July 23, 2015, Increasing Year Round Residents Minutes

7/23/2015

1. The necessity for city water: Larry Schulte found that for senior housing (independent living) no city water is needed. The only requirements would be those in place for Allamakee County and Harpers Ferry. Such housing could be city-owned or built by a private contractor. For assisted living or nursing home facilities, the Bureau for Inspection and Appeals has to approve them, and there is a very long list of requirements to meet. Nearby assisted living facilities also have to approve allowing a new one to be built. City water may not be a requirement.

2. Enough interest in the area: Suggestions were made for sending a letter out to the whole area asking for public input. Betty Steege will look into that, and also maybe using the Boosters mailing list. Norm Delphey will check with the Harpers Ferry City Council if a note could be added to city electric and sewer bills. There may be funds available for an independent study to see what would be the best fit for the area: independent living or assisted living. Pat Cota will check with Joe Saddler and Julie Fossum about whom to contact.

3. Transportation availability: Kathy Whalen will check with Northeast Iowa Transit (Community Action) out of Decorah and with Prairie du Chien to see about costs and availability to the public. She will also contact the NE Iowa Area Agency on Aging in Waukon.

4. A concern was raised about whether city residents would have their water tested. There is a fee for this and the item was tabled until more is known about the need for city water.

5. Our next meeting is Thursday, August 20, 7:00 pm at the Community Center.

How to get involved

If you would like to join the conversation, there are still opportunities for you to join a focus group. To join a group or learn more, contact community coordinator Theresa Gallagher ‎at gallagherlarkin@gmail.com or 563.380.2111.

About Harpers Ferry/Vision for Our Future

Harpers Ferry/Vision for Our Future is a community visioning project sponsored by the Allamakee County Community Foundation and the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative with the purpose of planning for the future of Harpers Ferry.

In 2014, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque received a $152,492 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program. RCDI helps community-based development organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes and other groups promote economic growth in low-income, rural communities. CFGD’s grant seeks to build greater prosperity and sustainability in four rural counties in Iowa and Jo Daviess County in Illinois. In Harpers Ferry, that effort has helped created Harpers Ferry/Vision for Our Future.

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