Supervisors look at open records policy

VINTON — Assistant Benton County Attorney Derek Marsh talked with county supervisors last week about establishing a Benton County open records policy.

Marsh said the county receives a lot of open records requests, and Benton County needs a system to track them. That will require a written request form, said Marsh. He will meet with department heads to explain the process.

Marsh said he is trying to make the process uniform so everyone is on the same page. The Board of Supervisors and county officials discussed costs and fees for open records.

Larry Hlas asked supervisors for approval for Local Option Sales and Service Tax for the Van Horne Fire Department. The department wants to buy wildland fire gear, which is lighter weight gear to battle grass fires, forest fires and for extraction vehicles.

The department needs about $35,000 to finish ordering the equipment. It’s also getting bids for a new firetruck. “They’re quite expensive,” Hlas said. He expects to pay about $500,000 but will have the actual cost in a few weeks.

The department is looking for commitment on those two projects for budget purposes, Hlas said. The LOST fund usually pays for 10% of the project.

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said the board can’t vote on anything until they get the invoice, but he was giving a “thumbs-up” for right now.

The board approved temporary construction closure on 69th Street in Fremont Township for bridge replacement. The contract allows for 75 working days.

The board also met with Engineer Myron Parizek about traffic painting.

A land use change hearing was set for Oct. 21 at 9:15 a.m. for Scott Schulte, for land in Section 17, Florence Township.

Supervisors approved a land use change for Jearid Merchant for land in Section 30, Benton Township three miles east of Vinton.

Marsh told supervisors that public hearings are required to sell two pieces of county land, the old animal shelter and Cherveny property. Hearings are set for Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 12:30 and 12:45 p.m.

Supervisors approved a resolution for a compromise Settlement Agreement on behalf of the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center and Hardin County.

The board approved Benton County Transportation’s hiring of Christine DeVore as a part-time driver in Belle Plaine. She will start with an hourly wage of $16.52.

Supervisors discussed room for the Area Substance Abuse Council in the Benton County Service Center. They are looking for two small rooms and one big room. The only thing available now is the old human resources room. ASAC will visit about their long-range plans.

The board entered closed session with the county attorney, pursuant to 21.5(1) a to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that governmental body’s possession or continued receipt of federal funds.