Supervisors accept resignation of Deputy Ross Kolsrud as he will assume Chief of Police position in Lansing, discuss transfer of K9 Tyr to Lansing
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, September 16 at the Waterville Community Center’s City Council Chambers as part of the Supervisors’ annual schedule of alternate meeting locations and county library visits. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Mark Reiser and Dennis Keatley present.
During Public Comment, Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) provided an overview of recent and upcoming events. Reinke and Byrnes discussed the Iowa Trail Run Series that took place Sunday, September 15 at Yellow River State Forest. Reinke noted the guided hike at Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Worship in the Valley/Acoustic Storytime concert at Village Creek Bible Camp all taking place Sunday, September 15 as well.
Reinke noted the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge open house scheduled for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 17 at 481 Luster Heights Road, Harpers Ferry relating to the new McGregor District Headquarters and Maintenance Facility to be constructed at the Luster Heights Unit. She advised that the Red Barn Campground and Restaurant in Lansing held the Sunset Sessions event Saturday, September 14 relating to songs and stories directly from songwriters. The 6th Annual Lansing Fire Department ATV/UTV Ride scheduled for Saturday, September 21 was also discussed by Reinke, who noted that country music artist Cory Farley will be performing at the conclusion of that event. Reinke noted that the Windy Pines Greenhouse will also be having its Fall Open House event Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Dorchester. Keatley and Reinke discussed a recent Alliant Energy meeting relating to battery and energy storage with Keatley noting that Dr. Jim Martin-Schramm, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator with the Allamakee Energy District was in attendance. Reinke also provided an update relating to Dexter Quandahl of Quandahl Custom Homes/Q4 Construction, a Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program applicant, relating to the construction of an apartment complex within the Pladsen Addition on 8th Avenue SW in Waukon to include 36 units in each of two phases. Reinke noted that ground will be broken this fall relating to Phase 1, which will include two 18- plex apartment buildings. Reinke further noted that Monday, October 7, the Waukon City Council will be discussing the development of the property on 9th Street NW referred to locally as the “Bresnahan Property” with Developer Ben Garrett of Tailwind Capital Partners. This project relates to the construction of eight two-bedroom/two-bath duplex townhouses (16 units) on the ”Bresnahan Property”. Reinke advised that both projects are important in addressing housing needs within the county.
The meeting moved into the City of Waterville update with Mayor Dave Monserud providing an overview. Monserud advised that the Community Center has been very busy with activities. Relating to the Country on the Creek event and fundraising held about a month ago, Monserud noted that attendance was close to 200 despite weather- related concerns that may have kept some last-minute ticket buyers away. Monserud noted cost savings that have been achieved relating to the heating of the Community Center and that the Waterville Bar and Grill has continued to be a busy and popular attraction downtown. Relating to pickleball, Monserud said that this hascontinued as a popular weekly scheduled activity with the winter badminton league having another successful
season last year.
For the Library Update, Library Director Heather Bente noted that the library’s hours have decreased but coincide with other scheduled recreation activities Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Bente discussed an increased emphasis on programming and trends relating to physical books, e-books and audio books. Byrnes presented a copy of the children’s book “The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland” by the National Association of Counties (NACo), which he advised is an artificial intelligence (AI) authored book which provides information relating to the roles of county government offi cials and employees. Bente thanked the Supervisors for the continued support of county libraries. She discussed the availability of physical books through the State Library’s courier service and inter-library loan which provides access to millions of books which can accommodate the needs of book clubs requiring multiple copies of the same book for a specified time. In addition, Bente noted fundraising efforts including the wreath-making program in November.
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