Pella — The Marion Count Board of Supervisors approved the receiving and filing of a grant request of $10,000 for operational expenses from the Red Rock Area Community Action Program during their regular meeting on the morning of Jan. 22.

The board will likely re-visit the topic of transportation services in the County and how that will relate to RRACAP going forward into the future.

The board also heard representatives from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources regarding options available and possible reimbursement opportunities with the future of the Bussey Memorial Hall. According to the IDNR there are avenues for assistance for this type of building and possible inspections, site assessments, building removal, and/or demolition or deconstruction. While no formal action was the taken, the County plans to further investigate the options available with deconstruction of the building and ways to take the least amount of the actual building to the landfill. Recycling options will be discussed at future meetings according to the board.

The board also approved an agreement with Calhoun and Burns to move forward with renovation project with the Marion County Courthouse Clocktower. Larry Spellerburg, of Calhoun and Burns, told the board that plans could be drawn up within a couple months which would add a concrete floor to the tower and help support the clock. Wall and beam repair along with fixing corrosion problems will also be address within the plans.The board was told this project should be in the ballpark of $100,000 with engineering fees, spec work, contract drafting, contingencies and construction costs.

The board also discussed the option of repairing the outside structure of the tower. While no formal action was taken on that detail, the County plans to explore the option of fixing both the interior and exterior (including possible deteriorating bricks and mortar) of the tower if financially feasible.



In other business

-Approved the authorization of bargaining unit services with Von Bokern Assoc. for union contracts for the county deputies.

-Approved the official county newspaper request of Marion County News.

-Approved the receiving and filing of the FY13/14 Marion County Compensation Board recommendations. Action on this item will take place at a later time.

-Approved the receiving and filing of the Sheriff's Quarterly Report (Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2012).

-Approved the signing of contract for provisions of mental health services with Capstone Behavorial Healthcare from July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013.