5/5 BOS minutesMay 5, 2026MET IN REGULAR SESSIONThe Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 10:00 A.M. All members present. Chairman Shea presiding.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEChairman read the Public Comment Policy statement.1. CONSENT AGENDAAfter discussion was held by the Board, a Motion was made by Wichman, and seconded by Jones, to remove items 1.C. and D. and 3.A. from the agenda and to approve the Consent agenda:A. April 28, 2026, Elected Officials, Minutes as read.B. April 28, 2026, Minutes as read.C. Jail – Employment of Erica Kephart as a Jail Secretary.D. Treasurer – Employment of Marie Fries and Heather Hanson as Clerk II.E. April 2026 Vendor Publication Report.UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.2. SCHEDULED SESSIONSIntroduce New Hires to Board·Linda Blake/Election Coordinator, AuditorKyle Myers/Truck Driver, Secondary RoadsMotion by Jorgensen, second by Miller, to approve and authorize the Board to sign Proclamation designating the week of May 3 – 9, 2026, as National Travel and Tourism Week.2026 National Travel and Tourism Week ProclamationWHEREAS the travel industry is essential to the success of every industry and will continue to be a critical part of Pottawattamie County's economy, development, and workforce, being at the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 29.WHEREAS travel is an economic powerhouse for every state and destination across the country, with an economic output of $2.9 trillion, supporting 15 million American jobs, and generating $89 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2024, according to the US Travel Association.WHEREAS Pottawattamie County realized $334.17 million in direct spending by travelers in 2024, according to Tourism Economics – the sixth highest of Iowa's 99 counties and part of the state's $7.5 billion in direct traveler spending that in turn supported small businesses, which account for more than 60 percent of leisure and hospitality employment.WHEREAS travel is an essential industry, and we must continue to communicate that growing travel leads to economic growth, benefits both small and large businesses, produces local sales tax revenue, and fosters mutual understanding by connecting the nation.Therefore, I, Chair Brian Shea of the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim May 3-9, 2026, as National Travel and Tourism Week in Pottawattamie County, and urge county citizens to join me in recognizing the essential role this industry plays. Simply put – Travel means business.APPROVED THIS 5th DAY OF May, 2026.ROLL CALL VOTEAttest: ________________________________Mary Ann Hanusa, County AuditorPottawattamie County, IowaRoll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.Tammy Francisco/Community Relations Manager, Mosaic, appeared before the Board to give an update on Mosaic.Discussion only. No Action Taken.What Should Be Committee appeared before the Board to present the 1st quarter employee recognition winners.Ethics and Integrity – Mathew WieseJob Knowledge and Skill – Kellie NewellProfessionalism – Garfield ColemanSelf-management – Kelly GreerService Accountability – Scott MefferdDiscussion only. No Action Taken.Motion by Miller, second by Jorgensen, to approve and authorize the Board to sign Proclamation designating the week of May 6 – 12, 2026, as Nurses Week.National Nurses Week Proclamation 2026May 6 – 12, 2026Whereas, nurses in the United States, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, and other nursing professionals, constitute our nation's largest health care profession, andWhereas, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession meet the diverse and emerging health care needs of the American population across a wide range of settings, including on the frontlines of public health and community care, andWhereas, more qualified nurses will be needed in the future to meet the increasingly complex needs of health care consumers in this community, andWhereas, the cost-effective, safe, high-quality, and compassionate care provided by nurses will be an increasingly important component of the United States health care delivery system in the future, andWhereas, along with the American Nurses Association, Pottawattamie County recognizes May 6–12, 2026, as National Nurses Week, with the theme “The Power of Nurses,” honoring nurses' unparalleled impact, their extraordinary contributions to health care, and inviting all to celebrate “The Power Of Nurses”, therefore be itResolved, that the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors ask that all residents of this county join in honoring all registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice nurses, and nursing support staff who care for all of us, and be it furtherResolved, that the Pottawattamie County Courthouse, along with buildings and landmarks across the country, will be lit red for National Nurses Week in support of the Nurses Light Up the Sky initiative, honoring nurses, raising community awareness, and encouraging local engagement.APPROVED THIS 5th DAY OF May, 2026.Attest: ________________________________Mary Ann Hanusa, County AuditorPottawattamie County, IowaRoll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.Motion by Miller, second by Jorgensen, to approve Pottawattamie County Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy.UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.Motion by Wichman, second by Jorgensen, to approve and authorize Board Chairman to sign contract with Worldgate for 28,700 to be paid out of gaming out of the miscellaneous vendor repair maintenance.UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.Kelly Fischer/Payroll and Benefits Coordinator and Jamie Behrends/Deputy, Auditor's Office appeared before the Board to discuss County Insurance account balances and transfer of funds. Board to discuss further at the May 12 th Board meeting.Discussion only. No Action Taken.Motion by Jones, second by Wichman, to approve and authorize Board Chairman to sign the Secondary Roads County Five Year Program for DOT submittal.UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.3. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTSA. Update from Board members on Committee meetings from the past week.4. RECEIVED/FILEDA. Salary Action(s):1) Veterans Services – Payroll status change for Rebekah Adair.B. Out of State Travel Notification(s):1)Public Health – Out of State Travel for Candy Steenbock and Jordan Ranta.2)Conservation - Out of State Travel for Jeff Franco and Chad Graeve.3)Sheriff – Out of State Travel for Brandon Ramsey, Travis Kephart and Louis Trujillo.4)Medical Examiner – Out of State Travel for Kalen Knight.5. PUBLIC COMMENTSThe following appeared before the Board:Larry Pracht6. STUDY SESSIONJamie Behrends/Deputy, Auditor's Office and Jeannette Johnson/Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors appeared before the Board to discuss the CO2 pipeline inspection billing.Discussion only. No Action Taken.7. CLOSED SESSION – 1:00 P.M.Motion by Miller, second by Jorgensen, to go into Closed Session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i), for discussion and/or decision on evaluation of individual's hiring.Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.Motion by Jorgensen, second by Jones, to go out of Closed Session.Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.Motion by Jorgensen, second by Jones, to go into Closed Session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i), for discussion and/or decision on evaluation of individual's hiring.Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.Motion by Wichman, second by Jones, to go out of Closed Session.Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.8. ADJOURNMotion by Jorgensen, second by Miller, to adjourn meeting.UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.THE BOARD ADJOURNED SUBJECT TO CALL AT 3:01 P. M.________________________________Brian Shea, ChairmanATTEST: ________________________________Mary Ann Hanusa, County AuditorAPPROVED: May 12, 2026PUBLISH: XMay 16, 2026 COL-9103532
