The Greene County Board of Supervisors met Monday in regular session.
During open forum, an update was given about the recent fish kill in Hardin Creek. County Environmental Administrator Chuck Wenthold said water samples have been submitted for testing and the results are expected back this week. He noted that there were no issues in the affected area with cattle along the creek. County Conservation Director Dan Towers said DNR officials believe the cause is more than low oxygen levels.
Towers then talked about the collapsed bridge on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. He said discussions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) involved repairing the collapsed portion of the bridge with 70-foot beams. Another portion of the bridge had some additional pilings missing and could be replaced with additional 70-foot beams. No formal decision has been made by FEMA for either proposal.
Also during open forum, County Attorney Thomas Laehn presented a draft of a new social host ordinance. Laehn said the Iowa Code only covers individuals who are 17 and younger from consuming alcohol at a gathering. That code has a civil penalty for the host of the gathering. The new ordinance would cover those who are 18-20 years-old from consuming alcohol, controlled substances and prescription medications. The Board took no action following the discussion and review of the ordinance.
The Board then approved an agreement with Tyler Technology for Eagle Recorder software. The new software would be an upgrade from Image Tech, which is what the County Recorder’s and Auditor’s offices use. County Recorder Marcia Tasler said the current software is over 35 years old and it is no longer being supported by Tyler. The annual fees are $6,300 and the one-time installation and training fees are $33,000. The funds are within the County Informational Technology budget.
Additionally, the Board approved Kim Christensen as a part-time secretary for the Sheriff’s office, with a $15 per hour starting wage. The Board also approved the 2020 fiscal year substance abuse grant as presented for $1,902.