Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 1/24/23

January 24, 2023

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Primmer and Bierschenk 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 the minutes of January 17, 2023. Motion carried.

Wayne Siela was on the agenda in regards to the proposed 61st Street project. He explained how it has been three years, and asked how long will it take to establish 61st Street as a farm-to-market road. Siela read numerous letters of support and encouragement from organizations and businesses. Supervisor Primmer said he asked the Engineer if he made room for it in his upcoming budget. The cost of the survey was estimated at $15,000. Primmer stated that it would be nice to have the City of Vinton on board also. Supervisor Seeman said he has been working on a grant application through the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG). If the survey gets done, that would give them a rough estimated amount to give better detail on the grant application. Siela was glad to hear this was a possibility and would continue coming back for future updates in regards to the status of this proposal.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To accept George Haefner's resignation to the IVRM Commission and appoint Supervisor Seeman as a board liason to replace him. Motion carried.

The Sanitarian/Land Use Department along with the Sheriff and County Attorney presented their budgets throughout the morning meeting.

County Attorney Ray Lough introduced Allaina Bennett-Casali to the board. Lough would like to hire Allaina as a paralegal in the County Attorney's Collection Division. Bierschenk made a motion, but it failed for lack of second. Supervisor Primmer asked Lough how many applicants were received and if he could tell them a little bit about her background. Primmer stated that we let a licensed attorney go who had 9 years of experience, not many 19-year olds without a degree can start out with a $40,000/year salary. The Board asked Lough for a closed session at tomorrow's meeting to discuss this further pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)i.

Wayne Shannon, Pioneer Cemetery Commission Member provided a yearly update along with continued discussion on the Stringtown Cemetery north of Blairstown. The FY 24 request will stay the same as in the past.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve claims for True North Consulting Group for $4,428 and Iowa County Attorney Case Management Project for $40,410 using ARPA funds. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve payroll checks numbered 142710 through 142718, ACH Deposits 51822 through 51970, vendor checks 245064 through 245071 and claims numbered 245072 through 245192. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To approve the Veterans Affairs Quarterly Report ending December 31, 2022. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the flood insurance renewals with AJ Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. Motion carried.

Primmer reported on the Heartland Insurance meeting and insurance renewals and the increased values on some of the county owned properties may need to be addressed in the near future. Bierschenk reported on the public health board meeting he attended last week. Chairman Seeman reported on his attendance at the most recent IVRM meeting, and his continued meetings pertaining to the new Conservation building at Hannen Lake.

Auditor Rippel discussed upcoming future meetings for more FY 24 budget work along with the invite to attend the EMA and Farm Bureau's meetings. She will get those agenda's set up and ready for posting.

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

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor