By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – A subdivision variance was approved, ARPA recommendations were given, and a bridge replacement project was approved by the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, at the service center conference room, Vinton.

Kyle Helland met with the board regarding a subdivision variance for a part of Lot 1, Ludden First Addition, Section 10, Harrison Township.

The American Rescue Plan Action (ARPA) committee gave additional recommendations on projects in Benton County for four county departments. ARPA is going to the recorder and auditor for archiving old books such as supervisors minutes, real estate transfers and such. Maintenance needs a little additional money towards the boiler and some valves. They originally approved the bid received and that was in addition. Then radios for the engineer’s office up to $200,000 was approved, and conservation is going to move forward with some bids on the Hannen Park ranger shop.

Kirsten Nelson, human resources, had a resolution approved for hiring George Haefner as a roadside manager. He started last Monday.

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman gave an update on the radio tower project and communication needs for emergency departments and secondary roads. He also talked about county conservation projects in the county’s parks.

Engineer

Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek met with the board. The board accepted bids from the Iowa Department of Transportation on September letting for Bridge Replacement Project on 55th St. (BROS-SWAP-C006(120)–SE-06). This is two miles south of Mount Auburn. The board awarded the bridge replacement project to the lowest responsible bidder. There were four bidders. The low bid was $485,492.38. The engineering estimate was $725,000. Taylor Construction was the low bidder.

A resolution was approved designating the county engineer to execute the contract for Project BROS-SWAP-C006(120)–SE-06.

A resolution was approved to hire an equipment operator at the Norway shed. The current operator has retired. Five people applied. They approved hiring Cody Mattison. His starting wage is $24.75 per hour.

Parizek also gave an update on the Highway 30 project and what work can be done by the state during the winter months.

MEETING LINK