By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Changes in public health were explained at the Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, July 7, at the Benton County Service Center, Vinton.

Public health

Grace Schmidt talked to the board about the Iowa Health and Human Services public health service system alignment. They are updating how health services are organized, funded and delivered in Iowa.  It doesn’t change county authority and legal responsibility for the board of health and the supervisors. The new map puts Benton County in District 6. It has 14 counties. Mahaska County had shown interest in being a lead entity. 

The district will focus on communicable and infectious disease control, chronic disease and injury prevention, and environmental public health. 

There will still be county autonomy, local boards of health retain their authority, counties will continue to employ their own staff and continue existing partnerships with other districts. Much of their work will remain the same. It’s an organizational element subject to change. 

Land use

The board held a public hearing for approval of a non-agricultural use for Randy Patten for land in Section 16, Union Township. The hearing was for  6.62 acres of land to be used for a family dwelling. Andrea Morris of the land use office said It is about one mile west of Van Horne. The land has a corn suitability of 83, making it high quality farm land. However, the parcel has not been used for agricultural production since the 1930s. It borders Tara Hills Country Club to the north and east. Access will come from an existing driveway. It will require a new septic system. The owner is looking at using rural water or a well. It is on an abandoned railroad track. This request should not interfere with existing farm operations, Morris said. It should not alter the overall land use pattern in the area. She said the request is consistent with the land use policy. 

One comment was read with concerns about utilities and its impact on the local flood plain. The request was approved.

Engineer

The board approved Resolution #26-60, temporary road closure for construction on 31st Ave., Florence Township.

The board approved Resolution #26-61, salary Increase for Barb Norton, secondary roads office manager. The increase to her annual salary is $1,750. 

The board approved Resolution #26-62, bridge embargo removal for new structure on 32nd Ave Dr, Florence Township.