May 5-12, 2023

The Week in Review is a weekly digital newsletter from Linn County, Iowa.

State of the County Address is May 18

Linn County Supervisor Chair Louie Zumbach will host this year’s State of the County address on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 4 p.m. at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center. Supervisor Zumbach will be joined by Linn County Assessor Jerry Witt, Finance Director Dawn Jindrich, Budget Director Sara Bearrows, and Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks, all of whom will speak at the event. This year’s State of the County is following a different format than previous years and does not include a meal. The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is necessary. The State of the County will be live-streamed on Linn County’s Facebook page. A recording of the event will be posted to Linn County’s website.

Public Service Recognition Week

May 7-13 is Public Service Recognition Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees. Linn County employs approximately 750 people to provide essential services like maintaining roads and bridges, providing public health and social services, assisting veterans, administering justice, keeping communities safe, running elections, keeping vital records, building and maintaining parks and recreational areas, and so much more. We are your friends and neighbors, and we are proud to help make Linn County a great place to live!

Check out our current job openings and join our team!

National Nurses Week

The Linn County Board of Supervisors proclaimed May 6-12 as National Nurses Week. During National Nurses Week, we honor the many contributions and sacrifices of our nursing professionals. Linn County is fortunate to have remarkably dedicated nurses using their knowledge, energy, skills, and compassion to provide quality healthcare services at Linn County Public Health and the Linn County Correctional Center. Each of our nurses plays a vital role in our vision of a healthy Linn County. Thank you for being dedicated and passionate nurses who care for our community!

National Correctional Officers & Employees Week

May 7-13 is National Correctional Officers & Employees Week. We recognize and thank the hard-working correctional officers and employees who work in the Linn County Correctional Center for everything they do on a daily basis to help keep their coworkers, inmates, and community safe.

Linn County Correctional Center earns recognition

The Linn County Correctional Center administration was recognized as being a Patriotic Employer by the Department of Defense-sponsored Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. This Department of Defense program promotes and recognizes workplace cultures that support employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force.

Mowing Roadside Vegetation Prohibited Until July 15 to Protect Roadside Habitats

Iowa’s roadsides provide a valuable refuge for wildlife. The Linn County Secondary Road Department and the Linn County Conservation Department remind county residents that state law prohibits mowing roadside vegetation in the rights-of-way or medians on any primary highway, interstate highway, or secondary road prior to July 15. This law is designed to protect roadside habitats for nesting game birds, song birds, and other ground-nesting birds in the spring and early summer until they are ready to fledge. The law also protects habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, including crop-pest predators. Exceptions for visibility and weed control are built into the law, but non-essential mowing—including cutting for hay—is prohibited. Learn more about Iowa’s Mowing Law for Roadsides.

linn county increases size allowed for accessory dwelling units in unincorporated areas

The Linn County Board of Supervisors recently adopted a code amendment for accessory dwelling units (ADU) that increases the maximum allowed size from 800 square feet to 1,200 square feet for ADUs in unincorporated Linn County. In addition to the size change, new language was adopted to clarify how floor area is calculated for ADUs. An accessory dwelling unit is a second, smaller, independent dwelling unit located on the same lot as an owner-occupied principal dwelling and create a wider range of housing options within the community. Learn more about this change.

Buffalo Creek Park Reopened to the Public

Buffalo Creek Park and campground has reopened to the public. A water pressure issue within the campground has been repaired; however, the sanitary RV dump station will not be operational until further notice. Campers and park visitors should proceed with caution as renovations continue throughout the year. An additional 19 campsites will be added from the current 13. Upgrades will include a new shower house and restroom facility, as well as a new playground and reservable open-aired shelter for the park. These improvements are expected to be completed during the 2024 camping season.

Board of supervisors meeting recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of May 5-12, 2023. The Board of Supervisors:

Met with and received updates from the following departments: LIFTS and Secondary Roads
Proclaimed May 14-20, 2023, National Police Week in Linn County
Proclaimed May 21-27, 2023, National Emergency Medical Services Week in Linn County
Canvassed votes for the May 2, 2023, special election to fill the vacancy for the Fairfax Mayor
Approved a video surveillance request form for Executive Director of Linn County Community Services at Community Services Building effective upon approval
Held a public hearing for consideration of conveyance by sale of real estate owned by Linn County described as Parcel “A” of Plat of Survey No. 2642, being Part of Parcel “A” Amended Plat of Survey No. 2474, located in Linn County, Iowa
Authorized Chair to sign a Warranty Deed conveying Linn County, Iowa’s interest in Parcel “A” of Plat of Survey No. 2642, being Part of Parcel “A” Amended Plat of Survey No. 2474, located in Linn County, Iowa, to Michael and Kristin Panos
Approved a purchase agreement for parcel “A” of Plat of Survey No. 2642, being Part of Parcel “A” Amended Plat of Survey No. 2474, located in Linn County, Iowa
Discussed a resolution approving the contract and performance and/or payment bonds for the Linn County Secondary Road District 1 Shop – Phase 2 Project
Discussed a change order number 1 for the Linn County Secondary Road District 1 Shop – Phase 2 Project
Held a public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated total cost for the Linn County Facilities Derecho Repairs Priority #5 Project
Approved a resolution granting final approval and confirming the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated total cost for the Linn County Facilities Derecho Repairs Priority #5 Project
Opened and announced bids for the Priority #5 Linn County Facilities Derecho Repairs Project and referred bids to Linn County staff and the project architect for review and tabulation
Approved a resolution awarding contract for the Linn County Facilities Derecho Repairs Priority #5 Project
Approved a resolution for the Contract and Performance and/or Payment Bonds for the Linn County Secondary Road District 1 Shop – Phase 2 Project
Approved change order number 1 for the Linn County Secondary Road District 1 Shop – Phase 2 Project
Approved a 28E agreement with the City of Bertram for a hot mix asphalt (HMA) project on shared portions of Bertram Street and Lake Terrace Road
Approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Mental Health/Disability Services of the East Central Region of Iowa and Linn County Mental Health Access Center regarding special project funding for the period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023
Approved a vacancy form requesting a temporary custodial position to cover for people on Family Medical Leave in the Facilities Department
Approved Law Enforcement Services contracts for law enforcement protection provided by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at a rate of $40 per hour for the period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, as follows:
1. Alburnett: 10 hours/week
2. Bertram: 6 hours/week
3. Center Point: 21 hours/week
4. Central City: 21 hours/week
5. Coggon: 40 hours/month
6. Ely: 25 hours/week
7. Fairfax: 18 hours/week
8. Palo: 87 hours/month
9. Prairieburg: 9 hours/month
10. Springville: 20 hours/week
11. Walford: 20 hours/week
12. Walker: 14 hours/week

upcoming events

stay connected

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Nextdoor
YouTube
Subscribe

Communications Department Website
Email Communications
319-892-5000