Government : December 15, 2020 Benton County Board of Supervisors minutes

December 15, 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. at the Benton County Service Center's conference room. 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 Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Motion carried.

​Mona Krugger, Utilization Review Coordinator for the MH/DS asked about the county vehicle. It is normally parked in Independence. With the cold and snow, Krugger wanted to inform the board she would be driving the vehicle periodically to Vinton so that the battery doesn't die. The Board agreed this was a good idea.

​Laurie Worden, Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection, provided an overview on the various activities throughout the year. Despite Covid-19 concerns, job shadowing had increased. Grades 6-12th students are exposed to work-based learning through a variety of activities. FY 22 budget request of $2566.00, based on the per-capita is the same as last year. Worden also announced her retirement in August, and will be getting in touch with officials to introduce her replacement.

​Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Utility permit for Interstate Power & Light in Leroy/St. Clair Townshipalong 22nd Ave. Motion carried.

​Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Utility permit for East Central Iowa REC in Homer/Big Grove Townships. Motion carried.

​Wayne Siela, discussed the dirt road for 61st Street between 24th Ave. on East of Hwy 218. Siela and others would like to see a farm to market road be put there. He said it would be safer than the county home road for hauling grain and moving farm equipment. This would also reduce heavy ag traffic off the road next to the schools. Siela presented letters of support from representatives from the local school, Farm Bureau, Farm Service, Tame-Benton Coop. The Iowa Corn Growers Association, local banks, township trustees and other area farmers. The Board agreed, something needs to be done, and estimates would be needed to keep this in motion.

​Supervisor Primmer said the board understands this is something that needs attention, but the city of Vinton may need involved also. The Engineer Myron Parizek was also present for the conversation. He explained how the farm to market system is identified and financed. They all agreed this is a need, but will need to be researched and get estimates before moving forward.

​Tracey Achenbach, East Central Iowa Housing presented the FY 22 request for funding commitment of $3,850. This is a slight increase from last year. Achenbach shared, that since the program has started, it has benefited 103 houses.

​Ryan Bervin, Group Benefit Partners presented the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) renewal rates effective July 1, 2021. Group Benefit Partners, took over ISAC partnership with Kingston Life. The County didn't have good wellness participation this year, therefore rates did increase 12% if staying with the same plan. Bervin presented the Board a couple options that they have time to look over and decide. ISAC also transitioned current Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits from Chubb to Reliance Standard. Group Benefit Partners will also be the benefits consultant for this. Employees will need this information turned back in ASAP.

​The Board discussed tax abatement for the City of Shellsburg. Larry Andreesen, Assessor was also present for the discussion. The action was tabled until next week and a resolution will be prepared.

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

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​​​​​​​Rick Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

​Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor