Supervisors discuss fallen flag pole at County Courthouse, hear update on changes taking place within County Social Services

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, May 12 to address a full agenda of matters including an update relating to County Social Services, consideration of a Resolution to appoint a 2nd Deputy Auditor and the consideration of a Resolution to advance A11 and A16 asphalt projects to the FY2025 County Five Year Program. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Tom Clark present.

Service Coordinator Jason Howes and Service Area Supervisor Sheri Vierkant, both with County Social Services (CSS), addressed the CSS Update item on the meeting agenda. Howes discussed changes taking place relating to the CSS region which is moving to a 16-county region known as District 3.

Howes advised that CSS is being replaced by two systems known as the Behavioral Health Service System and Disability Access Point (DAP), which will replace services currently provided by mental health regions. Relating to this change, Howes advised that the Behavioral Health Service System will be the lifeline for mental health counseling and crisis intervention with DAP to provide long-term assistance including supported community living, among other needs for those with disabilities.

Howes and Vierkant noted that some details are yet to be determined relating to this change involving two systems which will be providing coverage from a central location within the region. Vierkant noted that tentative plans indicate the Behavioral Health Services System will hire approximately eight navigators to aid in connecting individuals to services, with the number of DAP navigators yet to be determined. She advised that the Allamakee County CSS office will remain open through June 27. Keatley recommended that another CSS update take place in June with the matter to be added as an agenda item.

The meeting moved into the discussion and consideration of steam trap proposals relating to the County Courthouse’s heating system. The Supervisors and Head of Courthouse Maintenance John Roe discussed estimates received for the heating system maintenance and repair in addition to discussing potential options relating to steam trap and control valve repair versus replacement. Roe agreed to follow up relating to the quotes received and to discuss if options relating to rebuilt control valves and steam traps would be possible and cost effective in comparison to replacement, in addition to being under warranty. No action was taken relating to this discussion matter.

The meeting moved into the discussion and consideration of the flagpole in front of the County Courthouse. Byrnes noted that the 51-foot flagpole in front of the courthouse was knocked down by high winds without any other significant damage being caused. He advised that initial feedback received indicates that the flagpole itself does not have any historical significance and that a decision will need to be made relating to whether replacement is necessary or if the other flagpoles are adequate.

County Engineer Brian Ridenour noted information from Jane Regan with Upper Iowa Insurance Services relating to the $10,000 deductible which would apply to this repair or replacement. Ridenour and Byrnes discussed the removal of the remaining flagpole below surface level with a small section of sidewalk to be replaced. Byrnes noted his recommendation to not replace the flagpole due to cost with additional public feedback welcome relating to the matter, which will be revisited in a couple weeks.

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