Supervisor’s meeting Jan 11, 2021

SIGOURNEY—The supervisors met in regular session this morning at 8:30am five items on the agenda. After the formalities, the first item was discussion and possible decision on proposal to amend the Keokuk County Infectious Disease action plan – COVID-19 Pandemic to extend the emergency paid sick leave provided therein.

The supervisors were advised that the original Federal mandate was no longer in effect. County Attorney Amber Thompson advised that, “We kinda took an informal poll from other counties and it seems that most counties… were extending it for a month, or three months, or even some extending it to the end of the year; the calendar year.”

Three months would bring the county to the one-year anniversary of the federal mandate. Even though the mandate is no longer in affect, the county has the option to stop the program or extend it further. Chairman Hadley remarked, “We started this a year ago, but, (correct me if I’m wrong) we have more COVID cases now than we did back then.”

With the information that was provided, the supervisors unanimously decided to extend the action plan until the one-year anniversary on April first. 

The second item was to review and possible approval of resolution to abate the unpaid real estate taxes for years 2016, 2017, and 2018 pursuant to Iowa code 445.63 to Keokuk County parcel ID DLCOS-018500 now owned by the City of Delta. The motion was made and was passed. The next item was a meeting with the Keokuk County Highway Dept. The discussion was over Iowa Code 314.7 and 318; removal of debris/brush/trees from the right of way. 

Iowa Code 314 states: 314.7  Trees -- ingress or egress -- drainage. Officers, employees, and contractors in charge of improvement or maintenance work on any highway shall not cut down or injure any tree growing by the wayside which does not materially obstruct the highway, or tile drains, or interfere with the improvement or maintenance of the road, and which stands in front of any city lot, farmyard orchard or feed lot, or any ground reserved for any public use. Nor shall they destroy or injure reasonable ingress or egress to any property, or turn the natural drainage of the surface water to the injury of adjoining owners. It shall be their duty to use strict diligence in draining the surface water from the public road in its natural channel. To this end they may enter upon the adjoining lands for the purpose of removing from such natural channel obstructions that impede the flow of such water.

However, the code seems to contradict itself in 318.3:

Iowa Code 318 states: 318.3 -- Obstructions in highway right-of-way.

A person shall not place, or cause to be placed, an obstruction within any highway right-of-way. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the following actions: 

1. The excavation, filling, or making of any physical changes to any part of the highway right-of-way, except as provided under section 318.8. 

2. The cultivation or growing of crops within the highway right-of-way. 

3. The destruction of plants placed within the highway right-of-way. 

4. The placing of fences or ditches within the highway right-of-way. 

5. The alteration of ditches, water breaks, or drainage tiles within the highway right-of-way. 

6. The placement of trash, litter, debris, waste material, manure, rocks, crops or crop residue, brush, vehicles, machinery, or other items within the highway right-of-way. 

7. The placement of billboards, signs, or advertising devices within the highway right-of-way. Tue Nov 24 19:17:55 2020 Iowa Code 2021, Chapter 318 (11, 0) §318.3, OBSTRUCTIONS IN HIGHWAY RIGHTS-OF-WAY 2 

8. The placement of any red reflector, or any object or other device which shall cause the effect of a red reflector on the highway right-of-way which is visible to passing motorists.

Chairman Hadley said, “Safety should be the highest priority,” which was followed up by newly elected supervisor Fred Snakenburg: “Yes, safety first.”

A lengthy conversation ensued with Chairman Hadley at one point saying, “Why are you bringing this to us right now?”

Engineer Andrew McGuire stated, “This is the basis of how we go about cutting and why we cut. I don’t know that I ever provided you guys [supervisors] with these documents, specifically, that points out the code sections and how we go about doing what we do.”

Mr. McGuire also informed the supervisors that a grant has been allocated to replace two of the oldest dump trucks that need replacing. 

The discussion was closed with no vote.

Finally there was a meeting with Dustin MacDonald, executive director of the SADC (Sigourney Area Development Corporation.) Mr. McDonald proposed the goals of the corporation in the coming year. The mission statement of the SADC is an action-oriented, economic development corporation organized for the purpose of promoting employment and economic growth, ultimately maintaining and improving the quality of life in the Sigourney and Keokuk County Area. SADC serves a lead role in industrial, tourism, and community development activities. 

Mr. MacDonald described several parts of the economic future for 2021 that included getting more communities involved, developing the industrial park, etc. He also remarked that the membership has gone down in recent years due to the fact that not all businesses are being reached and made aware of the resources that are available through SADC. 

To join SADC, visit http://www.sigourney.com to select the membership that best meets your needs. If you prefer you can call them at (641) 622-2288 or visit with them on the Sigourney Square at 112 E. Washington St.

After no new business, Chairman Hadley adjourned the meeting.