Davenport TIF Support Letter Questions Not Answered

Davenport TIF Support Letter Questions Not Answered

Iowa code 403.5 provides for affected taxing entities to be notified and allowed an opportunity to comment on creation and changes to economic development areas and on the adoption of tax increment financing (TIF).

The Scott County Board recently responded to Davenport’s proposed amendment to the North Economic Development Area and to allow adoption of a TIF  to provide economic development assistance to a company.

I felt that information was not included as to the payback period for 17 million investment.  What does data tell us the …

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Radio consultant presentation delayed

Radio consultant presentation delayed

I posted in December that the consultant hired by the Scott Emergency Communication Center (SECC911) would present their results at the December SECC Board meeting.  The SECC Director’s update indicated that the working document was being reviewed for grammatical errors.  At the December Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting, the SECC Director advised that board that the consultant had been asked to split apart the costs for Iowa and Illinois.  Note that the original RFP was for a new radio system for the Quad City area.

Also, …

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SECC911 Board to decide on new radio communication system

SECC911 Board to decide on new radio communication system

The Scott Emergency Communication Center (SECC911) selected a consultant last June, Elert & Associates, to evaluate options and develop a recommendation and long-range plans for the design and installation of a replacement radio system using P25 (Phase 1 and/or Phase 2).

It was announced in October that Elert expected to complete their recommendation by Thanksgiving with the four options being considered: Starcom21, ISICSB State System, Racom & join SARA (Shared Area Radio Agreement), initiate a request for proposal (go out for bid) for a full radio …

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Resolution for Scott County EMA and Scott County service agreement

Resolution for Scott County EMA and Scott County service agreement

I cast a NAY VOTE on a June 4, 2015 resolution authorizing Scott County EMA employees to provide consultation services to Scott County.  I was opposed to the process used to fill a recently vacated EMA Director position, which is solely a decision of the EMA Commission.

I was not in favor of the role the County played in facilitating the hiring arrangement, so I could not support the resolution for consulting service for the County to be delivered by the employees of EMA.

In addition, the EMA …

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Letter from concerned Davenport citizen – county vehicle usage

Letter from concerned Davenport citizen – county vehicle usage

I want to provide an update to the person that sent me a letter about the use of county vehicles.  Scott County (Iowa) Board of Supervisors approved Sept. 15, 2011, a contract with Mercury Associates for a study of the fleet service.  Since I was not on the Board in 2011, I have asked that the results of that study be presented to our current board to check progress on their recommendations.  Expect this presentation in the August timeframe.  Look for the date and time …

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UPDATE: Firms lobbying on behalf of Scott County

UPDATE:  Firms lobbying on behalf of Scott County

On June 18, 2015, a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN A RENEWAL FOR MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR THE URBAN COUNTY COALITION AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR MEMBERSHIP was presented.  I cast the only nay vote

I do not support the use of tax dollars to pay for a public lobbyist.

From May 18, 2015:  In 2012, the County joined the Urban County Coalition (UCC).  This legislation session has brought to light that I am not always in agreement with the position taken by the UCC.  The Board does …

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Federal Grant Certified Assurances

Federal Grant Certified Assurances

On our agenda this week, approval of an application for a grant from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Accepting this award hereby assures and certifies compliance with all applicable Federal statute, regulations, policies, guidelines, and requirements stated in the Standard Assurances

Click HERE to view the Federal Grant Certified Assurances in it’s entirety.

 

 

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Emergency Management Commission – Coordinator vacancy

Emergency Management Commission – Coordinator vacancy

Chapter 29C of Iowa Code established a department of homeland security and emergency management and authorizes the establishment of local organizations for emergency management in the political subdivisions of the state. Our local Emergency Management Agency is a countywide, joint county-municipal agency organized to administer this chapter under the authority of a commission. This commission is a municipality as defined in Iowa Code section 670.1.

See Iowa’s Administrative Code for Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The commission is compromised of the following members: A member of the county …

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Let Iowa Legislators do their job

Let Iowa Legislators do their job

Though Scott County’s participating in the Urban County Coalition (UCC), we are asked, or at times we may ask the member counties to support legislation.

I am siting such an example for discussion.  SF 221, successor to SF20, provides access and communication through the Iowa Communications Network between local law enforcement agencies, E911 public safety answering points and related facilities. Click HERE to view the bill.

My issue ties back to having a lobbyist.  What do you feel is your Supervisor’s responsibility  to perform due diligence and …

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Gas Tax

Gas Tax

Scott County, through our lobbyist, the Urban County Coalition, took the position in support of the 10 cent fuel tax increase.  I did not support this position, and am on record with our Board as opposing the bill.

The CAFE regulations for 2011-2025 predict a $1.7 trillion dollars in total savings to consumers as a result of the new fuel economy standards.  This means that revenue for the state will continue to decline, and a 10 cent increase is merely a short-term fix.

I needed to know …

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