Supervisors hear variety of funding requests, discuss temporary County office use by City of Waukon, and hear recommendations from Compensation Board
by Joe Moses
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors held two regular session meetings within a week’s time following the closure of the Allamakee County Courthouse Monday, January 19 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance with board meetings taking place Tuesday, January 20 and Monday, January 26. The Standard’s coverage of both meetings is below.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
The Tuesday, January 20 meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisor Dennis Keatley present. Supervisor Dan Byrnes was unable to attend the meeting via Zoom web-conferencing as planned due to a temporary internet outage impacting the Waukon area that morning.
There was no Public Comment during the time allotted for that agenda item. The meeting moved into consideration of approving County Treasurer Nicki Smedsrud to electronically sign an agreement for motor vehicle renewal notices. Smedsrud advised that mailing services for motor vehicle renewal notices is being changed to a new vendor, Professional Office Services, with an electronic signature being required relating to a new contract.
Smedsrud further advised that County Attorney Tony Gericke has reviewed the contract with his recommendation being to move forward. The Supervisors approved to allow Smedsrud to provide an electronic signature relating to this agreement. In addition, Quarterly reports for the County Relief office and County Auditor were accepted and placed on file.
The meeting moved into consideration of a support request for the America 250 celebration. Marita Clark of Harpers Ferry updated the Supervisors about preliminary planning taking place relating to events in Harpers Ferry associated with America 250, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence also referred to as the U.S. Semi-quincentennial. Marita Clark advised that Harpers Ferry area non-profits have been meeting collectively as part of this planning process to include events with a fundraising component which participating non-profits will be eligible to share in funds generated. She noted that these events will be in addition to scheduled summer-time events that take place each year in Harpers Ferry. Marita Clark encouraged the Supervisors to share America 250 event information with the public as it becomes available in addition to encouraging their attendance and consideration of a contribution from the county to help offset advertising and other expenses. No action was taken relating to this matter.
Library Director Crystal Duffy with the Postville Public Library addressed the next agenda item relating to county librarian updates and funding requests. Duffy provided an overview of annual data provided to the State of Iowa including revenue, non-governmental income, programming participation and foot traffic, which has increased 33-percent. Duffy discussed physical and digital circulation numbers and challenges related to funding with Baker & Taylor, one of the nation’s largest suppliers of books and materials, ceasing operation and their discounts being missed relating to physical materials. Duffy thanked the Supervisors for the county’s support and consideration for next fiscal year.
Library Director Carmen Golay with the Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library advised that use data is up including library cards, wi-fi use, physical material checkouts, programming, among other statistics. Among programming highlights, Golay discussed the Bridge Talk discussions and presentations relating to the Black Hawk Bridge replacement project and the Summer Reading Program. Golay noted that 250 meals were provided through the Summer Meal Program which filled a gap at the beginning and end of summer for school children. As part of her overview, Golay discussed support from Friends of the Library, volunteer assistance and interest in expanding library hours of operation. Golay thanked the Supervisors for the county’s past support and consideration for the next fiscal year.
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