SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
July 9, 2020
Sullivan’s Salvos 7/14/20
In this edition:
*Johnson County Employees
*Dems Hall of Fame
*Big Business Control
*Noise Ordinance
*Did You Know?
*Johnson County Employees
This recently ran in the Johnson County employee newsletter. I thought it was important that other County residents hear it as well.
Like a lot of people, I am a sports fan. I love seeing people make decisions under pressure. I love seeing people give incredible effort. I love seeing teams overcome long odds. I love seeing people put their hours of training to work successfully when the time comes.
There haven’t been many opportunities to watch sports since Covid-19 hit. But I have still had the opportunity to see people make decisions under pressure, to see people give incredible effort, to see teams overcome long odds, and to see people put their hours of training to work successfully when the time comes. I see that every single day in Johnson County.
I have seen Sam Jarvis in Public Health putting in 60+ hours every week in response to a crisis unlike any in our lifetimes. I have seen much of the staff in Public Health jump into completely new roles at the drop of a hat. I have seen Sheriff’s Deputies calmly dealing with angry protesters late into the evening. I have seen clerks in the Treasurer’s Office handle an incredible volume of work under very adverse conditions. I have seen the Social Services Department fight for COVID-19 help for the neediest people in our community.
I have seen the Facilities crew completely remake County facilities in under a day. I have seen Information Technology make it possible for 300 people to work at home with 5 days’ notice. I have seen Elections staff create an innovative “drive-through” for the June primary. I have seen the Recorder’s Office handle huge volumes down almost half the normal staff. I have seen SEATS drivers become greeters and cleaners at the Admin Building, impressing everyone with their people skills. I have seen Roads and Conservation crews adjust their practices and continue to do the expected amount of work - even when facing high water. I have seen Ambulance crews work in stressful conditions to selflessly save the lives of other people. And I could go on. And on. And on.
The response of County employees to the issues brought on by Covid-19 has been unbelievable. Really. I knew you were all very good, but you surpassed even my high expectations. I hope each and every one of you is proud. Proud of your efforts. Proud of your coworkers. Proud of Johnson County. I know I am!
I still want my sports back. Just know that the Hawkeyes have nothing on the team we have here in Johnson County! Thank you all for everything you do!
*Dems Hall of Fame
The Johnson County Democratic Party is holding our Annual Hall of Fame Awards event on Saturday, July 18 at 7pm online. Please join us!
The Hall of Fame inductees for 2018 are: Congressman Dave and Terry Loebsack. We hope you can join us in recognizing this remarkable couple! In addition, this year there will be a couple additional awards honoring local activists.
Tickets are available for a $25 suggested donation. Sponsorships are available. There is a Facebook event that contains an Act Blue link.
Checks can be mailed to:
Johnson County Democrats
PO Box 1773
Iowa City, IA 52244
If you have any questions, please contact Rod Sullivan at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. We hope you will join us for a fun evening, and lend your voice to those who are honoring these very deserving people. We look forward to seeing you!
*Big Business Control
Are you wondering why Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds refuses to allow local governments local control when it comes to the COVID crisis? It is really very simple.
Reynolds is about CORPORATE control, not local control. She cannot risk that the Louisa County Supervisors would take some action that would damage Tyson’s profits. And, of course, her campaign contributions.
It has always been corporations over people for Governor Reynolds. Why would we expect anything else?
*Noise Ordinance
The Fourth of July always brings up the topic of a noise ordinance for unincorporated Johnson County. We had a similar discussion 7-8 years ago, but it was determined that enforcement would be too difficult. Another discussion back in January was indecisive.
Interestingly, a recent Iowa Supreme Court decision originating in Johnson County has had a big impact here. This decision forces municipalities to better define noise ordinances, removing officer discretion. In the old days, an officer could simply declare something as “too loud.” Now that must be proven.
Some of the difficulty with enforcement may have been solved by technology. There are now reliable portable decibel meters that are available for about $50 each. 7-8 years ago, the ability to measure sound at a remote location without spending a lot of money was very difficult. The results might not have stood up in court. Today, those objections have been eliminated.
My feelings on a noise ordinance have not changed. I support it, with a caveat: I believe it must exempt all agricultural activities. Ag activities can get extremely loud and can also occur any time day or night. Drying grain, birthing calves, combining, crowing roosters… all these noises are just a part of doing business on a farm, and we should not get in the way of that.
Exempting all ag activities does not mean the same thing as exempting all ag properties. A farmer should still be subject to the ordinance if she has a rock band playing at 3 AM. That is not an ag activity. Unfortunately, County Attorney Janet Lyness sees some issues with the idea of exempting only ag practices. (The State certainly has no problem doing this!) So, this will require a bit more research.
Another point: any ordinance should be written broadly, and not just focused on amplified sound. The reason? There are other activities that can be even louder. For example, about 5 years ago, we had some dump trucks running 24 hours, dumping right outside a residential area. It was loud! Again, this may create difficulties in writing an ordinance.
I hope the Board does decide to pass an ordinance. Outside of farm noise, rural residents should have some expectation of quiet in the middle of the night. But really, this is largely up to the Sheriff and County Attorney. If they feel it is too difficult to enforce, they will not do so. Then there is no point in passing an ordinance. I will keep you updated!
*DID YOU KNOW? Dave Loebsack was first elected to Congress in 2006, defeating 30 year incumbent Jim Leach.
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
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 9:19 AM
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