Supervisors advised of flooding outlook, new K-9 officer, proposed mental health crisis centers and variety of other matters by department heads
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, March 2 to address a short agenda of items including a plat request, Manure Management Plan updates and Department Head updates. There was no Public Comment.
Manure Management Plan updates for Gibbs Dairy, West Ridge Ag and EY 1 – Eric Weymiller were reviewed. Board Chairperson Larry Schellhammer indicated that no changes have been made with the plans being accepted and placed on file.
Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Tom Blake provided an overview of the Gerald J. and Judy Sommer plat request. Blake indicated that the Sommers are dividing a property along Silver Creek Road to allow the sale to a family member and that the Planning and Zoning Commission and Plat Review Board have both recommended approval of the request. The Supervisors approved the Gerald J. and Judy Sommer plat request.
Under Department Head updates, Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker discussed a recent meeting with the Corp of Engineers’ District Engineer in Winona, MN. Snitker provided an overview of the flood outlook and projections following two recent webinars covering this matter for the La Crosse, WI area and Iowa. Snitker indicated that there is concern for flooding on the main stem of the Mississippi River with rainfall, snow melt and ground saturation being factors. Snitker discussed that New Albin and Harpers Ferry have the potential for moderate flooding and that March is expected to be below normal for moisture with April and May expected to have a higher level of moisture. Snitker indicated that a normal level of snowfall in the local area has taken place with northern Wisconsin and Minnesota receiving more in comparison.
Snitker also reported that a tabletop exercise is scheduled for March 26 at Effigy Mounds National Monument covering emergency response planning for medical emergencies on the Effigy Mounds trail system with EMS representatives from Harpers Ferry and McGregor, as well as the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department and Clayton County Sheriff’s Department to be in attendance. Snitker further advised that March 14 and 15 a hazardous materials operations course in Waterville for firefighters is scheduled and that the National Weather Service’s storm spotter class is scheduled for March 30 for firefighters and law enforcement.
Snitker indicated that a tornado drill is scheduled at the Allamakee County Courthouse for March 25. He also provided an update on the County’s response to the coronavirus, indicating that a webinar by the Iowa Department of Health took place last Friday with fact sheets to be distributed to Department Heads by Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer. Snitker discussed that preventive measures, preparedness and factual information will be included and that follow-up webinars will be taking place weekly. Supervisor Dan Byrnes added that the school district has sent out an email relating to planning that is in place.
Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick discussed the coronavirus and preparations that have been made in working with staff and healthcare providers. Mellick advised that the Public Safety Center has the ability to separate and quarantine within the jail.
Mellick also reported that a new dog “Tyr”, named after the Viking God of War, has arrived for the Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and will be used for patrol, narcotics and tracking. Mellick also briefly discussed the Effigy Mounds emergency planning tabletop exercise and provided an update about CPR and first aid training. Mellick further indicated that a deputy will be attending a fire and arson training course which will aid in determining the cause of fires and whether the next level of investigation is necessary by a fire examiner.
Supervisor Dennis Koenig provided an update about the County Social Services (CSS) meeting that took place last Wednesday, February 26. Koenig discussed the importance of crisis centers with two crisis centers being proposed for the local CSS region. Mellick further addressed this need with emergency room use and extensive travel to crisis centers in western Iowa currently being necessary in the handling of mental health crises.
Blake indicated that Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) is expected to present a draft of a comprehensive plan by March 16. Blake also discussed that last week was busy with flood plain development permits and that the Canadian Pacific Railroad plans to develop a staging area south of the four-way intersection at Harpers Ferry with five applications received for bridge replacements along that railroad. Blake indicated that at least four stream bank stabilization project permit applications have been received.
Beyer indicated that equipment will be delivered for the MFL/MarMac special election to take place in Postville March 3 and that budget information is being entered into the State’s form. Beyer also discussed that paperwork can be submitted starting today (March 2) for partisan and non-partisan election candidates.
