Items related to COVID-19 continue to dominate discussion at meetings of Allamakee County Board of Supervisors

Plexiglass safety barriers to be installed at County Treasurer’s Office

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, April 27 to discuss a variety of matters including a plat approval, the Quarterly Report from Allamakee County Environmental Health and several COVID-19 related items. Board Chairperson Larry Schellhammer and Supervisor Dennis Koenig were present in the Supervisors Boardroom at the Allamakee County Courthouse with Supervisor Dan Byrnes attending via Zoom web-conferencing.

During Public Comment, resident Jack Knight briefly discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the county’s business community and the use of medical masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, making a comparison to the effect seen in urban areas.

Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) provided an update relating to a recent legislative conference call with Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) in which discussion took place relating to grants awarded to small businesses within the county negatively impacted by COVID-19. Reinke advised that information relating to grants awarded to businesses is available on the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s website and discussed the www.testiowa.com website utilized by the State of Iowa and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) in providing health assessments for testing and in information gathering.

The Quarterly Report from Allamakee County Environmental Health and the Sheriff’s Commissary Report were both accepted and placed on file. Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake addressed the next agenda item relating to the plat request by Jeffrey R. and Andrea L. Mitchell. Blake indicated that the Planning and Zoning Commission and Plat Review Board have recommended approval of the plat. The Supervisors approved the plat request.

The Supervisors moved into discussion of a number of COVID-19 related items, with Allamakee County Attorney Anthony Gericke providing an overview of a proposed Non-Disclosure Agreement for Confidential Information for Spouses. Gericke discussed the need for non-disclosure agreements due to some County employees working from home and discussing work-related matters by phone or videoconferencing, which may be accidentally overheard by a spouse at the residence. The Supervisors approved to allow the distribution of non-disclosure information based on the current situation described by Gericke.

Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer provided a brief overview of the budget amendment process necessary to adjust the funding level for Allamakee County Public Health. Schellhammer indicated Supervisors are considering a funding increase to that department with no action taken currently.

Through Zoom web-conferencing, Allamakee County Treasurer Lori Hesse reported that a local contractor has measured counter space in her office and provided an estimate relating to a three-foot tall plexiglass safety barrier to include installation at approximately $1,900. Hesse indicated that the project is moving forward with materials being ordered and that the cost can come out of her budget but may be reimbursed by FEMA as a COVID-19 related expense. Hesse indicated that the plexiglass safety barriers will be installed the first week of May.

Hesse also discussed changes in response to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ proclamation Friday, April 24 to include the suspension of delinquent property tax notices, newspaper publication and tax sale, until further notice. Hesse indicated that preparations are being made for when her office is again open to the public with the number of customers being limited and with social distancing to be practiced. Hesse and the Supervisors also discussed the Department Head meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 28.

Blake discussed a recent communication with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) relating to a request to extend the contract for the conference and planning process with approval from the Supervisors being required. Blake indicated that new flood plain maps have arrived with adoption by the Supervisors being necessary. Blake advised that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has indicated that a new flood plain ordinance or update will need to be adopted to reflect new language and requirements established by FEMA. Blake indicated that building permits are picking up, both requests and applications.

Allamakee County Recorder Deb Winke indicated that her office has been busy with more home refinancing currently taking place due to low interest rates. Winke discussed the research conducted in her office by surveyors, the use of a public computer in front of counter space, social distancing being practiced and cleaning being performed by surveyors after completing their research. Winke also discussed the use of mail and a drop box as being beneficial.

Beyer discussed election preparations indicating that a doorbell has been ordered for the purpose of notifying her office to assist the public with absentee ballots at the Supervisors Boardroom in the Allamakee County Courthouse. Beyer indicated that curbside assistance with absentee ballots will be provided during Supervisors meetings when the boardroom is in use.

Beyer also talked about recent emails from the Secretary of State Elections Department which indicate that the Iowa National Guard will be providing enough masks, gloves and hand sanitizers for election workers with a survey to be filled out to determine the County’s needs.

Prior to adjournment, Koenig discussed the COVID-19 impact on projected tax collections.