June 7, 2022

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman and Bierschenk and Primmer 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: bentoncountyia.gov ( https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa)

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve hiring of Jennifer Mehlert, part-time driver for Transportation Department at $15.40 an hour effective June 15, 2022. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve payroll checks numbered 142279 through 142296, ACH Deposits 49417 through 49562, handwrite claim 242663, claims numbered 242664 through 242795, Void check 242796 and vendor checks 242797 through 242802. Motion carried

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set land use hearing date of Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 9:15 a.m. for Steve and Emma Henry in a part of Parcel A in the E1/2 of the SE1/4 of Sec 24-86-11. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To set land use hearing date of Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for Hensley Innovations, LLC., a part of the SW1/4 NW1/4 of Sec 6-83-12. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set land use hearing date of Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 9:45 a.m. for Amana Society, a part of SW1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Sec 30-83-10. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve farm exemption application for Tess Kuhn in S of the NE and the N1/2 of the SE1/4 plus the West 26 Acres of the NW of the NE1/4 Sec 11-86-9.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve service agreement with Nyhart for two years, to prepare a comprehensive annual report/actuarial valuation as required by GASB 75. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve training in Indiana for Mona Onken. Motion carried.

Olivia Neter, Project Developer for Liberty Power presented a proposal to the board for a wind project in Benton County. Liberty Power is based out of Ontario, Canada and currently has 1,541 operating turbines and would like 1,000 more. There were numerous members of the public present to voice against such a project in Benton County.

Marc Greenlee, Land Use Administrator explained how Benton County has an agricultural land preservation ordinance that would prohibit any new non-ag use changes on land with a CSR of 70 or above. Benton County is classified as an agricultural land use district, and any new non-ag use has to be reviewed and approved by the Supervisors.

Benefits include tax revenues and employment. Also sharing the timeline that is included and support of local groups and businesses their company would provide.

Al Schafbuch, one of the citizens in attendance voiced his opinion, stressing they do not want wind towers on ag land and they would not get public support. Another citizen, Lynn Rinderknecht asked why they don't go out to the desert in Arizona. Neter explained this area selected had the highest wind speeds. Neter thanked the room for their time and voiced how they still like to come present the information and feel out the counties to see who would have interest or not.

Supervisor Primmer asked if the county needed a moratorium on wind and solar until they can get additional rules and regulations in place. County Attorney answered that under the current land use ordinance, they virtually don't have any place in the county that these would be allowed. Supervisor Seeman announced that's all we got, your game plan here is not favorable for you.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve Resolution #22-46, Wage and classification change for Taylor Pflughaupt, mechanic with labor grade classification VD at $23.72 an hour effective June 14, 2022. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve and authorize signature on a utility permit for ITC Midwest, LLC. In St. Clair and Eldorado Township. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set public hearing date of Tuesday July 12, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. for road right of way vacation of 33rd Ave. Dr/Section 24 of Benton Township. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #22-47, Approving hiring of Caleb Stewart, Correctional Officer for Sheriff's Office at an hourly rate of $22.25 effective June 7, 2022. Motion carried.

Supervisor Bierschenk wanted to discuss speed limit on 11th Avenue with the Engineer. The Engineer explained how the speed limit signs will get posted. Motorists are using this road as a detour for road work at Highway 21 and Highway 30.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To adjourn. Motion carried. _______________________________ Tracy Seeman, Chairman ATTEST: _________________________________ Hayley, Benton County Auditor

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