Supervisors approve resolution in support of CDBG application for TASC, open bids on County Farm land

by Bob Beach

During its regular meeting Monday, December 5, the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to support and endorse a Community Development Block Grant application to help fund an expansion of the TASC facility in Waukon. Rachelle Howe of the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission said that the project would provide fitness equipment and “a variety of sensory experiences” for individuals with disabilities.
Howe said that $280,365 in local funds have been raised, amounting to over 50 percent in matching funds for the $209,088 grant, which she said will make the application “very competitive.” The County will act as applicant for the grant on behalf of TASC and will act as a “pass-through” if the application is approved.
The Board opened bids for the rent of crop and pasture land at the former County Farm. The Board voted to accept the high bid of $365 submitted by Brian Stortz for approximately 172 acres of crop land for three years and the high bid submitted by George and Ed Bieber of $8,110 per year for three years for approximately 74 acres of pasture land.
The Board met with Waukon Mayor Loren Beneke, Vet's Club owner Jim Mathis, Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour and Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler to discuss snow removal in the alley behind the Vet's Club, Allamakee County Courthouse Museum and Waukon City Hall. Mathis explained that in the past, he has paid to have snow removed from street to street in the alley and piled in an alcove behind City Hall, and it was later removed by the County. Mathis said that since the alley is used by courthouse visitors, museum visitors, City Hall visitors and customers of the Vet's Club, he believes the cost of snow removal should be shared among himself, the City and the County.
County Attorney Jill Kistler said that while the County does own the land, the alley is not legally designated as a public alleyway, and as such, neither the County nor the City has a “duty” to maintain it. However, she did agree that since everyone uses it, it is to everyone’s benefit to have it plowed and encouraged the parties to come to some agreement to cover the cost.
Chairman Larry Schellhammer suggested hiring someone to plow the snow and split the cost three ways, while Ridenour suggested dedicating the land to the City as an alley so it could be maintained by City plows. Mayor Beneke agreed to bring the issue up as an item of discussion at the next meeting of the Waukon City Council.
The Board also met in closed session with Kistler and attorney Mary Jane White to discuss pending litigation involving the Schaumberg property in the Harpers Highlands subdivision. Returning to open session, the Board voted to continue to retain White to represent the County in the case with Kistler acting as co-counsel. Supervisor Sherry Strub voted no on the motion.
In other business, the Board voted unanimously to appoint David Hahn of Waukon to the Board of Health.