County nuisance cleanups on hold with COVID-19

     With the Jones County Solid Waste/Transfer Station no longer accepting residential drop-offs, Jones County Land Use Administrator Michele Lubben asked the Board of Supervisors for direction concerning nuisance violations.

     During the April 7 board meeting, Lubben presented a nuisance complaint located at 18572 Linn-Jones Rd., owned by Michael Hessing. She sent him an initial letter in January, with no luck on the state of the property.

     “There are several junk vehicles, the house is in a state of disrepair, and there are lots of brush and trees,” she reported. “I gave him an extension due to the weather at that point, but I’m looking for a decision on the next steps.”

     Lubben was contacted by Hessing who said he was scared to leave his residence in Linn County due to COVID-19. This would no doubt prolong the nuisance issue in Jones County.

     “He is willing to work with me,” said Lubben.

     The board felt that Hessing’s property was not an immediate hazard, and felt they should not be encouraging people to travel between counties right now.

     “I can have him put some plans in place now so that once things do settle down, he can clean it up,” offered Lubben.

     Supervisor Wayne Manternach said Hessing could start lining up help to tear down the house on the property once he can return.

     The board encouraged Lubben to treat all of her nuisance violations in this manner until the COVID-19 regulations are lifted. Property owners can look into hiring a commercial hauler to take refuse to the Transfer Station.

In other county business:

     • The board set a public hearing for Tuesday, April 28 bat 9:15 a.m. to amend the FY 2020 budget.

     The Auditor’s budget is increasing by $10,000 related to election safety measures and additional ballots and absentee voting supplies for the statewide absentee ballot mailing.

     The General Services budget is increasing by $15,000 due to health security screenings at the courthouse.

     The Public Health budget is increasing by $12,500 due to staffing increases related to COVID-19.

     Senior Dining is increasing by $44,000 due to a food distribution grant.

     Conservation Capital Projects is decreasing by $510,000 due to the repayment of two DNR grants associated with the Mon Maq Dam project. The Conservation Department is also decreasing by $80,000 due to the reduction of engineering associated with the dam project.