Supervisors hear secondary roads plans

VINTON — Benton County Supervisos approved the MC-70 dust control program for 2024 and other road projects during their regular board meeting April 9.

The first 400 feet will cost $1,500 for labor and material. Anything after that is $2.50 per foot.

Sign-up ends May 3. The county does this in about 125 areas, the county engineer said.

The board approved the Iowa Department of Transportation Secondary Road Construction programs for fiscal years 2025-2029.

Engineer Myron Parizek explained how farm-to-market funds are handled by the county for communities of fewer than 500 people.

The board approved the DOT 2025 Secondary Road Budget. Parizek explained bridge work plans and the impact on county roads from the detours used for Highway 30 work.

Parizek said old Highway 131 north of Belle Plaine will need attention very soon.

Fiscal year 2026 plans include six bridge replacements and deck overlay plans for bridges, including a 1,030-foot bridge north of Mount Auburn and a bridge near Belle Plaine.

Parizek is looking for additional grant money, he said. An overlay will add life for the bridge.

Parizek is considering wider roadways and shoulders on Westside road near Atkins. It’s been resurfaced several times, he said, but it needs to be widened.

The change can help with snow removal, Parizek said.

The DOT is planning to create right turn lanes on Highway 30 near Atkins, Parizek said. It is also looking at resurfacing north and south of Blairstown.

Other business

Shelby Williams of Benton County Conservation sought approval for security cameras at Hannen Park and the Nature Center, which had approval from the county’s security committee.

Conservation is looking at a 10-year license for the cameras. Supervisors approved the request for $26,967 for both sites.

Supervisors approved a new clerk, John Martin, for the auditor’s office at $63,000 Martin was chosen from 25 applicants.

The board approved Eric Schares as weed commissioner.