Government : Benton County Board of Supervisors Minutes 10/8/24

October 8, 2024

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Bierschenk and Seeman present, Supervisor Primmer met via telephone. Supervisor Bierschenk 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/Primmer seconded: To approve the agenda. Seeman, Primmer and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes from October 1, 2024 Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Payroll checks numbered 143401 through 143405, ACH Deposits 58670 through 58831, claims numbered 251412 through 251573 and vendor checks 251579 through 251574. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the following invoices to be paid out of ARPA fund: Racom for $219,903.76, Ralston Construction for $45,525.00, RC Tech for $7,882.96, Bolton & Menk for $6,856.00, Frazier Nursery for $500.00, Menards for $379.32 and Racom for $1,443.554.19. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Auditor's Quarterly Report ending September 30, 2024. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Sheriff's Quarterly Report ending September 30, 2024. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Recorder's Quarterly Report ending September 30, 2024. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To table the discussion of a donated bench from the Vinton Cruise Committee. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Sergeant Josh Karsten along with Deputy Scott Bahmann, Deputy David Upah and Detective Tyler Brandt, presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the BearCat G3 Armored Rescue Vehicle. Karsten is requesting $348,698.00 of ARPA funds to approve the purchase of the Rescue Vehicle. The ARPA committee already approved the purchase.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To adopt Resolution #24-95, striking taxes due on mobile homes that have been deemed of no value by the court. Those parcels are INFLV55AB3909BJ13-$3,246, 32976-$1,760 and GE10233330-$1,044.00. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk all voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To approve tax suspension for parcel 170-13200 per 441 Iowa Admin Code 75.52, 427.9, 75.1(29). Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk all voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To approve hiring of part-time transportation driver, Brad Stainbrook at $16.04/hr. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To Adopt Resolution #24-96 Approving hiring of Sarah Ries to fill the Office Manager position at the Sheriff's Department with a starting salary of $65,000 effective October 17, 2024 with increases after 6 month review -$67,500 and 1 year to $70,000. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk all voting aye. Motion carried.

Rick Grimm spoke with the Board asking for an update on the speed limit on 64th Street. Myron Parizek stated he has sent the request into the DOT and they have received the request. The no passing signs will be moved along with it when the project is finished.

Grimm also discussed the recycling at the county shed in Shellsburg. He stated that the bin gets full and people still drop off their recycle and then it blows around. He asked if the County could put a 3 sided fence around the area to help with garbage. He asked Lifetime Fence for a quote for a 24foot 3 sided fence and it came to $4,300.00.

Grimm requested a better understanding of structure of time with Secondary Roads employees. He was inquiring if they had set hours, how they clocked in and out. He questioned how they were held accountable and who was monitoring it. Grimm also asked if there was a policy for tools that were Benton County's being used for personal use.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To adopt Resolution #24-97, Removing bridge embargo on CE-0028. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk all voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To Approve and sign plan set for Project BROS-C006(126)-8J-06 (Bridge Replacement on 16th Ave in Cedar Twp). Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To approve use of ARPA funds for the purchase of Sheriff's Department on armored vehicle. The decision for allocation of funds for other approved projects was tabled. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Public Comments were heard from Jerry Grief, he stated he thought that the purchase of the armored vehicle is outrageous. He questioned how the Board can justify this. Rick Grimm stated he supported the purchase and thought it was a good idea.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To Adjourn at 10:39 a.m. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Gary Bierschenk, Vice-Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Gina Edler, Benton County Deputy Auditor