New recorder sworn in via Zoom due to Covid
~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
A candid discussion about rising levels of Covid-19 infection in Greene County occurred among supervisors, elected officials, and others attending the regular meeting of the Greene County board of supervisors on November 2.
The wearing of masks was of particular interest for county offices since, according to public health guidelines, a person contracting Covid-19 could cause an entire office to be shut down if other employees had not been wearing masks.
County IT coordinator Michelle Fields said, “If everybody was wearing masks, only the sick person has to go home.” Fields said additional laptop computers would be needed if employees had to work from home. She noted the difficulty now in getting some types of electronic equipment such as laptops.
“We need to keep the courthouse open and running,” Fields said.
The supervisors discussed mandated wearing of masks and, in general, seemed to agree masks are a “personal responsibility.”
County attorney Thomas Laehn advised the board, “You have authority to require county employees to wear masks, but not elected officials.”
Chair John Muir said, “Encouraging (mask use) is as far as we can do. It (should be) left up to department heads.”
Supervisor Pete Bardole reported he had attended an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting where the “climbing numbers” had been discussed. “Everybody’s communicating and working well together,” he said.
Muir said, “I’d love to see everybody wear masks for three weeks and see how that affects the rate of infection.”
Ironically, the board electronically presided over the appointment and swearing in of Deborah McDonald as Greene County recorder. McDonald attended the board meeting electronically through Zoom, explaining she had tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.
County attorney Laehn appeared also on video Zoom to swear McDonald into office and to visually witness her signing of the oath of office document. Auditor Jane Heun also witnessed the signing via Zoom.
McDonald said her office is currently closed but she hopes to be back on Thursday.
“I highly recommend everyone wear masks,” she said. “This is not a good way to start a new job.”
In other business, attorney Laehn reported the city of Jefferson has hired one police officer and is working toward hiring another one. The hirings will meet benchmarks set in a 28 E agreement between the city, county, and sheriff’s office to assist the city in law enforcement coverage while re-building the police department.
He also reported he had looked over the contract for the purchase of the Midland Power building, located west of the Jefferson Cemetery, to be used as a law enforcement center. He said a March 1 closing is proposed.
Jean Walker, representing Thomas Jefferson Gardens, requested Dreyfus grant funding for a proposed on-site greenhouse. Walker said, “We can grow our own plants for the six gardens and provide educational opportunities to the public.”
Walker requested $5,000. The board unanimously agreed to match 50/50 up to $3,000 from Dreyfus funds. A February 15, 2021 goal date was set for raising funds to meet the match required for Dreyfus funds.
The board unanimously appointed Karla Janning as new representative on the Region XII Regional Housing Authority board of directors for Oct. 1, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2021.
The board directed the county engineer to display lighted snowflakes in the trees on courthouse grounds “each year from the first Monday after Thanksgiving to the first Monday after New Year’s Day, or on alternative dates as may be determined by the county engineer.”
The board unanimously approved a temporary transfer of $80,000.00 from the General Fund to the Bike Trail Fund for the Greene County Raccoon River Trail Signage Project. The funds will be reimbursed by the Iowa Transportation Alternative Program by June 30, 2021.
Supervisor Tom Contner reported he received an inquiry about whether the board would consider allowing ATVs to use gravel roads in the county for recreational use. The board agreed no changes in current law are planned.
