Supervisors approve receipt of Justice Assistance Grant, other matters impacting Assistant Allamakee County Attorney position

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, May 8 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, the Public Hearing for the Fiscal-Year 2023 (FY23) Allamakee County Budget Amendment and the Liquor License Renewal for Empty Nest Winery.

The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Mark Reiser in attendance. There was no Public Comment during the time allotted for that agenda item.

The meeting moved into the Public Hearing for the Fiscal-Year 2023 (FY23) Allamakee County Budget Amendment. The Public Hearing was opened with Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer providing an overview of the matter. The Public Hearing was closed and the adoption of the Allamakee County FY23 Budget Amendment was next approved. The Appropriations Resolution for the Allamakee County FY23 Budget Amendment was next approved for adoption.

Assistant Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler addressed the next matter relating to the consideration of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) approval. Kistler noted that the Byrne JAG grant is entering the next four-year cycle with an application being submitted for Fiscal-Year 2024 (FY24) and an award notice being received April 11 this year.

Kistler noted that this grant funding supports programs diverting non-violent offenders with mental health issues out of the criminal justice system to ensure they receive the mental health treatment they need. She advised that the grant awards $4,750 with a 25-percent County match of $1,583 making the grant total of $6,333.

Kistler further provided an overview of the diversion process working with law enforcement, the legal system and mental health service providers with this funding also allowing for the part-time Assistant County Attorney position to have full-time hours. Kistler advised that the current grant funding ends June 30 with the new grant award providing support starting July 1. The Supervisors approved the JAG grant approval.

The meeting moved into the consideration of full-time benefits for the Assistant Allamakee County Attorney position. Kistler noted that she has continued full-time hours since her move from being the County Attorney to Assistant County Attorney in 2019. Kistler noted that First Deputy Auditor Janel Eglseder has advised that Kistler has not accrued vacation or sick time since this change, even though full-time hours have continued with the Assistant County Attorney position. The Supervisors discussed that was an oversight with Kistler being approved for full-time benefits allowing for vacation and sick time retroactive to January 2019.

Beyer addressed the next matter relating to the consideration of the Liquor License for Empty Nest Winery. Beyer noted that Empty Nest Winery was due for its renewal with some legislative changes also impacting this matter, as their Liquor License formerly only included wine and beer but this update will also add liquor to the Class C license. The Supervisors approved the Liquor License for Empty Nest Winery.

The Supervisors moved into the consideration of appointing a member of the Pioneer Cemetery Association. Beyer noted that Marcia Rush had reapplied to continue as a member with a three-year term ending in 2025. The Supervisors approved this appointment.

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Stephanie Runkle discussed the next matter relating to the Planning and Zoning 2000 Jeep. Runkle discussed alternate parking options for this vehicle to free up a space in the County Courthouse parking lot, with additional parking availability important during jury trials. Following discussion, the Supervisors approved to advertise the sale of the 2000 Jeep and to receive bids.

Beyer discussed the next matter relating to the consideration of a new hire for the County Auditor’s office. Beyer provided a recommendation to hire Kim Engrav at $20 per hour with a start date of May 23. The Supervisors approved this recommendation.

Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour provided a recommendation to table the next matter relating to the consideration of contracts and bonds for gravel road rock. Ridenour noted that the signed contract from Strong Rock and Gravel is in hand with the performance bond yet to be received for Divisions III and VII. Ridenour noted that based upon a recent phone conversation, the performance bond will likely be received later this week. The Supervisors approved to table this matter.

Under Department Head Updates, Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker advised that a draft of the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan has been completed with review to take place prior to submission to FEMA. Snitker noted plans to attend the annual Emergency Management Conference in Okoboji this week and that he will be interviewed for an article relating to railroad emergency response, with this matter being timely due to the recent train derailment near De Soto, WI.

Snitker also noted that a National Weather Service seminar will be taking place next week with coordinators from throughout this region in attendance. He also praised the outstanding work performed by the La Crosse, WI regional office of the National Weather Service.

Snitker further reported that a roundtable discussion with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is scheduled for this week with his scheduled conference attendance preventing him from joining other Emergency Management Coordinators from counties along the Mississippi River at this event. He noted that he is providing his own input for discussion at that event.

Snitker also advised that other options may be available relating to the previously discussed “No Wake Zone” near Cottage Road with a “High Water Plan” being a similar ordinance to go into effect immediately during flood conditions or when certain conditions are met.

Ridenour advised that work relating to new asphalt and gravel shoulders on Country Road A26 has started with hot mix asphalt on Yellow River Drive delayed due to rain. Ridenour and the Supervisors also discussed a request by a resident to add signage to roads with frequent horse drawn buggy traffic.

Beyer discussed a recent Legislative update requiring an additional mailing to taxpayers and that a property tax relief bill was signed into law last week. Beyer noted that one city budget remains to be certified.

Head of Courthouse Maintenance John Roe discussed some electrical upgrade matters and estimates relating to this work. Prior to adjournment, Beyer noted that next week’s Board of Supervisors Meeting will take place at the Allamakee County Historical Society’s Veterans Museum in Waukon, the former Vet’s Club location across the street from the Allamakee County Courthouse.