Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 1/4/22

January 4, 2022

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Primmer and Bierschenk present, The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at the conference room at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public were provided the zoom access capability to join in during open session and livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov ( https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa)

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded:. To appoint Mindy Icenbice as a medical examiner investigator. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To appoint Mark Happel; Elaine Harrington, Mark Kotouc, Deb Christianson and Connie Barnes to the Zoning Commission. Motion carried.

Kirsten Nelson, Human Resource Director for the county wanted to discuss how officials are awaiting a supreme court ruling on how it will handle the vaccination and testing mandates of its employees, as required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If the mandate is upheld, the county will need to collect vaccination status and provide to OSHA if they request it. Nelson just stressed these were possibilities she was the messenger to put on the radar. Nelson also updated the board regarding the Wellness program and how the county qualified for 2% discount per participation in the last year. There is a possibility to obtain 5% if all criteria is met. Hopefully this upcoming program will make it easier for qualifying. There will be more on this sent out to employees at a later time.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded:. To approve the mental health fund balance project in the amount of $16,911.06 to create office area for Abbe Center in the Service Center. Motion carried.

Discussion regarding rent amount for the Abbe Center was also had. No further action in regards. The Region Mental Health Board will also have to approve the fund balance project.

The time of 9:30 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for the second consideration on Ordinance #76, An Ordinance Establishing the County Supervisor Districts and Election Precincts. The board took up the matter. There was a member of the media present. Notice of the hearing had been published in accordance with the law and copies were available on the county's website and in person. There was no other comments or questions in regards, so the public hearing was closed.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: to approve the second consideration of Ordinance #76, An Ordinance Establishing the County Supervisor Districts and Election Precincts. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) FY 23 budget request. They kept it the same as last year-$47,087 local service operations. $21,689 for Belle Plaine Housing Program and $10,000 for Belle Plaine Senior Meal Program and is paid quarterly.

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

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor