Logan Roberts

Logan Roberts, county conservation director, told supervisors on Monday the Tama County Conservation Board continues to pursue major restoration of Otter Creek Lake in upcoming years. It is a currently estimated at a cost totaling about $3 million. Of the amount, 75% would be state-funded and the remaining costs would fall to the county. The county amount will include a reserve of a portion of annual appropriations for conservation. In addition, Roberts said she will be focusing on grant applications in coming months to aid in the project. Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials have just completed a site tour of the lake she said. She said the lake is expected to be closed for a year while the restoration work is underway, likely in the year 2021. Director’s Home Roberts said it is expected the residence provided for the director at Otter Creek Lake will be razed. She said the County Conservation Board has determined renovation expenses exceed new construction costs. A portion of Roberts hiring as the director on July 1 included a residential provision. She said the Conservation Board members and she are negotiating modification of her employment agreement leaving out the home provision at this time. In response to the supervisors, Roberts said likely will be acceptable to her as she does have her own residence. In other business: •supervisors met with the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors and County Engineer Lyle Brehm for an annual review of the 28E agreement for the sharing of Brehm’s contract. They are to review any suggested changes before any modifications are made. •approved the quarterly report of Sheriff Dennis Kucera which included showing receipts of law enforcement contract payments totaling $52,383; fees due county $11,728; permit to carry firearm fees $2,580; permit to purchase firearms fees $160; and tobacco compliance fines $1,825. •approved Treasurer Michelle Yuska’s reappointment of Lesa Haughey to the County Compensation Board.