Minutes - 10/6/2026
October 6, 2026
MET IN REGULAR SESSION
The Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 10:00 A.M. All members present. Chairman Shea presiding.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman read the Public Comment Policy statement.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
After discussion was held by the Board, a Motion was made by Jones, and second by Jorgensen, to approve:
- September 29, 2026, Minutes as read.
- September 2026 Vendor Publication Report.
UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following appeared before the Board:
Mike Kruger
David Geiger
3. SCHEDULED SESSIONS
Motion by Miller, second by Jorgensen, to approve and authorize Board to sign Proclamation designating October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation – October 2026
WHEREAS, breast cancer continues to affect individuals and families in communities across the United States, including here in Pottawattamie County, and remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women while also affecting men; and
WHEREAS, Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October provides an opportunity to increase awareness of breast cancer, encourage individuals to learn about their personal risk factors and screening options, and emphasize the importance of early detection; and
WHEREAS, October 13 is recognized as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, bringing attention to those living with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and the continued need for research and effective treatments; and
WHEREAS, October 17 through 23 is recognized as Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week, helping raise awareness that breast cancer can also affect men and encouraging greater understanding of the signs, risks and importance of timely medical care; and
WHEREAS, we stand in solidarity with those currently facing breast cancer, celebrate survivors, honor the memory of those we have lost and recognize the families, friends and caregivers who provide support throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the dedication of medical professionals, researchers, advocates and community organizations working to advance prevention, detection, treatment, education and support for those impacted by breast cancer;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors hereby declares October 2026 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourages residents to increase their awareness of breast cancer, talk with their healthcare providers about appropriate screening and risk factors, support those affected by the disease and participate in awareness efforts throughout our community.
Approved this 6th day of October, 2026.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Attest: ___________________________________
Mary Ann Hanusa, County Auditor
Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.
Mark Eckman appeared before the Board to give an update on Unleash CB.
Discussion only. No Action Taken.
Motion by Miller, second by Wichman, to approve Buildings and Grounds Department to provide work-based learning opportunities to a high school student.
UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.
Motion by Miller, second by Jorgensen, to approve and authorize Board Chairperson to sign lease renewal with the City of Avoca and Newtown Avoca Historical Society for the Avoca Courthouse and to pay invoice of $15,000.
UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.
Motion by Wichman, second by Jorgensen, to approve and authorize Board to sign: Resolution No. 57-2026 entitled: Resolution for Transfer from General Basic Fund to Capital Projects Fund.
RESOLUTION NO. 57-2026
RESOLUTION FOR TRANSFER FROM GENERAL BASIC FUND TO CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer money from the General Basic Fund to the Capital Projects Fund; and
WHEREAS, said transfers are in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors authorizes the following transfers:
SECTION 1: The sum of $1,000,000 is ordered to be transferred from General Basic Fund to Capital Projects Fund;
SECTION 2: The Auditor is directed to correct her book accordingly and to notify the Treasurer of these operating transfers.
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Dated this 6th Day of October 2026. |
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ATTEST: _______________________________________________
Mary Ann Hanusa, Auditor
Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by Jorgensen, second by Wichman, to approve and authorize Board to sign: Resolution No. 58-2026 entitled: Resolution for Transfer from Gaming Fund to Capital Projects Fund.
RESOLUTION NO. 58-2026
RESOLUTION FOR TRANSFER FROM GAMING FUND TO CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer money from the Gaming Fund to the Capital Projects Fund; and
WHEREAS, said transfers are in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors authorizes the following transfers:
SECTION 1: The sum of $2,000,000 is ordered to be transferred from Gaming Fund to Capital Projects Fund;
SECTION 2: The Auditor is directed to correct her book accordingly and to notify the Treasurer of these operating transfers.
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Dated this 6th Day of October 2026. |
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ATTEST: ______________________________________________
Mary Ann Hanusa, Auditor
Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by Miller, second by Wichman, to approve and authorize Board to sign: Resolution No. 59-2026 entitled: Resolution for Transfer from Capital Projects Fund to Bond Series 2026 Debt Fund.
RESOLUTION NO. 59-2026
RESOLUTION FOR TRANSFER FROM CAPTIAL PROJECTS FUND TO BOND SERIES 2026 DEBT FUND
WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer money from the Capital Projects Fund to the Bond Series 2026 Debt Fund; and
WHEREAS, said transfers are in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors authorizes the following transfers:
SECTION 1: The sum of $1,202,000 is ordered to be transferred from Capital Projects Fund to Bond Series 2026 Debt Fund;
SECTION 2: The Auditor is directed to correct her book accordingly and to notify the Treasurer of these operating transfers.
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Dated this 6th Day of October 2026. |
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ATTEST: ______________________________________________
Mary Ann Hanusa, Auditor
Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by Miller, second by Jones, to approve funding for park infrastructure improvements including Arrowhead Park pedestrian bridge ($300,000), Hitchcock Nature Center overlook deck ($300,000), and contracted development assistance ($200,000) not to exceed $800,000.
UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.
Jeff Franco/Director, Conservation, Jason Slack/Director, Buildings and Grounds, and Garfield Coleman/Director, Risk Management appeared before the Board to discuss the progress of Loess Hills Lodge renovation plans.
Discussion only. No Action Taken.
Motion by Wichman, second by Jones, to discontinue health insurance coverage for Thriving Families Alliance Employees as of December 31, 2026.
UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.
4. OTHER BUSINESS
Motion by Wichman, second by Jones, to approve allowing employees to extend dates for their biometric screenings from November 1, 2025, through March 31, 2027, with the new wellness vendor WIQSpark for the incentive for the 27/28 plan year. The following year would be from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027, to stay on plan from previous years.
UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.
5. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
- Update from Board members on Committee meetings from the past week.
6. RECEIVED/FILED
- Out of State Travel Notification(s):
1. Sheriff’s Office – Out of State Travel for Luis Trujillo.
7. CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Miller, second by Jorgensen, to go into Closed Session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j), for discussion and/or decision on purchase or sale of real estate.
Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by Wichman, second by Jorgensen, to go out of Closed Session.
Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by Miller, second by Jones, to go into Closed Session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i), for discussion and/or decision on personnel matters.
Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by Jones, second by Jorgensen, to go out of Closed Session.
Roll Call Vote: AYES: Shea, Wichman, Miller, Jorgensen, Jones. Motion Carried.
Motion by Jorgensen, second by Jones, to authorize Chair to sign document discussed in Closed Session.
UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.
8. ADJOURN
Motion by Jones, second by Jorgensen, to adjourn meeting.
UNANIMOUS VOTE. Motion Carried.
THE BOARD ADJOURNED SUBJECT TO CALL AT 1:01 P.M.
____________________________________________
Brian Shea, Chairman
ATTEST: _____________________________________________
Mary Ann Hanusa, County Auditor
APPROVED: October 13, 2026
PUBLISH: X