June 10-17, 2022

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

Conversion Therapy for Minors Now Banned in Unincorporated Linn County

Conversion therapy of minors is now prohibited in unincorporated Linn County following a 2-1 vote by the Board of Supervisors. The Board amended an ordinance that now prohibits any efforts by service providers to change sexual orientation and/or gender identity of minors, including conversion and reparative therapy, in unincorporated Linn County. This includes services that purport to correct, cure, or change a minor’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity within the unincorporated areas of Linn County. The Linn County Board of Supervisors’ jurisdiction is the unincorporated areas of Linn County. The Board of Supervisors cannot pass an ordinance governing cities within Linn County. Learn more and view a copy of the ordinance.

Limited Use of Consumer Fireworks Allowed in Unincorporated Linn County

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Linn County reminds residents that the use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated Linn County is allowed on July 4 between the hours of 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fireworks may only be used with property owner permission. The sale of consumer fireworks is regulated by the State of Iowa. Each city in Linn County has its own rules governing the use of consumer fireworks within its city limits.

Linn County Funds Local Human Service Agencies

Linn County distributed more than $250,000 this week to local human service agencies that address important community needs, such as food insecurity, housing, adult and child health/dental care, domestic violence, recidivism, and transportation. The funding comes from Linn County Community Services (LCCS), a Linn County department whose mission is to address local health and human service needs through direct services, community planning, and administration of local, state, and federal funds. If unspent funds remain at the end of the fiscal year, LCCS reallocates funds back to the community to fill gaps that have been identified throughout the year to help meet underfunded community needs.

Linn County Supports Local Preservation Efforts by Awarding Grants to Nine Local Non-Profits

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has awarded $28,800 from the Linn County Historic Preservation Grant Program to nine non-profit organizations in Linn County. The recipients were selected through an annual competitive process. The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission reviews the grant applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. View a list of grant recipients and their projects.

Most Linn County Offices Will Close June 20 for Juneteenth

Most Linn County governmental offices will be closed Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The U.S. Senate passed a bill on June 15, 2021, that would make Juneteenth a federal holiday in the United States. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, 2021. This is the first year Linn County offices have closed to observe Juneteenth after the Board of Supervisors officially added Juneteenth to County employees' holiday calendar effective in 2022. See which departments will remain operational.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

• Met with and received updates from the following departments: Finance & Budget, Human Resources, Policy & Administration, Secondary Roads, and Sustainability
• Held third and final consideration of an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the code of ordinances, Linn County, Iowa by adding a new Article III prohibiting within the unincorporated areas of the county of any efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity with minors, including conversion and reparative therapy
• Held a public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated total cost for the Linn County Correctional Center Video Visitation Remodel Project
• Opened and announced bids for the Linn County Correctional Center Video Visitation Remodel Project and referred bids to Linn County staff and the project architect for review and tabulation
• Received an update from the MH/DS of the East Central Region
• Received a presentation by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance on year-end results and future issues facing community economic development efforts
• Held third and final consideration of ordinance amendment, rezoning case JR22-0003, request of Robert Schmitt, owner, to rezone 5.72 acres located at 3010 C Avenue Extension, from the AG (Agricultural) zoning district to the USR (Urban Services Residential) zoning district
• Authorized a recount of votes for REP State Senator District 42 race held on June 7, 2022 pursuant to Chapter 50.48 (1a.)
• Received and placed on file Treasurer’s (Auto Dept.) report to the County Auditor receipts and disbursements for the month of May 2022
• Approved a resolution acknowledging the retirement of Linn County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detection K9, Gucci and the transfer of ownership to Deputy Chad Lemense upon completion of Gucci’s final shift on June 18, 2022
• Approved a resolution for a final plat for Schmitt Woods First Addition
• Approved a resolution awarding a contract for the Linn County Correctional Center Video Visitation Remodel Project to Unzeitig Construction Co in the amount of $366,800
• Approved suspending taxes for five (5) Linn County residents as they are unable to contribute to the public revenue by reason of age, infirmity, or both, pursuant to Code of Iowa, Section 427.8
• Authorized Chair to sign documents pertaining to an agreement with City of Cedar Rapids for a temporary construction easement affecting Linn County property at 800 Walford Rd. SW, namely Linn County Juvenile Detention Center for consideration of $6,050 relating to roadway construction and a new roundabout 
• Authorized Chair to sign the Linn County Preservation Fiscal Year 2023 Grant Agreements with the grantees of the Historic Preservation Grant program for a total amount of $28,800. The grant agreements are as follows:
  • Brucemore $3,200
  • Central City Historical Society $4,500
  • Central City Mainstreet $3,000
  • Coggon Community Historical Society $3,400
  • Ely Community History Society $3,000
  • Genealogical Society of Linn County $520
  • Linn County Historical Society, d.b.a. The History Center $1,180
  • Lisbon History Center Foundation $5,000
  • The Friends of the Lisbon Library $5,000 for a total of.00.
• Authorized Chair to sign a certificate of self-insurance to allow Linn County departments and agencies to participate at the Linn County Fair June 22 through June 26, 2022
• Authorized Chair to sign American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Subaward Agreement between Linn County and the following organizations:
  • Aging Services for Kingston Hill Residential Care Facility Flooring Replacement: $145,000
  • City of Bertram for City Water Main Expansion Services: $220,000
  • City of Coggon for Watermain Infrastructure Project: $478,800
  • Eastern Iowa Health Center for Increasing Access and Opportunity to COVID-19 Education, Vaccinations, and General Medicine for Underserved Populations: $500,000
  • Horizons, A Family Service Alliance for Horizons Meals on Wheels $240,000
  • Horizons, A Family Service Alliance for Horizons Neighborhood Transportation Service: $50,000
  • Indian Creek Nature Center for Enhanced Accessibility at Etzel Sugar Grove Farm for Water & Sewer Infrastructure & Farmer Education Workshop: $250,000
  • Matthew 25 for Healthy Homes, Food, and Neighborhoods Program: $250,00
  • The Arc of East Central Iowa for Better Access, Inclusion, and Recreation for Our Community: $250,000
• Authorized Chair to sign agreements for the FY23 Linn County Community Services Funded Agencies as follows:
  • Aging Services: $18,921
  • Central City Food Program: $26,473
  • Dental Health Center of East Central Iowa: $12,286
  • Eastern Iowa Health Center: $21,613
  • HACAP: $32,887
  • Horizons: $109,953
  • S.A.N.S.I: $8,123
  • Southeast Linn Community Center: $5,174
  • Waypoint Services: $32,582
• Approved Cigarette Application for TS, LLC (Troy Store) in Troy Mills
• Approved an application for a display fireworks permit for Gary Peiffer to conduct a display on July 9, 2022 (July 10, 2022 rain date) at the North Linn School Complex, 3033 Lynx Dr., Troy Mills
• Approved an application for a display fireworks permit for David Hulshizer to conduct a display on August 13, 2022 (August 20, 2022 rain date) at 2549 Janette Nehl Lane, Central City

Upcoming Events

• June 18 Touch a Truck - Public Safety Appreciation Day
• June 20 Improving Recycling Practices
• Conservation Department Events

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