The Greene County Board of Supervisors met Monday in regular session.
The boardroom was standing-room only, as over 40 citizens were present for the agenda item of the motion to temporarily close the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower. An alleged violation of a county policy regarding lighting the bell tower using colored lights only on Fridays, Saturdays and designated county holidays was used last Tuesday. Supervisors John Muir and Dawn Rudolph contacted Greene County Sheriff Jack Williams and reviewed security camera footage of who was responsible for the incident.
During the investigation, Muir said he and Rudolph talked with County Auditor Billie Jo Hoskins and Hoskins decided to close the bell tower. County Attorney Thomas Laehn said under Iowa law, county auditors have the authority to make those decisions in lieu of the Supervisors not being able to meet.
The motion that was unanimously approved by the Supervisors was to close the bell tower to the public until a 28E agreement is established between the County and the Bell Tower Community Foundation on operation of the bell tower. Until that time, the County Auditor was authorized to reopen the bell tower and assign a designee to facilitate those operations with volunteers. Additionally, the Board mentioned they will review their current lighting policy and possibly establish a committee to make recommendations about lighting to the Board. Laehn also discussed with the Board a 28E agreement draft regarding the Bell Tower Community Foundation. Pending recommended changes by County Treasurer Katlynn Mechaelsen, the Board agreed to send the document for the Bell Tower Community Foundation’s consideration.
The Board also approved the release of judgment liens against 600 West Lincoln Way, pending finalization of documents, so that the City of Jefferson can finalize purchasing the property. They also heard an update from Jefferson City Administrator Scott Peterson. He mentioned they attended the Housing Iowa Conference due to the City being designated as an Iowa Thriving Community, hired a police officer, and continue to work on completing the dog park at the Greene County Animal Shelter.
Before the Board approved last week’s meeting minutes, Supervisor Pete Bardole requested that a statement in the minutes be deleted regarding the lighting policy and how there were concerns about viewing the tower with the lights might read unintended messages, which was approved. Laehn updated the Board about his office being moved to Judge Bill Ostlund’s former office, because of security reasons for his legal secretary being required to have a secondary exit if there was an active shooter situation. Laehn’s current office would then be converted into a judge’s chamber.
County Information Technology Director Michelle Fields asked if she should pursue inserting each supervisor’s email address onto the county’s website and when their terms expire. The Board did not take action on the request.
Raccoon River Watershed Association Chair Chris Henning asked about what the Supervisors are doing to protect county drainage tile from an incident that happened with a recent hog manure spill into one of the tributaries. She also asked about a contact number on the county’s website of who to call in those incidents. Muir said having the Iowa Department of Natural Resources hotline number available would be a good start.