Supervisors talk rumble strips, promotions

VINTON — The Benton County Board of Supervisors heard an update on possible removal of rumble strips at an intersection during the board’s March 11 meeting.

Supervisor Bruce Volz asked about the status of rumble strips at the Van Horne/Highway 30 intersection. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said that once the lights and a new stop sign with a flashing red light are put up at the intersection, then something will be done to the rumble strips.

Engineer Myron Parizek said later in the meeting that rumble strips are a recommended safety measure for high-density accident intersections. From 2014-2023, there were 38 accidents at the intersection, and five were fatalities or caused serious injuries.

At that time officials recommended putting rumble strips there.

Prior to that, there was the fatality that occurred from the south. Family members came to the supervisors at that time, and supervisors decided the intersection needed rumble strips.

Late last year supervisors discussed whether they wanted to take those rumble strips out, or do something to minimize the noise. Other measures available to the county include putting a flashing beacon on the stop sign. The county would have to purchase and install the beacon.

Destination lighting was recommended for the south side, and that’s in the works for the north side. Officials also called for flashing “stop ahead” signs and for updating pavement markings.

Parizek said that South Dakota has a standard on “mumble” strips with grooves instead of strips. It is a possible option.

Supervisor Ron Tippett said that destination lighting will help.

Parizek pointed out that the county has a different intersection now than when the accident study was conducted before the road had four lanes.

In other business, Mona Onken, of social services, discussed retention pay for Mental Health/Disability Services of the East Central Region. The board approved the plan.

Sheriff David Upah discussed employee status changes in the sheriff’s office. Scott Bahmann and Tyler Brandt were promoted to sergeants in the sheriff’s office.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding between Benton County’s Sheriff’s Department and Chauffers, Teamsters and Helpers Local Union No. 238, regarding prescription drug coverage.

Parizek presented purchase agreements for permanent and temporary easements for bridge project on 54th St. in Cedar Township.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding with Foundation 2 utilizing the opioid funds.

The board discussed leveling the sidewalks at the courthouse. This item will be placed on a later agenda.

The meeting closed with a discussion of turbines, eminent domain and rural representation in the legislation.