November 30, 2021

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Bierschenk and Primmer were present. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at the conference room at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public were provided the zoom access capability to join in during open session and livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov ( https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa)

Bierschenk moved/ Primmer seconded: To approve minutes from November 23, 2021. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To set land use hearing date of Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 9:15 A.M. for John and Rhoda Harris in part of the NW ¼ of NW ¼ of 23-85-9 . Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve vacation carry over of 10 days for Marc Greenlee. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #21-105, Gifting LOSST Funds to the Florence Township Fire Department in the amount of $40,379.77 which is the 10% of the total purchase cost for equipment. Motion carried.

Supervisor Seeman reported on Emergency Management committee meeting, stating they will be receiving $13,851.00 from the ARPA funds. With this they are wanting to purchase eighteen (18) weather stations to put in various places in the county, including local fire stations. Also discussed was the letter of intent received from Linn County that they will maintain seven (7) of the siren towers that are on the Linn-Benton border. The rest of the towers will be offered to local government first then open to private companies to purchase.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #21-104, Wage adjustment for Justin Birker, Maintenance Department to be paid additional wages from when he acted as Director in the total amount of $1,728. Motion carried.

Kirsten Nelson, HR Director, discussed a Pay Increase Policy she would like to implement in the County handbook. Supervisor Seeman suggested format changes in section 3 (a). Supervisor Primmer suggested the County Attorney look over the policy before taking action. Tabled until next week's meeting.

Supervisor Seeman discussed the employee shortage at the Secondary Roads department. Supervisor Primmer asked if there had been any additional new hires, especially snowplow drivers. Supervisor Seeman did not think there had been, but there were some applicants. Some interviews had taken place last week, waiting to hear of any potential hires.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To recess at 9:33 A.M. until the county attorney arrived. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To open meeting at 9:36 A.M.

County Attorney, David Thompson, asked if the closed session could be first since he had some things to discuss for the clock tower before any decisions made. Attorney Thompson and Supervisors did not see an issue since it would not be open to the public anyways. Attorney Thompson gave the Iowa code for this closed session.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To enter into closed session at 9:38 A.M. per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)c. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To exit closed session at 10:35 A.M. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve and authorize David Thompson, County Attorney, to sign all legal documents pertaining to the opioid settlements discussed in closed session. Motion carried.

Attorney Thompson discussed the state of the courthouse clock. It has not been working properly so the committee had Rory Demesi with Mechanical Watch Supply look it over and give a quote on fixing it. According to him, there are various issues with it and is not currently safe to be on so it has been temporarily shut off. Rory Demesi advised the clock be restored to its original condition. Attorney Thompson stated Monroe County had similar issues with their clock and had Mechanical Watch Supply restore it and are very happy with the outcome.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Attorney Thompson to take action on various things talked about during the closed session.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To adjourn. Motion carried.

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Alisha Burmeister, Benton County Auditor Clerk

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