Supervisors approve termination of 28E agreement with neighboring counties following signing of Senate File 2316

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, June 27 to discuss several items, including the construction permit application for Regancrest Holsteins LLC, quotes for a compact track loader for the Secondary Roads Department and the termination of the 28E collections agreement with Winneshiek and Clayton Counties. There were no comments heard or read during the public comments portion of the meeting.

The public hearing for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) construction permit application for Regancrest Holsteins LLC was opened and closed without any comments from the public. This application involves updating the animal units on the farm, and it was approved.

Kim Waters, Coordinator of Disability Services, provided an update for Allamakee County Social Services (CSS) and a review of the June 10 provider meeting in Fort Dodge. She advised that Tom Eachus was unanimously elected as candidate for the provider representative position and Andy Eastwood as alternate. Waters said Prairie View Management's request for a five-bed house in Cresco was approved, as was a service agreement to participate in the ISAC HIPAA Program at a cost of $1,750 for the fiscal year 2017. The HIPAA program ensures that the County is compliant with all HIPAA regulations.

Waters further advised that CSS continues to advance its partnership with Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A). CSS and NEI3A have proposed to fully integrate the LifeLong Links program into their service offerings. LifeLong Links is a 1-800 crisis line and referral service that will be operated by both agencies in a 50/50 shared capacity.

Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler provided an update on the 28E agreement with Winneshiek and Clayton Counties, advising that Allamakee County will no longer be able to pool its funds with other counties to reach the required threshold of delinquent court debt collection. Reaching that threshold with the assistance of neighboring counties had provided an advantage that allowed Allamakee County to begin collecting a higher percentage of delinquent court debt more quickly, but Iowa Governor Terry Branstad recently signed Senate File 2316, which eliminates the ability to pool financial resources to get to that threshold. Based on that information, the Board of Supervisors approved the termination of the 28E collections agreement.

The Veterans Affairs Counselor contract renewal was approved by the Supervisors. Veterans Affairs Director Heather Homewood advised that the contract was not changed from the previous year. The fiscal year 2017 library contracts were also approved by the Board, and the Manure Management Plan update from Churchwood LLC was accepted and placed on file.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake advised the Supervisors about the proposed plat approval for Thomas L. and Marcia K. Flaherty, who wish to divide one of their lots near a field and sell a section to a buyer. Flahertys are required to provide an easement that meets Allamakee County code for access to the lot. The modified resolution requiring an easement was approved.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour discussed the proposed trade-in of the Secondary Roads Department's compact track loader. Ridenour presented the Board with quotes for trading in the 2007 John Deere CT332 Multi-Terrain Loader for a variety of similar models. Ridenour advised that he would like to purchase the compact track loader from a dealer within the county and that this is a purchase that is within the 2017 budget. Bodensteiner Implement in Waukon provided the best quote for combined price and trade-in value and also will provide a five-year warranty, which Ridenour also recommended. The Supervisors approved the purchase of a John Deere 333G Loader from Bodensteiner Implement. Ridenour also commented on the Yanmar engines used in John Deere equipment, relaying that they are proven and reliable engines.

Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick provided an update for his office, which is currently in the process of hiring a Dispatcher/Corrections Officer to fill a vacancy. He just received a two-week notice from another Dispatcher/Corrections Officer who is leaving the department due to family needs and caring for young children. Mellick believes the second vacancy can also be filled from the current group of applicants. Mellick discussed that dispatchers are also cross-trained as corrections officers.

Under Department Head updates, Mellick also provided an update on the Public Safety Center being constructed north of Waukon, advising that interior footings have been poured at the site and that pre-cast panels are scheduled to be put in place in mid-July. He said vendors were in last week to provide information on evidence storage and records room options. Mellick also discussed dispatcher furniture and an option locally that may be more cost effective.

Custodian Mike Gallagher discussed some work that will be done at the County Courthouse. A trenching company will be doing some work and an additional electrical box will be installed. Mellick advised that there will be a period of time that the courthouse may be without power, but that the County's mobile command center will be brought in and run off a generator. He said all 9-1-1 calls will be routed through the back-up plan, which involves Winneshiek County.

Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer mentioned that next week's Board meeting will be held Tuesday, July 5 due to the Fourth of July holiday falling on Monday.

In his update, Ridenour commented that County pavements have been striped and look brighter and more reflective, and he said progress continues on the Wexford Bridge replacement project. Ridenour discussed the possibility of paving the road near Breezy Corners and Bodensteiner Implement south of Waukon, advising that there is a traffic count of over 500 vehicles per day. Ridenour also discussed large versus small rocks being used on secondary roads, advising that the rock being used is within specifications and further advising that after being bladed, blended with moisture and smoothed out, these roads will be better for small passenger cars.