Supervisors approve bids for County Farm land, proclaim this week as Red Ribbon Week

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, October 23 to address a full agenda of items, including a Red Ribbon Week Proclamation, the discussion and consideration of bids for the County Farm cropland and pasture land, and the review and approval of pay requests for the Public Safety Center.

During Public Comment, Ric Zarwell with the Allamakee County Protectors organization discussed the transportation of frac sand through neighboring counties in Minnesota and that the rail spur near the Upper Iowa River may be pursued for this transportation purpose. Zarwell stated that Allamakee County has a strict frac sand ordinance, which is a positive, and that the transportation and shipping of frac sand represents several transportation safety issues.

Zarwell also briefly discussed confined animal feeding operations (CAFO). Jack Knight briefly discussed working with individuals and groups concerning these matters and expressed concerns involving things happening without permits or rezoning.

Janel Clarke discussed reading about last week's Board of Supervisors meeting and the discussion of contracting medical and mental health services for the Allamakee County Public Safety Center jail facility. Clarke discussed being a representative for the County Mental Health Region and that options locally could be pursued including independent peer support and twelve-step programs, and how that in combination with all levels, including county and state options, will make overall medical and mental health efforts stronger locally.

Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development discussed the recent annual meeting for Allamakee County Economic Development. She advised that New Albin Savings Bank won the Cloy Kuhse Positive Impact Award and that October is Manufacturing Month.

Coordinator Jean Bossom with Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) discussed the Red Ribbon Week Proclamation, which is a national effort promoting a commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles by encouraging individuals, businesses and organizations to display and wear red ribbons in honor of this event. A group of Waukon High School students was in attendance in recognition of Red Ribbon Week. Bossom read aloud the proclamation and the Supervisors declared October 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake presented plat requests for Ralph B. Hammel, Tracy E. and Darcy A. Dibert, Alden F. and Donna J. Wiley, Jon D. and Nancy A. Snitker, and the Raymond and Rose Rita Zoll Revocable Trust, all of which were individually reviewed by the Supervisors and approved.

The Supervisors moved into discussion and consideration of bids for the County Farm cropland and pasture. Supervisors Dan Byrnes opened and read aloud the bids that were received. Following review and discussion, bids were approved for Maury Regan at $300 per acre for the cropland and for George Bieber at $5,505 per year for the pasture land.

The Quarterly Report for the County Auditor was accepted and placed on file. Manure Management Plan updates for Johanningmeier Dairy and Link 1 – Paul Link were also accepted and placed on file.

The Supervisors moved into the review and approval of pay requests for the Public Safety Center. The current bill of $112,212.01 consists of $108,161.10 to Olympic Builders and $4,050.91 to Waukon Feed Ranch. The pay requests were approved. The total billed to date for this project is $5,231,238.11.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour discussed the temporary closure of a part of Ferris Mill Road for a bridge replacement. Ridenour explained that this is the county line bridge project that was previously approved by the Supervisors with work to be handled by Brennan Construction. Ridenour indicated that Thursday, October 26 is scheduled for construction to begin. The Supervisors approved the road closure.

Ridenour also discussed the Tandem Axle Truck Chassis Quotes that have been received for a straight chassis, not including snow plow equipment or other add-ons. Ridenour recommended the purchase of the Western Star 4700 SF with the last two Western Star trucks having been reliable. Ridenour and Supervisor Dennis Koenig discussed the value of keeping the fleet of vehicles consistent, with replacement parts, repairs and reliability as factors to consider. The Western Star bid at $109,454 was accepted by the Supervisors.

Under Department Head Updates, Ridenour indicated that sand has been stockpiled for winter and dirt digging with excavators is ongoing as long as possible before freezing temperatures. Ridenour indicated that updated speed zone signage on the Great River Road near Lansing has been installed.

Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick discussed that he will be in Lansing later in the day at the school with the impaired driving simulator go-cart introduced to the Supervisors at last week's meeting. Mellick also discussed the replacement of the dishwasher at the Public Safety Center, which is a commercial dishwasher but does not fit the plastic trays being used by inmates. The Supervisors and Mellick discussed recouping the cost and placing this item up for sealed bid. County Auditor Denise Beyer discussed that sample ballots and notice of elections are being published in The Standard this week, and briefly discussed absentee voting and the city election candidate forum to be held October 30 at Waukon High School.