Benton County approves 28E agreements for law enforcement

VINTON — Benton County Supervisors approved 28E agreements May 20 to provide communities with law enforcement through the Benton County Sheriff’s Department.

Luzerne will pay $1,690 for up to 1/2 hour a week. Garrison will pay $10,140 for no more than three hours a week; Atkins, $60,840 for no more than 18 hours a week; Urbana, $40,560 for no more than 12 hours per week; and Shellsburg, $67,600 for up to 20 hours per week.

Contracts go into effect on July 1.

Eric Nelson and Michael Root were approved as Keystone First Responder representatives on the EMS Advisory Council.

Supervisors approved having Priyal Patel as an intern for the Benton County Attorney’s Office beginning June 2. Patel will work through the second week of August with a salary of $5,000.

Supervisors approved a cigarette permit for Kimm’s Mini Mart and a special Class C Retail Alcohol License for M & M Taphouse LLC. The permit for M & M Taphouse is a five-day permit covering July 18-July 22.

Supervisors passed a resolution for Wellness Incentive Day and abated taxes on two parcels in Atkins which are owned by the City of Atkins.

Supervisors conducted a land use hearing for Garrett Kotouc who wants to put a single family dwelling and a garage on property in Section 27 in Monroe Township. A conforming driveway will be installed.

The plan has no negative impact on surrounding farm operations, according to Matt Even of the land use office. The land use change was approved unanimously.

The meeting closed with discussion of the legislature and bills that concern the county, such as funding for E-911.

The board agreed to remove a bridge embargo on 16th Avenue Drive in Taylor Township and approved a 28E Agreement with Linn County for a seal coat project along Benton-Linn Road north of Atkins that meets with Ellis Boulevard.

Permanent and temporary agreements were approved for bridge replacement projects on 69th Street in Fremont Township and on 16th Avenue in Cedar Township.

Engineer Myron Parizek gave an update on the Van Horne/Blairstown intersection on Highway 30. Once the additional light is working and the stop sign is lit, the county will work to get rid of rumble strips and install “mumble” strips, said Parizek.