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SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
March 25, 2020
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/31/20
In this edition:
*Please Be Kind, Patient, and Calm
*Shelter in Place
*Did You Know?
*Please Be Kind, Patient, and Calm
I continue to remind people… and I believe it is important to do so… to please be kind, patient, and calm.
I don’t get to see my granddaughter Zuri much anymore, and it hurts. In the words of one of her favorite songs, “We used to be best buddies…” (Frozen fans may know that one.) Anyway, I was doing Facetime with Zuri on Monday night, and she said this:
“Papa, sometimes when I am naughty it is because I am mad.” Out of the mouths of babes, right? My three-year-old granddaughter is catching on to something that many of us adults tend to forget.
There are plenty of reasons to be mad right now. But we can control how we handle that anger. So please don’t be naughty. Please be kind, patient, and calm.
*Shelter in Place
As the Covid-19 situation continues, public cries for a “shelter in place” order (SIP) grow louder and longer. I am going to share a few thoughts on this and related matters.
I have said this many times before, and I will repeat it: I prefer to make decisions based upon the best data available. Since I do not have vast experience in public health, I have been looking to three primary sources for information: The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Johnson County Public Health (JCPH), and local hospitals. These groups are all a bit different. Please allow me to explain.
IDPH: I have found this group frustrating. As I mentioned earlier, I want to make decisions based upon data. JCPH kept asking IDPH for quantifiable metrics; in other words, what data points do we use to make decisions? IDPH had nothing. So JCPH sent a long list of ideas to IDPH. IDPH dumbed it down, and sent it back. I was not heartened by the fact that our local people had to do this.
On top of that, IDPH refused to give JCPH guidance on the metrics. For example – one metric is the percentage hospitalized. OK. So what percentage constitutes a crisis? 20%? 50%? 80%? No one knows.
The final straw? IDPH was trying to argue that whatever number they made up for these thresholds should be kept from the public. To their credit, local health departments seem to have talked them out of that.
IDPH has been a real disappointment to me. I am frustrated by the lack of preparation, the lack of transparency, and the apparent lack of expertise. Iowa must do better.
JCPH: Dave Koch, the Director of the Department, has been the person most front and center on this locally. And he is the person taking the worst beating. I have TREMENDOUS respect for Dave, and it hurts my heart to see all the things the social media trolls are throwing at him. Dave Koch is a damned good person, put in an impossible position. He is honest, fair, smart, and dedicated. He has busted his butt. He has my utmost respect.
Local Hospitals: Given the lack of direction coming from IDPH, we began to lean heavily on our local hospitals. And UIHC, Mercy, and the VA have acquitted themselves well. They have been team players, and their medical folks have stepped up to fill the void.
I had a series of questions for IDPH and our hospital friends. Those questions were:
1. Why would statewide (or local) thresholds for the four metrics not be public?
2. Why are hospitals in adjacent counties giving opposite messages?
3. Does your hospital advocate a shelter in place order? Why or why not?
4. What are the downsides to a shelter in place order?
5. Are these downsides medically, economically, politically, or otherwise motivated?
6. Will you agree to make public any recommendations you make to elected officials?
I did not get much from the IDPH. To their credit, the hospital folks stepped up and patiently answered every question I had. In short, the hospitals are very concerned about their supply chains. They do not want to see any interruptions of any kind. I understand that, and I respect that.
I do think it is possible to do a “shelter in place” order and still protect the hospitals. I wouldn’t have it any other way! And obviously, hospitals are operating in New York, Illinois, and other states where SIP orders are in place. All of those SIP orders contain exceptions for hospitals.
In addition to these health-related sources of information, I have heard from my constituents. I reached out to some; many reached out to me. Some people offered scientific expertise; some offered gut feelings. Whatever the case, you were all heard. You will not all be in agreement with me at the end of the day, but you were all heard.
So, in the absence of good information, I am faced with a difficult decision. Should I wait for more or better data? Or should I call for “shelter in place”? Neither decision is easy. Both choices have huge economic consequences. Both choices have huge social consequences. Both choices have huge consequences for civil liberties. Both choices have huge political consequences. Both choices may impact who lives and who dies.
You heard that correctly. This may well be a life or death decision. If you read this edition of Salvos from the top, you heard me mention my granddaughter Zuri. I have no idea if I will live long enough for this conversation; hell, maybe Covid-19 will claim me. But there may come a day where Zuri asks me about the pandemic of 2020. What do I want to tell her? “Papa lacked the courage to act, so extra people died?”
That characterization may be completely unfair. But if there is one thing I have learned doing this job for 16 years, it is don’t expect things to be fair. I will be damned if I do, and damned if I don’t. There is no win here.
Given all that, I have decided to advocate for a “shelter in place” order. I will bring it up at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 9:00AM.
I do not know if it will go anywhere. First, I don’t know how the other Supervisors feel. Second, it isn’t clear Iowa Law allows County Boards to take such an action. We are in uncharted territory. I simply promise to advocate for such an order.
Thank you for suffering through my long decision-making process with me. Please do your best to be kind, patient, and calm in the coming days.
*DID YOU KNOW? The name “Covid-19” means corona virus-related disease that started in 2019.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
March 19, 2020
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/24/20
In this edition:
*Coronavirus Update
*Accessing Johnson County Services Remotely
*GOP Legislative Priorities and Covid-19
*Did You Know?
*Coronavirus Update
I have been extremely busy with the Coronavirus outbreak. It is scary, and there are a lot of things we simply do not know. Things will change daily; perhaps hourly. I know it is difficult, but we need you to be kind, patient, and calm. Here is some info from Johnson County:
Yesterday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) identified Johnson County’s first case of COVID-19 with no known exposure, suggesting evidence of community spread in the county.
It is believed coronaviruses are primarily spread through respiratory droplets, which means to become infected people generally have to be within six feet of someone who is contagious and have the droplets land on them.
We know these recommendations to socially distance yourself from others is challenging, JCPH wants to thank you for distancing yourself from others in the community. Together we can help protect the health of our most vulnerable populations from this virus.
It is critical that all residents continue to take preventive measures including:
•Stay home when ill.
•Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
•Wash hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds.
•Social distancing.
Anyone who believes they may need to be tested for COVID-19 should call their health care provider, explain their symptoms and ask about testing. Do not show up unannounced at a local health care facility, as that can spread the virus.
Following the recommendation of JCPH, as a precaution to protect those who are most vulnerable in our community, Johnson County will close governmental buildings, excluding the Johnson County Courthouse, to the public at the end of business today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, no later than 5:30 p.m., through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. This is in line with Governor Kim Reynolds order earlier today to close other facilities to the general public.
Johnson County employees will continue to report to work and provide County services. Many Johnson County services are available online, by phone, or through mail or email. Contact information for all County departments and offices are available on the Johnson County website at www.johnson-county.com.
JCPH is in constant contact with IDPH and local health care providers and is dedicated to containing the spread of COVID-19 and mitigating its potential impact.
*Accessing Johnson County Services Remotely
As announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, following the recommendation of Johnson County Public Health, as a precaution to protect those who are most vulnerable in our community, Johnson County closed governmental buildings, excluding the Johnson County Courthouse, to the public at the end of business through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. This is in line with Governor Kim Reynolds’ order to close other facilities to the general public.
Johnson County employees will continue to report to work and provide County services. Many Johnson County services are available online, by phone, or through mail or email. Contact information for all County departments and offices are available on the Johnson County website at www.johnson-county.com.
Information about individual departments and offices follows:
Ambulance: Emergency services remain available 365 days a year. In an emergency, residents should always dial 911. If you have COVID-19 specific questions, call 211. If you have symptoms, contact your health care provider. Johnson County Ambulance Service bill pay options are available at http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_ambulance.aspx?id=1961.
Attorney’s Office: Information on how to pay unpaid court fines, including how to pay court fines online or by mail, how to set up a payment plan, or how to get on a County Attorney Payment Plan (CAPP) to get a license back or release a vehicle registration hold are available at http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_attorney.aspx?id=20827.
Auditor’s Office: A dropbox is available outside of the Administration Building for voter registrations, township information, COBRA checks and auditor certificates. All requests from the public can be done online or via mail. Information about applying for a tobacco or alcohol license is available at https://www.johnson-county.com/dept_auditor_min.aspx?id=14570.
Conservation: To get information about reserving facilities and all other business related to operation of the County managed park and recreation areas, call Conservation’s administrative office at 319-645-2315. Other information can be accessed at https://www.johnson-county.com/dept_conservation.aspx?id=3943.
Emergency Management: Available for emergency call in 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 319-356-6800.
Medical Examiner: The Medical Examiner Department (JCME) is available for emergency response. Next-of-kin communication and other general business can be accomplished via telephone at 319-339-6197.
Mental Health/Disability Services: A dropbox is available outside of the Health and Human Services Building. The application for regional Mental Health/Disability Services is available atwww.ecriowa.org. Click on “Resources” and then “Forms.” It can be submitted by mail or through email.
Public Health: A dropbox is available outside of the Health and Human Services Building. Food License Renewal can be paid online at https://dia.iowa.gov/. If you choose not to pay the license renewal online, you can mail a check and a completed renewal form to Johnson County Public Health Department. New Food Establishment License Application Packet can be found at http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_health.aspx?id=20326. Completed packets for New Food Establishment License with check can be mailed to JCPH. Well and septic system payments can also be mailed to Johnson County Public Health, 855 S. Dubuque St, Suite 217, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. If you have an appointment or questions about Clinical Services, call 319-356-6042. Questions regarding Environmental Health or Community Health, call 319-356-6040.
Recorder’s Office:
· A dropbox is available outside of the Administration Building for birth, death and marriage certificate requests; real estate recordings; and OHV and boat renewals.
· Birth, death, and marriage records are available by application through U.S. Mail. Overnight mailers are accepted for fast return. Fillable applications are available athttps://www.johnson-county.com/dept_recorder.aspx?id=1155. The application must be printed off, notarized and mailed in with required documentation and payment that is on the website. These records are also available through the Iowa Department of Public Health by using their partner/vendor VitalChek, though additional costs are involved and may not be as rapid, at https://idph.iowa.gov/health-statistics/request-record.
· Applications for license to marry in Iowa are available as fillable/printable forms online. Parties must appear before a notary prior to mailing in with payment to Recorder.
· Boat registration (renewal only, not for new boats). Must be done by mail or by phone through the Recorder.
· All off-road vehicle (OHV) registration (renewal only; not for new vehicles) is available online through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website athttps://gooutdoorsiowa.com/ or available by mail through the Recorder.
· Real estate recordings: electronic service through Iowa Land Records is available at https://iowalandrecords.org/. This requires registration and is typically used by high-volume submitters. U.S. Mail recordings are always accepted by the Recorder.
Sheriff’s Office: Emergency services remain available 365 days a year. In an emergency, residents should always dial 911. For non-emergency services, we will continue to offer services to the public by phone, mail and online. At this time, services that require in person application processes will resume on Wednesday, April 1. On-site visitation in the Johnson County Jail has been temporarily suspended. Visit www.inmatecanteen.com for an off-site video visitation option. The jail is open to lawyers and to process bond outs. We are continually receiving and evaluating new information as it becomes available, so please check back regularly for any updates to our online processes. The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 319-356-6020 or by visiting our website atwww.johnson-county.com/sheriff.
Social Services: A dropbox is available outside of the Health and Human Services Building. General Assistance, Navigator and Aging Services appointments are being conducted via phone and email. Social Services can be reached by calling 319-356-6090. Additional program information is available at www.johnson-county.com/ss.
Treasurer’s Office:
· A dropbox is available outside of the Administration Building for license plate payments and property tax payments.
· Property taxes must be paid online or postmarked by Tuesday, March 31, 2020, to avoid a 1 ½ percent monthly penalty that will begin on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Property owners can pay property taxes conveniently online at www.iowataxandtags.org. Payment options include VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit cards; debit cards or eCheck. If paying by eCheck, the online fee is only 30 cents. Credit card payments have a non-refundable service delivery fee added to the tax amount due for the service of paying taxes online with a credit card. Property taxes can also be paid by mail. To ensure proper credit, the stub portion of the tax statement must be submitted with the payment. If paying by mail, return payment to the Johnson County Treasurer, PO Box 2420, Iowa City, IA 52244-2420. Payments postmarked by Tuesday, March 31, 2020, will be considered paid on time and no interest will be charged. The U.S. Postal Service postmark is the only date recognized for date of mailing. The date written on a check or a business metered date cannot be accepted as proof of the mailing date. Residents who would like a receipt must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with their payment.
· Tax sale redemptions and due dates, call the Treasurer’s Office at 319-356-6087.
*GOP Legislative Priorities and Covid-19
Remember when Johnson County raised the minimum wage? The legislation that the Republicans in the Iowa Legislature passed that repealed the minimum wage also outlawed local ordinances on several other topics. Want to know what else was covered?
The GOP banned ordinances requiring paid sick leave. They banned ordinances requiring family medical leave. They banned predictable scheduling. And, of course, the big one – they actively prevent poor people from having access to health care. How does that law look now?
To make matters worse, the Iowa GOP were attempting to throw vulnerable Iowans off of Obamacare, SNAP (food stamps), and Medicaid just a week ago! It is unconscionable!
The leaders of the Iowa GOP have always put corporate profits ahead of human health. And the chickens are coming home to roost.
*DID YOU KNOW? You can get answers to Coronavirus questions by calling 211.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
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