This week’s Tama County Supervisors meeting was standing room only, with many loitering in the hall just to have an idea of what was transpiring in the main room. The crowd was mainly split into two, like a scene out of West Side Story, although lacking snapping fingers, forbidden love, and arguments you could dance to, the Jets spoke in favor of Salt Creek 2 and wind energy, and the Sharks opposed it all.

At times, comments and concerns involved raised voices and contentious remarks, which spurred on other citizens to pitch in their own two cents on the subject. Those with comments on the subject of the Salt Creek Wind 2 Development Agreement came up to a makeshift podium and used a microphone, making sure all could hear their thoughts. Some had prepared written statements beforehand, while others talked off the cuff. The supervisors sat through the hours-long meeting listening to passionate citizens who were both for and against the deal.

A public forum for citizens to speak further on the possible SCW2 agreement will be held at the Toledo Bank Community room on Sept. 11.

During the public hearing, Sheriff Casey Schmidt helped out by running the microphone around the room to those who wished to speak. Schmidt, at one point, even held the mic for a laptop and a phone. He accepted no tips for his services.

Board Chairman Mark Doland was online for Monday’s meeting as the second in line, Supervisor Heather Knebel, ran the show. As per usual, after a public comment time, they had the Tama County Engineer, Ben Daleske, give his report, which stated that they are currently digging ditches on 370th Street between I. They are also digging ditches on 275th Street just east of C Avenue, closer to the intersection. Dust control has been applied to K Avenue between E43 and Ross Street, and they have poured curtain walls for the culvert on E43. PCI will begin on the S Avenue bridge this week. They are working on replacing a low-water stream crossing on O Avenue between 200th & 210th. They have also been out spray patching some bridge decks.

A tax sale certificate was approved for Ramon Gruel Jr. The supervisors also approved a resolution regarding the settlement agreement with the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center.

Claims totaling $106,064.93 were approved.