MAY BOARD MINUTES
May 1, 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 Sanders, to approve the minutes of April 29, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve Class B Beer permit for Watkins Community Athletic Association. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve application for a fireworks permit for Thomas Pingenot. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge a construction permit application for Cedar Valley Egg Farm LLP. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary Williams met with the Board to request approval of a provider contract. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to enter into the provider contract with Psychiatric Associates of Northeast Iowa. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Supervisor Sanders had to be excused from the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Kathy Jordan with the Department of Human Services Case Management met with the Board to provide a summary of services being provided through case management and projections for future services. Jordan also brought up the need for more office space and if there was space available in the Governor Sherman building, would the county consider leasing it. She was going to look into it more and get back to them.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the provider rates for FY09 and authorize the chair to sign the contract with Targeted Case Management Services between Benton County and Iowa Department of Human Services. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
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
May 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 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of May 1, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to set the rates for employee pre-employment physicals at Virginia Gay Hospital Clinics for “work readiness” physicals at $67.00 each and a pre-employment DOT physical, which are more comprehensive, at $87.00 per physical, effective July 1, 2008. Sanders and Buch voting aye thereon. Vermedahl abstained due to a conflict of interest. Motion carried.
The treasurer met with the board and requested that her FY08 budget be amended to allow for an additional $3000.00. The treasurer stated that the funds would be used for notifications for license renewals that are being done by a third party.
The Board met with the Veterans Affairs Commission about the passage of Senate File 2134, which awaiting the Governor’s signature. The legislation will require that the Veterans Affairs office be open a minimum of 20 hours per week and that the director and/or administrator be certified. Currently, the director is being paid for eleven hours per week. Walt Kollmorgen, VA Director, stated that he did not believe that 20 hours weekly was needed but the law will obviously require it on July 1, 2009. The board reminded the commission that although the law will not go into effect until July 1, 2009 (if signed by the Governor), budgeting will need to take place in January of 2009. Discussion was also held on the current office space for the veterans affairs department and the need for a larger area. In addition, the commissioners requested that they be allowed to hold their monthly meetings in the GIS room located in the basement. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to have the ceiling tiles replaced at the food pantry in the Governor Sherman Building, either by county labor or by accepting the bid of McDowell’s at a cost not to exceed $236.80, whichever is cheaper. All 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 public hearing on vacating a portion of road located in Section 34 of Benton Township south of 61st St. Ln and 32nd Avenue. Mark Harrison representing South Slope Telephone Company, Steve and Tanya Sheets, and Michael Ortner were present. Supervisor Sanders spoke on behalf of the Oak Grove Church. The county engineer explained that the proper notices and publications had been provided in accordance with law. The engineer continued to describe the specific portions of the roadway being considered and the need for easements if the road is vacated. Mike Ortner did not object to the vacation of the northern portion of the road, but was concerned about the width of the field drive/entrance and the maintenance of the road. The engineer advised that the road would be upgraded to county standards and then maintained as a county road. Harrison stated that the telephone company has phone lines located throughout the area being vacated and easement would be required. Steve Sheets advised that they would discuss the issue with the phone company as he plans to farm over the entire area, if the road is vacated. Supervisor Vermedahl questioned if the driveway was changed to a roadway if it met the county’s sight distance requirement. The engineer advised that he has not measured the distance, but the sight distance would be improved versus the situation at the intersection. Vermedahl questioned if measures would be taken to eliminate the possibility of the church accessing the property at the corner. The engineer stated that some measures would be taken by creating a ditch around the intersection adjacent to the church. Ortner questioned if the road to the east of the intersection is seal coated, if the road would be maintained in a relatively quick time since no grader would be within a mile. The engineer stated that trucks and not graders maintain hard surfaced roads and there could be an issue but that a truck may be utilized instead of a grader. Hearing no further comment, the chair declared the hearing closed. Moved by Buch, to vacate that portion of the road from Sheets residence north to Ortner residence, and then again beginning at the driveway located south of the church north to the intersection. Supervisor Sanders stated that he was abstaining due to his relationship with the Oak Grove Church and Vermedahl subsequently seconded the motion. Supervisor Vermedahl then questioned if action should be taken today or if the Board should wait until the engineer had all of the easements and necessary legal documents in place. Supervisor Sanders stated that the church would like this matter to proceed in a timely fashion. Vermedahl then withdrew his second and Buch withdrew the original motion. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, that the matter be placed on the May 20th agenda for final action allowing the engineer time to research and finalize the legal agreements. Vermedahl and Buch voting aye. Sanders abstained. Motion carried.
The engineer reported that the balance in the landfill on March 30, 2008, was $62,461.20.
Kenny Krug met with the Board regarding the potholes on 32nd Avenue south of Highway 30. Krug stated that the grader goes by and fills the holes with gravel, but the numerous vehicles traveling at high speeds quickly kick it out. Krug stated that a speed limit sign should be considered as well. Krug also voiced his concern on the amount of dust being created by the high volume of traffic and that the county should assist with dust control in front of his property. Krug stated that he would pay his portion as he uses the road, but there are 500 other cars using that road too. Krug stated that the amount of dust is creating problems with his buildings by plugging up gutters, etc. Krug advised that the DNR states that road dust is a hazard and the people creating the dust are responsible for the dust. Krug stated that he asked that the speed be reduced and it be enforced.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to set May 27, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. as the time and date for amending the FY09 county budget. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The auditor presented a revised 457B Plan for the Board’s approval. The revised plan complies with current regulations as well as deletes language regarding contract employees and leased employees are they are not allowed to participate in the plan. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-22 ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE BENTON COUNTY EMPLOYEE 457B PLAN. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
The Board reviewed and discussed the recommendations of the 2008 Grand Jury. Supervisor Sanders is to speak with the maintenance staff regarding ceiling tile replacement and mop bucket storage. The recommendations spoke to the window replacement in the courthouse, which was bid out earlier in the year. The need for a larger office for Veterans Affairs was discussed and whether an office could be rented somewhere. The Board noted that many of the recommendations are already being considered or in the planning stages.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the receipt of the annual manure management plan filed by Homer Narber Farm, Inc. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary Halstead, Transportation Director, told the Board that she is considering raising the rates to clients using the transportation service due to the increased cost of fuel. Halstead also stated that she would like to hire an additional full time employee as Virginia Gay Hospital is terminating their van service effective May 15, 2008; however Halstead did not know if the van service was being stopped permanently or not. Halstead also asked what the status of installing new garage doors on the brown parking facility was. The Board asked if Halstead had obtained two quotes. Halstead responded that she had one quote but would obtain another. The Board advised that the cement work would be done by the Secondary Roads Department; however Secondary Roads’ first priority was the roads and after the winter weather the roads needed all of the departments attention.
Robert Fischer, Attorney, and Tom Lindauer of Farmers Savings Bank, requested approval of Primmer’s First Addition to Benton County. The addition would be located in the NW1/4 of the SW14 of 26-86-9 and contain four lots. The auditor questioned the Lot A designation on the subdivision plat, as it appeared to be the public roadway. Fischer advised that Lot A would be deeded to Benton County for the public roadway. The engineer advised that Benton County normally does not take ownership to road right-of-way but merely has an easement, which is currently in place for that specific area. The auditor advised that Lot A would never show transfer of ownership and Farmer’s Savings Bank would be the owner of record. The bank advised that was not their intentions. It was determined that the Plat would need to be redrawn and resubmitted to the supervisors for approval. The issue of restrictive covenants was also discussed. Lindauer advised that the bank did not want to place restrictive covenants and the property. The auditor advised that she had spoken with the county attorney, and it was his opinion that the subdivision could be approved by the supervisors if a document was included stating that there were no restrictive covenants attached to the property. Fischer advised that he did not believe a document should be required stating there were no restrictive covenants. The matter was placed on the May 8, 2008, agenda for additional consideration and to provide for a revised plat to be drafted.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
May 8, 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 set June 3, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. as the time and date for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Stephen Gray on Parcel B in the SW1/4 SW1/4 of 32-86-10. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the minutes of May 6, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the liquor license for Bloomsbury Farms Inc. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve the liquor license for the Blairstown Demo Derby. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-23, REPEALING DRIVEWAY RESOLUTIONS. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-21, PRIMMER FIRST ADDITION TO BENTON COUNTY, IOWA RESOLUTION APPROVING PLAT. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
The Board discussed human resource consulting services and if there was a need. The auditor advised that if the county hired a consultant that she did not believe her office should be involved in the day-to-day administration and that department heads would have to be responsible for all aspects, including documentation, of those duties.
Mike Ruden of Durrant Engineering spoke with the Board about the current status of the courthouse renovation project. Ruden advised that one bidder was no longer interested due to the project not being large enough, including windows in the clock tower. The next bidding will be for tuck-pointing part of the project only and not any of the steel restoration. Ruden was advised that future meetings with the Board would have to be on the agenda and not addressed under public interest comments.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
May 13, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl and Buch present. Supervisor Sanders absent. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of May 8, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Bill Vanderburg, Vice President of Adkins Printing, met with the Board to discuss the county’s mandated replacement of the touch screen voting equipment. Vanderburg explained that his company will be replacing the touch screens with ballot marking devices. The Secretary of State will do the funding for the replacement, however Benton County will be required to return twenty-two touch screen units as a part of the agreement. The ballot marking devices will be delivered sometime around July 1st pending certification.
The auditor presented the County Optical Scan Voting System Funding Allocation Agreement between Benton County, Premier Election Solutions, and the Iowa Secretary of State. The Agreement provides that the Secretary of State will purchase 20 Automark ballot-marking devices from Premier Election Solutions on behalf of Benton County totaling $88,934. Benton County will be required to return 22 touch screens (DRE’s). Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adopt Resolution #08-24 COUNTY OPTICAL SCAN VOTING SYSTEM FUNDING ALLOCATION AGREEMENT. Voting aye were Vermedahl and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve checks numbered 99610 through 99883, and payroll numbered 99518 through 99609, 99884 through 99982, and ACH deposits numbered 2809 through 2905 and 2906 through 3004. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to authorize the chair to sign the HIPAA Business Associate Agreement with EideBailly, LLP, the county’s auditing firm. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to authorize the chair to sign the Letter of Understanding of audit services for FY08 with EideBailly, LLP. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Dawn Pettengill, State Representative, came to the boardroom to provide a legislative update; however the matter was not on the board’s agenda. The auditor stated that the matter should be on the board’s agenda; however Representative Pettengill disagreed stating that it was not necessary for her to be on the agenda, as no policy discussion would take place. The auditor stated that the discussion may evolve into policy discussion based on the new legislation and sought a legal opinion from the county attorney as to whether the discussion could be held under the “Public Interest” portion of the agenda. The county attorney opined that the discussion should be listed as an agenda item to allow the public the opportunity to attend if desired and that it should not be allowed under the public interest comments part of the agenda. Representative Pettengill subsequently left the meeting.
The county engineer provided an update on the Oak Grove Road project. The engineer stated that the project was probably at a point where a public meeting should be held with the affected property owners in the near future. The board requested another update be placed on the May 22nd agenda.
The Board held a meeting with the Benton County Conservation Board and city officials from Atkins regarding the Atkins Roundhouse property. This matter was placed on the agenda at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2008. The matter is being considered without the twenty-four hour notice requirement as it is deemed an emergency situation in that a threat to the public health and welfare may be imminent. This portion of the meeting was moved to the GIS Room in the basement of the courthouse. The Atkins Roundhouse property is property owned by Benton County under the management of Benton County Conservation. The City of Atkins leased the property for use as a city recreational area up until December 2007, when the lease expired. Atkins is still interested in renewing the lease agreement. The issue being discussed is the presence of numerous cisterns, wells, and tunnels, many of which are full of water and are either open or can be accessed by the public posing an inherent danger. The conservation department discovered the dangerous areas on May 12th and immediately placed caution tape around the area closing it and posted warning signs. It was determined that immediate action should be taken to address the hazards and that the area be closed to the public until an assessment by a professional could be done. The city advised that they would like the historical aspect of the area to remain in tact if possible. After discussing different ways to address the matter, the county attorney advised that he knew of an individual in Cedar Falls who was experienced in these matters. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to authorize the county attorney to contact a professional engineer about assessing the matter at the Atkins Roundhouse property. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board returned to the second floor boardroom, where Mark Pingenot met with them under the “public interest/comment” part of the agenda. Pingenot stated that his ditch was recently cleaned, but no seeding was ever placed on the slopes. Pingenot stated that he would like to see the county use the free native seed available to them for these types of areas. Pingenot stated that he checked and the county has not taken advantage of the annual free seed for the past three years, which amounts to about $10,000 per year. The county engineer stated that much of the native planting is done when an entire ditch is graded as a part of a road project, but that he assumed that the weed commissioner had been getting the free native seed every year. Supervisor Buch stated that he would speak with the weed commissioner about the matter.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
_______________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: _____________________________
Jill Marlow, Auditor
May 15, 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 May 13, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The auditor spoke to the board about engraving the large rock that sits at the southwest corner of the courthouse lawn. The board was in support of the engraving, pending the cost. The auditor also spoke to the board about replacing the crabapple tree that died last year along the south entrance sidewalk. The auditor also advised that they are still looking for large planters to place in the rock area along the south side of the courthouse.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the receipt of the application for a construction permit filed by Cedar Valley Egg. The construction permit is subject to master matrix review. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to set June 5, 2008, at 9:15 a.m., as the time and date for a public hearing on the master matrix review of the construction permit filed by Cedar Valley Egg, located in the E1/2 of the NW1/4 of 12-85-11, Cedar Township. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Benton County Attorney David Thompson met with the board regarding the Atkins Roundhouse property. Thompson advised that he spoke with several engineering professionals. The original engineer suggested was hesitant about working on this type of issue, due to the possible need for special equipment. Jerry L. Shoff, P.E., L.S. advised that his company had experience in these types of matters; however the engineer had concerns about the need to involve the Department of Natural Resources. The engineer estimated that two engineers could review the property and complete an initial assessment in approximately eight hours, at a cost of $92 per hour per engineer, plus expenses. Representatives of the City of Atkins expressed concern that it would take much more than eight hours to do an initial assessment due to the dense foliage and the size of the area. Discussion was held as to whether to allow a fundraising cross-country race scheduled for June 7, 2008, at the Roundhouse property. The county attorney advised as long as only participants accessed the property and they were not allowed to leave the trail areas, the race could probably be held. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to contract with Jerry L. Shoff, P.E., L.S. to perform an initial assessment of the Atkins Roundhouse property to assess the risk present and prepare a report to the board. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board began reviewing the historical application for the Herring Hotel in Belle Plaine. The application is to allow for placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
May 20, 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 May 15, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the receipt of the annual manure management plan filed by Rick Pickering in section 12 of Kane Township. 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 Craig Musil, the board took up the matter for consideration. 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 Canton Township. Hearing all comment, it was moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve a land use change on approximately two acres generally described as being a Part of the SE1/4 of the NE1/4 2-84-9 for a single residential use. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve engraving the courthouse rock at a cost not to exceed $400.00. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Larry Beatty and Renae Becker, representatives of the Benton County Zoning Commission, and Chad Sands of East Central Iowa Council of Governments met with the Board to discuss the zoning commission’s recommendations for land use in Benton County. A proposed map was reviewed that indicated where development could occur based on the LESA (Land Evaluation Site Assessment) system. The map indicated that all areas around rivers could be developed, with areas around cities having a chance of being developed. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that the map is a good indication of what would happen if the proposed LESA were adopted. Sands agreed that the ultimate overall goal is to protect prime farm ground. Vermedahl stated that the predominate portion of the area allowed to be developed is located in the flood plains. Sands stated that land in the flood plain is low CSR. Sands stated that drafts of the subdivision ordinance, LESA, and this map were being presented to the Board. A public hearing will need to be held by the zoning commission, and some changes made to the land use preservation ordinance, including set backs and definition of density. Vermedahl asked that the comprehensive plan be discussed stating that it appears that the comprehensive plan changes the method in which changes in land use are made by adding a hearing with the zoning commission. Vermedahl stated that the commission would be very active if they have to hear all requests for land use changes. Sands stated that the Code of Iowa sets out that process. Vermedahl also commented on the use of conservation developments and conservation design. Vermedahl questioned if there were any reward in the LESA for conservation developments. Sands stated that it was not, but could be added. Vermedahl also questioned the lack of language regarding fringe area agreements with the cities. Sands stated that the LESA provides points if the development is within a certain distance of a city. Vermedahl questioned the Capital Improvement Plan. Sands explained that this would include a five-year plan that addresses upgrading roads, purchasing equipment, etc. Sands stated that a Capital Improvement Plan would state how the improvements would be paid, etc. Vermedahl questioned if the supervisors would be required to go to the planning commission whenever a road upgrade is planned. Sands stated that it would not be required but might be advisable. Sands stated that the planning commission might have input as to whether a certain road should be upgraded, which in turn would encourage development in a certain area. Vermedahl questioned if any real changes had been made to the subdivision ordinance, asking specifically what the differences between the proposed and the current ordinance were. Sands explained that minor changes for clarification purposes were made to the water and sewer language, major changes to road standards, cluster subdivision and conservation design was added; fencing requirements, and other items. Sands stated that some standards had been relaxed with the understanding that the LESA would provide further guidance. The board questioned the relationship between the subdivision ordinance and the agricultural land use preservation ordinance. Discussion also included the need for central sewer and water requirements as well. Steve Speidel questioned why Benton County was considering a LESA system when the current land use ordinance was working for Benton County. Chairman Vermedahl stated that more thought needed to be given to the proposals before the board takes action accepting, modifying, or rejecting them. The auditor questioned what the procedures were should the supervisors decide not to accept the recommendations of the zoning commission. Sands explained what the options were available to the board stating that the board could ultimately reject all recommendations and adopt their own but added that working with the commission would be in the best interest of the county.
The engineer stated that he had not been able to determine where the actual ownership line was relative to the road being considered for vacation in Section 34 of Benton Township, south of 61st St. Ln and 32nd Ave. The engineer stated that he has contracted with a surveyor last week to determine the ownership lines but the surveyor has not had the time to conduct the required research.
The board spoke with the engineer regarding the litter clean up at the landfill. The board recently contracted with an individual to pick up the blowing litter at the landfill. The board directed the engineer to research contracting with Patrick Coleman regarding collecting the blowing litter at the landfill.
Supervisor Buch spoke about the county’s recycling program. Buch stated that he spoke with City Carton in Cedar Rapids regarding the cardboard recycling program. Buch stated that City Carton may pick up the cardboard and pay the county for the same. Buch also spoke about the need to replace the county’s recycling trailers and the cost to take unsorted recyclable materials to City Carton would be $25.00 per ton.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to authorize the chair to sign the Department of Natural Resources’ Permit for the Benton County Landfill. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Supervisor Vermedahl questioned the status of the fence behind the recycling trailers east of the courthouse. The engineer questioned if the trailers should just be removed. Vermedahl responded that the trailers would remain and that the fence should be constructed.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #08-25, AMENDING FY08 BUDGET WITHIN SERVICE AREA. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
Mary Williams spoke with the Board regarding application for a Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration grant. The grant would provide for education on substance abuse for juveniles in Benton County, provide for an individual to work within the schools to education, train, and assist with the early identification of children with mental health issues, and wrap around services. The grant may require a local match but may also allow for in-kind contributions. The board advised that they supported the grant application.
Mary Williams spoke to the Board about the Iowa Income Offset Program, which collects monies owing to governmental entities. Williams stated that this may provide an avenue for collection of monies owed for relief services. Williams stated that the county would be required to take the necessary steps to try and collect the money before submitting it to the Iowa Income Offset Program. The moneys are withheld from income tax refunds. Williams stated that over the past five years her department has been unable to collect approximately $16,000.00. The board advised that Williams should proceed with participation in the program.
The auditor spoke to the board about rental space for the storage of election equipment. The auditor stated that the new ballot marking devices are too large and heavy to store in her office or the attic. Marlow stated that she spoke with Child Advocate Services, who currently own the old West School building, and they have area available at a cost of approximately $300.00 per month since there would be no telephone, etc. needed.
State Representative Pettengill updated that board on legislative issues including changes to the composition of the E911 Board, the Governor’s veto of the collective bargaining bill, the Governor’s veto of salary increases to state officials, changes to the LOSST (local option sales and services sales tax) which allows the supervisors to change the intent of the voters and allow the use of the LOSST for economic development even though it was not voted on by the electorate. Pettengill spoke about the creation of regional appeal boards to the board of review, reduction in what the counties would receive in road use tax. Pettengill spoke about changes to the IPERS, its funding and contribution rates.
Pettengill spoke about the election reform bill and limiting the number of special elections.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to authorize the chair to sign the recommendation of the placement of the Herring Hotel at 7198, 13th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa, on the National Historical Register. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to enter into a Lease Agreement between Benton County and the State of Iowa for office space located in the Governor Sherman building. The agreement is for 865.5 feet at $668.00 per month, effective July 1, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
___________________________________
David H. Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: _______________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton Co. Auditor
May 22, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch and Sanders present. Supervisor Vermedahl was attending another meeting. Vice-Chairman Buch called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m.
The engineer reported on the status of vacating a portion of the road located in Section 34 of Benton Township near the Oak Grove Church. The engineer stated that Hall and Hall Engineering was on site yesterday trying to find survey stakes and are trying to determine the ownership and control of various properties involved.
The engineer also spoke about the Oak Grove Road project that will upgrade a gravel road to a seal coat road from the Oak Grove Church to Linn County. The engineer reported that Clappsaddle Garbers Associates is surveying the various road right away. Property plats will be completed in June 2008 with a meeting of affected property owners being held in June as well. Land acquisition for right away will begin after the meeting with the owners.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to authorize the vice-chair to sign the Federal Aid Agreement on Project #RRR-CO 06(76)-SR-06 (the vertical realignment on W28). Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the receipt of the annual manure management plan filed by Christensen Farms Midwest, LLC on the facility located at 1819 56th Street, Vinton, Iowa, located in Section 33 of Cedar Township. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to suspend the taxes on parcel number 170-07350 in accordance with Iowa Code 427.9. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to table the application for a Fireworks Permit submitted by Dan Freese on behalf of the Watkins Fire Department for a display to be held on July 5, 2008, pending proof of insurance. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board met with representatives of Pictometry to view a demonstration of their three-dimensional digital graphic representation of buildings in Benton County. Pictometry has received a grant, which will pay to provide pictometry of Benton County. Any future flights or maintenance of the data would be at the county’s expense.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of May 22, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 2:00 p.m. having arrived and this being the time and date for a bid opening/letting on the courthouse renovation project for the tuckpointing portion of the project. Three bids were received as follows:
Janssen Waterproofing, Inc., Van Horne, Iowa - $179,800.00
Renaissance Restoration, Inc., Galena, IL - $459,000.00
E & H Restoration, Davenport, IA - $228,151.00
Supervisor Vermedahl arrived at 2:20 p.m.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to direct Durrant Engineering to review the bids and determine the lowest most responsible responsive bid, and to return to the Board with a recommendation. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary Williams met with the Board to discuss her current year budget. Williams explained that based on her calculations her mental health budget will require a budget amendment for the current year. Williams explained that she had approximately $250,000 in expenses in May alone for mental health services. The matter will be decided on at the budget amendment hearing on May 27, 2008.
The board discussed the location of the veterans’ affairs office. Supervisor Buch stated that he and the veterans’ affairs director viewed an office at the building housing the Department of Human Services.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
May 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 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of May 22, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to approve checks numbered 99981 through 100185, payroll numbered 100186 through 100276 and ACH numbered 3005 through 3102, for payment. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to authorize the auditor to issue a check for the purchase of the Fry property purchased by Benton County Conservation at the time of closing. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Bush, seconded by Sanders, to approve a liquor license for the American Legion Post 57. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Buch, to approve the hire of Denise Schirm as a seasonal part-time driver for transportation, effective this date, at a starting salary of $10.57 per hour. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:30 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for a public hearing on amending the FY08 county budget, the chair declared the hearing open. Will Heber, Executive Director of Benton County Conservation, explained the current status of his budget and the need for an amendment to change spending authority in capital projects and within service areas. The county engineer spoke about the need to amend the sanitary disposal budget due to the purchase of equipment early in the fiscal year. The engineer also spoke about the need to amend his secondary road budget due to the expenses associated with snow and ice removal over the past winter. The engineer also spoke about the reduction in his capital projects and associated revenue due to bridge projects not being completed in FY08. Hearing no further comment, the chair declared the public hearing closed. Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adopt Resolution #08-26 BUDGET AMENDMENT. Voting aye were Vermedahl, Buch, and Sanders. Nays none. Motion carried.
The auditor presented a letter to the Board regarding the lease agreement with the State of Iowa, Department of Human Services Case Management. The letter is in response to issues raised about the handicap parking, which is under the jurisdiction of the City of Vinton, pipe insulation, and audible/visual warning signals. The letter also informs the lessee of various county policies. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to authorize the auditor to send the county’s response. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board reviewed the audit comments from the FY08 audit, including credit card usage, GASB 45 implementation, and payments for goods and services. The Board stated that the audit comments will also be reviewed with the department heads at a meeting scheduled for June 24, 2008.
Public Interest: Gary Rocarek questioned if the county had any organized plans for rural residents without basements to seek shelter. Rocarek stated that he had tried on several occasions to speak with the emergency management coordinator and has left messages, but has never received a return call. Rocarek stated that he came into Vinton on Sunday evening to seek shelter and was unable to find it. Rocarek asked what the county’s plan was to provide shelter to rural residents without basements. Supervisors Vermedahl and Buch stated that Rocarek’s concern was legitimate and should be researched further as to the provision of storm shelters. Supervisor Sanders stated that he believed that those persons should make arrangement with friends or family.
The Board discussed landfill and recycling issues. Buch stated that he has done further research into the recycling of the cardboard and City Carton has offered to take the county’s cardboard at no charge, while the county currently pays to have the cardboard taken. Buch also said the county needs to look at a different method for the collection of rural recycling. Buch spoke about utilizing dumpsters instead of the current trailer system. Buch stated that by using dumpsters the county could hire a hauler pick up the recycling materials. Supervisor Vermedahl stated that he liked the idea of having a private hauler pick up the dumpsters of recycling material and the hire of a person to help manage the landfill and recycling program. However, Vermedahl continued that the engineer should still be involved due to his technical knowledge. Discussion included having rural residential pickup for both garbage and recycling, with the expense being added to the rural fund levy thus eliminating all recycling trailers.
The auditor questioned if there were any additional vacant offices in the DHS building that could be used as off-site storage. The board was not aware of any with the new placement of veterans’ affairs in that building.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Sanders, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
May 29, 2008
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl and Sanders present. Supervisor Buch was attending another meeting. Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of May 27, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Tammy Wetjen-Kestersen updated the supervisors on the Decat projects and submitted an invoice for her fees. Benton County serves as the grant recipient for this portion of the Decategorization (Decat) funding. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve submittal of a claim for $4,582.00 for Wetjen-Kestersen’s services for March and April 2008 to the State of Iowa for Wetjen-Kestersen’s service. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Wetjen-Kestersen also stated that the Decat Board, which Supervisor Buch is a member of, approved an end of the year additional compensation of $3000.00. Benton County serves as a pass-through entity for the state grant funds, which is subject to the county’s budget control. Benton County currently has a contract with the Decat Board, which sets forth the amount of the grant funds being provided to them. The auditor advised that no mention of the increase was made during the budget amendment hearing held on May 27, 2008, and there may be issues with having budgetary spending authority. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to amend the current contract to request an additional $3000.00 of grant funds to be subsequently passed through to the Decatergorization Board with the stipulation that the county cannot exceed its statutory budget authority and if budget authority is not available in this fiscal year, funds may not be dispersed until FY09. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Wetjen-Kestersen also advised the Decat Board granted a 5% increase in contract fees for Wetjen-Kestersen in fiscal year 2009 for administration services, totaling $28,875 requiring an amendment to the contract with Benton County. Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to amend the FY09 contract between Benton County and the Decat Board to allow for an increase in administrative contract fees. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a fireworks permit submitted by Dan Frese on behalf of the Watkins Fire Department for an event to be held on July 5, 2008, at the Watkins baseball field. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the cigarette permit for Kimm’s Sinclair for the year beginning July 1, 2008. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried,
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a utility permit submitted by Farmers Mutual Telephone Company to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Canton Township, along 62nd Street. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to award the contract for the bridge project BROS-CO06(74)—5F-06 to Peterson Contractors, Inc. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Sanders, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor