Supervisors discuss multiple items relating to Medical Examiner equipment, vehicle and other matters, approve contract and bond for two bridge projects

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, March 9 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of changing ownership of the Medical Examiner vehicle from Veterans Memorial Hospital to Allamakee County, consideration of the detour route for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Waukon, and consideration of the contract and bond for the bridge replacement project on Big Foot Road. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisor Dan Byrnes present. Supervisor Dennis Keatley was not in attendance due to a scheduled absence.

There was no Public Comment during the time allotted for that matter. The meeting then moved into the discussion and consideration of a few agenda items relating to the Medical Examiner vehicle, equipment and supplies including a transfer of ownership from Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) to Allamakee County, adding this vehicle to the county’s insurance list, moving and storing equipment and supplies to a county-owned site, in addition to discussion and consideration of an agreement to house the County Morgue at VMH.

County Sheriff Clark Mellick made note of recent discussions with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Coyle of VMH relating to the Medical Examiner vehicle, a 2020 Chevy Silverado pick-up, and the need for additional parking and storage space at the hospital. Mellick advised that the vehicle is currently parked and stored in one of the bays in the ambulance garage with that space needed for another hospital-owned vehicle.

Coyle, also present at the meeting, advised that a van is being added for use with the Senior Health Solutions program, a partnership with Senior Life Solutions relating to senior citizen mental health care, in addition to other patient transportation uses with the parking and climate-controlled storage space currently occupied by the Medical Examiner vehicle and related supplies being needed for this new purpose. Coyle made note of space currently occupied by Medical Examiner related items including body bags, equipment and supplies.

Coyle recommended keeping the County Morgue within VMH with the transfer of ownership and registration of the Medical Examiner vehicle allowing for VMH to eliminate this insurance expense. Mellick discussed the proposed move for the Medical Examiner vehicle parking and storage to a lower shed at the County Public Safety Center with body bags and other supplies to be stored at this new location in plastic totes.

Sheriff’s Deputy/Medical Examiner Investigator Jacob Dougherty provided an overview of the Medical Examiner vehicle uses including autopsy transports to Ankeny, transports to funeral homes and transports from the scene to the morgue. Mellick noted that the availability and use of this vehicle is important to the county in handling deaths with dignity, with Dougherty also discussing benefits in freeing emergency personnel from the scene in a timely manner in addition to the transport of equipment and materials including hazardous materials (hazmat) suits, respiratory protection, among other supplies. Byrnes noted that the Medical Examiner vehicle was purchased with funding made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Mellick provided details relating to the proposed shed/garage area to be used for this vehicle at the Public Safety Center with Coyle noting that Dougherty and Medical Examiner Dr. Dave Schwartz would continue as the only operators of the vehicle. Following discussion, the Supervisors approved for the county to accept ownership of the Medical Examiner vehicle, to add the vehicle to county insurance, and to allow the move of the vehicle and supplies to the Public Safety Center. No action was taken relating to the agreement to store the County Morgue at VMH with Assistant County Attorney Jill Kistler yet to review the agreement and to provide a recommendation.

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