Condemnation begins for Lead Mine Rd.

     In an effort to move forward with the Lead Mine Road grading project, three separate properties were discussed in terms of condemnation proceedings.

     County Engineer Derek Snead and Assistant Engineer Todd Postel met with the Jones County Supervisors during their March 3 meeting. The board approved the three resolutions to start the condemnation process:

     • Three parcels owned by Gary and Marilyn Winders

     • Two parcels owned by Amanda Carson and Jason Ruggles

     • Two parcels owned by Michael Courtney

     “This sets the final offer amount and the county attorney can proceed with condemnation proceedings,” explained Snead.

     He said the Engineer’s Office has made a number of calls to these landowners to discuss the project.

     “Some don’t want to discuss the project. Or we leave messages and no luck scheduling a meeting,” he said. In addition, Snead said one owner directed him to their attorney, with no correspondence.

     “They are all aware of what is happening this morning,” added Postel of the condemnation process. “There might be additional (property) owners.”

     Snead added that while this merely starts the condemnation process, owners could sign right of way agreements at any time.

     “This doesn’t mean the negotiating stops,” added Postel.

     From there, a judge will appoint six commissioners, as well as alternates. A hearing will be set anytime within the next 45 to 60 days.

     “It’s fair and just,” continued Postel.

     The board asked about the land appraisals. Snead said two different appraisers were on site, and the owners in question want high-end offers.

     As far a project timeline, Postel is hopeful the project can be let in July. It appears the late start date will be in 2021.

     “We started this project in 2017,” he said.
“It’s been going on a long time.”

     Snead said the project could be let while the condemnation proceedings are underway.

In other county business:

     • The board approved the hiring of Kathy Koerperich as a full-time office clerk/driver for JETS. (Koerperich is the former JETS director.)

     Koerperich was the only applicant for the position. The job was advertised locally.

     Her start date is March 12 at $11.27 an hour, working 35 hours a week.