Supervisors pass resolution to waive some building permit, rezoning application fees

by Bob Beach

During its regular meeting Monday, July 25, the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to waive building application fees and rezoning application fees for properties that became non-conforming lots when the three-acre minimum lot size went into effect in 2008. Zoning Administrator Tom Blake said that the resolution had been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney and by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Board also held a public hearing regarding the proposed expansion of the hog facility at Progressive Ag. Brad Herman, representing Progressive Ag, said that the expansion would involve the construction of gilt developer for raising 50-pound hogs, making the facility “more bio-secure and more efficient.” The Board received one letter of objection from Carl Christianson of Waukon, who wrote that the Board should object to the expansion because the area is prone to sinkholes and because of the smell, pollution, potential harm to groundwater and surface water and reduction in property values. Hearing no other comments, the Board closed the public hearing.
The Board also met with Northview Estates owner Larry Krause to discuss a drainage problem at the Northview Estates trailer court in Waukon. County Engineer Brian Ridenour said that a culvert downstream of the County Shop in Waukon failed and was replaced and expanded last year. Krause said since the culvert had been replaced, drainage issues at the trailer court had become more troublesome and that he had installed rip-rap at his own expense of approximately $3,000. County Attorney Jill Kistler said that while she does not believe the County is 100 percent liable for the problem, she recommended establishing an easement for County maintenance. Ridenour disagreed, recommending one-time payment for damages and a release of liability. The Board will revisit the issue next week.
In other business, Ridenour presented the Board with permit applications from Ace Communications for the installation of approximately 95 miles of fiber-optic utility line. The Board approved the permits. The Board also approved a request from Vet’s Club owner Jim Mathis for a street dance August 27.