Board of Supervisors Chairman announces he is withdrawing his name from the upcoming General Election; Board hears update from Medical Examiner

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, August 22 to address a full agenda of items including an update from the County Medical Examiner, approval of the Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) Anti-Human Trafficking Proclamation and the Second Reading of Amendment #10 to Zoning Ordinance L.

During Public Comment, Waukon City Manager Gary Boden provided a brief update relating to street resurfacing. Boden noted that some street work near the Allamakee County Courthouse may be taking place later this week with a non-working curb machine causing delays at this time.

Boden also discussed planned fiber optic installation being delayed through downtown Waukon and Rossville Road due to the trenching contractor experiencing some delays with a backlog of work on other projects. He said that the fiber optic installation is being assumed to take place in October with customers in this area to be hooked up to fiber optic early next year.

Boden advised that both Lansing and Waukon residents are being asked to fill out an online survey relating to their internet speed with that information to aid in making a case for grant funding to assist with fiber optic installation in both communities in their entirety. He further explained that the survey results will allow Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) to make a case for an amendment to the State’s proposed plan.

Boden also discussed setting a time for the Supervisors to tour the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Waukon in conjunction with the September 12 Supervisors Meeting. The Supervisors were in agreement for that tour to take place following the business portion of the September 12 meeting and for that matter to be added to that meeting agenda.

Before moving into the next agenda item, Board Chairman Larry Schellhammer read aloud a portion of a letter addressed to Denise Beyer, Allamakee County Commissioner of Elections, requesting that his name be withdrawn from the General Election ballot relating to his candidacy for re-election to the County Board of Supervisors. Schellhammer thanked the residents of Allamakee County for their support over the last 12 years he has served on the board.

The meeting moved into the consideration of the Second Reading of Amendment #10 to Zoning Ordinance L, changing the Zoning District Boundaries and changing the Zoning District of the official Zoning Map of Allamakee County for the portion of a parcel legally described as: Lot 5 and 1/6 Int. in Lot 16 (Well) Livingood Subdivision Section 17, Township 98 North, Range 2 West of the 5th Prime Meridian, Allamakee County, Iowa. The parcel is currently zoned R-1, Rural Residential District, and is changing to a R-3 zoning, Medium Density Residential District.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Stephanie Runkle provided an overview of this matter and advised that no written or verbal comments have been received. The Second Reading was approved by Schellhammer and Supervisors Mark Reiser and Dan Byrnes, with the Third Reading being set for 9:40 a.m. Monday, August 29.

The meeting moved into the Medical Examiner Update with Allamakee County Medical Examiner Investigator Jacob Dougherty and Medical Examiner Dr. Dave Schwartz providing feedback on this matter. Dougherty discussed the purchase of a transport vehicle for the Medical Examiner, a used 2020 Chevy half-ton truck with an eight-foot bed and fitted cap over the truck bed. Dougherty further noted that Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) provided two powered ambulance cots with mounting hardware installed from a retired ambulance, to be hauled in the back of the vehicle.

Dougherty advised that no signage or lettering has been placed on the transport vehicle in keeping its appearance both professional and discrete. He noted that the Medical Examiner transport vehicle is capable of transporting two deceased individuals at one time and provided totals relating to this new vehicle, including eight transports so far with four transports to Ankeny.

Dougherty further advised that VMH has also provided equipment and items for the vehicle, including backboards used in moving the deceased. Dr. Schwartz discussed measures used in cooling the enclosed truck bed and the purchase of various equipment.

Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick noted that the Medical Examiner program is handled in a professional and dignified manner by all involved. Before moving into the next agenda item, the Supervisors viewed the Medical Examiner transport vehicle parked in the Allamakee County Courthouse parking lot. Dougherty and Schwartz provided an overview of the vehicle’s capabilities including the operation of the powered ambulance cots.

Runkle individually presented information relating to Plat Requests for the Cote Family Farm, LLC, Lloyd C. Johanningmeier Jr., and Michael Schwarck and Christopher Soules. All three requests were approved by the Supervisors.

Beyer addressed the next matter relating to the consideration of a Certificate of Adjustment. Beyer advised that this agenda item relates to the confirmation of a homestead/home residence following the issuance of a tax statement. The Supervisors approved the Certificate of Adjustment as presented.

The Supervisors reviewed Manure Management Plan updates for Enyart Dairy and Martins Site. Both updates were accepted and placed on file.

Beyer addressed the next matter relating to the Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) Anti-Human Trafficking Proclamation, a statewide recognition and education program coordinated through the Office of Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC). Beyer noted that Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Director Jean Bossom has committed to assist with the learning and action requirements of the proclamation and program.

Beyer read aloud the proclamation confirming Allamakee County’s participation in this anti-human trafficking program and the Safe At Home (SAH) program, an address confidentiality program open to survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, stalking and assault which allows participants to lead active lives in their community by providing a legal substitute address for various public lists including voter registration, mail forwarding and absentee voting. The Supervisors approved the proclamation as presented.

The Supervisors and Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker discussed the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Snitker explained that this plan requires an update every five years with the current plan having been created five years ago. Snitker advised that he will be meeting with all of the communities and school districts within the county relating to this project. He also discussed the role of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) in developing this update, which he described as being a more streamlined process in comparison to the creation of the current Hazard Mitigation Plan from five years ago. Snitker also discussed federal and state grant funding allowing for this update at no cost to the County. No official action was required for this discussion matter, with an initial planning meeting being scheduled for August 31 in Waukon.

The meeting moved into Department Head Updates with Ryan Johnson of Allen Roofing & Construction providing an update relating to ongoing County Courthouse roof repairs. Head of Courthouse Maintenance John Roe noted that a former window area has been blocked in anticipation of a room’s conversion into a storm shelter area.

Beyer advised that property tax payments are being received following the mailing of tax statements. She noted that there are several small work projects that are ongoing within her office and that several staff members from County offices will be attending the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) Conference in Des Moines this week. Beyer also discussed the scanning of bound books with that project being funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), allowing for the preservation of these materials and their availability online following completion of this project.

Prior to adjournment, Mellick discussed engineering and planning being performed by Fehr Graham Engineering relating to a fire suppression upgrade at the Allamakee County Public Safety Center.