Government : Benton County Board of Supervisors Minutes 10/17/23

October 17, 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 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: ( https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa)

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve the minutes of October 9, 2023 and October 10, 2023. Motion carried.

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

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve and authorize signature on Shared Area Radio Agreement (SARA) 28E Agreement. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To table appointment to the SARA Board and put on a future agenda. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Quote from Renaissance Roofing and authorize signature approving the needed repairs to the Courthouse. Gutter and Ledge estimate is $19,500 and the Slate Roof repairs amount is $14,900 with $4,000 down up front. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To table action on appointing Barb Greenlee as the Department Head for Sanitarian/Land Use Department. Motion carried.

The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for a land use hearing Ryan and Jennifer Rozek in part of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of 16-85-9. This area is part of Lot 2 of Auditor's Plat #23 which is 4.10 acres. Jennifer Rozek was present. Eric Ockenfels and Taran White were also members of the public present. Matt Even presented the technical information with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. The ground is mostly timber area and not been in production with a CSR of 70. Rozek's would like to purchase the entire parcel to build a new home. There is an existing driveway that meets policy requirements. A private water well and septic system will need to be installed. Five notices were sent to the adjacent landowner's and was published in the official newspapers. There was no public comments before today, the one question that was asked during the hearing was about the existing dwelling located within the parcel. This proposal should not have any negative impacts on surrounding area. Hearing no other further comments, the public hearing was closed.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve the land use change for Ryan and Jennifer Rozek in part of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of 16-85-9. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #23-74, Approving Final Plat for Bowman Addition to Benton County, Iowa. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #23-74, Transfer of Funds necessary adjusting FY24 Budget Amendment. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve Law Enforcement Contract with City of Norway for a total yearly sum of $16,900 to be paid quarterly and not to exceed 10 hours a week on the average or 520 hours in period of this contract. Motion carried.

Jerry Greif addressed the Board and Sheriff regarding the cost of courthouse security to Benton County Taxpayers and questioned why it was needed. Sheriff Tippett explained the courthouse restrictions of weapons and buildings that restrict weapons are required to have security by state law. Benton County has chosen to protect not just the court area, but also the employees. Greif asked what the threat was and Tippett responded with the threat is what you don't know. Greif concluded this was extreme to spend this kind of money on something he didn't believe is needed. He suggested it get put to a vote to the taxpayers and also commented on other counties he visited that did or did not have security. Auditor Rippel sent him some of the counties policy's via email.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #23-75, Approving 28E agreement for Victim Witness Coordinator/Sexual Assault Response Team between Benton, Delaware, Jones, Buchanan and Clayton County sharing services. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To authorize a second Benton County Secondary Roads Credit Card specifically for the parts department with a credit limit of $5,000. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: to approve and authorize signature on plan set for Project BROS-CO06(122)-8J-06 Bridge Replacement-CCS on 21st Ave. Dr. in Big Grove Township. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #23-76, Temporary Road Closure from 27th Avenue Drive east 1.25 miles to 29th Avenue along 52nd Street in Harrison & Polk Townships effective October 23, 2023. Motion carried.

No action was taken on purchase agreements.

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

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor