Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 3/19/24

March 19, 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

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the Agenda as listed. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, March 12, 2024. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To appoint Cecila Dirks, as alternate for the ECICOG Regional Trails Committee. Voting aye were: Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To Approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Family Farm and Ag Land Credit Applications. Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman voting aye, nays none. Motion carried.

Auditor Rippel explained the need for another service area amendment to pay the final postage for the HF718 mailing. So she would put it back on next week's meeting, as she was still currently waiting the final invoice.

Gina Edler, Deputy Auditor, read the combined results of the Benton Community School Special Election with Tama and Iowa County votes. Public Measure A passed with 822 yes votes and 657 no votes.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the second-tier canvass of the March 5, 2024 Special School Election. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for a land use hearing for Dave and Paula Weber in part of the SE ¼ SE ¼ of Section 10-85-10. Weber's would like to change approximately one acre of land to put up a pole barn with living quarters. They own the 28 acre parcel. Dave Weber was present. Matt Even presented some of the technical information. This ground is not in production and has a CSR of 21. There is an existing driveway they can utilize to access this property. It was found compliant by Randy Sherwood, Secondary Roads. A private sewage disposal system will need installed, but they plan to use the existing private water well. If there becomes an issue connecting them, they will install a new well if needed. Ten notices were sent out to adjacent property owners along with legal notices published. There was no public input prior to today's hearing. This proposal should not have any negative impacts on the area. No other comments were heard, so the hearing was closed.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the land use hearing for Dave and Paula Weber in part of the SE ¼ SE ¼ of Section 10-85-10. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Under committee reports: Supervisor Seeman had a recent ECICOG meeting and learned about the need for more buses. Seeman also gave a quick update on the floor damage at the law enforcement center effecting EMA office. He obtained two separate quotes for the two different areas. Concrete Polyfix for just the EMA office was $1,900, and the conference room portion was for $2590.00.

Doug Cook, member of the public thought it was a good idea to fix both areas while they were doing it, so things don't get worse later. Cook also inquired about the impact of the drought on Benton County,

Under other public comments: Kellie Van Ree addressed the human resources director's job description. Van Ree had suggested doing exit interviews to people who resign and asked if that would be something they could do and also obtain data why employees like to stay. Van Ree also addressed the HR Director and questioned the professionalism that is listed in her revised job description. She had concerns in regards to what she witnessed in a prior meeting how Wilber had addressed the Auditor in regards to documents handled in board meetings. Wilber said she was sorry that Van Ree felt that way, it was not intended to come off as such, she was just asking for clarification.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve a farm exemption application for Kenneth and Carol Popenhagen, in part of the SW ¼ of the SE ¼ of 4-83-9. Voting aye were: Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Aaron Boddicker was present to discuss with the Board and Engineer about taking possession of part of 24th Ave. Dr. in Harrison Township near his residence. Boddicker handed out a map of the area and explained why he was interested. The Engineer explained to Boddicker that there would need to be a formal hearing to do so and he would get it on a future board meeting to get this process started.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve and sign final voucher payment for the 3% retainage amount of $18,976.95 for Bridge Deck Replacement Project BHS-SWAP-CO06(118)-FC-06. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve and sign final voucher for the 3% retainage amount of $10,264.69 for Twin RCB culvert replacement Project BROS-SWAP-Co06(109)-FE-06. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Nays none. Motion carried.

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

_____________________________

Richard Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor