Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 3/12/24

March 12, 2024

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman present. Primmer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Agenda as such, and remove item 2, per County Attorney's email. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, March 5, 2024 with minor corrections and Thursday, March 7, 2024.. Voting aye were Bierschenk, Primmer and Seeman. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Payroll checks numbered 143153 through 143206, ACH Deposits 56304 through 56448, claims numbered 249290 through 249296 and vendor checks numbered 249118 (handwritten check), 249119 through 249289. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To pay True North Consulting Group for the continued fees for the Radio Project in the amount of $2,952.00 using the ARPA Funds. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve out of state training for David Eilander, Medical Examiner Investigator to attend required training. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the first-tier canvass of the March 5, 2024 Special School Election for Benton Community Schools as read and declare the public measure in Benton County as passed with 651 no votes and 813 yes votes. Benton County is the control county for Benton Community Schools but they have some voters in Iowa and Tama County, so there will have a 2nd tier canvass to declare the final results next week. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To acknowledge the successful Post Election Audit of the Special Benton Community School Election on the Eldorado-Newhall precinct. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Marj Becker with Norway Fire and Rescue and Stuart Towe with Florence Township met with the board to request use of LOSST funds for the purchase of Emergency Service vehicle. They are purchasing a 2024 Polaris Ranger, with a 50 gallon high pressure pump. They are wanting to purchase tracks for the ranger but haven't been able to purchase them yet. They have been given an estimate of up to $10,000.00 for them. The tracks are able to be removed and would only be used during the winter. Auditor's office will issue two different checks one for the Ranger, pump and lights and the second for the tracks when they will are able to be purchased.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #24-23, LOSST Gift to Florence Township and Norway Fire and Rescue in an amount not to exceed $7,694.94 for the 10% match towards equipment purchased. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Melinda Schoettmer, Benton County Treasurer, updated the Board on her office getting new countertops installed. Due to the construction, her office will be closed on April 4 & 5 for Drivers License and April 18 & 19 for Motor Vehicle. Schoettmer will be advertising the closure and making signs for the Courthouse front door.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve use of the courthouse lawn for Vinton Cruise Committee for September 21, 2024. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve HR Job Description. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Edler questioned if the job description would be given to those who were requesting it initially, Primmer responded that HR would give the Auditor's office the job description to disperse to those who are wanting it.

Shelby Williams, Conservation Director, updated the board on the Northen gas line pipeline project and money received from the tree mitigation that can be used towards the Wildcat acquisition.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To direct the Chairman to sign the CDBG canopy agreement and to approve the public notice to release funds. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To Adjourn. Voting aye were Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Richard Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Gina Edler, Benton County Deputy Auditor