By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Land use, dust control and a drawing contest were among the topics for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, March 24, at the service center in Vinton.

The board acknowledged the resignation of Mark Phippin on the civil service commission and also acknowledged the county attorney’s appointed replacement, Lori Christy.

Environmental geo-permits through Beacon (Schneider) were explained. This includes septic systems, wells, land use applications, farm exemption applications and flood plain work.  These permits can be used for every aspect of the land use and sanitarian office. They also allow people to apply for these from the comfort of their home instead of coming to the courthouse. Applications and records will be available on the Beacon system. Payments may also be done through the program. The board unanimously approved the new software. 

A land use hearing was held for Jeff Geiger for land in Section 28 of Taylor Township. This is three miles north of  Vinton. The land has a CSR (corn suitability rating) below 70. This will not alter the overall land use pattern in the area. Geiger would like to sell federal firearms licenses. This will take place inside existing structures on the site. The request is consistent with the county’s land use policy, according to Andrea Morris of the land use office. The change was approved. 

Assistant County Attorney Derek Marsh discussed the county’s contract with PPME (Public Professional and Maintenance Employees)Local Union 2003. It calls for a 2.6 percent increase each year for three years. He felt this was best for the county and better than going through the arbitrator process. This will save the county some money. The union represents the secondary roads. The contract was approved unanimously.

The signup period was discussed for the county’s MC-70 Dust Control Program. Engineer Myron Parizek recommended $1,625 for the first 400 feet, then $2.60 for each foot after that. After 1,000 feet, it will cost an additional $100 per 1,000 feet. Longer stretches increases the cost of preparation and dust control.  The petroleum cost for the program has remained steady, Parizek said. The program was approved. The board and Parizek talked about second applications and a new vehicle. 

Allison Hicks explained the Benton County Historic Preservation Community Outreach Project. This project will involve a drawing contest for K-12 students that notes the country’s 250th anniversary. Help is needed in judging the artwork. The winning artwork will be on display at the courthouse. A tour of the courthouse is also planned. The board approved the project. 

At the close of the meeting, the board talked with Parizek about the sidewalk on the bridge in Luzerne. They also talked about the impact of gas and diesel costs on secondary roads budget. 

Board Chairman Tracy Seeman said he went to a meeting the night before regarding a proposed power plant along the Linn-Benton Road. He observed most at the meeting were opposed to the plant. Issues included increased traffic, the use of prime farm land, tall concrete smoke stacks, and proximity to communities. 

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