August 25, 2026
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. All members voting aye. Motion carried.
Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, August 18, 2026 and Wednesday, August 19, 2026. All members voting aye. Motion carried.
Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve vendor check 258426 and claims numbered 258427 through 258562, 08/27/2026 payroll checks numbered 144183 through 144190, ACH Deposits 66572 through 66740, vendor checks 258563 through 258570. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.
Eric Schares, Weed Commissioner explained the need for a forestry mulcher. The estimated cost is $42,294 and $15,000 would be grant reimbursable.
Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #26-70, IRM Department Application for FY27 Living Roadway Trust Funds for Forestry Mulcher funding up to $15,000 allowing Manager, Eric Schares authorization to sign and execute the project. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.
Seeman moved/Volz seconded: To acknowledge John Martin’s employment separation from the Auditor’s Office effective August 13, 2026 and that there will be job posting for real estate clerk position. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.
Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve Class C Liquor License for the Traveling Tapster, LLC for a special event at Frontier Co-Op September 17, 2026 through September 22, 2026. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.
Supervisor Tippett participated in a webinar last week discussing ordinances and wind energy. Tippett also had a HACAP meeting and an upcoming Central Iowa Juvenile Detention meeting on Friday.
Supervisor Volz reported on the most recent ISAC conference held last week in Des Moines. He shared some of the topics presented to supervisors were data centers, publication requirements, VA funding and the property tax reform along with other legislative topics. Volz also has a county wellness meeting on Wednesday.
Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To set land use hearing date for John and Leslie Fessler on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 9:15 a.m. for a part of the NW ¼ of the NW ¼ of 35-86-10. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.
Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To set land use hearing date for Dan Wirtanen on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. for a part of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of 15-83-9. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.
Supervisor Seeman reported on his landfill meeting held last week.
Kenny Miller was present to inquire on the status of the bridge project along 16th Ave regarding the condemnation process discussed in the August 4, 2026 Board meeting. Miller wanted to know if anything has changed after knowing how Supervisor Seeman stands, and quoting a comment from Supervisor Tippett’s recent visit. Miller asked Supervisor Volz why he hasn’t come to see the area for himself. Volz said the timing didn’t allow him to, and stating no further comments. Miller felt the county was overspending to hire an engineer for this project when we have two of our own in the County. Miller stressed that he felt the work needed on this project could stay within the county’s right of way using a box culvert instead and save money. If the county proceeds with this condemnation process, he will probably retain an attorney and fight against it. Supervisor Tippett thanked Miller for coming.
Auditor Rippel presented a mailer from the Middle Cedar Watershed thanking Benton County for their contribution and showcasing some things done with the funds received and goals for their future.
Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To adjourn at 9:38 a.m. All three voting aye. Motion carried.
_____________________________
Tracy Seeman, Chairman
ATTEST: _________________________________
Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor
Comments
Submit a CommentPlease refresh the page to leave Comment.
Still seeing this message? Press Ctrl + F5 to do a "Hard Refresh".