Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 9/16/25

September 16, 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 with the exception of item #11, closed session with County Attorney, that will be pushed back until next week. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/ Tippett seconded: To approve minutes from September 9, 2025. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett Moved/ Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #25-75, Promoting Kyla Buttikofer and Alyssa McAtee to Lead Communication Specialists in the Sheriff’s Office. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve and acknowledge the zero report to file for the 2025 Urban Renewal Report with the Department of Management. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the application from Vinton Unlimited to use the Courthouse grounds and facility for the holiday event on November 20, 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 set for a land use hearing for Jonathan Kaine and Tasha Ritchart in part of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ Section 28-84-9. Matt Even presented the technical information with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. Rozek’s would like to change the use of approximately two acres to allow for building a single family dwelling and shop. This site has a CSR of an average of 50.This will require a new septic system and private water well. Surrounding area includes timber to the north and east. Six notices were sent out and there have been no comments in regards. The property will continue to use the existing driveway which was reviewed and approved. Hearing no other further comments, the public hearing was closed.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve the land use change for Jonathan Kaine and Tasha Ritchart in part of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ Section 28-84-9. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

The time of 9:30 a.m. having arrived, and this being the time and date set for a land use hearing for Dennis and Barbara Garling in part of the SW ¼ of the NE ¼ Section 21-82-12. Dennis Garling was present. Matt Even presented the technical information with the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. Garling’s would like to change the use of approximately 1 acre to allow for an additional single family dwelling for their daughter. This site has a CSR of 85, however this has not been used for agricultural production and due to its size and topography, is now well suited for farming. The current driveway accessed from 77th Street drive has been reviewed and approved. This new dwelling will require a new septic system, which has already been completed and this dwelling can utilize the existing private water well already on site. Seven notices sent out and no comments have been heard. There are no plans to split this dwelling from the existing parcel and this additional dwelling is not expected to negatively impact the area. Hearing no other further comments, the public hearing was closed.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve the land use change for Dennis and Barbara Garling in part of the SW ¼ of the NE ¼ Section 21-82-12. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Supervisor reports:

Volz had an East Central Iowa Workforce Development meeting and reported that all three board members attended the Heartland Insurance Seminar last week in Tama too.

Tippett had a public health board meeting and reported no measles in our county.

Seeman had a conservation board meeting after a successful tour yesterday of all the conservation properties that all enjoyed. The County also had a great turnout for their all employee meeting and required training on Monday morning.

Auditor Rippel reported on her recent conference in Nashville for Empower 2025 (Schneider Corp) put on.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To recess until 10:00 a.m. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To reconvene the meeting at 10:01 a.m. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Ben Turnis, IT Director asked to do his employee evaluation in closed session.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To enter closed session 10:03 a.m. pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i.): to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and the individual requests a closed session.

Volz Moved/Tippett seconded: To exit closed session at 11:02 a.m. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Myron Parizek, County Engineer asked to go into closed session for his employee evaluation.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To enter closed session at 11:03 a.m. pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i.): to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and the individual requests a closed session.

Tippett Moved/Volz seconded: To exit closed session at 12:14 p.m. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To adjourn meeting at 12:17 p.m. Volz, Seeman and Tippett voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor