Author: Theresa Rose

Mt. Pleasant Utilities would like to inform the public of a recent change in plans for the closure of the 100 block of S. Adams Street from Washington to Monroe.

As a result of unanticipated utility conflicts, it will be necessary to shift the new water main being installed closer to the street center-line.

To ensure the safety of the public and our construction crews, it will be necessary to close the 100 block of S. Adams Street to traffic during the course of the project. The Utilities’ apologize for the inconvenience.

Thank you,

Regular Meeting:
Dan McCabe, Chairman 1:00 P.M. Tuesday
Harvey Ungerman May 19th, 2020
David George (Electronic Conference)
Carol Nemitz
Michelle Rosell
PURSUANT TO IOWA CODE SECTION 21.8 (1) (c). The Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities is holding this session by electronic means pursuant to the provisions of the Iowa Open Meetings Law, Section 21.8, Code of Iowa. As a result of substantial community spread of COVID-19 in the State of Iowa and based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is impractical for the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities to meet in person. Therefore, the meeting is being held by conference call originating from the Utility’s Business Office located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The public can call in from a remote location and join by conference call. Public notice of the meeting has been issued in accordance with Iowa Code Section 21.4.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/212327453 You can also dial in using your phone.  1 (224) 501-3412 Access Code: 212-327-453
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER.
A. Roll call.
B. Approval of Agenda.
II. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS.
A. Regular Board Meeting – April 21st, 2020 – Approval.
B. Budget Work Session – May 4th, 2020 – Approval.
III. FINANCIAL.
A. Approval of Warrants.
B. Treasurer’s Report – Randy Neff.
C. Transfer of Funds.
D. Audit Engagement Service Proposals for Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, 2022 – Review and Approval.
1. Board review of Audit Engagement Service Proposals for Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, 2022.
2. Award Audit Engagement Services Contract for Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, 2022.
E. Resolution 2020-02: Resolution Setting Salaries for the Supervisory Employees and Hourly Wage Rates for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees of Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
F. Fiscal 2020-2021 Operating and Capital Budgets – Review and Approval.
1. Board review of the 2020-2021 Operating and Capital Budgets – (Final Draft).
2. Board approval of the 2020-2021 Operating and Capital Budgets.
IV. LEGAL COUNSEL – David L. McCoid, Attorney.
A.
V. OPERATIONS.
A. Management – Jack Hedgecock, General Manager.
1. Iris Street Transmission Line Project – Review and Approval.
a) Status update of the associated electric transmission line work.
b) Board review and approval of proposed change order (#CO003). Material standards modification resulting in a contract addition of $4,319.00.
c) Board review and approval of proposed change order (#CO004). Subcontractor services modification resulting in a contract addition of $14,720.00.
d) Board review and approval of proposed change order (#CO005). Engineering design modification resulting in a contract addition of $5,644.00.
e) Board review and final acceptance of the Iris Street Transmission Line Project completed by Hooper Construction. Associated bonds and project retainage to be released at a later date.
2. Iris Street Substation and Distribution Feeder Project – Review and Approval.
a) Status update of the associated substation and distribution line work.
b) Board review and final acceptance of the Substation 15 kV Sheltered Aisle Switchgear Building Project completed by Eaton Corporation. Associated bonds and project retainage to be released at a later date.
c) Board review and final acceptance of the Substation 69 kV / 12.5 kV, 15 MVA Power Transformer Project completed by Virginia Transformer Corporation. Associated bonds and project retainage to be released at a later date.
d) Board review and final acceptance of the Substation 69 kV Dead-end Structure Project completed by ASE Corporation. Associated bonds and project retainage to be released at a later date.
3. Well #4 High Service Pump Building Replacement Project – Review and Approval.
a) Status update of the associated high service pump building, water main piping systems and integration control work.
b) Board review and approval of proposed change order (#2). Material design modification resulting in a contract addition of $600.00.
c) Board review and final acceptance of the Well #4 High Service Pump Building Replacement Project completed by Frank Millard & Company Inc. Associated bonds and project retainage to be released at a later date.
4. Water Tower (A) Exterior / Interior Renovation Project – Update.
a) Status update of the associated water tower renovation work.
5. COVID-19 Health Crisis Response Update – Update.
6. Southeast Iowa Safety & Support Organization Agreement – Review and Approval.
a) Review final draft of the proposed Safety Services and Associated 28E Joint Action Intergovernmental Agreements.
b) Resolution 2020-03: Resolution giving final approval to the proposed (SEISG) Safety Services Agreement and Associated 28E Joint Action Intergovernmental Agreement and Resolution authorizing the Utility to become a member of the newly formed Southeast Iowa Safety Group (SEISG).
7. Monthly Activities.
B. Customers.
1.
C. Employees.
1.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS.
A. Other Business, Unscheduled for Consideration by Board of Trustees.
1. Executive Session – Personnel & Legal.
a) (Executive Session pursuant to Section 21.5(1)(c) of the Code of Iowa for
legal purposes).
VII. ADJOURNMENT.
Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday June 16th, 2020

Henry County Public Health wants to remind everyone that although the Governor has eased some restrictions on the state, limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people, do not gather in groups, stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.

In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus.  Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you—or they—have no symptoms.  Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including people age 65 and older and people with underlying medical conditions.

Public Health also recommends that everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.  Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unable to remove the mask without assistance.  The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.  Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker, Public Health has masks available if you need one.  Please continue to keep 6 feet between yourself and others; the cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Other important ways to protect yourself and others include washing your hands often, preferably with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.  Visit www.HealthyHenryCounty.org/PublicHealth for more information and resources about COVID-19 prevention, including information about requesting or donating masks to Public Health, or call 319-385-0779.

Southeastern Community College received re-accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) Accreditation Commission.

Director of High School Relations Michelle Brown explains that concurrent enrollment programs allow high school students to take community college courses at no cost to them. Receiving NACEP accreditation means a school has met the nation’s most rigorous standard in concurrent enrollment program development, management, and evaluation across many areas.

“NACEP accreditation shows a commitment to academic integrity and the delivery of an authentic college experience to the high school student and is a goal that every concurrent enrollment program should work towards,” said NACEP Executive Director, Amy Williams.

Brown explains that the Iowa Department of Education requires community colleges to be accredited by NACEP for local school districts to receive funding that helps offset the cost of their community college programming.

“SCC works hard to make sure our high school students receive a quality college education that is on par with what we offer to regular campus students,” says Brown. “This re-accreditation is a testament to parents and students that we’re doing just that.”

To earn accreditation from NACEP, concurrent enrollment programs undergo a rigorous peer-review process conducted by a team of representatives from NACEP‐accredited programs as well as the NACEP Accreditation Commission.

SCC is one of 116 colleges in 24 states to receive NACEP accreditation. The college received its first accreditation with NACEP in 2013 and has actively worked on the re-accreditation process since the fall of 2018.

“This was no easy feat,” Vice President of Academic Affair Dr. Janet Shepherd notes. “This shows that our staff and faculty have built a quality, first-rate program. I’m really proud of them.”

NACEP’s accreditation is valid for five years for initial accreditation and then seven years for reaccreditation, during which time programs are expected to uphold NACEP’s standards and report annually on program

For more information regarding concurrent enrollment, parents are encouraged to talk to their child’s high school counselor or call Michelle Brown at (319)208-5046.

The Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees meets May 19th at 1 pm.  Join the meeting from computer, tablet or smartphone at global.gotomeeting.com/join/212327453

or use your phone by dialing 1(224)501-3412 and use the access code: 212-327-453

* = vote required ♦ = Discussion □ = Information
Agenda for PUBLICATION
MEETING OF HENRY COUNTY HEALTH CENTER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Virtual meeting via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/96604792660?pwd=ZGlPZjRrQ1FtRjZXT29BaEFoOGhuQT09
Meeting ID: 966 0479 2660
Password: 229589
Call in phone number: 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 966 0479 2660
As a result of the substantial community spread of COVID-19 in the state of Iowa and based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Iowa Department of Public Health, it was impractical for the Henry County Health Center Board of Trustees to meet in person for the special meeting. Therefore, the meeting is being held electronically via a virtual meeting through Zoom originating from the Health Education Center at Henry County Health Center.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
Mr. Prottsman _______ Mrs. Olson ________ Mrs. Heaton ________
Mr. Meyer _______ Mr. Severson ________ Mrs. Towne _________
Mrs. McNamee _______
III. PUBLIC HEARING: 12:00 pm
On proposed action by Henry County Health Center for the purpose of instituting proceedings and taking action to enter into one or more unsecured, forgivable loans pursuant to one or more loan agreements (collectively, the “Loan Agreement”) through the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program and borrow money in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $ 4,000,000 (the “Loan”), the proceeds of which will be used to provide funds for operational purposes of the Hospital
IV. Consent agenda
A. Minutes of previous meeting & committees
B. Administrative Team Reports
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Labor and Delivery services ♦ □
B. IHA Dashboard ♦ □
C. IHA Financial Indicators Review ♦ □
D. EMS services asset agreement ♦ □ *
E. EMS services utilization agreement ♦ □ *
F. Construction update ♦ □
G. COVID-19 response ♦ □
H. Resolution regarding participation in the SBA PPP ♦ □ *
VI. MEDICAL STAFF REPORT:
A. Medical Staff update ♦ □
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE
IX. ADJOURNMENT

Week of May 11-17, 2020

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 18, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly from April through November.

“Late last week, a portion of Iowa was deemed ‘abnormally dry’ by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Much of the state experienced cooler temperatures and rain over the weekend, which helped mitigate dryness concerns and impacts on emerging corn and soybeans,” said Secretary Naig. “With the recent rainfall, and temperatures that are expected to warm up throughout the week, crops should get a boost in the field.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s site at nass.usda.gov/ia.

Crop Progress

There were 4.3 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 17, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Windy days made spraying weeds difficult, but planting continued prior to most of Iowa receiving rain in the latter half of the week.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 2% very short, 7% short, 78% adequate and 13% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1% very short, 6% short, 83% adequate and 10% surplus.

Iowa farmers have planted 96% of the expected corn crop, nearly a month ahead of last year and almost 3 weeks ahead of the 5-year average. Only Southwest Iowa has over 10% remaining to be planted. Corn emergence improved to 62%, almost double that of the previous week. The soybean crop moved to 86% planted, also nearly a month ahead of last year and 3 weeks ahead of average. Farmers in the northern one-third of the State have less than 10% of their soybeans left to plant. One-fourth of the soybean crop has emerged. Seeding of the oat crop is virtually complete, with 91% emerged. Oat condition rated 80% good to excellent.

Hay condition rated 71% good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 62% good to excellent. Warmer temperatures would help improve growth in pastures and hay fields. Livestock conditions continue to be good with little to no stress reported.