Minutes - 12/2/2025

DECEMBER 2, 2025, FORTY-NINETH MEETING OF THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS  

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 3:15 p.m. Board members present were Carper, Dietrich, Nelson, Bittinger II, and Ung. Staff members present were Karen James, Board Administrative Assistant, Ryan Ericson, Budget and Finance Director, Melissa Thomas, HR Director, and Michelle Skaff, Auditor/Clerk to the Board.     

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to go into joint closed session with LEC Authority (Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c).  Carried 5-0 on roll-call vote.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to go out of joint closed session with LEC Authority (Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c).  Carried 5-0 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 with the removal of request to deauthorize position from consent agenda for December 2, 2025. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

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

To approve minutes of the November 26, 2025 meeting. Copy filed.

To approve the claims totaling $150,268.46. Copy filed.

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

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,973
A RESOLUTION THANKING AND COMMENDING
DEBBIE SEWALSON
FOR HER SERVICE TO WOODBURY COUNTY

WHEREAS, Debbie Sewalson has capably served Woodbury County as an employee of the Woodbury County Attorney s Office for 20 years from July 24, 2000, to December 31, 2025.

WHEREAS, the service given by Debbie Sewalson 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 Debbie Sewalson 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, Debbie Sewalson

BE IT SO RESOLVED this 2nd day of December, 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To receive for signatures a Resolution Thanking and Commending Gerald Yaremko for his years of service with Woodbury County.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,974
A RESOLUTION THANKING AND COMMENDING
GERALD YAREMKO
FOR HIS SERVICE TO WOODBURY COUNTY

WHEREAS, Gerald Yaremko has capably served Woodbury County as an employee of the Woodbury County Secondary Roads Department for 17 years from February 8, 2008 to December 31, 2025.

WHEREAS, the service given by Gerald Yaremko as a Woodbury County employee, has been characterized by his 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 Gerald Yaremko for his 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, Gerald Yaremko

BE IT SO RESOLVED this 2nd day of December, 2025.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sing a Resolution approving petition for suspension of taxes for Dorothy Chauncey, parcel #894716108009, 3529 Douglas St.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #13,975
RESOLUTION APPROVING PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF TAXES

WHEREAS, Dorothy Chauncey, as titleholder of a property located 3529 Douglas St., Sioux City, Iowa, Woodbury County, Iowa, and legally described as follows:   
     
Parcel #894716108009

PEIRCES ADDITION E   LOTS 1 & 2 BLOCK 102
         
WHEREAS, Dorothy Chauncey 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 2nd  day of December 2025.  
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To approve the reclassification of Bethany Lukart, Paramedic - PT, Emergency Services Dept., effective 11-24-2025, $27.65/hour, 12%=$3.03/hr.  BOS Approved 11-18-2025. Move from EMT to Paramedic.; the reclassification of Nicholas Poese, Advanced EMT, Emergency Services Dept., effective 11-24-2025, $25.45/hour, 3%=$0.83/hr. BOS Approved 11-18-2025. Move from EMT to Advanced EMT.; the other of Laysa Vazquez, Youth Worker PT, Juvenile Detention Dept., effective 12-01-2025, $22.71/hour, 0%.  Transfer from PT-Temp to PT.  In-house Job Vacancy Posted 11/19/25.; the reclassification of Steven Pickering, Civilian Jailer, County Sheriff Dept., effective 12-08-2025., $31.12/hour, 10%=$2.95/hr.  Per CWA Civilian   Move from 1st Class to Senior.  Anniversary Date: 12/8/25.; and the reclassification of Adrian Torres-Gomez, Youth Worker, Juvenile Detention Dept., effective 12-08-2025, $23.62/hour, 4%=$0.91/hr.  Per AFSCME Juvenile   Move from Step 1 to Step 2.  Anniversary Date: 12/19/25  Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Authorization to initiate the hiring process for Youth Worker   PT Temp, Juvenile Detention Dept.  AFSCME Juvenile: $22.71/hour.  Copy filed.

To approve the request of Tony Wingert to remain on the county dental insurance.  Copy filed.

To approve an application for a 12-month Class C Retail Alcohol License, for Lofted View Events effective 12/05/25 through 12/04/26.  Copy filed.

Carried 5-0. 

A public hearing was held at 4:40 p.m. for LEC demolition project (407 7th St).  The Chairperson called on anyone wishing to be heard.

Motion by Nelson second Dietrich by to close the public hearing.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to set the date to open bid submissions for 12/09/2025 at 3:00 p.m. in Woodbury County Courthouse Board Office.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bittinger second by Nelson to authorize the Building Services Director to open bid submissions.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Bottinger second by Nelson to receive bid submissions & award contract on 12/09/2025 at 4:40 p.m. during the Woodbury County Courthouse Board meeting.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Reports on committee meetings were heard.

There were no citizen concerns.  
    
Board concerns were heard.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting until December 9, 2025. 

Meeting sign in sheet. Copy filed.