On the agenda: Muscatine Minutes — data center (Jul 27)

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, July 27, 2026
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 A.M. with Chick,
Kirchner, Mather, Sauer and Sorensen present. Chairperson Chick presiding.
On a motion by Sorensen, second by Sauer, the agenda was approved as presented. Ayes: All.
Historic Preservation Commissioners Lynn Pruitt and Chris Brase presented discussion regarding
its next preservation initiative, a proposed nomination of the historic Mississippi Courts property,
located along Highway 22 near the Mississippi River, to the National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP). Pruitt stated the project stems from the County’s comprehensive transportation survey,
which identified significant historic resources related to the development of roads, bridges,
railroads and river crossings. Pruitt stated that Mississippi Courts is a rare surviving example of
an early roadside motor court consisting of eight cabins and a central roadhouse building that
historically served travelers as automobile tourism expanded. Over the years, the property evolved
from a lodging, dining and fuel stop into a nightclub and roadhouse with a unique local history
worthy of preservation. Pruitt stated the property owner is supportive of the nomination and
understands the designation would make the property eligible for preservation grants while
allowing her to retain ownership and control of the property. Any federally funded restoration
work would be required to meet National Park Service preservation standards. Pruitt reported that
the Commission had previously received authorization to apply for a Historical Resource
Development Program grant and had been notified of a $4,500 award to support consultant services
associated with the nomination. The remaining required local match of $2,290 will be funded
through the Historic Preservation Commission budget previously approved by the Board.
On a motion by Sorensen, second by Mather, the Board approved the Chair to sign a Historical
Resource Development Program (HRDP) grant award for the nomination of the Mississippi Courts
Cabins and Supper Club to NRHP in the amount of $4,500, with a local match of $2,290, with
Historic Preservation Commissioners Lynn Pruitt and Chris Brase. Ayes: All.
Conservation Director Katie Hammond held discussion with the Board regarding the Chair to sign
a Memorandum of Understanding with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the
placement and operation of MOTUS bird tracking equipment on County property. Hammond
explained that the equipment would be installed at the Environmental Learning Center as part of a
statewide network of MOTUS tracking antennas designed to monitor the movement of tagged
birds, bats and insects. The antenna is expected to detect tagged wildlife passing within
approximately nine miles of the Environmental Learning Center, providing opportunities for
wildlife research and educational programming. Hammond noted that the project represents a
collaborative effort with Muscatine Power and Water donating labor for installation of the pole,
Eastern Iowa REC donating the pole and the DNR providing and installing the tracking antenna.
The County’s responsibility would be limited to providing internet connectivity and electricity for
operation of the equipment. The proposed antenna would be located on the east side of the
Environmental Learning Center near an existing flower bed, where available conduit and building
access are expected to simplify installation.

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, July 27, 2026
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On a motion by Sorensen, second by Sauer, the Board approved the Chair to sign a Memorandum
of Understanding with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for the placement and operation
of MOTUS bird tracking equipment on County property. Ayes: All.
County Development Director Eric Furnas held discussion with the Board to authorize the Chair
to sign a $40,000 agreement with Winona Controls for annual maintenance of the County’s
Building Automation System (BAS). Furnas explained that Winona Controls has provided BAS
maintenance services for the past several years, including quarterly maintenance, remote system
monitoring, adjustments and technical support for several County buildings in the downtown area.
The agreement maintains the same pricing as the previous year and will expand coverage to include
the Conservation Department’s automated system associated with its geothermal system. Recent
software upgrades will allow authorized staff to access, monitor and adjust multiple County
building systems through a common software platform. Furnas noted that finalization of the
agreement was delayed while control system upgrades were completed and the scope of
maintenance services was reviewed and adjusted. Furnas indicated that the County has been
satisfied with Winona Controls and the progress made in coordinating building automation
services with the County’s HVAC contractors.
On a motion by Sorensen, second by Kirchner, the Board approved the Chair to sign an agreement
with Winona Controls in the amount of $40,000 for Building Automation System Maintenance.
Ayes: All.
Furnas also commented on the previously discussed MOTUS wildlife tracking project at the
Environmental Learning Center, recognizing the collaborative efforts of Hammond, Information
Services Director Bill Riley, Muscatine Power and Water and Eastern Iowa REC to develop an
installation plan that utilizes existing infrastructure and avoids unnecessary penetration of the
building. Furnas noted that the cooperative approach resulted in a more appropriate installation
with minimal cost to the County.
On a motion by Sorensen, second by Sauer, the Board approved nine utility permits: 1.) Eastern
Iowa Light & Power REC, Wilton, Iowa, to bore 2-inch duct on the west side of Holy Avenue at
the right-of-way and retire out 2 spans of overhead. Section 19, T78N-R03W. 2.) Eastern Iowa
Light & Power REC, Wilton, Iowa, to bore three 2-inch duct on the east side of Atwood Avenue
at the right-of-way and retire out two spans of overhead. Section 19, T78N-R04W. 3.) Eastern
Iowa Light & Power REC, Wilton, Iowa, to bore 2-inch duct on the east side of Clark Avenue at
the right-of-way and retire out 2 spans of overhead. Section 21, T78N-R04W. 4.) Eastern Iowa
Light & Power REC, Wilton, Iowa, to bore three 2-inch duct on the east side of Elliason Avenue
at the right-of-way and retire out 2 spans of overhead. Section 23, T78N-R04W. 5.) Eastern Iowa
Light & Power REC, Wilton, Iowa, to bore three 2-inch duct on the east side of Elder Avenue at
the right-of-way and retire out 2 spans of overhead. Section 14, T78N-R04W. 6.) Eastern Iowa
Light & Power REC, Wilton, Iowa, to place a pole and an anchor in the right-of-way. The proposed
location is staked with a lath and white flag. Location is west of 2282 Mittman Road, Muscatine.
Section 7, T78N-R02W. 7.) Interstate Power & Light (Alliant Energy), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, install
new 3PH UG electric along 200th Street South right-of-way west of West Walcott Road. Section
1, T78N-R01E. 8.) Interstate Power & Light (Alliant Energy), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, install new

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, July 27, 2026
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3PH UG electric along 200th Street South right-of-way west of West Walcott Road. Section 1,
T78N-R01E. 9.) Interstate Power & Light (Alliant Energy), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, install new 1PH
and 3PH UG electric and (1) new pole along 200th Street South right-of-way west of West Walcott
Road. Section 1, T78N-R01E. Ayes: All.
County Engineer Bryan Horesowsky updated the Board on secondary road projects.
On a motion by Sauer, second by Sorensen, the Board approved the minutes of the July 20, 2026
regular meeting. Ayes: All.
Correspondence:
Sauer had a conversation with a resident regarding the road repair at the top of Sweetland
Hill. The resident was pleased with the temporary stop lights that ran on a timer for
constant interval lane alternating.
The Board received an email from a resident regarding concerns with plugged culverts
and drainage issues on their property. Horesowsky stated that sediment
accumulation may be restricting drainage through the existing culverts, potentially
due to the age and condition of the culverts and/or sediment runoff from the gravel
lot. Horesowsky noted that an unfinished, unpermitted entrance containing a plastic
culvert may be contributing to drainage issues due to its elevation. The history of
the additional entrance is unclear. Horesowsky clarified that field entrance
driveways and associated culverts are the responsibility of the property owner.
Mather received information from the family of former County Attorney Jim Barry and
was asked to share with the public that Barry has been diagnosed with leukemia
and is currently under treatment. Barry is currently not taking any messages or
visitors due to the risk of infection.
Kirchner received a phone call from Mike Walker Farms, located south of Nichols, on 190th
Street regarding a hole in their culvert. This was relayed to Horesowsky for review.
Committee Reports:
Kirchner and Sauer attended the Muscatine County Conference Board meeting on
July 21, 2026.
Kirchner attended a WELEAD meeting on July 23, 2026.
Mather attended the Muscatine County Veterans Affairs Commission meeting on
July 23, 2026.
Chick attended the Bi-State Regional Planning Commission meeting on July 22, 2026.
Sauer attended the Muscatine County Conservation Board meeting on July 20, 2026.
On a motion by Mather, second by Sorensen, the Board approved a Fireworks Permit Application
from Lutheran Living Senior Campus. Ayes: All.
On a motion by Mather, second by Sorensen, the Board approved the July 2026 payroll claims.
Ayes: All.

Muscatine County Board of Supervisors
Monday, July 27, 2026
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Information Services Director Bill Riley held discussion with the Board regarding significant
increases in server hardware costs. Riley reported that a replacement backup appliance budgeted
at $50,000 was recently quoted at approximately $108,000. Riley stated that he attributes the
increases in part to growing demand associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and major
investments in data centers. Riley stated that the IS Department is reevaluating planned technology
purchases and infrastructure needs, which may result in reductions to planned expenditures or
future budget amendment requests. Riley also discussed the County’s future use of AI, noting that
policies will need to address data security, public records requirements, account ownership and
access, and whether information entered into AI platforms is retained or used for training purposes.
Conservation Director Katie Hammond reminded the Board and public that the Muscatine
Triathlon will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Deep Lakes Park. Hammond stated the park’s
primary beach, fishing and parking areas will be unavailable for normal recreational use Friday
during the event setup and Saturday during the event, with normal public access expected to
resume late Saturday afternoon. Hammond stated that due to existing road construction and
additional closures required for the triathlon, participants and spectators will need to access the
event via 57th Street through Fruitland, Iowa. Portions of Stewart Road, Pettibone Avenue and 41st
Street will be closed with 41st Street being utilized for the 5K portion of the event. Hammond noted
that uniformed officers will assist at major intersections and that closure and access information
has been posted on the County website and social media to increase public awareness and
encouraged motorists to observe road closures and use designated routes.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:49 A.M.
ATTEST:

__________________________________
Jane Claussen
1st Deputy Auditor

___________________________________
Danny Chick, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors