County renews county engineer’s contract

   After a minor change, the Jones County Board of Supervisors renewed County Engineer Derek Snead’s three-year contract.

   During the board’s June 25 meeting, Snead presented his contract, with his current contract expiring June 30.

   The previous contract called for 30 days’ notice should either party wish to terminate the contract. Snead’s version he presented included 60 days.

   The board approved the contract with 30 days’ notice and Snead’s agreed upon salary.

   Also during the meeting, Nancy Holak, the kitchen assistant for Senior Dining, spoke with the board regarding an issue she had with the head cook.

   Holak was hired in late May for her position. She told the board she was terminated following a complaint she made against the head cook for referring to Holak as “honey” and “hon.”

   Holak said she does not classify those as words of endearment, but rather harassment. She said she’d prefer to be called by her name.

   The board thanked Holak for coming in.

In other county business:

   • The board approved the third and final consideration of an ordinance adding Chapter 18, Indigent Legal Fees. This provides guidelines and a cap on legal fees charged by court-appointed attorneys.

   • The board heard an update from Land Use Administrator Whitney Amos regarding a nuisance and asbestos removal at 10516 Main St., Center Junction.

   Amos said the home was tested for asbestos, and it was found in the tile flooring in the kitchen, roughly 200 square feet. She got a quote from Environmental Management Services of Iowa Inc. for $2,600 for removal.

   “I talked to the DNR, and the asbestos has to be removed before demolition,” she said.

   The board approved the quote and asked Amos to notify the owner of the project.

   • The board set a public hearing on a nuisance located at 10657 Main St., Center Junction. The hearing will be held on July 16 at 9:30 a.m.

   Amos said there was also a DNR complaint issued against the owner of open burning.

   • The board approved to advertise for the hiring of a mechanic for Secondary Roads.

   Snead informed the board that Randy Wehling, shop foreman, who’s been with the county since 2003, plans to retire.

   Ideally, Snead said the perfect candidate would have experience with heavy equipment and trucks.