Executive Council of Iowa Monday, March 02, 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 February 2, 2026.

2.Iowa Code §7D.10

1. A.Attorney General’s office requests Payment for Expenses under Iowa Code §7D.10 in the amount of $28,671.60.

3.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 an investigation into and possible litigation of certain business practices of Meta Platforms Inc., WhatsApp, LLC, and related entities (the Meta Entities).
   
   Firm:                                Keller Postman LLC (Keller Postman)
                                            2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
                                            Suite R240
   Coral Gables, FL 33134
   Rate:                                Contingent-fee

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 representation to Iowa with respect to litigation of certain business practices of Lux Vending, LLC (d/b/a Bitcoin Depot, Inc.) and Bitcoin Depot Operating, LLC (d/b/a Bitcoin Depot).
   
   Firm:                                Hilgers Graben PLLC
                                            1320 Lincoln Mall
                                            Suite 200
   Lincoln, NE 68508
   Rate:                                Contingent-fee

4.Leases

1. A.DNR Lease 140-N Zen-Noh America Holdings Corp.
   Date of Lease: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029

   Legal Description: Mississippi River frontage at river mile 418.3 in Section 10, Township 71 North, Range 1 West of the 5th P.M., Des Moines County, Iowa

   Purpose: Barge loading and unloading

   Annual Fee: $4,424.57

   Michael J. Moss, Assistant Attorney General, has reviewed the above lease and approved the lease as to form.

5.Emergency Allocations

1. A.Board of Regents is requesting an emergency allocation and reimbursement in the amount of $145,520.39. On January 18, 2025, the Hamilton Hall received water damages due to failed valve lever. 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.  

2. B.Department of Natural Resources is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $15,985.18. On June 23, 2024, Wilson Island State Recreation Area was damaged due to flooding. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

3. C.Department of Corrections is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $3,117.54. On November 21, 2025, a light pole was damaged by a vehicle due to medical emergency. 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 Public Safety is requesting an emergency allocation and reimbursement in the amount of $7,807.97. On August 11, 2025, the Post 11 basement was damaged due to heavy rains. 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.  

5. E.Department of Public Safety is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $9,800.00. On January 13, 2026, the Radome Cover on the Beaverdale ISICS Tower was damaged by 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.

6. F.Iowa State Fair is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $40,875.00. On January 7, 2026, there were damages to the electrical boxes and copper cables 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.

6.Payment of Cost Items

1. A.Board of Regents ………………....……………...................$78,619.36
   On December 15, 2024, the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory was damaged by an overflowed sink. 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.Board or Regents ………………....……………...................$69,100.00
   On May 24, 2024, the State Hygienic Laboratory roof was damaged by high winds. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment.

3. C.Board of Regents ………………....……………...................$17,707.92
   On December 16, 2024, the University of Iowa Theatre Building was damaged by a roof leak. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment.

4. D.Department of Natural Resources ………………....……………...................$7,500.00
   On September 2, 2025, Bellevue State Park was damaged due to a fallen tree branch. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $4,114.00 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

5. E.Department of Natural Resources ………………....……………...................$70,710.40
   On June 24, 2024, multiple wildlife management areas were damaged by flood. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents partial payment.

6. F.Department of Natural Resources ………………....……………...................$20,863.74
   On June 25, 2024, the Law Enforcement Bureau facilities were damaged due to extreme flooding and waves. 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. G.Department of Natural Resources ………………....……………...................$7,984.48
   On July 29, 2025, the DNR State Fair building roof and windows were damaged by windstorms. 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. H.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$16,152.00
   On August 18, 2025, the microwave system at the Atlantic ISICS Tower was damaged due to lightning strike. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $348.00 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

9. I.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$39,615.00
   On August 15, 2025, the microwave system on the Brooklyn ISICS Tower was damaged by lightning strike. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $5,385.00 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

10. J.Department of Public Safety………………....……………...................$13,926.00
    On March 5, 2025, Cedar Rapids ISICS Communication Tower was damaged due to winter blizzard event. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $11,938.00 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

11. K.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$9,500.00
    On September 15, 2025, a radome cover on the KTIN Bradgate ISICS tower was damaged due to severe storms. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents partial payment.

12. L.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$13,845.00
    On August 18, 2025, the microwave system on the Lourdes ISICS Tower was damaged by lightning strike. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $655.00 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

13. M.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$15,000.00
    On July 15, 2025, the Woodbury ISICS Communication Tower was damaged by strong winds. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment.

14. N.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$210,025.38
    On May 21, 2024, the Adair South ISICS Tower was damaged by a tornado. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents partial payment.

15. O.Marquess & Hoyer Law Office, P.C.…………………………......................................$6,000.00
    203 W. High Street
    P.O. Box 51
    Toledo, IA 52342
    Criminal Prosecution for Meskwaki Settlement Matters
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the funds of the General Fund.

16. P.Gray Miller Persh, LLP…………………………………….…......................................$452.00
    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.

17. Q.Davis, Brown, Koehn, Shors & Roberts, P.C………………….............................$162.50
    The Davis Brown Tower
    215 10th Street, Suite 1300
    Des Moines, IA 50309-3993
    Legal Services to state agencies on issues related to the visa status of prospective state employees
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the funds of the Iowa Department of Revenue.

18. R.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$245.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Anderson, Jennifer 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. 

19. S.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..………..........................................$35.00
    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. 

20. T.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….………………..…….......................................................$32.00
    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.

21. U.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$35.00
    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. 

22. V.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….………………..…….......................................................$472.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Cashman, Michele v. University of Iowa Hospitals and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund
    
    

    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…….…..……………..……….................................................$17.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Chance, Diana v. University of Iowa 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. 

24. X.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$210.00
    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. 

25. Y.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….......................................$35.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 

    Marrero, Brenda f/k/a Brenda Shaefer 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. 

26. Z.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$52.50
    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. 

27. AA.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$1,163.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    McInroy, Mark v. Iowa Department of Natural Resources 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. 

28. BB.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$432.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Mendenhall, Mark v. Clarinda Correctional Facility and State of Iowa, 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. 

29. CC.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$1,412.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Munoz, Jose 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. 

30. DD.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$175.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Ortiz Correa, Edson A v. Community Based Corrections District 6 and State of Iowa and Second Injury
    
    Steve Blankinship, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Second Injury Fund. 

31. EE.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$1,232.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Peppers, Amber v. UIHC, 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. 

32. FF.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….....................................$52.50
    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. 

33. GG.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….………………..…….......................................................$455.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Starrett, Christopher v. Department of Public Safety and State of Iowa, 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.

34. HH.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….………………..…….......................................................$647.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Starrett, Christopher v. Department of Public Safety and State of Iowa, 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.

35. II.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$35.00
    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. 

36. JJ.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$105.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Valipouralmasi, Azam v. University of Iowa 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. 

7.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 #2325 due to damage by a deer on September 8, 2025 are not required; $6,400.50 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 #2346 due to damage by a deer on November 12, 2025, are not required; $9,406.35 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

8.Adjourn Meeting