Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 7/11/23

July 11, 2023

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman and Bierschenk present, Primmer called in. 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 are invited to join in during open session or watch the 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 July 5, 2023. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve payroll checks numbered 142906 through 142917, ACH Deposits 53610 through 53762, vendor checks numbered 246715 through 246721 and claims numbered 246722 through 246848. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To appoint Darren Stein as Benton County Weed Commissioner pursuant to Iowa Code 317.3. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the use of courthouse lawn for the Vinton Cruise Committee on September 23, 2023. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for The Tipsy Traveler's LLC for August 2-6, 2023. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve farm exemption application for Timothy Stainbrook in part of the SE ¼ of Section 24-86-10. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #23-50, Amending Resolution #22-107, Approving Ludden Second Addition Final Plat in Benton County, Iowa. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Auditor's Quarterly Report ending June 30, 2023. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve General Assistance Quarterly Report ending June 30, 2023. Motion carried.

The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for a land use hearing for Jennifer and Bryan Bearbower in part of the SE ¼ NE ¼ of 24-85-10. Bryan Bearbower was present. Matt Even presented the technical information with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. Bearbower would like to change 2 acres for a new residence. The site is not in production and has a CSR of 85. There is an existing driveway that meets all policy requirements. This location will need a new well and septic. The required notifications were sent to 8 adjacent landowner's and published in the official newspapers. There was no comments heard for or against prior to today's hearing and Even felt this proposal should not have any negative impacts to the surrounding farm operations. Allowing time for public input, adjacent owner Eric Legue voiced his concerns with the poor water quality in the area and how another residence nearby could affect the value of his property. Barb Greenlee replied to the water concerns asking if it was pump problems or aesthetics of the water. Unfortunately the minerals and odors of the water would be a private issue. The nearby pond was also discussed and how it has been empty for a few years. Another adjacent property owner, Doris Walker also had concerns with the privacy if another residence is nearby along with the dust control in the area. Supervisor Seeman reported with how dry it is, that dust is a concern everywhere. Hearing no other further comments, the public hearing was closed.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the land use change for Jennifer and Bryan Bearbower in part of the SE ¼ NE ¼ of 24-85-10. Voting aye were Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Sheriff's Quarterly Report ending June 30, 2023. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #23-51, Transfer of Funds for FY 24. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #23-52, Interfund Operating Transfers for FY 24. Motion carried.

The Board looked at the County Handbook, and the Auditor's office needed some clarification on some recent revisions in personal paid holidays, particularly for all the new employees. The handbook that was posted on line from prior Human Resources Director had some revisions that weren't all approved by the Supervisors. Nancy Jorgensen, Deputy Auditor pointed out those areas and provided copies. The county employees last version that they were asked to sign was in 2019. The Board agreed to proceed using that version that employees signed off on and in particularly referencing for the 4th of July holiday pay which is affected in this next payroll.

Ben Turnis, IT Director was inquiring on a new county ID system. The state no longer issues them and there are two different suggestions to switch to. The one being the Salamandar system numerous counties are using statewide. No action was taken as they find out more on the costs and what will be our best option. Auditor Rippel reminded them that county credit card policy requires a county ID be shown when using them, so we can't wait too long.

Committee reports were had for Supervisor Seeman's conservation meeting, and Supervisor Primmer's Heartland Insurance Risk Pool. Topics included the funds raised for the Wildcat project along with upcoming training dates for all employees.

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

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor