Supervisors discuss pair of items regarding recent drone purchase, approve easements on County property for next year’s sidewalk/street project

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, March 26 to address a full agenda of items, including the consideration of temporary easements for the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Sidewalk Improvement Project, consideration of bids for a County Sheriff’s Department 2013 Dodge Charger and the purchase of a search and rescue drone for training purposes.

During Public Comment, Jeff Abbas of rural Dorchester discussed that it would be valuable to have Dr. Chris Disbro, Director of the Iowa Hemp Association, conduct a 12- to 15-minute presentation regarding the value of hemp as an alternative crop for Iowa farmers. Abbas discussed an Iowa House bill that is similar to legislation in Wisconsin allowing a program for the growth and processing of hemp with permitting for paper production and the extraction of oil from seeds for medicinal purposes. Abbas indicated that there are a few locations in Allamakee County that could process oils and seeds and a few locations that could be retrofitted to become paper mills. The Supervisors recommended adding this as an agenda item for discussion next week.

Abbas also discussed that he has contacted Waukon Mayor Pat Stone regarding a 90-minute town hall forum to address issues facing Allamakee County and the City of Waukon and that once scheduled, he will be contacting The Standard about an announcement encouraging the public to email questions for discussion at the town hall meeting. Abbas encouraged representation from the Board of Supervisors at the town hall forum and Board Chairman Larry Schellhammer requested that Abbas keep the Supervisors informed as plans are finalized regarding the event.

During the remainder of Public Comment, Schellhammer and Supervisors Dan Byrnes and Dennis Koenig provided an update on their recent trip to Washington D.C. to be part of a statewide Supervisors conference and meeting. The Supervisors traveled to Washington D.C. at their own expense to be part of this event that unfortunately was canceled due to the Federal government shut-down due to weather conditions, but the Supervisors did enjoy time spent visiting restaurants and other tourist attractions.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake presented a subdivision plat from Andrew R. and Kari A. Burke, which was reviewed by the Supervisors. Blake indicated that the Burkes are surveying off an acre to be sold and that the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Plat Review Board have recommended approval. The Supervisors approved the plat request. Blake also presented a plat request from Debra D. Mink and David D., Gary L. and Casey L. Halvorson, which the Supervisors reviewed. Blake indicated that the Halvorsons are dividing a family property into three parcels and that the Planning and Zoning Commission and Plat Review Board have recommended approval. The Supervisors approved the plat request.

The Supervisors moved into the review of Certificates of Adjustment from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department. County Assessor Ann Burckart explained that 120 acres of marshland near Iowa Township, southeast of New Albin, has been purchased by the Federal government, with taxes due from previous owners paid up to the date of purchase and the difference abated. The Supervisors approved the Certificates of Adjustment for U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

The Manure Management Plan for Devin Humpal Site #1 was accepted and placed on file by the Supervisors. The Liquor License renewal for Empty Nest Winery was also approved.

The Supervisors moved into the consideration of temporary easements for the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Sidewalk Improvement Project and receipt of payment for easements. Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer indicated that Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler has reviewed the easements and that Kistler has indicated that the easements are acceptable. The four easements allow construction workers on a small section of property necessary for sidewalk replacement at the Allamakee County Historical Society Museum and the Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism Office, and the remaining two easements are for similar work at the Allamakee County Courthouse. The Supervisors discussed that the minimum $100 payment per easement should be accepted to cover any additional or unforeseen expenses associated with the sidewalk replacement. The Supervisors approved to sign the temporary easements and to accept payments for the DOT Sidewalk Project.

Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick discussed the status of a 2013 Dodge Charger that has been offered for sale to the highest bidder. The vehicle is no longer in active use and has been replaced with a new vehicle. Mellick indicated that the Dodge Charger has had the stripes removed and has been stripped down to allow public sale. Byrnes individually opened and read aloud the two bids that were received, with Andrew Mellick bidding $2,109.00 and Carl Wille bidding $2,665.00. The high bid from Carl Wille was approved.

Mellick discussed the hiring of a new E911 Dispatcher/Corrections Officer and with the completion of the interview process, recommended the hiring of Briana Berger at full-time status and starting wage set by Union contract with an immediate start date of March 26. The Supervisors approved the hiring of Berger for the E911 Dispatcher/Corrections Officer position.

Mellick discussed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensing for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) search and rescue drone. Mellick indicated that the County would be licensing under a certificate of authorization allowing insurance coverage and that a letter from the County Attorney will be necessary. The Supervisors agreed that Mellick should move forward and have County Attorney Kistler draft the necessary letter required for FAA licensing.

Mellick also discussed the purchase of an additional UAV drone for training purposes using the County credit card. Mellick discussed testing various low-cost drones indicating that the Typhoon Q500 4K Drone is more stable and has better camera quality than lesser or comparably priced drones and has controls that are similar to the main drone recently purchased by the Sheriff’s Department and Allamakee County Emergency Management. Mellick indicated that he has found the Typhoon Q500 4K Drone with hardcase available online for $800. The Supervisors approved the purchase of the drone using the County credit card, the cost of which is within the amount remaining from donations received from fundraising.

Under Department Head Updates, Blake discussed having a member of the Board of Supervisors be part of a steering committee involved with the development of a comprehensive plan through Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC). Allamakee County Conservation Director Jim Janett discussed recent and upcoming events at the Driftless Education and Visitors Center, which recently surpassed 10,000 visitors.

Janett also addressed some concerns raised in a Letter to the Editor by Mike Ryan of Harpers Ferry in the March 21 edition of The Standard regarding the paving of the Village Creek boat landing near Lansing. Janett indicated that it is a State letting and not County tax dollars. He said this funding is highly competitive and that Allamakee County is very fortunate to have received it. Janett advised that the Lansing boat landing receives a lot of use and  is likely the most used boat landing between here and Guttenberg.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour discussed upcoming meetings and recently having a table at the Kee High School Career Fair and that a recommendation will be forthcoming for the Maintenance #2 position with the Secondary Roads Department. Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker discussed upcoming meetings that are scheduled and that March 26-30 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa.

Mellick discussed the heating switch replacement at the Public Safety Center and that he will be following up with Kistler about writing a letter to Winona Controls about extending the warranty on the HVAC system at the Public Safety Center due to continued concerns that may or may not have been resolved. Mellick discussed the installation of signage at the Public Safety Center and that a computer server upgrade may be necessary.

Beyer discussed that Wednesday at 5 p.m. is the filing deadline for County candidates to be on the primary ballots. Beyer said she will be involved with the March 28 Financial Reality 101 program taking place at the Waukon High School and that the Courthouse will be closed Good Friday, March 30. Beyer indicated that Courthouse tours are being scheduled for second and eighth grades and that requests for proposals (RFP) for audit services will be sent out, with the three-year contract with Hacker, Nelson & Co., P.C. ending soon.