Published: November 19, 2009 09:50 am      

More study needed before commission appointment is made

CLINTON — A resolution to appoint a member to the County Conservation Commission Board sparked discussion during a meeting of the Clinton County Board of Supervisors this week.

The original resolution named Reggie Kauffman, of Calamus, as the new board member. Supervisors Chairman Dennis Starling said he had asked that the resolution be considered because he felt Kauffman has been interested in the commission for quite some time. Starling said Kauffman has done a good deal for conservation and has ideas on how to enhance existing land controlled by the commission.

Residents had to turn in applications by Nov. 13 to be considered for the position. Members of the public attended Monday’s meeting to support others who applied for the position.

Kauffman was in fact one of five individuals who turned in documents by the deadline to be considered for the position. Other applicants included Judith A. Petersen, of Calamus; Wade Williams, of Goose Lake; Kimberli A. Rixen, of Clinton; and Peter Clausen, of Camanche.

“This is a dilemma. But it’s a nice dilemma,” said Supervisor Jill Davisson. She said it is not often the county sees this many people applying for a board or committee position.

“It’s wonderful that we have five people who want to serve,” said Davisson.

During the discussion topic of gender balance on the board was also brought up. Davisson read part of the Iowa Code that may be interpreted as meaning the board would need to try to keep any boards and committees balanced concerning gender and political affiliation. She presented this section of code to Clinton County Attorney Mike Wolf to determine if the supervisors would be required to seek this balance when making an appointment.

Starling presented a letter from Timothy L. Baumann of Wm. B. Norton Law Firm, P.C., concerning this topic. In the letter, Baumann stated the Iowa Code stipulation applies only to “any board, commission, committee or council established by code.” He explained that as he found no corresponding code establishing the County Conservation Commission Board, he felt the Iowa Code would not apply to it in this instance.

Wolf said he felt he needed more time to look over the code before making an interpretation. He asked the board for a week to allow him to look at other information and issue an opinion in writing.

“I think all of the people that have applied are probably qualified for this position,” said Starling. He said the topic essentially comes down to the supervisors’ responsibility to choose a person for the appointment.

The topic and resolution were tabled. Discussion will resume Nov. 23.