FEBRUARY BOARD MINUTES
February 5, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
The Board canvassed the Special Election held on January 29, 2008. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the canvass of the January 29, 2008, Local Option Sales and Services Tax. The results reflect that the tax passed in all jurisdictions except the City of Walford. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the minutes of January 31, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:00 a.m. having arrived and this being the time and date for opening bids, accepting oral bids on rental of the county’s farm ground, and holding a public hearing on disposing of the county’s interest in real property through a lease of five years, the Board took up the matter for consideration. There were eight bids received for the county care facility farm ground, which were opened, and read aloud. The high bid being $16,000 per year. Supervisor Buch asked if any bidders wished to raise their bids. Hearing none, the bidding was closed. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to award the bid for renting the county care facility farm ground for three years to Robert McNeil at the rate of $16,000 per year. A lease agreement is to be entered at a later date. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
There were nine bids received for Parcel #1 of the landfill ground. The bids were opened and read aloud. The high bid was $165.00 per acre. Supervisor Buch asked if any bidders wished to raise their bids. Oral bids were submitted by Duane Andrews and Tim Sage, with Tim Sage submitting a final bid of $199.00 per acre.
There were nine bids received for Parcel #2 of the landfill ground. The bids were opened and read aloud. The high bid was $165.00 per acre. Supervisor Buch asked if any bidders wished to raise their bids. Oral bids were submitted by Duane Andrews and Tim Sage, with Tim Sage submitting a final bid of $199.00 per acre.
The Board discussed the bids and believed it in the best interest of the county to lease the landfill farm ground for a five-year period as advertised. There was no public comment heard for or against the five-year lease.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to adopt Resolution #08-5. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #08-5
WHEREAS, by the authority of the Board of Supervisors, public bids were received on February 5, 2008, on two parcels of real estate described as
Parcel #1: A Part of the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of Section 35-T82N-R11W (Leroy Township). Approximately 27.6 tillable acres; and
Parcel #2: 30 Acres more or less in the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of Section 35, Township 82 North, Range 11, West of the 5th P.M. (Leroy Township). Approximately 30.7 tillable acres
WHEREAS, Tim Sage has submitted a high bid of $199.00 per acre; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was conducted on February 5, 2008, on whether to lease said property to the high bidder; and
WHEREAS, the Board considers it is in the best interest of the Benton County to dispose of the county’s interest in the real estate by the lease of the same for a period of 5 years; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Supervisors that it is in the best interest of the County to lease the following described real estate and that the bid of $199.00 submitted by Tim Sage for lease of said property be accepted:
Parcel #1: A Part of the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of Section 35-T82N-R11W (Leroy Township). Approximately 27.6 tillable acres. Lease is for five years and is restricted to forage crops only; and
Parcel #2: 30 Acres more or less in the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of Section 35, Township 82 North, Range 11, West of the 5th P.M. (Leroy Township). Approximately 30.7 tillable acres. Lease is for five years and is restricted to forage crops only. Benton County reserves the right to use an additional one and one-half acres for spreading yard waste. Approximately five acres is scheduled for field tiling in the spring of 2008 and will not be available for seeding on March 1, 2008.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a lease agreement is to be executed at a later date for the real property set forth above.
Dated this 5th day of February 2008.
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
_________________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
_________________________________________
Ronald Buch
_________________________________________
Jason Sanders
ATTEST: ____________________________________
Jill Marlow, Auditor
Mary Williams, Social Services Director, and Julie Jetter, Department of Human Services, met with the board regarding mental health funding. Jetter explained step-by-step the process for obtaining additional state funding. Jetter stated that in order for the county to obtain an additional $449,000 in state funds, the state requires that the county raise property taxes to the maximum allowable.
Williams also spoke to the board about the need to amend her substance abuse budget. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-06, AMENDING THE FY08 BUDGET WITHIN SERVICE AREA. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #08-06
SERVICE AREA BUDGET AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, the Benton County Board of Supervisors adopted the FY2007 budget on March 10, 2006; and
WHEREAS, the Board now desires to amend said budget within service areas,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Supervisors the FY2008 county budget is hereby amended within the following service area: Service Area 3. The auditor is directed and authorized to amend said service area as needed.
Dated this 5th day of February 2008.
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
_________________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
_________________________________________
Ronald Buch
_________________________________________
Jason Sanders
ATTEST: ____________________________________
Jill Marlow, Auditor
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to authorize the chair to sign the Federal-Aid Agreement for the County Highway Bridge Program Project BROS-CO06 (74)—SF-06, for the bridge replacement on 68th Street over Prairie Creek. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The engineer spoke to the board about the staffing levels in his department. The engineer spoke about the open position of engineering technician and open positions due to retirement. There are thirty-three total positions in the bargaining unit, including the sanitary disposal units, and seven non-bargaining positions including the technician.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to make the annual appointment of Michael Beumer and Bruce Anderson as the Benton County Weed Commissioner and Assistant Weed Commissioner, respectively. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board worked on the FY09 budget for the remainder of the meeting.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried at 4:30 p.m.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
February 7, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Jerry Petermeier and Eric Jensen representing the Cedar Valley Ranch spoke to the board about the current boiler situation at the Cedar Valley Ranch. The current boilers are no longer manufactured and replacement parts are no longer available. The matter was just being brought to the board’s attention for future budgeting purposes, although it was pointed out that the boilers will only fail when being used and that would only be during the heating season and replacement will be critical at that time. The estimated cost to replace the boilers is $40,000. It was also mentioned that the roof on the white storage shed needed to be replaced and that a steel roof may be the best option.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the minutes of February 5, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The engineer reported that the balance in the landfill account on January 31, 2008 was $50,961.70.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to terminate the employment of Steven DeWitt, effective immediately, upon the recommendation of the county engineer and in accordance with the labor agreement between Benton County and the PPME, Local 2003 (Secondary Roads). All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to acknowledge the receipt and filing of the annual manure management plan of K & W Hogs. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to repeal the action taken on November 13, 2007, wherein the county entered into a contract with Durrant for engineering services for the courthouse renovation project, and to enter into a new contract with Durrant for the same engineering services and authorize the chair to sign the same. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board continued with work on the FY09 budget.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
____________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: _________________________________
Jill Marlow, Auditor
February 11, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in special session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present, for the purpose of working on the FY09 budget. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
The Board continued working on the FY09 budget.
Supervisor Sanders left the meeting at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
____________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: __________________________________
Jill Marlow, Auditor
February 12, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl, Buch and Sanders present. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve checks numbered 97612 through 98002, including ACH deposits numbered 2247 through 2338, for payment. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to authorize and direct the chair to sign the title sheet of the plans for the bridge replacement on 68th Street over Prairie Creek. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to authorize and direct the chair to sign the Certified Local Government annual report for the Benton County Historical Preservation Commission. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to set the employee share of health insurance premiums for non-bargaining unit employees and elected officials for FY09 at $0 for a single plan and $140 for a family plan, which coincides with the secondary road bargaining employees. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The finalized work on the FY09 budget and prepared for the meeting this evening with Farm Bureau. Discussion also took place on the recommendations of the compensation board.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to set March 6, 2008, at 9:15 a.m. as the time and date for a public hearing on the county’s FY09 budget. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to acknowledge the receipt and filing of the annual manure management plan filed by Swine Design (Jeff Kromminga). All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board recessed until their meeting with Farm Bureau.
The Board reconvened at 6:00 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Building.
The supervisors discussed the FY09 budget proposal, the use of the local option sales and services tax, mental health funding issues, and answered various questions presented by Farm Bureau members.
The Board adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
____________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: _________________________________
Jill Marlow, Auditor
February 14, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl and Sanders present. Supervisor Buch was absent. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
The engineer asked the board about the creation of an engineering technician position. Supervisor Vermedahl questioned if additional staff would insure that the Oak Grove Road project would be completed. The engineer responded that it would, as he does not have adequate staff to oversee the project. The engineer presented data regarding past staffing levels of the engineer’s office indicating that the department had additional staff in past years. The engineer explained that federal funding is requiring much more staff review, which is increasingly difficult to complete with current staff. Supervisor Vermedahl questioned if a technician would have the necessary knowledge and certification to oversee projects. The engineer advised that there are classes available to provide the necessary training. The position would perform in-house surveying and assist with creation of plans and documents. The position will require computer aided design experience. Vermedahl questioned how this would assist the engineer administrate his department. The engineer stated that it would provide more time for him to review and redraft ordinances, etc and other administerial functions. It will also provide additional time for the engineer to address landfill issues. Vermedahl questioned if this would provide more time for the engineer to address personnel management. Sanders questioned the level of education the position would require. The engineer advised the person would hold an associate degree in civil engineering or equivalent, with construction knowledge, surveying, and CAD application experience. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that he was supportive of the position. Supervisor Sanders stated that he wanted current staff utilized to their maximum potential before adding staff, but was not opposed to the new position. Sanders stated that the supervisors has been told in the past that the engineer’s office had adequate staff to perform certain projects, and now they are being told the staff is inadequate. Sanders stated that he is struggling with supporting the position, but if approved he wants to see projects completed and that the engineer will be held to the completion of those projects. Sanders stated that the Oak Grove project was allowed to slide again last year and that he wants to see the management go in a different direction towards completing those projects if this position is allowed. Supervisor Vermedahl agreed with Sanders comments. Sanders added that the supervisors should meet with the engineer and discuss specific goals for that department. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to allow the creation of the engineering technician in the secondary roads departments effective this date. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to acknowledge the receipt and filing of a Manure Management Plan by Prairieview Hog Farm, Inc. located in the NE1/4 of the NE1/4 of Kane Township, Section 33. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the FY09 budget and employee wages. Discussion included the consumer price index and various wage scenarios. No decision was reached.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
____________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: _____________________________________
Jill Marlow, Auditor
February 19, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl and Sanders present. Supervisor Buch was absent. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of February 7, 11, 12, and 14, 2008. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to acknowledge the receipt and filing of the annual manure management plan filed by Cedar Valley Egg Farm located in the NE1/4 of section 12 of Cedar Township. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to enter into an agreement with Ellsworth Municipal Hospital for substance abuse committals, effective immediately, at a rate $592.00 per day including doctor fees. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary Ann Blumer with the county’s attorney’s office met with the Board regarding holiday pay for part-time employees. Blumer explained that originally a trial was set for February 18, 2008, which was a county holiday, and a part-time employee would have been required to work. Blumer’s concern was that if a part-time employee is required to work a holiday that the employee should be compensated accordingly at time and a half. Blumer stated that part-time employees in the sheriff’s department received additional compensation when working holidays and questioned if the same benefits are awarded to all employees. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that consideration should be given to Blumer’s comments; however he was not willing to make a decision in haste. Supervisor Sanders concurred. The Board stated that they would research the matter.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
February 22, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl and Buch present. Supervisor Sanders was absent. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of February 19, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve 66 hours of vacation carry-over requested by Bruce Anderson, and 23 hours of vacation carry-over requested by Mike Beumer, both employees of the Weed Department. Said carry-over to be used by July 1, 2008. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to set dates for consideration of ordinances #56 and #57 as follows: March 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., March 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., and March 11, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Supervisor Sanders arrived at 9:20 a.m.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to release $5,000 of the economic development appropriation to Benton Development Group for the IBSSS Incubator. Buch and Sanders voting aye thereon. Vermedahl abstained due to a conflict of interest. Motion carried.
The Board met with the Grand Jury and discussed various issues affecting the county, including the FY09 budget, taking bids on replacing the courthouse windows and roof, county is obtaining a cost estimate on clock tower repair, location of the veteran’s affairs office, board meeting times and hours, maintaining the historic atmosphere of the courthouse, and security.
Representatives of AFLAC met with the Board to request that the county sponsor an employee meeting and allow them to speak to the employees about AFLAC. The Board stated that the policy is to allow a payroll stuffer informing employees of a vendor scheduled meeting that is to be held outside of county work time and off premise.
Supervisor Sanders left the meeting.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a utility permit requested by South Slope Telephone Cooperative to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way on 75th Street between 28th and 30th Ave., Section 5,6,7,8 of Florence Township. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to authorize the chair to sign the Federal Aid Agreement for the pavement rehabilitation project on W24. All members voting aye thereon.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor