Executive Council of Iowa Tuesday, September 08, 2026 10:00 AM Teleconference Only

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

Hon. Kim Reynolds | Governor
Hon. Paul D. Pate | Secretary of State
Hon. Rob Sand | Auditor of State
Hon. Roby Smith | Treasurer of State
Hon. Mike Naig | Secretary of Agriculture

Teleconference Only
Conference Call Phone Number: (877) 304-9269
Conference Code Pin: 364626

1.Approval of Minutes

1. A.Approval of the minutes from the Executive Council meeting held on August 3, 2026.

2.Personal Appearances

1. A.Dennis Harper, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department, will be present to request a Resolution of Funds in the amount of $545,985.00 pursuant to Iowa Code §29C.20A and Iowa Code §29C.20B with regard to the Governor’s Proclamation of a State of Disaster Emergency for Cass, Decatur, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Marshall, Osceola, Polk and Story counties.

2. B.Dennis Harper, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, will be present to request additional Disaster Aid in the amount of $2,294,522.00 pursuant to Iowa Code 29C.6(17) for Presidential Disaster Declarations FEMA-4483-DR.

3.Iowa Code §7D.10

1. A.Attorney General’s office requests Payment for Expenses under Iowa Code §7D.10 in the amount of $29,257.50.

4.Outside Counsel

1. A.The Department of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, requests retention of outside counsel pursuant to Iowa Code section 13.3(1) in Guill, Joshua v. Anamosa State Penitentiary, State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa, a workers’ compensation case filed by a state employee. 
   
   Firm:                Patterson Law Firm, L.L.P. 
   Attorney:            Ryan Clark
                   505 5th Avenue
                   Suite 729
                   Des Moines, IA 50309
   Rate:              $175.00 Per Hour  

5.Special Counsel

1. A.The Department of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, requests retention of special counsel pursuant to Iowa Code section 13.7 to provide legal services and representation to Iowa with respect to  investigations into and possible litigation of certain business practices of: (1) TP-Link Systems Inc. (and any affiliates), (2) Resideo Technologies, Inc. (and any affiliates), and (3) Lorex Corporation (and any affiliates). 

   Firm:                Culper Law PLLC                     

                           111 W. Marshall Ave.                       

                           Phoenix, AZ 85013                               

   Rate:                                Contingent-Fee Basis; 2% discount will be applied to any fee owed based on section 23B.

2. B.The Department of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, requests retention of special counsel pursuant to Iowa Code section 13.7 to provide legal services and Assistance in the defense of the pending lawsuits relating to the March 23, 2021, attacks at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, as well as the materials underlying this request. 

   Firm:                Nyemaster Goode, P.C.                     

                           700 Walnut Street, Suite 1300                        

                           Des Moines, IA 50309                               

   Rate: Rate per hour based on attorney

6.Emergency Allocations

1. A.Board of Regents is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $64,868.00. On June 11, 2026, the greenhouse garage roof was damaged by severe storms and high winds. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

2. B.Department of Natural Resources is requesting a supplemental emergency allocation in the amount of $39,891.56. This brings the total allocation to $290,466.06. On April 29, 2019, various wildlife management areas along the Missouri River Wildlife Unit sustained damage due to flooding. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation and payment. This represents full and final payment, and this allocation will be closed.

3. C.Department of Natural Resources is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $191,109.00. On July 14, 2026, the Department of Natural Resources' Upper Iowa Wildlife Unit sustained damage due to heavy rains. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

4. D.Department of Natural Resources is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $10,250.00. On July 14, 2026, the Department of Natural Resources' Upper Iowa Wildlife Unit sustained damage due to heavy rains. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

5. E.Department of Natural Resources is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $14,364.00. On May 19, 2026, the Kirke Woods Wildlife Management Area and the Dekalb Wildlife Management Area sustained storm damages. Request is to cover repair costs.

   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

6. F.Department of Corrections- Clarinda Correctional Facility is requesting an emergency allocation and reimbursement in the amount of $55,157.81. On February 25, 2025, fiber optic communications cable sustained damage due to being severed. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation and reimbursement. This represents full and final payment, and this allocation will be closed.

7. G.Department of Corrections is requesting an emergency allocation and reimbursement in the amount of $130,668.92. On April 21, 2026, Living Unit C at the Department of Corrections – Newton Correctional Facility sustained damage due to a power outage. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation and reimbursement. This represents full and final payment, and this allocation will be closed.

8. H.Iowa Communications Network is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $26,701.78. On June 26, 2026, cable along Iowa Highway 3, 220th Street, and Iowa Avenue in Humboldt County sustained damage due to rodent activity. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation, subject to audit of actual invoices and supporting documentation and demonstration that no costs covered by the maintenance contract have been included.

9. I.Iowa Communications Network is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $15,938.82. On July 28, 2026, cable along 280th Street, west of Highway 71, at the Raccoon River Bridge in Sac County sustained damage due to vandalism. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation, subject to audit of actual invoices and supporting documentation and demonstration that no costs covered by the maintenance contract have been included.

10. J.Department of Public Safety is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $3,315.40. On July 11, 2026, Vehicle #141 sustained damage due to deer collision. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

11. K.Department of Public Safety is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $15,000.00. On July 21, 2026, the alignment of the microwave path between the Allamakee and Clayton ISICS towers sustained damage due to high winds. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

12. L.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $11,895.26. On July 24, 2026, Vehicle #1745 sustained damage due to a deer collision. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

13. M.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $9,205.63. On July 27, 2026, Vehicle #478 sustained damage due to a deer collision. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

14. N.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $5,146.43. On July 27, 2026, Vehicle #2283, sustained damage due to a deer collision. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

15. O.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $10,096.74. On July 25, 2026, Vehicle #326 sustained damage due to a deer collision. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

16. P.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $3,185.45. On July 30, 2026, Vehicle #452 sustained damage due to collision with a pheasant. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

17. Q.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $3,629.61. On July 10, 2026, Vehicle #235 sustained damage due to a racoon collision. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

18. R.Department of Administrative Services is requesting a supplemental emergency allocation in the amount of $2,973.28. This brings the total allocation to $5,213.93. On May 16, 2026, Vehicle #382 sustain hail damage. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation and payment. This represents full and final payment, and this allocation will be closed.

7.Payment of Cost Items

1. A.Iowa State Fair ………………....……………..................................................................$86,442.35
   On July 29, 2025, the grounds, buildings, equipment and campgrounds were damaged by high winds and heavy rain. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment.

2. B.Department of Natural Resources ………………....…………….................................................................$3,704.40
   On July 29, 2025, CEdar Rock State Park shop roof and trees were damaged by high winds and severe storms. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $495.60 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

3. C.Department of Natural Resources  ……………………………………………………………....……………...................$725,713.00
   On August 4, 2025, Lewis & Clark State Park had damaged and dead trees due to drought conditions. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents partial payment.

4. D.Department of Natural Resources ………………....…………….................................................................$99,223.34
   On March 15, 2019, Wapsipinicon State Park in Jones County was damaged by flood. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $47,740.84 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

5. E.Department of Natural Resources ………………....…………….................................................................$6,486.77
   On April 15, 2026, a portion of Fire Tower Road at Yellow River State Forest washed out due to heavy rainfall. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $7,438.23 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

6. F.Department of Administrative Services ………………....…………….................................................................$8,893.68
   On April 2, 2026, Vehicle #440 was damaged by hail. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $387.00 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

7. G.Department of Administrative Services ………………....…………….................................................................$4,830.06
   On April 14, 2026, Vehicle #2991 was damaged by hail. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $8,001.74 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

8. H.Department of Administrative Services………………....…………….................................................................$6,238.50
   On April 14, 2026, Vehicle #2679 was damaged by hail. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $9,200.78 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

9. I.Department of Administrative Services ………………....…………….................................................................$10,773.70
   On May 16, 2026, Vehicle #411 was damaged by hail. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $1,185.80 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

10. J.Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm……………………………………....….…...…………$801.85
    The Davis Brown Tower
    215 10th Street, Suite 1300
    Des Moines, IA 50309
    Special Counsel Dentons Davis Brown Unclaimed Property Fund
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Unclaimed Property Fund.

11. K.Butzel Long…………………………………….…......................................$5,841.60
    150 West Jefferson
    Suite 100
    Detroit, MI 48226
    Iowa DNR - Damer v. Gelly

    Steve Blankenship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the funds of the General Fund. This is a correction to the three (3) Butzel Long invoices approved for payment at the August 2026 Executive Council meeting.

12. L.Gray Miller Persh, LLP…………………………………….…......................................$2,375.00
    2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW 
    Suite 226 
    Washington, D.C. 20007
    Iowa PBS
    
    Steve Blankenship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from Iowa PBS.

13. M.Marquess & Hoyer Law Office, P.C.…………………………......................................$7,000.00
    203 W. High Street
    P.O. Box 51
    Toledo, IA 52342
    Criminal Prosecution for Meskwaki Settlement Matters
    
    Steven Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the funds of the General Fund.

14. N.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..………..........................................$140.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Barnes, Adam v. Iowa State Penitentiary, State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

15. O.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….………………..…….......................................................$48.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Therese Blake v. Woodward Resource Center and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    

    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund.

16. P.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$87.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Carlson, Timothy M. v. University of Northern Iowa, State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa

    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

17. Q.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$350.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Dolph, Ronnie v. Glenwood Resource Center and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

18. R.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$35.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Gibbs, Christi Lynn V. Iowa Correctional Institution for Women and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

19. S.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$595.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    McBride, Darrell v. Newton Correctional Facility and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

20. T.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..………..........................................$402.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Miers, Richard v. Clarinda Correctional Facility, State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

21. U.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$420.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Peterson, Christine v. Woodward Resource Center d/b/a State of Iowa, Self-Insured, Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

22. V.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….....................................$105.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Sonier, Emma v. State of Iowa Department of Correction, Self- Insured, Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

23. W.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$87.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    VanHorn v. Eldora State Training School, State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

24. X.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$227.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Wink, Stephen v. North Correctional Facility and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

25. Y.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$35.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Zimmerman, Holly v. Independence Mental Health Institute and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

8.Iowa Code §97C.13A

1. A.Request from IPERS for reimbursement for Federal-State Agreement Administration Costs in the amount of $4,135.21.

9.Information Items

1. A.Notification from the State Auditor’s Office that funds previously allocated for the Department of Administrative Services to cover damages to Vehicle #2202 due to damage by hail on April 23, 2026, are not required; $9,307.23 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

2. B.Notification from the State Auditor’s Office that funds previously allocated for the Department of Administrative Services to cover damages to Vehicle #1728 due to damage by hail on April 23, 2026, are not required; $11,471.80 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

3. C.Notification from the State Auditor’s Office that funds previously allocated for the Department of Administrative Services to cover damages to Vehicle #1728 due to damage by hail on April 14, 2026, are not required; DAS Vehicle #2520 AOS Claim 4357 Reversion Request will be reverted and this allocation closed.

10.Adjourn Meeting