Supervisors discuss trail concerns, jail modifications during regular session

by Bob Beach

During its regular meeting Monday, September 17, the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met with Raleigh Buckmaster, who owns property south of the Alliant Energy power plant south of Lansing. Buckmaster said that County bulldozers recently “opened up a swath” on County Road 527, which passes through his property and Alliant Energy property between the power plant and Capoli. He said that he is concerned about the “unintended consequences” of opening the road to a two-lane width, such as people trespassing on his land to hunt, hold beer parties and ride snowmobiles and ATVs.
Buckmaster also pointed out that he has a conservation easement on the land to protect the fragile environment. He said that the County had been lax in abiding by the relevant easements and had destroyed personal property in the process of widening the road. Buckmaster said that he had no intention of taking action against the County but suggested that the County should communicate more openly with him regarding the road.
Allamakee County Conservation Director Jim Janett said that the project had been discussed with the Board of Supervisors and was intended to provide access to pedestrian and other non-motorized traffic. Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour said that the project was a cooperative effort between the County's Secondary Roads and Conservation departments, and while it was intended to be a walking trail, safe access for emergency vehicles was also necessary.
Ridenour conceded that a survey had not been done to determine the exact location of the road easement, but it is not uncommon to go by the location of the existing path. Ridenour said that he always makes an effort to work with land owners and that he and Janett would continue discussions with Buckmaster to address his concerns.
Allamakee County Sheriff Tim Heiderscheit reported that the County’s jail was recently inspected and that some modifications would need to be made to accommodate a State-mandated exercise area for inmates. He said that the inspector suggested taking out a bed to make room for the area, but Heiderscheit said he does not want to reduce the jail’s capacity so other options should be considered. Chairman Larry Schellhammer said that he would visit the jail and review the possible options.
Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake informed the Board that Doug Mullen’s term on the Planning and Zoning Commission will expire at the end of the month. He said that Mullen had expressed willingness to serve another term on the Commission and that Marlene Imhoff-Duffy had also applied to fill the position.
Speaking for herself, Imhoff-Duffy said that she is a life-long resident of Allamakee County, understands the value of land and considers herself a “lifelong learner” who is willing to do her homework. Speaking on his own behalf, Mullen said that he understood that his appointment had been temporary to fill a vacancy, but that he has enjoyed being on the Commission and would like to serve a full term.
Supervisor Sherry Strub said that Mullen has “a great knowledge of zoning” and by all accounts has served the Commission well. She added that gender balance rules are not yet being enforced and moved to reappoint Mullen to the Commission. Supervisor Lennie Burke seconded the motion, saying that he appreciates Imhoff-Duffy’s interest and said that gender balance should be a consideration, but that “there should be a good reason to remove someone.” The Board voted unanimously to reappoint Mullen.
During public comment time, the Board met with Jeff Mitchell, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordinator for Veterans Memorial Hospital. Chairman Schellhammer said that the County spends approximately $20,000 on autopsies and related transportation and asked Mitchell to explain the conditions under which an autopsy would be ordered. Mitchell said autopsies are never ordered for insurance purposes and the conditions under which an autopsy is required are set by State code.
In other business, the Board signed a letter to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors requesting a joint meeting to discuss modifications of the 28E agreement between the two counties regarding CPC Director costs. On a side note, Supervisor Strub said that Clayton County may be joining the mental health and developmental disabilities region with Dubuque and Jones County, and that Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties may be invited to join that region as well. The Board also accepted and placed on file the Secondary Roads annual report to be submitted to the Iowa Department of Transportation.