Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 6/3/25

June 3, 2025

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Tippett and Volz present. Chairman Seeman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Full Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve the agenda. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Kelley DeLong presented a proposed amendment to Ordinance 37 Animal Protection and Control. DeLong's proposed amendment is a behavior based approach. DeLong stated the current Ordinance is based upon breed not behavior and trespassing is not punishable. Derek Marsh, Benton County Assistant Attorney, questioned if DeLong looked at any other counties Ordinances. DeLong stated Linn County's ordinance has 1 fatal attack and the animal is removed. Marsh stated he would look into Linn County's ordinance and forward it onto the 3 Board of Supervisors for them to look at. No action was taken.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the minutes of May 27, 2025. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Nancy Jorgensen to donate 750 hours of sick time to requestor. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve use of courthouse lawn for Vinton Parks & Recreation for July 1, 2025 and October 25, 2025. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

The time of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date for a land use hearing for Kevin and Susan Hagan in part of Parcel A, in the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ Section 9-83-12. Matt Even presented the technical information with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. Hagen's are requesting to change the use of approximately one acres of land to allow for the addition of a residence to the existing shop building. This site is located approximately 2 miles west-northwest of Keystone in the NE ¼ SE ¼ Sec 9-83-12. This site is located on a 4.57 acre parcel that is owned by the applicants. There is an existing dwelling on the property where the applicants reside which will remain. Hearing no other further comments, the public hearing was closed.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the land use change for Kevin and Susan Hagen in part of Parcel A, in the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ Section 9-83-12. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To adopt Resolution #25-44, Promoting Jasira Prasasouk and Keith Mell as Sergeants in the Correctional Division at the Sheriff's Office. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To acknowledge resignation of Crystal Northup, part-time Sheriff's Office. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To Approve 28E Law Contracts with City of Van Horne for $50,700, City of Blairstown for $33,800, City of Norway for $33,800 and City of Newhall for $50,700 annually. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett discussed with the Board on during the budgeting process they decided to close the HR Department. Doug Cook questioned the board on why and who will handle that. Seeman stated that if there is conflict that they will hire that out. Marsh responded that Ray Lough, County Attorney said complaints can go to the Attorney's office and Hopkins and Huebner will take a lot of the complaints, since they are already apart of the insurance portion and they will take most of it. Day to day activities will go to the Auditor's office.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To close the Human Resources Department effective July 1, 2025. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Deb Seymour-Guard and Sarah Wagner presented a Memorandum of Understanding for Disability Access Point (DAP). The MOU would allow Sarah Wagner to remain an employee of Benton County but be based out of Johnson County for 1 year. The DAP would reimburse the County for wages and benefits expenses. Expenses would be tracked on a monthly basis and reconciled at the end of each quarter. Seymour-Guard is requesting a transfer of assets from the County in which the region purchased the following items: 2 vehicles, Jeep and Dodge Journey, 1 portable printer, 1 cell phone and up to 3 office desks. The Board requested that the County Attorney look at the MOU and that the decision be put back on the Boards agenda for June 17.

Tipper moved/Volz seconded: To table action on MOU for DAP and Asset Transfer District 7. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve and sign Iowa DOT Agreement Number 2025-C-088 for a Deck Joint Repair project on 54th St Trail bridge over I-380. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To adjourn meeting at 10:24 a.m. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Gina Edler, Deputy Benton County Auditor