Board of Supervisors accepts resignation of County Disability Services Coordinator

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, April 24 to address a full agenda of items, including setting a letting date for two box culvert replacement projects, consideration of the Fiscal-Year 2018 health insurance recommendation and the Resolution to Vacate the Easement on Road #663. There were no public comments.

The Fiscal-Year 2018 Drainage District No. 1 Levy was accepted by the Supervisors. Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer advised that this consideration is later than usual due to the wait regarding FEMA funding following last year's flooding.
The resignation of Disability Services Coordinator Kim Waters was accepted by the Supervisors, with Board Chairperson Larry Schellhammer thanking her for her service to the County. Waters will be moving into a different position within a Managed Care Organization (MCO), with May 4 being her final day in her current position. Waters explained that she will be working more directly with clients in her new role.

Waters provided an update on the April 26 County Social Services (CSS) meeting agenda, discussing that the case management program is being reduced and services for children and justice-involved individuals will expand with a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis being used for CSS Board input and how to best move forward. Waters advised that Thursday, October 5 has been set for the Fourth Annual Justice-Involved Conference and that, locally, tele-psychiatry services are being considered and remodeling of the emergency room areas will be beneficial for that purpose at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake presented information about the Frank Robert Moline Revocable Trust plat approval. Blake advised that the Plat Review Committee and Planning and Zoning Commission both have recommended approval for surveying off property for a building site, which the Supervisors also approved after reviewing.

District Court Clerk Elizabeth Nuss was present to discuss the County and State holiday schedule. Nuss advised that she discussed the schedule with District Court Judge John J. Bauercamper and that with changes involving the Public Safety Center, it is their recommendation to wait on making any decisions and revisit the matter at a later time. The Supervisors agreed and no action was taken at this time.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour provided his recommendation of May 15 at 10 a.m. as the letting date for two pre-cast box culvert replacement projects, one west of Lansing and the other south of Dorchester. The Supervisors approved the letting date suggested by Ridenour.

Group and Individual Health/Benefit Consultant Brian Huinker with Midwest Group Benefits provided information regarding the Fiscal-Year 2018 health insurance coverage for County employees. Huinker detailed the cost comparison between several companies with United Healthcare being the Health Insurance Committee's recommendation. County Union representative Scott Willger discussed that the next step will be to get approval from the Union, which seems likely based upon preliminary discussions.

Huinker addressed the next agenda item involving Community Wellness testing for County employees, which he recommended as a preventative measure to catch illnesses or conditions early, with a low cost as part of this program in comparison to the same testing done at a hospital. Huinker will further research this option and present cost information at a later time.

The Public Hearing on vacating Road #633 that intersects Timber Road in Franklin Township was opened. Ron Berns, a property owner near Road #633, advised that he is in support of vacating the road. Ridenour discussed that he has not received any written or verbal objections from neighbors and that there is no reason the County should retain the easement of this quarter-mile dead-end road. The Resolution to Vacate Easement of Road #663 was approved by the Supervisors.

A request to use the courthouse lawn was discussed by the Supervisors. Schellhammer received a phone call from Waukon resident Art Clocksin requesting use of the courthouse lawn for an hour May 4 or May 5 for the observance of National Day of Prayer. Supervisor Dan Byrnes discussed that the public has a right to assemble and without electricity or other special accommodations, no action is necessary from the Supervisors.

Under Department Head Updates, John Roe, Head of Maintenance, discussed repairs that are being completed on the courthouse's jury room wall and that new carpet would be advisable following painting, which is within the budget. Roe advised that one radiator has been removed that is no longer necessary.

Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker advised that the Emergency Response meeting will be held May 4, which he will be unable to attend due to a schedule conflict. Snitker said Supervisor Dennis Koenig would be able to attend in his place if his schedule allows. Snitker further advised that the Fish and Wildlife Service has completed the clean-up of the Big Slough.

Ridenour also discussed that the Six-County meeting will need to be delayed to May 25 and concrete will soon be poured on Columbus Road by the Driftless Education and Visitors Center. Ridenour further advised that Wicks Construction will be using a new Gomaco paver on this project.

County Auditor Denise Beyer advised that May 11 is the date set for a meeting with the Alcoholic Beverage Division concerning the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI@). Beyer indicated the meeting will include City Clerks, the County Auditor and a Supervisor.