September 30 - October 7, 2022

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

Board of Supervisors Considers Pausing Utility-Scale Solar Applications

The Linn County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and the first two of three required readings as they look toward implementing a pause on accepting new utility-scale solar applications until at least December 31, 2022. The pause (legally termed a "moratorium") will allow staff to closely examine Linn County’s renewable energy standards taking lessons learned from the recent utility-scale solar rezoning applications from Coggon Solar LLC and Duane Arnold LLC. The pause could be extended to give staff more time if needed. If the moratorium passes, Linn County’s Planning & Development Department will create Renewable Energy Review Committees to help look at specific areas of the renewable energy code. The third and final reading is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12 at 11 a.m. at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center.

Linn County Conservation Earns Wildlife Habitat Improvement Award

Linn County Conservation has received the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Award - Third Place from the Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League for outstanding efforts in establishing habitat for wildlife. The award criteria is based on wildlife habitat improvement programs through promotion, planning, planting, and maintenance.

Secondary Road Department Recognized with Innovation Award

The Linn County Secondary Road Department is one of three Iowa counties to be recognized for innovative projects in the 2022 Build a Better Mousetrap Competition (PDF). The department mechanics were looking for a safe and effective solution to remove salt/sand spreaders from the back of dump trucks when they were brought to the shop for repair. They designed and fabricated a lifting jig using materials on hand from the weld shop. For less than $300 and a few hours of labor, Linn County has a safe, efficient, and quick way to prep the sander for removal from the dump truck that also helps prevent injury.

Linn County Seeks Veteran Affairs Commission Member

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is seeking Linn County residents interested in volunteering to serve on the Linn County Veteran Affairs Commission. The vacant seat is for an unexpired term that ends June 30, 2023. The commission establishes the eligibility for assistance, claims and denials, in addition to providing advisement. Commission members must be an honorably discharged veteran. All branches of service will be considered for appointment. Learn more about this opportunity to serve other veterans and the community.

Historic Preservation Commission Seeks New Member

The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission is looking to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term ending December 31, 2023. If you have an interest or expertise in architecture, architectural history, historic preservation, planning, building rehabilitation, conservation in general, or real estate, this may be the position for you! Learn more about the commission and apply today.

Linn County Attorney’s Office Accepts Findings of Iowa Attorney General’s Office Regarding Officer-Involved Shooting

The Linn County Attorney’s Office has announced it will not pursue criminal charges against two Cedar Rapids police officers in an officer-involved shooting that occurred August 30, 2022, at the Inn Circle after the Iowa Attorney General’s Office investigation found the actions of the officers involved were entirely legally justified. Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks released a statement noting that he concurred with the analysis used and the conclusions of the investigation. 

Scammers Using Linn County Sheriff’s Office Employee Names

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports of scammers using actual names of Sheriff’s Office employees and advising the victims that they have missed jury duty and now have a warrant issued for their arrest. The victims are further told that they can take care of the warrant by submitting a payment through a kiosk. The victims are often directed to a cryptocurrency kiosk and are told to deposit the money into the machine and then scan a QR code that was sent to them. If you get a call similar to this, be advised this is a scam and hang up. A law enforcement agency will never request payment for a citation or warrant through these types of methods or ask you to purchase anything to keep you from going to jail. When in doubt, hang up on the caller and contact your local law enforcement agency.

Linn County Board of Supervisors Awards $150,000 in Legacy and Community Attraction Grants

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has awarded $150,000 in grants from its Legacy and Community Attraction Fund to four non-profit organizations. The recipients were selected through an annual competitive grant process. The grant funds foster and support long-standing, new, and diverse community events in Linn County that substantially promote Linn County history or culture and/or work to draw in residents and outside visitors alike.

New Off-Leash Area at Morgan Creek Park

Make plans to check out Linn County Conservation's new off-leash pet area at Morgan Creek Park! The off-leash area is a 40+ acre park section west of the first parking lot at the main entrance at E Ave. across the footbridge. Although a leash is not required in this section, owners are still responsible for their pet. Don't forget to re-leash your pet when returning to other areas of the park.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

• Met with and received updates from the following elected officials: Auditor Joel Miller, County Attorney Nick Maybanks, Sheriff Brian Gardner, and Treasurer Sharon Gonzalez
• Held a public hearing and first and second consideration on an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa by amending provisions in Chapter 107, Unified Development Code, relating to a moratorium on accepting rezoning applications for the Renewable Energy Overlay District
• Held a public hearing and first and second consideration on an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa by amending provisions in Chapter 107, Unified Development Code, relating to: measuring the rear yard setback on triangular lots; amending the distance between animal runs or exercise areas and property lines in some instances for the animal boarding/shelter/kennel use; and adding use categories for Historic Schoolhouses and Recreation Camps
• Approved a resolution awarding a contract for the Linn County Secondary Road District #1 Shop – Phase 1 project
• Discussed and approved allocation of Legacy & Community Attractions grant funds
• Approved a resolution for a 28E agreement between Linn County and the City of Lisbon for property maintenance and rental housing inspection services
• Approved a resolution suspending taxes for one (1) Linn County resident 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
• Approved a resolution establishing stop regulations at numerous locations on Linn County secondary roads
• Approved a resolution for a land preservation parcel split for Lang Acres First Addition
• Authorized Chair to sign an Adopt-A-Roadside for Kristin Wheatley-Willimack and Chad Willimack to adopt 1354 Martin Creek Road from the west property line to the east property line
• Authorized Chair to sign an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) subaward agreement between Linn County and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP 4013) for the Immigrant and Refugee Community Gardens Project in the amount of $17,460.00
• Authorized Chair to sign an agreement between Linn County and the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy for Linn County Mental Health Access Center marketing funds and related documents
• Authorized election costs to be billed for September 13, 2022 Special Election – Alburnett Community School District
• Authorized election costs to be billed for September 13, 2022 Special Election – Anamosa Community School District
• Approved purchase order for a tandem roller to Star Equipment LTD in the amount of $39,550 for the Secondary Road Department
• Awarded bid and approved purchase order for a tilt tag trailer to Wright Way Trailers Inc. in the amount of $28,695 for the Secondary Road Department
• Approved a purchase order for $9,090 to Huber Fencing LLC for fencing around Linn County’s shelter

UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES

• October 18 Grant Wood Trail Public Input Meeting
• October 19 In-person absentee voting begins in the Auditor's Office
• October 24 Deadline to request an absentee ballot
• Conservation Department Events

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