Supervisors approve amendments to County's ATV/UTV Ordinance following Monday's public hearing

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, June 12 to address a full agenda of items. Among those items were the Public Hearing for amendments to the ATV Ordinance LV, the signing of the revised Solutions Information Technology (IT) Services Agreement for Fiscal-Year 2018 and approval of the revised 28E agreement for the issuance of drivers licenses.

During Public Comments, Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development discussed that David Van Kampen, Chief Operating Officer of Agri Star Meat & Poultry in Postville, has expressed interest in having the Board of Supervisors tour that facility the week of July 10. Reinke advised that Agri Star is the largest employer in Allamakee County with a very diverse workforce speaking eight different languages and that other companies look to Agri Star as a positive example for their efforts working with a diverse workforce. The Supervisors discussed scheduling and will make plans to tour the Agri Star facility.

The Public Hearing for amendments to the ATV Ordinance LV was opened and closed without any comments. The first reading of amendments to the ATV Ordinance LV was approved with the second and third readings waived and the amendments being adopted. Chip Lamb, President of the Allamakee County ATV/UTV Club, thanked the Supervisors for their work on the ATV Ordinance and commented that the next steps will include working with each of the cities, getting signage in place and educating the public about the ordinance. Board Chairperson Larry Schellhammer recommended having copies of the ordinance available at Waukon Power Sports, which Lamb agreed to discuss with his employer.

The signing of the revised Solutions IT Services Agreement for Fiscal-Year 2018 was discussed by the Supervisors. The agreement covering both the County Courthouse and the Public Safety Center has decreased by roughly $7,000 from the previous agreement. The Supervisors approved the signing of the Fiscal-Year 2018 agreement. Manure Management Plans for Regancrest Holsteins and Kent McCormick Site I and II were reviewed by the Supervisors and approved.

Allamakee County Treasurer Lori Hesse discussed the revised 28E agreement for the issuance of drivers licenses. Hesse explained that the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) periodically requests each County to sign an updated 28E agreement better defining the relationship between the IDOT and the County. Hesse indicated that the revised agreement was presented to County Attorney Jill Kistler for review with Kistler not finding any issues and recommending that it be presented to the Supervisors. The revised agreement was approved.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour discussed the three bids received for concrete patching on the County's secondary roads system. He recommended approval of the low bid from Skyline Construction of Decorah at $61,221.99, which the Supervisors approved.

Ridenour also discussed the Utility Permit Application for installing underground utilities on Secondary Road right of way that was submitted by Northeast Iowa Telephone Company (NEIT). Ridenour indicated that NEIT plans to bury fiber optic cable in an area north of Monona including Volney and beyond. Ridenour advised that NEIT is being asked to use a 40-inch depth and put up warning signs and that a certificate of insurance for the work being done is required from the contractor. With Ridenour's recommendation, the Supervisors approved the NEIT utility permit application.

Ridenour further discussed the agreement for railroad crossing signals and gates on Winfield Road on the north side of Harpers Ferry. Ridenour explained that with two sets of railroad tracks, this has increased in priority for signalization to include a LED flashing light gate and gate arms. Ridenour indicated that the project cost is approximately $214,000, with Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad covering 10% of the cost and the remaining 90% covered by the IDOT, with Spring 2018 likely for completion. The agreement was approved.

Under Department Head Updates, Ridenour advised that Bruening Rock Products is continuing to put down gravel and that the Secondary Roads Department is working on debris removal and applying rip rap where needed, and that full-depth patching and spray patching is ongoing. Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer advised that she is communicating with the school district board secretaries regarding filings for upcoming school elections in September.