[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6164129,"mediaKeyId","5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9","parentId",5431309,"title","Contractor coordination problems slow courthouse remodel; board asks for weekly progress updates","audioSeconds",637,"startMs",6431000,"endMs",7068000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9&start=6431&end=7068","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9/thumbnail_6431000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164129/Osceola-County/Iowa/Contractor-coordination-problems-slow-courthouse-remodel-board-asks-for-weekly-progress-updates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164129-18a9bc87c68535978a98f61a682cdb33/orig.mp4?Expires=1770735232&Signature=dcoUZguqC06FESRbx3gRDV0PAc5QlSdpGD6gfIzmm51R1eJ1Byo3GG8zNbE4oLWe7XcUGDbFnPIwwadOUb2JJLYMcSa6YGyxS2q~74nYuHTVeIxlgAUGSQQsOgZMytVO9RqTNd3wVa5HRc4xOuWIYkLl9H2TDWA8VlRDpeGtyClPjqi5jcF8mhGDxD8wPs0IvzXFh9V~GnJSlEEI7eyAsLgUUQTmsUE~8aWms~-WKgMFw~mESC5PsicFNEg--Y06N8ERvgPPGcjptvDRBsvviT-cZZl7ZBpCbYTSahmDjLkv3uVYW5HF4V1eD7hIEODe0~PojTmv54F9Bl7QLcrQAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Osceola County, Iowa","date","2025-07-20T08:16:08.447Z","article","County project staff provided a detailed construction update on the courthouse/jail remodel, describing site work, footings, utility coordination, and several contractor coordination problems the county has asked the prime contractor to resolve.

Staff said exterior footings and underground conduit work have advanced, the transformer pad and emergency generator pad were scheduled, and the precast panel fabricator (Gage Brothers) was producing panels. At the same time, staff reported coordination problems between the prime contractor and subcontractors, mis-marking of a utility line by a city crew that delayed work, wider-than-intended footings that required rework and additional testing, and an instance where a prime-subcontractor flow caused materials to be left on site.

Billing and procurement detail: A pallet jack purchase appearing on a contractor pay application ($374.69) drew questions. Project staff said they would remove the pallet jack from the current pay application to verify whether the county should be charged and to confirm sales-tax treatment; the board agreed the item should be reviewed before payment. Staff also noted a generator and some chillers/boiler equipment are being evaluated for salvage or sale and that certain abandoned systems (boiler, piping, rooftop units) may be removed as part of repurposing.

Public-facing outreach and site access: Supervisors asked for a visible graphic or sign showing the project concept and expected completion schedule to reduce public inquiries. Staff said they would produce a display image for the website and consider a larger 24x36 sign for public posting. The county also discussed street access and safety during construction and asked staff to coordinate with the city about temporary closures or permits.

Board direction: Supervisors asked project staff to provide weekly progress meeting minutes and to notify the board in advance when contractor sequencing will affect public access. Staff said they will attend the next construction progress meeting and provide minutes and updates to supervisors.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOS Meeting 7/8/25 Part 1","oneSentenceSummary","Project manager reported progress on the courthouse/jail remodel but flagged coordination issues with subcontractors, a contested pallet-jack bill and scheduling concerns; supervisors asked for weekly progress minutes and tighter contractor oversight.","taxTitle","taxId",52056,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6164134,"County insurance broker recommends higher cyber and excess limits; board hears options and loss-ratio trends",383,5060000,5443000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9&start=5060&end=5443","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9/thumbnail_5060000.jpg","/articles/6164134/Osceola-County/Iowa/County-insurance-broker-recommends-higher-cyber-and-excess-limits-board-hears-options-and-loss-ratio-trends","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164134-69ecac5daa0408f8a79ad2caac93c984/orig.mp4?Expires=1770735232&Signature=KHMh2XWmDkSgwquf3Njf8V3PqRYdU0AjemX8F9yFf5Q0XMQREUroqTcXBUxo4QOR61ryhN3TfTZnaxemrSWydE8J17SZNKaw-qgFFAziNzcNed8yKSklompo1eUgUJ53KeXz9Q85qsinJfjbCv43mQZ07VXnNcTOtpVqRniOfnVmTOxazgpr-rBHh-Ead9WyvPRMGEBuTGjQhwDbXS80Oo3UI8vGo4dmkm2CT5OnJUnNrHFYgc2EEVuQhjERnmU7FQ9M7OLNOFc7KmT3pnZZYVe1bPM4CUvIYswqvYcurxPOtN9gNU52Vr0YXFWgi4WY3m3oB98vmheN97ZXMls4GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Osceola County heard its annual insurance renewal briefing from its agent and ICAP representatives, who urged the board to consider higher cyber limits and to review excess-liability and property-deductible options amid rising claim costs nationally.

Presenters explained the county's property and liability renewal, noted a requested uplift in cyber coverage from $250,000 to $1,000,000 (with optional quotes for higher limits), and described the market trend of rising liability awards (so-called \"nuclear verdicts\") and social inflation. The ICAP representative recommended evaluating excess-liability limits above the county's current $5 million total to reduce exposure in the event of very large awards.

Deductibles and savings: The renewal packet included deductible options on property lines. Staff said increasing the per-location deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 would reduce the premium modestly; a $5,000 deductible would yield larger savings (presenter cited approximate savings figures). The meeting also highlighted ICAP's new per-occurrence maximum for the 2% wind/hail deductible — a marketplace advantage for the county.

Loss ratios and membership context: The agent told the board Osceola County's five-year loss ratio remains elevated after a recent large fire and other claims; ICAP representatives emphasized the pool structure and loss-control services ICAP provides instead of cancellations common in private markets.

Board questions and operational matters: Supervisors asked about liquor/liability for fairgrounds events and whether the county's ownership of the land affects exposure; presenters advised the fair or event sponsor should list the county as an additional insured and that special-event liquor liability typically is charged as a separate endorsement. No immediate coverage changes were approved during the session; board members asked staff to request formal quotes on higher cyber limits and a $10,000 property deductible for consideration.

Next steps: Insurance staff will obtain formal quotes for the alternate cyber limits and deductible scenarios and return them to the board for a decision in a subsequent meeting.","County insurance representatives presented the annual renewal: proposed cyber coverage uplift to $1 million (with optional higher limits), excess liability considerations amid rising verdicts, and deductible options; staff and ICAP urged attention to rising loss ratios and legal trends.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6164138,"Board approves Novofor phishing-reporting software as part of IT security measures",141,1786000,1927000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9&start=1786&end=1927","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9/thumbnail_1786000.jpg","/articles/6164138/Osceola-County/Iowa/Board-approves-Novofor-phishing-reporting-software-as-part-of-IT-security-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164138-5e82c769ac86e5c644df4bc8b0eb5e27/orig.mp4?Expires=1770735232&Signature=Quv-KQHtxtsrhj8brWzIk2A8JakkSDP7RuVaPI-XHEgNtFsH~tcbGLCDvi9eRKB371XcCRnn1NaN6VeRiCx44SyAOJWIrFzpXzDxKwmp~AbmGg3y-9UEMbg3ho8BGzZA-4dHQXTHDl6RzCWCkrdpdJnJcoeKyXY69n1a8vMqN2MJPOEtgftcyYitfC9fJXWA9k3k7DtXGRrFlbFSfjxMRZ7IFBxcLLihOro4P5PQzAsJJy0eJNGSnwhGU7w-O8~~~G3lnw-P7IRuFGMFIDedaEL8iwmcBA1PGoiOGG~2-U8Eez4oRSpThPgMwYqcmEqWNbyAzvF-a1whBo7P48xiNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Supervisors approved purchase of Novofor (phishing-reporting) software after IT staff described how the tool would let county employees forward suspect e-mails for professional review and participate in simulated phishing tests.

IT staff said the software provides a one-button report to an external service that analyzes whether messages are legitimate or malicious; the vendor also runs periodic simulated phishing campaigns so the county can track who clicks and who reports unsafe messages. Staff said the program increases employee awareness and could reduce cyber insurance premiums.

Board action: Supervisors voted to approve the Novofor software contract. Staff reported the vendor's monthly usage reporting capability and noted the overall county insurance premium impact could be positive but depends on other factors.

Context: The Novofor purchase was discussed alongside the county's broader cyber-awareness and insurance briefing. Board members said they found the monthly reports and the simulated-phishing training useful for raising staff awareness. No additional local-match or budget change was announced during the meeting.

Next steps: IT will complete the purchase and begin rollout; staff said they would share monthly reporting with department heads.","Supervisors authorized county IT to buy Novofor phishing-reporting software, enabling staff to report suspicious messages to an external service and to run simulated phishing tests to track click rates.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6164143,"Board asks FEMA for 12-month extension on drainage repairs after disaster funding delays",334,3009000,3343000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9&start=3009&end=3343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9/thumbnail_3009000.jpg","/articles/6164143/Osceola-County/Iowa/Board-asks-FEMA-for-12-month-extension-on-drainage-repairs-after-disaster-funding-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164143-4cfea36637876a88603c2a76fb247c41/orig.mp4?Expires=1770735232&Signature=Yk7NTNhjouztpis1sRwK6fq3rS8GQEXYBBkef6suX7YKjdXalx~6lHfEO76YsQNvFKA1XxGCPlTwaKVYsQJMzDbEherYX61TMrybKDfSYFca4F-kO7oJZBnGHbgQIHo8HteilznHtqt86s7gW36ZShCeeGwI6-dm1FjGcPgONVxxezb9-X5I1WR6Z-1NXXm0vdowsnTgeD9Om5jhWfzoXWGGbiCrPioIyyxmEK9mYq7jb5AZHcS8-qd9wneDTs-O1d2uU-vdCJKNxSrDYF1tTfrL6S5MPABT0ui~fMkCpGOWgEqj6Uv~DskwtpGWKogTcHzsOXCVxZnfI3IKk9zeUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Osceola County supervisors voted to request a 12-month extension for category D (permanent) repairs on Joint Drainage Districts 1, 2 and 3 after staff said some FEMA applications remain un-obligated and construction deadlines loom.

Staff from the county's engineering team and SEC Engineering told the board they had submitted FEMA applications for multiple damaged drainage sites following the county's declared disaster. The construction cost estimates and total project costs were presented to the board, along with potential FEMA/state funding shares and the estimated unfunded amounts the districts would carry if FEMA obligated the applications at the amounts presented.

Key details: For Joint Drainage District 1, SEC Engineering reported a construction estimate of $117,555 and a total project cost of $140,332; estimated potential FEMA/state assistance was reported at $114,287, leaving an unfunded remainder. District 2 had a construction estimate near $29,495 with a total project cost near $42,819 and an estimated unfunded portion of roughly $7,676. District 3's construction estimate was about $74,160, total project cost $90,468, with an estimated unfunded portion around $16,722. Staff noted FEMA typically reimburses 75 percent federal and 10 percent state on eligible permanent work, with a capped grant-administration reimbursement.

Why the extension: Staff told the board some applications filed in April and May remained in FEMA review with no obligation date; the construction completion deadline for the category D work was December 31. Board members and staff said the uncertainty on FEMA's obligation timing made beginning large permanent projects this fall unlikely and that a 12-month extension would allow time for hearings, bidding and construction once funding was formally obligated.

Board action and votes: The board moved and approved a motion requesting a 12-month extension for drainage districts 1, 2 and 3. The request passed and was further voted on in a joint session: Dickinson County supervisors recorded aye votes (Mister Guller; Mister Clark; others), and Osceola County supervisors recorded aye votes (Mister Scholte; Mister Loring; Mister Helmers; Mister DeBoer; chair vote recorded as aye). Staff will submit the extension request to state/FEMA and coordinate next steps for hearings and bidding.

Implementation note: Staff advised districts that the funded portion of repairs would be paid directly to the construction contract once FEMA obligates funds, and that the districts would be responsible only for the reported unfunded amounts. Staff also warned that if work proceeds before obligation there is a reimbursement risk, but that in past incidents FEMA has accepted contractor invoices when projects were initiated; the board weighed risk in light of the upcoming December deadline.","County engineers and the board told FEMA applications for three joint drainage districts remain under review; the board unanimously requested a 12-month extension to allow time for construction hearings and bidding once FEMA obligates funds.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6164148,"County picks 2 Rivers for hazard-mitigation plan, names EMA director and auditor as authorized reps",427,1161000,1588000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9&start=1161&end=1588","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5431309-594a9550edd079706d131affecebf2d9/thumbnail_1161000.jpg","/articles/6164148/Osceola-County/Iowa/County-picks-2-Rivers-for-hazard-mitigation-plan-names-EMA-director-and-auditor-as-authorized-reps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164148-faad18ce1fe7a841e69cb0fb15492dbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770735232&Signature=F16pYnzvY8Mv4oSyUgqcqmgDuIfjHllkdt9WhgtqeS9jx~DuThUm-Ja4jJwS1a4~AXTe1SenemyZ21hhv4r9jzzkaEByx9Bz-s3ujUlcQJAGasiHqsJL3~WJ3Ox7rRZAbGAhEu2840aN3XV-62aoS47vl11EwczgW06rJOi3m-v2~UrLsWGsrSgCDrIADXaC17Q1Uw77kkmqWeoul1mdtyDLyZtjs8EZ9myEXuH7VHNLd21Kegxwmy2Ps6T8pW18laNhwe6jY0UNGGkEmvRQ0rHm2ntoXHye~bNKDLUVCY8uJz-xgEfTCan7u21tKj-suuWwbRghnQDasvAq0g08AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Osceola County Board of Supervisors voted to engage 2 Rivers for its next five-year multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan and to designate the county emergency management director and the county auditor as authorized representatives for the project.

The move followed discussion of vendor options and the regional approach. The board approved the procurement of 2 Rivers' individual county proposal after staff explained that neighboring counties (Sioux and O'Brien) were using the same vendor, and the state-approved vendor list limited choices.

Why it matters: Hazard-mitigation plans are required to maintain eligibility for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard-mitigation grant programs. The board was told the county's share of the consultant cost should be about 15 percent after expected FEMA/state reimbursement; staff recommended appointing local authorized representatives to manage the application and grant administration.

Board action and next steps: Supervisors approved the 2 Rivers individual-county bid and then approved a motion identifying the emergency management director and the county auditor as the county's authorized representatives for the plan application and administration. Staff said the county would submit a notice of interest to open the application and then complete the formal application with the approved vendor.

Background and details: Staff said FEMA reimburses a substantial portion of consultant costs under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and that typical reimbursement levels would reduce the county's net consultant expense to about 15 percent of the contract price. The board discussed whether one county should act as fiscal agent for a joint submission; staff reported O'Brien and Sioux counties planned separate submissions with 2 Rivers and recommended Osceola follow the same vendor for consistency.

Where the matter goes next: Staff will file the formal application with 2 Rivers, complete required vendor/appointment paperwork, and return to the board with any resolution or local-match requirements for final signatures.","The board approved hiring 2 Rivers to prepare a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan and appointed the emergency management director and the county auditor as the county's authorized representatives for the grant process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Contractor coordination problems slow courthouse remodel; board asks for weekly progress updates

County insurance broker recommends higher cyber and excess limits; board hears options and loss-ratio trends

Board approves Novofor phishing-reporting software as part of IT security measures

Board asks FEMA for 12-month extension on drainage repairs after disaster funding delays

County picks 2 Rivers for hazard-mitigation plan, names EMA director and auditor as authorized reps