Supervisors approve first reading of amendment to zoning ordinance to allow home industry

by Bob Beach

During its regular meeting Monday, August 1, the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors approved the first reading of an amendment to the County's zoning ordinance to allow "home industry" as a conditional use in agricultural districts. Zoning Administrator Tom Blake said that he had received no comments regarding the amendment since a public hearing was held three weeks ago, but the Planning and Zoning Commission is looking into rezoning agricultural districts that are currently used for residential purposes in order to avoid conflicts with new or developing home industries. The Board will consider the second and final readings at its regular meeting next week.
The Board also met with County Attorney Jill Kistler, who reported that the County has received $24,800 grant from the Department of Justice for the salary of the victim and witness coordinator Allamakee County shares with Fayette County. She said that the $6,200 match obligation for the grant would also be shared with Fayette County. The Board approved the signing of the grant award.
County Engineer Brian Ridenour was present for the opening of bids for a traffic safety project on Great River Road north of Harpers Ferry. CJ Moyna and Sons, Inc. submitted the low bid of $159,606.34. Also bidding on the project was Skyline Construction Inc. ($171,511.09). Ridenour explained that because funding for the project comes from an Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) targeted small business program grant, the bids will need to be reviewed by the IDOT.
Ridenour also asked the Board to set a date and time for the letting of bids for LP gas for the Secondary Roads, Solid Waste and Conservation Departments. The Board set Monday, August 15 at 9:30 a.m. as the date and time for opening the bids.
Also at Ridenour's request, the Board set Monday, August 15 at 9:15 a.m. as the date and time for a public hearing to consider vacating part of First Street in Volney.
In other business, the Board accepted and placed on file the Sheriff's quarterly report.