Linn County public meetings in 2023

Linn County Board of Supervisors

The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved the minutes from the September 5 and September 6, 2023 meetings. No other actions were taken; the session included reports from the County Engineer, LIFTS Director, and Policy & Admin Director. The meeting adjourned at 9:33 a.m.

• Approved minutes of September 5 & 6, 2023 (AYE)

Linn County Board of Supervisors

The Board approved funding requests for Human Resources and Planning & Development using American Rescue Plan Act funds. The Board also approved several payroll authorizations and appointed a new township clerk. Other items regarding LIFTS software and carryover requests were noted for approval on a subsequent Wednesday.

• Approved $298,400 in ARPA funds for Human Resources and Planning & Development
• Approved payroll authorizations for Planning & Development, Facilities, Community Services, and Juvenile Detention
• Appointed Linda Fierstine as Bertram Township Clerk through 12/31/26

Linn County Board of Supervisors

The Board approved a temporary use permit for the 5th Annual Music & Arts Festival – Farm Fresh Reggae in Springville. Other actions included approving nearly $2M in claims, a residential parcel split, and several department purchase orders.

• Approved $1,977,304.13 in claims for payable checks and ACH
• Approved temporary use permit for Farm Fresh Reggae festival at 838 Bolton Manor Road
• Approved sale of surplus 2017 Ford Explorer to Coggon Fire Department for $5,500.00
• Approved residential parcel split for STEEN ESTATES ADDITION (Case # PFP23-0001)
• Approved $483,758.20 purchase order to Insight Public Sector for Microsoft Software
• Approved $35,329.36 purchase order to Vulcan Signs for road signs
• Approved $22,200 contract amendment for Benevate, Inc. software services
• Approved 5 Day Liquor License for The Ideal Theater & Bar

Linn County Board of Supervisors

The Board opened a public hearing to amend the Unified Development Code regarding utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems. Several residents and developers provided testimony on setbacks, noise modeling, and the use of a project scorecard. No final vote on the ordinance was taken during this session.

• Approved minutes of August 30 & August 31, 2023
• Approved payroll deduction claims totaling $2,167,859.04
• Approved Employment Change Roster for IT, LIFTS, and Finance & Budget
• Approved retroactive liquor license for Indian Creek Nature Center
• Opened public hearing for ordinance amending Renewable Energy and Utility-Scale Solar codes

Linn County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors approved several grant requests from the Economic and Community Development Fund and reallocated ARPA funds for Election Services. Other actions included approving a residential parcel split and vacating a portion of road right-of-way.

• Approved $801,210.00 reallocation of Election Services ARPA award
• Approved Economic and Community Development Fund grants to 13 organizations totaling $94,500
• Approved $65,880.00 ARPA Subaward Agreement for Salvation Army EDS Rapid Response Unit Project
• Approved Resolution 2023-8-114 for a Residential Parcel Split for CLARK FARM FIRST
• Approved Resolution 2023-8-115 to vacate excess road right-of-way and convey it to Stacey S & Nathaniel R Ross
• Approved $2,583,589.48 in payable checks and ACH payments
• Approved 2023 Homestead Credit, Homestead 65+ Exemption, and Military Exemption allowances
• Approved $10,383 contract amendment for Ryan White Program with Iowa Department of Public Health

Board of Adjustment

The Board approved two requests for oversized accessory structures and a modification for Camp Tanager's recreation facilities. One request for a front-yard setback variance was denied.

• Approved Special Exception PSE23-0004 for 2,945 sq ft accessory structure at 4885 Lakewood (5-0)
• Approved Variance PV23-0005 for 2,400 sq ft accessory dwelling unit at 3430 Lewis Bottoms Rd (4-1)
• Denied Variance PV23-0007 for 39' front-yard setback relief at 4005 Sunshine St (4-1)
• Approved Conditional Use modification PC23-0008 for Camp Tanager recreation facilities

Linn County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors held a joint meeting with the Linn County Conservation Board to discuss trail plans and upcoming projects. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded; the session concluded with a tour of several park and infrastructure sites.

Conservation Board

The Board approved a resolution to set a public hearing for the Pinicon Ridge Park campground expansion. Other actions included opening two areas for hunting and trapping and authorizing a land conveyance request to the Board of Supervisors.

• Approved Resolution #2023-19 to set public hearing for Pinicon Ridge Park campground expansion (all present aye)
• Authorized request for Board of Supervisors to convey Plat of Survey #786 to Kirk and Kimberly Osborn (all present aye)
• Approved farm crossing easement agreement on former Alliant Energy corridor (all present aye)
• Approved Resolution 2023-20 opening Sieck addition at Wickiup Hill Natural Area and Linn County Learning Farm to hunting and trapping (all present aye)
• Approved July 24, 2023 meeting minutes (all present aye)
• Approved Claims List #2024-2 (all present aye)
• Accepted 11 gifts including monetary donations for woodland restoration and trail improvements (all present aye)