By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – It was routine business for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at the service center in Vinton.

Tax abatement was approved for city-owned parcel No. 240-02925. 

A Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Karen Farms was approved. 

The board approved a Class C Retail Alcohol License for Cedar Ridge Vineyard, LLC. 

The board appointed Cory Rains as Kayla Harrison’s replacement on the EMS Advisory Council for Shellsburg EMS representation. 

A hearing was approved for Sept. 24, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to relinquish interest on Parcel #440-00150.

Law enforcement contracts were approved for Van Horne and Keystone. 

The board rescinded action on Resolution #24-67, mileage and expense reimbursement approved on June 28, 2024.

Rural Access

Mona Onken of social services received approval for out of state training.

The board discussed the Rural Access Hub. 

Michelle Brown, rural access hub manager, had an employee evaluation in closed session. After the closed session, they met with Sheriff Ron Tippett about new mental health regions.  The state is going from 13 regions down to seven, which means six fewer regional CEOs. Tippett relayed that the goal is to equalize services throughout the state. The status of the manager will be on the agenda for Sept. 24. They are looking at making this a part-time position until they are certain about funding.

Engineer

Approved IDOT Federal-Aid Agreement for Bridge Replacement on 69th St in Fremont Township. They also approved the final plans.

Approved resolution changing stop sign placement at 61st St Ln/33rd Ave Dr. This is east of Vinton. It will stop eastbound traffic. Pavement and surface work are being done there. 

Approved resolution establishing speed limit on 61st St Ln/33rd Ave Dr/59th St Tr in Benton Township. The speed limit will be 45 miles per hour, due to the design of the curves.

Accepted quotes/approve purchase of mid-size SUV for Secondary Roads. The board accepted a quote from Thys Motor Company of Belle Plaine.

Parizek reported that none of the intersections along Highway 30 warrant full intersection lighting, according to the IDOT (Iowa Department of Transportation). Parizek is looking at destination lighting at the Blairstown/Van Horne Corner. Whatever lighting is done it will be at the county’s expense.