March 26-April 2, 2021

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

April is National County Government Month

The Linn County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation marking the annual celebration of county government and the essential services counties provide that create healthy, vibrant, and safe communities. Counties build infrastructure, maintain roads and bridges, provide public health and social services, assist veterans, administer justice, keep communities safe, run elections, keep vital records, build and maintain parks and recreational areas, and so much more. Follow us on social media as we celebrate all month long! Learn more about how Linn County works for you.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to speak out and support survivors of sexual assault. The Linn County Board of Supervisors joined with Riverview Center to sign a proclamation proclaiming April Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Linn County. According to national data, sexual assault occurs in the U.S. every 73 seconds. Sexual assault affects women, children, and men of all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds. In additional to physical and emotional injury, sexual assault can also have associated consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression, homelessness, eating disorders, and suicide. If you see something, say something.

Linn and Johnson Counties Join Together to Launch Solar Group Buy

Building on past successes, Linn and Johnson Counties are combining efforts with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and several partners to offer Grow Solar Linn + Johnson Counties to residents throughout both areas. Homeowners, farm owners, and business owners throughout Linn and Johnson Counties may participate in this program to pool their buying power and secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable for their homes or property. Those interested in the program can attend online, free one-hour solar Power Hours to learn about solar and the volume purchasing, and sign up for free quotes and site assessments. Learn more and signup for an upcoming Power Hour here.

Technology and Our Secondary Roads

Over the past five years, the Linn County Secondary Road Department has expanded its use of technology in the field and in the office to increase productivity and efficiency when working on road maintenance and construction projects. Learn more about the custom apps designed to track maintenance needs, project statuses, and real-time updates in the Linn County Connection Blog.

What’s New with Linn County Conservation

After derecho: where do we go from here? What’s new with the parks and trails? Will summer programs be offered for kids? What about programs for kids young at heart? Is there a poop fairy? Find the answers to these questions and much more inside the spring edition of the Linn County Conservation Oak Hickory newsletter issued this week.

Supervisors Deliver Meals on Wheels

The Board of Supervisors made meal deliveries for the Horizons Meals on Wheels program on March 30 as part of the March for Meals program. Meals on Wheels helps older adults and persons with disabilities in Eastern Iowa meet their daily nutritional needs.

2021 Assessment Notices Mailed

The Linn County Assessor’s Office has mailed the 2021 assessment notices to property owners within its jurisdiction and whose property assessments have changed since last year. The Linn County Assessor’s Office assesses real property in Linn County with the exception of property in Cedar Rapids, which has its own Assessor’s Office. Iowa law requires all assessors within the State of Iowa to mail assessment notices by April 1 of each year when a value change occurs. Property owners whose values have remained unchanged will not receive an assessment notice. Assessed value should not be confused with the taxable value or the tax bill. Property owners with questions about their assessment should contact the Assessor’s Office.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of March 26-April 2, 2021. The Board of Supervisors:

Received a COVID-19 update from Linn County Public Health
Signed a proclamation proclaiming April National County Government Month
Signed a proclamation proclaiming April Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Signed a proclamation proclaiming April 5-11 National Public Health Week
Approved a certificate of insurance as part of an agreement with Lindale Mall that will allow Linn County Public Health to use mall space for a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic at a time and date yet to be determined. Clinic status will depend on if/when Linn County receives enough COVID-19 vaccines that allow for a mass vaccination clinic.
Held a public hearing and first consideration (March 29) and second consideration (March 31) on an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances by amending provisions in Chapter 107, Unified Development Code. This proposed amendment would formally allow for the keeping of chickens and other small animals on lots in residential zoning districts in unincorporated Linn County. Roosters would be prohibited, and a limit on the number of small animals per acre is included.
Approved a public participation plan for upcoming utility scale solar project applications. Public meetings will occur after Linn County receives an application for a solar project. Details of the public meetings will be announced once Linn County receives an application and details are available.
Discussed receipt of U.S. Board on Geographic Names letter approving the requested name change from Squaw Creek to Wanatee Creek
Signed a letter of support for the Affordable Housing Network’s application to the Iowa Finance Authority’s HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program
Discussed and approved a plan related to remaining derecho debris in unincorporated Linn County
Approved a resolution confirming the schedule of assessment for nuisance abatements
Approved a resolution for a Temporary Use Permit for a seasonal campground located in the 900 & 1000 Block of Lnenicka Lane, from April 1 to October 31, 2021
Approved a resolution for a Residential Parcel Split for Huber Farm Subdivision
Approved a Preliminary Plat application as owner of the Dows Farm property
Approved a vacancy form requesting a temporary Home Health Aide for Linn County Community Services Home Health
Approved a vacancy form requesting a Home Health Supervisor for Linn County Community Services Home Health
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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Communications Department
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319-892-5000