AUGUST BOARD MINUTES
August 2, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Sanders, Vermedahl present. Supervisor Buch was absent. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders to approve the minutes of July 31, 2007. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders to change the status of Barry Werner, an employee in the sheriff's office from a volunteer reserve to a paid reserve officer. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Steve and Marie Forney, the board took up the matter for consideration. Kurt Kramer, owner of the land and Steve Forney were both present. Marc Greenlee presented the technical review in accordance with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. The request is for a land use change from an agricultural use to a single residential use in Polk Township. Hearing all comment, it was moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to approve a land use change on approximately 2 acres generally described as being a part of SW1/4 of SW1/4 of section 36-86-9 for a single residence. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders to authorize the termination of farm leases. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried
Renee Becker, Benton Development Group Director, met with the Board to discuss having new Benton County maps designed and printed. She brought with her an example from one company. Tharp will collect more proposals to present to the board and discuss it further with them at a later date.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn the meeting. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
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Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Hayley Rippel, Deputy Benton County Auditor
August 7, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl and Buch present. Supervisor Sanders was absent. Vice-Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of August 2, 2007. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve checks numbered 93949 through 94199, and ACH checks 1023 through 1117, for payment. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The county engineer reported that the balance in the landfill account in Blairstown on July 31, 2007, was $13,609.73.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to set August 14, 2007 at 10:00 a.m., as the time and date for a bid letting on subdrains along county road W24 north of Norway. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The engineer advised that Poweshiek Water had just notified him that an Iowa Township resident’s well went dry and is need of water. Poweshiek Water can provide water but must have a utility permit approved. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to state that the lack of water is a health concern and warrants emergency action by the supervisors without the required 24-hour agenda notice. Further, that a utility permit be approved for Poweshiek Water to place utility lines in the county’s right away under 13th Avenue between Sections 9 and 10 of Iowa Township. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Kimberly Dickey of Frontier Natural Products Cooperative met with the Board regarding recycling. Dickey stated that recently Frontier transitioned all of their recycling from one carrier to another and as a result, several employees advised that they were utilizing the coop’s recycling containers, as it was a benefit offered by Frontier. The shift from outside recycling to inside recycling prohibits the employees from being able to recycle at the facility. Dickey stated that Frontier wanted to know how they could better communicate how recycling could be done. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that each community is responsible for recycling within their communities. However, the hauler in Norway will pick up glass, but other haulers may not. Vermedahl stated that glass is not recycled as there is not a market for recycled glass where the county can dispose of it. Vermedahl stated that there are recycling trailers around the county, but there is not a recycling trailer in the Norway area and was moved at the request of Norway. Walford and Urbana have also asked that recycling trailers be removed from the towns as well. The Shellsburg recycling trailer has been moved to the county maintenance shed near Shellsburg. The county engineer advised that there is not a recycling trailer in the southeast corner of the county, but there are approximately sixteen trailers available elsewhere in the county where rural residents can go. Dickey suggested that a map be provided to rural residents of where recycling trailers are located. The engineer also stated that a recycling trailer is available at the landfill during normal business hours. Dickey questioned if the landfill was open on weekends. The engineer advised that the first Saturday morning of each month. Vermedahl advised that the county does not own property in the rural areas and cannot locate trailers just anywhere.
Supervisor Vermedahl questioned the engineer about the county’s participation in seal coating a gravel road. The engineer stated that if the residents pursue a special assessment district, that the residents either pay up front for the project or pay over a ten-year period. The engineer stated that the seal coating would last approximately three years without additional maintenance and if the project is being paid over ten-years, then who is responsible for the maintenance of the project between the three and ten years.
Supervisor Vermedahl questioned that size of rock being placed on county roads. Vermedahl stated that it appears that the goal of 1-1/4 road stone that he needs to go to a smaller size as the 1-1/4 is running up to 2” in size. The engineer stated that the road material can be affected by the way the maintainer takes care of the road. Parizek also stated that a sand or clay base would affect how the rock lies on the roadway. Parizek stated that on clay soils the fines will adhere to the soil making it better, but in the sandy areas fines have to be added. Parizek also stated that the maintainer operator in the Urbana area has always used the ¾ inch rock, where in the Van Horne area the 1-1/4 inch rock works better. Parizek stated that in sandy soils that perhaps a 1” rock could be used. Supervisor Vermedahl strongly stated that the engineer should try a smaller rock in problem areas. The engineer stated that he would not go to smaller rock on a blanket basis, but would consider application on some roads. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that it appears the product is changing and isn’t the size of the rock being purchased but is larger actually than expected based on prior conversations with the engineer. The engineer agreed.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
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David Vermedahl, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
August 9, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl and Buch. Supervisor Sanders absent. Vice-Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of August 7, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to set September 6, 2007 at 9:15 a.m., as the time and date for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Kyle and Kim Kline on a parcel located in the SE1/4 of the SW1/4 of 33-84-10. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Andy Lent, Vinton City Coordinator, met with the Board to request that the recycling collection trailers located in the city parking lot on 4th Street be moved to the county’s property at the corner of 3rd Street and 2nd Avenue. Lent advised that the City received a complaint about the mess being left around the trailers. Supervisor Vermedahl suggested that a partial fence be constructed around the trailers to contain blowing debris. It was also stated that the area would be subject to video surveillance from the sheriff’s department cameras. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to move the recycling collection trailers from the city lot to the county lot in Vinton, and Supervisor Buch to coordinate with the engineer and recycling staff. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary Williams, Social Services Director, met with the Board to obtain approval of a provider contract with Covenant Medical Center for mental commitments. The contract is for FY08 with a rate of $546.00 for a pre-hearing bed and $204.00 for a post-hearing bed. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The matter of the fiscal agent agreement with the Empowerment Board was discussed. The auditor advised that the annual agreement had been submitted by the Empowerment Board for consideration. The auditor stated that the agreement contains a termination for cause clause allowing the Empowerment Board to terminate for cause but does not provide that the County can terminate for cause. The agreement states that there will be no fee for the county’s services and the auditor questioned if the supervisors wanted to continue providing the service at no charge. The auditor advised that Jones County currently charges 3% to provide fiscal agent services, which would be approximately $9000 for Benton County, but varies from year-to-year. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to defer action until Supervisor Buch discusses payroll administration, an administration fee, and termination language with the Empowerment Board. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
New Business: Supervisor Vermedahl stated that he received a call from the county attorney regarding the air conditioning in his office. The supervisors have directed that air conditioning not be set to maintain a room temperature of less than 75 degrees. The county attorney stated that his staff was not comfortable with room temperature at 75 degrees and that the room temperature for his offices needed to be lowered to 72 degrees. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that this matter be officially placed on the agenda when all supervisors are present to discuss the issue.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
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David H. Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
August 14, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Sanders and Vermedahl present. Supervisor Buch absent. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to approve the minutes of August 9, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to set a land use hearing for September 11, 2007, at 9:15 a.m. as the time and date for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Steve and Connie Graveman on Parcel A in the SE1/4 of the SE1/4 of 14-86-11. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to adopt Resolution #07-44, a Resolution Canceling outstanding warrants issued prior to August 1, 2005. Voting aye were Sanders and Vermedahl. Nays none. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to authorize the chair to sign the FY07 Federal Annual Certification Report. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Brook and Kahree Cunningham, the board took up the matter for consideration. The applicants were present, as well as Bob Birker. Marc Greenlee presented the technical review in accordance with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. The request is for land use change from agricultural use to a single residential use in Polk Township. Hearing all comment, it was moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to approve a land use change on approximately two acres generally described as being located in the NW1/4 of the SE1/4 of 32-86-9 for single residence. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 10:00 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a bid letting on Project #LFM- (201)-7X-06 for subdrains along County Road W24 (old highway 201) north of Norway, the Board proceeded with the letting. Bids were received as follows:
CE Contracting, Hampton, Iowa – $219,581.20, with bid bond
Traxler Construction, Inc., Le Center, MN – $197,860.20, with bid security
Tschiggfrie Excavating Co., Dubuque, IA – $212,853.20, with bid bond
Manatts, Inc., Brooklyn, IA - $172,101.20, with bid bond
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to accept the bids as submitted. Further, to award the contract for Project #LFM- (201)-7X-06 for subdrains to Manatt’s Inc. at a cost of $172,101.20, and direct the engineer to forward the contractual agreements to Manatt’s for signature. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to authorize the chair to sign the final voucher for the Iowa Department of Transportation Project #BRS-CO06 (69) 60-06, at $309,984.51. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to approve an application for a utility permit requested by CIPCO to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Kane Township along 12th Avenue. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Supervisor Vermedahl questioned if a sign had been placed north of Newhall as previously discussed. The engineer stated that the sign, as well as others, are on order and should arrive in the near future.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
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Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County AuditorAugust 16, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch and Vermedahl present. Supervisor Sanders absent. Vice-Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Scott Hansen, Emergency Management Director, met with the Board regarding the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Hansen explained that because Benton County expressed interest, they have now been approved to apply for the grant. Steve Meyer, presented the board with a list of requirements, and explained that upon completion of the application the items would need to be done within a 3-year time frame. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to authorize the emergency management director to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program through Homeland Security. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of August 14, 2007. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adopt Resolution #07-45, Abatement of Interest and Penalty. Voting aye were Buch and Vermedahl. Nays none. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve an application for a utility permit requested by South Slope Telephone to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Fremont Township along 28th and 29th Avenue. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
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David Vermedahl, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Hayley Rippel, Deputy Benton County Auditor
August 21, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve checks numbered 94200 through 94519 and ACH payments numbered 1118 through 1212, for payment. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of August 16, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve the change in employment classification of Jason Andrews to a paid reserve officer with the sheriff’s department, effective August 21, 2007, at a wage of $17.23 per hour. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Dale and Joann Fisher, the board took up the matter for consideration. The applicants were present. Marc Greenlee presented the technical review in accordance with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. The request is for land use change from agricultural use to a non-agricultural use in Iowa Township for the purpose of constructing a steel building. Hearing all comment, it was moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a land use change on approximately one-half acre generally described as being Parcel B in the NW1/4 SW¼ of 29-82-12 for a non-agricultural use. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to grant a utility permit requested by Qwest Communications to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Section 10 of Taylor Township along/under 58th Street. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board traveled to the landfill to view conditions of the existing facility and equipment. The Board found that the building is in need of replacement or significant work; the compactor needs replacement, as well as the skid loader. The estimated cost to replace all items would be $400,000 - $500,000, with a life expectancy of the current landfill cells at 10 years. The Board discussed whether alternative solutions to waste management should be explored, including construction of a transfer station and closing the county-owned landfill or idling it. It was suggested that the Benton County Landfill Commission be convened to discuss the future of the current landfill.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
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Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
August 23, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of August 21, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve a fourteen-day liquor license and Sunday sales permit for Blairstown Sauerkraut Days Beer Tent, effective August 31, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to accept the resignation of Diane Fuller as a part-time transportation driver, retroactive to August 9, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to reluctantly accept the resignation of Denise Wiley from the Benton County Zoning Commission. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Supervisor Buch reported that he spoke with Nancy Farmer, Chair of the Empowerment Board regarding several changes to the proposed fiscal agent agreement between Benton County and Empowerment. The Board requested changes relative to termination for cause, allowable days between submittal of a claim and payment thereof, and a fee for providing the services. Buch reported that Empowerment would agree to the changes. Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #07-46, Entering into a Fiscal Agent Agreement with Empowerment Board for the period July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Voting aye were Sanders, Vermedahl, and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the request by the county treasurer to close county offices at noon on December 24, 2007. The Board stated that they would consider the request but further research is needed prior to making any decisions.
The Board discussed the heating and cooling directive for county facilities. The Board determined that the existing policy of room temperature being maintained at 75 degrees during times that air conditioning is in use and 68 degrees during times the boilers are in use is reasonable and should continue. The thermostat in the boardroom should be moved to the clerk’s office as it controls both rooms and the clerk’s office is staffed daily and a larger area.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
August 28, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of August 23, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Jay and Rhonda Bridgewater, the board took up the matter for consideration. There were no persons present for the hearing. Marc Greenlee presented the technical review in accordance with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. The request is for land use change from agricultural use to a single residential use in Benton Township. Hearing all comment, it was moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a land use change on approximately one acre generally described as being a Part of the SE1/4 of 15-85-9 for a single residential use. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board briefly discussed the establishment of fiscal agent fees; however it was determined that this issue should be discussed during the time budgets are developed.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to accept and file the annual manure management plan update submitted by Dennis Zieser on a facility located at 5299 33rd Ave. Dr., Center Point, IA. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Applicants Rick and Barb Osterkamp, Dick Ransom the engineer for the applicants, and John Fischer the attorney for the applicants appeared before the board to request reconsideration of a variance to the central sewer system requirement for River Valley 1st Addition Subdivision. The applicants had previously requested a variance to the central sewer requirement, which was denied by the board as it did not meet the criteria for a hardship. The engineer advised that further research had been done on the area for the placement of a central sewer system. It has been determined that a central system can be installed but three lots would be required to install pumps, which in the engineer’s opinion creates a hardship for those three lots. The pumping situation creates a continual maintenance requirement and increased costs to those future lot owners. The engineer stated that the only location that would allow a gravity flow system would not work due to the depth to bedrock. The engineer stated that the county’s ordinance provides that if an undue hardship exists that the board may grant a variance, adding that this request is procedural and not an appeal of the original denial. Ransom stated that this is new information being presented that was not available at the first hearing. Supervisor Sanders questioned which lots would have to be pumped and the engineer responded it would be Lots 1, 5, and 6. Supervisor Vermedahl asked if the remaining lots would be on a central system. The engineer stated that it could be done but that it was not the intent of the developers because that would leave three lots with a central system and three lots without and association issues would arise as to what would be paid for. The engineer stated that individual sand filter systems would be placed on each lot. Rick Osterkamp added that issues could arise with power outages resulting in sewage that could not be pumped. Sanders questioned if needing to move the system to a different location due to depth to bedrock created a hardship, stating that there are other systems in the county that must be pumped. Greenlee added that there are a lot of systems being installed with pumps; primarily because older homes have to be brought up to code and some require pumping. Fischer clarified that the only issue before the board is the variance from the central sewer system for the three lots and that the engineer had explained that the topography is such that it should meet the definition of a hardship due to its affect on the individual homeowners. Fischer added that if it is as easy as installing a sandpoint system for the three lots rather than using a pump, then the question is why isn’t this a better system for those three lots. Supervisor Vermedahl clarified that if a variance was given for three of the lots, that the remaining three lots would still be required to have a central sewer system. Fischer responded that the other three lots is a secondary issue. The board questioned how granting this type of variance would not set precedence. The engineer stated that it would be specific because the topography is unique, continuing that there are other hills in Benton County but they don’t have the bedrock issue. The engineer added that the people building these homes wouldn’t have choice as to whether or not a pump should be installed if a variance isn’t granted. Supervisor Buch restated Vermedahl’s comment that the remaining three lots would be required to have a central sewer system. B. Osterkamp stated that the county’s ordinance only requires a central system if there are four or more lots. Greenlee stated that the county’s ordinance requires a central sewer system for all subdivisions with the only difference being whether the DNR oversees them or the county. Greenlee state if there is more than 1500 gallons per day of sewage, then the DNR is the permitting agency. Greenlee questioned the engineer as to whether consideration had been given to any other type of system such as a container packed system. The engineer responded that there still is a discharge from other types of systems and due to the short distance to bedrock there isn’t the insulating factor of soil, which provides a safety cushion and without it if leaking occurs it will be quickly absorbed into the bedrock and water contamination may result. The engineer added that they are trying to eliminate open discharge and do a soil discharge system. The engineer stated that they will do what they have to do and have someone come out and collect the sewage, but it would be better to work together and not have to install a central system. Attorney Fischer stated that a hardship exists on the three lots as demonstrated by the engineer and the other three lots would be less than 1500 gallons per day.
Supervisor Vermedahl stated that he did not want to make a decision today, adding that he would like to speak with the county attorney to make sure the ordinance is being followed procedurally. Supervisor Buch echoed those comments. Vermedahl added that he also wants time to consider the request as well. Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to defer action on the request until September 11, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Walt Kollmorgen, Veteran’s Affairs Director, met with the Board regarding a letter received by the supervisors from the Linn County supervisors regarding the need for additional services in Benton County, stating that Linn County is spending too much time providing services to Benton County veterans. Kollmorgen explained that some veterans go to Linn County rather than Benton County for various reasons; however he is not aware of anyone going to Linn County, as they have not been able to access the office here. Kollmorgen stated that he averaged 9.9 hours over the past 10 weeks as indicated by his time sheets on file in the auditor’s office. Kollmorgen stated that he believed a response to the letter should be made. Supervisor Vermedahl agreed to draft a response for the board’s approval.
The Board discussed their position on a local option sales tax election. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that he is not opposed to the election; however believed that it would be more fiscally responsible to hold in conjunction with the November 2008 election. The cost of a special election is estimated at a little over $30,000 with Benton County being responsible for about $10,000 of that cost. Vermedahl stated that the Board would need to determine the use of the revenue should the vote pass in the unincorporated area. Various thoughts on the use included property tax relief, funding for libraries, emergency services, fire departments, mental health, and economic development. The matter was placed on the September 11th agenda for further discussion.
Mary Williams, Social Services Director, met with the Board regarding her current fiscal year budget. Williams explained that General Supplemental is running at about 53% of her appropriation, which primarily consists of substance abuse commitments. Williams advised that her other fund expenses are currently operating at an appropriate percentage.
Williams stated that she had additional invoices for services that will need to be paid from General Supplemental and questioned when an amendment would be made to her budget. The Board advised Williams to keep them informed as to the status. The auditor added that the budget must be amended before money is expended that would exceed the appropriation.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve a utility permit requested by Alliant Energy to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Kane and Iowa Townships along 79th Street. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
August 30, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of August 28, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to set Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the courtroom of the Benton County Courthouse, as the time and date for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Hawkeye Renewables, L.L.C. on a part of the NW1/4 and the NE1/4 SW1/4 and NW1/4 SE1/4 of 24-86-11 (Cedar Township). All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried. Marc Greenlee, Land Use Administrator, informed the board that the applicants had requested a land use change for 60 acres, plus or minus, located somewhere on a 217 acre parcel. Greenlee stated that he will conduct a review on the entire 217 acres, including corn suitability, notification of adjacent property owners, etc. Barb Greenlee stated that she has had numerous requests for the comprehensive plan and that the county currently does not have a document available for distribution. B. Greenlee questioned if the board would agree to pay to have the document scanned in by a third party into an electronic document. The Board requested a cost estimate, which Greenlee later reported to be about $80.00. The Board directed Greenlee to have the document scanned into an electronic format for distribution.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a request for a utility permit submitted by Qwest Communications in Section 28 of Harrison Township. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to authorize the chair to sign the contract and bond for Manatts for the project #LFM (201) 7X-06 to place subdrains along W24. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the receipt and filing of the annual manure management plan update for Rebuh Feeders located at 1230 51st Street Drive, La Porte City, Iowa. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the proposed land use policies submitted by the Benton County Zoning Commission. Rick Osterkamp and Steve Speidel were present for the discussion. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that he would like to set up a meeting with the zoning commission and going through the documents to discuss the various issues. Vermedahl stated that if the supervisors decide not to go further with the proposals then the board should discuss that with the zoning commission as to why. Supervisor Sanders stated that each board member should review the documents in detail and discuss those ideas prior to meeting with the zoning commission. Speidel questioned if the documents being reviewed included a zoning ordinance. Land Use Administrator Marc Greenlee stated that the documents being reviewed by the supervisors were the precursor to a zoning ordinance. Steve Speidel questioned why the Board didn’t do full zoning by creating areas that were low productivity ground as development ground and high productivity ground could never be developed. Greenlee advised that the LESA system (land evaluation site assessment) does in a way create zoning, but allows for exceptions, such as building next to a town with high CSR (corn suitability ratio). Supervisor Vermedahl added that the board needs to consider fringe area agreements with the cities so that development around towns is considered. Speidel questioned why developments close to a city wouldn’t be required to connect to city services. Greenlee stated that city services aren’t always available. Vermedahl questioned Supervisor Buch if he was considering county zoning instead of the LESA system. Buch stated that he thought zoning may be easier to administer. Greenlee stated that he does not hear an outcry from the public in general that they don’t like the current land use ordinance; however, Greenlee added that he does hear comments about the subdivision ordinance from a more specific group of people. Greenlee stated that in order to address the comments about the subdivision ordinance the county would need to go back to the way it was in the past where a subdivision could be developed anywhere except on high CSR ground and have individual wells and septic systems. Greenlee stated in his opinion there isn’t a lot of heartburn with our current land use policy. Greenlee added that the new land use system being proposed will be more difficult and that the point system will always be challenged depending on a person’s perspective as to how the points were assigned. Greenlee stated that changing ordinances to a totally new system would create a large learning curve. Supervisor Vermedahl asked that this matter be placed on a future agenda for further discussion.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #07-47 ABATEMENT OF INTEREST AND PENALTY. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #07-48, AMENDING RESOLUTION #07-46, FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN BENTON COUNTY AND BENTON COUNTY EMPOWERMENT. Voting aye were Sanders, Vermedahl, and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to allow Waypoint Service to use the courthouse lawn on October 15, 2007, for the entire day to promote the awareness of domestic abuse. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
David Happel and Barb Smith introduced Eric Jensen as the new director of the Cedar Valley Ranch.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to set the wage of township officials at $15.00 per hour, with a minimum of $25.00 per meeting, effective immediately. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the hire of Robert Condry and Harvey McNeal as part-time transportation drivers, effective August 30, 2007, at a rate of $10.57 per hour. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor, recommended the following wages be set for election officials, stating that election officials have a tremendous amount of responsibility and are constantly having to adapt to new legislative changes and sophisticated election equipment. Additionally, election workers are under a tremendous amount of scrutiny for the service they perform. Marlow added that by compensating these officials at a more competitive rate may result in more people being willing to serve as election officials as well. Marlow stated that election workers work a minimum of sixteen hours a day during general and primary elections and many times much more. Workers are required to be at the polling places one hour prior to opening and must remain at the polls until all results are transmitted and tallied. The recommendations were as follows:
Elections with the polls opening at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 9:00 p.m.: $325.00-Chairperson, $250.00 – Election Official.
Elections with the polls opening at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 8:00 p.m.: $300.00-Chairperson, $250.00 Election Official.
Elections with the polls opening at noon and closing at 8:00 p.m.: $225.00 – Chairperson, $150.00 – Election Official.
School of Instruction to be paid at $25.00 per school.
Mileage reimbursement at the amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Service, and only reimbursed for five miles or more. There will be no reimbursement for mileage under five.
Supervisor Buch stated that he believed the increase to be too much and recommended $275.00 for chairperson and $200.00 for election officials. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that he believed that the changes occurring in elections over the past few years has created a lot more responsibilities for election officials and he was not objectionable to the recommendations.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve the recommendations. Supervisor Sanders stated that he had concerns with that large of an increase but this was money being paid to Benton County residents and would probably be spent in Benton County. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
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Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor