Board of Supervisors approves ASAP items during regular session

by Bob Beach

During its regular meeting Monday, April 23, the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met with Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Youth Coordinator Jean Bossom, who presented the Board with an application to the Iowa Department of Public Health for a $10,000 grant. Bossom said that funding for the annual grant comes from a portion of permit fees for Sunday sales of alcohol. The Board approved the application.
SPF-SIG Coordinator Maxine Grotegut asked for the Board’s approval of an intern from the University of Iowa to assist ASAP over the summer. The Board approved the internship starting May 8 at no cost to the County.
Paul Kruckow of Winona Heating & Ventilating (WHV) presented the Board with plans and specifications for an upgrade of the air conditioning system at the Allamakee County Courthouse. Kruckow said that the new system would save approximately 20 percent in energy costs and would provide “more precise, better comfort” in the courthouse. He added that the total cost of the new system would be around $200,000 and that WHV would waive its engineering fee if selected to do the work, but would ask for five percent of the total project cost if another company were to be chosen to do the work after bids are sought.
The Board also held a public hearing regarding the County’s non-discrimation policies and procedures under Title VI. County Engineer Brian Ridenour said that the policy, which includes procedures for handling complaints of discrimination as well as annual reporting, had been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney. Ridenour suggested a minor change to the language in the policy as presented and the Board agreed to have that change reviewed by the Allamakee County Attorney before taking formal action on the policy.
Supervisor Sherry Strub reported that she had heard concerns from a “weekender” about rural garbage pick-up services. Solid Waste Coordinator Dave Mooney said that the manned site is available to Lansing area residents Thursday evenings. Mooney suggested that those who are not in the area on that day could pool their resources to arrange for garbage pick-up services from a private contractor.
During public comment time, Maynard Johnson of rural Waukon expressed concerns about the recent sale of the former Innovative Ag property in Waukon. Johnson suggested that the sale of a portion of that property to the County may not have been handled legally and threatened to file a law suit.
In other business, the Board approved the placement of a flagpole and flag at the Civil War memorial at the courthouse. The Board also accepted and placed on file the Auditor’s quarterly report.