Supervisors accept resignation of Allamakee County Treasurer Jennifer O’Neill, approve signing of NE Iowa Response Group 28E agreement
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, July 29 at the Postville Public Library as part of the board’s annual schedule of alternate meeting locations. The Supervisors addressed a full agenda of matters including a personnel matter relating to the County Treasurer’s office, consideration of signing the Northeast Iowa Response Group 28E Agreement and consideration of LP quotes. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Mark Reiser present.
During Public Comment, Postville Library Board President Clara Lensing thanked the Supervisors for the County’s support of public libraries. Lensing noted that the Summer Reading Program has expanded the last two summers with it not being uncommon for 75 or more children to be present at one time for this program on a Wednesday night. Lensing advised that story-time at the Postville Public Library is offered in both English and Spanish with the library purchasing books and reading materials in a variety of languages to include children, teens and adults from other cultures.
At the conclusion of Lensing’s comments, Byrnes presented a copy of the children’s book “The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland” which he advised is being distributed to all the county libraries. Byrnes and County Auditor Denise Beyer discussed that the artificial intelligence (AI) authored book is being made available by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and provides information relating to the roles of county government officials and employees.
Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) noted that the Growing Hope Globally 25-year Celebration in northeast Iowa will be recognized with a dinner and auction at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds in Decorah Friday, August 2 and at Zion UCC Church in Waukon Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with global partners and representatives of Corner of Hope to share information about growing projects. Reinke also noted Waukon Corn Days taking place Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 including the Friday, August 2 Sweet Corn Meal from 4-8 p.m., Street Dance from 8-11 p.m., among other scheduled events over this two-day festival. Reinke also advised that Grady’s Superhero Run will be taking place Friday, August 2 in Dorchester with the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus scheduled for two performances in Postville at the Big Four Fairgrounds this Saturday, August 3.
Postville City Council member and Allamakee County Environmental Health Director Laurie Moody noted ongoing street resurfacing projects in Postville, among other water and sewer additions north of town relating to Ziegler CAT.
Library Director and Community Developer Crystal Duffy provided an update relating to new businesses and business expansions in Postville. Duffy noted that the Thursday Farmers Market continues from 4-7 p.m. through September with food trucks available to the public during this event.
The meeting moved into the discussion and consideration of the Resolution regarding the 28E Agreement with the City of Postville to collect parking tickets. County Treasurer Jennifer O’Neill noted that a similar 28E Agreement is in place with the City of Waukon with the revenue for each ticket, minus a $5 collection fee, sent to the City of Waukon. O’Neill noted that Iowa Code allows the County to collect parking tickets on behalf of individual cities. Following discussion, the Supervisors approved the Resolution.
O’Neill also addressed the next agenda item relating to a personnel matter. O’Neill read aloud her letter of resignation noting appreciation for her employment with the County over the last 20 years. She further explained that the she has accepted a position with Harris Local Government/“Solutions” Inc. as Senior Application Support for Treasurers starting August 12 with August 11 being her last day of employment as Allamakee County Treasurer. Byrnes thanked O’Neill for her years of service to the County, acknowledging that she will be working with the County in a different capacity in her new role with “Solutions” Inc. Keatley, Reiser and Moody echoed similar thoughts relating to O’Neill’s years of service and new role.
To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, July 31, 2024 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.
