Update provided to Board of Supervisors from County Social Services includes mental health discussion, public hearing date for budget amendment approved

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, October 25 to address a full agenda of items including a County Social Services update, setting a public hearing for the Allamakee County FY22 Budget Amendment and the consideration of a temporary road closure.

The meeting was called to order with an agenda item being removed relating to County health insurance contribution amounts and options for spouses both employed by Allamakee County. Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer advised that a recommendation relating to this matter is not ready for consideration.

The meeting moved into Public Comment with Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) discussing that can redemption within the county is currently a challenge with Waukon Redemption & Ice temporarily being closed. Reinke discussed issues faced by both the Postville Redemption Center and Waukon Redemption & Ice with regular pick-up and transportation being an issue faced by both facilities. She said communication has taken place with Iowa House Representative Anne Osmundson relating to can redemption challenges in Allamakee County and to seek feedback on other options that may be pursued to address this matter.

Allamakee County Solid Waste Manager Dave Mooney discussed can crusher equipment, staffing and space that would be required for can redemption, which he indicated is currently not feasible for his department. Mooney advised that those living in town and those having weekly recycling services available should use their recycle bins for cans, if no redemption is acceptable. Reinke indicated that she will be following up with Waukon City Manager Gary Boden to further discuss options relating to can redemption.

CEO Mary McKinnell of County Social Services (CSS) provided an update relating to social services within the CSS region. McKinnell said that significant changes have taken place with the CSS region reorganization resulting in a move from 19 counties to a now 12-county area. She discussed that Senate File 619 has modified CSS’s funding structure with funding previously channeled through counties but current funding taking place through both counties and by State allocations. McKinnell advised that starting next fiscal-year, all funding will take place through State allocations.

With this change on the horizon, McKinnell recommended that the Supervisors remain involved and continue their role relating to CSS. She discussed ongoing work relating to transportation contracts for mental health treatment with two contracts currently in place and other contracts being pursued to allow for transports to alternate facilities located closer to Allamakee County.

McKinnell advised that Justice Involved Summits have been scheduled for November 2 and 9 which will involve Sheriff Departments and mental health service providers. The availability and role of Mobile Crisis Response was next discussed by McKinnell, who advised that this service is available for the entire CSS region and allows an individual provider to meet with an individual in crisis at their home and to provide a referral for outpatient services.

Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick and McKinnell discussed the role of law enforcement, which often is the first contact in a mental health crisis, with Mobile Crisis Response being available to make first contact and lessen the involvement of law enforcement and emergency room services. CEO Michael Coyle of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) provided an update relating to plans to convert a portion of the VMH Waukon Medical Clinic, approximately 1400 square feet, currently used for storage into space for an outpatient behavioral health program.

Coyle discussed plans for hiring and staffing three mental health practitioners for the behavioral health portion of this clinic to include a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner scheduled to start in August 2022, a second psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner scheduled to start in 2023, with a licensed social worker or licensed mental health professional still being sought for the outpatient behavioral health program. Coyle said that an August/September 2022 timelime is the goal for this portion of the clinic to start services with an interview recently taking place for a mental health practitioner to assist through tele-health options.

The Supervisors then reviewed the Quarterly Report from Veterans Affairs, which was then accepted and placed on file.

Beyer provided an overview of the next matter relating to setting a date and time for the Public Hearing for the Allamakee County Fiscal-Year 2022 Budget Amendment. Beyer advised that this amendment relates to several funding matters to include County Public Health, the County Attorney’s Collection Fund and revenue relating to the first half of the American Rescue Plan. The Supervisors approved Beyer’s recommendation to set the Public Hearing for Monday, November 22 at 9:40 a.m.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Stephanie Runkle provided an overview of four plat requests including Roger Matthew Pladsen and Stephen E. and Michele M. and Chase S. Pladsen, James L. and Patricia A. Byrnes, Seven Rivers MC Property LLC, and lastly, Regancrest Farms. All four plat requests were individually reviewed and approved by the Supervisors.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour addressed the next agenda item relating to the consideration of a Temporary Road Closure Resolution. Ridenour advised that the first road closure relates to a segment of Prairie Drive four miles west of Waukon to begin west of Arbor Road to allow for installation of a new culvert and the construction of an on-road storm water detention structure. Ridenour said that the other project relates to the bridge replacement on Livingood Springs with both temporary road closures to be effective as of that Monday meeting day. Board Chairperson Larry Schellhammer and Supervisors Dan Byrnes and Mark Reiser approved the matter.

Ridenour also discussed the next matter relating to the consideration of contract and bond for sealcoating. Ridenour advised that the low bid from Fahner Asphalt Sealers, LLC of Plover, WI at $384,194.40 was previously approved by the Supervisors and that this project relates to the double sealcoat for the west half of A26/Iowa River Drive. Following review, the Supervisors approved the contract and bond from Fahner Asphalt.

Under Department Head Updates, Ridenour advised that sand hauling has begun and that a new employee, Ben Larkin, has started work this week. Ridenour discussed that motorgraders are performing maintenance on gravel roads and that another retirement is likely within the Secondary Roads Department yet this fall.

Mellick discussed that it has been a difficult time for the county following the Thursday, October 14 single-vehicle accident and passing of Iowa State Trooper and Waukon native Ted Benda Wednesday, October 20. Mellick discussed plans being made relating to Benda’s funeral service and that the County Sheriff’s Department is waiting to hear more relating to its role during that time. Mellick also discussed several matters relating to maintenance of the Allamakee County Farm.

Allamakee Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker discussed plans relating to a countywide tabletop exercise to take place Tuesday, November 16. Snitker noted that a new grant will provide funding for the development of evacuation and shelter plans for each city within the county with workshops to take place in each city as a result.

Prior to adjournment, Beyer said that due to updated legislation, the metal drop box receptacle outside the south entrance of the Allamakee County Courthouse has been covered up with plastic as a temporary measure prior to and during the November 2 City/School Election. Beyer advised that the receptacle, used for a variety of documents and courthouse offices, cannot be used for ballots due to this new legislation requiring video security, among other requirements.

Beyer discussed poll worker training that has been completed with some training still scheduled prior to the election. She also provided an overview of plans for delivering election equipment.