By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Land use, alcohol licenses and credit cards were on the agenda for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the service center in Vinton.
A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, June 4, at 9:15 a.m. for Paul and Susan Phillips for land in Section 4, Canton Township.
The board discussed credit card changes. Public health wants to raise the credit card limit for May and June from $2,000 to $10,000 for timely grant-funded expenditures. The limit will go back to $2,000 on July 1. They also changed the address and name on the secondary roads credit card.
A LOSST (local option sales and service tax) gift for Van Horne Fire Department was approved. This is for a machine that charges oxygen tanks. The gift totals $5,766.10. This is a 10 percent match.
The board approved a Class C Retail Alcohol License for The Tipsy Traveler’s LLC on June 8 to June 12, 2024 and June 29 to July 3, 2024.
The board approved the Class C Retail Alcohol License for Traveling Tapster LLC on June 21 to June 25, 2024.
Karen Kurt gave an ECICOG (East Central Iowa Council of Governments) update. Kurt is the executive director. She sees the mission as planning for the future, leveraging state government resources for grants, providing technical services where there is a need, such as helping communities such as Van Horne, Shellsburg and Newhall deal with nuisance enforcement. They also do building inspections in Shellsburg.
They promote regional collaboration. ECICOG also plays a role when there is a disaster and state and federal funds need to be accessed, such as for the derecho. This has helped with restoring a tree canopy, new generators for communities, housing projects and helping Atkins dealing with FEMA for the rebuilding of the fire station. Last year they helped Benton County manage $4 million in grants.
The board approved use of the courthouse lawn for the Vinton Park and Rec Department on June 27 and Oct. 26, for the Party in the Park and Halloween.
The board acknowledged the annual reports for ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and LATCF (Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund).
Sue Wilber, human resources, clarified line items that were brought up at a previous meeting, regarding training for department heads, awards and recognition, software for human resources and a change in personnel benefits from single to family.
Sheriff Ron Tippett gave an update on the communication towers. Testing is being done at various facilities.
Jim Magdefrau 