August 4, 2026

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Tippet and Volz were 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.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, July 28, 2026. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve EMS Claims numbered 258219 through 258220 as follows: Garrison First Responders 3 invoices totaling-$753.48 for training and equipment, Unplugged Wireless, for Atkins EMS-$1,120.00 for radio equipment. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Tippett seconded: To re-appoint Michael Silhanek to the Veterans Affairs Commission for a three year term. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve 61.5 hours of vacation carryover for Rick Wood, Maintenance Director to be used by December 1, 2026. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Supervisor Volz reported on his recent Historic Preservation Commission meeting. They were all very happy with the coloring contest program and hope to continue events as such. They also provided an update from their recent conference.

Supervisor Seeman shared about a new program he learned about at the recent Eastern Iowa Housing Trust Fund Meeting. This is a repair program for low income home owners, they can qualify for up to $20,000 for home repairs such as window replacement, roof, deck, plumbing and other listed items. Seeman also has an upcoming Iowa Roadside Vegetation Management Commission (IRVM) tour to see all the recent activities and projects

Engineer Myron Parizek shared some background on a temporary easement need for a bridge replacement project on 16th Avenue in Cedar Township over Spring Creek. The County and owner on the east side of this project have not come to an agreement for purchasing .002 acres of land voluntarily. The owners on the west side have already signed off for the easement. In order to keep this project moving and not loose out on grant funding, Parizek asked to pursue condemnation. Supervisor Seeman said he has met with the owner and is torn on this. He understands the money and need for the bridge, but as a farmer, he hates to say he agreed with the land owner and will abstain from the vote. Supervisor Volz said the bridge needs replaced and we do not want to loose the grant money, he understood Seeman’s concerns but he felt moving forward was the best path to take. Supervisor Tippett agreed.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #26-69, Approval to Acquire or Condemn property or interest in property for the BROS-CO06(126)—8J-06 Project on 16th Avenue in Cedar Township. Tippett and Volz voting aye. Seeman abstained. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve use of courthouse grounds for Vinton Unlimited for the Boom-Fest entertainment to be held on August 29, 2026. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To adjourn at 9:46 a.m. All three voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor