Supervisors pass resolution declaring April as Alcohol Awareness Month

by Bob Beach

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution during its regular meeting Monday, March 30 to declare April to be Alcohol Awareness Month. The resolution states that "celebrating Alcohol Awareness Month provides all Allamakee County residents an opportunity to become more aware of the negative impacts of the misuse of alcohol and to demonstrate their commitment to living a lifestyle free from the influence of alcohol abuse and any negative effects."
Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer informed the Board that she had received a request from First District U.S. Congressman Rod Blum's office to use the Board's office in the courthouse once a month to meet with constituents. After a short discussion, the Board decided that approving the request may set an uncomfortable precedent and advised Beyer to recommend other venues to Blum's staff, such as the Farm Bureau office, the public library or the Community Room at Farmers and Merchant Savings Bank.
Beyer also asked for the Board's input on an option to allow up to $500 from County employee flex spending accounts to "roll over" to the following year; currently, employees must use money in their flex savings or lose it, with the unused portion going to the County. The Board voted unanimously to allow the $500 annual roll over.
Beyer also reminded the Board of an open house at the courthouse scheduled for Thursday, April 9 in observance of County Government Week. She said that eighth graders from all three school districts in the county will be touring the courthouse that morning. Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick said that any prisoners at the County Jail would be housed elsewhere that day to allow for public tours of the jail.
The Board also met with Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour, who was present for the opening of bids for three Secondary Roads projects. Brennan Construction of Lansing submitted the low bid of $83,599.35 for a bridge deck replacement approximately a half mile south of the intersection of Williams Creek Road and Cherry Valley Drive; also bidding on that project was Minnowa Construction of Harmony, MN ($109,999.99). JB Holland Construction of Decorah submitted the low bid of $77,831.33 for a box culvert replacement on Dry Hollow Road; also bidding on that project was Riehm Construction of Waukon ($93,520.00). JB Holland Construction was also the low bidder on a box culvert replacement on Columbus Road south of Lansing ($37,274.00); also bidding on that project were Riehm Construction of Waukon ($42,803.04) and Tschiggfrie Company of Dubuque ($74,755.00). Ridenour said that he would review the bids and make a recommendation to the Board next week.
In other business, the Board approved an agreement with the City of Waukon to equalize the interest payments of the City and the township members of the Waukon Area Fire Protection District; the City secured a no-interest loan for its portion of the cost of constructing a new fire station while the townships borrowed their share through the Board of Supervisors at 3.25% interest. The agreement equalizes the amount of interest paid by the townships and the City of Waukon.
The Board also met with Allamakee County Coordinator of Disabilities Services Kim Waters, who reviewed discussions held during a recent meeting of the County Social Services Board.