MARCH BOARD MINUTES
March 4, 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.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the minutes of February 26, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The engineer reported that the landfill balance was $51,702.37 on February 29, 2008.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to adopt Resolution #08-8, CHANGE IN CLASSIFICATION AND WAGE FOR MIKE GARDEMANN. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
The time of 10:00 a.m. having arrived and this being the time and date for the first consideration of Ordinances #56 and #57, Local Option Sales and Services Tax, the chair declared the public hearing open. There was no one present for the consideration. The chair declared the public hearing closed. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the first consideration of Ordinances #56 and #57, Local Option Sales and Services Tax. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the FY09 wages and heard from the county treasurer and county attorney regarding staff salaries. The treasurer is requesting that her clerical employees receive $2000.00 increases and the county attorney requested that his office manager receive $46,000 but ultimately reduced it to $41,520.00. The Board did not take action on any wage requests.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to recess until 1:45 p.m. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The board was convened at 1:45 p.m.
The time of 2:00 p.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a public bid letting, the board proceeded with opening the bids as follows:
Courthouse window replacement (3 bids received only 2 had 5% bid bond):
VIS, LTD of Marshalltown, Iowa – $898,000
National Glass, Center Point, Iowa –NO BID SECURITY – NOT READ COVER LETTER STATED NOT POSSIBLE DUE TO SHORT TIME REQUIREMENT
Zephyr Aluminum Products, Inc., Dubuque, Iowa – $429,476.00
Courthouse Roof Replacement (2 bids received with 5% bid bond):
VIS, LTD of Marshalltown, Iowa - $419,000.00; Alternate: $10,000 (per representative is a deduct)
Renaissance Roofing, Belvidere, IL - $363,700; Alternate: Add $12,000
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the receipt of the bids for roofing and window replacement. That no action is to be taken accepting or rejecting any or all bids pending review by Durrant Engineering and consultation with the county attorney. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mike Ruden, Engineer with Durrant Engineering, explained the bell tower restoration project and associated costs and the options available to the county. The estimated cost of repairing the tower is $339,255. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to authorize Durrant Engineering to hire a hazardous material tester and to complete the bid documents for repairing the tower structure. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Representatives of the East Central Iowa REC (the “REC”) met with the supervisors regarding emergency road assistance for the REC’s electrical crews. Harry Ruth, Chief Executive Officer for the REC, stated that last week the REC needed to replace a pole along a road that had not been cleared. Ruth stated that the engineer’s office was called for assistance; however the request was declined. Ruth added that subsequent to that event he was made aware of a discussion that occurred at the supervisors’ meeting culminating in a county position that secondary road crews would not assist REC crews when the REC was trying to restore electricity. Ruth continued that the REC recently contacted several other counties regarding the level of assistance available to the REC in this type of situation (when roads needed cleared) and all of the counties contacted were willing to assist at all times. Ruth added that the REC only requests help when they really need it. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that the conversations at the prior supervisors’ meeting did not involve situations when county plows were out during the day, but only about emergency situations when the road crew would go out after hours. Vermedahl added the county’s policy is the crews will only go out if there will be loss of life and/or property damage. Vermedahl continued to state that the supervisors’ discussion focused mainly on what would happen in the evening and that Benton County does not have manpower for a 24-hour operation, adding that secondary roads has gone out and assisted after dark for ambulances. The auditor stated that the daytime issue discussed by the supervisors was the issue of pulling someone off a regularly scheduled route to go clear another route. Vermedahl stated that last week a judge tried to order the county to clear a road for a juror. Vermedahl added that it was necessary that the county plow roads in a coordinated effort and not jump around from situation to situation. Vermedahl advised however that the main conversation by the supervisors was sending road crews out in the middle of the night and whether restoring electricity was a life and death situation. Supervisor Buch stated that the REC’s policy and the county’s policy are two different things, clarifying that the REC goes out no matter what time of day and the county only goes out if the situation is life threatening. Buch added that the supervisors talked about whether it was life threatening if people are out of power in the middle of night or if restoration of power could wait until the next day. Gary Marlow, REC Operations Supervisor, stated that calling the county for assistance is always the last resort, adding that the REC attempts to find a farmer with a tractor close by to help. Bill Frazier, REC Director, added that the problem also is a lot of rural people don’t have tractors and that is why the REC was at this meeting today – to see if something could be worked out between the REC and the county. Ruth commented that the REC just wants to understand the county’s position, but that being out of power in the middle of winter can be an emergency. Ruth continued that if someone is out of power and has been out of power, they may have no heat, they may have medical problems or have small children. Supervisor Sanders questioned if the REC responds if just one person calls in. Ruth responded that the REC will send out a crew and not wait, as being without power is not acceptable. Ruth stated that the REC is owned by its members and the REC will serve its members. Supervisor Buch stated that it could be an issue for the county if the road crews are out for 16 hours and then we have to call them out again. G. Marlow reiterated that the REC just wants to know what their options are and whether the REC can secondary roads in that extreme situation. Supervisor Sanders stated that after giving more thought to the matter, that he would like to see the county work more with the REC (or other utility) and if assistance is needed during regular working hours, then the county should do what it can to help. County Engineer Myron Parizek commented that the secondary roads department and the REC have worked well together in the past, that there may have been disagreements at times, but in general the relationship has been good. Parizek continued that there may have been miscommunication with regard to the assistance recently requested during the day. G. Marlow responded that the bigger issue was situations more like the Sunday when the REC crew was stuck on a road. Parizek stated that there were whiteout conditions on that day and phenomenal situations and the he (Parizek) didn’t know the REC had a truck out and questioned if the need to restore power met the county’s emergency situation requirements. Parizek added that to ask secondary road crews to go out after working 12-14 hours shift would not be an easy task but the crews would do whatever is asked of them. Ruth again stated that the REC is not going to call secondary roads unless it is important, but questioned if the REC should bother to call at all. Supervisor Vermedahl responded that the county would try to respond to the REC’s needs. G. Marlow asked who should be contacted. Supervisor Buch responded that the REC should contact the county engineer. The engineer added that assistance will still be considered on a case-by-case basis and that there may be instances when no assistance will be provided. Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Ferguson stated that if it is a blizzard no one should be out there “period” and that the REC should take that into consideration before sending their employees out. Ruth responded that the REC will not risk their employees’ lives. Sheriff Forsyth added that if the State pulls in their plows then the conditions are pretty bad. G. Marlow clarified that the situation occurring on the Sunday in question happened when the weather deteriorated while the REC crews were already out and got caught in it. Supervisor Buch stated that the county knows the REC has a policy that the REC will go out. Ruth reiterated that the REC will not risk their employees’ lives. G. Marlow clarified that the county’s position was that the REC could contact the county engineer to request assistance, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Supervisor Vermedahl commented that according to the county’s ordinance and to the county’s insurance’s legal counsel, the county should clear roads the same way and plow the same hours all of the time. Vermedahl continued that the county has gone beyond that in the past and we have exceeded it a little this year, but if we have a maintainer that starts here and then has to come down there to deal with another matter and a house catches on fire back on original route that could create a problem, adding that being consistent is a hard thing to do. Vermedahl stated that the county wants to work with the REC. Parizek stated that the maintainers know better what they can do than he, but he doesn’t want to risk people or equipment damage, but if a call comes in the dead of the winter from the REC that they need help, then he will know that the request is the REC’s last resort. Sanders summarized that by helping the REC, the county is also helping taxpayers.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
March 6, 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 9:15 a.m.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-9, ADOPTION OF THE FY09 BUDGET. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Chairman Vermedahl opened the public hearing at 9:15 a.m. Farm Bureau representatives Al Schafbuch and Norman Sackett, media representatives Jim Magdefrau and Tom Lundvall, and County Treasurer Kelly Geater were present. The chair began the hearing with discussion on the compensation board’s recommendations. Sackett requested clarification on the legalities of accepting or reducing the recommendations. Vermedahl advised that the difference in the recommendations was an attempt by the compensation board to equalize salaries between the county attorney and the county engineer, and the treasurer, auditor and recorder with the county assessor. The recommendations were as follows: County Attorney - $83,500; Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder - $57,500; Sheriff - $70,000; and Supervisors - $35,500. Supervisor Sanders stated that the conference board set the FY09 wage for the assessor at $59,176.00. Supervisor Sanders commented that the recommendations were not unfair. Supervisor Buch stated that he would reduce the supervisors if it didn’t affect the other elected officials, but added that he cannot argue with the compensation board’s reasoning for the recommendations. Supervisor Vermedahl clarified that any reductions would be across the board. Buch stated that he would not jeopardize the salaries by reducing the supervisors. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the compensation board’s recommendations as presented. Schafbuch stated that it didn’t seem quite right that union employees would get an approximate 3% increase while people sitting behind desks more would get more. Geater responded that union employees get over-time pay, longevity, and sick leave, while elected officials do not. Sackett told the Board that the county needed to become more efficient in their work. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The chair continued the public hearing with discussion on the proposed FY09 budget. County Attorney David Thompson and Marc Greenlee as well as the before noted individuals were present. Supervisor Vermedahl reviewed various areas of the budget, including the tax levies, local option sales and services tax relief, mental health revenue; election equipment, software, secondary roads projects, etc. The chair asked if there were any other comment. Hearing none, the chair declared the public hearing closed.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adopt Resolution #08-9, ADOPTION OF THE FY09 COUNTY BUDGET. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
The Board discussed wages for non-union employees, who are not deputies. Requests had been made to allow the treasurer and county attorney to set the wages for their employees provided they stayed within their budget. Vermedahl stated he was not opposed to the treasurer’s clerks; however he believed that action was taken last year to bring the salary of the secretary in the county attorney’s office up. The treasurer stated that she has repeatedly asked that the clerks in her office get a dollar increase rather than a percentage increase as the clerks continually fall further behind when an across-the-board percentage increase is given. The county attorney commented that the supervisors had approved the bottom line of his budget and that he would like to increase Mary Ann Blumer’s salary to $41,520 and will accomplish that be reducing the requested FY09 salaries of the assistant county attorneys. Thompson added that an administrative assistant position has just been budgeted in the sheriff’s department at $34,500 and that person cannot have more responsibility than Mary Ann Blumer. Thompson stated that the salary of Blumer was increased last year to bring her more in line with the deputies in other offices and that the additional increase would help to equalize salaries with the responsibilities. Sanders responded that the sheriff’s assistant salary reflects an in-house employee and not a new employee.
The time of 10:00 a.m. having arrived and this being the time and date set for the second consideration of ordinances #56 and #57, Local Option Sales Tax, the board opened the matter for public hearing. There were no comments heard either for or against the ordinances, and hearing none, it was moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the second consideration of ordinances #56 & 57. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The board then discussed waiving the third consideration of ordinances #56 and #57. The public notice contained the necessary language informing the public that considerations could be waived and allowing for the same. Discussion included that the adoption of the ordinances were merely enacting the local option sales and services tax that passed at an election held January 29, 2008. Hearing no objection, it was moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to waive the third consideration of ordinances #56 and #57. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adopt Resolution #08-10, ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES #56 AND #57, LOCAL OPTION SALES AND SERVICES TAX. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
The Board then continued with discussion on wages for non-union employees. Al Schafbuch stated that as an outsider looking in that there should be a way for the department head to grant wages based on performance and if the bottom line of a budget is not affected, then he has a taxpayer did not object. Thompson reiterated that allowing him to readjust the salaries would not affect the bottom line of his budget. Thompson stated that Blumer’s reputation is excellent with persons whom she interacts. Thompson added that if the request is granted he would not ask for salary increases for Blumer in the future other than the cost-of-living. Schafbuch observed that in the event this individual would leave employment that the replacement would not start at the same salary. Vermedahl continued that the Land Use Administrator had requested an increase over 4% for his office staff. Vermedahl also stated that social services had requested larger increases as well. Thompson added that the way the county is set up, that department heads are in the best position to judge the merit of the work being performed within their respective offices. Thompson stated some of the increases requested would not shock the public. Supervisor Buch questioned the treasurer if she would have the money in her budget if more than four percent increases were granted. The treasurer responded that she did not. Vermedahl asked if $1500 increases versus the $2000 request would be doable in her budget. The treasurer stated that she would eliminate the part-time expense and move that funding to full-time salaries. The treasurer added that she should have been consulted prior to the board sending the budget to publication and before it was too late to change her bottom line. Marc Greenlee spoke to the Board about the salary of the assistant in his office. Greenlee stated that the assistant has a lot of experience and longevity in his office and with the responsibility of the position is why he recommended $40,000. Greenlee stated that the same issue arises with his staff as was raised by the treasurer that the gap continues to grow between positions. Greenlee stated that he doesn’t believe other positions are overpaid, just that his assistant is underpaid. Greenlee stated that he hoped that a correction in salary could occur for that position.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to set the FY09 wages for non-union employees, except deputies, at a 4% increase unless otherwise stated. Additionally, the following persons are approved at the following salaries for FY09: Mary Ann Blumer - $41, 520; Rosemary Sackett - $26,860; Joy McGowan - $29,860; Nancy Jorgensen - $24,200; Barbara Greenlee - $40,000. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sander, to direct the chair and the auditor to sign the farm lease agreement between Benton County and Tim Sage. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
March 11, 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 Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve checks numbered 98248 through 98535, and ACH payments numbered 2433 through 2525, for payment. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to authorize the chair and auditor to sign the farm lease agreement between Benton County and Robert McNeill for rental of the farm ground located in the E1/2 of the SE1/4 of 22-85-10. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary McLaughlin met with the Board to discuss an upgrade to the CMS scanning software. McLaughlin reported that research was done as to other software and it was determined that an upgrade to the current software would be the most appropriate. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to authorize the chair to sign an Agreement between Benton County and Tyler Technologies, Inc. at a cost of $8010.00 plus maintenance fees of $1,739.00. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
McLaughlin then spoke with the Board regarding the salary of her assistant, Roger Witt. McLaughlin advised that Witt performs many duties outside of his normal work, including overseeing the remodeling of the third floor restroom, the Courthouse 100th Anniversary, helping with sheriff’s squad cars, courthouse alarm system, taking care of emergency situations, i.e. the door at the Governor Sherman building when broken at the end of the workday, etc. McLaughlin stated that she knew she would have to stay within her FY09 budget when requesting $43,000 for Witt’s FY09 salary. McLaughlin stated that it is unusual for her department to request additional compensation, and that prior precedence has been taken. McLaughlin also stated with a new phone system being installed in the courthouse, it would require additional work for Witt. Supervisor Vermedahl questioned if Witt earned compensation time every week. McLaughlin responded that Witt is in the office at 6:00 a.m. and that he may take a couple of hours off during the day so as not to incur a great deal of overtime. Supervisor Buch stated that he did not disagree that Witt does do a lot of extra duties, as he is kind of a “go to” person. Buch stated that he did not believe he was taking advantage of Witt when asking him to perform various tasks and always figured that was a part of his normal job duties. Buch stated that he is not aware of Witt’s work schedule; but that Buch is aware that Witt maintains a part-time job as well and that he (Buch) has been questioned about that. Vermedahl questioned if the county should look at the compensation time that averages approximately six hours a week, adding that Witt receives approximately 2/3 of a day off every week. Supervisor Sanders stated that he is having difficulty wrapping his mind around all of the duties of Witt. Sanders stated that Witt is not using all of his work time on computer-related duties and how do the supervisors determine the salary of the position. Buch commented that departments were told that if additional wage increases were granted that the departments had to stay within their budget. Buch added that he is concerned that it is easy to say today that the differences in wages can be absorbed in the department’s budget; however come next spring those departments may be in trouble. McLaughlin reminded the board that Witt would be asked to do additional duties when the new phone system is installed, as it is a step up in technology. Vermedahl responded that Witt has always taken care of the phone system and that a keeping up in technology is something all employees must do. Sanders added that a cap has to be put on salaries at some point where only cost-of-living increases will be granted unless the employee takes on additional responsibilities or changes positions. Mary Williams was present and stated that county government is a different creature in that there isn’t promotional opportunities nor is the boss sitting there everyday for the employee to go to for direction. Buch stated that it is difficult determining wages as it is hard for him to separate the personal relationship with the business relationship. McLaughlin stated that it was very difficult for her to come to the supervisors and ask for the increased salary, as she is aware of the budgets and taxation. Supervisor Buch stated that he did not have a problem with granting the increase if the money was in McLaughlin’s budget. Sanders stated that $43,000 was a little more than he would be comfortable with. McLaughlin stated that some employees received over 8% increases last year and those same employees received larger increases again this year. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to set the salary of Roger Witt for FY09 at $41,500. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried. McLaughlin thanked the board for their consideration and thought given to the issue.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the minutes of March 4, 2008, and March 6, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to authorize the chair to sign a letter requesting an extension to the Community Development Block Grant for the Watkins wastewater treatment facility. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to enter into a contract with St. Luke’s Hospital for substance abuse and mental health commitments at a rate of $493.01 per day, plus the following individual costs: admission day - $156.00, daily care - $52.00 per day; commitment testimony - $104.00, and ER medical exam - $156.00. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The county engineer spoke with the supervisors regarding a change in work hours for the secondary roads employees. The engineer advised that due to the soft road conditions his employees are working from 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on a temporary basis. The Board discussed the plan for addressing the road conditions in the coming months. The engineer stated that it was too early to begin applying rock, but as soon as the conditions improve the department will begin.
Tammy Wetjen-Kestersen requested that the Board approve a bill for the Department of Human Services. Wetjen-Kestersen also updated the Board on the status of grant awards for Decatergorization as well as various projects including the community based family team meetings. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to authorize submission of a bill for $4,582.00 to the Department of Human Services for Wetjen-Kestersen’s services for January and February 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
March 18, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, and Sanders present. Supervisor Vermedahl was absent. Vice-Chairman Buch called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of March 11, 2008. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, that Benton County continues its affiliation with Abbe Mental Health Center in FY09 for community mental health services. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to set April 1, 2008, at 9:05 a.m., as the time and date for a public hearing on a construction permit application for a confinement feeding operation submitted by Martin Wiley of Wilco Farm LTD on a parcel located in the SW1/4 of the NW1/4 of 31-82-9. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve 12-1/2 hours of vacation carry-over requested by Penny Applegarth to be used no later than June 30, 2008. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-11, ABATEMENT OF INTEREST AND PENALTY. Voting aye were Buch and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
Ronald R. Buch, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
March 21, 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.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of March 18, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the liquor license including Sunday sales, and outdoor service area submitted by Tara Hills Country Club. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the receipt and filing of a new manure management plan submitted by Interstate Swine - Todd Wiley, owner, for Pig Palace, LLC, located in the SW1/4 of the SW1/4 of 9-86-9 (Polk Township). All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to sign the title sheet for the resurfacing project north of Norway, Project # STP-S-CO06 (75)—5E-06, to be paid from farm-to-market funds. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary Williams, Social Services Director, met with the Board to discuss the difficulty in hiring part-time office staff. Williams questioned if going through a temporary staffing agency would be a possibility. After discussing the issue, Williams advised that she would run another advertisement.
Mary Halstead spoke with the Board about installing new overhead doors in the brown transportation building. The board also discussed putting a cement floor in the building, as well; however, a cement floor would probably not be placed in the entire building. Halstead also spoke about the difficulty finding part-time drivers.
Halstead then spoke to the board regarding her FY09 wage. Halstead advised that after reading the actions of the supervisors relative to other employee salaries, Halstead stated that she believed that she should be compensated similarly. Halstead requested a wage increase to $42,000.00 based on the fact that she is a department head with numerous employees and responsibilities. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to set the FY09 salary of Mary Halstead at $40,000.00 and Dana Burmeister at $14.00 per hour. Sanders stated that he believed that an 8% increase is too large and would be more in favor of a 6% increase. Sanders questioned if Halstead would have the money in her budget if the additional increase was granted. Halstead responded that she did. Buch cautioned that there would be no budget amendments in FY09 if salaries were granted that were in excess of 4%. Vermedahl and Buch voting aye. Sanders voting nay. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
March 25, 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.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of March 21, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve checks numbered 98536 through 98836 and ACH payments numbered 2526 through 2619. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders to set a land use hearing date on Thursday, April 17, 2008, at 9:15 a.m., for Gregory Mason on a parcel located in the NE ¼ SW ¼ of Section 26, Township 85, Range 12. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders to set a land use hearing date on Thursday, April 17, 2008, at 9:30 a.m., for Tom Clemenson on a parcel located in the SE ¼ NE1/4 of Section 15, Township 85, Range 10. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the hire of Dick Gaffield at $9.00 per hour effective April 2, 2008, Les VanFossen at $9.00 per hour effective April 7, 2008, Ralph Jones at $9.00 per hour effective April 7, 2008, Zach Parmater at $9.00 per hour effective April 21, 2008. Luke Mornini at $8.00 per hour and Tyler Helms at $9.00 per hour with start dates to be determined later. All are to be considered seasonal part-time employees with Benton County Conservation. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary Williams, Social Services Director, met with the Board to discuss the FY09 wages in her office. She was asking for an increase to $50,600 for herself and $15.40 an hour for her office assistant Carol Zander. Vermedahl said that they’ve already set the wages at a 4% increase in the budget, and they did open it up for discussion to departments only if they have the funds in their budget for approval. Williams stated that she is very thankful for what she makes but in comparison to others she feels she deserves more as does Carol, and they are both very valuable to this county. Their job is constantly changing and requires them to learn new tasks daily to keep up with these changes. Williams has 17 years experience but she couldn’t do it without Carol who puts in 40 hours a week. She stated that she would at least like to see Carol’s increased even if hers didn’t. Buch stated that he doesn’t argue that they aren’t valuable to the county, but it is hard to compare departments with others. They are all good people and all do good work. Sanders stated that the 4% increase already granted was above the levels of inflation and that the board had brought her up more then requested in the past. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to set the FY09 salary of Mary Williams at $47,000 and Carol Zander at $14.25 per hour. Vermedahl and Buch voting aye. Sanders voting nay. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to authorize the chair to sign the labor contract between Benton County and Public Professional and Maintenance Employees Union representing secondary roads for the period July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Supervisor Sanders had to be excused from the meeting at 10:10 A.M. to attend another meeting.
The county engineer spoke with the supervisors regarding an adjustment for the salary of Penny Applegarth. He stated that employees in other engineers’ offices average $30,000 and that he does have it in his budget to give her that amount. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl to set the FY09 salary of Penny Applegarth at $27,517.78, an increase of $2,000. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The engineer discussed possible changes to the current driveway policy. Right now the current policy states that property owners are only required to pay for the cost of piping for drainage. He would like the board to consider modifying this resolution and require a permit or driveway fee for the construction costs also. Buch stated he would like more time to discuss this and have Supervisor Sanders present.
The engineer advised that the rock roads are starting to improve and some schools are now starting to do their regular bus routes. His employees are still working from 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for the rest of this week and will start working from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. next week.
The board discussed the waiver that employees are asked to sign for release of their driving records. It now includes consumer reports, which really isn’t necessary. Employees can get this record on their own and provide it to us but there may be a fee involved. One employee is asking to be reimbursed for a fee they paid. No action was taken.
Improvements for the brown transportation building were discussed with the engineer. They will need to coordinate a time where some employees from secondary roads have the time necessary to do some preparation before new overhead doors can be placed on the building. It will need to be done sometime before next winter.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Hayley Rippel, Deputy Benton County Auditor
March 27, 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 7:15 p.m. at the Luzerne City Hall.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the minutes of March 25, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders to set a land use hearing date on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 9:15 a.m., for Alice Timmerman on a parcel located in the NW ¼ SE ¼ of Section 33, Township 86, Range 10. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board of Supervisors proceeded with a joint meeting with the Benton County Firemen’s Association in regards to emergency response services when the county roads are impassable. Supervisor Vermedahl referred to the county’s ordinance #43 that establishes the policy and level of service in respect to clearance of snow or ice and maintenance of the county’s secondary roads during the winter months. County Engineer Myron Parizek and Sheriff Randy Forsyth were also present to answer questions from the firemen.
Moved By Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-12. Voting aye were Sanders, Vermedahl, and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #08-12
ABATEMENT OF INTEREST AND PENALTY
BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Supervisors that interest and penalty in the total amount of $3,318.95 is hereby abated on parcels numbered 240-15601 and 270-015652 and 370-01551 pursuant to the agreement entered into between Iowa Northern Railroad and Benton County. The treasurer is directed to determine the amount of abatement to be applied to each respective parcel.
Dated this 27th day of March, 2008.
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
__________________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
__________________________________________
Jason Sanders
__________________________________________
Ronald Buch
ATTEST: ______________________________
Brenda Sutton, Deputy Auditor
David Coulter met with the Board to update them on the financial status of Benton Development Group. There will be a $4000 short fall in this year’s budget but Coulter was confident that the Group would be able to raise additional funds by the end of this fiscal year. He is concerned about next year’s budget and wanted to make the Board of Supervisors aware that Benton Development Group may be $20,000 short.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the filing and receipt of the Manure Management Plan annual update from Derek Vopelak. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the hire of Jodeen Ludden at $10.00 per hour, effective March 27, 2008. She will be considered a part-time employee with Benton County Social Services. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve a claim for payment in the amount of $2000 to loan funds from General Basic to the Flexible Benefit fund. Said loan is to be paid back before the end of the fiscal year if possible. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Two members of the public were there to discuss the county looking into establishing flood plains in Benton County. No decision was made.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Brenda Sutton, Deputy Benton County Auditor
March 27, 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 7:15 p.m. at the Luzerne City Hall.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the minutes of March 25, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders to set a land use hearing date on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 9:15 a.m., for Alice Timmerman on a parcel located in the NW ¼ SE ¼ of Section 33, Township 86, Range 10. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board of Supervisors proceeded with a joint meeting with the Benton County Firemen’s Association in regards to emergency response services when the county roads are impassable. Supervisor Vermedahl referred to the county’s ordinance #43 that establishes the policy and level of service in respect to clearance of snow or ice and maintenance of the county’s secondary roads during the winter months. County Engineer Myron Parizek and Sheriff Randy Forsyth were also present to answer questions from the firemen.
Moved By Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-12, ABATEMENT OF INTEREST AND PENALTY. Voting aye were Sanders, Vermedahl, and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
David Coulter met with the Board to update them on the financial status of Benton Development Group. There will be a $4000 short fall in this year’s budget but Coulter was confident that the Group would be able to raise additional funds by the end of this fiscal year. He is concerned about next year’s budget and wanted to make the Board of Supervisors aware that Benton Development Group may be $20,000 short.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the filing and receipt of the Manure Management Plan annual update from Derek Vopelak. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the hire of Jodeen Ludden at $10.00 per hour, effective March 27, 2008. She will be considered a part-time employee with Benton County Social Services. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve a claim for payment in the amount of $2000 to loan funds from General Basic to the Flexible Benefit fund. Said loan is to be paid back before the end of the fiscal year if possible. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Two members of the public were there to discuss the county looking into establishing flood plains in Benton County. No decision was made.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Brenda Sutton, Deputy Benton County Auditor