The firm of Solum Lang Architects of Cedar Rapids was selected by the Washington County Board of Supervisors at the August 18 meeting to provide a building evaluation regarding the relocation of the Public Health Department. Currently the Department is renting office space in the Federation Bank building on the square and because of the limited space there, provides a number of other services at several other locations in Washington. The firm will evaluate relocation to building # 1 at Orchard Hill and the estimated remodeling costs. The cost for a new building will also be provided along with the evaluation of several potential building sites. A benefit analysis comparing the two options will be provided along with a recommendation.
The fee for the design services for this phase will be $2,000. This fee was 20 percent of the next lowest fee from the other two firms submitting proposals. This firm was recommended by the Building and Finance Committee of the Board of Health and the Board of Health. Committee member Steve Olson stated this firm has extensive experience in the design of medical facilities and all of the reference calls by the Committee members were very positive. The Solum Lang firm had completed a space needs analysis for the Public Health Department in November 2008 and both the Board of Supervisors and Board of Public Health agreed that the previous experience would be very beneficial to the quality of the relocation analysis.
The board moved to delay a decision on the suspension of one year's property tax for an individual who petitioned under Section 427.8 of the Code of Iowa. The individual was injured in an accident and is awaiting a decision regarding a medical disability status. The taxes would be suspended when a medical disability is granted.
Two personnel change requests for the Sheriff's Department were approved by the board. Sheila Clubb and David M. Lyons will work as jailers on a casual part-time status.
The board approved the application for renewal of the State liquor license for El-len Artistry of Crawfordsville. The license regulates the sale of wine on a carry out basis.
Two resolutions for adjustments of appropriations were approved by the board. The first was to correct an error on the Sheriff's Department original budget by moving a funding source from the general fund to the forfeitures line. The second creates a special fund to allow General Assistance to disperse $2,714 in grant funds, which were not anticipated on the department budget.
Supervisor Steve Davis reported that while making a tour of the new county jail last week he was informed that a check was received from Alliant Energy. The check compensated part of the cost of the tree planting at the jail and Orchard Hill site.
Supervisor Chairperson Jim Miksch who had attended the Board of Health meeting earlier reported that the Board of Health had received an $11,000 grant from the State of Iowa. The annual grant is utilized by Environmental Health to provide well water testing at no charge.
Auditor Bill Fredrick stated that the normal September 8 meeting would be held on Friday, September 11 due to the school elections. The meeting time would be announced later.