Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 7/23/2019

July 23, 2019

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman present. Primmer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor’s office and at: www.bentoncountyiowa.org

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve minutes of July 16, 2019. Motion carried.

Phil Borleske and Alison Hicks, Historical Preservation Commission asked the board to give authority to them to apply for grants and list Benton County as the certified local government (CLG) to be the fiscal agent for a project related to the Herring Hotel in Belle Plaine, IA. Kristine Pope and Kim Purk were also present representing the Herring Hotel and spoke on its behalf. The Herring group would like a bed and breakfast style of facility with themed suites based on Belle Plaine’s history. Another possibility would be a healh and wellness center and plans for handicapped accessible apartments. Pope added that they are currently in litigation with the City of Belle Plaine. Primmer applauded the group bringing forth the project but was not comfortable getting in the middle, and would like to wait and see what happens with the litigation before the county gets involved. County Attorney Thompson didn’t see a problem getting involved, the group isn’t asking for county funds, but the county is the only CLG in Benton County who is qualified to help the group get the grant. Supervisor Bierschenk would like to see the project move forward, but is currently an eyesore and felt it could be an asset to the city. Primmer stressed he is pro development but after a phone conversation and being that close to a court date, he didn’t want to get in the middle. The County attorney asked Primmer who he talked to and when Primmer didn’t give out the name he stated he had a problem with fairness of someone calling to give opposition to a project if they didn’t attend the open meeting to be heard. After more words were exchanged, Primmer stated that the board had someone in favor of it, all they need to do is make that motion and get a second.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To allow Benton County as the Certified Local Government (CLG) for Benton County Historical Preservation to apply for grant with the Herring Hotel. Voting aye were Bierschenk and Seeman. Primmer voted No. Motion carried.

Jerry Petermeier wasn’t able to attend the meeting but called to provide the update regarding the tree removal at the Cedar Valley Ranch.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To award bid to Pirc Tobin Construction, Inc. –Alburnett, IA $335,262.75

for the Middle Cedar WMA flood mitigation pertaining to the Vinton Wetland Project, Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve and authorize chair to sign the Tier II Environmental Review from the Tier 1 Assessment regarding contract #13-NDRI-002 for the HUD Grant related to the WMA. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the new contract and authorize chair to sign with Pitney Bowes for a new postage machine in the Treasurer’s Office. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: Approve payroll checks numbered 140789 through 140806, ACH deposits numbered 38700 through 38844, claims numbered 232002 through 232116 vendor checks numbered 232117 through 232125. Motion carried.

The Board wanted to publicly thank the public’s patience regarding the road conditions. From March to present, the county has spent approximately $1.8 million in rock and hauling costs alone.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve utility permit for USA Communications in Iowa Township to place fiber along 78th Street. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve utility permit(s) for East Central Iowa REC to replace over ground utility lines with underground in Bruce, St. Clair and Taylor Townships. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #19-40, Amending the Benton County 2020 Five Year Road Plan to include a bridge replacement project on 11th Ave., Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To adjourn. Motion carried.

_______________________________

Rick Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor