Dec. 17-22, 2021

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

County Welcomes New Facilities Director, Honors Long-Time Outgoing Director

On Dec. 31, 2021, Garth Fagerbakke will retire from his role as Facilities Manager, a position he has held for 22 years. Fagerbakke played a critical role in leading the County through several natural disasters, including the 2008 and 2016 floods, and the destructive August 2020 derecho. Under Fagerbakke’s leadership, three County buildings achieved LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for their efficient and responsible use of energy, lighting, water, and materials in the design and construction of the buildings. Anthony (Tony) Rossetti will succeed Fagerbakke as the new Facilities Director. He previously served as Regional Facilities Manager for Goodwill of the Heartland and Facilities Manager for the Cedar Rapids Double Tree.

Linn County Public Health Earns National Reaccreditation

Linn County Public Health recently earned reaccreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Linn County Public Health was the first health department in Iowa to achieve national accreditation in 2015, a designation that is valid for five years. According to PHAB, reaccreditation ensures that accredited health departments continue to evolve, improve, and advance, thereby becoming increasingly effective at improving the health of the population they serve.

Linn County Sustainability Teams Up With Green Iowa AmeriCorps

Linn County’s Office of Sustainability has teamed up with Green Iowa AmeriCorps. The partnership was a natural fit as both organizations strive to make Iowa a more environmentally friendly state. Green Iowa AmeriCorps is part of the larger AmeriCorps program, a federal program connecting individuals with community projects and service work. Specifically, Green Iowa AmeriCorps collaborates with nonprofits and organizations that work to make communities greener. Meet Linn County’s two Green Iowa AmeriCorps members and learn about what they are doing to make our community more environmentally sustainable in our most recent Linn County Connection blog post.

Limited Use of Consumer Fireworks Allowed in Unincorporated Linn County

As the New Year’s Eve holiday approaches, please be aware of the rules for use of consumer grade fireworks in unincorporated Linn County. The use of consumer grade fireworks in unincorporated Linn County is allowed on Dec. 31/Jan. 1 from 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Fireworks may only be used with property owner permission. Each city in Linn County has its own rules governing the use of consumer fireworks within its city limits.

REMINDER: Linn County Holiday Closures

Linn County governmental offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays on the following dates: Friday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 27; Friday, Dec. 31; and Monday, Jan. 3. Linn County LIFTS will run reduced routes on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. The Sheriff’s Office will be closed; however, continuous operations will be available for routine and emergency responses. This includes the Patrol Division, Communications Division, and the Correctional Center. In an emergency, always dial 911. Vehicle registrations can be renewed online at any time at www.iowataxandtags.org. The Linn County Mental Health Access Center will remain open.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of Dec. 17-22, 2021. The Board of Supervisors:

Received a COVID-19 and Omicron variant update from Linn County Public Health Director
Reviewed proposed fiscal year 2023 budget for the following County departments: Conservation
Received a presentation by Workplace Learning Connection and fiscal year 2023 budget request
Approved an amendment to purchase/sale contract for the purchase of 1017 12th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, to extend the closing date to December 22, 2021
Approved an above ground electric line easement granting Interstate Power and Light Company a perpetual easement related to above ground electric lines over a portion of property located at of 1017 12th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
Held a closed session in accordance with Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent
Approved resolution granting permission to Linn Mar Community School district to use courtrooms at the Linn County Courthouse for the purpose of conducting mock trials on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. All affected agencies/departments have given recommendation of approval and all necessary documentation is on file.
Approved resolution for a residential parcel split for Kettelkamp First Addition
Resolution to approve a final plat to be named Rosedale Meadows Third Addition, case JF21-0024
Approved an Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) Final Contract Construction Voucher for a culvert replacement on Burnett Station Road over Indian Creek
Authorized the Board to approve a settlement agreement in United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Case No. 20-CV-23-CJW
Approved a purchase order $41,373.42 to Rapids Foodservice Contract and Design for two oven/steamers for the Correctional Center
Approved an agreement with Darnell Construction for the Linn County Secondary Roads District #1 Toddville Shop Salt Shed derecho repair project
Provided Board member reports of their activities, meetings, and project updates

NOTE: Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap briefly summarizes 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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