Supervisors urged to explore insurance options in regard to ATV/UTV use on County roads

by Bob Beach

During public comment time at the regular meeting of the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors Monday, August 24, Dean Anderson and several other supporters of allowing all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility vehicle (UTV) use on County secondary roads asked the Board to consider exploring insurance options that may alleviate some of the Board’s concerns about the liability issues that may arise if such use were permitted. Anderson said that the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) would work through local insurance providers and that a scheduled ride would be considered “a normal risk factor” that would not require that an additional premium be paid by the County or ride organizers. Anderson recommended that the Board invite ICAP to give a presentation on insurance options.
Chairman Larry Schellhammer asked Anderson and other supporters of allowing ATV and UTV use on County secondary roads to be patient. “I appreciate all the work you’ve done on this and I hope you recognize that this kind of thing has to run at its own pace,” he said, adding, “I have heard some push-back on this issue as far as people coming from outside the County and becoming one more thing for a car to look out for.”
Supervisor Dennis Koenig said that he likes the Winnebago County ordinance because it’s only about three paragraphs long and is something everyone can easily understand. He said that his hope for ATV/UTV use on County roads would be to connect a trail system.
Supervisor Dan Byrnes said that his concern is that the topography of Allamakee County is significantly different from other counties, such as Buchanan and Winnebago, that have passed ordinances to allow ATV and UTV use on County roads, pointing out that Allamakee County has a lot more hills and curves for riders to contend with. He added that he has heard a lot of negatives on the issue and pointed out that there is no local trauma center for head injuries, which can be another cause for concern in regard to such an activity.
During regular business, the Board met with Case Management Administrator Kim Waters, who reviewed the agenda for a meeting of the County Social Services Board being held later this week. She said that Chuck Palmer, Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services, would be speaking on the issue of managed care, an issue that could result in major changes in how mental health and disabilities services are provided statewide.
Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour was present for the opening of bids for 16,200 gallons of liquid propane delivered to eight different County locations. Fauser Energy Resources of Elgin submitted the low bid of 79.8 cents per gallon, which the Board voted unanimously to accept. Also bidding were AgVantage FS of Waverly (94 cents per gallon) and Waukon Feed Ranch (82 cents per gallon).
The Board also met with Jane Regan of Leschensky Insurance, who offered the Board storage space for medical records currently stored at Makee Manor that need to be retained for another five years. After some discussion of other available options, the Board agreed to consider a recommendation on the matter during its regular meeting next week.
In other business, the Board accepted the resignation of Josh Miller from his position in the County Engineer’s Office and approved hiring Jacob Mooney as a Maintenance Man at the Churchtown Secondary Roads shop at a wage of $17.82 per hour starting September 8.