Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 12/10/19

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December 10, 2019

                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.  Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously. 

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the minutes of December 3, 2019 with a few changes. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve farm exemption application for Stephen and Jodie Ries in part of the SE ¼ NE ¼ 16-85-9. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: Approve payroll checks numbered 141016 through 141044, 141045 through 141063 ACH deposits numbered 40008 through 40145, 40146 through 40285  vendor checks numbered 233526 through 233534, claims numbered 233535 through 233660 and vendor checks 344661 through 233668. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To appoint Matthew Anderson as a Medical Examiner Investigator for Benton County. Motion carried.

Tracy Achenbach, came to update the Board on the East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund and recent activities.  Most recently announced their committing of up to $105,000 for those people who qualify for the affordable housing opportunity such as the new development near the Vinton-Shellsburg high school. Presenting a slight increase with a request of $3,388 for the FY 21 Budget is somewhat due to the anticipation for the need for higher local grant matches, currently still based on the 2010 population counts.

Ben Kurka, representing the EMS Board along with numerous other members came to provide an update regarding the (EMS) Emergency Medical Services program within Benton County. There are currently three transport services in Benton County, with Vinton, Belle Plaine and Blairstown along with numerous first responder groups. There is a big concern in the rural areas, due to distance it is to hospitals. Rural providers help provide stabilization in the field.   EMS is at a tipping point, one of the big things is increased costs as with everything else and can create a shortfall that impacts the bottom line. Currently the EMS Board is working to set up an advisory council on what can be done locally to keep up with the needs of patients and services. Looking forward, they are looking for increased support and sustainability, making sure friends and families have what they need when they call 911.

Greg Walston representing The Old School Produce Partners, provided an update to the Board. They received their funding help through CSA funds along with donations and the work/study programs at the gardens. Walston said they were overjoyed with the volunteers and all the time and work they put in this year and they could not have done it without them. The partners served over 9 pantries within Benton County. They have confirmation for becoming a 501c3 group for 2020 and would like to continue with the lease for next year and also discussed a future mowing arrangement and possible fencing between them and the new proposed Transportation Building.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To agree to continue to have a lease prepared for 2020 year between Benton County and Old School Produce Partners. Motion carried.

The Engineer presented the bids received for 2 new tandem trucks. Pricing includes Henderson dump bodies, plows, wings and labor to mount the equipment. Bids were as followed:

Truck Country of Cedar Rapids, Freightliner 114SD-$206,183.00/each

Harrison Truck Center, Western Star 4700SF-$214,197.00/each

GATR of Cedar Rapids, Mack GR64F-$217,059.00/each

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the bid with Freightliner Truck County for 2 new tandem trucks in the amount of $412,366.00.  Motion carried.

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

 _____________________________________

Rick Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

                Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor