March 5-12, 2021

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

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

The Iowa Department of Public Health expanded eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 16-64 with underlying health conditions beginning March 8, 2021. Under this expanded eligibility criteria, most Iowans will be eligible for vaccine, therefore Linn County Public Health (LCPH) has made significant changes in vaccine allocation and distribution plans.

Beginning March 14, vaccine allocated to Linn County providers through LCPH will include individuals 16-64 with underlying conditions. Of the county allocated vaccine, 80% will be assigned to adults 65 and older, individuals with disabilities and their caretakers, and individuals age 16 to 64 with underlying conditions. The remaining 20% of vaccine will be assigned to Phase 1A and Phase 1B Tier 1-5 populations, in priority order. The weekly allocation of COVID-19 vaccine to LCPH is anticipated to remain stable with 3,540 doses per week through March. Vaccine is also available to local providers in Linn County through state and federal sources.

As of March 8, 2021, local pharmacies participating in the Retail Pharmacy Program may vaccinate all eligible individuals as vaccine supply allows. While this is good news for those who are eligible, vaccine supply remains limited. Appointments for the Retail Pharmacy Program are on a first come, first serve basis to all eligible populations. Retail Pharmacy Programs receive vaccine from the federal government.

Because vaccine continues to be in short supply, not everyone who is eligible for a vaccine will be able to schedule an appointment at this time. LCPH is working with all Linn County providers to ensure vaccine will eventually be available to everyone who wants it. More…

Sheriff’s Office Accepting Deputy Sheriff Applications

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting Deputy Sheriff applications. The application deadline is Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 5 p.m. Applicants are required to attend the Linn County Civil Service Commission physical fitness and written exams, which will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021. The physical fitness exam will be at 8 a.m. at Coe College-Clark Racquet Center and the written exam will be at noon at the Sheriff’s Office.

Linn County Tree Equity Program Launched from Planting Forward Initiative

In collaboration with 11 community partners, Linn County Sustainability and Linn County Conservation have joined forces with Monarch Research’s Planting Forward initiative to re-canopy Linn County and provide trees to households that might otherwise not be able to access this valuable natural resource. Funding for the trees comes from the Planting Forward initiative started by Clark McLeod and Monarch Research. The list of trees to be planted are native to Iowa, focusing on oak species which support over 534 moth and butterfly species according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Volunteers are needed to help plant the trees. More…

Spring Road Embargoes

Spring thaw along with spring rains can cause secondary roads to be soft and easily damaged by heavy loads and traffic. State law allows counties to limit vehicle weight for up to 90 days per year to help protect secondary roads from damage and to make roads safer for the traveling public. Those who need to use embargoed roads and are above the embargo weight limit can request an embargo permit from the Linn County Secondary Road Department. This typically applies to school buses, garbage trucks, and construction deliveries. Embargoes do not apply to County maintenance vehicles, emergency vehicles, or implements of husbandry. More,,,

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of March 5-12, 2021. The Board of Supervisors:

Received a COVID-19 update from Linn County Public Health
Discussed the reopening status of Linn County government buildings closed in response to COVID-19
Held a public hearing and first and second considerations for rezoning case JR21-0001, request to rezone property located in the 2000 Block of Covington Rd. NW NE 15-83-8, from the VR (Village Residential) district to the VM (Village Mixed-Use) district, approximately 0.37 acres, Brecke Construction Services, LLC, owner
Authorized donating used 2006 Chrysler Town & Country van from the LIFTS Department to Willis Dady Homeless Services
Reviewed the plans and specifications, authorized the notice to bidders, set the public hearing and bid filing date for Linn County Conservation for the construction of cold storage sheds at Morgan Creek and Wanatee parks
Canvassed votes for the Special Election for Alburnett Community School District and the Special Election for Marion Independent School District
Signed resolution to award bid on project M-BR 1663(21), bridge repairs to bridge 1663 on Austin Road, to Taylor Construction, Inc. in the amount of $35,016.00
Amended contract between Early Childhood Iowa and Linn County Child Development Center for Early Care and Education Supportive Services with the intent to purchase equipment and supplies for the Center’s sensory rooms, classrooms including health and safety supplies and four laptop computers for teachers
Amended contract between Early Childhood Iowa and Family Transformation Services for supplies for Long-term Nurturing Parenting Program including parenting supplies/incentives and child health and safety supplies
Approved a partial release of the judgement in place against properties listed at 915 Shaver Road NE, and 1800 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, to be used for flood control measures
Signed a contract between Sweney Group LLC and Linn County Sheriff’s Office to perform an audit to assess compliance at the Linn County Correctional Center of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
Approved a joint proposal from Kirkwood Community College and Eastern Iowa Airport for letter of support in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant request and conditional financial award of $25,000 from FY22 Economic & Community Development funds
Met with and received updates from directors of the following departments: Secondary Road Department, Human Resources, Finance & Budget, Policy & Administration
Received a legislative update from Policy & Administration staff
Provided Board member reports of their activities, meetings, and project updates

NOTE: Board of Supervisors Meeting Recaps briefly summarize and highlight topics from the Board’s meeting agendas. This recap is provided by County staff as a public service and is not an official record of Board action. The official record of approved minutes from Board of Supervisors meetings are approved at future meetings and are available for viewing after approval.

Board agendas, minutes, and meeting videos are available on the Agendas and Minutes webpage.

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319-892-5000