Supervisors hire land use administrator

VINTON — Benton County Supervisors tabled action on the hiring of a new environmental health and land use administrator during their meeting, Oct. 14 but approved a hire two days later.

Andrea Morris was recommended to the board for the position of environmental health and land use administrator with a starting salary of $94,000 and a start date of Nov. 10.

Barb Fetzer, deputy administrator, had concerns about Morris’ lack of experience in wells and septic systems. There’s a lot of liability for the county and matters that needed to looked and addressed, she said.

Fetzer is planning to retire.

Steve Speidel, who works with wells, also had concerns. Speidel said the supervisors should have been the ones hiring a new administrator instead of a hiring committee. Derek Marsh, assistant county attorney, was on the hiring committee and said he felt confident in its choice.

Supervisor Ron Tippett recommended tabling the matter so the supervisors can meet with the health board and with the candidate. The supervisors also want to look at the process of getting certified.

After a closed session, with Morris Thursday, Oct. 16, the board approved hiring Morris.

A land use change hearing was set for Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9:15 a.m. for Dennis and Rachel Hearn for land in section 36 in Harrison Township. A hearing for Jay Cassill, for land in Parcel B, Section 29, Fremont Township will begin at 9:30 a.m. that day.

John Buhr explained the Local Option Sales and Service Tax funds request for Garrison Fire for personal safety gear. The board approved paying for 10% of the total $96,066.16.

The board will reimburse the fire department when it receives the official claim.

Cassandra Collins, with the Area Substance Abuse Council, met with the board regarding office space at the Benton County Service Center. ASAC serves seven counties, and an office in Vinton would provide better access.

The Council is also looking for space in Belle Plaine. Supervisors took no action.

Dan Lagrange, Stephanie Boesenberg, Katie Cox, Shelby Chekal and Josh Karsten were appointed to the Benton County opioid task force. Other board members are Dr. Brian Meeker, Ben Parmater, Grace Petrezelka, James Bieschke, Ray Lough, Hayley Rippel and Cindy Pattee.