Supervisors talk rural garbage, land transfer

by Bob Beach

During public comment time at the regular meeting of the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors Monday, January 30, County Solid Waste Director Dave Mooney suggested that the Board host a public meeting regarding garbage services for rural residents. Mooney said he gets comments everywhere he goes about the new system of manned trucks at various sites once a week throughout the county. He added that some people like the new system, some don’t, and some have suggestions for changes. Mooney said that a public meeting would give board members the opportunity to hear some of those comments and suggestions for themselves.
The Board also met with County Attorney Jill Kistler to discuss a proposed agreement for the transfer of the alley behind the Vets Club and the land on which Waukon City Hall is located (currently owned by the County). Kistler said the agreement includes payment of the City’s portion of the cost of paving the alley several years ago (approximately $5,800) and splits the cost of surveying and re-platting the property equally between the City and the County. Kistler added that under the terms of the agreement, the alley would be dedicated as a public alley and that the City would take over its maintenance (which the City has already done). Kistler said that she would contact City of Waukon Attorney Jim Garrett to discuss adding a provision that would give the County the option of reclaiming the land on which City Hall is located if City Hall were moved to another location at some point in the future.
The Board met with County Engineer Brian Ridenour, who presented an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for federal funds for the replacement of a bridge on Bear Creek Drive over Bear Creek. Ridenour said the federal funds would pay for 80% of the $700,000 project. The Board approved the agreement.
The Board also met with Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Youth Coordinator Jean Bossom, who asked for the Board's approval of an application for a grant from the Allamakee County Community Foundation to purchase instructional materials. Bossom said the $1,000 grant, if approved, would be used to purchase a “high risk drinking kit” to be used in presentations to area schools. The Board approved the application.
In other business, the Board accepted the $30,000 tax levy from Drainage District Number 1.