Supervisors discuss membership to Eastern Iowa Tourism, hear update on Public Safety Center construction
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, December 5 at Robey Memorial Library in Waukon in the Supervisors' continued effort to hold a meeting at every library receiving County funding within the communities of Allamakee County. Among the topics on the meeting agenda were a request from Eastern Iowa Tourism, a temporary construction easement for Clear Creek Park and discussion of funding options for an Emergency Management vehicle replacement.
During the Public Comments portion of the meeting, Jack Knight advised the Board that he has recruited Gary Buresh to serve on the Conservation Board. Knight discussed that Buresh is a retired school teacher and avid fisherman originally from Buchanan County and has previously served on other Boards in that area. Knight discussed that he is interested in serving on the Upper Explorerland Board and that this appointment would mesh well with his work on the RC&D Board. Knight also said he appreciates the bipartisan approach that has worked well in Allamakee County.
Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker briefly discussed emergency planning and the chain of command involved in fire or disaster situations affecting counties.
Executive Director Carrie Koelker with Eastern Iowa Tourism provided the Board with an overview of the organization and services provided. Koelker provided copies of Eastern Iowa Tourism's Annual Report and Industry Sector Plan and explained that historically, 28 counties in eastern Iowa have had memberships with 100% participation. She noted that for the first time in 32 years, Allamakee County has not paid a membership fee to Eastern Iowa Tourism.
Schellhammer responded that discussion had taken place regarding this matter, advising that Allamakee County Economic Development, which does have a private membership, is funded by Allamakee County. Schellhammer discussed that there was concern that having both a membership for Economic Development and the County itself was, in essence, having two memberships for the same services.
Koelker discussed the different types of memberships, County and private, and the services and benefits of each. Knight commented that it sounds like Allamakee may have underutilized the many services offered by Eastern Iowa Tourism. Schellhammer advised that the Eastern Iowa Tourism membership will be added to the December 12 meeting agenda.
Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer presented an updated Schedule for Claims for 2017 taking the upcoming holidays into consideration. The schedule for claims was approved. Employees and External Boards that have not signed the acknowledgment of the Employee Handbook was discussed. The Conference Board and the 911 Board have not signed acknowledgments yet due to the time between Board meetings. Supervisor Dan Byrnes discussed that he also serves on these Boards, which are not scheduled to meet again until budget time in late January. Beyer agreed to send reminders to both Boards to have this included in their upcoming meeting agendas.
Snitker discussed with the Supervisors that he is doing budget planning and is looking at funding options for the future replacement of his department's vehicle. Emergency Management's 2005 Chevy Silverado with extended cab has over 103,000 miles. Snitker discussed he is not aware of any mechanical problems but it may be advisable to replace in three or four years at 140,000 miles. Snitker estimates that 12,000 miles a year may likely be put on this vehicle with travel around the County.
Snitker recommended a similar or slightly lighter vehicle to serve Emergency Management's needs, with the Command Post trailer being the heaviest equipment being towed, further advising that the Sheriff's Department also has vehicles capable of pulling that trailer, if need be. Schellhammer recommended that the matter be discussed at the next Emergency Management Board meeting. Byrnes recommended setting up a reserve in the budget moving forward to cover contingencies like repairs, with funds that can be carried over year-to-year to assist in a future vehicle purchase.
Allamakee County Conservation Director Jim Janett addressed the next agenda item involving the Temporary Construction Easement for Clear Creek Park, which involves the Clear Creek Bridge replacement in Lansing next year. The Supervisors approved the temporary easement.
Robey Memorial Library Director Cate St. Clair and Library Aide/Teen Programming Coordinator Chris Kerndt provided a tour of the library to the Supervisors. Both highlighted some of the many programs and features available at the library.
John Hansen and Jeremy Oden with Midwest Construction Consultants provided an update on the Public Safety Center construction project. Oden advised that more cement block walls are in place and there has been a lot of progress with the sprinkler system. He further indicated that more of the ductwork has been completed with the furnace keeping the building warm during the construction process inside.
Hansen advised that progress has been going well despite rain and weather conditions. He indicated that April 1 is still likely for the Sheriff's Department initial move-in date. Hansen advised the Supervisors that Midwest Storage Solutions has provided a low bid of $32,052.49 for the high-density storage that will be used for evidence and long-term record storage. The Supervisors approved the purchase from that low bidder.
Hansen also presented reports for invoices and work completed as of December 1. This included $421,223.32 for the month with a total billed to date of $3,105,847.71. The monthly payment was approved by the Supervisors. Hansen indicated that there is $473,995.42 of contingency remaining, with the project well under budget.
Under Department Updates, Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick indicated that car specifications will be released and quotes will be accepted from area auto dealerships for a replacement Dodge Charger for his department's fleet. Mellick also advised that there have not been many deer hunting calls other than a few trespassing complaints. He also said that, due to the weather, there were several cars in the ditch over the weekend.
Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour indicated that snow has been the recent focus with motorgraders operating both Monday and Tuesday this week clearing secondary roads. Ridenour advised that snow removal is a priority over flood debris removal, which is ongoing, as weather allows.
Beyer briefly discussed the Iowa Association of Counties (ISAC) meeting and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime pay regulations that have been halted due to ongoing litigation.
