Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes January 23, 2024

January 23, 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

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the Agenda as listed with moving the Human Resources and Engineers FY 25 Budget presentations until next week. Voting aye were Seeman, Bierschenk and Primmer. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Voting eye were Bierschenk, Seeman and Primmer. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Payroll checks numbered 143115 through 143119, ACH Deposits 55714 through 55860, vendor checks numbered 248703 through 248710 and claims numbered 248711 through 248814. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve claims to True North Consulting Group $4428.00 and Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in the amount of $3,500.00 was from the tribal portion in ARPA. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. as a land use hearing date for Jeremy and Brooke Higgins in the SW ½ of the SW ¼ of SE ¼ Section 25-86-10. All voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To appoint Sarah Wagner to member of the Iowa Heritage on Aging Council. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Seeman seconded: To appoint Rose Rouse to the Pioneer Cemetery Commission. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Benton Development Group is asking for the same budget amount as last fiscal year which is $100,000.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #24-8, Creating an Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund (0022) for the revenue stream for EMS services in Benton County at the rate of $0.68000 per $1000 taxable valuation. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

The Maintenance Department presented their budget and discussed a few necessary changes. One increase will definitely be the utilities.

Phil Borleski and Robert Spangler presented the Historic Preservation FY 25 Budget request. They had a slight increase due to the two added Board members so they can also attend the training. The FY 25 asking is a total of $9,085.00. They also explained Youngville Café and how it currently opens one day a month. They hope to host another open house event there in the future to draw more attention.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #24-9, Enter into a 28E Agreement with Iowa County for the purpose of operating an Emergency Public Safety Radio System. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Chairman, Rick Primmer read a public statement regarding the Board of Health members termination from last fall. The Supervisors wish to clarify previous actions related to the board of health and to clarify the reason for their actions along with thanking members for their dedication and service. They also pledged to implement appropriate processes and annual training to ensure that all meetings are conducted in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.

Supervisor Seeman reported about his recent landfill commission meeting. Doug Cook asked about the cash in the landfill's balance. Seeman reported that so much is put away each month and the closure/post closure amounts can not be touched. Doug Cook asked the Board what the legal costs was to the county. Primmer reported that there was no cost to the county, insurance took care of it. Which Cook then asked if the insurance rates would also increase.

The Human Resources Budget was put on the agenda on accident Sue Wilber presented a quote for outsourcing background checks. The Sheriff spoke up and said he has 3 employees who are qualified to do this for the Human Resource Department. Wilber said it would be beneficial to have the confidentiality going with a 3rd party vendor can bring along with them handling liability issues as well. Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve outsourcing with C4 Operations Background Check Services for doing background checks for Human Resources. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried

The Engineer's budget was postponed until next week. Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set the date of February 13, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to open sealed bids for Bridge Replacement-C.C.S, Project: L-CE-0028-73-06 for Secondary Roads Department. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Sheriff Ron Tippett presented his FY 25 Budget. He explained the five year turnover for vehicle replacement along with explaining some of the jail costs and what is pass through.

Supervisor Seeman asked about the City of Atkins. Sheriff said the department now charges $32.50 an hour for contract law enforcement, he wants to explain to the cities what the actual costs are to negotiate the contract. They all agreed this meeting needs to take place.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To adjourn. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________ Richard Primmer, Chairman ATTEST: _________________________________ Hayley Rippel, Benton County Audito