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

November 7, 2023

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 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

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: Rick Primmer requested that all public comments be limited to three minutes during meetings per the Heartland Risk Attorney Brent Hinder's suggestion. Motion carried.

Rick Primmer wanted to report that the RC Tech gave a quote of $1,550.00 for moving antennas. Rick Primmer also reported that there is grant money available for a project like this.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To work with RC Tech on the antenna project. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes for November 2, 2023. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve claims numbered 247886 through 248025, payroll checks numbered 143022 through 143026, ACH Deposits 54985 through 55127 and vendor checks numbered 248026 through 248032. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve ARPA Fund claims for: RC Tech-$3,200.60, True North Consulting Group-$2,952.00, True North Consulting Group-$4,428.00 (August), True North Consulting Group-$4,428.00 (October) and Wirtanen Concrete, Inc. -$25,930.00. Motion carried.

Melinda Schoettmer, County Treasurer presented a bid to the Board of Supervisors from Three D Kitchen to remodel the countertops and stations on the motor vehicle side. Melinda had reached out to three different companies for bids but only had one respond. Melinda stated that she had the money in her budget for the remodeling to take place.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve bid from Three D Kitchens in the amount of $10,262.00 to remodel countertops and work station for the motor vehicle office.

Maggie Mangold the former chair of the Board of Health approached the Board of Supervisors to request that the county pay for outside legal representation. Maggie explained how she was informed that there would be a conflict of interest for County Attorney Ray Lough to represent the previous Benton County Board of Health while he was representing the County. Tim Dille was on speaker phone during this conversation and was able to advise that the Board of Supervisors are not required to cover any costs for the previous Board of Health since they are now citizens and not county employees.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To deny the request from Maggie Mangold for having the county pay for outside legal counsel for the terminated board of health members based on the advice from Heartland Insurance and our County Attorney's office. Motion carried.

Benton County Sheriff, Ron Tippett presented a bid to the Board of Supervisors to replace a detective vehicle with a Jeep Compass from Thys Automotive Family in the amount of $25,750.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve bid for used Jeep Compass from Thys Automotive Family, Blairstown in the amount of $25,750. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #23-80, Hiring Caleb Stiferman as full-time equipment operator for secondary roads effective November 13, 2023 at an hourly rate of $25.25. Motion carried.

Gary Bierschenk had some additional questions to follow the approval of the resolution. Gary was interested to know how many applicants were received. Myron reported that there were approximately 8-10 applicants, out of which 6 were interviewed. Myron reported that his department was wanting to hire a total of four new employees and have currently filled three of those positions. In addition, questions were asked of Myron in regards to the progress on Highway 30. Myron reported that the four way stop between Van Horne and Blairstown should be finished by the end of November. There was a discussion about stops signs and other safety measures and where the cost would fall with some of those items.

During the comments portion Doug Cook approached the Board of Supervisors and addressed Tracy Seeman. Doug asked Tracy if he felt as though he should continue to be a member of the Board of Supervisors after recent legal actions. Tracy answered with a simple, yes. Doug wanted to continue the conversation but was reminded that this time was for comments only and that Tracy was not required to answer any additional questions at this time.

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

_____________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Courtney Long, Deputy Benton County Auditor