By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – A driveway was the subject of debate for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at the service center in Vinton.

The board received a request for a driveway variance for the Charles Overby property. This is for a home for Jody and Jessica Randall. Secondary roads made a driveway report, which denied widening the driveway, because it does not meet the county’s criteria. Overby said that in order to get his daughter’s prefabricated home onto the property, the driveway needs to be widened.

The report looked at requirements for site distance. If a driveway is to be altered, it has to meet the county’s site distance policy, said Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek. Parizek suggested widening the driveway to get the house in and then taking it back out. This would also require culvert work. The site distance requirement is 500 feet.

Overby said he can show other driveways in the area that are not in compliance. However, the board pointed out that these driveways are not being altered.

The board approved having a temporary driveway for the project. It was also pointed out that the land use change has not been held yet. The land use hearing is Oct. 31.

The variance request was withdrawn. They will deal with the temporary driveway request at the hearing on Oct. 31.

Other business

The board approved the plan set for Project BROS-C006(127)–8J-06 – RCB Culvert Replacement-Twin Box on 17th Ave. in Big Grove Township.

A plan set was approved for Project BROS-C006(128)–8J-06 – Bridge Replacement-PPCB on 17th Ave. in Big Grove Township.

The board approved a Class C Retail Alcohol License for Traveling Tapster LLC.

The board approved a Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for McBride Mobile Taps LLC.

The board accepted the resignation of Mary Halstead as a transportation driver, effective Oct. 1.

Mae Hintgen, CEO of the MH/DS of the East Central Region, gave a regional update and FY 24 Priority Initiatives. She talked about representation on the regional board, term length, chairmanship, regional finances and reducing fund balances. A communication committee has been formed to keep people engaged with what is going on in the region. She also outlined priority initiatives, including transition of the board, budget, working with traditional and non-traditional providers, and working with other regions. Also at the meeting was Mona Onken, coordinator.

Closed sessions were held at the end of the meeting for evaluations. They involved Barb Greenlee of land use and health, Parizek and Sarah Wagner of social services.