County prepares for changes in rural access hub

VINTON — Benton County Sheriff Ron Tippett discussed the State’s new mental health regions with the Benton County Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting Sept. 17.

The state is reorganizing from 13 regions to seven districts, which means six fewer regional CEOs. Tippett said 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.

Supervisors evaluated Michelle Brown, rural access hub manager, in closed session, approved a tax abatement for city-owned parcel No. 240-02925, approved a special Class C retail alcohol license for Karen Farms and a Class C retail alcohol license for Cedar Ridge Vineyard.

The board appointed Cory Rains as Kayla Harrison’s replacement on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council for Shellsburg EMS and set a hearing for Sept. 24 at 9:30 p.m. for relinquishing county interest in parcel No. 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The board rescinded action on Resolution #24-67, mileage and expense reimbursement approved June 28.

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

The county approved an Iowa Department of Transportation federal-aid agreement for bridge replacement on 69th Street in Fremont Township.

Supervisors also approved final plans for the project.

Supervisors changed stop sign placement at the intersection of 61st St. Lane and 33rd Ave. Dr. east of Vinton to stop eastbound traffic.

Pavement and surface work are in progress in the area.

Supervisors also changed the speed limit to 45 miles an area on 61st St. Lane, 33rd Ave. Dr. and 59th St. Tr. in Benton Township due to curves in the road’s design.

County Engineer Myron Parizek told the board that none of the intersections along Highway 30 warrant full intersection lighting, according to IDOT. Parizek is looking at destination lighting at the Blairstown/Van Horne Corner.

The county will have to cover the expense for whatever lighting is installed there, Parizek said.

Supervisors approved the purchase of a mid-sized SUV for secondary roads from Thys Motor Company of Belle Plaine.