GRUNDY CENTER- During its regular meeting on Monday morning, the Grundy County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to begin the process of creating an urban renewal area to accommodate the upcoming Wolf Creek Grain Handling project on Highway 14, also known as Snittjer South.
Butler-Grundy Development Alliance Executive Director Jeff Kolb, Snittjer General Manager JR Kennedy and landowner and former supervisor Jim Ross came before the board to explain the latest plans for the $11.5 million investment. An Urban Renewal Area allows the company to qualify for Tax Increment Financing, and Kolb added that it could also be used to fund improvements on roads that are affected by the project.
Ahlers and Cooney will handle drawing up the Urban Renewal document, and a motion to move forward passed by a 4-0 vote (Lucas Halverson was absent).
Before departing, Kolb informed the board of progress at the Grundy County Industrial Park toward selling two of the lots after a long period of inactivity. He described the process of attempting to bring businesses to the lot as “frustrating” but was encouraged by the latest developments.
During his portion of the meeting, County Engineer Gary Mauer announced that he would be signing his final three-year contract before retiring, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Currently, he is the fourth longest tenured engineer in the state with a total of 36 years under his belt.
Mauer reported that the secondary roads department would receive a total of $349,956.42 in COVID-19 relief funds.
Supervisor Vic Vandehaar provided an update on the search for a new vehicle for County Sanitarian and Zoning Administrator Carie Steinbron, and he continues to work with Marty Rouse of Rouse Motors with a focus on Jeeps and GMC Terrains. It was also mentioned that due to the deadly standoff in Grundy Center on Friday night, at least one deputy sheriff’s vehicle was likely totaled with bullet damage and would need to be replaced.
The county has received 10 applications for the custodial position to replace Mark Jungling, and after some discussion, they agreed to interview four of them. During committee and board reports, Supervisor Barb Smith said that Jerry Schoolman hopes to retire as the manager of the county landfill by the end of September and would like to begin training a successor by July 1.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, the board:
· Approved a Windstream utility permit.
· Approved contract documents with Bruening Rock Products on farm to market resurfacing.
· Approved the auditor’s quarterly report and the county treasurer’s March 31, 2021, investment report.
· Approved the household hazardous waste service agreement with Metro Waste Authority.
· Reappointed Erin Schildroth and Heidi Nederhoff to the Board of Adjustment.
· Approved the payment of bills.
