The Dallas County Board of Supervisors convened Tuesday morning in regular session.

The meeting began with the Board giving certificates of appreciation to eight County employees for their years of service, ranging from 5-15 years. Following that, they were given a presentation by a representative from Waste Management about the tonnage increase for recycling services. It was explained that prices on recycling around the nation have been skyrocketing all year, since China put a ban on contaminated batches shipped from the U.S. The Board was happy for the explanation and no action was needed.

The Supervisors then held a public hearing which was continued from a previous meeting regarding a storm sewer easement along the Raccoon River Valley Trail between Apple Inc. and Dallas County Conservation. However, Conservation Director Mike Wallace said he’s still waiting for information from the company, so the hearing was continued once again, this time to November 27th. Next, Jerry Purdy with Design Alliance gave an update on the courthouse renovation project. He said they plan to release drawings by next Thursday, which would open the bidding process. Contractors will have until November 15th at 4 p.m. to submit bids, which will then be considered by the Board during a public hearing on November 20th at 9:30 a.m.

The Supervisors then approved several items, including: a proposal from Renaissance Roofing for repairs to the courthouse roof for $81,033; the abatement of mobile home taxes; a property tax suspension; setting public hearings for a budget amendment and a temporary construction easement with Tyson Foods in Perry, which will both be held on November 13th at 9:45 and 10 a.m., respectively; and approving the plans and specifications for the Auditor’s Office parking lot project.

Finally, the Board went into an exempt session to conduct a negotiations strategy meeting, followed by a workshop with the Human Resources Department.