Harrison County Supervisors Meeting October 19, 2023 Chairman John Straight called the meeting to order with members Tony Smith and Brian Rife in attendance. Motion to approve the tentative agenda was made by Smith, second by Rife. Motion carried. Previous minutes were approved on a motion by Smith, second by Rife. Motion carried. Attendance: Auditor Susan Bonham, Paul J. Rhoten, Rebecca Wilkerson, Bruce Kocher Weed Commissioner’s Report Weed Commissioner Thad Pothast reviewed the annual weed report with the Board. There were 11 calls pertaining to noxious/problematic weeds. All calls were handled verbally with no written notices being served. Shattercane being more abundance in the county was discussed. Motion to approve the report was made by Smith, second by Rife. Motion carried. County Attorney Vacancy The Board discussed the upcoming county attorney vacancy. Assistant County Attorney Ashley West-Joons was also in attendance. Discussion took place on possible office locations, staffing needs and moving of confidential files if Ms. West-Joons was selected as the successful candidate for the position. The Board made the motion to fill the vacancy by appointment on a motion by Rife, second by Smith. Motion carried. A notice will be placed in the official newspapers. The public can still petition for a special election. Appointment will be made on Wednesday, November 1st at 8:00 a.m. in the board room. Harrison County Libraries Bruce Kocher (Missouri Valley), Wendy Doyel (Woodbine), Kate Simmons (Logan), Christine Hussing (Mondamin), and Paula Evans (Dunlap) each gave an annual update of library activities in their communities. County Conservation County Conservation Director Scott Nelson updated the Board on the annual conference hosted by Harrison and Pottawattamie Counties in September, creepy campgrounds, and the Welcome Center’s farmers’ market. Mr. Nelson is applying for a King Grant for the Doidge property and requested approval for fiscal sponsorship if the grant is successful. Motion to approve by Rife, second by Smith. Motion carried. Engineer A utility permit for construction in the public right of way from Northern Natural Gas to replace old test leads with new ones using a vac truck on 305th Street east of Seward Ave was approved on a motion by Smith, second by Rife. Motion carried. Handwritten Warrant A handwritten warrant to US Bank in the amount of $8,460.66 was approved on a motion by Rife, second by Smith. Motion carried. Low-Moderate Income Usage Auditor Bonham reported that she had attended a Tax Increment Financing workshop where LMI usage for streets and roads was discussed. The presenter cautioned cities/counties if using LMI for streets/roads as it was difficult to prove that it benefited just LMI individuals when streets/roads are used by everyone and suggested involving a bond attorney for advice. Supervisor Smith said that the City of Woodbine’s attorney would be sending the county a letter advising that the County’s LMI funds could be used for Pike Trail. Zoning Public Hearings Chairman Straight opened the public hearings as advertised. Zoning Administrator Matt Pitt reviewed the following requests: 1. Jim Rains requested rezoning of approximately five acres from A-1 Agricultural to R-6 Planned Development on property located in part of the NW SW of Section 35-81-44. 2. Norman Smith requested rezoning of approximately five acres from A-1 Agricultural to R-1 Rural Residential on property located in part of the SW SE of Section 12-80-41. No comments from the public were heard or received. Motion to close the public hearings was made by Smith, second by Rife. Motion carried. Motion to approve Jim Rains’ request was approved on a motion by Rife, second by Smith. Motion carried. Motion to approve Norman Smith’s request was approved on a motion by Smith, second by Rife. Motion carried. Claims Claims, as presented, were stamped for approval. Comments Rebecca Wilkerson commented that the Board was doing a good job. With business of the day completed, the Board adjourned on a motion by Rife, second by Smith. Motion carried. ATTEST: Susan Bonham, Auditor John Straight, Chairman NOTE: These minutes are as recorded by the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors and are subject to Board approval at the next regular meeting. MVTN 11-01-23 TDR 11-02-23
