Supervisors authorize collective bargaining agreement negotiations for Sheriff’s Department during special session, discuss County Courthouse flag pole replacement during regular Monday meeting

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met twice within a week’s time to address time sensitive matters at a Wednesday, September 17 special meeting in addition to the board’s Monday, September 22 regular session. Coverage of both meetings follows.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
The Wednesday, September 17 special meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes. Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Tom Clark were also present.

The meeting moved into closed session to discuss strategy for the Sheriff Department’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as authorized by Section 20.17(3) Code of Iowa and exempt from Chapter 21 requirements. Following adjournment of the closed session, the meeting moved back into open session with County Sheriff Clark Mellick being present.

The Supervisors approved to authorize the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department to enter into negotiations with the union to modify the collective bargaining agreement for Section 22.8 employees to allow for a $2.25 hourly wage increase, with the exception of the 911/Dispatch Jail Administrator, who will have a $3 per hour wage increase. This motion also noted a four-percent wage increase effective July 1, an increase specified in the union contract covering Fiscal Years 2025-2027, with an effective date of October 5 for other matters specified.

Prior to adjournment, the Supervisors moved into the discussion and consideration of waiving the 15-day waiting period following receipt of the Gav-N-View draft permit. County Auditor Denise Beyer made note of the waiting period allowing time for the Supervisors to appeal or contest this matter, if chosen to do so. Beyer discussed some of the specifics included in the draft permit relating to Gav-N-View’s confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) construction project to include a circular tank, additional building, milking parlor, among other details.

Beyer advised the project may begin sooner if the Supervisors choose to waive the 15-day waiting period. Keatley indicated that there is no desire to delay the project with Clark noting his agreement. The waiving of the 15-day waiting period and the Resolution waiving Allamakee County’s right to appeal were both approved.

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