By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Roads were the main topic for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at the meeting Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the service center in Vinton.
Matt Simon of Genosource talked about the road condition and possible paving of 22nd Ave. This road has received increased traffic. The road conditions have sometimes become unsafe, turning into a single-lane road. He said about 5,000 semi loads are hauled on the road every year. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said he’d contact the county engineer and get back to Simon. In the past, the county has done road work on a 50/50 basis with the adjacent landowners.
Engineer
Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek had a resolution approved for a wage and classification change for Cody Mattison. He has been on the job as an equipment operator for one year. His hourly wage would increase to $27.73. He runs the Norway maintainer. His classification goes from 4B to 4D.
Plans were approved for a bridge replacement on 63rd Street in Big Grove Township, just southwest of Vinton.
Agreements were approved for permanent and temporary easements for bridge projects on 17th Ave., north of Keystone.
Signage was discussed for the Highway 30 and 218 intersection to let drivers know who are southbound on 218 that the pavement ends when one gets past the viaduct. Seeman said there have been two bad accidents there in the two past weeks. Seeman feels this is a state problem. Seeman and Parizek will talk about this later.
Other business
The board accepted the resignation of Megan Hall as assistant county attorney. Her last day is Nov. 10.
A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 9:15 a.m. for Cody and Jessica Randall for land in Parcel A, Section 36, Benton Township.
The board approved a Class C Retail Alcohol License for Tipsy Travelers LLC for Oct. 28, Nov. 1, Nov. 4 and Nov. 8.
The budget amendment resolution was approved after a hearing. They also amended Resolution #23-54 on the EMS Ad Valorem Property Tax. This corrects language regarding the fiscal year.
Sue Wilber, human resources director, had the employee evaluation policy revised to deal with duplication of reviews by the supervisors for employees who are already being evaluated by their own boards.
Closed sessions
A closed session was held with Wilber pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)c. to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. The board then decided to to act on matters proposed with Human Resource Director in closed session and to grant authority to Sue Wilber to implement that with the appropriate timeline.
County Attorney Ray Lough also had a closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)c.
Jim Magdefrau 