Minutes - 9/29/2026

SEPTEMBER 29, 2026, FORTIETH MEETING OF THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS  

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Board members present were Bittinger II, Carper (by phone), Nelson, Dietrich, and Ung. Staff members present were Karen James, Board Administrative Assistant, Joshua Widman, Assistant County Attorney, Ryan Ericson, Budget and Finance Director, Melissa Thomas, HR Director, and Michelle Skaff, Auditor/Clerk to the Board. 

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

Bittinger entered the meeting at 3:42 p.m. 

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to go out of closed session per 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 Nelson second by Dietrich to approve the September 29, 2026 agenda. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve the following items by consent.
       
To approve minutes of the September 22, 2026 meeting. Copy filed.

To approve the claims totaling $627,367.43. Copy filed.

To receive the appointment of John Heilman, 4777 180th St., Cushing, as the Rock Township Clerk, previously held by Kris Meins, until the next regular/general election.  Copy filed.

To approve the appointment of Elizabeth Ford, Morgue Operations Coordinator, Medical Examiner Dept., effective 09-30-2026, $94,555.76/year. Job Vacancy Posted 08/12/2026. Entry Level Salary: $94,555.76/yr.; and the separation of Stefani Nunez-Diaz, Youth Worker, Juvenile Detention Dept., effective 10-03-2026.  Resigned.  Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Authorization to initiate the hiring process for Youth Worker   PT, Juvenile Detention Dept.  AFSCME Juvenile: $23.40/hour.; and for Custodian, Building Services Dept., AFSCME Courthouse: $18.35/hour.  Copy filed.

To approve the Mutual Agreement to Terminate the Medical Examiner Investigator Professional Services Agreement.  Copy filed.

To approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Woodbury County and the Communication Workers of America (CWA), Secondary Roads Unit, establishing the position of Senior Engineering Technician III.  Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution for tax suspension for Paul Ahlers, 2601 Ridge, parcel #894734431015.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #14,117
RESOLUTION APPROVING PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF TAXES

WHEREAS, Paul Ahlers, as titleholder of a property located 2601 Ridge, Sioux City, Iowa, Woodbury County, Iowa, and legally described as follows:   
     
Parcel #894734431015

WEST MORNINGSIDE LOTS 7 & 8 BLOCK 3
         
WHEREAS, Paul Ahlers as titleholder 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  record the approval of this tax suspension for this property.

SO RESOLVED this 29th day of September 2026.  
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Carried 5-0.

Information was presented by Dan Bittinger, Board of Supervisors, on Midwest Diesel Tech Academy.  Copy filed.

Noah Hodak, Mary Stubbs, Eric Rosenquist, and Nick Heinrichs presented information about the Midwest Diesel Tech Academy. 

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich approve engagement letter with Ahlers for termination of the Platinum Grain Urban Renewal Area.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve the annual Urban Renewal Report for FY26.  Carried 5-0.  Copy filed.

Information was presented by Tina Bertrand, Treasurer, regarding Salix Drainage levy and tax statement issuance.  Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to receive a list of Salix Drainage corrections from Treasurer Bertrand.  Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Reports on Committee meetings were heard.

Ingrid Brenden, Salix, expressed concerns about the alleged Salix open meetings violation and presented petitions to the Board to request Woodbury County Attorney assistance.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive petitions from Ms. Brenden.  Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Board concerns were heard.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting until October 6, 2026.

Meeting sign in sheet. Copy filed.