible. Hull requested $3,000, up from the current $2500, to help meet FY21 federal match requirements. No board action was taken on the request.
Cherie Cerveny, director of Greene County Early Learning Center, and board members Jacque Andrew and Donna Sutton spoke of plans for a new center that would meet Dept. of Human Services requirements and standards.
Andrew said, “The area is going to be a vibrant, attractive area for families.” According to Cerveny, 53 percent of families using the center now live outside the city limits of Jefferson.
Cerveny described some features of the new design: 11 classrooms compared to the current five classrooms; a storm-resistant room for shelter; restrooms in each classroom; and individual classroom exits to the playground.
The proposed plan is to build the new center directly north of the current building which also houses public school administration offices, then demolish the old building and create a playground in the space. Supervisor Dawn Rudolph asked if the school will pay for demolition. Cerveny, Andrew, and Sutton were in agreement that the school would pay for the demolition.
The center requested $5,000 from the board for FY21 which is unchanged from current funding. The board did not act on the request.
Linda St. Clair and Diane Jackson represented ElderServe II, the congregate meals program serving meals at the Greenewood Center and delivering meals to homebound people in Jefferson, Scranton, Churdan, and Grand Junction. St. Clair estimated more than 19,000 meals will be served in the current fiscal year.
The county currently funds the program at $9,000. St. Clair and Jackson requested $12,000 for FY21 due to changes in Elderbridge rules for the program. The board did not act on the request.
Mike Piepel, acting as caretaker for three indigent people, spoke about his responsibility for the last three of the residents of the “original county farm.” According to Piepel there are only three county farms left in the state.
One of his clients is moving to an intermediate care facility out of county. Piepel requested $1,200 for FY21, the same payment as in the current fiscal year. No action was taken by the board.
Greene County Historical Society director Roger Aegerter and board member Chuck Offenberger spoke about the local museum and events recently held there. Offenberger said, “Margaret Hamilton has jumpstarted programs and receptions, making the museum a gathering place when there are other things going on in town.” He also described historical programs and exhibits at the fairground.
Aegerter said there were 702 visitors to the museum and 650 volunteer hours this year. He said the roof of the museum needs replacement and various sources for funding are being sought. Aegerter requested $6,000 for FY21, the same as the current year. No action was taken by the board.
In other business, the board approved a resolution to transfer $58,872 in bond proceeds from the capital project fund to the general fund for bond related costs. This was in connection with a previous internal loan having to do with the Tax Increment Funding for the career academy and other urban renewal projects.
The board discussed the need for removal of current sculptures from the courthouse grounds. November 1 had been the date set for removal. The board also discussed whether they will allow Jefferson Matters: Main Street to solicit art for Bell Tower Festival in 2020. No action was taken.
