Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 9/3/24

September 3, 2024

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman present. Supervisor Primmer called the meeting 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. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the agenda. Seeman, Primmer and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the minutes from August 27, 202 with one correction on a name. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Law Enforcement Contract with the City of Norway for a yearly amount of $16,900 to be paid quarterly and not to exceed 10 hours a week. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set a land use hearing date for Chad Albert, in a part of Parcel A in the NE ¼ of the NE ¼ and part of Parcel B in the SE ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 27-84-10 for Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Andy Jones, Fremont Township Clerk along with trustees Daniel Massman and Carl Gerhold addressed the board in regards to the Fremont Township hall. It was damaged in the derecho four years ago in Atkins and they have been working with FEMA and obtaining bids to make the necessary repairs to the building. Jones explained the need for temporary funding to finance the repairs until FEMA can reimburse them. They have been approved for funding up to $440,000. To date they have received $92,000 for roof repairs and initial cleanup. Jones estimated they would need to borrow $350,000 towards the total overall cost estimate of $449,000. Auditor Rippel said first off, regarding that amount of money, the county would probably need a budget amendment for proper spending authority. The Supervisors indicated they'd be in favor of this, and discussed maybe using the (LOSST) Local Option Sales and Service Tax fund. Rippel said she'd like to do some research on this and reach out to the Department of Management along with the County Attorney for guidance. No action was taken but this will be addressed at a future meeting once we get some answers.

Deputy Auditor Alisha Burmeister met with the board regarding the mileage/meal reimbursement policy that was recently amended. She'd like to bring this back up with department heads as there are concerns. It was also noted that handbook policies or changes to can not go into effect until employees all sign off on.

Gina Edler, representing Center Point-Urbana FFA Alumni explained she was working on obtaining grants and getting letters of support for a new greenhouse. She has also reached out to Linn County since the school affects both counties. Currently they have received $25,000 to date.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve doing a letter of support for Center Point-Urbana's FFA Alumni to apply for grants for a greenhouse project. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Gary Bierschenk handed out a copy of the new Behavioral Health Districts that were recently changed but will not go into effect until July 1, 2025.

Tracy Seeman reported on his ECICOG meeting and Eastern Iowa Housing and Trust committee meeting also.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To Adjourn at 9:44 a.m. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Rick Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor