The Board of Supervisors in Shelby County met Tuesday morning, in a regular session. Auditor Mark Maxwell said in the meeting minutes, that Todd Valline presented updates and events sponsored and participated in by his organization, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industries. During the session, Shelby County Engineer, Brandon Burmeister asked the board for approval of Amendments to Utility permits for Kirkman RNG, LLC. A motion to that effect was passed unanimously.

Current activities and projects by the Secondary roads Department were shared with the Supervisors. Burmeister then asked the Board to consider approving a Resolution for an SS4A (Safe Streets and Roads for All) grant application, that, along with other counties that have passed a similar Resolution, will allow Shelby County to be eligible for part of $1-billion in funding, from the new Federal Transportation Bill, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Iowa County Engineers Association (ICEA) encourages all 99 counties in the State with an Eligible Action Plan in place, to participate in this grant application. There is no cost to the counties to apply

By agreeing to participate in the program, the Shelby County Board of Supervisors (as well as their counterparts in other, area counties) commits to achieving significant declines in roadway fatalities and serious injuries in Shelby County, while recognizing the Action Plan, and will assist the County Engineer’s department in achieving the goal of a dramatic decrease in roadway fatalities and serious injuries and zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries by the years 2030 and 2050, respectively.The Resolution passed unanimously.

Chairperson Kenkel then presented a letter of engagement from Ahlers and Cooney for advisement and direction in the crafting, enacting and responding to ordinances being considered by the Shelby County Board of Supervisors. A motion was made by Haake to approve the signing and approving the terms of the engagement letter, Parkhurst seconded the motion. The letter of engagement was approved to be signed by a unanimous vote in favor of entering into the engagement terms specified in the letter.

The meeting was then recessed to hold hearings for public comment, with regard to a proposed carbon dioxide (CO²) pipeline. During two of the hearings, rural citizens and the Mayor of a nearby town spoke of concerns of the safety in and around the pipeline once installed. Alex Londo, Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator spoke and informed the public in attendance of all the preparation and training that has to be given for a newly created public safety possibility. Two letters were received at the auditor’s office, one from the Shelby County Public Health Board and one in opposition from Summit Carbon Solutions. A petition was also received Tuesday in opposition to the pipeline and questioning the safety and permanent farm ground damage that may occur.

The scheduled and publicized hearing dates for the second and third hearing dates for ordinances 2022-2 and 2022-3 are being reconsidered. The third hearing was held to receive any public comment about the proposed budget amendment for Shelby County Fiscal year 2023. Having received or heard any comments, the Board passed the budget amendment, which does NOT increase taxes.