Government : Benton County Supervisor Notes for 5/6/25

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Benton County Service Center Conference. Present were all three supervisors Tracy Seeman, Ron Tippett and Bruce Volz. To watch the meeting click HERE.

The agenda was approved following the removal of the item to "Approve/Sign Purchase Agreement(s) for permanent & temporary easement for bridge replacement project on 54th St in Cedar Twp."

The minutes were approved.

A correction was made to appoint Roni Frye as Monroe Township Clerk.

Barb Fetzer set a land use hearing date for Kevin and Susan Hagen for Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 9:15 a.m.

A discussion concerning a water line at the Service Center was held. Seeman said that approximately $8,000 has been spent to patch the line so far. He said five years ago when he saw the line, the cast iron is in really bad condition. It would cost approximately $17,000 to bore a new line. Rick Wood, discussed the the path that would need to be taken to connect the city water line to the building and the cost. A motion was made to discuss final plans at a future meeting.

There was also a discussion of the need to replace the air conditioner in the Recorder's Office. It was last replaced in 1996-97. A motion was made to replace the unit with Rabe Hardware.

Kyle Helland of Helland Surveying sought approval of a final plat for Carver Road Addition Subdivision. Resolution 2532 was approved.

The Supervisors voted to approve the abatement of taxes due on parcel #280-01390 in the amount of $20.00.

Hayley Rippel a member of the Opioid Committee, began the discussion of using the Opioid grant funds to pay for the transportation of people leaving the jail following an arrest. Discussion included the need for people who may not have a ride or family and friends who could provide this. Shelby Chekal said that in addition to inmates, sometimes people just show up without a destination. The Sheriff's Department has no idea where they are from and needs a quick solution. She suggested offering a ride to Cedar Rapids' Linn County Mental Health Access Center. Chekal said that there is onsite mental health and/or substance abuse assessments with crisis stabilization beds to help persons for up to five days if there is a need. The service also offers sobering units for those who might need to sleep off their alcohol. The staff can offer resources and services . She said that the center is commonly referred to as an alternative to the hospital.

-Discuss/Approve prior authorization for allocating funding for OPIOID approved projects

9:30 a.m. Eric Franzenburg

Re: Discuss Land use Ordinance

-Shrimp farm

10. Sheriff

RE: Discuss/Approve hiring of FT Correction officer, PT Cook/Custodian and Reserve (PT Utility Deputy)

11. Discuss/Approve use of courthouse grounds for May-Mental Health Month-Chalk the Walk night

13. Judy Hamaker insurance presentation from Heartland

14. Engineer

Re: Approve/Sign Purchase Agreement(s) for permanent & temporary easement for bridge replacement project on 52nd St in Polk Twp

-Approve modification to IDOT 5-yr Construction Program FY26-30

-Approve Utility Permit for USA Communications in Union Twp

15. Reports - committee meetings, liaison, Etc.

16. Unfinished Business

17. New/Old Business/Public Interest Comments (limited to 3 minutes each)

The meeting adjourned.