Conservation Board Minutes – April 2024

Allamakee County Conservation Board Minutes April 2024

The Allamakee County Conservation Board met in regular session April 2, 2024 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center in Lansing, Iowa. Board members who were present were: Jeanie Carroll, Jesse Delaney, Steve Weymiller and Dennis Koenig. Attending from the Allamakee County Conservation Board staff was Ross Geerdes, Erin Cubbon and Brody VanderKolk Present from the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors was Mark Reiser. The meeting was called to order at 1:00p.m. and the day’s agenda and minutes from the March 5, 2024 regular board meeting were approved with a motion by Carroll and a second by Koenig with all members in favor.

No Public Comment

The board reviewed the claims and account balances for March 2024.

Discussion and Consideration was made on transferring money from the Conservation Reserve to the Conservation budget at the next budget amendment which is yet to be scheduled, to offset the geothermal repair expenses at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center. The cost of the repairs was $19,933.75 and has been paid for out of the general fund. The Conservation Reserve account currently has a balance of $90,880.16. A motion was made by Weymiller to transfer the amount of the expenses for the geothermal repairs at the next budget amendment. A second was made by Carroll. Weymiller and Carroll voted in favor. Koenig and Delaney voted opposed. The motion did not carry.

The Iowa DNR Management Agreements were brought up for discussion and consideration with the board reviewing the change in the contract to reflect the house being removed from the contracts. Discussion continued with the board on what will happen to the house going forward and the possibility that the board may have to act on the sewer and the water lines for the shop if the Iowa DNR decides to sell or demolish the house. A motion was made by Koenig and seconded by Weymiller to table the Iowa Department of Natural Resources management agreements until the May meeting for the

Heytman’s Landing, Harpers Ferry Boat Landing shops, the Harpers Slough Fishing Access and Nobles Island Boat Landing until the DNR has a more definitive answer as to what will happen to the house at the Harpers Ferry Boat Landing. Director Geerdes will continue to seek answers from the DNR about the future of the house. All in Favor.

Seasonal staffing was discussed. The Director noted that Lucas Byrnes and Jesse Troendle who worked as seasonal staff last year were willing to return for the upcoming summer season. A motion was made to hire Lucas Byrnes and Jesse Troendle at $13.00 per hour by Weymiller and a second motion was made by Carroll. All in favor.

In informational items and old business Director Geerdes presented the ACCB newsletter titled the Rattlesnake Buzz, that Office Manager/Assistant Naturalist Emma Jacobs has been putting together and sending out electronically. The public boat dock at Harpers Ferry has been installed and is ready for use. It was donated by the Melissa Lea Reicks Foundation and will allow for boaters to safely park their boats while visiting the businesses in Harpers Ferry. Geerdes is working on signage and a press release to acknowledge the donation. The Lansing Bridge closure continues to impact programs being offered at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center with schools from Wisconsin being forced to cancel or reschedule field trips.

The time and date for the next meeting was set for May 5, 2024 at 1 p.m. in the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center.

With no additional business the meeting was concluded at 1:59 p.m. with a motion by Koenig and seconded by Carroll to adjourn. All in favor.

Posted: April 1, 2024 in 2024 Conservation Board Minutes & Agendas

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