Board of Supervisors hears public comment on pair of recent issues

by Bob Beach

Supervisor Larry Schellhammer was elected to serve as Chairman of the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors during the Board’s regular meeting Monday, May 9, the position formerly held by the late Cloy Kuhse. Allamakee County Recorder Deb Winke announced that a committee made up of herself, Treasurer Lori Hesse and Auditor Pam Benjegerdes has called for special election to fill Kuhse’s seat on the Board, in accordance with Iowa Code. The election has been scheduled for June 14.
During public comment time, Doug Mullen of Lansing said that he was sorry to hear that maintenance of the Village Creek boat landing has been taken over by the County Conservation Commission. Mullen said it was unfortunate that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had not made public its intention to discontinue maintenance of the site, as some political pressure could have been applied to avoid the situation. Mullen added that it is also unfortunate that the County will now bear the cost of maintaining the site, despite the revenue generated for the DNR in Allamakee County through licenses and other fees.
Chairman Schellhammer said that he is aware that County Conservation Director Jim Janett had “begrudgingly” agreed to take over maintenance of the site, adding that he believes that the DNR picked “a very public spot” to raise awareness of cuts to the department’s budget.
Also during public comment time, Dennis Paul of Lansing expressed concern about the recent closure of the rural dump site near Waterville and the potential for closure of other sites. Paul suggested that the installation of a 10-foot chain-link fence around dump sites could significantly reduce garbage blown onto neighboring properties, that the installation of a card reader for secure access to the sites and security cameras could be used to prevent abuse. Supervisor Sherry Strub noted that “cost is a concern” and the County does have a central facility available to rural residents. Chairman Schellhammer added that solid waste contracts for garbage collection at the rural sites would expire this November and the entire issue would be looked at very carefully at that time.
During regular business, the Board approved a resolution presented by County Engineer Brian Ridenour for the temporary closure of Forrest Mills Road as repairs are made to the Williams Creek Bridge. Ridenour said that the closure would begin Wednesday, May 11 and should last approximately two weeks, adding that a detour has been established and posted. Ridenour also reported that weight-limit road embargoes would be lifted this week.
In other business, the Board accepted and placed on file the cost allocation plan for Case Management and approved an updated form to be used by the Plat Review Committee.