~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
The Greene County board of supervisors met the Central Iowa Community Services service coordinator, Liza Howard, at the regular board meeting Feb 11. Howard was introduced by CICS administrator Patti Treibel-Leeds. Howard will coordinate mental health services for the county and be in the courthouse office in Jefferson on a part-time, weekly basis.
County attorney Thomas Laehn reported on an opioid litigation settlement in which 15 percent will go directly to counties in Iowa.
“The settlement will probably be on a pro-rated basis according to population,” Laehn said. “There could be conditions for spending the money, but it probably can be used for broad purposes, maybe to defray the cost of an ambulance, for example, since ambulances are used when people have opioid medical emergencies.”
Laehn reported the convening of a grand jury for March 1. Laehn has previously explained a prosecutor works with a grand jury to decide whether to bring criminal charges or an indictment against a potential defendant.
In other business, Laehn spoke of progress on the acquisition of the Midland Power building and a new draft of the installment contract.
He also spoke of the Greene County Early Learning Center timeline for receiving the first payment from the county for $50,000 toward building the new childcare facility. ELC would like to receive funds by May 1.
The board had previously stated its intention to provide $250,000 in five yearly payments for the new center to be located at the current ELC location, 204 West Madison St.
Laehn discussed progress on Mahanay Carillon Tower policies with the board, asking for direction to draft a music policy.
“I think we want to get back close to what we had,” said chair John Muir, referring to Mahanay Maestros playing and selecting the music.
Laehn said the board should choose who can play and when music can be played. He also said Maestros should be able to take requests from the public.
“Applications (to become a Maestro) should have to be approved by the board of supervisors,” Laehn said.
Laehn also spoke about licensing the music played.
According to the Library of Congress summaries of copyright law on their website, royalties must be paid for performance of any copyrighted music. Any music written prior to 1923 is considered public domain and can be used free of charge.
Most music written after that date is owned by copyright holders who are due royalties if the music is performed. Music can be licensed for use through agencies.
The board was in general agreement that Laehn should “draw something up as a starting point” for their consideration of written bell tower policy.
The board heard a first reading of a proposed dust control ordinance. Engineer Wade Weiss suggested a change in wording from “a public gravel roadway” to “a public roadway” and the board unanimously approved the change.
The second reading is scheduled for next week.
Weiss also reported on the Highway 30 Coalition. The group continues to discuss whether Highway 30 should be developed across the state as a four-lane road or a super two-lane highway.
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, “a super two-lane highway is a two-lane rural highway in which a periodic passing lane has been added to allow faster vehicles to pass. The passing lane typically alternates from one direction of travel to the other within a section of roadway, which allows periodic passing opportunities in both directions in a safe manner.”
A four-lane road is a “divided highway with two lanes on each side and a median.”
Craig Berry reported the Market-to-Market relay race has been cancelled for 2021 but is scheduled for May 14 of 2022. Berry asked that courthouse facilities be made available as in the past.
The board reviewed budget expenditures and requests from funding heard from various offices, agencies, and organizations over the past weeks.
A tentative agreement was reached on a 2 percent increase for library funding. The board expects Bell Tower Community Tower Foundation funding to remain at $7,500. Elderserve congregate meals was increased to $11,000.
Costs to operate the new administrative law enforcement center and the current LEC were reviewed.
Insurance contributions (costs) are expected to increase by $100,000 due to a 15 percent increase in county contribution to ICAP, higher unemployment contribution, and more employees are included in county health insurance plans. Total expenditures and transfers are $16.8 million prior to changes in funding.
