By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Land use was the main topic for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at the service center in Vinton.

The board set a land use hearing date for July 12, 2022, at 9:15 a.m. for Amana Farms Inc., in Section 31, Eldorado Township.

The board approved a farm exemption for Braxton and Alex Clubb, a part of Section 3, Taylor Township. They would like to build a new home on land that they own. Land Use Administrator Marc Greenlee says this meets the land use criteria for an exemption.

A land use hearing was held for Nutrien Ag Solutions for land in Section 13, Leroy Township. It calls for a change in use of eight acres. They plan to build a dry fertilizer storage building and office. The land under review is not in production. It has been used for tractor pulls and is now owned by Joel Thys. It is just in grass now. The corn suitability rating is 80, but it is not in production. The driveway will be widened. Rural water runs by the site. There are no residential buildings near the site. Greenlee said this is an agriculturally based business and it supports agriculture activities in the area. After discussion, the board approved the change.

Engineer

The board approved a resolution for a wage and classification change for Dennis Shea.

They approved an Adopt-A Road application for W28 (Atkins road) from Hooligans Car Club of Iowa.

Engineer Myron Parizek presented information on 28E agreements for communities who have a population of under 500.

Parizek explained in an e-mail after the meeting, “Mount Auburn, Garrison and Luzerne were impacted with the Transfer of Jurisdiction Bill back in 2004. All communities that have or become less than 500 population are impacted. Luzerne and Garrison negotiated a 28E agreement with the county and that is what was given to the board today. The City of Norway has been impacted recently with the official census indicating less than 500 population. The county becomes the road jurisdiction for farm-to-market extensions through these communities with population below 500. The city of Norway will lose a portion of their Road Use Tax money after July 1 and the County receives it instead.

“The City of Norway has drafted a 28E agreement request that the board will act on next week.”

Other business

Benton County Treasurer Melinda Schoettmer met with the board. A tax abatement was approved on mobile home parcel 003-00346W. This is in Belle Plaine near the school. The mobile home park and mobile home no longer exist. The city took it over. It is now a parking lot. It is approximately $1,600.

They also agreed with closing the treasurer’s office on July 14, 2022, to attend training in Cedar Rapids. The training covers changes in driver’s licenses.

The board approved the hiring of Hunter Jensen as Iowa Roadside Management Intern.

A lease agreement was approved between Benton County and Cedar Valley Ranch.

David Frank, ARCA Search, gave a presentation for services they provide regarding scanned documents and search capabilities. No action was taken.

The board approved use of the courthouse lawn for the Vinton Cruise Committee on Sept. 24, 2022.

The board held a canvass of the primary election.