RUSS to add on tanning salon inspections

MT. PLEASANT - Tanning salon inspections will likely now be overseen by the Regional Utility Service Systems following the introduction of a drafted ordinance to the Henry County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

At the Oct. 1 supervisors meeting, Bruce Hudson, the executive director of the Regional Utility Service Systems (RUSS), an agency that provides environmental services to Henry County and works with the Board of Health, spoke to the board about passing a drafted tanning ordinance that would give RUSS the jurisdiction and authority to do inspections on tanning facilities.

The ordinance has come after the state of Iowa notified counties that it was unable to hire a person from the state to oversee tanning provisions, and would leave it to counties to do so. Hudson noted that inspections would allow RUSS to make sure tanning facilities are using the correct bulbs, putting up appropriate signs to notify people of potential risks and testing tanning bed operators to ensure they are properly educated.

The board's main concern with the ordinance as it is currently drafted is the specification of a number amount that businesses would have to pay for the inspection. If any changes were to be made to that amount, a new ordinance would have to be passed through a three-reading process.

Hudson noted the dollar amount was included so that the Board could help enforce the fees. Greg Moeller, the chairman of the board, explained that the ordinance would be added to a future meeting agenda.

In other business, Henry County Engineer Jack Hotchkiss, gave an update on road maintenance and construction projects throughout the county. Hotchkiss noted several milestones reached including completing their work with Grout Scouts on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and plans to pour concrete for the Franklin Avenue Bridge next week.