Government : Benton County Supervisors Minutes 2/15/22

February 15, 2022

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Bierschenk and Primmer were 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 approve the minutes of February 8, 2022 and two from February 10, 2022. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set land use hearing date of Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 9:15 a.m. for Jill and Brian Kuhn for a part of the SW ¼ of the NW ¼ of 12-84-9. Motion carried.

Darrel Schulte, Norway resident was present for public input comments. He was questioning the ATV/UTV's driving in the city limits. The board explained how the county has an ordinance, but if individual cities do, that supersedes the rules. The Auditor was going to provide a copy of the ordinance and map to Schulte.

The Weed department revised their budget for equipment that won't be available in this current fiscal year, so Ben Bonar asked to have that spending authority carryover for FY 23.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Conservations Board's revised budget recommendation regarding the wages. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #22-15, Approving Bond Purchase Agreement for the sale of General Obligation Emergency Communications Bonds, Series 2022 and authorize signatures for such. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #22-15

Resolution approving a Bond Purchase Agreement for the sale of General Obligation Emergency Communications Bonds, Series 2022

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors (the "Board") of Benton County, Iowa (the "County"), heretofore proposed to enter into a General Obligation Emergency Communications Loan Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $8,250,000 pursuant to the provisions of Sections 331.402 and 331.441 of the Code of Iowa for the purpose of paying the cost, to that extent, of improving and equipping emergency communications systems, and pursuant to law and duly published notice of the proposed action, has held a hearing thereon on October 19, 2021; and

WHEREAS, a Preliminary Official Statement (the "P.O.S.") has been prepared to facilitate the sale of General Obligation Emergency Communications Bonds, Series 2022 (the "Bonds") in evidence of the obligation of the County under the Loan Agreement, and the County has made provision for the approval of the P.O.S. and has authorized its use by D.A Davidson & Co. (the "Underwriter"); and

WHEREAS, a certain Bond Purchase Agreement (the "Bond Purchase Agreement") has been prepared to set forth the terms of the Bonds and the understanding between the County and the Underwriter, and it is now necessary to make provision for the approval of the Bond Purchase Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Benton County, Iowa, as follows:

Section 1.The Bond Purchase Agreement is hereby approved in substantially the form as presented to this Board of Supervisors. The Chairperson and County Auditor are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver the Bond Purchase Agreement to the Underwriter.

Section 2.Further action with respect to the issuance of the Bonds and the approval of the Loan Agreement is hereby adjourned to the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 1, 2022.

Section 3.All resolutions and orders or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this resolution, to the extent of such conflict, are hereby repealed.

Section 4.This resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its adoption and approval, as provided by law.

Signed this 15th day of February 2022.

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Tracy Seeman, Chairman

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Gary Bierschenk

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Rick Primmer

ATTEST:

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Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor

Richard Hoffman, representing Sheriff union, presented memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the wage pay scale according to current contract and a new proposed rate. Hoffman also prepared comparison charts with other counties in our district. The MOU will change the pay scale within the current contract. No action was taken today, but the county attorney advised the supervisors to talk to the labor attorney, Human Resource Director and Sheriff to discuss. Thompson also suggested reopening to deal with in mind the wellness incentives and encouraging employees to participate to keep the insurance rates down.

Robert Gilmore, Union Steward for Secondary Roads with PPME Local 2003 Union. He wanted to discuss the possibility of doing a letter of understanding for allowing a 10% increase in wages similar to all other employees. They are in the 3rd year of the current three-year contract, not necessarily wanting to open it up, but take suggestions. Attorney Thompson also stressed the importance of the employees participating in the county wellness, for obtaining discounts. Gilmore stressed the goal was for keeping things comparable and realizing the county's got ARPA funds to help offset other expenses.

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

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Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor