Reilly Construction withdraws rezoning request for freight terminal near New Albin, Supervisors discuss continuing flood issues

by Bob Beach

During its regular meeting Monday, July 15 the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing regarding a rezoning request by Upper Iowa Rail Port/Reilly Construction to allow for a freight terminal on property south of New Albin. The Allamakee County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the request amid concern from area residents that the proposed facility would be used for the processing and transportation of frac sand.
Just moments prior to the opening of the public hearing, the Board received a letter from Kurt Olson, an attorney representing Reilly Construction, stating that the company would like to withdraw its rezoning request. Olson, who hand-delivered the letter, said that his clients would like to revise and resubmit the zoning request at a later date, with the understanding that the process would need to start over when the request is resubmitted, including public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
The board room was filled nearly to capacity by concerned citizens who came prepared to advise the Board to follow the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to deny the rezoning request. Board of Supervisors Chairman Larry Schellhammer said that the Board has heard the concerns about frac sand mining operations in the county and that he respects the continued attendance of public hearings by area residents. He said that the Board has been, and will continue to be, mindful of following the proper legal process when addressing the issue.
During public comment time, Jack Sweeney of Sweeney Real Estate advised the Board not to act too quickly on plans for an auction of equipment remaining at Makee Manor, saying that he has been in contact with parties that have expressed an interest in purchasing or leasing the property for use as a care facility. The Board indicated that no date has been set for an auction and that it would be interested in pursuing either the sale or lease of the facility.
During regular business, Emergency Management Director Chris Dahlstrom reported that the total cost of damage to public infrastructure by flooding several weeks ago has been estimated at just over two million dollars by state and federal officials. He said that in order to be eligible for federal assistance, the 11 counties in Iowa affected would need to show total damage of $5.5 million to be eligible for federal assistance.
After assessments are complete in the other affected counties, Dahlstrom said he expected that a federal disaster declaration would take a couple of weeks. If that declaration is made, Dahlstrom said, the County would be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of repairs to public infrastructure, 75% covered by federal funds and 10% from the state with a 15% local match. He added that the state is still working on providing additional help to individuals and businesses affected by the flooding.
County Engineer Brian Ridenour said that he has been cutting back on overtime hours worked by Secondary Roads employees and the use of contractors for repairs. He said that much of the flood-related damage has been repaired and that most county roads are open and safe. He added that there is still a lot left to be done, but some projects will need to wait until a determination has been made regarding federal assistance.
Supervisor Dennis Koenig said that last Thursday the committee formed to administer funds contributed to the Allamakee Flood Recovery Fund. He said that the committee, on which he serves, has decided to use the $7,000 in the fund to assist with the replacement of furnaces and water heaters. A simple one-page application would be made available for up $500, Koening said.
In other business, the Board accepted and placed on file quarterly reports from the Sheriff and Recorder and the semi-annual and annual reports from the Treasurer,  voting unanimously to request quarterly reports from all offices that collect funds, effective July 1. The Board also voted to accept the low bid of $56,110.10 by Rolling Hills Concrete of Waukon for concrete patching of county roads.