Delaware County Republican Central Committee Minutes

January 3, 2022
7:00 p.m. Days Inn

Present: Roger Helmrichs, Cher Delperdang, Judy Eckman, Doug Robbins, Robert Kugel, Scott Ungs,
Pete Buschmann, Sen. Dan Zumbach, Lynn Sheets, Jean Gross, Wayne Birkenholz, Cindy Birkenholz.Roger Helmrichs called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Doug Robbins, seconded by Bob Kugel to approve the minutes as written with one correction.
Carried. Motion by Pete Buschmann, seconded by Scott Ungs to approve the Treasurer's Report as
presented. .
Legislative Reports: Senator Zumbach gave a legislative report. He is chair of the Agriculture
Committee at the Statehouse as well as a member of the Transportation and Natural Resources Committees.
On the Agricultural side they are going to be working on a fuel access bill which makes liquid choices
available to anyone. He anticipates moving to E15 fuel which is the lowest cost and higher octane. The
process has involved getting everyone involved on the same page which has taken time plus working with
"mom and pop" type businesses so they can remain viable as these changes proceed. Natural Resources is
exploring the possibility of logging in the state parks which will help to clean them up and to avoid forest
fires. This is also a possible source of income. Transportation is looking at increasing weights on semis
due to the driver shortages. Many of the states adjoining Iowa already have the increased weights in place.
They will be working on guidelines with the DOT and truckers. He also mentioned that they are aware of
the big push towards electric vehicles which he said is coming but will not happen overnight. Due to
decreased liquid fuel taxes there will need to be larger increases for road use charges on electric vehicles at
registration.
He anticipates the school budget funding bills will pass during the first month of legislation so school
districts can plan for their budgets. There is a move towards cutting state income taxes which now stand at
6% to possibly 4%. He is a proponent of parents being more involved in public education. There is
somewhat better involvement in rural areas than city schools which seem to have more issues and less
involvement.
Pete Buschmann said the supervisors have been working with redistricting of Delaware County after the
recent census report. The county is going to arbitration with the Sheriff's Department union. The
Compensation Board has recommended a 6% increase.
Roger Helmrichs passed nomination papers for Hinson, Reynolds and Grassley for any that have
not signed them. He also mentioned that the Iowa Young Republicans will be meeting in Ankeny on
Saturday, January 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Doug Robbins said that Governor Reynolds State of the State
address will be live streamed on KWWL January 11 at 6 p.m.
Scholarships: Bob Kugel reported that scholarship letters will be going out soon to students living in
Delaware county and will be due back on March 18. One previous winner, Natalie Kehrli has returned her
transcript so she can receive $500 payment for her scholarship. Motion was made by Doug Robbins,
seconded by Wayne Birkenholz to reimburse Bob for an ink cartridge used for scholarship business.
Carried.
Roger reminded everyone of the upcoming February 7 caucus. Help will be needed to set up at 5
p.m. in the upper gym at the high school. We will not solicit to hold the District Convention in April due to
the unavailability of the high school facility. Century Club letters will be sent out this month or next to
start the new year. Wayne and Cindy Birkenholz agreed to serve as chair and secretary for the
Oneida/North Fork/Bremen precinct caucus. Roger will meet with them prior to caucus and go through the
process with them.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Our next regular meeting will be March 7 due to caucus night in
February.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Gross, Secretary