Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 12/28/21

December 28, 2021

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman and Bierschenk present, Primmer called in. 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 December 21, 2021. Motion carried.

The appointment of Mindy Icenbice as Medical Examiner Investigator was discussed. Primmer questioned how mileage worked since she lives out of the county and thought it would start from her work in Belle Plaine. Alisha Burmeister, Auditor clerk, did not recall paying medical examiners for mileage, nor did Supervisors Bierschenk or Seeman. Tabled until next meeting and more research done.

The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for a land use hearing for John and Rhoda Harris in part of the NW ¼ of NW ¼ 23-85-9. Marc Greenlee presented the technical information with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. Harris would like to change 2 acres of land to be a new non-ag use to build a new home and Morton building. CSR is a 50. There is an existing driveway off 32nd Avenue that does not meet the qualifications so a new drive is planned south of the existing one for this new site. Harris will need a new septic and well. Three adjacent landowners were notified prior to the meeting. One neighbor questioned what was planned but no issues after discussion and no public was present to speak in regards. Hearing no other comments, the public hearing was closed.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve land use change for John and Rhoda Harris in part of the NW ¼ of the NW ¼ of 23-85-9. Motion carried.

VA Director, Cara Martin, was unable to attend the meeting, so no action taken.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: Recess at 9:20 A.M.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: Resume at 9:50 A.M.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #21-110, Bridge Embargo Removal LE-0009 0.1 mile north of the SW corner of section 6-82N-11W (Leroy Township) on 16th Avenue between 74th Street and 75th Street. Motion carried.

Fair board members: Dale Seeck, Nichole McKenna, and Kirk Steinford, discussed the need for funding for new grandstands at the fairgrounds. Dale stated Farmers Savings Bank & Trust is willing to work with them on a loan and they are planning for that to be $50,000. They talked with Kate Robertson with Benton County Development Group, and she stated there were not any large grants available right now but some small ones. She was also going to look at more options for them. The Fair Board is also looking at multiple fundraising and donation opportunities. Nichole McKenna stated she is working on a letter to send out for these opportunities. Supervisor Seeman asked how much the bleachers would cost. Dale stated those would be $170,000.00. They would like this project to be finished by fair 2022 and would be done row by row so all activities would be able to continue throughout the summer. Supervisor Primmer suggested they look into LOSST funds from the City of Vinton since it is in city limits and many events held at the fairgrounds draw in revenue for the city. To qualify for LOSST funds from the county, County Attorney, David Thompson, stated the fair board would have to meet all requirements of Iowa Code Chapter 174.19. This requires financial statements reported to the supervisors and gave his opinion that at least going back five (5) years before any funding is considered. Supervisor Primmer suggested they bring those financial statements and check with the City of Vinton before any decisions made. Supervisors Seeman and Bierschenk agreed.

Transportation Director, Dean Vrba, asked about snow removal at his building. Supervisor Primmer was going to contact Terry Marter since he does the Service Center.

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

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Alisha Burmeister, Clerk for Benton County Auditor