Home Maps /Directions Contact
Welcome to the Polk County Supervisors Website!
County Administration Building
111 Court Avenue - Room #300
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
515-286-3120
515-323-5225
countyboard@polkcountyiowa.gov
Robert Brownell's Bio E.J. Giovannetti's Bio Tom Hockensmith's Bio John Mauro's Bio Angela Connolly's Bio
Home dividerMBAbout the Board dividerMBMeetings dividerMBPublic Information dividerMBCounty Mission & Values dividerMBBudget dividerMBCalendar dividerMBNews dividerMBFAQ dividerMBContact


Polk County Board of Supervisors vote to move forward with Iowa Events Center expansion

DES MOINES, Iowa – May 12, 2009 — The Board of Supervisors voted to approve the construction of an expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the Iowa Events Center. The vote directs the County Administrator to issue requests for proposals for architectural and other services necessary to move forward with the full house concept presented by RDG Architects.

“Moving forward with the full house concept will ensure the continued success of the Iowa Events Center while not displacing our current customers who are using the Polk County Convention Complex” stated Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair, Angela Connolly.

The full house concept design presented by RDG Architects would be constructed within the confines of Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and will provide for a 30,000 square foot ballroom, pre-function space and provides 14 - 1,600 square foot meeting rooms, one junior ballroom of 23,000 square feet and seven board rooms of approximately 940 square feet. This concept also preserves 50,000 square feet of existing Vets arena floor space. The expansion will be paid for by extending Iowa Events Center debt an additional four years.

“This project will have an immediate impact on the community by employing local companies and will allow us to retain and grow our convention business”, stated Polk County Supervisor Robert Brownell.

Since the opening of the Iowa Events Center in 2005, the future of the Polk County Convention Complex has been under review by the Board of Supervisors. Due to the age, condition and cost of renovating the Polk County Convention Complex (Plex), the Polk County Board of Supervisors engaged Economic Research Associates (ERA) to provide an assessment regarding whether or not there was a need for a possible expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the IEC. The Plex is in need of up to 20 million dollars in renovation and repairs.

To strengthen the convention and hospitality industry in Des Moines, ERA’s assessment pointed to the need to develop modern ballroom and breakout space attached to the IEC. The study advised that at a minimum, replacement of the Plex would require a 60,000 sq. ft. program (in addition to the 14,400 sq. ft. already at HyVee Hall (HVH)), with a modern, fully divisible ballroom in the 25,000 sq. ft. range and additional breakout space.

On March 11, 2009, RDG architects presented two concepts for an expansion within Veterans Memorial Auditorium. On April 16, 2009, the Board of Supervisors held a Town Hall Meeting to provide information on the proposed concepts and allow for public input regarding the project. Once the expansion is complete, other uses for the Plex will be reviewed including use as possible courts space.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128


Polk County Town Hall Meeting To discuss Iowa Events Center Expansion

What: The Polk County Board of Supervisors invites the public to attend a Town Hall Meeting to receive information and provide input regarding a possible expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the Iowa Events Center (IEC).

Who: Polk County Board of Supervisors

When: 6 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2009

Where: Polk County River Place
Conference Room 1
2309 Euclid Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa

Background: Due to the age, condition and cost of renovating the Polk County Convention Complex (Plex), the Polk County Board of Supervisors engaged Economic Research Associates (ERA) to provide an assessment regarding whether or not there was a need for a possible expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the IEC. The Plex is in need of up to 20 million dollars in renovation and repairs. To strengthen the convention and hospitality industry in Des Moines, ERA’s assessment pointed to the need to develop modern ballroom and breakout space attached to the IEC. The study advised that at a minimum, replacement of the Plex would require a 60,000 sq. ft. program (in addition to the 14,400 sq. ft. already at HyVee Hall (HVH)), with a modern, fully divisible ballroom in the 25,000 sq. ft. range and additional breakout space. On March 11, 2009, RDG architects presented two concepts for an expansion within Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The Polk County Town Hall meeting will provide information on the proposed concepts and allow for public input regarding the project.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Polk County Health Services Director Receives National Leadership Award

DES MOINES, Iowa – March 18, 2009 - Lynn Ferrell, Polk County Health Services Director, was recognized at today’s Board of Supervisors meeting for receiving the National Association of Counties Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) Outstanding Leadership Award. He received the award during the National Association of Counties 2009 Legislative and Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. on March 9th.

“Lynn brings new ideas to the table when no one else has them. He is able to quickly assess how a new service or funding possibility will affect Iowans with disabilities and what impact this idea will have on funding available to all of the 99 counties.” stated, Ellen Witman, NACBHDD Executive Director.

“Lynn has been active in the National Association of Counties steering committee process for two decades, from responding to the latest regulatory restrictions on Medicare and Medicaid to developing national policy on health reform, he has worked tirelessly to give local behavioral health and developmental disability directors a national voice. Lynn has worked for decades on behalf of the people of Iowa and is truly Iowa’s unsung hero. Polk County’s citizens with developmental disabilities are fortunate to have him as their advocate”, stated Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair, Angela Connolly.

NACBHDD is the only national voice for county and local behavioral health and developmental disability authorities in Washington, DC. Through education, policy analysis, and advocacy, NACBHDD brings the unique perspective of our members to Congress and the Executive Branch and promotes national policies that recognize and support the critical role counties play in caring for people affected by mental illness, addiction, and developmental disabilities.

NACBHDD is also an active partner in efforts to improve access to, funding for, and quality of behavioral health services, especially those that serve the most vulnerable in our communities. Key issues include: protecting Medicaid coverage, ending the stigma of mental illness, better treatment for veterans, achieving parity in insurance coverage for behavioral health care, affordable housing and vocational training for those with mental illness or developmental disabilities, and many more.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Directs funds to Polk County To address Lead Hazards and Weatherization

DES MOINES, Iowa – March 17, 2009 - The Polk County Board of Supervisors took action today to approve program modifications and staffing for weatherization services. Polk County will be receiving an estimated additional $6 million dollars in funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program to be expended during the next two program years. This funding is a direct result of the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Previously, Polk County received $1.3 million dollars of annual funding for the 2006-2008 Weatherization Program from the Department of Energy, Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program and Mid American Energy.

With the addition of the ARRA funds, annual funding for the weatherization program in Polk County will increase 360% from the previous three program years. Annually, the number of homes weatherized will increase from 190 to 654.

In February, Polk County received a $3 million dollar Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The three year grant will provide funding to conduct lead repair work in 206 housing units in Polk and Dallas Counties. Thirty-four partner organizations have committed over $5 million dollars in funding or in-kind services for education, outreach, relocation costs and home repairs making the total investment over $8 million dollars for the community. The program will be carried out involving low to very low income families with children less than six years of age.

“Polk County is fortunate to be the recipient of funding for these two important programs. These funds will allow us to reach out to many citizens we would not have otherwise been able to assist”, stated Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Connolly.

Effective July 1, 2008, Iowa law requires evidence of a blood lead test when children enter school. This requirement applies to children enrolled in public and private schools and those that are home schooled. In 2005, Polk County took over the weatherization program from the City of Des Moines. The HUD Lead Hazard Control Grant and Weatherization funding become effective on April 1st.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Names Chair/Vice Chair for 2009

DES MOINES, Iowa – January 23, 2009 - The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Executive Committee took action yesterday morning to name Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Connolly as Chair and Chief Judge of the 5th Judicial District Arthur Gamble as Vice Chair for 2009.

“I look forward to serving as Chair to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Executive Committee for 2009 as we continue our efforts as a council in identifying possible improvements in the criminal justice system that will have a positive impact on our community”, stated Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly.

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council was established in July of 2008 to review issues that will enhance cooperation and collaboration among all areas of the criminal justice system. Members of the Executive Committee are Angela Connolly, Chair of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Tom Hockensmith, Polk County Attorney John Sarcone, Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy, Chief Judge of the Fifth Judicial District Arthur Gamble, Public Defender Valorie Wilson and Director of the Fifth Judicial Department of Corrections, Sally Kreamer.

The Executive Committee of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council meets monthly with their next meeting scheduled for 8 a.m., February 26th, at HyVee Hall.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Polk County Board of Supervisors to begin Budget Deliberations

What: Budget deliberations for FY 09/10

Who: The Polk County Board of Supervisors

When: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Where: Room 120 of the Polk County Administration Building 111 Court Avenue

Background: The Polk County Board of Supervisors will begin budget deliberations regarding the FY 09/10 budget at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. A presentation by County Administrator, Ron Olson, regarding the financial condition of the county is scheduled on Tuesday. Budget meetings will continue Tuesday through Thursday mornings until the 5th of February with certification of the budget scheduled for a public hearing to be held on March 3rd. A copy of the schedule (which may be subject to change) is attached.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Polk County Board of Supervisors Elect Leadership for 2009
County Officials Receive Oath of Office

DES MOINES, Iowa – January 2, 2009 - The Polk County Board of Supervisors took action today to elect Angela Connolly, 5th District Supervisor, as its new Chairperson and Tom Hockensmith, 3rd District Supervisor, as Vice-Chairperson for 2009 in the first official public meeting of the new year. Supervisor Connolly elected in 1998, most recently served as the Board’s Chairperson in 2006. 4th District Supervisor John F. Mauro served as the Board’s Chairperson in 2008.

“Supervisor Mauro demonstrated excellent leadership in 2008 while dealing with many issues including this past June’s flooding, the construction and opening of Polk County’s new office complex at River Place and the opening and operations of the new jail”, stated Supervisor Connolly. “I look forward to working with my fellow Supervisors in 2009 as together we face the coming year’s challenges”.

Polk County elected officials received their oath of office at today’s meeting with the Honorable Chief Judge of the Fifth Judicial District Arthur Gamble and the Honorable Judge Larry J. Eisenhauer Iowa Court of Appeals presiding. Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald and Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy began serving their first terms and 1st District Supervisor Robert Brownell and 2nd District Supervisor E.J. Giovannetti began their third terms.

Polk County Supervisors hold regular weekly public meetings every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in Room 120 of the Polk County Administration Building, 111 Court Avenue, Des Moines.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Polk County Board of Supervisors to Elect Leadership for 2009
County Officials Receive Oath of Office

What: Polk County Board of Supervisors will elect Chair and Vice Chair and County Officials will receive Oath of Office at today’s first meeting of 2009

Who: The Polk County Board of Supervisors

When: 9:30 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2009

Where: Room 120 of the Polk County Administration Building
111 Court Avenue

Background: Polk County Board of Supervisors will take action this morning to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. Polk County elected officials to receive their oath of office this morning are 1st District Supervisor Robert Brownell, 2nd District Supervisor E.J. Giovannetti, Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald and Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Polk County Emergency Management Director Receives ISAC Excellence in Action Award

AJ Mumm photo DES MOINES, Iowa – November 20, 2008 - A.J. Mumm, Polk County Emergency Management Director, is the recipient of the Iowa State Association of Counties’ (ISAC) Excellence in Action Award in the Outstanding Individual Category. He received the award today during the ISAC’s Fall School General Session. “Mr. Mumm’s organizational and leadership skills demonstrated during the flooding are certainly a great example of “excellence in action” in county government”, stated Bill Peterson, Executive Director of ISAC.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC), through the direction of Emergency Management Director, A.J. Mumm, served as the hub for the coordination of all activities surrounding the flood event. The EOC consisted of a unified command that represented local governments within Polk County and Polk County government. Law enforcement agencies, the Polk County public health department, the Army Corps of Engineers, public works, fire departments, law enforcement, and other public service entities within Polk County made up the team that coordinated emergency operational activities and the release of important information for the safety and well being of the public. Also involved in the EOC were entities outside the emergency management membership, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Homeland Security, State homeland security, and the Iowa National Guard.

“Without the organizational and leadership skills of A.J. Mumm, Polk County would not have been able to operate as effectively and efficiently during this natural disaster. His calm demeanor and attention to detail brought all entities in Polk County together to work toward the common goal of ensuring the safety of our residents. We all owe a debt of gratitude to all who worked so tirelessly to save our community during this time of crisis. The efficient operation efforts exhibited through the EOC are the best example of regional cooperation this area has seen,” stated Polk County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair, Angela Connolly.

The Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) is a private, nonprofit corporation. ISAC members are elected and appointed county officials from all 99 counties. ISAC's mission is to promote effective and responsible county government for the people of Iowa. ISAC's vision is to be the principal, authoritative source of representation, information and services for and about county government in Iowa.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office achieves National Accreditation and Certification

DES MOINES, Iowa – October 21, 2008 - The Polk County Board of Supervisors received acknowledgement at today’s meeting that the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office has received the National Association of Medical Examiners certificate of accreditation.

Accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners (N.A.M.E.) allows the accredited office to display on its documents the symbol of the N.A.M.E. logo along with the designation “Accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners”.

The accreditation process consists of a rigorous inspection of the physical facility and review of office practices, including the implementation of policies and procedures. The overall objective of the accreditation is to ensure that the application of the standards set forth by N.A.M.E. will aid in developing and maintaining a high caliber medicolegal death investigation system for the communities in the jurisdiction in which they operate.

“The achievement of the N.A.M.E. accreditation ensures that a Medical Examiners Office is operated at the highest standards” stated Polk County Medical Examiner Dr. Gregory Schmunk.

Mary H. Dudley, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner for Jackson County Missouri and site inspector for the National Association of Medical Examiners, stated in her report “The citizens and administration of Polk County should be very proud of the Polk County Medical Examiners Office under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Schmunk for their outstanding forensic and community services”.

“The Board of Supervisors is pleased that the Medical Examiners Office has achieved this important accreditation which guarantees quality operating standards for our citizens” stated Vice Chair, Angela Connolly.

The Polk County Medical Examiners Office is the 55th in the nation to achieve the N.A.M.E. accreditation. The accreditation will run through August 25, 2013.

In addition to receiving national accreditation, the Medical Examiner’s Office recently achieved certification for all of its investigative employees. Registry level certificants are the Medical Examiner, Gregory A. Schmunk, MD in addition to Medicolegal Death Investigators Amanda Luick, Michelle Mauro and Julie Vancil. Investigator Michael Gross is Board Certified.

The American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) is a voluntary national, not-for-profit, independent professional certification board that has been established to promote the highest standards of practice for medicolegal death investigators.

Registry certification is the initial certification. The applicant must verify 640 hours of work experience and current employment in a Medical Examiner or Coroner office with the primary responsibility of death investigation. They then must pass a 240 question examination on the over 300 tasks identified as critical to successful death investigation. Board Certification is available to experienced Registered medicolegal death investigators who prove their mastery of all aspects of medicolegal death investigation. The applicant must have at least an Associates degree from a post secondary institution recognized by a national educational accrediting agency and must have a minimum of 4,000 hours of experience in the past six years. They then must pass a 240 question examination in addition to a Performance Section consisting of three medicolegal death scene scenarios.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


River Place Grand Opening
Public Invited to Tour Facility

What: The Polk County Board of Supervisors invites the public to attend the grand opening of Polk County’s newest facility, River Place.

Who: The Polk County Board of Supervisors

When: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Where: 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines

Background: Polk County River Place is the former retail property that Polk County purchased in January, 2006, with the intent to relocate various county functions from leased space and consolidate them into one county-owned facility to improve the delivery of services to the public. The former use of the facility was a Target retail store and warehouse. Renovation of the site is now complete. The facility is home to a total of 350 workers, 290 of which are county employees, and varied county functions. The Iowa Department of Transportation opened its driver’s license satellite location at the complex in June of 2007.
Project Architect: Keffer/Overton Associates Inc.
Project Contractor: The Hansen Company

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Polk County Jail’s Mental Health Diversion Program Expanded

DES MOINES, Iowa – August 13, 2008 - The expansion of the Polk County Jail’s Mental Health Diversion Program was outlined at today’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The Board of Supervisors in concert with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Health Services has entered into a two (2) year pilot project with Eyerly Ball to expand the Polk County Jail’s Mental Health Diversion Program.

Eyerly Ball successfully implemented a pre-arrest jail diversion program in concert with local law enforcement 7 years ago. The Mobile Crisis Team works with police departments throughout Polk County. During the last twelve months, the Mobile Crisis Team successfully diverted over 1,900 people who might otherwise have been arrested and detained at the Polk County Jail. The Team counsels people in the field, and coordinates mental health treatment options.

“People with mental health disorders are at risk of being involved in the criminal system at a greater frequency than others and in many instances are arrested or incarcerated simply because of their mental illness or lack of access to appropriate treatment” stated Polk County Supervisors Vice Chair, Angela Connolly.

Many individuals with minor charges could be released given the right community based supports and treatment. In many instances the diversion reduces interruption in treatment; lost housing, suspended benefits and income. “When kept engaged with services, other similar diversion projects across the country have experienced less recidivism and fewer jail days before being released” stated Polk County Sheriff Dennis Anderson.

The Polk County Jail Diversion Program’s strategy is to develop a team that includes an Intensive Case Manager and a Community Support Worker. The role of the Intensive Case Manager is to assess appropriateness for jail diversion and coordinate the diversion plan with mental health workers, the prosecuting attorney, community corrections, defense attorney, the judge and jail personnel. The Community Support Worker will help with linkages to benefits, housing, and treatment and can support a person in the community for a short to moderate length of time. Program objectives are to have shorter stays in jail and to reduce the chance a person will re-offend. The first year goal is to provide intensive case supervision to between 25 to 35 people and in subsequent years, the number served will increase to between 35 and 45 in a year’s time.

In addition to building upon the Mobile Crisis Unit, which provides the pre-arrest component of jail diversion, the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff hope this program expansion will aide in reducing and/or minimizing the population growth of the new jail. Thirteen percent of the Polk County Jail’s inmate population has a diagnosed mental health disorder. Funding of this program is made possible through revenue received from the housing federal inmates, not taxpayer dollars.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page


Board of Supervisors to hear Overview of Jail Diversion Program

What: Presentation by Polk County Health Services and Eyerly Ball regarding the Jail Diversion Program

Who: The Polk County Board of Supervisors

When: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Where: Room 120 of the Polk County Administration Building
111 Court Avenue

Background: People with mental health disorders are at risk of being involved in the criminal system at a greater frequency than others and in many instances are arrested or incarcerated simply because of their mental illness or lack of access to appropriate treatment. Thirteen percent of the Polk County Jail’s inmate population has a diagnosed mental health disorder.

The Polk County Board of Supervisors in concert with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Health Services has entered into a two (2) year pilot project with Eyerly Ball to expand the Polk County Jail’s Mental Health Diversion Program. Program funding is made possible through revenue received from the housing federal inmates.

Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128

Top of Page | Board of Supervisors Home | Polk County Home | Contact webmaster | Disclaimer
© Copyright 2007-2009 - Polk County Government