Supervisors approve payment for tree removal at Village Creek Cemetery, discuss and address variety of other matters at regular Monday session
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, June 9 to address a full agenda of matters including the discussion and consideration of a pioneer cemetery expense relating to a tree removal in Village Creek Cemetery in rural Lansing, discussion and consideration of personnel matters and the resignation of a jailer/dispatcher at the Allamakee County Public Safety Center, and the consideration of setting a letting date for concrete pavement repairs. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Tom Clark also present for the meeting.
During Public Comment, Keatley noted that the Allamakee County Dairy Promotion Board’s annual Dairy Days Parade was held Sunday evening, June 8 in Lansing. Keatley noted the event’s move to a Sunday evening start time and desirable weather conditions were likely factors contributing to the good number of parade viewers and participants in attendance.
The meeting moved into the discussion and consideration of the pioneer cemetery expense for a tree removal in the Village Creek Cemetery in rural Lansing. As one who takes care of the grounds at the cemetery, Roger Erickson previously informed the Supervisors at the Tuesday, May 27 Supervisors meeting during Public Comment about a large, dead pine tree in need of removal before it falls and causes damage to gravestones at the cemetery. Additional discussion took place at the Monday, June 2 Supervisors meeting relating to an estimate of $1,500 and funding options allowed for this project through budget lines for the Pioneer Cemetery Commission or the Historical Preservation Society.
At the Monday, June 9 Supervisors meeting, Byrnes and Erickson further discussed the proposed pine tree removal with Byrnes noting that County Attorney Anthony Gericke has been consulted. Byrnes continued explaining that payment is possible through either the Pioneer Cemetery Commission or Historical Preservation Society with the Supervisors being authorized per Iowa Code to approve the matter in the absence of functioning boards with both the Pioneer Cemetery Commission and Historical Preservation Society currently seeking additional members.
The Supervisors approved payment up to $1,500 for the removal of the tree at Village Creek Cemetery, a payment that is a one-time event and allowed under Iowa Code Section 331.325 (2025). Byrnes noted that the Village Creek Cemetery has been well taken care of with Erickson performing mowing and some assistance from others relating to tree trimming. Erickson noted that approximately 100 graves are at the cemetery. Byrnes further discussed the need for and recruitment of additional members for the Pioneer Cemetery Commission and Historical Preservation Society.
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