I chose not to support that proposition as much as I felt that some compensation should be provided to the county for the use of that ground.

* After much discussion, the county offered for purchase the Interim Jail located on Ninth Street to the Greater Des Moines YMCA for transitional men’s housing. The YMCA has received tax credits from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and is in the process of raising additional monies for that project. An extension on the transfer has been given for an additional year.

* In April, the Board held a public meeting to receive input on two conceptual design concepts for the expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the Iowa Events Center. This space is intended to replace the aging Polk County Convention Complex (Plex). The project moved to schematic design in November and approval was given to add an additional floor to Vet’s Auditorium. The project is expected to be bid in September with construction completion by December, 2011. Doing so will not raise the property tax rate.

* An ongoing issue was defining the relationship between Polk County and the Polk County Library Association. An agreement was reached with the county libraries based on circulation. This should resolve the funding issue for the foreseeable future.

* In May, 2009, the Board committed to review possible alternatives for court space utilizing existing buildings. The Board engaged the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to perform a review of court function and space issues. Although a $130 million referendum was defeated in April, 2008, the issues prompting that referendum continue. Final recommendations were presented to the Board this month. The real question is when implementation will take place. The Board is obviously not interested in another referendum. However, long term funding options are being formulated.

* In June, owners of the AHL affiliation (Des Moines Hockey Holdings, LLC) offered Polk County $1 million to be released from their non-relocation agreement. The county refused that offer and successfully filed an injunction prohibiting Des Moines Hockey from moving its franchise per our non-relocation agreement. The Board continues to seek resolution but there has been no significant movement. The Board is committed to assuring that the obligations of all local creditors be met. The result: Des Moines will not have an American Hockey League team in 2010-11 and its future here remains questionable.

* In an effort to assist infrastructure projects, Polk County entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the cities of Grimes and Urbandale to pursue an engineering solution for Northwest 50th Avenue and the Highway 141 intersection. This is an attempt to resolve the traffic issues at Highway 141 and I-35/I-80 Interchange.

* Over the course of the year, the county in conjunction with the City of Ankeny has proceeded with a $20 million expansion project of the Rock Creek Sanitary Sewer trunk line. Construction is anticipated to be complete by 2012. A portion of that project allows the City of Ankeny to tie in their trunk line project which results in an overall saving to the city of $3 million dollars. Work on that particular phase is to commence in 2010.

* $637,000 has been appropriated by Congress for an environmental impact study and alternative alignment evaluation for the Northeast Beltway Engineering Study. This project is moving toward determining a 1,000-foot wide-corridor so preservation of this space can be implemented.

* Polk County in conjunction with the cities of Ankeny and Des Moines have undertaken the Four-Mile Creek Watershed Study, a $900,000 project update FEMA flood maps, and determine methods to reduce flooding and positively affect future growth in the watershed.

* The issue of the North-South Metro Parkway (26th Street Interchange) project continues. This year, $850,000 has been appropriated again by the U.S. Government to commence an environmental impact study. This study will determine what such a project will have on property owned by the federal government along the Des Moines River and produce preferred alignment so that necessary funding can be determined. There is no question that such a route will provide North-South passage in to the metro area and reduce congestion on Merle Hay Road, Beaver Avenue and NW 2nd Avenue. It is anticipated that this study will be completed in 2010.

* NE 70th Avenue/NE 14th Street Intersection Improvements - $400,000 project added traffic signals and left turn lanes on NE 14th Street. Project was completed as a cooperative effort between Polk County and the Iowa DOT. Construction was completed in August.

* This year, the county will assist in intersection improvements totaling $400,000 for traffic signals and left turn lanes on NE 14th Street at NE 70th Avenue. Construction commenced in August. Similarly, a resurfacing project is underway at NW 118th Avenue. Polk County received $1.95 million in federal stimulus for both NW 118th Avenue from NE 14th Street to Polk City. A $2.1-million project was completed in June at no cost to the City of Ankeny.

* Recently, the county has commenced the construction of an Emergency Operations Center at a total cost of $4.1 million as a result of stimulus funding. Funding includes $1.8 million from an I Jobs grant, and the county will bond $1.4 million. Another project is the construction of a flood wall at the River Place Complex. Half of that amount is provided from an I-Jobs grant while the remaining will be paid with bonding by Polk County as well as fees, grants and seized property revenues from the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management commission, Health Department and Air Quality grants. Bonding debt will be paid over ten years.

• The H1N1 virus continues to be a concern. Effective Dec. 14, the vaccine was made available for all Iowans. The Polk County Health Department will continue to operate a clinic at Moore Elementary School located at 52nd and Douglas in Des Moines with clinic hours Monday thru Friday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no charge for the vaccination and both mist and injectable vaccine are available.

Meanwhile, the board has plenty on its plate for 2010. Some items include:

* The Board began the year with budget deliberations. The state requires certification by March 15. It appears at this point that there will be no reduction in services, nor layoffs, nor tax rate increases. Unfortunately, this will result in some reduction of operating and gaming reserves. The goal is to do so without jeopardizing our financial status, particularly as it may affect bond ratings.

* Polk County will be developing a phased approach and financial plan to alleviate the court space issue based upon the recommendations of the National Center for State Courts. The development of a plan for easing the courts space and safety issues will provide for some immediate relief for the courts while assuring a cost effective manner to address courts space into the future without placing a considerable burden upon the taxpayers.

* The Board will continue to partner with communities on economic development and infrastructure projects.

* Construction of additional meeting and ballroom space at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium remodel will begin in the fall (completion December 2011). The Polk County Convention Complex will continue to operate until construction is complete. The future use of the Convention Complex will be determined as this project moves forward.

* The Board will continue to seek resolution to the hockey situation ensuring that all local creditors are paid.

* 2010 will see Polk County completing lease negotiations with Prairie Meadows pending the approval of a referendum to continue gaming.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to visit regarding this or any subject, please call me (515-286-3119), or contact by email, ej.giovannetti@polkcountyiowa.gov.