Tama County supervisors adopt annual noxious-weed resolution, approve $11.3 million wind-farm decommissioning plan

The Tama County Board of Supervisors met April 13 and unanimously adopted Resolution 4-13-2026A ordering eradication of Class A noxious weeds and control of specified Class B species across the county, and approved an updated decommissioning plan for the Salt Creek Wind I project with a 2026 estimated cost of $11,268,400.

The board convened at 8:30 a.m. with 1st District Supervisor Curt Hilmer, 3rd District Supervisor Heather Knebel, 4th District Supervisor Mark Doland, 5th District Supervisor Curt Kupka and 2nd District Supervisor David Turner (by Teams) present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the board approved the meeting agenda without discussion.

Supervisor Heather Knebel, who introduced the annual weed resolution after Tama County Weed Commissioner Laura Wilson submitted it, said this is the countys routine yearly action on noxious weeds. The resolution, adopted under Chapter 317 of the Code of Iowa and related state administrative rules, designates Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) as a Class A species that must be eradicated and lists Class B species to be controlled, including Canada thistle, leafy spurge, multiflora rose, field bindweed, teasel and bull thistle. The resolution specifies the countys authority to enter land and control weeds after notice and provides a penalty mechanism (up to $10 per day for up to ten days) and county cost assessment procedures for noncompliance. The Board adopted the resolution by roll call vote: Hilmer, aye; Turner, aye; Knebel, aye; Doland, aye; Kupka, aye.

On energy oversight, the board approved Salt Creek Wind Is updated decommissioning plan, which the project submitted with a licensed Iowa engineers cost estimate adjusted to 2026 dollars. The board approved the plan on a motion by Supervisor Knebel, seconded by Chairman Mark Doland, with all members voting aye. The plan lists a total estimated decommissioning cost of $11,268,400.

The board also handled routine administrative business: it approved two utility permits from Windstream Iowa Communications, LLC and a permit from Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company at the county engineers recommendation; accepted quarterly reports from the Sheriff, Recorder and Zoning office; and approved regular claims totaling $218,098.71 and a separate health fund claim of $99.45. All motions passed unanimously.

In new business, Supervisor David Turner said he received negotiated redlines from IT vendor NinjaOne and forwarded them to the county attorney, noting most issues appeared to be addressed. Supervisors Knebel and Hilmer reported attending Government Day with local students. Supervisor Curt Hilmer told the board that Tama County Public Health Director Stacy Koeppen has accepted another job; Hilmer said the Board of Health does not want to decertify, while nursing staff has expressed a desire to decertify. Jacob Reineke, the countys 911 director, participated online to note it is National Dispatcher Week; the board thanked him and dispatch staff.

Public comments were heard twice: early in the meeting from Jim Smith, Jack Cooper and Karen Murty, and later from Nancy Smith and Jacob Buchanan. The meeting adjourned at 9:01 a.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 4-13-2026A (annual noxious-weed resolution) Motion: approve resolution; Mover: Heather Knebel; Second: Curt Hilmer; Roll call: Hilmer aye, Turner aye, Knebel aye, Doland aye, Kupka aye; Outcome: adopted.

Salt Creek Wind I decommissioning plan Motion: approve updated decommissioning plan; Mover: Heather Knebel; Second: Mark Doland; Vote: unanimous; Outcome: approved.

Windstream Iowa Communications utility permits Motion: approve; Mover: Curt Kupka; Second: David Turner; Vote: unanimous; Outcome: approved.

Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company utility permit Motion: approve; Mover: Curt Hilmer; Second: Curt Kupka; Vote: unanimous; Outcome: approved.

Sheriff, Recorder and Zoning quarterly reports Motions: approve (individual motions); Votes: unanimous; Outcomes: accepted.

Claims payment Motion: approve claims totaling $218,098.71 and a health fund claim of $99.45; Mover: Curt Kupka; Second: David Turner; Vote: unanimous; Outcome: approved.

The boards minutes note that an audio recording is available from the auditors office for a fuller record of the meeting.