Board of Supervisors approves personnel matters, amendment to 28E agreement

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, May 16. There were no members of the public in attendance and no public comments made to open the meeting.

A public hearing was held for the fiscal year 2016 budget amendments, again with no public comment being heard nor read. Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour commented that there has been an increase in revenue from the statewide fuel tax. Routine budget amendments and the resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2017 budget were subsequently approved.

Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler advised the Board about the 28E agreement with Clayton and Winneshiek counties in regard to delinquent court debt collection, presenting a consideration to include Fayette County in that agreement as well. This expansion would allow all counties involved to reach the $50,000 threshold in debts collected more quickly and, in turn, receive a higher percentage of the funds after that threshold is reached for the remainder of the year. Kistler explained that this agreement benefits all counties that are participating with increased revenue, with each county supplying staff and resources used in the debt collection process. The resolution to amend the 28E agreement to include Fayette County was approved by the Board.

Kistler then proposed to the Board that the County's part-time Victim Witness Coordinator position be moved to a full-time position. A grant from the Department of Justice at $31,350 has been received and the full-time position has been suggested with a salary of $31,148 with an effective date of July 1. The Board approved the full-time position at the suggested salary.

The Board opened bids for patching concrete pavement on secondary roads within the county. Denco Highway Construction of Mingo bid $124,869.05 with a bond in order; Rolling Hills Concrete of Waukon bid $71,790.00 with a check, rather than a bond; and Skyline Construction of Decorah bid $75,981.05 with a bond in order. Engineer Ridenour advised the Board that he would provide his recommendation at next week's meeting.

The contract and performance bond for Rolling Hills Concrete to complete the work on five box culvert extensions on Cherry Valley Drive was approved. Ridenour also discussed position vacancies within his department, recommending Brian J. Lansing as a temporary, part-time roadside mower on secondary roads at a pay rate of $10.75 per hour without benefits. Lansing had held the same position last summer for the County. Ridenour also recommended Jason A. Peloch for the open Civil Engineering Technician position at a pay rate of $20 per hour, beginning June 1. The Board approved the hiring of both recommended candidates.

Roger Schindell, CEO of Carosh Compliance, answered questions and addressed the Board concerning his company's proposal to assist the County with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) compliance and security. Carosh Compliance offers a variety of services dealing in data security, privacy and risk assessment related to HIPAA regulations, providing risk assessments that help prevent paper and electronic data breaches. The company has several locations in southeast Iowa and is interested in doing more in northeast Iowa. Board of Supervisors Chairman Larry Schellhammer thanked Schindell for his time, and advised that the Board will continue to look into the matter and evaluate his company's proposal.

The resolution designating Michelle Barness of Upper Explorerland Regional Plannin Commission (UERPC) as the authorized representative for the County's Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation project was approved. Ridenour also had the Board sign a formatted copy of the recently approved ATV ordinance to be officially entered into record with the County seal added by Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer.

Under Department Head updates, Ridenour mentioned that the Wexford Bridge on the Great River Road (County Road X52) is having concrete beams set in place this week. There was also some additional discussion about data security before the meeting was adjourned.