Board of Supervisors hears community updates during meeting held at New Albin Public Library, approves new contract for solid waste services
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at the New Albin Public Library as part of its annual schedule of offsite meeting locations away from the County Courthouse. The Supervisors addressed a full agenda of matters including updates relating to the New Albin community, discussion and consideration of a solid waste contract, and the discussion and consideration of a county vehicle. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Dan Byrnes present.
During Public Comment, Gary Bottorff of Lansing questioned the Supervisors about the status of the replacement flagpole on the eastern portion of the County Courthouse grounds. Clark noted that this replacement, made necessary due to storm damage, is anticipated to take place soon with the contractor having received the replacement flagpole.
Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) introduced Communications Coordinator Jenny Byrnes, who recently started in this role with ACED. Jenny Byrnes discussed her background in photography, video and social media with Reinke discussing office-related set-up and matters relating to Byrnes’ position with ACED.
Reinke also noted that Torkelson Motors celebrated its 100th anniversary in business Saturday, September 19 at its Elgin location. She also made note of Village Creek Bible Camp’s Worship in the Valley event which took place Sunday, September 20. Reinke advised that the Friends of Pool 9 Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at the New Albin Community Center and Lansing’s Makers on Main Market is scheduled for Sunday, September 27. Among other highlights, Reinke noted that a ribbon cutting ceremony would be taking place at Roadrunner Coffee in New Albin following the Board of Supervisors meeting.
Betsy Whitlatch of New Albin provided a recommendation relating to the condition of Blackhawk Road. Whitlatch noted that the Secondary Road Department frequently grades that road due to washboard conditions with some dust control taking place. Whitlatch recommended that the county consider paving a portion of that road to eliminate frequent maintenance.
Library Director Patty Olson addressed the next matter relating to the New Albin Public Library update. Olson provided an overview of the annual reporting recently submitted to the State Library of Iowa. She noted that the use of downloadable materials has gone up 21 percent from last fiscal year with the library’s door count increasing by 42 percent with programming being responsible for some of that increase.
Relating to circulation, Olson noted that 1,795 materials have been checked out during the fiscal year. Relating to programming, she reported that local children’s book authors have been popular as well as weekly storytime, Lego Club, crafts and monthly presentations through the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center.
Olson discussed adult-focused programming relating to tax preparation, dementia, among other topics. She noted that library hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m., in addition to Saturday 10 a.m. to Noon.
For the City of New Albin update, City Clerk Deb Stantic discussed ongoing work relating to ordinances and routine matters including utility billing. Stantic discussed New Albin’s state-of-the-art Algaewheel wastewater treatment facility and that solar panels have been added to this location to lower the facility’s electricity costs and dependence upon the energy grid. She also discussed the relocation of a water well to near Army Road Park per Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidance, among other highlights noted by Stantic during her update.
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