Supervisors give approval and hear updates on several K9 matters, including announcement of new K9 officer; Approval given to Irish Hollow Quarry lease
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, July 14 to address a full agenda of matters including the County Treasurer’s Semi-Annual and Annual Report, consideration of a bid for the lease of the Irish Hollow Quarry property, and consideration of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s K9 Scholarship award.
The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Pro-Tem Dennis Keatley with Supervisor Tom Clark present. Chairperson Dan Byrnes was not present due to a scheduled absence.
There was no Public Comment during the ten minutes allotted for that agenda item with the meeting then moving into the County Treasurer’s Semi-Annual and Annual Report and other updates. Treasurer Nicki Smedsrud noted that the Supervisors have each been provided copies of these reports with the Treasurer’s Annual Report being published in the newspaper this week (Page 20 of this edition of The Standard). Following a brief discussion, the Supervisors accepted and placed on file the Treasurer’s Semi-Annual Report and Annual Report.
Smedsrud also addressed the next matter relating to the notification of the Ag Extension’s return of unspent tax dollars. Smedsrud advised that $41,389.14 in tax funds from the Ag Extension budget would be returned to the County’s General Fund. No action was necessary relating to this informational matter.
Quarterly Reports for the County Recorder, Relief and Veterans Affairs offices were accepted and placed on file.
County Sheriff Clark Mellick addressed the next agenda item relating to the use of the county credit card for the purchase of K9 equipment not to exceed $275. Mellick explained that the use of the county credit card is being requested for the purchase of a K9 control harness not to exceed $275, including shipping, with this expense to come out of the K9 Fund. The Supervisors approved the use of the county credit card for K9 equipment. Later in the meeting, Mellick advised that a new dog named Bane, a 13-month-old German Shepherd, has been purchased and will begin K9 training in early August.
The meeting moved into the discussion and consideration of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s K9 Scholarship award. Mellick advised that the Sheriff’s office has been fortunate relating to support of the K9 fundraising program. He further advised that fundraising last year made note of the K9 program and the scholarship program to allow the Sheriff’s Department to give back to those choosing to pursue education in law enforcement, telecommunications or other careers providing help to others.
Mellick further explained that information relating to the scholarship program was provided to schools within the county with one application being received from Carlie Knudtson, a Postville High School student residing within the county. Mellick advised that Knudtson was interviewed by a scholarship panel prior to this award recommendation, with Knudtson to pursue an education in police science.
Mellick outlined that the scholarship would be awarded in a $500 amount per semester for two semesters directly to the college of choice, totaling $1,000 contingent on continued coursework relating to law enforcement or public service. The Supervisors approved the Sheriff’s Department K9 Scholarship award to Carlie Knudtson. Mellick discussed plans for a formal scholarship award presentation to take place at the K9 fundraiser and golf outing scheduled for Saturday, October 4 of this year.
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