April 23-30, 2021

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

2021 State of the County Video Now Available

This past year was marked by a global pandemic, extreme weather events, and a Movement for social change. Linn County Supervisor Chair Stacey Walker addressed these challenges head-on and shared triumphs during Linn County’s virtual State of the County address on April 29 during National County Government Month. The video presentation was followed by a live Q&A session moderated by League of Women Voters Linn County. Supervisor Walker’s presentation focused on resiliency by looking back at the enormous challenges of 2020 while looking ahead to the future and the opportunities it presents.

Watch the video and live Q&A session.
Read Supervisor Walker's transcript.
Learn more in Linn County's 2020 Annual Report.

Linn County Supervisor Urges Residents, People of Color to Get Vaccinated

All individuals age 16 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool in ending the pandemic. As of April 23, 2021, only 55.1 percent of Linn County’s eligible residents (those 16 and older) have been vaccinated, yet the demand for vaccine in Linn County is starting to wane. Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker encourages all who have yet to receive vaccine to make plans to do so today. Walker received his COVID-19 vaccine during a Facebook Live event on April 26. During this event, Walker, along with Linn County Public Health’s Clinical Branch Supervisor Heather Meador, discussed the importance of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the State of Iowa’s COVID-19 vaccination dashboard, only about 5 percent of all COVID-19 vaccines statewide have been administered to individuals self-identifying as people of color. Supervisor Walker addressed this percentage and the historical reasoning for vaccine hesitancy among people of color in hopes of encouraging more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Linn County Seeks Board of Adjustment Member

Linn County is accepting applications to fill a voluntary appointment on the Board of Adjustment. The BOA hears and decides on appeals for variances and special exceptions for proposed improvements that do not meet Linn County zoning regulations. The BOA also hears and decides on Conditional Use Permits and on appeals of the zoning administrator’s decision where an error of law is alleged in the decision. The majority of members must reside outside the corporate limits of any city in Linn County. Linn County is committed to gender balance on all boards, commissions, and advisory committees. Women, minorities, and qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Learn more about the Board of Adjustment and how to apply.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of April 23-30, 2021. The Board of Supervisors:

Received a COVID-19 update from Linn County Public Health
Met with and received updates from the following departments: Conservation, Information Technology, Linn County Community Services, Soil Conservation, Sustainability, Veterans Affairs
Received a Health and Wellness Update from Health Solutions
Received an update from Human Resources on AFSME contract changes effective July 1, 2021
Proclaimed May 2021 as Building Safety Month in Linn County
Authorized the Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation to reallocate an Economic and Community Development 2020 grant to an alternate project
Approved land preservation parcel split for Tomash Hilltop Addition
Approved an Adopt-A-Roadside application for Country Club Lawn Care to adopt adjacent to 7251 Mt. Vernon Road for enhancement planting
Approved an Adopt-A-Roadside application for Jefferson High School to adopt Ellis Rd (county portions only) from Covington Rd to the city limits near River Bluff Dr NW for litter removal
Approved an Adopt-A-Roadside application for Mike and Karen Stewart to adopt Martelle Rd from Linn Grove Rd to Taylor Rd for litter removal
Approved an Adopt-A-Roadside application for Monroe Township Friends and Neighbors to adopt Hunt Rd and Edgewood Rd (county portions only) for litter removal
Approved a temporary construction easement with the City of Cedar Rapids for property located on 1st Ave/Linn County Sheriff property
Approved an agreement between Linn County and Martin Gardner Architecture, PC for architectural and engineering services related to the design and construction of a Secondary Road Department District 1 maintenance building
Approved a contract with Baker Group for the annual maintenance contract for card access and door controls in the amount of $9,558 at the following locations: Community Services Building, Correction Center, Court House, Election Depot, Fillmore, Juvenile Justice Center, Public Health, Public Service Center, and the Sheriff’s Office
Approved a contract with Baker Group for the annual maintenance contract for the card access and door controls in the amount of $15,105 for the Juvenile Detention Center
Approved a contract with Baker Group for the annual maintenance contract for the card access and door controls in the amount of $7,062 for the Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building
Approved a purchase in the amount of $11,906 from CR Signs Inc for two Lincoln Highway kiosks (to be installed at Thomas Park in Marion and Cleveland Park in Cedar Rapids) for the Linn County Historic Preservation Commission
Approved a purchase in the amount of $16,115 from Altorfer Machinery Corp for a scissor lift for the Facilities Department
Approved a purchase in the amount of $43,806.21 from Schumacher Elevator Company for elevator maintenance for the Facilities Department
Entered into a closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5.(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate
Discussed legislative updates
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