Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes January 9, 2024

January 9, 2024 The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in special session with Supervisors Primmer, Seeman 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

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Agenda as listed. Motion carried. Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve election workers checks numbered 143096 through 143110, Payroll checks numbered 143111 through 143114, ACH Deposits 55570 through 55713, vendor checks numbered 248567 through 248573 and claims numbered 248574 through 248702. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. as a land use hearing date for Michael & Kristine Rummel in a part of Parcel D, in the SW ¼ of Section 17-82-9. Motion carried.

Barb Greenlee presented the land use and health department FY 25 Budget asking.

Gina Edler, Deputy Auditor provided an update to the Board regarding the Class B Liquor License for Kimm's Mini Mart. Edler stated that she was working with Sheriff Deputy Tyler Brandt and looking into the Iowa Code 123.30. Edler explained the current procedures she has in place to provide the information to the State Alcohol Beverages Division and the Board of Supervisors. Edler spoke with the State Alcohol Beverages Division and they said there had to be health/fire and DCI background checks done by the Local Authority for all applications. Edler questioned how some of these applicants who are mobile taps would have fire inspections done and who would authorize these to be done. She stated she reached out to the County Attorney's office but has not heard back.

Sue Wilber, HR Director brought the holiday schedule to the Boards attention and wanted to clarify the Christmas Eve half-day. There was a resolution done in March of 2022 that included the policies and procedures regarding Section 4.1 in the Handbook. It was unclear for the half day regardless if it falls on a Monday-Friday. At the recent December 12th meeting, the decision was based on 1st version of the handbook. Wilber inquired about giving the ½ day floater to everyone. Sheriff Tippett spoke up in regards to their union contract. Wilber explained that secondary roads contract would follow the handbook. The Handbook needs a few revisions and Wilber has been working with her committee on getting this accomplished. Since the revision was done by resolution, this would need amended by resolution. No action was taken.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #24-5, To change employment status of Josh Svoboda at secondary roads to maintainer operator at an hourly rate of $27.73 effective January 16, 2024. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To appoint Gary Benson to the ECICOG Region 10 Transportation Policy Board. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To appoint Jimmy Wheeler and Robert Spangler to the Benton County Historic Preservation Commission. Motion carried.

There was no action taken on a few of the appointments on the agenda such as: ECICOG RTAC Board, Belle Plaine Airport and the Pioneer Cemetery.

Roxanne Fuller was not able to come present the Benton County Volunteer budget due to the weather.

Dean Vrba, Transportation Director went over his presented budget. He discussed taking a zero increase in his own salary to provide Jessica Meyer a larger increase.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To appoint Gary Bierschenk to the North Benton Family Resource Center (HACAP) and Regional HACAP Boards. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Auditor's Quarterly Report ending December 31, 2023. Motion carried

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the Recorder's Quarterly Report ending December 31, 2023. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Sheriff's Quarterly Report ending December 31, 2023. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #24-6, Approve/disapprove the Homestead Tax Credits and Exemptions, Military Tax Credits and Disabled Veterans Homestead Credits for the 2023 Assessments. Motion carried.

Under Reports: Seeman reported on the Radio Towers and the Conservation meeting Monday night that was held by zoom due to the weather.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve 75 hours of vacation carryover for Myron Parizek to use by the end of May, 2024. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve and sign the Bridge Replacement Project for L-CE-0028-73-06 on 16th Avenue in Cedar Township. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To appoint Rick Primmer to the Iowa Workforce Development Board. Motion carried.

Under Public Comments: Doug Cook asked questions about the recent animal complaint. Cook asked Sheriff Tippett about who filed the complaint, he was told by the Clerk of Court there was nothing on record. Supervisor Primmer said there would be more information coming soon. Cook also inquired about the status with the Board of Health. Primmer said they could not comment at this time.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To adjourn. Motion carried. _____________________________ Richard Primmer, Chairman ATTEST: _________________________________ Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor