Minutes - 5/20/2025

MAY 20, 2025, TWENTY-FIRST MEETING OF THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS  

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Board members present were Carper, Nelson, Bittinger II, and Dietrich, Ung was absent. Staff members present were Joshua Widman, Assistant County Attorney, Karen James, Board Administrative Assistant, Melissa Thomas, Human Resources Director, Ryan Ericson, Budget and Finance Director, and Michelle Skaff, Auditor/Clerk to the Board. 

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to go into closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c). Carried 4-0 on roll-call vote.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to go out of closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c). Carried 4-0 on roll-call vote.

The regular meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Moment of Silence.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve the agenda for May 20, 2025. Carried 4-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve the following items by consent:

Too approve minutes of the May 13, 2025 meeting. Copy filed.
            
To approve the claims totaling $3,655,268.02.  Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution approving petition for suspension of taxes for Renee Olhausen, parcel #894716127004, 3634 Nebraska St. 

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,882
RESOLUTION APPROVING PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF TAXES

WHEREAS, Renee Olhausen as titleholder of property located at 3634 Nebraska St., Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, and legally described as follows:   

     
Parcel # 894716127004

PEIRCES ADDITION LOT 21 BLK 122
                                                                                            
WHEREAS, Renee Olhausen as titleholders of the aforementioned real estate has petitioned the Board of Supervisors for a suspension of taxes pursuant to the 2017 Iowa Code section 427.9, and  

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors recognizes from documents provided that the petitioner is unable to provide to the public revenue; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors hereby grants the request for a suspension of taxes, and hereby directs the Woodbury County Treasurer to so record the approval of this tax suspension for this property.

SO RESOLVED this 20th day of May 2025
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution approving petition for suspension of taxes for Sherri L. Boone, parcel #894823129003, 2220 Bryan St.  

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,883
RESOLUTION APPROVING PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF TAXES

WHEREAS, Sherri L. Boone, as titleholder of a property located 2220 Bryan Street, Sioux City, Iowa, Woodbury County, Iowa, and legally described as follows:   

     
Parcel #894823129003

METROPOLITAN PARK LOT 7 BLK 5
         
WHEREAS, Sherri L. Boone of the aforementioned property has petitioned the Board of Supervisors for a suspension of taxes pursuant to the 2017 Iowa Code section 427.9, and  
                                                             
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors recognizes from documents provided that the petitioner is unable to provide to the public revenue; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors hereby grants the request for a suspension of taxes, and hereby directs the Woodbury County Treasurer to so record the approval of this tax suspension for this property.

SO RESOLVED this 20th day of May 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Copy filed. 

To receive for signatures a Resolution Thanking and Commending Theresa Jochum for her years of service with Woodbury County. 

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,884
A RESOLUTION THANKING AND COMMENDING
THERESA JOCHUM
FOR HER SERVICE TO WOODBURY COUNTY

WHEREAS, Theresa Jochum has capably served Woodbury County as an employee of the Woodbury County Social Services Department for 26 years from January 25, 1999, to June 30, 2025.

WHEREAS, the service given by Theresa Jochum as a Woodbury County employee, has been characterized by her dedication to the best interests of the citizens of Woodbury County; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA that the undersigned members of this Board thanks and commends Theresa Jochum for her years of service to Woodbury County; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the wish of all those signing below that the future hold only the best for this very deserving person, Theresa Jochum

BE IT SO RESOLVED this 20th day of May 2025
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Copy filed

To approve the appointment of Jisleny Ventura Perez, PT Youth Worker - Temp, Juvenile Detention Dept., effective 05-21-25, $22.05/hour. Job Vacancy Posted on 02/19/2025. Entry Level Salary: $22.05/hour; the appointment of Janet Strain, PT Intern-Temp, County Attorney Dept., effective 05-21-2025, $18.00/hour. Temporary Appointment by County Attorney; the appointment of Dezmond Groetken, Civilian Jailer, County Sheriff Dept., effective 06-09-25, $24.57/hour. Job Vacancy Posted on 1/10/25. Entry Level salary: $24.57/hour; the appointment of Ethan Olhausen, Civilian Jailer, County Sheriff Dept., effective 06-09-25, $24.57/hour. Job Vacancy Posted on 2/26/25. Entry Level Salary: $24.57/hour; and the appointment of Kenneth Selig, Civilian Jailer, County Sheriff Dept., effective 06-09-25, $24.57/hour. Job Vacancy Posted on 2/26/25. Entry Level Salary: $24.57/hour. Copy filed.

To approve the Mobile Device Management Policy. Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution adopting and levying special assessment in the Little Sioux Inter-County Drainage District of Monona, Woodbury, and Harrison Counties, Iowa. 

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,885
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND LEVYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN
THE LITTLE SIOUX INTER-COUNTY DRAINAGE OF MONONA
WOODBURY, AND HARRISON COUNTIES, IOWA

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Little Sioux Inter-County Drainage District, in session on the 27th day of March, 2025, requested that the Board of Supervisors levy a special assessment of Sixty-five (65%) Percent of the Original Assessment on all tracts of land, lots, public roads, and railroads in the Little Sioux Inter-County Drainage District to procure funds from which to pay the costs and expenses of repair and maintenance incurred.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Joint Board of Supervisors of Monona, Woodbury and Harrison Counties, Iowa, acting as a Drainage Board for the Little Sioux Inter-County Drainage District, that there be and is hereby levied upon all tracts of land, lots, public roads, and railroads in the Little Sioux Inter-County Drainage District of Monona, Woodbury and Harrison Counties, Iowa, a special assessment in the amount of Sixty-five (65%) Percent of the Original Assessment, and the Auditors of Monona, Woodbury and Harrison Counties, Iowa, be directed and ordered to spread such levy upon said lands, to be collected under  468.55 in semi-annual installments in the same manner as general property taxes are collected pursuant to  445.36 in the year 2025-2026.

PASSED and APPROVED this 20TH day of May, 2025
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution adopting and levying special assessment in the
Sandhill-Lakeport Inter-County Drainage District of Monona and Woodbury Counties, Iowa.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,886
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND LEVYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN
THE SANDHILL-LAKEPORT INTER-COUNTY DRAINAGE OF MONONA
AND WOODBURY COUNTIES, IOWA

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Sandhill-Lakeport Inter-County Drainage District, in session on the 10th day of March, 2025, requested that the Board of Supervisors levy a special assessment of Sixty Percent (60%) of the Original Assessment on all tracts of land, lots, public roads, and railroads in the Sandhill-Lakeport Inter-County Drainage District to procure funds from which to pay the costs and expenses of repair and maintenance incurred.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Joint Board of Supervisors of Monona and Woodbury Counties, Iowa, acting as a Drainage Board for the Sandhill-Lakeport Inter-County Drainage District, that there be and is hereby levied upon all tracts of land, lots, public roads, and railroads in the Sandhill-Lakeport Inter-County Drainage District of Monona and Woodbury Counties, Iowa, a special assessment in the amount of Sixty Percent (60%) of the Original Assessment, and the Auditors of Monona and Woodbury Counties, Iowa, be directed and ordered to spread such levy upon said lands, to be collected under  468.55 in semi-annual installments in the same manner as general property taxes are collected pursuant to  445.36 in the year 2025-2026.

PASSED and APPROVED this 20th day of May, 2025
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.
       
To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution adopting and levying special assessment in the
McCandless Inter-County Drainage District of Monona and Woodbury Counties, Iowa.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,887
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND LEVYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN
THE MCCANDLESS INTER-COUNTY DRAINAGE OF MONONA
AND WOODBURY COUNTIES, IOWA

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the McCandless Inter-County Drainage District, in session on the 2nd day of April, 2025, requested that the Board of Supervisors levy a special assessment of One Hundred Fifteen Percent (115%) of the Original Assessment on all tracts of land, lots, public roads, and railroads in the McCandless Inter-County Drainage District to procure funds from which to pay the costs and expenses of repair and maintenance incurred.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Joint Board of Supervisors of Monona and Woodbury Counties, Iowa, acting as a Drainage Board for the McCandless Inter-County Drainage District, that there be and is hereby levied upon all tracts of land, lots, public roads, and railroads in the McCandless Inter-County Drainage District of Monona and Woodbury Counties, Iowa, a special assessment in the amount of One Hundred Fifteen Percent(115%) of the Original Assessment, and the Auditors of Monona and Woodbury Counties, Iowa, be directed and ordered to spread such levy upon said lands, to be collected under  468.55 in semi-annual installments in the same manner as general property taxes are collected pursuant to  445.36 in the year 2025-2026.

PASSED and APPROVED this 20th day of May, 2025
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Copy filed.

To approve the transfer of $600,000 to the Self-Health County Insurance Fund from General Supplement. Copy filed.

To approve the underground utility permit for Long Lines. Copy filed.

Carried 4-0.

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to table approving compensation for Woodbury County Solid Waste Agency (WCSWA) board secretary Jeanette Beekman. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

A public hearing was held at 4:35 p.m. for the Community Development Block Grant Application. Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to open public hearing. The Chairperson called on anyone wishing to be heard.

Christina Postma, Sioux City, shared the following information with Board regarding the Community Development Block Grant Application:

1. How the need for the activities was identified:
a. The current physical facility, housing the Transitional Therapeutic Home (TTH) was built in the 1970s, previously serving as a nursing home, and therefore the physical design of the space is outdated and worn, presents challenges for addressing the trauma needs of youth, and limits the number of youth that can be served by the programs.
b. The client mix of youth served by the TTH has been changing over the years, and TTH is now serving a younger and younger population.
c. Children in and exiting foster care are at increased risk of homelessness, which carries additional risks including human trafficking
d. Overall decline in shelter beds across the state of Iowa
e.   Children served by the child welfare system have experienced significant trauma
f. Strategic Planning to address the above needs:  

1) Review of agency data and information 
2) Review of demographic trends including a decrease in average age of youth and an increase in average length of stay
3) Review of past and emerging research regarding evidence-based programs and best practices to guide facility design to address youth trauma 
4) Researching and visiting other residential programs within Iowa and across the nation to secure information on best practices
5) Input from youth accessing services, staff providing services, families and caregivers working with youth, and community members/agencies
6) Administering the Collaborative Values Inventory (CVI) in the Fall 2024 to support the work for measuring and assessing community needs related to the proposed project. how the proposed activities will be funded and the sources of funds
g. Community Development and Housing Needs Assessment
2. Funding of the proposed activities and the sources of funds: The CDBG grant will be submitted requesting $600,000 for the approximately $1.2 million dollar project. Other funding has been and/or will be secured through donors, grants, HHS, and foundation dollars secured by Crittenton Center.
3. Date the CDBG application will be submitted: The grant will be submitted on or before June 30, 2025. 
4. Requested amount of federal funds: $600,000 in CDBG grant funds will be requested.
a. Estimated portion of federal funds that will benefit low- and moderate-income persons: As the project is for a homeless shelter for youth, the estimated portion of federal funds that will benefit low-to moderate income (LMI) individuals is 100%. 
5. Location of proposed activities: The proposed activities will occur at Crittenton Center s campus at 3901 Green Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106.
6. Plans to minimize displacement of persons and businesses resulting from funded activities: Due to the nature of this project, no persons or businesses should be displaced as a result of funded activities.
7. Plans to assist persons actually displaced: In the event that persons or businesses are displaced as a result of the recommended project, the entities involved in the project will adhere to the requirements of the Uniform Relocation and Acquisition Act of 1974, as amended.
8. The nature of the proposed activities. The purpose of the proposed CDBG funding is for Crittenton Center to make renovations and improvements to the Transitional Therapeutic Home (child welfare emergency shelter) located at 3901 Green Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106. Renovations will include the addition of a shower/restroom space, updated flooring throughout the facility, updated security features, kitchen updates and exterior upgrades. 
Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to receive CDBG information from Ms. Postma. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to close the public hearing. Carried 4-0. 

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve the Community Development and Housing Needs Assessment draft. Carried 4-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution authorizing application of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application; authorizing the Board of Supervisors Chairperson and County Auditor to sign the application and related materials; designate a contact person on behalf of Woodbury County. Carried 4-0. 

WOODUBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,888
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION OF A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG) APPLICATION; AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAIRPERSON AND COUNTY
AUDITOR TO SIGN THE APPLICATION AND RELATED MATERIALS; DESIGNATE A CONTACT PERSON
ON BEHALF OF WOODBURY COUNTY

WHEREAS, Florence Crittenton Home of Sioux City, IA DBA Crittenton Center, a local non-profit service organization in Woodbury County has established a need for improvements to their child welfare emergency shelter (Transitional Therapeutic Home   TTH) located at 3901 Green Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106; and

WHEREAS, Crittenton Center is the only child welfare emergency shelter in Woodbury County, serving children and youth from Woodbury County and across the state; and 

WHEREAS, Woodbury County has the ability to apply for CDBG financial assistance through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) on behalf of Crittenton Center, and supports Crittenton Centers  efforts to make improvements and renovations to the Transitional Therapeutic Home; 

NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED BY THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, that

1) Submittal of a CDBG application, on behalf of Crittenton Center is authorized; 
2) Board Chairperson Daniel Bittinger II and Vice-Chairperson Mark Nelson are hereby authorized to sign and execute said grant application and related correspondence for Woodbury County; 
3) Daniel Bittinger II shall be the designated contact person for Woodbury County. 
PASSED AND APPROVED the 20th day of May, 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Copy filed.

Reports on committee meetings were heard.

Doyle Turner, Moville, addressed the board regarding legislation on pipeline, wind, and solar energy. 

Board Concerns were heard.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting until May 27, 2025.

Meeting sign in sheet. Copy filed.