Supervisors debate safety, rumble strips

VINTON — Safety measures at the Van Horne/Blairstown Highway 30 intersection were addressed by Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek during the June 17 meeting of the Benton County Board of Supervisors.

Parizek said that Benton County joined 96 other counties last year to get a federal grant to review accidents and develop safety action plans. Benton County pledged to improve safety at accident-prone areas and is working to incorporate safety measures into future plans.

One of the locations under review is the intersection south of Van Horne and north of Blairstown. Rumble strips were recommended for the intersection.

The Iowa Department of Transportation put rumble strips at all crossroad intersections along Highway 30 when four-lane work was done. One of those rumble strips is very close to a residence, and the resident has expressed concern about the noise.

Parizek said they have talked in past meetings about a “mumble” strip. He has heard these are quieter. He asked if the county wants to switch to mumble strips. He wondered how much money the county is willing to spend on the intersection.

Supervisors have destination lighting on both sides of the intersection now. Flashing red beacons are on order for the stop signs in the island of the intersection, facing north and south.

Parizek asked the board what changes they want to make, as he prefers that changes be a board decision. He asked what is an acceptable noise level for the strips and said he was looking for a little bit of guidance on this.

From an engineering standpoint, the rumble strips are fulfilling their purpose, said Parizek. He doesn’t want to eliminate that panel of strips without some discussion.

Parizek said that the current DOT standard requires two panels. This intersection has three panels. The middle panel is by the residence.

The intersection also has amber “stop ahead” lights.

Parizek said V-66 has a daily average traffic count of 1,200 vehicles. Highway 30 is 9,355.

Supervisor Ron Tippett said he has had people request that the county leave the strips there. He knows it’s an inconvenience for people who live there.

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said the red light should be installed and the strips filled in. That would leave some kind of noise or vibration.

Tippett said he could be in favor of attempting to quiet the rumble strips a little.

Parizek said he didn’t need a formal motion. He just needed to know that he and the board thinking the same thing.

Mental health

Representatives from Mental Health/Disability Services of the East Central Region attended the meeting, to explain a memorandum of understanding for DAP and Asset Transfer for District 7.

The current region includes Benton, Bremer, Buchanan, Delaware, Iowa, Johnson, Jones and Linn Counties. Officials are considering placing the program’s hub in Buchanan County.

Assistant County Attorney Derek Marsh said some of the terms of the 28E agreement made him feel a bit uneasy. He was concerned that if Benton County wanted to get out of this, there is no way to get out of it.

Decisions are made by the governing board. The county attorney office’s suggested not signing the agreement because it’s too vague.

The county wants to add some language to the agreement. The matter was tabled until the June 24 meeting.

Other business

The board approved a Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Watkins Community Athletic Association and approved fireworks permits for July 12, Aug. 22 and Aug. 23. The events will not take place if there is a burn ban in effect.

The board approved an amendment to the Class C Retail Alcohol License for Kacena Family Tree Farm, Inc. and approved a Local Option Sales and Service Tax Gift of $15,755.30 to Belle Plaine Area Ambulance.

The board approved certification of the deputies’ salaries and the resignation of Julia Biery from human resources. The human resources office is being closed.