Board of Supervisors hears concerns over right-of-way issues

by Bob Beach

During public comment time at the regular meeting of the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors Monday, May 14, Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake informed the Board that Thursday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m. the Board of Adjustment will consider a request for a variance by the Allamakee County Conservation Board to allow parking on the public right-of-way across from the Columbus Bridge property north of Lansing. Blake said that while there may be some opposition to the request, the Board of Adjustment may grant the variance if safety concerns can be adequately addressed.
Also during public comment time, Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour told the Board that something would need to be done about farmers planting crops within the County road right-of-way. He said that in the past, Secondary Roads has mowed down corn planted in the right-of-way when visibility issues have arisen, but the encroaching plantings have become much more prevalent this year due to higher corn prices. He added that aside from visibility issues, some utility lines buried in the right-of-way could be snagged and damaged during tilling of those areas. He suggested sending out a letter to farmers warning against this practice.

During regular business, Ridenour advised the Board that he had reviewed the plans for a major upgrade to the courthouse air conditioning system recently submitted by Winona Heating and Ventilating. He said that the plans are only for a Mitsubishi system and do not include language consistent with a standard request for bids for such a project. He suggested that the Board budget over the next several years for a major upgrade, but in the meantime consult a mechanical engineer about the immediate needs in the building, most significantly the cooling requirements for electronic equipment used by emergency services on the fourth floor of the courthouse.
The Board also appointed Jean Brink of Waukon, an Army veteran, to a three-year term on the Veterans Affairs Commission. Veterans Affairs Director Heather Homewood said that nine applications were received for the position and six of the applicants were interviewed.
In other business, the Board accepted a bid by Meyer Concrete of Postville of $3,325 for concrete repairs around the Veterans Affairs and Relief Office building, a bid from Kelly Concrete of $3,918 for concrete work around the courthouse, and a bid from JLH Enterprises of Waukon of $10,185 for roof repairs at Makee Manor.