March 28, 2024

Supervisors approve jail amendment, culvert purchases, lease renewal

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors wrapped up its meeting rather swiftly Tuesday morning, just in time for everyone in attendance to cast their ballot for Election Day — if they had not done so already.

Very little time was wasted in between agenda items. Discussions were brief and to-the-point. The courthouse was nearly empty, save for the workers and employees. Attendance at the supervisors meeting was also low.

Retiring supervisor Joe Brock would soon find out who would fill his seat within the next few months. Denny Carpenter was the only one of the three supervisors running for reelection. At the end of the meeting, superviors’ board chair Doug Cupples wished the candidates good luck.

Amending jail remodel agreement

Maintenance Director Adam Sparks said a small amendment needed to be made to the county’s original jail pod contract with Shive-Hattery, Inc.

“What we’re having a couple issues with is if the guys that are working out there need, I guess, a question answered that has to do with that and I can’t answer it, we need them to answer it. So, obviously, if they have to answer questions or make phone calls or spend their time and come out, they want to be paid for it,” Sparks said.

The scope of services was listed in the amended agreement document.

Services included contract administration, such as “answering contractor questions and documenting, reviewing and analyzing change order requests” and also reviewing and analyzing contractor payment applications. Providing on-site evaluations, surveying project submittals and shop drawings, reviewing contractor’s pay applications and change orders, conducting completion observations and facilitating project closeout documents were also listed in the amendment. Fees for services are set at an hourly rate.

“We may not spend more than $1,000 doing this but we need it in there for them in case we have to use their expertise in something,” Sparks said. “We may not spend any of it. We may spend up to $1,000.”

New hire at sheriff’s office

Human Resources Director Dennis Simon presented the board with a hiring resolution for a part-time dispatcher position at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Laura Van Kooten is set to take the job offer for a hire-in non progressive union scale pay rate of $18.10 an hour, effective Friday.

“This is a replacement,” Simon said. “We have two part-time positions … This is to get another part-timer in place.”

Buying culverts

County Engineer Russ Stutt asked for the board’s approval to purchase stock culverts and one 72-inch culvert to be used at a specific location. The supervisors approved the total purchase price of the culverts for $40,690.26 from Metal Culverts.

Lease renewal

The board of supervisors approved a lease renewal for the Public Health Building with Van Dee, Inc. The county agreed to pay Van Dee, Inc., a monthly sum of $1,200. The first rent payment is due on the first day of each month.

“I took a look at it … it’s the same exact lease as last time,” Cupples said.

Board appointment

Cupples amended the supervisors meeting agenda to include a Jasper County Conservation Board appointment. Cupples said he was asked by Conservation Director Keri Van Zante to re-appointment Andrew Stone to the conservation board. He is to serve a five-year term. The supervisors approved the appointment.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at
641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or
cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com