Government : Benton County Board of Supervisors Minutes May 12,2020

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May 12, 2020
The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Bierschenk and Seeman present, Primmer participated via zoom, and Bierschenk acted as Chair and called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public were provided the zoom access capability to join in during open session and watch live at the county's YouTube channel.Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously.

​Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes of May 5, 2020. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: Approve payroll checks numbered 141245 through 141257, 141258 through 141269, ACH deposits numbered 41523 through 41660 , 41661 through 41802, vendor checks 234970 through 234976, 235155 through 235161, handwritten claims numbered 234977 and claims 234978 through 235154. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To approve Resolution #20-30, Variance to Benton County Subdivision Ordinance granted to Brian and Renalda Baldus on property located within the E1/2 NE ¼ NW ¼ of 34-86-10. Motion carried.

​Supervisor Primmer gave an update on the food pantry in Vinton. Though crowded, there is not a shortage of food. There is a shortage of volunteers due to Covid-19 and concerns how to help the large number of people getting food at the pantry during inclement weather. Possible temporary solution could be to use an enclosed trailer.

​Ben Bonar, Weed Commissioner was given approval to get moving forward with his seasonal help. The hope is to start spraying by the end of the week. The weekend frost did wipe out some of the weeds and they seem to be behind in growth, but theweeds will catch-up as the weather gets warmer.

​Primmer moved/Seeman seconded: To approve utility permits for Keystone Communications in Section 14 and 23 or Jackson Township and also in Sections 10 and 11 of Big Grove Township. Motion carried.

​Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #20-31, Wage and Classification Change for Eric Hummel. New hourly rate of $22.37 and classification VG effective May 11, 2020. Motion carried.

​Supervisor Primmer reported on speaking to the Shellsburg Mayor regarding the recycling. Shellsburg city council discussed relocating the recycling equipment to the city's maintenance building. Currently it is on the county's property, but is mainly used by city residents and businesses. There was concerns about the trash that accumulates.

​County department heads and elected officials met to discuss COVID 19 concerns and how to continue after the Governors recommendation to be closed through May 15th, and how to proceed. Sheriff Tippett provided an update from his recent weekly meeting with Emergency Management and Public Health Board. Benton County was at 35 confirmed cases, with 20 of those being recovered. He advised to keep on doing what we're doing, we know it works and recommending the samewould go for the jail, safety of the clients, workers and public. David Thompson added the courthouse isn't closed, it is just closed to the public. We're still getting work done.

​Karen Phelps, Conservation Director was concerned about the public's confusion as the governor says many parks may open while Benton County remains closed. Phelps explained the measurers recommended for those who want to camp, there is a lot of restrictions now, including the use of shelters and facilities. Further concerns in regards to campers was that those campers might not all be from our county, possibly out of the state whomwould then come into our towns and possibly spread unknowingly.

Primmer moved/ Seeman seconded: Based on the Benton County Public Health Board's recommendations, Benton County facilities and campgrounds will remain closed to the public until further notice. Things will remain as is, with the recommendation that Conservation get their seasonal help hired and do the proper health screening. They will re-visit this topic on a regular weeklybasis moving forward. Motion carried.

​Seeman moved//Primmer seconded: To adjourn. Motion carried.

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​​​​​​​Gary Bierschenk, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

​Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor