Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes August 30, 2022

August 30, 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)

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, August 23, 2022. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To accept and award bids for (3) Sheriff vehicles to Thys Belle Plaine for 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD for $38,820 each. Motion carried.

Wayne Siela came to the board with concerns regarding the process of hiring a replacement for the recent vacant Roadside Manager/Weed Commissioner. Siela felt this was a good time for the county to look at the job description and areas of responsibility and the need for improvements in certain areas. He would like to see more focus on the rural roads and what is growing in the ditches. Siela also questioned the need to have a college degree and how it was worded in the advertisement. Kirsten Nelsen, Human Resource Director stated that the or equivalent training, educations and experience was also listed. Siela asked that the board pause the process, that the agricultural community should be represented in the hiring process. Chairman Seeman explained the job has been posted and that the board was meeting with Nelson regarding the further details on the job description but they were still currently taking applications. Nelson stated that the hiring committee is hearing the concerns and she is not comfortable pausing the hiring process as the position will be vacant on September 9. Benton County Attorney asked what it takes to get the job done. Supervisor Primmer said maybe a bigger staff is needed, that taking care of weeds throughout the entire county could be too much for two people.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To acknowledge the retirement date of October 7, 2022 for Michael Myers in secondary roads. Motion carried.

Bids were received as follows for 2 new trucks with plows for secondary roads:

Truck Center Companies-2024 Freightliner-114SD -$329,892

Truck Country-no bid

GATR of Cedar Rapids-Mack Granite 42BR-$391,892

GTG Peterbilt 548-$397,532

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve and award bid to Truck Center Companies for (2) 2024 Freightliner 114SD for $329,892. Motion carried.

Jerry Grief, county resident handed out photos and showed his complaints regarding alleged damage done to his property west of the Oak Grove Church from secondary roads mowing the ditch along his property. Grief felt this was targeted and intentional damage to his property compared to others in this area. No reason to destroy his property when he mows it.

County attorney asked that this be a civil discussion. Engineer Myron Parizek said he heard about the concern Monday morning, and looking at the surface roadway he didn't notice anything different but would like to view the pictures. If it's a concern that is over the surface shoulder rock, he didn't physically look at that but would gladly return to that area and look. The County Attorney asked if the owner is mowing the property was there is a reason to continue having this mowed by county? Engineer agreed to talk to the maintainer to not mow this area anymore. Grief asked if this was going to be fixed? Hire someone to come fix it or pay him to fix what has been damaged. As for fixing this, Parizek felt there was nothing malicious done to the property. Grief thanked everyone for their time and addressing the matter.

County Attorney David Thompson explained to the board about the recent Janssen Opioid Settlement and forming a response team to come up with ideas how to utilize the funds. The county received its first check in the amount of $13,884.81 and will get a total of 18 payments over 18 years. Unsure of the amount of future payments, but the money will be restricted in use.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To acknowledge Janssen Opioid Settlement and Form an Opioid Response Team. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #22-79, Establishing new Janssen Opioid Settlement Special Revenue Fund (0027). Motion carried.

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

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor