LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 10:00 A.M. The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Vice Chairperson Langston, Supervisors Roger, Oleson and Harris. Absent: Chairperson Barron (personal business). Board members voting AYE unless otherwise noted. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Chairperson Langston. Motion by Rogers, seconded by Oleson to approve Consent Agenda as follows: Resolution 2014-7-143 WHEREAS, the Linn County Board of Supervisors is this day presented with the attached petitions for suspension of taxes and/or special assessments pursuant to Section 427.8 of the Code of Iowa and; WHEREAS, the properties for which assessments against these Petitioners are made lie within Linn County and; WHEREAS, these Petitioners are unable to contribute to the public revenue by reason of age, infirmity, or both. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RSOLVED by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, this date met in lawful session that the attached petitions be approved for the following Petitioners, parcels, and tax years: PETITIONER PARCEL # TAX YEARS Special # Hadenfeldt, Larry 05092-88002-00000 2013 Lawrence, Richard 14114-54002-00000 2013 Patterson, Sandra 13252-53003-00000 2013 The Linn County Treasurer is ordered to suspend the collection of taxes assessed against these Petitioners, their polls or estates, for the above parcels for the above tax years as indicated. Resolution 2014-7-144 APPROVING A MINOR BOUNDARY CHANGE WHEREAS, a final plat of Hickman Farms Second Addition (Case # MBC-13-13) to Linn County, Iowa, containing two (2) lots, numbered lot 1 and lettered lot A, has been filed for approval, a subdivision of real estate located in the SW SW of Section 1, Township 84 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M., Linn County, Iowa, described as follows: WHEREAS, said plat is accompanied by a certificate acknowledging that said subdivision is by, and with the free consent of the proprietors, and is accompanied by a certificate dedicating certain property to the public, as shown on the plat; and WHEREAS, said plat and it s attachments thereto have been found to conform to the requirements of the comprehensive plan and the subdivision ordinance; and the requirements of other ordinances and state laws governing such plats; and WHEREAS, the following conditions as listed on the Planning and Development Staff Report of MBC-13-13 as last amended on Monday, November 18, 2013 have been addressed: LINN COUNTY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Entrance permit required for new entrances and existing unpermitted entrances, Sec.11 and the Unified Development Code, Article 4, Sec. 9B 8(e). One entrance per parcel is allowed. Dedication of road rights-of-way, County Standard Specifications, Section 5. 60 of right-of-way on North Alburnett Road adjacent to development shall be dedicated to the public for road purposes. Road agreement for access control, participation in road improvement and obstructions within County right-of-way. County Standard Specifications, Section 1. IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LINN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE LINN COUNTY CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT LINN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LINN COUNTY 911 COORDINATOR LINN COUNTY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ZONING DIVISION Various revisions to the site plan as required. The final plat shall contain all information required by law.
Page 2 A Retracement Survey verifying there are a minimum of 35 net acres remaining in the balance of the property or a Deed Restriction is required to be filed and recorded with the bound documents. Prior to approval of the final plat, the owner must sign an Acceptance of Conditions form. The Acceptance of Conditions form states that the owner understands and agrees to comply with the agreed upon conditions as stated in the staff report. Approval of utility and drainage easements by the appropriate companies with all easements marked on the final plat bound copies as per Article 4, Section 8B, 9(f), of the Unified Development Code. This plat lies within the 2 mile jurisdiction of the city of Alburnett. As per Chapter 354 of the Code of Iowa, a certified resolution by any municipality that has authority to review the plat to either approve the plat or waive its right to review must be provided. Prior to approval of the final plat, the landowner shall sign an Agricultural Land Use Notification that has been provided by the Zoning Administrator. The landowner shall ensure that such notification shall be attached to the deed and shall become a separate entry on the abstract of title for all the property that is subject of the permit or development as per Article 5, Section 1, 8 of the Unified Development Code. The proposed subdivision name shall be submitted for review and approval by the Linn County Auditor s office prior to approval of the final plat. One original and 3 complete copies of the final plat bound documents that must include the following: A certified copy of the approved final plat including conditions of final approval, signed by the chairperson of the Board of Supervisors An instrument executed in the form provided by the laws of Iowa, dedicating to Linn County title to all property intended for public use, including public roads Surveyor's certificate; Owner's certificate; Auditor s certificate; Ag land use notification Deed restriction concerning erection and payment of fences as per the Code of Iowa, Chapter 359A, will be required Deed restriction concerning individual drainage rights as per the Code of Iowa, Chapter 468, subchapter V, will be required A covenant for a secondary road assessment district concerning the adjacent public secondary road as per Article 4, Section 8B, 9(a)(ii), of the Unified Development Code Acknowledgment of Responsibility, to ensure adequate drainage for all land within the subdivision at the time of final plat, will be required Resolution of the Planning and Zoning Commission Resolution of the Board of Supervisors Resolution of approval or waiver of review by applicable municipalities Groundwater hazard statement; Certificate of County Treasurer; Title opinion Restrictive covenants or deed restrictions, as separate instruments, not combined with any other instrument Two (2) copies of the surveyor's drawing A consent to plat signed by the mortgage holder if there is a mortgage or encumbrance on the property, as well as a release of all streets, easements, or other areas to be conveyed or dedicated to local government units within which the land is located The final plat bound documents must be approved by the Linn County Board of Supervisors on or before November 18, 2014 as per Article 4, Section 8A(7), and shall be recorded within 1 year of that approval, as per Article 4, Section 8B(6) of the UDC. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors, of Linn County, Iowa, that said plat is hereby approved. The Board of Supervisors and County Engineer are hereby authorized to enter approval upon the final plat resolution. The Board of Supervisors Chairperson is also hereby authorized to sign said plat which executes an acceptance of dedication of property to the public, as shown on said plat. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors, of Linn County, Iowa, that said plat and plat proceedings shall not be changed or altered in any way, without the approval of the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Said plat and plat proceedings shall be recorded by July 30, 2015 to be valid. Resolution 2014-7-145 ROAD CLOSURE AND DETOUR AUTHORIZATION WHEREAS: Linn County Project M-HMA PATCHING(15), HMA Patching on Blairs Ferry Road, at the Iowa Northern railroad crossing just north of Shellsburg Road will begin soon. WHEREAS: this project lies on a marked Farm-to-Market route and WHEREAS: a detour must be established to close a marked route for longer than 48 hours, and WHEREAS: a map of the detour is attached hereto. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Linn County Board of Supervisors hereby authorize and direct the Linn County Engineer to place the appropriate signs to establish the following detour commencing at the intersection of Blairs Ferry Road (E36) and 1 st Street, thence south on 1 st Street for approximately 0.3 miles to Vinton Street, thence west on Vinton Street for approximately 0.5 miles to Covington Road (W36), thence west on Covington Road (W36) for approximately 0.2 miles to Blairs Ferry Road (E36), (see attached map). Signs shall be placed when and as necessary to protect the work and the traveling public in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and Chapter 306 of the Code of Iowa.
Page 3 Authorize Vice Chair to sign annual Department of Justice and Department of Treasury Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification in the amount of $151,984.83 for Justice Funds and $34,884.47 for Treasury Funds. Authorize Vice Chair to sign purchase order # 5187 for $26,284.00 to Junge Ford for a 2014 Ford F-150 XL Super Cab for Planning and Development. Authorize Vice Chair to sign purchase order # 5188 for $22,705.00 to Lynch Ford for a 2014 Ford F-150 XL Super Cab for Conservation. Authorize Vice Chair to sign purchase order # 5189 for $24,805.00 to Junge Ford for a 2015 Ford F250 XL Super Cab for Conservation. Authorize Vice Chair to sign purchase order # 5190 for $51,646.00 to Junge Ford for two 2015 Ford F250 XL Super Crew Cab for Conservation. Authorize Vice Chair to sign purchase order # 5191 for $45,410.00 to Lynch Ford for two 2014 Ford F-150 XL Super Cab for Public Health. Authorize Vice Chair to sign purchase order # 5192 for $23,390.00 to Lynch Ford for a 2015 Chevrolet Impala for Public Health. Authorize Vice Chair to sign purchase order # 5193 for $23,995.00 to Junge Ford for a 2015 Ford Transit Connect for Elections. Award contract for the Linn County warning siren project to Frontline Plus, Inc., in the amount of 152,777.00. Approve Linn County Courthouse construction contract change order eleven for $35,685.00 to Unzeitig Construction Company as part of the contract of $7,371,476.87. Approve Linn County Conservation Morgan Creek Park Maintenance Shop design services addendum to the contract for a fixed fee of $16,550.00 for additional design scope of services to Design Dynamics Inc. as part of the original percentage based contract fee. Motion by Rogers, seconded by Oleson to approve minutes of July 25 & 28, 2014 as printed. Motion by Rogers, seconded by Oleson to remove the following agenda item: Discuss contract with TMS Management for non-emergency medical transportation for an approximate value of $24,000.00. A public hearing was called to order to determine whether Linn County will convey to Dale Peterson, whatever interest Linn County may have in vacated right-of-way on Horseshoe Lake Road. Proof of publication was presented. There were no oral or written objections. Gary Jarvis, Asst. County Atty., stated at Mr. Peterson (who owns property on both sides of road) asked to have Linn County vacate any interest they might have in this right-of-way. The Resolutions approving the conveyance will be approved at the 2:30 p.m. meeting today as it was not included on the agenda this morning. Steve Gannon, County Engineer, stated that the Road Dept. is in favor of this conveyance. Motion by Rogers, seconded by Oleson to close public hearing. Pramod Dwivedi, Public Health Dir., presented highlights and release of the Public Health report The Health of Linn County, Iowa: A County-Wide Assessment of Health Status and Health Risks. He introduced the following: Board of Health members Dan Marquardt & Rich Good; staff members Kaitlin Emrich, Barbara Chadwick and Larry Hlavacek. Motion by Oleson, seconded by Harris to approve Public Health Report and release to the public today. Discussion: Supervisor Langston thanked Stephanie Neff of Blue Zones for her collaborative efforts. She also asked that the following receive a copy: Leslie Wright, United Way; Les Garner, Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation; Jack Evans, Hall Perrine Foundation; Chad Simmons, Diversity Focus; Jeff Pomeranz and Mayor Corbett. VOTE: All Ayes Beth Weeks, City of Cedar Rapids Deputy Assessor, presented the city s 2014 Homestead Credit & Military Exemption Allowances & Disallowances. Motion by Rogers, seconded by Oleson to approve Cedar Rapids 2014 Homestead Credit & Military Exemption Allowances & Disallowances. Julie Kester, Linn County Assessor, presented the county s 2014 Homestead Credit & Military Exemption Allowances & Disallowances.
Page 4 Motion by Rogers, seconded by Oleson to approve Linn County 2014 Homestead Credit & Military Exemption Allowances & Disallowances. Motion by Oleson, seconded by Rogers to approve disabled veterans credits allowances and disallowances. REPORTS-LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS & COMMITTEE MEETINGS Supervisor Rogers reported on the OPTIONS Task Force meeting last week, noting that it is a continuation of a very fluid discussion. They know that OPTIONS will change and there is a lot of positive dialog between family members, consumers and providers and how they will try to adapt to the changing landscape. The State of New Jersey is paying 100% (without Medicaid) and the Task Force is trying to understand how they did that, noting that it does not address the Olmstead issue. Rogers met this week in Des Moines (along with other supervisors) with Chuck Palmer and staff regarding regionalization and issues they still face. This MHDD Region meets rather frequently and will possibly have a conference call with Director Palmer during those meetings. Supervisor Oleson will be attending a Prospect Meadows meeting today with Mayor Corbett regarding public funding. Wickiup is getting close to having a meeting with members of the Meskwaki tribe on a significant financial investment. The Solid Waste Agency master planning meeting for Site #1 is tomorrow. Marion unveiled their master trail plan for the next 20 years (a lot is shared cost with future development). Supervisor Harris reported that the storm debris in Monroe Township is removed and off to collection areas. There is still a little bit of cutting going on and there are a couple pockets of need but for the most part, the debris pick up is complete. Motion by Harris, seconded by Rogers to approve ACH s in the amount of $799,019.82 and $408.50. Motion by Oleson, seconded by Harris to approve payment to Supervisor Rogers in the amount of $110. VOTE: Oleson & Harris Aye Rogers - Abstain Motion by Harris, seconded by Rogers to approve Claims #70573240-#70573341 in the amt. of $197,867.76. The Board received and placed on file a letter from James J. Corcoran III to Mr. John Haack regarding Notice to the Echo Lake Homeowner Assoc. and the Board of Supervisors regarding their disapproval of continuation of the Echo Lake First Addition Restrictive Covenants. Motion by Langston, seconded by Rogers to appoint Pam Oldham to the Food Systems Council. Emergency Agenda Item: Motion by Rogers, seconded by Harris to adopt Resolution 2014-7-146 WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 331.903(1), Code of Iowa, Jerry Vander Sanden, Linn County Attorney, has submitted to the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, for approval of Erin Rivka Eldridge, for appointment as Assistant assigned as a Special Prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney s Office under the HIDTA Grant (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas), and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, finds Erin Rivka Eldridge to be qualified to serve as Assistant and that the appointment of Erin Rivka Eldridge will not exceed the number of assistants authorized for the Linn County Attorney s Office by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, that the appointment of Erin Rivka Eldridge as Assistant assigned as a Special Prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney s Office under the HIDTA Grant by Jerry Vander Sanden, Linn County Attorney, is hereby approved. The Board recessed at 10:38 a.m. Respectfully submitted, JOEL D. MILLER, Linn County Auditor By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor Approved by: LINDA LANGSTON, Vice Chairperson Board of Supervisors
LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 2:30 P.M. The Board met in session at the Community Services Building Options Dining Room. Present: Vice Chairperson Langston, Supervisors Rogers, Harris and Oleson. Absent: Chairperson Barron (personal business). Board members voting AYE unless otherwise noted. Motion by Rogers, seconded by Oleson to adopt Resolution 2014-7-147 WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, is empowered under 331.361, Code of Iowa, to dispose of the interest of Linn County, in real property, and, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, has vacated the portions of right-of-way described as: LEGAL DESCRIPTION PARCEL A A part of the NE ¼ SE ¼ of Section 15, Township 84 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Linn County, Iowa described as follows: Commencing as a point of reference at the E ¼ corner of said Section 15; thence S00 57'52"E along the east line of said NE ¼ SE ¼, 300.04 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continuing S00 57'52"E along said east line, 74.98 feet; thence S44 24'24"W, 56.21 feet to the west right-of-way line of Horseshoe Lake Road; thence N00 57'52"W along said west right-of-way line, 115.11 feet to the north rightof-way line of said Road; thence N89 57'03"E along said north right-of-way line, 40.01 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 0.09 acres. LEGAL DESCRIPTION PARCEL B A part of the NW ¼ SW ¼ of Section 14, Township 84 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Linn County, Iowa described as follows: Commencing as a point of reference at the W ¼ corner of said Section 14; thence S00 57'52"E along the west line of said NW ¼ SW ¼, 300.04 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence N89 57'03"E, 20.00 feet to the east right-of-way line of Horseshoe Lake Road; thence S00 57'52"E along said east right-of-way line, 74.66 feet; thence S89 02'04"W, 20.00 feet to said west line; thence N00 57'52"W along said west line, 74.98 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 0.03 acres. and, WHEREAS, Dale Peterson, owner of real property adjacent to the above described parcel of vacated right-of-way desire to obtain whatever interest Linn County, Iowa may have in the above described parcel of vacated right-of-way, and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, has pursuant to 331.361, Code of Iowa, conducted a public hearing upon the proposal to convey by quit claim deed whatever interest Linn County, Iowa, may have in the above described parcel of vacated right-of-way. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, this date met in lawful session that whatever interest Linn County, Iowa, may have in the above described parcel of vacated right-of-way shall be conveyed to Dale Peterson, owner of real property adjacent to the above described vacated right -of-way, by quit claim deed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, hereby authorize to execute said quit claim deed conveying whatever interest Linn County, Iowa, may have in the above described parcel of vacated right-of -way to Dale Peterson. Motion by Rogers, seconded by Harris to adopt Resolution 2014-7-148 WHEREAS, there is presented to the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, for its approval, a quit claim deed executed and acknowledged by Linda Langston, Vice- Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, and Joel Miller by Rebecca Shoop, Deputy, County Auditor of Linn County, Iowa, conveying the interests of Linn County, Iowa, to Dale Peterson, and WHEREAS, said deed conveys the following real estate described as follows: LEGAL DESCRIPTION PARCEL A A part of the NE ¼ SE ¼ of Section 15, Township 84 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Linn County, Iowa described as follows: Commencing as a point of reference at the E ¼ corner of said Section 15; thence S00 57'52"E along the east line of said NE ¼ SE ¼, 300.04 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continuing S00 57'52"E along said east line, 74.98 feet; thence S44 24'24"W, 56.21 feet to the west right-of-way line of Horseshoe Lake Road; thence N00 57'52"W along said west right-of-way line, 115.11 feet to the north rightof-way line of said Road; thence N89 57'03"E along said north right-of-way line, 40.01 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 0.09 acres. LEGAL DESCRIPTION PARCEL B A part of the NW ¼ SW ¼ of Section 14, Township 84 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Linn County, Iowa described as follows:
Page 2 Commencing as a point of reference at the W ¼ corner of said Section 14; thence S00 57'52"E along the west line of said NW ¼ SW ¼, 300.04 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence N89 57'03"E, 20.00 feet to the east right-of-way line of Horseshoe Lake Road; thence S00 57'52"E along said east right-of-way line, 74.66 feet; thence S89 02'04"W, 20.00 feet to said west line; thence N00 57'52"W along said west line, 74.98 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 0.03 acres. and WHEREAS, said deed was executed by Linda Langston, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, and Joel Miller by Rebeca Shoop, Deputy, County Auditor of Linn County, Iowa, pursuant to resolution 2014-7-147 adopted by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, on the 30th day of July, 2014. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, this date met in lawful session, that the above described quit claim deed, dated the 30th day of July, 2014, conveying whatever interest Linn County, Iowa, may have, to Dale Peterson, be and the same is hereby approved. The Board met for an informational meeting with Options of Linn County staff regarding the future of the facility. The following questions and answers were given: 1) When will the Board make a final decision on the future of Options? Supervisor Rogers stated that the Board will receive recommendations from the Options Task Force, providers, family members, non-profits and Linn County staff. Discussions have taken place the last several months about what Linn County is doing to be proactive with this change and how to structure a new Options. He stated that the Board does not have a deadline yet. A date cannot be set without other factors but the Board will communicate it very clearly at the appropriate time. 2) Is the Board willing to fight/lobby the legislature to fund sheltered workshops like in the state of New Jersey? Supervisor Rogers stated that New Jersey passed a bill that the State would take over sheltered workshops meaning that it is 100% State funded so Medicaid will not be accepted. This is just a stop gap measure to buy them a year or two of time (short term fix). There is not a way to get around Olmstead. Rogers stated that he will do what he can to ensure that people are harmed the least amount as possible but he can only speak for himself. Supervisor Langston stated that she has spoken with U.S. Senator Tom Harkin about the inflexibility in the federal government s approach to programs such as Options. She is trying to get Harkin to attend Options during his August recess. The Ticket to Work Program is really valuable for some of Linn County s clients but not all will be able to take advantage of it. It is difficult from a legislative prospective because of the 99 counties in the state Linn County is the only one that provides this service. Langston stated that the Board has a deep understanding of the issue and they have to find a path with the state and federal government. 3) Why is the county basing decisions on community employment on a program and budget from 2011? Supervisor Rogers stated that in 2011 only $13,000 in revenue was generated versus hundreds of thousands spent in salaries. The county was then hit with a $5 million deficit and painful cuts had to be made. The Board is limited in this environment on what can be spent towards mental health and disabilities. It was something that the Board simply could not support. 4) Why has Options not been allowed to receive grants like the ones given to other agencies in town to start a new program of community employment? Supervisor Rogers stated that the Board is unaware of any grants. Options is already a department within Linn County. The other agencies were outside groups asking for money (To The Rescue for coffee shop and garden center) with the hope of being able to be self-sustaining. They are trying to educate employers (Rockwell, Hy Vee, etc.) that hiring someone with a disability is a good business decision. Employers fear that they will not have the correct facilities or know how to manage outbursts. There are federal tax credits up to $5,000 available for companies to update restrooms, doors, etc. Supervisor Langston stated that 11 Ticket to Work Programs were piloted in the state but Linn County was not chosen. They are trying to determine who does habilitation and day habilitation the best based off the number of clients in the community and how to fill the gaps. 5) If the county does not have community employment what will happen to the consumers that have been labeled by other agencies as unemployable? Will the county take away their right to work?
Page 3 Supervisor Langston stated that there are a variety of clients and she understands that some of them are not ready to work. The question is how to balance with what is required by federal law. It is difficult for everyone. Supervisor Harris stated that he knows that there are people that might be ok in segregated work environments and others will not have the same opportunities and he worries about them the most. Supervisor Langston stated that federal law states that people have to be in the least restrictive area as possible. Based on research Diversity Focus has done in the community, people with disabilities are the most discriminated against in this community. 6) What is the likelihood of Options being a community agency? Supervisor Langston stated that some elements will remain but not all of the perspectives that are done presently. Some portion of what the county does will remain. 7) How many people would be laid off or kept and what is the percentage? Supervisor Rogers stated that the Board does not know but things would have to be scaled down. It would be based on the ratio of staff to clients and how many the county has. People would be forced to look for jobs where there is no trust or friends and emotional outbursts would take place. If unsuccessful in the workplace, they would come back to day habilitation. This is a theme that the legislators need to be educated on at a state and federal level. Consumers can make $10 and thrive not being in day habilitation. Olmstead was designed to give people choices but is actually taking away choices. 8) If Options does close what will the county be able to do for those that have nowhere to bump? In the minutes to one of the Board s meetings it stated that money was available for Options staff for continuing education. Will that be for all staff or just staff that survive the cuts? Supervisor Langston stated that staff can take advantage of continuing education this fall. Linn County is unfortunately not like businesses where you work there for 18 years and you get a week s pay for every two weeks you worked there. Sadly, there will be a point in time during the bumping procedure that there is a chance people will be out the door. The county does not have something within their contractual agreement with flexibility. Supervisor Oleson stated that the Options staff is represented by a union. They should be proactive by talking to the Human Resources Dept. about taking advantage of the continuing education budget while staff still has their jobs. Supervisor Langston stated that most senate and house offices keep track of how many people call into their office on an issue. She suggested that they call Senator Harkin s office requesting that he take the time to come to Linn County Options and meet the Board during August recess. She stated that she will email contact information to everyone. 9) How does the Board foresee the community absorbing 200+ people in the community? Supervisor Rogers stated that the YMCA is a popular place along with the library or art museum. Everyone has to be creative. Staff stated that they have been asked not to attend the YMCA or library during peak hours. At this point, individuals have already applied, been denied and are unemployable. It is a vicious circle. 10) How will the Board educate employers about help with bathrooms and individuals that need 100% self-care? The Olmstead Act is not being interpreted correctly. Can the Board fight that? Supervisor Rogers stated that sheltered workshops have been shut down in other states. Supervisor Langston stated that the consultant who does work in this field works for the Dept. of Justice and is aware of the county s clientele. Linn County has to make steps to change in spite of what she saw when she visited. Some clients will have significant challenges going forward but it has to change. That is the frustrating part. Clients with medical issues would injure themselves and they cannot physically work or their health will not allow it. The government is taking away the choices for consumers. Supervisor Rogers stated that the consultant ran a sheltered workshop and has been in the industry. There is a huge disparity that is being enforced differently than it is written.
Page 4 Supervisor Langston stated that they all clearly have an enormous amount of frustration. Long term as it is sorted out in the community who is best suited to work with an array of clients, they know that service providers are changing their service models to try and take the area they believe they can best serve. Supervisor Oleson discussed an emergency temporary waiver for two or three years and reporting back to the state due to how slow the federal government works. Supervisor Langston stated that the hardest thing for her is Senator Harkin. He has been a longtime advocate for people with disabilities but she cannot get traction from him. Supervisor Oleson stated that there are a lot of do-gooder s who think they are doing the right thing but are causing harm. They are hurting the people they think they are trying to help and it is affecting programs like Options. 11) When reading the Options Task Force minutes it does not look like Options is making any plans, is that true? Supervisor Langston stated that this is a structural issue. The Task Force will look at what is happening across the community and make recommendations on what the Board should consider. There is not a plan within the minutes that will come as recommendations. Options will get to an outcome and some bad things will happen and the county will be back to recreating the system that was dismantled for being dysfunctional. Langston is fearful that is where the county is headed. 12) With the new Region will it affect day habilitation and other programs? Mechelle Dhondt, MHDD, stated that the region came in and bid the contract. Some regions went with the rate the state offered but Linn County s region did not do that. The county bought some time but will not know that they are ok until June 30 th of next year. Supervisor Rogers stated that turnover in Options is zero. People enjoy the work they do, are passionate, well compensated and want to work at Options. Supervisor Langston stated that the next meeting is August 12 th at 6:30 p.m. for parents and clients. Supervisor Rogers stated that if anyone wants to email or call him he is open and accessible to them whether it is legislature or community support. There is a lot of ambiguity. Certain rates are unknown along with deadlines and certain laws have not been enforced yet. They are trying to operate without knowing all the facts. They all have an open line to every Board member present. Adjournment at 3:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, JOEL D. MILLER, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Hoy, Executive Assistant Approved by: LINDA LANGSTON, Vice Chairperson Board of Supervisors