Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 12/23/24

December 23, 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 8:00 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

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

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the December 17, 2024 minutes. Seeman, Bierschenk and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the claims Payroll checks numbered 143539 through 143546, ACH Deposits 59474 through 59630, vendor checks 252249 through 252255, and claims numbered 252556 through 252381 and W-2 Packet for Election workers numbered 143547 through 143657. Seeman, Bierschenk and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve claims to Hendryx Electric in the amount of $313.00 for Conservation Project and $2,214.00 to True North for Radio Project. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve and authorize the signature on the Memorandum of Understanding between Benton County and Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC). The county will provide grant funding from the Opioid settlements in the amount of $70,000 to fund two part-time positions in Benton County for the Safe Opioid Services Program. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To acknowledge resignation of Dmitry Nikolaev in the Sheriff's office effective December 30, 2024. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve out of state travel for Mona Onken to attend the co-occurring symposium on January 29-31, 2025 in Rochester, MN. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Ron Tippett met with the board to clarify the resolution previously tabled that addressed the employment terms for Board of Supervisors. Tippett will take office as a Supervisor in January, and he needs the term clarified to be part-time instead of full-time due to the impact on his IPERS (Iowa Public Employees Retirement Service). Tippett hired a private attorney to research this and the attorney spoke to the Board over the phone. This led to a discussion on benefits for part-time employees, and how it is worded in the current county handbook.

Seeman moved to approve Resolution #24-110, Clarifying Board of Supervisor's employment terms. This led to more discussion on how to address the part-time benefits in the county handbook. There was lack of second. Motion failed.

They agreed they wanted to allow more time for Ron to get some wording from other counties and how they address this in their handbooks. A meeting was scheduled for Friday, December 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. to discuss further and take possible action.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To acknowledge the resignation of Bruce Gapstur to the Belle Plaine Airport Regional Zoning Board. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Auditor Rippel pointed out the need for a correction to reflect an omitted motion in the minutes of July 23, 2024 minutes regarding the sale of the old dog pound. It was left off in error and will need board action to formally reflect that.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To correct the July 23, 2024 minutes with the following:

Primmer moved/Seeman seconded: To authorize conservation to sell the old dog pound and allow the proceeds to be used towards conservation projects at Wildcat and Rodgers park. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Wellness Program Agreement between Iowa State Association of Counties and Benton County effective January 1, 2025 through October 31, 2025. This allows ISAC to be the consultant to help assist and implement the 2025 wellness program and encourage employee participation. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the petition, contract and waiver for sealcoat improvement project along 74th Street. The total project cost is estimated at $58,500 with each of the three(3) affected households obligated to pay $9,750.00 each. Motion carried.

Dan Hill, current Conservation Board Member addressed the Board and let them know he has re-applied for the position and asked that he be considered for re-appointment at the January 2, 2025 meeting.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To Adjourn at 9:01 a.m. Seeman, Bierschenk and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Rick Primmer Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor