County Attorney’s office lease terminated during county supervisor meeting
Operation Green Light proclamation signed for Veterans
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The Hamilton County Supervisors terminated the lease of the Hamilton County Attorney's office during the bi-monthly meeting of the county Tuesday.
Hamilton County Attorney Pat Chambers was present during the meeting and voiced his concern.
"I want to know where you are moving us and why," he said. "And I object."
Currently the Hamilton County Attorney office is located at 721 Seneca St., and has been located there for a number of years.
Supervisors Mary Clausen and April Ely, answered Chambers, saying they hadn't made a decision yet, but said there was space at the Hamilton County Courthouse and also at the Sashi Station, located on Collins St.
Ely said the change was to save on rent, and the costs for the technology needed for the office.
Also during the meeting, Jeremy Butrick, Geographic Information System (GIS) coordinator for Hamilton County gave a demonstration on a slight change to the GIS system, Beacon, which is used by the County Assessors office and available on the county website. This system makes information accessible easily to property owners, county employees and other interested parties.
The presentation during the meeting focused on the inclusion of the drainage maps throughout the county, which was information available previously, but not easily accessible to the general public.
"The drainage was on a password protected profile," said Butrick. He explained that it was always available for information, but now can be seen by anyone. "We've worked with Lori Kloberdanz to clean up some issues, but we haven't had it available for the public until recently," he said. "It's been available to the public, just not on the Beacon site," he said.
On the map site, Butrick demonstrated the ease with which documents can be accessed, and there are early documents that are hand drawn and written.
He cautioned people that the maps are as close as they can get, but they are not exact. For property disputes, or questions, that work needs to involve a survey.
The maps also include information on camp sites, where hookups and electricity is located in that portion of the system.
For those unfamiliar with the Beacon site, Butrick said the Assessors office can assist.
"Anyone can call this office and we can help walk through the Beacon site," said Butrick.
The County Supervisors also hear reports from several department heads.
County Engineer Ryan Weidemann explained that 310th Street is currently closed for bridge repairs, and said it will take about 25 working days to complete. This has been closed since Monday.
Amanda Kwalkorf, Administrator for the Hamilton County Veteran Affairs office, said that November is a very busy month for their office, with Operation Green Light underway between November 4-11
"We feel it is important to recognize Veterans all over Hamilton County," she said. "The green lights are available at no charge through our office."
November 11, which is Veterans day, is the last day of Operation Greenlight.
Kwalkorf reminded the supervisors of other important dates in November for Hamilton County veterans. Those dates include November 3, which is the meeting of the Veteran Affairs Commission; November 9, which is the day the VA Virtual Mobile Clinic will be in Webster City, at 1610 Collins St;. and the Veterans Coffee to be held at the Courthouse on November 25. Appointments are necessary for the VA Mobile Clinic, and Kwalkorf encourages appointments be made soon by calling 515-401-5452.
The county is also collecting soup for the Hamilton County Food pantries between November 1 through 30. Donations are encouraged from not only county employees, but from all community members. Cans of soup are preferred, with pull-tab lids.
The Hamilton County Auditor, Kim Schaa also reminded everyone that early voting continues, and that this Saturday, the Hamilton County Courthouse will be open for voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.