Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 6/4/2019

June 4, 2019

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular adjourned session with Supervisors Primmer and Seeman present. Primmer called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Bierschenk arrived after meeting started at 8:55 a.m. Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously.

Marc Greenlee, Sanitarian/land use administrator requested that the board go into closed session to perform his evaluation.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To enter into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)i. Motion carried at 8:30 a.m.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To exit closed session and enter into open session. Motion carried at 9:15 a.m.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve farm exemption application for Matt and Tricia Miller in W1/2 SE ¼ 25-82-12. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded:To approve and sign ECICOG contract with Benton County. Motion carried.

Doug DeMeulenaere, Owner of Garling Construction along with Kate Robertson of Benton Development Group wanted to discuss some business expansion options with the Board. Currently Garling Construction is out of space and they are looking at opportunities to expand the business and is very interested in doing so along the HWY 30 corridor. DeMeulenare wants accessibility to suppliers with a better location that can attract more exposure and be able to hire more employees. Understanding that protecting good farm ground, he explained that if Benton County doesn’t take advantage of this opportunity and adjust, Tama County will benefit. His business pays a lot of taxes and he would like to keep paying Benton County taxes. DeMeulenaere wants to know what his options are for purchasing 5 to 10 acres. Chairman Primmer said there would be no contention from him, he said taxes are what runs Benton County and he appreciated Garling Construction wanting to stay and keep revenue in Benton County. Supervisor Seeman said he’d have a problem starting the business from scratch on farm ground and that he’d prefer to see something done on an existing acreage. When Supervisor Bierschenk was asked his opinion, he felt it would be a lot of work for the land use office and didn’t want to give the business “carte blanche” to find a spot.

DeMeulenaere thanked the board for listening, said he understands that changing the current zoning is a long process. He plans to look into more detail at a few potential areas of interest and possibly be back in the near future with a land use hearing.

Adam Rodenberg, WMA Project Coordinator discussed a potential partnership with the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship for wetland projects. This is a HUD grant that would help with the 90% partner share and help owners cover their 10% match. The Board was in agreement this would be beneficial to pursue.

Rodenberg requested that the board go into closed session to perform his evaluation.

Primmer moved/Seeman seconded: To enter into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)i. Motion carried at 10:24 a.m.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To exit closed session and enter into open session. Motion carried at 10:51 a.m.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes from May 28, 2019 with adding a name that was left off. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/ Bierschenk seconded: Approve and sign agreement to participate in the ISAC HIPPA Program for FY20. Motion carried.

Update on the flag pole dedication ceremony that might be August 17, to coincide with the sesquicentennial celebration, will make it official later when know more.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve hiring of Thomas Lynn and Leslie Wood, as part-time Reserve Deputy’s in the Sheriff’s office with both appointments fall under Resolution #18-14. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the suggested fees set forth by The Sheriff’s office for records requests to be as follows: Dvd’s $25, USB/Flash Drives-$30, Research time -$25/hour and postage/copy fees vary along with other civil fees that are set by the court. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve and sign IDOT Agreement for County Bridge Federal-Aid Funding Swap for Bridge over Wolf Creek, North of D65 on V37. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To adjourn. Motion carried.

_______________________________

Rick Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor