Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Notes 8/13/24 - Kudos to the County, Bridges

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday morning. All three supervisors were present, Gary Bierschenk and Tracy Seeman were there in person, Rick Primmer via telephone.

The meeting was called to order, followed by approval of the agenda, minutes and claims.

Approval was given for the following ARPA Claims:

Benton County Conservation, Wildcat campsite improvements, TruNorth $$4,428

Cedar Rapids Gazette, $36.66, Wildcat Campground

Cedar Rapids Gazette, $27.68, Wildcat Campground

Trevor Seeman, $4,515 for walls built at the Service Center for Public Health

Judge Lars Anderson and Kellee Cortez, District Court Administrator of the 6th District Court as well as Julie Hessenius Benton County Clerk of Court came before the Benton County Supervisors to give an update. Anderson explained that the court work in buildings that the counties own and operate, and are at the mercy of each county in a lot of respects. According to Anderson Benton County is one of their favorite courthouses to work in. He said that there is a lot of pride in their courthouse and their town and it's obvious in the facilities.

The court staff covers six counties including Benton, Tama, Linn, Johnson, Jones and Iowa.

Anderson complimented the Sheriff's Department on the officers who serve the courthouse, as being top notch and even he said "the people who clean the courthouse are top notch" noting that it is one of the cleanest courthouses that they work in. He said that they just wanted to stop in and thank the county and supervisors.

Kellee Cortez echoed what Anderson had shared, saying that she appreciates all that the board does to support the courts in Benton County, and said that it is a favorite place to work. She too noted the cleanliness and work relationship with the staff in the County Attorney's office and Sheriff's office.

She said that they are continuing with technology updates, in the courtrooms. They are in the process of installing equipment to be able to have court proceedings via video conference which include microphones and recording equipment. She explained that there is a court reporter shortage across the country and in the state. Proceedings in Juvenile court are recorded as well as some of the others that they are allowed to be recorded so that court reporters can type up the proceedings remotely. Equipment has been added and installed so now they are working on perfecting it.

Julie Hessenius also noted that the working relationship with the courts, county and sheriff's office all work together nicely keeping each other updated. She said if any of them have an issue they contact her office and they try to get things smoothed out.

Historical Preservation gave and update on grant work and Outreach Activity. Allison Hicks reported on the August 8 meeting. They are required to continue education and have a public outreach project so they decided on a flea market. They would like to do this on September 28, at Celebration Park. Vendors would be charged $10 per booth.

The group is applying for a grant for historical window preservation and they will find out more concerning the grant in December. In March they would have an educational meeting then in May they would have a three day workshop. There area only three people in the state that know how to do this. They are requesting $6,000 for the grant and will need to use $2,750 which would be registration fees and use an in-kind match with hours Hicks would put toward the project.

There was also a need to get a mailbox set up just for Historical Preservation as they share with Public Health, so that will be sorted out. The Board gave approval.

Myron Parizek sought approval for a wage and classification change for Donald Erger effective August 12, 2024 his wages be changed to $28.88. It was approved.

Approval for IDOT Federal-Aid Agreement for Bridge Replacement on 32nd Ave Dr in Florence Twp was given. Approval was also given for a resolution removing bridge embargo for bridge on 21st Ave Dr in Big Grove Twp.

Currently, there are three bridges under various stages of construction, on on 63rd west of Highway 218 that just started last week, 17th Ave. northeast of Keystone, the bridge deck will be poured either later this week or next, 16th Ave. west of Mt. Auburn north of the blacktop in Cedar Twp. they are planning to pour that deck later next week. Most of those are federal aid projects. The projects presented today will be reimbursed 100% to the county.

Proposed plans are being made for a bridge on 32nd Ave. Dr. in Florence twp. between 75th & 76th south of the Marcus residence. There is some deterioration so there is currently a weight limit on the structure. The agreement would cover up to $450,000 for construction costs which Parizek believes that the grant will more than cover it.

Parizek said that the county has between 325 and 330 bridges with a normal lifespan of a concrete structure of about 60-75 years and a box culvert bridge 75-100 years. He said that wooden structures were built in the 40s and 50s and are starting to show their age.

Under reports/committee meetings and etc. Primmer met with the Health Board last week.