Supervisors hold public hearing and approve construction permit for Gav-N-View Farms expansion; Retirement of Deputy Bublitz accepted
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, August 25 to address a full agenda of matters including the Public Hearing relating to the construction permit application for Gav-N-View Farms LLC, an opioid/emergency box presentation, and the consideration of a bid for asphalt resurfacing on County Roads A11 and A16. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Tom Clark present.
The meeting moved into Public Comment with Doug Mullen discussing matters relating to the impact of the Alliant Energy Lansing Generating Station closure upon tax revenue. Mullen noted that he was aware of funding that was provided to the Lansing and Harpers Ferry Fire Departments from the Lansing Generating Station tax revenue and inquired as to whether that funding is being replaced elsewhere.
Relating to discussions of the flagpole replacement at the County Courthouse, Mullen noted that he has heard from several Lansing area residents who believe that the weather damaged flagpole that fell earlier this year should be replaced and should be considered a repair or maintenance project similar to sidewalks or other courthouse grounds related matters. Mullen recommended that the county assume this replacement cost rather than fundraising for this project to not negatively impact other fundraising taking place in the county by LIFT and other worthy organizations and non-profits.
As follow up to his earlier comment, Mullen asked the Supervisors about what tax revenue is anticipated from Alliant Energy’s battery storage system which is being constructed at the former Lansing Generating Station site. Byrnes noted that the Supervisors cannot address Mullen’s questions during Public Comment but that these matters will be included on a future meeting agenda to allow for discussion.
Following the time allotted for Public Comment, the meeting moved into the Public Hearing relating to the construction permit application for Gav-N-View Farms LLC. The Public Hearing was opened with Environmental Health Director Laurie Moody noting that no verbal or written comments have been received relating to the construction permit application.
Agronomist Troy Peterson with Waukon Feed Ranch and Tom Gavin of Gav-N-View Farms were present to provide additional feedback with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) representatives Brian Jergenson and Shane Dodge attending the meeting via Zoom web-conferencing. Moody made note of a recent site tour she was part of with Jergenson and Peterson, in addition to Tom Gavin and other Gavin family members.
Gavin advised that the existing milking area, which will later be used for baby calves, will continue to be used during the construction of a new milking area. Moody explained that Jorgenson has reviewed the site plan with all criteria being met relating to the construction portion of the project. Relating to the Master Matrix scoring, Moody advised that 880 points are possible with Gavin’s self-score being 460, which is above the 440 minimum necessary for approval. Moody further noted her review of the self-scored Master Matrix results, which she deemed accurate with no deductions being necessary.
Following Moody’s overview, Ray Mullarkey noted his support of Gavin’s application. Mullarkey noted that Gav-N-View Farms has been a good steward of the land and that he does not have any concerns relating to the operation’s proposed expansion. Mullen echoed similar thoughts in discussing that he is in favor of this expansion as well. The Public Hearing was then closed.
The Supervisors moved into the consideration of the Gav-N-View Farms LLC construction permit application. County Auditor Denise Beyer discussed some specifics and requirements relating to this form being on county letterhead prior to the necessary signatures. The matter was then approved.
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