Supervisors hear request for housing study, update on efforts to maintain Camp Tahigwa for original purpose
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, December 12 to address a variety of topics. Among those were the County's membership with Eastern Iowa Tourism, plat approvals and discussion of Human Resource consultant options.
During the Public Comments portion of the meeting, Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development addressed the Board regarding the need for a housing study. Reinke explained that such a study would provide an inventory of what the county has regarding housing and is a necessary piece of information to be used in applying for grants and in attracting new industry.
Reinke further discussed that in attracting new industries to the area, housing is necessary for workers who are relocating and new housing needs to be affordable with the salaries being offered by existing and new industries. Reinke advised that much of the cost of a housing study could come from a combination of sources, including the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund, the Allamakee County Community Foundation and utility companies, with other sources a possibility to also help financially.
Representatives from Friends of Camp Tahigwa, including Brecka Putnam, Brigitte Hovden and Wendy Dibert, addressed the Board regarding the potential sale of Camp Tahigwa and their desire to continue programming under new ownership. They expressed their desire to continue use of the property as it was originally intended as a Girl Scout camp.
The Supervisors addressed the annual Eastern Iowa Tourism contribution that was discussed at the December 5 Board meeting. At that meeting, Executive Director Carrie Koelker with Eastern Iowa Tourism provided an overview of the organization and services provided. Koelker had discussed the different types of memberships and services offered with each to answer questions raised by the Supervisors regarding whether or not both the County and Allamakee County Economic Development should have a membership to the organization.
At the December 12 meeting, the Supervisors discussed the value of the County's membership at the $500 level with two appointees to be designated to represent the County at the organization's meetings. Allamakee County receives top billing alphabetically in Eastern Iowa Tourism's materials, which is an added value for area tourism. The Supervisors agreed that the membership provides enough benefit to the County's tourism efforts and that Allamakee Economic Development will pay the County's membership with reimbursement to be handled at budget time. Appointees to Eastern Iowa Tourism's committee will be discussed at a later time.
Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake presented plat approvals to the Supervisors. Blake discussed that the Conestoga Council of Girl Scouts has proposed to fragment off a small 7.38 acre section of land from Camp Tahigwa to be sold to Ralph Hammel, a farmer that owns cropland on both sides of the narrow property being discussed. The representatives from Friends of Camp Tahigwa provided some feedback on the proposed plat approval. The Friends of Camp Tahigwa are continuing to pursue the purchase of the camp with assistance of other organizations but as of yet, have not been provided with an asking price. The plat presented for the Conestoga Council of Girl Scouts was approved.
Blake also presented the second plat to the Supervisors for approval. Derek A. Bentien operates a hog facility on Lot 1 of his property and has proposed dividing off a parcel for a second hog building. Blake discussed that the proposal meets sub-division standards, is exempt and received a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Supervisors approved the plat for Derek A. Bentien.
Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer provided an update about Human Resource consultant options, explaining that several firms have been contacted. Beyer advised that a consultant would provide a professional opinion on human resource matters and that Department Heads need to be able to rely on the same source. Beyer will be compiling information and cost quotes from different firms and will present that information at a future Board meeting.
Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour briefly discussed the County handbook and Union and Non-Union employees. Beyer advised that when the Union contract is silent, the County handbook is followed. Schellhammer recommended having the Secondary Roads employees sign the handbook.
Under Department Head Updates, Ridenour discussed the recent weather conditions, advising that Sunday, December 11 most of the Secondary Roads employees worked 10-hour days with snow removal. Ridenour discussed that changes are ongoing with seven transfers relating to Union positions in his department. Ridenour discussed that two positions will likely be open due to retirements, including a motorgrader operator position. Ridenour also discussed that he is still waiting on information from a snowmobile group regarding their proposed trail this winter.
Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker also discussed recent weather conditions and the potential for more snow. Snitker advised that there was a call over the weekend about a potential lost hunter, who later returned or was found safe, shortly after the initial call.
The Supervisors also set a special meeting time for Wednesday, December 14 at 12:30 p.m. for consideration and approval of a 28E agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation regarding the well at the Public Safety Center.
