By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – There was a variety of actions for the Benton County Board of Supervisors when they met Tuesday and Monday, May 22 and 23, 2023, at the Benton County Service Center conference room in Vinton.
Several claims were approved through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dealing with the radio towers.
A land use change was approved for Cory Haney for land in Parcel A, Section 15, Polk Township.
A cigarette permit was approved for Kimm’s Mini-Mart.
A Class C Retail Alcohol License was approved for McBride Mobile Taps.
Taxes were abated on #830-11520. This involves right of way purchased by the state.
A proposed agreement was explained with Virginia Gay Hospital to provide immunization audits. No action was taken.
Engineer
The three-year labor contract was approved with secondary roads PPME Local 2003. This contract now includes a 7-percent raise for next year, and then 4-percent raises the following two years. The contract will mirror the county handbook except for the definition of a 40-hour work week.
A resolution was approved for “No Parking” on 25th Avenue Drive in Taylor Township. This is a road that is next to ball diamonds outside of Vinton. The city is working on adding a parking lot.
Dust control was discussed by the board and Engineer Myron Parizek and the impact of having no rain on the roads. They also talked about getting help from the state on former Highway 131 after the Highway 30 project is completed. The road is now being used as a detour for Highway 21. Chairman Tracy Seeman observed that the road is breaking up. Parizek has met with the Iowa Department of Transportation on what needs to be done before Highway 21 is open. It also depends on Benton County’s plans for the road.
Meeting on Monday, May 22
The supervisors met with Benton County Attorney Ray Lough and Deb Fleming of the county’s collection department. The board agreed with adding two new staff members in anticipation of Benton County working collections in new counties, including Dubuque County. They currently work with Tama, Bremer and Buchanan Counties. Buchanan County is planning its own collection department next fiscal year. Also planning to come on board next year are Henry and Delaware Counties. The new counties need approval from their respective boards of supervisors.
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Jim Magdefrau 