Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 11/17/20

November 17, 2020

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman present. The meeting was called 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.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve law enforcement contract with City of Garrison for a total yearly sum of $3,900.00 to be paid quarterly. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the purchase of a used 2014 Dodge Journey in the amount of $9,977.00 from Thys Motor Company for the Rural Access Point. Motion carried.

Tracy Seeman provided an update on the progress of the new transportation garage.

The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for a land use hearing for Robert and Christina Maynard in part of NW ¼ NE ¼ 27-85-9. Marc Greenlee presented the technical information with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. Maynard's would like to build a new single-family dwelling on one acre of land that they own at this location. There is an existing home and buildings on property, and the new proposed building site is south of existing home. The land under review has been in production, with a CSR of the land 68. A new proposed driveway has been reviewed and compliant. The sight will need a new septic and well. The proper notice was given to 8 adjacent land owners and heard from no one in regards. No other comments were heard, and the public hearing was closed.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve the land use hearing for Robert and Christina Maynard in part of NW ¼ NE ¼ 27-85-9. Motion carried.

The time of 9:30 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for a land use hearing for RJ Meyers in a part of the SW ¼ SE ¼ 36-86-11. Marc Greenlee presented the technical information with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. Meyers would like to create new living quarters next to the pond on his land. There is a well at the site, but a new septic will be required. The CSR is an average of 61. Surrounding land uses are residences and the Coots Quarry site now owned by Wendling Quarries. The proper notice was given to four adjacent land owners and only hearing back from one, but no concerns since it is the same owner. No other comments were heard, and the public hearing was closed.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the land use hearing for RJ Meyers in a part of the SW ¼ SE ¼ 36-86-11. Motion carried.

Benton County Public Health Director Katie Cox met with the board to go over the new guidelines provided by the governor and also sharing how the numbers have kept increasing since they met last time. Cox continued to explain distancing and other restrictions for bars and restaurants, fitness centers, and guidelines for hospitals. Cox urged the use of masks, distancing, hand washing and quarantining. Anytime in public places, people need to be masking. The discussion continued on quarantining and whom are considered critical employees and criteria for when to come back to work. Officials reviewed the policy for Virginia Gay Hospital and will hopefully adopt their own in the near future. County attorney David Thompson recommended keeping the current courthouse policy the same, and also recommended moving the supervisors' meeting to a larger area.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To continue with the current courthouse policy through February 2, 2021 and that all people entering the county facilities wear a mask. Motion carried.

The Board also discussed some CARES Act funding for local public health. The Auditor reported the amount of $24,384 has been received. It can go towards emergency medical response, emergency transportation, employee public safety measurers and expenses for quarantining individuals. This money must be used by December 31, or will need to be sent back.

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

_______________________________

Rick Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor