Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

Meeting, roll call.

Altringer. Present. Hockensmith.

Here.

Connelly. Here. Holm.

Here.

McCoy.

Here. Resolutions.

Number two, resolution approving agreement with Iowa Department of Natural Resources for commercial septic tank cleaner inspections. And number three, resolution approving signatory authority to staff for contract agreement with the Iowa Department of Health for private well grant program.

Move those. Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Hawkins-Smith?

Yes.

Connelly? Yes. Holm?

Yes.

McCoy?

Yes. This time I'd entertain a motion to adjourn, having concluded our business.

Second.

Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Hawkins-Smith?

Yes.

Connelly? Yes. Holm? Yes. McCoy?

Yes. We'll stand at ease for just a moment or two until 1030 arrives and we'll start our regular meeting in the board. Meeting of the Polk County Board of Supervisors to order. Roll call.

Haltinger.

Present.

Hockensmith.

Here.

Connelly. Here. Holm.

Here. McCoy. Here. Action on the minutes from the previous meeting. Move to approve.

Second. Roll call. Hockensmith.

Yes.

Connelly? Yes.

Holm? Yes. McCoy? Yes. Any special claims?

No.

Action on the bill list is submitted by the county auditor. Roll call.

Altschringer? Yes. Hawkins-Smith? No. Connelly? No.

Holm?

Yes. McCoy? Yes. We'll stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. indivisible with liberty. This time we'll move on to proclamations. Our first proclamation is our Juneteenth proclamation. I'm gonna go ahead and read it. I know there are folks that would like to speak to this and then we'll have an opportunity to speak to it. And then following this, following the Juneteenth proclamation, Proclamation, we'll also have a proclamation for World Refugee Day and some additional speakers and then some public comments and then some pictures. So I know there's a lot of folks in attendance. Welcome everyone. And we'll go ahead and begin with our Juneteenth proclamation. Whereas Juneteenth on June 19th is observed annually on June 19th in honor of the day Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and read the general order number three announcing the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and delivering freedom to the last enslaved people in the Confederate States more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation on January 1st, 1863. and whereas 2021 the u.s government designated juneteenth as a federal holiday the first approved since martin luther king jr day in 1983 affirming its significance not only for the african americans but for american society as a whole and whereas juneteenth stands out as one of the most significant commemorations in american history representing for many a second Independence Day, honoring the resilience and enduring spirit of the African American community, reflecting on the painful legacy of slavery and celebrating the courageous progress made by generations of abolitionist activists and everyday citizens in ongoing pursuit of more just and united society for all. And whereas Juneteenth is celebrated across the nation through prayer, worship, family gatherings, cultural performances, and educational events that preserve and pass down the rich history and legacy of the African American experience, a message that transcends a single community and calls all people to uphold the values of freedom, fairness, and human dignity, and whereas Polk County is committed to fostering a community where the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of all residents are understood, respected, and celebrated as a source of collective strength and recognizes Juneteenth as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to ensure freedom, equal opportunity for all. Now, therefore, let it be proclaimed that we, the Polk County Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim June 19th as Juneteenth signed this day. So at this time, we'd love to hear from the speakers in the audience and no particular order.

Good morning. Good morning. My name is State Representative Rob Johnson. I am the chair of the Iowa Juneteenth Observance Committee. That is a statewide organization that recognizes Juneteenth throughout the entire state of Iowa with multiple Juneteenth events in multiple different counties, cities, municipalities across the state. I have with me my vice chair, Ms. Brandy, and we have one more that will be joining us. I would like to say good morning County and good morning supervisors and all other elected officials in the House today. Today, we proclaim Juneteenth not just as a day on the calendar, but as a reminder that freedom delayed is still freedom worth fighting for. On June 19, 1965, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the last enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. Juneteenth teaches us all that justice does not always arrive on time, but it also teaches us that when people organize, preserve themselves, and refuse to give up, freedom moves forward. Polk County, we honor those who survived slavery, those who fought for civil rights, and those who continue to work today. We celebrate that excellence, that resilience, and that joy. And as we celebrate how far we've come, let us never forget to recommit ourselves to the work that remains. Because the best way to honor the ancestors and the thought of Juneteenth is to remember that the struggle is still happening. it is to continue the fight for opportunities, for equality, and for justice for all. So I would say as the chair, happy Juneteenth, Polk County, our supervisors, our elected officials, and may we never stop in this county in this city or in this state, believing that freedom is the goal. And may we never stop believing in each other. With that, our executive director, Dawana Bradley, will come.

Thank you. I'm going to keep my comments very short and brief. But as to Chairperson McCoy, your supervisors, and to the guests that are here this morning, on behalf of the Urban Experience in Iowa Juneteenth, I just want to thank you all for this proclamation and your continued support of our work, which you have done so graciously over the years. We are grateful for the partnerships, the resources, and the opportunities to help bring us people together to celebrate history culture and community as we celebrate iowa juneteenth now in its 36th year we are reminded that juneteenth is ultimately a celebration of freedom earned through sacrifice perseverance and hope it is an opportunity to reflect our past while committing ourselves to build a better future would like to challenge each of us to continue showing up in meaningful ways continue to listen continue to volunteer continue to engage with communities that experience differences than your own sometimes your presence speaks volumes to communities that don't always feel seen and heard while you may not always fully understand every celebration or tradition or cultural experience I encourage you to remember that at the heart of Juneteenth is the celebration of freedom, dignity, and the belief that every person deserves to be valued and respected. As you sit at this table and make decisions that impact Polk County, I encourage you to consider how those decisions affect all people in all communities. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, stronger communities are always built. for everyone. So again, thank you this morning for this proclamation and your continued support in serving the residents of Polk County.

Thank you, Joanna.

Good morning. Good morning, Chair. Good morning, Board of Supervisors. I stand before you as the first African-American female senator in the state of Iowa. And when I, thank you, when I listened to the proclamation, And I did even last night because West Des Moines City Council did a proclamation. I get emotional thinking about the progress that has been made and the progress that still needs to be made. I get emotional when I think of all of what my ancestors fought for and died for. and you think about where we are here in the state of Iowa and where we are across the world, they would be proud of a lot of things that have happened. They would be proud that I got to put my name on a ballot and walk down the pavement as a black woman, something that they fought for with their lives. Whether I would have won or lost, we would have been living up their legacy. And I just thank Polk County for being there and sponsoring this and putting your name to it because I don't take it for granted because there are a number of municipalities and county officials that do not and will not in the times that we're in say we stand with you. So you deserve to be applauded. Let's give them a round of applause because they don't have to do this. So I say, thank you. I say, I appreciate your support. We are still in this fight. We have made progress. We have a long way to go, a long way to go. And I will stand with you in that fight. And, um, again, we appreciate you and appreciate you being with us for so many years in this community, standing up for what is right.

Thank you. Thank you, Senator.

And I'll end it by saying thank you supervisors for each of your contributions to Juneteenth. Again, as a descendant of slaves, I want to, and being the first black treasurer in the state of Iowa, I want to make sure that people understand that you support Juneteenth and diversity. Thank you.

Thank you, Mary.

good morning good morning good morning everybody and good morning for county supervisors so we're so honored to be here on the behalf of the Multicultural Task Force we're so honored to celebrate this milestone with everyone because Juneteenth is the day to remember an important part of our history and to celebrate the freedom, the hope and opportunity for everyone. It reminds us all that when we come together, learn from one another, and support each other. Our community becomes stronger. So thank you, Port County Supervisor, for recognizing this important day and for your commitment to build a welcoming community for all.

So thank you. Thank you. And for the record, could you please state your name?

Oh, this is Sue Hudson with Multicultural Task Force.

Thank you, Sue.

And Anthony, I'm sorry.

Awesome. Thank you. Anyone else? If not, our next resolution is for World Refugee Day and I'd like to recognize Supervisor Altringer to read that proclamation.

Proclamation World Refugee Day, June 20th, 2026. whereas Polk County recognizes the United Nations General Assembly's designation of June 20th as World Refugee Day, which is celebrated internationally to elevate the understanding of forced migration and to honor and raise awareness of refugees, and whereas refugees are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, violence, or persecution and have sought safety in another country. And whereas Polk County proudly recognizes the work of a network of providers that includes resettlement agencies, ethnic community based and faith based organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions and civic organizations dedicated to equipping refugees with skills, resources and support they need to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency and lives filling lives and live fulfilling lives. and whereas polk county celebrates the growing diversity of its residents and acknowledges that refugees strengthen the economy and cultural richness of our community and whereas refugee communities near and far along with supporters and friends will observe world refugee day during the month of june 2026 throughout polk county with cultural celebrations open to the entire community Now, therefore, let it be proclaimed that we, the Polk County Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim June 20, 2026, as World Refugee Day.

Thank you. Now, if we could hear from anyone that would like to speak to this resolution, it would be appropriate now. Please state your name and Feel free to speak.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Samantha Nguyen. I am with the U.S. Committee for Refugees of Immigrants in Des Moines. On behalf of our organizations and the refugee families we serve, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Polk County Board of Supervisors for recognizing World Refugee Day through this important proclamation. Your acknowledgement of World Refugee Day honors the courage, resilience, and determination of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and a better future. It also recognizes the many contributions that refugees make to our community as neighbors, employees, entrepreneurs, students, volunteers, and community leaders. This proclamation sends a powerful message to our county values, diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all people. For refugee families who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing conflict, persecution and displacement, knowing that they are welcomed and supported by local leaders can make a meaningful difference. Your recognition helps foster understanding, encourages community engagement, and highlights the importance of creating opportunities for all the residents to thrive. As we celebrate World Refugee Day, we are reminded The welcoming refugees strengthens our communities economically, culturally and socially. Refugees bring unique perspectives, talent and experiences that enrich our county and contribute to its continued growth and success. Thank you for your leadership, companionship and commitment to creating a welcoming community for individuals and families around the world. We deeply appreciate your support and partnership in helping refugees build new lives, achieve self-sufficiency, and become active, engaged members of our community. We are honored to work alongside county leaders, community partners, and residents who share a vision of a community where everyone is valued. respected and given the opportunity to succeed. Thank you again for this meaningful proclamation and for standing with refugees on World Refugee Day and throughout the year.

Mr. Chair, if there's no one else, may I just say thank you guys for coming for both Juneteenth as well as Refugee Day. One of the best parts of this job is being able to join in to your community celebrations and learn and share in the culture. I've had the honor to be invited and knowing that the cultural integration of all of us makes us a stronger community is very important. So thank you for joining us. It is like a packed house out here today.

So we're going to do one public hearing very briefly, and then we're gonna do public comments. And then following public comments, we'd like to do pictures with the folks here for the proclamation for World Refugee Day and also for Juneteenth. And so at this time, we'll go ahead and move on to the public hearing.

Our public hearing is on 2026 Norwoodville Sanitary Sewer Improvements.

Is proof of publication on file? Yes. Is there anyone wishing to speak to this item on the agenda? If not, I would close the hearing and ask for a motion.

Move it.

Second. Roll call.

This will be for number eight, resolution approving the 2026 Norwoodville Sanitary Sewer Improvements. Altringer?

Yes.

Hawkins-Smith?

Yes. Connelly? Yes. Holm? Yes. McCoy?

Yes. We're now at the point of our meeting for public comments. Is there anyone here wishing to speak to the board today? I see a few. Please come forward. Absolutely.

Good morning, Chair. Good morning, Board of Supervisors. Thank you for your time this morning. I'm Shannon Dreyer from Wesley Life. I just want to thank you for the ongoing commitment to support the Congregate Meal Program, supporting those over 60 in our community. We're grateful for the CFYS team, for Director Kuhl, for the partnership towards what we'll be voting on today. We recognize your leadership and support of this important program that serves thousands each year. So thank you for your support.

Thank you for your work, Shannon.

Thanks, Shannon.

It's a race to the podium. My money's on the sheriff.

Jim in position to trick him, just in case I was falling behind. But thanks. I didn't realize you're going to have such a big meeting. But I did want to take a minute to share with the board, the citizens of Polk County, and let them realize what a great community they have. And what a partnership that we have with Prairie Meadows. We were selected from over 3,000 sheriffs in the United States, not just locally, but in the United States to receive this award at the National Sheriffs Association last week. So we received the Public-Private Partnership Award with the work that we do with Prairie Meadows, Prairie Meadows Security, the inter-training that we work and compete in. And so it's unique around the country. The person that gave the award had to call me twice and ask, they said, is this really a nonprofit organization? I said, it is. It's a casino that, don't be mistaken, they make money, but they give it back to the community. And one of the things they do is work with us. We work with their security folks, we train. So should there be a significant incident, we would be ready to handle that. And their security guards are the finest security folks in the country, and we're proud to work with them. And I'll turn it over to Brian.

Thank you, Sheriff. Brian Orelko, President and CEO of Prairie Meadows. I want to say thank you for allowing this opportunity to work very closely with Sheriff Snyder and the Polk County Sheriff's Office. As the former administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for over 20 years, I have had the opportunity to see why it is so important for casinos to partner with municipalities with the county sheriffs or the local police department it is more than just providing an on-site presence as Sheriff had mentioned it's collaboration it's training we're the only casino in the state of Iowa that has the type of dedicated coverage that we have with our Polk County Sheriff's Office and I routinely hear that from our customers that come to Prairie Meadows how safe they feel how secure they feel and this partnership is so important to us and we hope to continue that in the future and I just wanted to say thank you for that as I did when we received this award. So thank you so much.

Thank you, Brian. And Sheriff, thank you for your leadership and congratulations on being selected on this national award.

Thank you. We appreciate the opportunity to work with them and the foundation that you folks have set to make this move forward. And we continue to move it forward and advance it and continue to be top in the nation. So thank you very much.

Thank you. Great.

Thank you.

I believe next you hear from is is Tyler here. Oh, there he is. I thought that I thought the mayor was in the house. All right. It's official now.

Yeah.

Wow, this is pretty special. Thank you. Thank you.

Good morning. My name is and I'm a proud Polk County employee. When I was four years old, the doctors told my mom and dad I would never walk or talk. Boy, were they wrong. I have come a long way since then because of the great committee support I have received from hundreds and hundreds of people in Des Moines who gave me opportunities to become involved in all types of committee events. Because of people generous with their time and who has come to care about me and others like me, I've grown to become a productive citizen in this committee I love so much. The Tyler Steinke Foundation is created to ensure that others like me will get the opportunity I have had to step into committee events, sporting events, restaurants, plays, or whatever it is they have a desire for and become important members of this great committee like I have at no cost or worry to them or their family. Thank you so much for your generous grant to my foundation and please know we will empower as many people with intellectual and physical disabilities as possible.

Thank you, Tyler. I would just say you know Tyler I've been out to your golf outing now and seeing the great work that you do and congratulations on putting the formal foundation together this is a big step and I know you'll help a lot of people over the years and thank you for all you do as a valuable member of the Polk County team we're glad to have you anyone else wishing to speak If not, I think we're gonna do pictures now. So we'll start today with a Juneteenth celebration. So if those folks that are here for that would come forward.

How you doing? Two rows. How we doing? Do you need to come together? And I'm going to be a little bit picky, but can we get one member of the whole county to stand next to the one here? Sure.

If you don't mind, just to make it official that way. Sorry about that. I went too near your thing. You still make your point seem weird.

One, two, three.

One more.

One more.

One more. One more. One more.

And since I feel like, hi, hi. What would you represent, what would you name, and do you mean, what would you represent in the fight? And I was wondering if you guys would be willing to work with us so that we can show what kind of crowd we actually have fighting for us in the fight.

Are we okay with that? Yeah. All right. Yes. Yes. There we go.

Let's light it up you guys.

White shirt. White shirt.

White shirt.

What happened?

I did. You got the idea. You got the idea. Sheriff. Sheriff. Sheriff.

Sheriff. Sheriff. Okay. Here we go.

One, two, three. Can you smile?

I'm going to take a couple right behind you. Very good. All right, I think I got everybody looking like this again. Very good. Perfect. And the best looking one, smile the best.

Very good. I got you. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks for letting me roll around. Thank you. Okay, you guys can come in.

Thank you. Okay, here we go, here we go. One, two, three.

Thank you, sir. Thank you. Do you want to do a picture now?

Thank you. Thank you.

Well that was so much fun I think we should just quit there. Second.

We'll go ahead and move on to permits now.

Number 10, renewal application for Class C alcohol license with outdoor service area permit and catering privilege for Smokey D's Barbecue, located at 5055 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Des Moines. And number 11, fiscal year 26-27 application for cigarette, tobacco, nicotine vapor permits for those listed on the agenda. Altringer?

Yes.

Hawkins-Smith?

Yes.

Connelly?

Yes.

Holm? McCoy?

Yes. Resolutions.

Numbers 12 and 13 are resolutions authorizing auditor's office to publish notices of public hearing for June 30th on the proposed vacation of a platted woodland protection easement at 7754 Northwest 37th Street, Ankeny, and on disposal of interest in county-owned real estate for a vacant parcel located at 1895 East Watrous Avenue, Des Moines, to Marshall Property Management. 14, resolution approving the preliminary plat of 1 Oak Estates Plat 1. 15, resolution accepting bid of $1,073,339.42 received from Peterson Contractors of Rhinebeck for bridge replacement dash CCS. 16, resolution approving Healthy Homes Project in the amount of $18,125 to be awarded to Fexty Limited Company. 17, resolution approving amended 28E agreement with Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Home Inc. regarding funding for the Central Iowa Community Land Trust. 18, resolution consenting to the inclusion of unincorporated land into the City of Granger Southeast Urban Renewal Plan. 19, resolution approving contact with the Iowa DNR for air quality program funding. And number 20, resolution approving sanitary sewer connection agreement with Megan and Christopher Durham.

Move collectively. Second.

Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Hockensmith?

Yes.

Connelly? Yes. Holm? Yes. McCoy?

Yes.

Number 21, resolution approving amended agreement with St. Vincent DePaul Des Moines Council for reentry kiosk at the Polk County Jail. 22, resolution approving uncalled judicial mental health advocate agreements for judicial mental health advocate services. 23, resolution approving agreement between Broadlawns Medical Center and Polk County for funding to offset substance abuse detoxification services. Numbers 24 and 25 are resolutions approving memorandums of understanding with Marion County, Iowa, and Jasper County, Iowa, for shared judicial mental health advocate services. And numbers 26 through 28 are resolutions approving service agreements with community support advocates. Unity Point, Ireland Ball Community Mental Health Services and Optima Life Services.

Move collectively.

Second. Roll call.

Altringer. Yes. Hockensmith.

Yes.

Connelly?

Yes.

Holm?

Yes.

McCoy?

Yes.

Number 29, resolution approving business associate agreement with Lutheran Services in Iowa. 30, resolution approving agreement with Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority for transportation for low income elderly or disabled residents of Polk County. 31, resolution approving memorandum of understanding with Heartland Area Education Agency to meet the requirements of the Federal Healthy Kids Act. 32, resolution approving facility service agreement and business associate agreement with Heartland Area Education Agency for the Shelter Care Educational Program at the Polk County Juvenile Detention Center. 33, resolution approving agreement with Lutheran Services in Iowa to operate the Polk County Financial Empowerment Center. And to number 34, resolution approving agreement for services with Wesley Life for catered congregate meals at the Polk County Senior Congregate Meal Program sites.

Move collectively.

Second.

Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Hawkins-Smith?

Yes.

Onnelly? Yes. Holm?

Yes.

McCoy?

Yes.

Number 35, resolution approving release of mortgage for 315 Ovid Avenue, Des Moines. And number 36, resolution approving home-led remediation contract with Fab Rehab to address lead hazard repairs at 1514 18th Street, Des Moines.

I move.

Second.

Roll call.

Haltinger?

Yes.

Hockensmith?

Yes.

Onnelly?

Yes.

Holm?

Yes.

McCoy?

Yes.

Number 37, resolution approving cooperative public service agreement with the City of Altoona for supplemental animal control services.

So second. Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Huckinsmith?

Yes.

Connelly? Yes. Holm?

Yes.

McCoy?

Yes.

Numbers 38 and 39 are resolutions approving position modifications in the Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services and in the County Attorney's Office. And to number 40, resolution approving service agreement with Creative Planning LLC.

Move. Second.

Roll call.

Altringer?

Yes. Hawkins-Smith? Yes. Honolulu? Yes. Holm? Yes. McCoy? Yes.

Numbers 41 through 44 are resolutions approving City of Altoona abatement, City of Clive abatement, City of Des Moines abatement, and Polk County abatement.

Move. Second. Roll call. Altringer? Yes. Hawkins-Smith?

Yes.

Honolulu? Yes. Holm? Yes. McCoy? Yes.

Numbers 45 and 46 are resolutions approving agreements with the 5th District Department of Corrections for the Intensive Supervisory Court Program and for the Youth Supervision Program.

Move.

Second. Roll call.

Altinger?

Yes. Hawkins-Smith?

Yes.

Connelly?

Yes.

Holm?

Yes. McCoy? Yes.

Number 47, resolution approving Iowa Events Center owner's representative bid to JLL Consulting and approving agreement. 48, resolution approving capital repair funding for the Iowa Events Center. 49, resolution approving 28E agreement with Polk County Housing Trust Fund. And number 50, resolutions appointing individuals to various boards and commissions.

Chairman, I'd like to separate number 47 and vote on separately, please.

And Chairman, I would like to defer on 49.

So ordered.

So we're deferring on 49 and.

Separate vote on 47. So 47, we'll take up first.

We got a motion and a second on number 47, resolution approving Iowa Event Center owner's representative bid to JLL consulting and approving agreement.

So moved.

Second.

Discussion, please. Discussion. You're in order.

Thank you. I need a little help understanding what it is that we're attempting to do here. Just for a little history, I was on the board when we brought in what was then Global Spectrum, who's become the OPU group now. Pretty much the same folks, the same operation. um and frankly we've been as you all some are probably aware extremely successful um generating anywhere from 1.6 to 2 million dollars annually that's the county's share not only on the arena side but carrie jackson and her team on the convention side actually generated over 800 000 in profit last year which is unheard of if you know anything about the convention business at all You will know that communities create these types of venues only to bring people into their communities, showcase their restaurants and their hotels and the community itself. We have accomplished all of those goals and more. We're in the process of bidding on NCAA basketball again to bring back, which we've already had. I just can't even mention all the successes that we've had and it just seems to me that we are trying to fix something here that is not broken we're going to spend two hundred thousand dollars of taxpayer money to hire a consultant to fix something that is not broken and i urge you i urge you to reconsider this have further discussion about this it just it just doesn't make any sense to me uh are you finished

yes okay I have a couple comments too I get that we want to have good public policy and I think that's what was stated when we talked about this a long time ago but for everything that Tom said he's absolutely correct there's been nothing but success at the Iowa event center since we basically opened I know that back in the early days we had carl hirsch and the strafford group that would look over the financials for several years to make sure it was global spectrum then now obg were doing everything that they needed to do to protect polk county and the citizens of polk county and then we decided that was too expensive and we were doing it ourselves now i agree that we could use some expertise when it comes to looking at some of the higher end things that they're doing whether it's you know does a chiller need to be replaced in a year or does it take three years can we last another three years but all of the shows that the connections that they have the conventions that are that they do and the naming rights alone that they just uh secured with casey's and with community choice the relationships you can't you can't outdo if someone else were to get this bid and i i just don't see that it's really necessary i'm in agreement with jal coming on board to kind of look at the process and help us maybe align with some things but i'm not in favor of sending out an rfp if we were for some reason not to get ovg we would be making a huge mistake for our community just for the relationships the ncaa tournament coming to town that they just bid on last week um i can't imagine all the other things that could fall apart without obg in place i know that there's only like three or four that could even handle this um iowa event center because a 17 000 seat arena is is big and there's not too many i know there's nobody locally that could handle it but you certainly have to have the connections to get the concerts, the conventions that we have. But I would hate to see somebody else taken over, because I just don't see anything wrong that they've done that we need to do it. And we could do some kind of competitive quotes if we think is necessary on some of the things that they want to bring to us. That's different than an RFP, and that's where maybe JAL could help us with competitive quotes. but to go out and completely do an RFP, I'm totally against.

And not to mention Supervisor Connolly, all of the local folks that are right now at our arena and at our convention facility, they all live here. They all live in the Des Moines Metro area. So we're putting all those jobs at risk at the same time. I please would urge you to reconsider this.

I'd speak on to, I think the action before us today is really bringing JLL on board. And then speaking to what you mentioned, Supervisor Conley, and I do appreciate all of the historical context because it's important for me to understand that. And I'm not suggesting any way, shape, or form that there is anything wrong with OVA or what they brought and the success they bring along with the revenue they brought in. What I'm looking at here with JL is having the ongoing capital planning procedures, having professional opinions advise us on, to your point about the air cooler, the years left of that. the budgeting for the future, looking at things and a modernization moving forward. So that's really kind of the action before us today, as I see it, is bringing on JLL to help educate us on how we best move forward. And you guys have both spoke to the RFP ultimately, which will be a decision for the board that comes forward that can be discussed. But I'm looking at JLL, to evaluate the situation what we got perhaps suggest that what we have could be the best perhaps or with a modification but today the action for us is whether or not JL moves forward as basically as an owner's rep for lack of better word but that's the action I'm looking at today to help me make an intelligent decision on what future decisions will be so that's why I'll vote yes for it today I agree with what you say but when I look at this agreement

on the jl l it says prepare and draft all procurement documents necessary for the operator selection process including requests for proposals requests for qualifications evaluation materials proposed forms financial templates and related documentation assist the county in administrating the procurement process including responding to questions you know all the language in here for rfp it could be within their scope yeah

so yeah that is their scope of services that's what makes me nervous and you see i'm i'm not i'm not opposed to what a supervisor holmes just said as far as taking a look at those things but what i am opposed to is the things that you just mentioned supervisor connolly uh i think it does allow for us to uh for the county to completely change our um our vendor here

and I just once again we're fixing things that are broken there are so many things in the county that need to be done and this year isn't a party well you know I would just say that look I think bringing an owner's representative on is a responsible thing to do it's been 20 years this has been a no-bid deal I think that having a competitive bid rigorous rigorous of county funds and taxpayer money is appropriate always. And transparent, open, accountable government means that you may determine through an RFP process that we've got such a great deal with Oak View Group that we shouldn't look further. That's why you do RFPs. You do RFPs with long-term partners to keep each other honest, and to make sure that you're getting a rigorous review of investment of Polk County taxpayer dollars. So I think it's completely appropriate to do review of these of these contracts and to just say we're not going to do that to me doesn't it shorts the taxpayer. It tells the taxpayer that you know we have such a cozy relationship that we don't even need to go out and check our numbers. I think I think that that far too much of that had been done in the past and we found savings through insurance programs and other things that we've engaged in this is this has got to be a way of doing business in the future this is consistent with our procurement policies of polk county that we've that we've adopted and it's consistent with how we treat other vendors so i think this is appropriate 20 years without a a contract in terms of going out and getting bids to me is a missed opportunity for the taxpayers

Supervisor, I think that the numbers that were mentioned already are undisputed as far as the revenues that have been generated and the success of what the Oak View Group has done. So to mention that we need to check the numbers, there's no numbers to be checked. Those are frankly undisputed. And my position right now on this is it's kind of a vindictive behavior on your part, which is consistent with you.

Well, I would just say we have invested $250 million between Wells Fargo, Hy-Vee Hall, in terms of taxpayer dollars, and I think having a thorough and complete review through an RFP process is not only appropriate, but should be the best practice for any government that is engaged in accountability and transparency. Supervisor, minus your personal comments towards me, I think what we need to get back to is is this 250 million dollars worth of capital investment a good investment for taxpayers and what you're what you're asking us to do is to believe the market as it as it exists today not looking towards the future nor the past in terms of the investment of taxpayer dollars. And I think that's I think that's not something that you're an authority on or nor am I an authority on it. So let's bring on an owner's representative who is an authority on it. Let's have a complete, vigorous and rigorous review of of this this contract. And let's determine if they in fact are the best vendors they will demonstrate that through the RFP process.

I just have to make one correction. When we built this, it wasn't on the taxpayers. We did it with Prairie Meadows dollars from day one. Voters approved for it. I just want to make that clear. And as I have said, and I don't know if Tom agrees or not, but I think it's a good idea to bring someone on to look at numbers to make sure we... uh we're not expertise on some of the things that they want to do or have been doing that's not an issue and we have we renewed a contract i think for uh obg in 2014 and it was a 10-year contract their contract is up in september it just is unfortunate that it keeps you know six months ago we said we were going to go through this process and it's taken us forever to get to get here i'm not sure why

um but again you know i i don't think it's the if they didn't have the language on here that we're guaranteeing an rfp i i would vote on it but it does have that language in here so i'm going to be voting now i only hope i only hope supervisors that we do not lose a lot of these um events that we have coming up based on operating with the current vendor If we start losing NCAA basketball bids because they're in the middle of a process with the current provider that we have, then that's on you. That'll be on you. So I guess we'll wait till the end of the year.

Any more discussion on this item? Again, we are voting on item 47, separate. Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Hawkins-Smith?

No.

Connolly? No. Holm?

Yes.

McCoy?

Yes.

Let's go ahead and do 48. Okay, so this will be number 48, resolution approving capital repair funding for Iowa Event Center. I have motion from Supervisor Altringer. Second.

Discussion? Roll call?

Altringer? Yes. Hawkins-Smith?

Yes.

Connelly? Yes. Holm?

Yes.

McCoy?

Yes. Item 49, was there a motion and a second on that?

We had a motion to defer from Supervisor Altringer. Is there a second?

Second. Second. Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Hockensmith?

Yes.

Yes. Holm? Yes. McCoy?

Yes. Item 50.

Item 50, resolution appointing individuals to various boards and commissions.

Move. Second.

Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Hockensmith?

Yes.

Connelly? Yes. Holm?

Abstain.

McCoy?

Yes.

Numbers 51 and 52 are resolutions approving community betterment grant awards and community sponsorship awards.

Roll call.

Altringer? Yes. Hawkins-Smith?

Yes.

Connelly? Yes. Holm? Yes. McCoy?

Yes. Communications?

Number 53, notice that the Polk County Board of Supervisors will convene as a canvassing board on July 14th to canvass the boasts cast for the Mitchellville City Council at-large special election to fill a vacancy and the Reynolds Mayor and City Council at-large special election to fill a vacancy. And number 54, manure management plan update from Mud Creek Feeders.

Receive and file.

Number 55, Graham Warehouse 2LP notice of assignment of developer rights and rebate entitlements.

Refer to auditor and treasurer.

Number 56, City of Des Moines Notice of Public Meeting of Compensation Commission to assess damages for the taking of property in the matter of the condemnation of certain rights and land for the Euclid Avenue improvements from Des Moines River to York Street project. And number 57, City Development Board Notice of Written Decision in the matter of the City of Granger voluntary annexation within the urbanized areas of the cities of Grimes and Johnston.

Refer to Public Works and County Attorney. Budget actions? None. Appointments?

move second roll call altringer yes huckinsmith yes connelly yes holm yes mccoy yes any board member comments i just have a quick question and i don't know whether it can be answered or not um i think the constituent who's been in contact with me um on multiple occasions i've had sarah work on it some i know it's been handed off to the uh County Attorney's Office and back and I'm not sure where it's at. I don't know if somebody can clarify it for me either today or not, but it appears that the towing company that the three of you have engaged in contract with has towed a vehicle and the woman's oxygen equipment was inside the vehicle and they wouldn't let her retrieve anything out of the vehicle. My understanding, I'm going on what I've been told and the woman had to be taken to Iowa City in order to receive the oxygen that she needed. Has any of that, can anyone clarify where that's at, or is anyone even aware of it?

Just a moment, Supervisor Hockensmith. I think we'll hear from Dominic.

Thank you. Dominic Anania, Risk Management and Compliance. We dealt with this issue last week in conjunction with the county attorney's office. I believe there was some significant miscommunication. on both sides there. Our contract with CROTO allows individuals who have been towed to pick up their personal belongings and we reached out to the attorney for the individual who was towed told them, and I believe the sheriff's office did this as well, told them that they can she could go pick up her oxygen tanks. And then there was an issue about the car being released due to some descriptions, discrepancies with the tags in the vehicle. So with respect to the oxygen tanks, she was able to go pick those up. Anyone who gets towed under the Polk County contract is able to pick up their personal belongings during the business hours at Croteau. So that part was resolved. I believe the release of the car from impound is still unresolved. So we did handle that last week as it came up between the county attorney's office, the compliance department and the sheriff's office. And Supervisor Hockensmith, if you want to call me, I can give you more of an update on that.

Thanks, Dominic. That's all I needed. I just wanted to make sure that the woman got her equipment back. And if you're telling me she did, then that's great. And I appreciate it.

Move to adjourn. I feel so out of context, but I started the meeting wanting to give a shout out to our general services crew, and I decided I'm still going to end the meeting giving a shout out. I think that what you guys are doing in here looks fabulous. Please thank all of our workers. They've been working hard to update and spiffy our venue. Thank you. Looks good, Scott.

Hearing no other business to come before us, I'd entertain a motion to adjourn. Move.

Second.

Roll call.

Altrigger? Yes. Hockensmith?

Yes.

Powell? Yes. Holmes? Yes.

McCoy?

Yes.