Supervisors proclaim this week National Apprenticeship Week in Allamakee County, canvass City Election results

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, November 13 to address a full agenda of items, including the Proclamation of National Apprenticeship Week in Allamakee County, discussion of 2018 County holidays and consideration of hiring temporary part-time help for the Christmas season in the County Relief Office. There were no public comments presented.

Workforce Advisor Barb Hyke and Business Marketing Specialist - Region 1 Katie Bahl with IowaWORKS and Iowa Workforce Development were present for the Proclamation of National Apprenticeship Week and to present a Certificate of Appreciation to Indi-Com Electric and Surveillance recognizing the business's involvement in the Registered Apprenticeship Program since June 2, 2014. Bahl discussed the value and need of apprenticeships and the Five Components of Registered Apprenticeships, including business involvement, structured on-the-job training, related instruction and education, reward for skill gains and nationally recognized occupational credentials. Bahl shared several local success stories involving the apprenticeship program and County Auditor Denise Beyer read aloud the proclamation.

Supervisor Dennis Koenig discussed the need for apprenticeships, which will keep skilled workers in the area. The Supervisors declared November 13-19, 2017 as National Apprenticeship Week in Allamakee County.

The Supervisors moved into discussion of 2018 County holidays with Beyer indicating that District Court Judge John J. Bauercamper provided input recommending the State holiday schedule. The Supervisors further discussed the holiday schedule, deciding to further research the State holiday schedule and tabling the matter until the November 20 Supervisors meeting.

Director Rebecca Hawes with Allamakee County Relief Services discussed the need to hire temporary part-time help for the Christmas season in the Relief Office. Hawes indicated that starting December 1 leading up to Christmas is a busy time in the Relief Office with the Christmas programs involving toy and gift collection. Hawes discussed that the temporary part-time help would involve approximately an additional eight hours per week and less than 30 hours for the month of December. The Supervisors approved the hiring of temporary part-time help in the Relief Office.

The Board of Supervisors adjourned and reconvened as the Board of Canvassers. Beyer provided an overview of the canvass of city elections, reading the results aloud. The Board of Canvassers declared all candidates deemed winners in the unofficial results as elected to their respective offices before adjourning and reconvening as the Board of Supervisors.

Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick discussed the maintenance agreement with Winona Controls for the Public Safety Center's heating and air conditioning system. Mellick recommended revisiting this matter in January, with the warranty in effect until May 2018 and little maintenance needed before spring. He added that he has not received all the necessary information from the service technician involved in this process. No action was taken at this time.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake presented plat requests for Rosemary L. Bodensteiner and Jason and Jill Martins, which were individually reviewed and approved by the Supervisors. Blake presented the Quarterly Report for Planning and Zoning and discussed the number of building permits issued and revenues received in the last quarter. The report was accepted and placed on file.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour discussed transfer requests for the Secondary Roads Department, indicating that a transfer was handled immediately following the beginning of the fiscal-year rather than the traditional quarterly transfer, due to maintenance and construction expenses, and that the current transfer request will catch up on necessary funding. The Supervisors approved transfers of $36,777.10 from the General Basic Fund to Secondary Roads and $445,790.42 from the Rural Services Fund to Secondary Roads.

Under Department Head Updates, Sheriff Mellick discussed that the County Sheriff's Office has been busy, mentioning recent arrests related to rural burglaries. Schellhammer and Mellick discussed the possibility of speaking with area churches regarding recent church shootings and safety. Service Coordinator Jason Howes with County Social Services (CSS) discussed responsibilities and new positions relating to the reorganization of CSS.

Ridenour updated the progress on the North Fork Hollow bridge indicating that the deck has been poured and part of the railing is next later today and work continues on the abutments for the bridge on Ferris Mills Road at the county line with the pre-cast decks to follow. Ridenour advised that trucks and sanders were out Saturday morning with icy road conditions.

Beyer also discussed preparations for the December 5 run-off election for Waukon Mayor. Attorney Richard Zahasky provided an update on changes in laws regarding collective bargaining and Union negotiations.