Supervisors accept resignation of John Smola at holiday-delayed session

by Bob Beach

Due to the New Year’s holiday, the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, January 3 and reconvened at its regular day and time Monday, January 9.

In its holiday-delayed session Tuesday, January 3, the Board regretfully accepted the resignation of John Smola from the Allamakee County Planning and Zoning Commission. Smola reminded the Board that planning and zoning must fit the unique geology of the county and that zoning is based on the County’s Comprehensive Plan, adding that those currently serving on the Commission “have the knowledge, drive and wherewithal to follow the comprehensive plan.”
Smola also asked the Board to keep in mind that Allamakee County will face challenges as farmland prices “skyrocket” and land becomes highly desirable for hunting and vacation homes, suggesting “cluster development” as a way to address potential conflicts between farmers and residential development. The Board thanked Smola for his years of service as the Commission’s chairman. His resignation from the Commission will be effective February 1.
Also on the subject of zoning, the Board held a public hearing regarding an amendment to the County’s zoning ordinance to allow cul-de-sacs exceeding 1,000 feet in length. Zoning Administrator Tom Blake said that the change would allow the Plat Review Committee to determine if a cul-de-sac should be allowed to exceed the 1,000 feet maximum currently allowed under the ordinance. Blake added that real estate developers have indicated that this change is needed. Hearing no public comments on the amendment, the Board closed the public hearing and approved the first reading of the ordinance.
The Board also met with County Attorney Jill Kistler to discuss the ongoing issue of snow removal in the alley behind the Vet’s Club in Waukon. Kistler said that she had received a proposal from Waukon City Attorney Jim Garrett, which renews discussions apparently abandoned or forgotten in 2004. Under the proposal, the County would deed the alley and the land under City Hall to the City and the City would take over maintenance of the alley. Kistler advised the Board to follow through with the proposal once use restrictions could be established to protect access to County property. The property in question will need to be professionally surveyed and a new property line established for City Hall.
The Board also addressed business specific to the beginning of the new year, appointing Larry Schellhammer as the Board’s Chairman and Lennie Burke as Chair Pro-tem. The Board voted to keep meeting times, official newspapers, mileage and meal reimbursement rates and bounties on gophers and coyotes the same as last year. The Board signed a resolution authorizing the County Engineer to execute final completion of work for Farm-to-Market and federal and state aid construction projects. The also reappointed Dennis Nubenhdahl and Bob Drahn to one-year terms on the Waste Management Board and Bud Pratte to a five-year term on the Board of Adjustment.

At its regular Monday session January 9, the Board met with Kathy Schwartzoff, Marilyn Zweibohmer and several others representing Helping Services for Northeast Iowa who presented the Board with a proclamation declaring January to be Mentoring Month in Allamakee County. Zweibohmer said that there are currently three mentor-mentee matches in Allamakee County and seven children ages 5-16 who are waiting for mentors. The Board signed the proclamation, which states that mentoring is an effective way to reduce school violence, drug abuse and drop outs and encourages all individuals, businesses and civic organizations in Allamakee County to support mentoring.
Librarians from around the County met with the Board to discuss the County’s annual contribution to area libraries. Postville Public Library Director Cindy Berns said that the County’s contribution to area libraries has remained the same since 2001 while costs have continued to rise. Berns also pointed out an apparent error in the distribution of funds allocated for the libraries, resulting in the base rate of $3,500 per library being deducted from the total collected from property taxes. Supervisor Burke said that he believes the Board’s intention was for the base rate to be added to the revenues collected, which is distributed to the libraries based on population. The Board will consider future funding for libraries when it considers the County’s budget in the coming months.
The Board also conducted a public hearing regarding an amendment to the County’s zoning ordinance to change travel trailer parks and commercial campgrounds from a permitted use to a conditional use in agricultural zones. Zoning Administrator Tom Blake said that the conditional use permit process would allow public input from neighboring property owners and give property owners an opportunity to alleviate any concerns. Hearing no comments from the public, the Board approved the first reading of the ordinance.
The Board also approved the second reading, waived the third reading and approved an amendment to the County’s zoning ordinance to allow cul-de-sac’s in excess of 1,000 feet in length.
In other business, the Board accepted and placed on file quarterly reports from the Recorder and Auditor.