Government : Benton County Supervisor notes for 11/12/24

The Benton County Board of Supervisorts had a set of meetings on Tuesday. The usual meeting began at 9:00 a.m. All Supervisors were resent for the meeting, Rick Primmer, Tracy Seeman and Gary Bierschenk.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Aleigiance followed by approval of the agenda and minutes. 

The claims were then approved along with the ARPA claims as follows:

Bolton & Menk, $2,947.50 for Wildcat Bluff Improvements

Karl Chevrolet, $49,116.00 for a Conservation patrol truck

Lenco Armored Vehicles, $174,349.00 for Armored Vehicle

RMB Co. Inc., $4,751.93-Public Health Freezer

Salow Mechanical Insulation, $1200.00 for courthouse piping insulation

True North Consulting Group, $2,952,00 for radio project contract administration

A contract with the City of Mt Auburn for law enforcement was approved at the same hours and rate as last year.

A Public Hearing date was set for a proposal to assess a property owner for destruction of noxious weeds on Parcel #540-02500 for November 26th at 9:30 a.m.

Matt Even held a Land Use hearing for Ben Twedt and sz, concerning a part of the SE ¼, of the NE ¼, of Sect. 30, T85 N, R9W. The owner would like to change the use of 14.68 acres to build three residences. They would also like to change the preliminary plat for Carver Road Addition. The property is located east of Vinton. No comments were received from neighbors following letters and publication. Approval was given following the property meeting all of the requirements. 

The Benton County Holiday Schedule was discussed. The State of Iowa is closing on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 through the Friday after Thanksgiving which affects the court. It was decided that the county will follow the handbook 

Marc Merchant turned down a Closed Session Pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual's reputation and that individual requests a closed session.

Incoming Sheriff David Upah requested to donate his remaining sick time to Marc Merchant of 400 hours. There was a discussion concerning the limit of 20 hours per donation. There has been an exception granted before. Sheriff Ron Tippett said that he felt if one employee wants to help another, they should be allowed to. 

It was then discussed how the donation comes from one budget and department to another and that it will need to be discussed for future inclusion in the County Handbook. The donation was approved. 

Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek requested approval for wages and a classification change for the following who are marking their employment anniversaries the increase will take place on their anniversary date.

Ben Wood to $28.76 and classification would change to a 4C

Caleb Stieferman to $28.76 and classification would change to a 4C

Will Beranek to $28.76 and classification would change to a 4C

Chad Galli to $28.76 and classification would change to a 4C

A resolution was approved to remove a bridge embargo for a bridge on 63rd Street in Big Grove Township

Bierschenk asked about the standing with the IDOT and lighting at the Hwy 30 intersection discussed last week...the VanHorne intersection. Parizek said that a destination light is approved on both the north and south side of the intersetion. 

There was no discussion under New/Old Business, nor anything to share under Reports/Committee meetings, liaison, Etc.or unfinished business. A public comment was shared thanking the board for the work in 32nd Ave. aka County Home Road.

The meeting was then adjourned.

A second meeting was opened at 12:30 P.M. with a Call to Order. All Supervisors were present. Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor explained that the Secretary of State had selected the Iowa, Leroy. Luzerne, Blairstown Precinct to be audited. She reported that there were 701 votes cast in this precinct.

Gina Edler, Deputy Auditor presented the final counts to the board covering the tally of each of the votes. The Audit agreed with the voting machine and presented no changes in the vote counts. 

Edler also present the Canvass of the General Election, November 5, 2024 for acknowledgement.