~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
The Greene County board of supervisors at the regular meeting Nov. 13 discussed recent voter approval for construction of a new jail. They estimated construction could start in early 2025 with an opening of the facility in spring, 2026.
Supervisors John Muir, Dawn Rudolph, and sheriff Jack Williams reported they have met with representatives of ISG, the construction company approved last year to construct a new jail if voters approved. They reported ISG will get a timeline to Williams by the end of next week.
The board suggested talking with other counties that have recently built jails to explore possible pit-falls and design problems they might have encountered.
Chuck Wenthold, environmental health coordinator, reported a public evidentiary hearing was held Nov. 8 in Fort Dodge by the Iowa Utilities Board concerning a proposed carbon capture pipeline to be constructed by Summit Carbon Solutions. Wenthold said the IUB will issue an order with a briefing schedule. Once briefs are filed, the IUB will deliberate on the construction application.
Wenthold said the IUB can grant the application, grant the application with modifications, or deny the application for a construction permit. He said there is no deadline for a decision by the IUB.
Engineer Wade Weiss reported on progress with secondary road projects and road work that could be done by the secondary roads department at Squirrel Hollow Park. He noted the park is the oldest county park in the state and work is needed on the road near Squirrel Hollow bridge.
Chair Muir agreed that work in that area would enhance the park.
Weiss also described “winter projects” for maintaining the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower. He said there continues to be water problems around the door when the wind blows from the east.
“The tower moves in the wind,” Weiss said, “and that affects the tiling (on walls and floors).”
Weis assured the board the walls or floors were not cracking and that problems were only with tiles.
Jefferson city administrator Scott Peterson updated the board on city projects.
“We would like to engage with the public (over issues and plans),” Peterson said. He said the city would like to communicate with residents through cell phones and emails and would like to collect this information. He cited a QR code and bright sticker on recent mailings to residents allowing them to get more information online about lead service lines.
Peterson told the board there will be a strategic planning session with a consultant Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 pm. The city council and city staff will attend.
Peterson also spoke about the Greene County Recycling Agency renewing insurance policies and this cost had led the city to discuss the possibility of dissolving the agency and putting individual 28E agreements into effect with all the entities involved. The city is exploring whether this would be cost effective.
Peterson said a local group is doing fundraising to construct two pickleball courts in Russell Park, and hangar construction at the airport is progressing.
In other business, Rudolph described an “immigrant resettlement program” for people from Ukraine displaced because of war. She said acceptance in the program is “a long process” involving background checks and sponsors.
Rudolph said John Rigler, president of People’s Bank, has information.
The board adjourned and then was called to order again at 1 pm as a board of canvassers for the Nov. 7 city and school Election. Vote totals are included in the official minutes, linked under the Calendar/Agenda tab at GreeneCountyNewsOnline.
