By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors moved approval of a new board of health to next week in action at the supervisors’ meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the service center in Vinton.

The supervisors terminated the previous board in October. The five new board members were read for approval. They are Lori Mott, Tai Burkhart, Karl Holmes, Jessica Fairbanks and Mike Barnes.

Doug Cook asked from the audience that approval be delayed until a hearing regarding the dismissal of the previous board. The board agreed to delay this until they can meet with counsel. It will be on the agenda for Nov. 21 when legal counsel will be available.

Supervisor Richard Primmer stressed Benton County still has public health and a public health director.

Other business

The board approved use of the courthouse on Nov. 16 for a Vinton Unlimited holiday event.

Law enforcement contracts were approved for Mount Auburn and Shellsburg.

The board approved a new speaker system for the service center.

The board approved the first canvass of the city/school election held Nov. 7. They also acknowledged the post-election audit held Monday, Nov. 13.

The board also approved a recount for the City of Vinton City Council Ward II.

The board approved hiring Chad Galli as an equipment operator for secondary roads.

Quotes were received for the purchase of a new tandem dump truck. This will come from next year’s budget because of the time needed to order a truck. The automotive strike also had an impact on the delay. The total cost is $225,851.

Engineer Myron Parizek gave a update on Highway 30 work. The supervisors had questions about rumble strips and lighting for the Blairstown corner. The last e-mail Parizek received was talking about the 21st of this month. They have been having ideal weather to get work done, Parizek said of the Department of Transportation crew. He added that the current DOT standards calls for two panels of rumble strips. “I hope I don’t see accidents there. It’s a bad corner,” Supervisor Gary Bierschenk observed. Parizek said more lighting will be a future contract.

The supervisors gave reports on the communication towers. The test of the towers has been postponed. The budget is set for next year already for conservation. The Hannen Park shop is almost done, awaiting some wiring work. 

Meeting video