~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
The Greene County board of supervisors on Aug. 3 approved the hire of Jessica Larson as fulltime clerk in the treasurer’s office, but only after “off the agenda” discussion about matters that are illegal in the hiring process.
During a break in the agenda, treasurer Katlynn Mechaelsen responded to questions posed to her in jest about Larson.
These questions were about Larson’s age, health conditions, and child-bearing status, specifically whether she had finished having children. Mechaelsen answered the questions about Larson.
According to a representative of Iowa Legal Aid, these questions are illegal if asked of an applicant during an interview. That information is to have no bearing on personnel decisions.
GCNO notes supervisor Dawn Rudolph was absent from this meeting. Rudolph appears to act as an unofficial guide to the board in whether a discussion is appropriate or inappropriate.
County attorney Thomas Laehn was not present at that part of the meeting.
Larson will start employment Aug. 17 at an annual salary of $42,500.
In other business, Craig Flack questioned the board during open forum about a proposed social host policy. Details are reported in a related story posted August 5 in GCNO.
Chair John Muir opened public hearings for two zoning reclassification requests.
Terry Ross, 516 320th St in Willow township, requested his property be changed from residential to commercial for the licensed sale of cars. Chuck Wenthold, zoning administrator, stated he had not received any objections to the change. Wenthold recommended the zoning change be made.
Wenthold stated the Department of Transportation requires a property be commercial in order to grant an applicant licensure to sell cars. He said Ross planned to sell three or four cars at a time.
The board voted to change the property classification in Willow Township from residential to commercial.
NEW Cooperative at 2272 Neola Ave (Highway 4), south of Jefferson near Cooper, requested a change from agricultural to commercial. Wenthold said he had received no objections to it and he recommended the change be made.
NEW Cooperative is adding a pelleting feed mill to its operation and needs additional zoned ground for traffic flow, according to previous news releases.
The board approved the zoning change.
Acting as drainage trustees, the board found the funds on hand for Drainage District 14 are insufficient to meet the needs of the district. The board approved an assessment of 97.5 percent of the original assessment of benefits to pay off outstanding warrants with accrued interest.
The assessment is levied against all land. lots, and parcels of ground in the district. The district will be charged 6 percent interest per year beginning Aug. 3. The assessment is payable the same as ordinary taxes.
The board approved a letter of support for a Main Street Challenge grant on behalf of Why Not Us, the investment group that plans to re-open Angie’s Tea Garden and develop upper story housing in the building.
Supervisor Pete Bardole reported Hot August Night is scheduled for August 13 on the east side of the courthouse. Hours are from 4:30 to 7 pm. This is a display of vehicles.
The board accepted the sheriff’s quarterly report and the treasurer’s semi-annual report.
