Executive Council of Iowa Monday, July 21, 2025 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 July 7, 2025.

2.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 Marrero, Brenda f/k/a Brenda Schaefer v. Independence Mental Health Institute and 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  

3.Special Counsel

1. A.The Department of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, requests retention of special local counsel pursuant to Iowa Code section 13.7 to represent Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s Captain Grant Gelly in matter Damer v. Gelly in the Circuit Court for the County of Macomb, Michigan.
   
   Firm:                Butzel Long 
   Attorney:            Barrett R.H. Young
                   150 West Jefferson
                   Suite 100
                   Detroit, MI 48226
   Rate:              $465.00 per hour; some services may be furnished by lawyers with rates of up to $485 per hour  

2. B.The Department of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, requests retention of special counsel pursuant to Iowa Code section 13.7 to represent the Iowa Utilities Commission in matters relating to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's authority over projects approved or authorized by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator.
   
   Firm:                Dorsey & Whitney LLP
                   801 Grand Avenue
                   Unit 4100
                   Des Moines, IA 50309
   Rate:              $765.00 Per Hour  

4.Leases

1. A.Lease between DNR and Lucila Marquette
   Date of Lease: August 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027

   Legal Description: A parcel east of the residence at 19208 Imperial Road West Union, IA 52175 with a frontage of 50 feet and a depth of 75 feet located in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 34, Township 94 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M., Fayette, County, Iowa

   Purpose: Septic leech field

   Annual Fee: $224.00, with cumulative CPI adjustments in 2026 and 2027 

   Kevin Protzmann, Assistant Attorney General, has reviewed the above lease and approved the lease as to form.

2. B.Lease between DNR and Guardian Holdings LLC
   Date of Lease: December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2029

   Legal Description: A 360’ of frontage on the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa

   Purpose: Commercial

   Annual Fee: $1,292.89 

   Kevin Protzmann, Assistant Attorney General, has reviewed the above lease and approved the lease as to form.

5.Emergency Allocations

1. A.Board of Regents - University of Iowa is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $77,359.25. On January 21, 2025, University Capitol Centre was damaged due to failed coupling on chilled water pipe/pipe break. 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 Health and Human Services is requesting an emergency allocation and reimbursement in the amount of $163,058.20. On March 31, 2023, Laundry Building roof was damaged due to storms/high winds. 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.  

3. C.Department of Natural Resources is requesting a supplemental emergency allocation in the amount of $1,454,832.99. This brings the total allocation to $1,489,632.99. On April 26, 2023, a flood damaged various wildlife management areas in Scott, Jackson and Louisa County. 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 Corrections - Mitchellville is requesting an emergency allocation and reimbursement in the amount of $2,775.93. On January 21, 2025, the building was damaged due to freezing temperatures and pipe break. 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 Veterans Affairs is requesting an emergency allocation and reimbursement in the amount of $182,912.74. On March 26, 2024, the Dack Building was damaged by fire and water. Request is to cover repair costs.
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation and reimbursement to the Department of Administrative Services. This represents full and final payment and this allocation will be closed.  

6. F.Iowa Communications Network is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $73,173.75. On March 5, 2025, backup generator was damaged by winter storm and power outages. 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.

7. G.Iowa Communications Network is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $6,642.97. On April 10, 2025, a brush fire along King Avenue in Buchanan County caused damage to maintenance splice locations. 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.

8. H.Iowa Communications Network is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $26,261.52. On April 15, 2025, excessive erosion and rodent chewing caused an exposed cable along Highway 65 in Franklin County. 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 $15,551.25. On April 29, 2025, Iowa Central Community College was damaged by a vehicle strike. 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.Iowa Communications Network is requesting a supplemental emergency allocation in the amount of $1,688.94. This brings the total allocation to $14,535.94. On November 26, 2024, a cable along 285th Avenue in Winneshiek County was damaged by extensive rodent 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.

11. K.Iowa PBS is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $3,297.14. On May 20, 2025, HVAC system was damaged by lightning strike during a storm. 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 $9,860.31. On April 17, 2025, Vehicle #37 was damaged by hail. 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 $3,135.15. On May 2, 2025, Vehicle #75 was damaged by a deer. 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 $4,405.15. On May 25, 2025, Vehicle #252 was damaged by a deer. 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 $4,123.30. On June 13, 2025, Vehicle #297 was damaged by a raccoon and a deer. 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 $5,469.75. On April 18, 2025, Vehicle #351 was damaged by hail. 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 $2,807.94. On June 6, 2025, Vehicle #414 was damaged by a raccoon. 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 an emergency allocation in the amount of $2,280.70. On March 7, 2025, Vehicle #556 was damaged by a deer. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

19. S.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $7,815.95. On June 3, 2025, Vehicle #1366 was damaged by a deer. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

20. T.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $5,749.15. On June 9, 2025, Vehicle #1735 was damaged by a deer. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

21. U.Department of Administrative Services is requesting a supplemental emergency allocation in the amount of $1,312.16. This brings the total allocation to $11,642.23. On April 17, 2025, Vehicle #1791 was damaged by hail. 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.

22. V.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $3,864.20. On April 28, 2025, Vehicle #1809 was damaged by a fallen tree. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

23. W.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $2,620.45. On May 6, 2025, Vehicle #2084 was damaged by a deer. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

24. X.Department of Administrative Services is requesting an emergency allocation in the amount of $2,495.00. On April 17, 2025, Vehicle #2358 was damaged by hail. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends allocation subject to audit of actual invoices.

25. Y.Department of Administrative Services is requesting a supplemental emergency allocation in the amount of $3,815.91. This brings the total allocation to $10,561.11. On April 22, 2025, Vehicle #2635 was damaged by a deer. 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.

26. Z.Department of Administrative Services is requesting a supplemental emergency allocation in the amount of $1,566.00. This brings the total allocation to $12,283.75. On April 18, 2025, Vehicle #105487 was damaged by hail. 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.

6.Payment of Cost Items

1. A.Department of Natural Resources ………………....……………...................$14,930.00
   On December 17, 2023, gate and trail system at Preparation Canyon State Park were damaged by trespassing vehicle. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $10,094.00 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

2. B.Iowa Communications Network ………………....……………...................$4,865.22
   On April 15, 2025, excessive erosion caused exposed warning tape and shallow fiber optic cable. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $4,263.78 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

3. C.Department of Administrative Services………………....……………...................$2,461.50
   On April 18, 2025, Vehicle #62 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, $239.33 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

4. D.Department of Administrative Services ………………....……………...................$2,801.65
   On April 17, 2025, Vehicle #367 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.

5. E.Department of Administrative Services ………………....……………...................$9,673.77
   On April 17, 2025, Vehicles #975 and #476 were 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, $707.12 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

6. F.Department of Administrative Services………………....……………...................$4,348.87
   On April 13, 2025, Vehicle #1941 was damaged by 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, $1,532.51 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

7. G.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$75,009.06
   On May 21, 2024, Adair South ISICS Communication Tower was damaged by tornado. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents partial payment.

8. H.Department of Public Safety………………....……………...................$9,500.00
   On March 23, 2025, Audubon County ISICS Communications Tower was damaged by high winds and wintry mix weather 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.

9. I.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$39,642.00
   On January 26, 2025, bearcat rescue vehicle and state fire marshall divison robot were damaged by vandalism. Request is to cover repair costs.
   
   The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment.

10. J.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$46,680.00
    On April 26, 2024, cables and radome covers on Beaverdale ISICS Communication Tower were damaged by weather. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $3,820.00 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

11. K.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$15,000.00
    On March 23, 2025, Lee County ISICS Communication Tower was damaged by heavy winds and winter weather mix 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.

12. L.Department of Public Safety………………....……………...................$15,000.00
    On March 23, 2025, Page County ISICS Communication Tower was damaged by high winds and winter weather 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.

13. M.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$15,000.00
    On March 5, 2025, Ringgold County ISICS Communication Tower was damaged by 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.

14. N.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$9,500.00
    On March 5, 2025, radome covers at Sioux, Calhoun and Cherokee ISICS Communication Towers were damaged by a winter blizzard. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment.

15. O.Department of Public Safety………………....……………...................$9,500.00
    On May 6, 2025, Springbrook ISICS Communications tower was damaged by heavy 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.

16. P.Department of Public Safety ………………....……………...................$2,866.75
    On May 31, 2024, Story County ISICS Communication Tower was damaged by a storm. Request is to cover repair costs.
    
    The State Auditor’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends payment. This represents full and final payment, $9,133.25 will be reverted and this allocation closed.

17. Q.Gray Miller Persh, LLP…………………………………….…......................................$949.20
    2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW 
    Suite 226 
    Washington, D.C. 20007
    Iowa PBS
    
    Leif Olson, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from Iowa PBS.

18. R.Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm……………………………………....….…...…………$2,522.70
    The Davis Brown Tower
    215 10th Street, Suite 1300
    Des Moines, IA 50309
    Special Counsel Dentons Davis Brown Unclaimed Property Fund
    
    Leif Olson, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the Unclaimed Property Fund.

19. S.Davis, Brown, Koehn, Shors & Roberts, P.C………………….............................$225.00
    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
    
    Leif Olson, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the funds of the Iowa Department of Revenue.

20. T.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
    
    Leif Olson, Chief Deputy Attorney General, has reviewed this invoice and recommends payment. Payment will be made from the funds of the General Fund.

21. U.Patterson Law Firm L.L.P…….…..……………..……….................................................$1,081.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Jennifer Anderson v. Woodward Resource Center and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa

    Leif Olson, 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…….………………..…….......................................................$32.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Patricia Brown v. Iowa Correctional Institution for Women, State of Iowa, Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Leif Olson, 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…….…..……………..……….................................................$350.00
    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
    
    Leif Olson, 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…….………………..…….......................................................$112.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Karen Crew v. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, State of Iowa, Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    

    Leif Olson, 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…….………………..…….......................................................$287.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Brad Stevenson v. Iowa Department of Transportation, State of Iowa, Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    

    Leif Olson, 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…….………………..…….......................................................$160.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Philip Stine v. Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund
    
    

    Leif Olson, 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…….………………..…….......................................................$640.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Douglas Stufflebeam v. University of Northern Iowa and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    

    Leif Olson, 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…….…..……………..……….................................................$447.50
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390 
    Azam Valipouralmasi v. University of Iowa and State of Iowa and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    Leif Olson, 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…….………………..……..................................................$160.00
    729 Insurance Exchange Building 
    505 Fifth Avenue
    Suite 729
    Des Moines, IA 50309-2390                                                         
    Katherine Williams v. 6th Judicial District and Second Injury Fund of Iowa
    
    

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

7.Iowa Code §7D.16

1. A.Mashal Husain, President of The World Food Prize®, requests permission for the World Food Prize Foundation to serve wine at the Laureate Award Ceremony reception to be held at the Iowa State Capitol on October 23, 2025, as part of its annual Laureate Award Ceremony.

8.Information Items

1. A.Department of Revenue's fourth quarter status update of the Litigation Expense Fund. 

2. B.Status of State Aid (Iowa Code 29C.20) Allocations quarterly update.

9.Adjourn Meeting