Coalition makes FY 2022 budget request from the county

     Jennifer Husmann, project coordinator with the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition, addressed the Jones County Supervisors during their Feb. 23 board meeting.

     The Coalition requested $10,000 from the county for Fiscal Year 2022.

     Husmann said she spends about 25 percent of her time working for the Coalition, and 75 percent of her time goes toward ASAC (Area Substance Abuse Council). She also puts in time working for the statewide coalition organization.

     “We were still able to get a lot accomplished this year,” she told the board, “and we’re planning things for this year, virtually for now.”

     Husmann continues to work from home since November when COVID-19 cases started to spike in Jones County.

     “This has definitely been the hardest year we’ve had,” she said of all that was impacted by the pandemic. “But we adjusted and were able to do most things.”

     All Coalition events were either cancelled or went virtual.

     The Coalition received a three-year grant related to methamphetamine use among youth. Husmann said the new data she’s received shows that numbers are improving.

     “We are asking for a no-cost extension (on the grant) because we didn’t spend all of the money,” Husmann said.

     The Coalition and local high school students took part in Day on the Hill last week. Typically they take a bus load of youth and adults to the Capitol in Des Moines for the event. This year, it was held virtually.

     The Coalition is also gearing up for a training opportunity in collaboration with Jones County Extension in March, and a townhall-type event in April. The townhall will be held in-person at the National Motorcycle Museum. Every May, the Coalition hosts a 5K event to raise money, something Husmann hopes to see happen again this year.

     “We’re working hard to get back into the schools,” Husmann noted, wanting to combat such issues as vaping and healthy living.

In other county business:

     • County Engineer Derek Snead and Assistance Engineer Todd Postel updated the board on the condition of gravel roads as snow/ice begins to melt and thaw.

     “It’ll be trying the next 30 to 45 days,” Snead warned. “So much snow is still on the ground. The gravel roads will be soft.”

     Postel said a gradual warming, more than anything, will help with the condition of the roads.

     Supervisor John Schlarmann said the fact that there is no frost under the deep snow should also help.

     Snead said he submitted a claim for $50,000 to cover the purchase of more salt.

     “Our inventory is not very good,” he said. “We’ve gone through a lot of materials (sand and salt), overtime, and fuel.”

     With the Secondary Road budget taking a hit due to the winter season, Snead said that will impact contract rock going down on the gravel roads before July 1.

     “We need to balance out the budget,” he said.

     The supervisors praised the motor grader drivers for a job well done clearing the county roads during the winter.

     “It’s been a challenge,” said Postel.

     • The board approved an appropriation resolution transferring $29,000 from the Senior Dining budget and $18,000 from the Environmental Services budget, both into Public Health.

     County Auditor Whitney Hein explained that the Public Health budget has about 7 percent remaining due to COVID expenses.

     “This will get us through until the end of March,” she said. At that time, the board can consider a budget amendment.

     The transfer does not negatively impact the other two departments.

     • The board approved the second consideration repealing and replacing the entire Jones County Zoning Ordinance.

     Land Use Administrator Michele Lubben said she did not receive any comments or feedback since the board approved the first consideration. Supervisor Ned Rohwedder said he did receive an email from a county resident asking why Jones County was promoting wind and solar power, which are two new zoning ordinances within the overall code.

     “We’re not promoting it,” Rohwedder said. “We have a plan in case the county is consulted about it.”

     “This is a planning tool,” reiterated Lubben.

     • The board approved the addition of the Bloodborne Pathogen Policy to the Employee Handbook.

     • The board approved the Historic Preservation Commission’s annual report.

     Chair Rose Rohr said COVID impacted much of what the Commission could do in 2020. Some work was done at Grant Wood Park following damage from the derecho last August, including replacing the perimeter fence at a cost of $1,300. Rohr said the Commission and the county need to have a conversation regarding the Antioch School building, as well as planting trees.

     • The board approved a notice to bidders for the culvert replacement project on Madison Road. A bid letting will be held on April 13. The late start date for the project is Aug. 2 with 45 working days, and $1,000 a day in liquidated damages.

     The engineer’s estimate for the project is $225,500, plus $4,500 in right of way purchases.