Benton County Public Health lacks space, director says

VINTON — Benton County Health Director Grace Schmidt told county supervisors this month that the health department lacks space.

Schmidt said she’s interviewing for a nursing position and the office is getting its immunization program ready, but Schmidt has no space for either.

The current office has never been confidential, Schmidt said.

The health department has been using space at Virginia Gay Hospital for storage, said Schmidt. As of June 1, Virginia Gay Hospital will need that space.

Schmidt hopes to have a plan for storage by June 1, she said.

Public health is currently sharing an office with historical preservation and the food pantry, according to Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer.

Schmidt said she will work on a list of needs for an office.

Supervisor Tracy Seeman said they board will meet on this in a work session.

Treasurer update

Treasurer Melinda Schoettmer notified the board that the treasurer’s office will be closed June 27 for an Iowa County Conservation Association District 6 convention in Cedar Rapids.

Schoettmer also explained cross county titling. Citizens may do work on titles in any county, she said.

Dust

Lori Siela met with the board on dust control on West D Street and 22nd Ave. Drive in Vinton. She was concerned about dust at a T-intersection resulting from construction on U.S. 218.

Engineer Myron Parizek explained the impact of the Iowa Department of Transportation detour on local roads.

The IDOT is aware of the impact, he said.

Dust and truck traffic due is also a concern of Charles Green on 56th Street Trail. Both are due to a nearby quarry.