Supervisors discuss zoning change request with area residents during public hearing; sign April proclamation

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, March 27 to address a full agenda of items including holding a public hearing for a zoning change request, a Proclamation for April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the consideration of motor grader quotes for the Secondary Roads Department. During Public Comments, Jack Knight discussed anticipated budget cuts that will impact the County and how the closure of the Luster Heights facility will impact County jails.

On behalf of the Riverview Center, which provides sexual assault intervention services in northeast Iowa, Advocate Tirzah Corbin, Rural Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Coordinator Brandi Lewin and Advocate Lacy Jorgensen presented a Proclamation for April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Corbin provided information about the Riverview Center's free and confidential services assisting victims of sexual assault covering 14 counties. Schellhammer read the proclamation aloud which he and fellow Supervisors Dan Byrnes and Dennis Koenig each signed.

The Public Hearing for a zoning change request for George and Belva Ashbacher was opened with Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake discussing the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation to deny the request. Neighboring residents Andrew and Marilyn Brummel discussed concerns with the zoning change that may impact the uniqueness of the rural area under consideration and questioned whether the distance to other communities and emergency services has been taken into account in evaluating this matter.

Property owner George Ashbacher stated that the property in question was zoned prior to the Brummels relocating to the area and it is located ten miles from Prairie du Chien, WI and 20 miles from Waukon. Ashbacher commented that the tax revenue and people these properties will bring to Allamakee County should be a consideration within the zoning change request.

Andrew Wroble, who operates a bed and breakfast near this property, commented that he has been in this community for decades and tourists have expressed that experiencing the openness of the area is a positive. Wroble questioned, "I'm wondering if less isn't more for Allamakee County?"

Jack Knight commented that it is important to note that Blake and Ashbacher are trying to work on the zoning issue and will continue to discuss the development of this property. Blake advised that there are two issues being discussed, housing and commercial zoning for mini-storage. Following completion of the discussion, the Public Hearing was closed with the matter being added to next week's meeting agenda for the Supervisors.

Allamakee County Coordinator of Disability Services Kim Waters provided an overview of the County Social Services (CSS) meeting held March 22. The Board then moved on to the consideration of lowering the Fiscal Year 2018 Mental Health-Developmental Disabilities (MH-DD) levy. This is a reduction in property taxes from $35.18 to $33.18 per capita and as a reduction, will not be published. The resolution was approved.

Waters also discussed the next agenda item dealing with the consideration of Case Manager Jason Howes' Fiscal Year 2018 salary, in which she recommended raising his salary to $18 per hour to be consistent with the salaries of other Case Managers. The Supervisors approved the request.

Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker provided an overview of the County policy for disclosure of security related information which covers the dissemination of information to the public. The policy was approved by the Supervisors.

Snitker also discussed the County requirements for the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) vendors. Snitker discussed the city ordinances being proposed for the July event and that Allamakee County may need to adopt similar ordinances to prevent vendors from circumventing the city ordinances and vendor fees by establishing a location for sales outside of city limits. Schellhammer advised that coordinating with Lansing and Waukon for compatibility with their ordinances would be recommended in order to charge the same vendor fees across the County. Snitker said he will be addressing the issue further at an upcoming RAGBRAI meeting.

Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick discussed the law enforcement budget for Allamakee County and RAGBRAI that will cover officers and dispatchers during the event.

The Board's motion numbered 17.107 from its March 20 meeting was amended to change the date of the Board meeting to be held at the Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library from July 5 to July 3. The motion was approved following discussion that the County Courthouse will not be closed July 3 due to the anticipated Fourth of July holiday, as originally thought, allowing the meeting to be held Monday as traditionally scheduled. The Liquor License renewal for the Empty Nest Winery was also approved by the Board.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour discussed the motor grader quotes received from Martin Equipment of Dubuque and Ziegler Caterpillar of Postville. Jim McDonald with Martin Equipment presented information on the John Deere 770 GTX motor grader and Jared Bucksa with Ziegler presented information on the Caterpillar 140M3 motor grader. Ridenour will provide a recommendation on the trade-in and purchase considerations for the machines at the next Board meeting.

Under Department Head Updates, Ridenour also discussed that he will likely have the five-year construction program information to present next week and will soon receive painting quotes for several paved roads. Ridenour will be working with E911 Director Chris Fee to get historic data on the funding for 911 signage.

Sheriff Mellick advised that construction is progressing at the Public Safety Center and the water tower will be filled soon. Mellick also advised that a grand opening date is yet to be determined for the new facility but will be set in the near future.
Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer advised that she is currently certifying city budgets.