April 1-8, 2022

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

April is National County Government Month

Linn County is among hundreds of communities throughout the United States observing National County Government Month in April. This initiative is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to showcase how counties help create and sustain healthy, safe, and vibrant communities. This year's theme "Counties THRIVE" demonstrates how counties help to improve people’s lives every day. Learn about some of the many programs and services Linn County provides to help Linn County residents thrive.

Mental Health Access Center Expands Hours to Include Weekends

Linn County is pleased to announce the Mental Health Access Center will expand its walk-in hours to include weekends effective Saturday, April 9, 2022. Individuals 18 years of age and older who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can walk into the Access Center without an appointment and receive help seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Learn more about the Access Center.

Anne Carter Joins Linn County Public Health as Health Equity Program Manager

Linn County Public Health is pleased to announce that Anne H. Carter has joined the agency as its inaugural Health Equity Program Manager. LCPH is working to remove obstacles to health such as systemic racism, discrimination, poverty, and their consequences, including access to health care, housing, and health inequities. This position will promote health equity by improving policies, practices, partnerships and resources.

Deadline Set for Open Burning of Derecho Vegetative Debris in Urban Services Area

Residents who live in unincorporated Linn County within the half-mile buffer zone around the cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha (zoned as Urban Services Residential - USR) have until June 30, 2022 to openly burn any vegetative debris remaining from the August 2020 derecho. Typically, open burning in this half-mile buffer zone is not allowed for properties zoned USR; however, the Linn County Board of Supervisors made an exception following the derecho due to the amount of damage it caused. Residents must apply for a permit by calling Linn County Public Health at 319-892-6000. Linn County Public Health has waived the fee for these permits in the Urban Services Residential area.

Linn County Campgrounds to Open April 15

Connect with nature by spending some quality time outdoors camping this year. The popular modern campgrounds at Buffalo Creek Park, Morgan Creek Park, Pinicon Ridge Park, and Wanatee Park will open for the season by 8 a.m. on April 15.

Dust Control Signup Now Open

Gravel roads generate dust in varying amounts based on the amount of traffic and the type of weather the seasons bring. The Linn County Secondary Road Department applies safety chloride to various road and rock overlays each season. Additionally, applications to help control the amount of dust produced are available through the County and can be applied by the individual property owner, private contractor, or the County with an approved permit. The first signup period for dust control is open now through May 10. Learn how you can sign up for dust control.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of April 1-8, 2022. The Board of Supervisors:

Met with and received updates from the following elected officials: Auditor Joel Miller, County Attorney Nick Maybanks, Sheriff Brian Gardner, Treasurer Sharon Gonzalez
Held a public hearing and first consideration for rezoning case JR22-0006, request to rezone property located at 8717 Blairs Ferry Rd, from the RR3 (Rural Residential 3-Acre) zoning district to the USR (Urban Services Residential) zoning district, approximately 3.63 acres, Anthony Clinton, owner
Set June 30, 2022 as the end date for allowing residents who live in unincorporated Linn County in the half-mile buffer zone around the cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha zoned as Urban Services Residential (USR) to openly burn tree debris from the August 2020 derecho
Ended the exemption requiring masks at the Harris Building following a discussion with the Linn County Public Health Director. The Public Health Clinic will continue to require masks following CDC guidelines that require masks in health care facilities.
Approved a resolution for the Contract and Performance and/or Payment Bonds for the Priority #2 Linn County Facilities Derecho Repairs Project
Discussed an estimate for concrete replacement in the Horseshoe Falls Lodge parking lot at Pinicon Ridge Park
Discussed Elections Services request to use Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3 in the Public Service Center for the Absentee Board Special Precinct Board statutory duties as needed
Approved a resolution to award contract for project LOST-RCB 1427(22), a bridge replacement on Sawyer Road 1,900 feet west of Prairieburg Road, to Iowa Bridge and Culvert , L.C., in the amount of $492,883.25
Approved a resolution to establish bridge weight restrictions and authorize the Linn County Engineer to erect and maintain appropriate signs
Approved a resolution for a final plat to be named Kaske Fifth Addition
Authorized Chair to sign an agreement between Grant Wood Area Education Agency and Linn County Board of Supervisors to ensure appropriate educational programing for youth residing at the Juvenile Detention Center effective July 1, 2022 through June 20, 2023
Discussed and authorized Chair to sign change order number 1 for the Linn County Conservation Morgan Creek ranger house derecho repair project increasing the contract sum by $6,984.78
Authorized Chair to sign an Acceptance of Offer from Kelly Concrete Company accepting an estimate of $10,048 and authorizing work for concrete replacement in the Horseshoe Falls Lodge parking lot at Pinicon Ridge Park
Authorized Chair to sign Adopt-A-Roadside for Indian Creek 4-H to adopt Prairie Chapel Road from Hwy 13 to Prairie Chapel Church
Discussed and authorized Chair to sign an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Agreement between Linn County and Prospect Meadows, Inc. for the Prospect Meadows Financial Stabilization and Sustainability Plan in the amount of $2,633,000
Authorized Chair to sign an order form with PhotoShelter in the amount of $4,250 for digital asset management services
Approved a purchase order for $21,500 to Modern Piping Inc.to replace fiberglass piping with stainless steel in the Courthouse
Held second consideration for rezoning case JR22-0006, request to rezone property located at 8717 Blairs Ferry Rd, from the RR3 (Rural Residential 3-Acre) zoning district to the USR (Urban Services Residential) zoning district, approximately 3.63 acres, Anthony Clinton, owner
Discussed proposed legislative 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.

Subscribe to receive agenda notifications.

Upcoming Events

April 18 Green Infrastructure and its Benefits
April 18 Sustainable Gardening & Make Your Own Terranium
April 20 The Story of Stuff and its Impact on our Environment
April 21 Healthy Lawns, Healthy Kids
Conservation Department Event Calendar

Subscribe now to get notified of future events posted in our Calendar section!

Communications Department
Email Communications
319-892-5000