HAMPTON — The Franklin County Board of Supervisors certified the June 2 primary election results, moved forward with two ordinance amendment hearings, discussed battery storage facilities and reviewed several county policy and building matters during its regular meeting on June 9, 2026.
The board met at 8:30 a.m. at the Franklin County Courthouse with Supervisors Richard Lukensmeyer, Gary McVicker and Chris Vanness present.
Supervisors approved the agenda and the minutes from the June 2 regular session.
During board committee updates and public comment, Holly McCoy-Nelson of Alliant Energy reminded supervisors that Alliant would hold a coffee chat on Wednesday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Rustic Brew in Hampton. Lukensmeyer reported attending the Conservation Board meeting, and McVicker reported attending the Board of Adjustment meeting.
The board then conducted the official canvass of the June 2, 2026, primary election. In accordance with Iowa Code, the commissioner of elections announced that zero provisional ballots were rejected and not counted.
Supervisors approved Resolution 2026-47, certifying the primary election results. According to the canvass, 925 people voted at the polls on election day and 200 absentee ballots were accepted for counting. A total of 1,125 people voted.
County candidates nominated in the primary were Larry Sailer, Republican, Board of Supervisors District 1; Richard Lukensmeyer, Republican, Board of Supervisors District 2; Andrea Miller, Republican, County Attorney; Heather Bushbaum, Republican, County Recorder; and Chad Murray, Republican, County Treasurer.
County offices without a Democratic Party nominee were Board of Supervisors District 1, Board of Supervisors District 2, County Attorney, County Recorder and County Treasurer. No Republican county offices were listed as lacking a party nominee.
Jody Hepler, dispatch director, met with supervisors to request a one-time variance from the county meal reimbursement policy. After discussion, supervisors approved paying meal reimbursements for Rebecca LaRue.
Supervisors also met with Dan Tilkes, Planning and Zoning Administrator, regarding several items. The board discussed a letter of recommendation to amend Ordinance 70 and voted to move forward with the amendment process. A public hearing was set for 9 a.m. on July 14, 2026.
The board also discussed a letter of recommendation to amend Ordinance 70.05, formerly 6-1. Supervisors voted to move forward with that amendment and set a public hearing for 9:15 a.m. on July 14, 2026.
Supervisors also appointed Rick DeGrote to the Board of Adjustment, with a term ending June 16, 2031.
The board recessed at 9:45 a.m. for a drainage meeting and reconvened at 9:50 a.m. Drainage minutes are available from the auditor’s office or on the county website.
Supervisors discussed battery storage facilities. According to the minutes, the Board of Adjustment met regarding a conditional use permit application to expand the existing proposed facility. The Board of Adjustment tabled the request and is expected to meet again June 29.
The board also received an update on the Bardole/FMLA/employee handbook concerns. Questions had been sent to the county’s employment attorney and responses were provided. A few questions remained, and officials were still working to get answers.
Auditor Katy Flint updated supervisors on food pantry building repairs. The county received a rough estimate to remove and replace siding and windows. Flint and Facilities Director Ryan Peterson are seeking direction on whether to continue with plans and sealed bids or wait. Vanness asked supervisors to think about the issue and talk with Peterson before the matter returns to next week’s meeting.
Supervisors approved claims, except for the Veterans Affairs claim to Rusinak.
The board also approved an IT support contract for fiscal year 2027 with CICS.
Flint presented information regarding County Night at the State Fair, which is part of the ISAC Fall Conference, and asked whether the county would cover the cost of the event. After discussion, supervisors voted that the county will not pay for the County Night at the State Fair ticket because the event includes a T-shirt and possible alcohol purchase.
The auditor also reminded supervisors that one of them would need to complete the fiscal year-end petty cash count on Tuesday, June 30. McVicker said he would complete the count that afternoon.
The meeting adjourned at 9:51 a.m. The board was scheduled to meet again Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Franklin County Courthouse.