Supervisors discuss new ordinance pertaining to flood plain management, approve lone bid for Waterville Road resurfacing

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, August 3 to address a full agenda of items including the consideration of a bid for asphalt resurfacing of Waterville Road (X32), receiving a new Flood Plain Management Ordinance from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Zoning/Flood Administrator, and a request for a Zoning District Map amendment.

During Public Comment, Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) provided an update relating to several recent and upcoming events within the county including the ATV/UTV Pirate’s Road Rally held Saturday, August 1 that involved 52 ATV/UTVs. Reinke also provided an update relating to Lid’s Bar and Grill in Waukon, which was scheduled to open Tuesday, August 4 for to-go orders. Reinke discussed the Homes for Iowa program, which trains incarcerated individuals in construction and produces affordable housing.

Board Chairperson Larry Schellhammer and Reinke discussed the Country on the Creek Music Festival in Waterville scheduled for Saturday, August 15 and Reinke provided an update relating to other events scheduled for that same day including the Mags/Byrnes Memorial Ride and a car show scheduled in Waukon. Reinke advised that Mike McAbee will be performing at Waukon’s Music in the Park event Thursday, August 6 and provided an update relating to the Farmers’ Market held Thursdays in Postville.

The Supervisors moved into the review of Manure Management Plan updates for Gruber Ridge, Long View Ridge, Wayne and Shelly Weber Farm, Millerway, Dennis Gruber and Supreme Beef LLC. The manure management plan updates were accepted and placed on file.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake addressed the next agenda item relating to the request for the Zoning District Map amendment from Gregory Friest at 929 Lansing Harpers Road, Harpers Ferry and Planning and Zoning Recommendation regarding the same and adjoining property. Blake presented a map of the area and discussed Friest’s plans to convert a metal structure into a residence for his parents which will require a zoning change from commercial to agricultural allowing accessory dwelling. Blake indicated that surrounding property owners did not have any objections and that the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the zoning change request.

Blake provided a recommendation to hold the Public Hearing for this zoning map and ordinance request Monday, August 17 with Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer recommending that 9:40 a.m. be set as the time. The Supervisors approved the recommendation for the public hearing to be August 17 at 9:40 a.m.

Blake also discussed the next matter relating to a new Flood Plain Management Ordinance recommendation from the Iowa DNR and Zoning/Flood Plain Administrator. Blake advised that new maps will become effective September 18 and that a new ordinance is necessary for the adoption of these new maps and updated language. Blake presented an ordinance draft from the DNR and discussed the detailed flood study and information not contained in the previous version of flood plain mapping. Blake advised of his recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission for language changes to the ordinance and that the Commission’s own hearing on this matter is being set for August 17. Blake advised that Planning and Zoning should have its public hearing on this matter first with the Supervisors to have their public hearing at a later date. No action was taken by the Supervisors.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour presented information relating to the consideration of a bid for asphalt resurfacing of Waterville Road (X32) north of Waterville. Ridenour discussed the bidding process with letting handled by the State, with just one bid being received from Mathy Construction of Onalaska, WI. Ridenour said that the only bid received, $1,387,746, was 4.4% over the engineer’s estimate for the project involving a four-mile section of asphalt resurfacing on X32. Ridenour recommended approval of the bid and advised that this is a farm-to-market project to be completed with farm-to-market funds that have been received. The Supervisors approved the bid from Mathy Construction.

The Supervisors moved into COVID-19 related items with Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker discussing a recent newspaper article he wrote providing information about face mask requirements in neighboring states. Snitker advised that 34 states have face mask mandates and that individuals should research state, county and local requirements relating to any travel destinations. Snitker also discussed state guidance that has been provided for school districts and advised that a Zoom web-conference meeting is being planned for school districts within the county possibly to take place next week. Snitker discussed plans to pick up additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and also talked about recent numbers of COVID-19 cases in the county.

Under Department Head Updates, Snitker discussed a press release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) relating to seed packets originating from China being received by postal mail. Snitker also discussed a recent Incident Response Planning webinar and said that he will be working with the County Auditor’s Office in developing this type of plan prior to September 15 covering various possible incidents affecting the voting process, including civil unrest, power outages and tornadoes.

Ridenour provided an update relating to road projects and said that employment openings in the Secondary Roads Department will be posted.

Beyer advised that tax statement preparation has been completed and has been sent to the printer as of late last week. She also advised that approximately 1,000 absentee ballot requests have been received thus far for the November 3 general election. Beyer said that passport application processing is being handled by appointment only and has resumed as of the Monday meeting day, August 3.