Supervisors approve Resolution to continue County Compensation Board following changes in State of Iowa legislation, address additional matters
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, July 22 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of the Resolution establishing a County Compensation Board, discussion and consideration of the deposit of returned Allamakee County Extension Office funds, and the opening and consideration of bids for the CAT6 and camera project for the Allamakee County Courthouse. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Mark Reiser and Dennis Keatley present.
During Public Comment, Byrnes commented on the Allamakee County Fair which was held July 17-21 in Waukon, noting that public attendance levels were great each day for this countywide event. Byrnes thanked the Allamakee County Fair Board and volunteers for their time and effort relating to this year’s fair. Keatley echoed similar thoughts relating to attendance levels with Reiser noting weather conditions were favorable for the duration of the fair.
Following the time allotted for Public Comment, County Treasurer Jennifer O’Neill addressed the next matter relating to the County Treasurer’s Annual Report. O’Neill provided a brief overview noting the report to be published in county newspapers and that additional information has been provided to the Supervisors. Following review, the Supervisors approved the Treasurer’s Annual Report.
The meeting moved into the discussion and consideration of returned Allamakee County Extension Office funds. O’Neill noted that $34,144.05 in tax funds from the County Extension Office budget is unspent. She noted that similarly, unspent funds last year by the County Extension Office were returned to the General Fund per State Code, which directs the County Treasurer to do so. No action was necessary relating to this informational matter.
Assistant County Attorney Jill Kistler addressed the next matter relating to the consideration of the Buckmaster Burial Agreement. Kistler noted that County Ordinance LX Regulating the Burial of Human Remains Outside of Cemeteries within Allamakee County, approved October 11, 2021, relates to this request to establish a private cemetery on land owned by Raleigh Buckmaster and his wife. Kistler advised that Buckmaster has followed through on all requirements with an agreement being drafted.
Zoning Administrator Stephanie Runkle provided further details relating to the location of the proposed private cemetery and the recommendation to allow. Present at the meeting, Raleigh Buckmaster noted that a conservation easement is in place on this land preventing construction, mining or other related activities with his request not impacting conservation practices. Buckmaster noted that the proposed private cemetery location is well beyond the minimum 50-100 feet in distance from burial mounds on this land, as recommended by archaeologists.
Byrnes noted the work by Runkle and her department in drafting Ordinance LX a few years ago with the Buckmaster Burial Agreement having been researched and the location mapped for future reference. Kistler advised that the mapping and additional information be added to the agreement as Attachment D. Following discussion, the Supervisors approved the Buckmaster Burial Agreement with Attachment D as presented.
The meeting moved into the opening and consideration of bids for the CAT6 and camera project for the County Courthouse. Byrnes noted work by Runkle, GIS Coordinator Jon Luchsinger and Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker relating to the network cable and security camera upgrades for the County Courthouse. Project Manager Adam Schlifer of Wieser Brothers, a general contracting company, provided an overview of the two bids received including Audio Video Pros, Inc. of La Crosse, WI at $205,233.82 and Five Star Telecom of La Crosse, WI at $338,573.32.
Schlifer noted that representatives of Five Star Telecom did participate in a walk-through of the County Courthouse with representatives of Audio Video Pros not present. The Supervisors were in agreement that due to difference in bids with one bidder not being part of the courthouse walk-through, both bids will need to be qualified to determine that they meet all qualification criteria and conform to the requirements of the proposal. No action was taken at this time.
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