Henry County supervisors get department updates

Caleb Waters began Thursday April 14 Henry County Board of Supervisor’s department head meeting with a proposal to remove nine trees from Maple Park.

The cost tree removal and hauling away of material is $4,500.

Human resources consultant Paul Greufe addressed the potential for a YouTuber named Floyd Wallace Jr. of Omaha to hide around the county.

Wallace’s intent with his YouTube channel is to catch officials not responding to his actions by the book.

Sheriff Rich McNamee informed those present that Wallace had already been to most of Southeast Iowa last fall.

Wallace had come to the sheriff’s office and attempted to enter the employee only entrance.

“He just wants to know that you’re not a horse’s behind,” McNamee said, “If you’re not, he is very cordial.”

Greufe then moved on to remind department heads that pre-employment physicals needed to be completed before any new hires are put on the clock.

He also requested that the department heads try to give the auditor’s office as much heads up as they can when they are bringing on a new employee.

McNamee’s quarterly report was reviewed silently and approved by the board.

Supervisor Chad White spoke about a subcommittee with Agri Center grain elevator.

According to White, Walt Jackson would like the county to consider how to meet Agri Center’s budget instead of Jackson having to make amendments to it

Zoning ordinances were also discussed with Henry County Director of Planning Joe Buffington.

A zoning ordinance pertaining to wind power installation on private land was addressed.

This ordinance would require that if a wind generator is removed from a property that everything at least four feet below the ground must be removed as well.

Supervisor White expressed concern for the land owners that four feet of removal might not be sufficient.

“I want to protect the land owner,” White said.

“It would be the responsibility of the land owner,” Supervisor Greg Moeller said in response.

“The land owner can have their own set of conditions above and beyond the ordinance,” Buffington said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com