Public hearings for fire station, extraction pit ordinance dominate Supervisor meeting

by Bob Beach

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing during its regular session Tuesday, April 29 regarding a formal request from the eight townships in the Waukon Area Fire Protection District to borrow money for the construction of a new fire station in Waukon. Fire District Board President Tony Baxter explained that three years ago the Fire Board had purchased a new fire truck which had to be shortened in order to fit in the current fire station, which added approximately $28,000 to the cost of the truck. Baxter said that a year and a half ago, the Fire Board considered a proposal to replace the district's 30-year-old main truck and at that time the Board recognized that something would need to be done about the fire station.
Plans to build a new fire station proceeded under the assumption that the 28E organization would be allowed to borrow the funds for the construction, Baxter explained, but the Fire Board learned in the first part of March this year that neither the Fire Board nor the member townships could borrow the money directly. He said that Waukon Economic Development had donated land for the new station, an architect had been hired and bids had been sought and opened for the construction, with the low bid just over the architect's estimate of $1.3 million.
Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler said that all eight of the fire district's member townships had submitted resolutions directing the Board of Supervisors to issue bonds or take out loans on their behalf to cover their half of the construction costs, $750,000.
Supervisor Sherry Strub asked if the townships could afford to repay the loan and Baxter said that the new fire station is expected to serve the fire district for 70 years and he believes that the townships can repay the loan in 10 years or at the most 20 years, adding that interest rates could be locked in on a 10-year loan. Chairman Larry Schellhammer pointed out that only the eight townships in the Waukon Area Fire Protection District would be paying the levy to repay the loan.
Members of the public asked what would happen if the construction project ended up costing more than projected. Baxter expressed confidence that the fire station could be built for the projected cost. Chairman Schellhammer said that if the townships for some reason need more money, the process of requesting the issuance of bonds would have to be done again.
Bob Hager of Waukon said that he is concerned about tax dollars being spent on the fire station, pointing out that the County needs a new jail, which he considers to be a safety issue, while a new fire station is not. He noted that the new fire truck fits in the current fire station and there is room to park additional vehicles across the street. Chairman Schellhammer reminded Hager that the fire station is not a County project and that the County would only be acting as the fiscal agent for the loan.
Others present for the public hearing expressed concern about the cost of the project while at the same time expressing their respect for the volunteer fire fighters.
"I firmly believe that this is part of our job," said Supervisor Dennis Koenig. "I feel good about this part of it. This has to do with the welfare of the community."
Chairman Schellhammer echoed Koenig's sentiments, adding that all of the townships support the project. "This benefits the entire county," he said. "It's a good project."
After closing the public hearing, the Board voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with the township members of the Waukon Area Fire Protection District to borrow up to $750,000 for the new fire station either through the issuance of bonds or by taking out a loan with a local bank.
The Board also met with Allamakee County Conservation Director Jim Janett, who presented the Board with a parking plan for the Columbus Bridge property south of Lansing. He explained that the proposal, which includes parking in the County's right-of-way, will be presented to the Board of Adjustment for a variance. Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour said that he does not see any safety issues with the plan as presented. The Board voted unanimously to endorse the plan and directed Janett to proceed with an application to the Board of Adjustment for a variance to allow parking in the right-of-way.
Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake presented the Board with the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation to amend Section 305 of the County's zoning ordinance regarding extraction pits, which addresses concerns about mining for industrial minerals, including frac sand. Blake said that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends the adoption of the amendment, noting that the County's moratorium on frac sand mining will expire at the end of June. The Board set Tuesday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. as the date and time for a public hearing on the amendment. The Board also requested a map showing the areas affected by the changes to the ordinance.
Ridenour also presented the Board with his recommendations regarding bids received for planned paving projects. He said Croell Concrete was the only bidder for the paving of Prairie Drive, but that the bid was 22% higher than his estimate of the project cost. He said that Croell was also the low bidder for the paving of West Ridge Drive and that bid came in at only 1.25% higher than estimated. The Board accepted Ridenour's recommendation to accept the bid for the paving of West Ridge Drive but reject the bid for paving Prairie Drive.
The Board also discussed the upcoming election for the renewal of the local option sales tax. Chairman Schellhammer said, "We need to have a serious discussion about this," and the Board agreed to invite the Sheriff, the E911 Coordinator and the townships and cities to participate in a work session to discuss how local option sales tax revenues are distributed.
In other business, the Board accepted and placed on file a resolution from the City of Waukon to hold a special election for the renewal of the local option sales tax. The Board accepted and placed on file reports from Environmental Health, Veterans Affairs and the Relief Office and approved a fireworks permit for Bill Moore for a graduation party on Lansing Harpers Road May 24.