By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Should public comments and discussion be included in board minutes?

This was the debate at the Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Benton County Service Center in Vinton.

This was prompted by action on the June 25 minutes. Benton County Auditor Hayley Rippel said inclusion of discussion gives a history of how the board arrived at a decision on agenda items. She said she gets that they can cut out some of the discussion, but felt they are taking out more that they should be.

“A lot of it is it gets to be more expensive the more we print,” said Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer about publishing the minutes. He wanted to publish just the resolutions and action items. He said this was a format used by other counties. He added the costs get horrendous. It’s a cost-saving measure.

Sheriff Ron Tippett said this was a recommendation on public comments from the IPIB (Iowa Public Information Board).

Rippel felt even tabled agenda items need to have discussion included.

“Then again, it’s your guys’ minutes. You tell me what to do,” Rippel told the board.

Primmer made a motion to approve the minutes without discussion items. There was no second to the motion. 

The June 25 minutes with discussion summaries were approved on a motion by Tracy Seeman and Gary Bierschenk. Primmer was opposed.

Minutes were also approved for June 28.

Land use

A land use hearing was approved for Jeff and Ashley Massa for land in Section 3, Canton Township for Tuesday, July 30, at 9:15 a.m. 

Engineer

Engineer Myron Parizek had action taken on the following items.

Approved utility permit for East Buchanan Telephone in Polk Township. This affects six sections in Polk Township.

Approve resolution for temporary construction closure on 17th Avenue in Big Grove Township for bridge replacement on 66th and 68th Street. Work starts on Monday, July 8.

Approved quit claim deed for Maxine Sauer Revocable Trust in Harrison Township.

Approved quit claim deed for Aaron Boddicker in Harrison Township.

Approved purchase agreements for permanent and temporary easement for bridge project on 28th Avenue, just north of 63rd Street. This affects three properties.

Doug Cook met with the board and Parizek about how Benton County’s gravel roads are handled. Parizek explained that Benton County uses a windrow system, and how weather, rock size and soil types affect maintenance.

Contract

The board approved the sheriff’s union contract. Sue Wilber of Human Resources gave highlights of the changes. The wage increase is 4 percent. Salary lanes were also added. Other changes were on comp time, training, funeral leave, normal work day, and duration of the agreement. 

Meeting Link