NOVEMBER BOARD MINUTES
November 1, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch and Vermedahl present. Supervisor Sanders was absent. Vice-Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of October 30, 2007. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Mary McLaughlin updated the Board on the plans for the employee in-service day. The training will be on Friday, December 7, t2007, at 1:30 p.m. in the courtroom. Employees will be notified through a notice placed in their paychecks. Plans also include a presentation by the Iowa Public Employees Retirement Service
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the hire of Beth Zelle as a part-time communications officer, effective November 1, 2007, at a wage of $11.16 per hour and up to $12.66 per hour after completing all training and certification. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Dave Wiebbecke, the Board took up the matter for consideration. David Thompson, county attorney, Dave Wiebbecke, and Ken Dolezal, attorney for Wiebbecke, were present. Marc Greenlee, Land Use Administrator, presented the technical review in accordance with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. The request is for a land use change to allow the construction of a pole building to be used solely for storage on a parcel located in the NE1/4 of the SE1/4 of section 22 of Benton Township. Greenlee reminded the board that a prior land use hearing was held on February of 2005 on this same parcel and was denied due to the corn suitability ratio (CSR). Greenlee advised that there will be no need for well or septic for this type of structure. The poles have already been placed in the ground, which was a violation of the land use ordinance. However, the county attorney commented that after the investigation of the matter, it was his belief that it was a simple misunderstanding by Wiebbecke. Thompson stated that Wiebbecke was denied residency and since he was changing the use of the land for the purpose of a storage building, Wiebbecke did not realize that he should re-apply for the change in land use. Dolezal commented that his client had no desire to create difficulties in the community, but that he wanted to make improvements and put his belongings in storage with no intent to use the building as a residence. Thompson reminded the board that there is a pending appeal with the Supreme Court on the prior denial of a land use change. But referred to topographical conditions he could qualify for a variance per Iowa code section 7:4.32. Dolezal added that this particular piece of ground has a significant amount of trees and is along a slope and in his opinion it was not good for agricultural use. Supervisor Vermedahl questioned if the decision today would affect the appeal to the Supreme Court. Dolezal responded that the property’s been taxed as residential for 20 plus years and will continue its current use. Hearing all comment, it was moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a land use change on approximately a 40’ X 54’ area located on a two acre parcel generally described as being a part of NE1/4 SE1/4 of 22-85-9. The change is to allow for a pole building to be constructed for use as storage only. Thompson questioned Wiebbecke if once the building is constructed if the property would get cleaned up and all of his belongings placed inside. Wiebbeke agreed it would. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve vacation carryover of 56-hours for Carol Zander. Said carry-over is to be used by April 1st, 2008. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:45 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a public hearing on amending the Benton County MH/MR/DD Management Plan, and finding that notice of the hearing had been published in accordance with law, the chair opened the public hearing. There were no members of the public present. Mary Williams, Director of Benton County Social Services, detailed the various changes being proposed to the board. Hearing no further comment, the public hearing was closed. It was moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve and amend the MH/MR/DD Management Plan as presented. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a utility permit requested by Farmers Mutual Telephone to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Section 3 of Canton Township. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the seasonal lighting of the courthouse and an offer from the city to buy additional lighting. The Board requested that the matter be put back on the agenda when all three supervisors are present and the county auditor to make the final decision.
The Board discussed the possible uses for the local option sales tax should the issue pass in January. Supervisor Buch asked the county engineer to consider what uses for the money he might have and then discuss it further at the next meeting. The Board will continue discussing the issue and has invited a Farm Bureau representative to attend.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
David Vermedahl, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Hayley Rippel, Deputy County Auditor
November 6, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of November 1, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #07-55, AMENDING THE FY08 BUDGET WITHIN SERVICE AREA. Voting aye were Sanders, Vermedahl, and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
Supervisor Vermedahl updated the board on the seasonal lighting on the courthouse lawn. The City of Vinton Electric Utility had suggested placing permanent lighting on the two large evergreens on the south lawn. The utility advised that after researching the cost, determined it to be expensive. The utility also determined that the other trees on the south corners of the courthouse lawn are too large to consider lighting.
Scott Hansen, EMA, met with the Board to request approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant Application. Hansen reviewed the grant application with the Board. Auditor Marlow questioned the language requiring participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Hansen advised that he researched the question briefly and understood that the county would be required to join the NFIP prior to be awarded the grant. The auditor reported that the application included language that the county would incorporate the Hazard Mitigation Plan into the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinances, etc as well as require the county. Marlow also questioned language that stated that recipients located in special flood hazard area would be required to purchase flood insurance. Marlow asked if that would require property owners with structures located in the flood plan to purchase flood insurance. Supervisor Vermedahl asked that the matter be placed on the next agenda for action.
Mary Williams, Social Services Director, and Jackie Michael met with the Board regarding emergency committals. Williams and Michael explained that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find placements. Williams stated that Benton County no longer has a contract with St. Luke’s hospital, and that she has contacted Allen Hospital but has not been able to negotiate a contract at this time. Williams asked that a meeting be held between the county attorney, sheriff, magistrate, supervisors, clerk of court and herself to discuss the various issues involved with committals and try to resolve the issues. Michaels questioned what the liability to the county was when a placement cannot be found. Williams stated that a contract with St. Luke’s was not pursued because of payment issues, although they probably have the most beds available. The Board agreed that a meeting should be conducted. Williams was directed to coordinate a meeting of the affected parties.
Mary Williams also discussed procedures for her department notifying committals that they may be responsible for some of the financial liability. Williams also discussed the legislation that allows transfers into the mental health fund this year from other sources, including Decategorization money. Williams also provided the responses from a survey her office recently conducted regarding services being provided. Williams also advised that a hearing has been scheduled regarding a client and the county may be able to recoup $19,000.00.
The Board continued their discussion on land use policies. Chad Sands, Planner with ECICOG stated that a map of future land use was discussed; however the zoning commission was not in favor of including a map. Sanders questioned what the difference between the map and zoning. Sands stated that the map would not carry any weight of law as zoning did. Vermedahl questioned if the map could take the place of the LESA (Land Evaluation & Site Assessment) system. Sands stated that the map does not have legal weight and that an ordinance would need to be adopted to give the county the authority to enforce the land use plan map. Sands added that a LESA system may not be required. Sands stated that the Zoning Commission did not want zoning and therefore the LESA system was developed. Vermedahl commented that the advantage of LESA is flexible so that change can easily be incorporated, i.e. hard surfacing a road would change the points in a certain area where a zoning map would have to be changed. Vermedahl questioned if the zoning commission considered allowing growth in certain areas, i.e. Highway 30. Sands stated that the zoning commission did not want zoning or a land use map. The commission’s primary goal was to protect agricultural land and the committee determined that the land along Highway 30 was prime agricultural land and therefore should not be developed. Sanders stated that enforces the supervisors’ interpretation that the plans do not include economic development. Sands stated that the LESA system could be changed to allow for economic development, but reiterated that the commission’s primary goal was to protect good agricultural land. Steve Speidel stated that the supervisors have to go back to the beginning and change Benton County from being 100% agricultural. Sands added that Benton County is currently zoned agricultural and any changes must go through the land use change process. Sands stated that if the county has an area for future growth and the remainder is left to agricultural land, it allows the county to direct growth, which ultimately then preserves the agricultural land. The Board directed Sands to reconvene the zoning commission and ask that they address economic development and the creation of a future land use map using the LESA system. Sands stated that it would probably be two months before he could return with updated documents.
The Board continued discussions on the use of local option sales tax generated by the rural area of the county. Representatives of Farm Bureau were in attendance for the discussion. Al Schafbuch stated that he believed that property tax relief should be a part of the use. Schafbuch stated that use should include secondary roads so that the roads would be better maintained and snow removed. Sanders stated that he believed that the revenue should be used for services in the rural area, as these are funds being derived from the rural residents. The matter is on the November 8th agenda for further discussion and action.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve a utility permit requested by East Central Rural Electric Cooperative to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Section 20 of Kane Township, along 12th Avenue. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a utility permit requested by East Central Rural Electric Cooperative to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Polk and Benton Townships along 30th Avenue, 56th Street Trail, 32nd Avenue, and 58th Street Drive. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The engineer reported that the balance in the landfill bank account on October 31, 2007, was $37,865.21.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
________________________________
Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ____________________________
Jill Marlow, Auditor
November 8, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
William Heber, newly appointed conservation director, introduced himself to the board of supervisors. Heber started his position on Wednesday, November 7, 2007. Bob Mahood, chairman of the Benton County Conservation Board, also gave an update on the progress of the ranger’s residence at Hannen Park. Mahood advised that work is being done on the plumbing and the conservation board estimates that the residence will be ready for the Hannen Park ranger to move into the house by the first of 2008. Heber spoke about the need for an office for the executive director, as well as storage space. It was suggested that the conservation board look into room availability at the Department of Human Services building for a temporary solution. Mahood, Heber, and Nancy Beckman will return to the board of supervisors to discuss further details.
It was also agreed that Heber would continue to meet with the supervisors after the monthly conservation board meetings and to update the supervisors on activities within his department.
Scott Hansen, Emergency Management Agency coordinator, met with the Board to request that they not approve the Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant at this time, due to the requirement that the county be a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which Benton County does not. Hansen advised that the county should invite an (NFIP) representative to a meeting to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of participating in this program.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #07-56, A RESOLUTION FOR A PUBLIC REFERENDUMN TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPOSITION OF A LOCAL SALES AND SERVICES TAX IN THE UNINCORPORTATED AREA OF BENTON COUNTY, IOWA AT THE RATE OF 1%. Voting aye were Sanders, Vermedahl, and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl to approve the Veteran’s Quarterly Report for the period ending September 30, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
________________________________
Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ____________________________
Hayley Rippel, Deputy Auditor
November 13, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of November 6, 2007 and November 8, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve checks numbered 95821 through 96148, and payroll numbered 95734 through 95820, and ACH checks numbered 1590 through 1682, for payment. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The time of 9:00 a.m. having arrived, the board took up the action of canvassing the results of the regular city elections held on November 6, 2007. Having reviewed the tally lists and the total votes cast, it was moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve and certify the election results for the November 6, 2007, Regular City Elections. The results of the canvass are to be recorded in the official records of the Benton County auditor. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to authorize the chair to sign an amendment to the Community Development Block Grant contract #03-WS-040. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to authorize the chair to sign the agreements with The Durrant Group, Inc. for engineering services relative to the Benton County courthouse rehabilitation. The scope of the work is to include window replacement, plexiglass removal/replacement in clock tower, complete roof removal and installation of new roofing, painting of dome at clock tower, structural repairs to clock tower including floor slabs, stairs and railings, steel beams, tuck pointing of clock tower, damaged roof flashing replacement, and repair/replace wood face of clock in clock tower. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Kevin Paulsen, RSM McGladrey, met with the Board to provide an update on the evaluation process being developed. Paulsen reviewed the results of a survey completed by department heads regarding employee evaluations, a timetable for training, and a proposed evaluation form. Paulsen reviewed the evaluation form extensively and responded to the supervisors’ questions. A meeting with department heads regarding the evaluation process is scheduled for November 20, 2007.
Kenny Krug met with the board under public participation. Krug spoke to the board about the need for dust control on gravel roads, and specifically 32nd Avenue south of Highway 30. Krug provided statistics about the amount of dust being generated by traffic on gravel roads. Krug stated that he has lived at his residence for over fifty years and had no idea that the dust would be the problem that it has become. Krug stated that he should not have to pay for dust control by his residence when he does not create it. Krug added that the amount of dust has created health concerns for him. Krug asked that the board consider the problem with dust be created in the rural area.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve a utility permit requested by Farmers Mutual Telephone to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Section 23 of Benton Township, along 59th Street Trail. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The engineer spoke to the board about the cost to charge for sand/salt mixture for the 2007 winter season. Last year the cost of sand/salt was $22.00/ton for cities and $25.00/ton to private businesses. The engineer requested that the price be increased to $22.50 per ton for cities and $26.00 per ton for private businesses. Supervisor Buch questioned why the difference in cost. Buch questioned if the $22.50 covered the county’s cost, and if so, why was there and additional cost for the private sector. The engineer stated that the difference amounted to the amount of sales tax; however the county does not charge sales tax. Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to increase the price of salt/sand mixtures to $22.50 per ton for cities and $26.00 per ton for private businesses for the 2007/2008-winter season. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Supervisor Buch spoke to the board about adding a security switch to the cameras in the treasurer’s office. Buch is to research the cost of the switch and the matter is to be discussed at a future meeting.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
November 15, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Vermedahl and Buch present. Supervisor Sanders was absent. Vice-Chairman Vermedahl called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of November 13, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve 13.5 hours of vacation carry-over requested by Delane Kalina, said carry-over is to be used no later than April 1, 2008. Both members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Supervisor Sanders arrived at 9:15 a.m.
The Board discussed the treasurer’s request to be able to view cameras located in the treasurer’s north office from the treasurer’s desk located in the south office. Roger Witt reported on the costs of installation of the switch. Witt advised that a multiplexer could be installed that will allow the cameras to automatically scroll and be displayed all at once. Witt reported that the cost of a multiplexer unit is $721.00 plus $400 installation. The other switch allows only one camera to be displayed at a time and would require the treasurer to manually select cameras for viewing at a cost of $209.00 plus $400 installation. Witt reported that the treasurer would like to be able to view all cameras at one time, which would require the more expensive unit. Supervisor Buch stated that he would like to see the multiplexer unit installed as well. Buch advised that the treasurer stated that she could not pay for the camera switch from her budget. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the installation of a multiplex camera switch in the treasurer’s office. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The board discussed the zoning commission membership and whether to reduce it to seven or leave it at nine members. The matter is to be placed on a future agenda for additional consideration.
The board discussed emergency committals with interested parties and the problems being faced with emergency placements. Representatives from the sheriff’s office, social services, judicial system, and the county attorney were present. The discussion is summarized that the lack of space available for emergency placements is a statewide problem and the issue needs to be addressed legislatively.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
November 20, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with all members present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve the minutes of November 15, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board briefly discussed the fiscal year 2009 budgets, the potential increases and/or decreases in funds, and directions for county officers. This discussion was to prepare the board for a meeting later in the meeting with department heads.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve 37.5 hours of vacation carry-over requested by Mary Ann Blumer with the carry-over to be used no later than May 1, 2008. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to appoint the following persons to fill the vacancies on the Benton County Zoning Commission with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2007: Ranae Becker of Vinton and Diane Pickart of Keystone.
All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to order a recount of the ballots cast in the Regular Belle Plaine city election for the position of mayor pursuant to a request filed by Jack Clement. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to acknowledge the receipt and filing of the annual manure management plan update for Cedar Valley Farms located at 2188 78th Street, Blairstown, Iowa. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board met with the department heads to discuss the employee performance appraisal process being developed by RSM McGladrey, Skills Advantage, fiscal year 2009 budgets, and various employee management and handbook policies.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve and sign the final Iowa Department of Transportation progress voucher for the project #FM-CO06 (72)—55-06 for the Shellsburg resurfacing. Buch and Vermedahl voting aye. Sanders absent. Motion carried.
The engineer on the status of the Luzerne bridge, which he hopes to be open the week of November 26, 2007; the bridge project located northwest of Garrison, which should be accessible to the traveling public on November 21, 2007 after the final dirt work is done; and the bridge northeast of Urbana, which still needs side railing but should be open sometime the week of November 26, 2007.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve utility permits requested by East Central Iowa REC to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Section 30 of Benton Township along 28th Avenue and in Sections 29/32 of Benton Township along 61st Street. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Sanders, to approve a utility permit requested by Alliant Energy to place utility lines in the county’s right-of-way in Section 23 of Iowa Township along 77th Street Drive. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board received the final results of the recount board in regard to the recount of ballots cast for the mayor’s race in the City of Belle Plaine at the regular city election held on November 6, 2007. The auditor’s office reported that the recount board hand tallied the ballots with a result of James Daily – 275 votes and Jack Clement – 256 votes. Members of the recount board were Marge O’Brien (Daily’s representative), Becky Douglas (Clement’s representative) and Jeff Tilson (chosen by the other two members of the recount board). The Board found that the results of the recount board did not change the winner of the race declared at the canvass on November 13, 2007. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, that the records maintained in the auditor’s office be changed to reflect the results of the recount board and to restate that James Daily remains the winner of the Belle Plaine mayor’s race voted on at the regular city election held on November 6, 2007, and canvassed on November 13, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
__________________________________
Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor
November 27, 2007
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Buch, Vermedahl, and Sanders present. Chairman Sanders called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to approve the minutes of November 20, 2007. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to approve checks numbered 96149 through 96480, and ACH checks numbered 1683 through 1870, for payment. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to set December 20, 2007, at 9:15 a.m., as the time and date for a public hearing on a land use change requested by Mike and Kathy Becker, on a parcel located in the SW1/4 of the SW1/4 of 26-83-9. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, that Benton County utilize the Skills Advantage program available through Kirkwood Community College for use when considering future applicants for county employment by encouraging applicants to take the Skills Advantage testing to demonstrate their skills in certain areas. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to acknowledge the receipt of a new manure management plan filed by Rick Selk at 65th Street, Dysart, located in NE/14 of the NW1/4 of 21-84-12. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the hours for non-bargaining employees on December 24, 2007. The county treasurer had brought the matter to the board for consideration at an earlier meeting. Supervisor Vermedahl conferred with the county’s union negotiator, who stated that there were no issues with giving non-bargaining employees time off. Supervisor Buch stated that there was very little activity at the county offices during the afternoon on December 24th. Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, that all non-bargaining county employees be allowed to leave on December 24, 2007, at 1:00 p.m., with pay. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried. Further discussion then ensued resulting in Vermedahl moving to rescind his second and Buch rescinding his motion. All members voting aye to rescind the prior motion.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to allow all full-time non-bargaining county employees to take 3-1/2 hours of paid leave on December 24th with offices closing at noon. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
The Board briefly discussed the strategy being taken relative to the union negotiations with secondary roads. This matter is exempt from Chapter 21 pursuant to Iowa Code 20.17(3).
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adopt Resolution #07-57, Benton-Iowa County Line Road Agreement. Voting aye was Sanders, Vermedahl, and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the problem of the lack of enforcement of the recycling ban at the landfill. The board discussed the imposition of a zero tolerance ban and its potential affect on haulers and users. The Board spoke about enforcement of the current ordinance and determined that this matter needed further discussion at a future meeting.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to state that it is in the best interest of the county that an annual event is held, which provides employee in-service training and recognition as it educates employees, increase morale, and increases employee safety, productivity, and better public service. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to begin development of a policy on post-offer pre-employment drug screening of all county employees. The county auditor is to provide a draft policy for consideration. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
Discussion on the Internal Revenue Service guidance regarding the taxability of cell phone usage was discussed. The Board advised that the county currently has a policy prohibiting the use of county equipment for personal use and that any violation of the policy is the department head’s responsibility to enforce. Therefore, the personal use of cell phones exceeding incidental use would be the department head’s responsibility to notify the auditor’s office regarding the taxable fringe benefit being included in the employee’s taxable income as well as any other action necessary.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adopt Resolution #07-58, AMENDING THE BENTON COUNTY EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK, SECTION . MILEAGE AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. Voting aye were Sanders, Vermedahl, and Buch. Nays none. Motion carried.
Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried.
___________________________________________
Jason Sanders, Chairman
ATTEST:___________________________________
Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor