Land use, holidays and lighting are topics for Benton Supervisors

VINTON — Benton County Supervisors approved a land use change after hearing Nov. 12 for Ben Twedt for land in Section 30, Benton Township.

Supervisors approved a preliminary plat for three lots on the property four miles east of Vinton.

A neighbor asked about splitting his property so his daughter could build a house. The board said the owner would have to follow the subdivision process.

The property owner also asked about the traffic count for the road there and what it would take to make it hard surfaced. Engineer Myron Parizek said a count is planned next year.

The board set a public hearing for Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 9:30 a.m. for a proposal to assess a property owner for destruction of noxious weeds on Parcel #540-02500. The hearing is Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 9:30 a.m.

Supervisors set a holiday schedule for Benton County Courthouse.

State offices are closed Wednesday, Nov. 27, Friday, Nov. 29 and Thursday, Dec. 26. Following the state schedule would create a ripple effect with secondary roads and the sheriff’s department, said Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer.

The courthouse would be open Monday, Dec. 23 and Friday, Dec. 27. Parizek said if there is no snow, those days would be holidays. If snow accumulates, the days would be considered overtime.

No action was taken, as the county will follow the handbook.

The board approved removing an embargo for the bridge on 63rd Street in Big Grove Township.

Sheriff Ron Tippett said Deputy Dave Upah would like to donate the remainder of his sick hours — 400 of them — to Marc Merchant.

Tippett said if one employee wants to help another one out, they should be allowed to do it. Supervisors approved the action.

In other business, the board signed a law enforcement contract for Mount Auburn. The contract is the same as last year.

At the close of the meeting, Supervisor Gary Bierschenk asked Parizek what is happening with the number of lights at the Blairstown and Highway 30 corner. Parizek said his last conversation about it involved designation lights on the north side and south side.