DOT supports Old Dubuque Rd. closure

The Old Dubuque Road/130^th Street closure discussion continues, as all parties involved work toward a common goal. 

County Engineer Derek Snead informed the Jones County Board of Supervisors at their Dec. 10 meeting that he’s been in contact with the Iowa DOT regarding the matter. 

“I had a phone meeting with the DOT on the project details for the public hearing,” Snead said. “There is safety money available.” 

The safety funds would assist in any physical construction work the county or City of Anamosa has to do to permanently close the intersection with Highway 151. 

Several years ago, the City of Dyersville was faced with a similar situation at one of their dangerous intersections with Highway 20. Dyersville ended up closing the intersection and connected the roadway through a series of bypasses. This directs traffic off the highway to gain access to businesses in that area. 

Snead said the DOT might consider a project like Dyersville took on, but not on a grand scale. He said he’s not sure how much involvement the City of Dyersville or Dubuque County had in the closure of their intersection. 

“The more people involved, the more that have to agree,” said Snead. “I feel the DOT will be on board for a large extent of this project. Nothing about this will be fast and easy. It will not be a short process. This is a big project and a big undertaking.” 

For now, Snead said lots of things are up in the air following the closure and what steps will be taken next. 

In other county business: 

• The board re-set the Secondary Road five-year construction hearing date to Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. This will take place at the Engineer’s Office. 

• The board approved a new MM2 motor grader operator for the Secondary Road maintenance shop in Morley. Mitch Rushford was hired at $19.31 an hour. His start date was Monday, Dec. 15. 

• The board approved going out to bid for a one-year lease on the county farm (located on Edinburgh Road). Bids will be due on Jan. 14. 

The lease will include language outlining which structures/ buildings on the property can be used. 

The current lease ends February 29, 2020. 

• During the last board meeting, the supervisors approved a resolution to place a lien on property in Warren County for a Jones County resident who no longer owned property in Jones County. 

County Auditor Janine Sulzner informed the board that she was recently informed that the resident no longer owns the property in Warren County. The board rescinded the adoption of the resolution. 

• The board set a public hearing for Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 9:35 a.m. to discuss a nuisance located at 8346 Slide Rock Rd. in Anamosa. 

Land Use Administrator Michele Lubben sent two notices to the property owners with no contact. 

The property lies within a subdivision; however, Lubben said there are no covenants. The owner of the subdivision chooses to rely on the county’s nuisance ordinance for enforcement. 

• The board approved the first right of way contract for the Lead Mine Road grading project. Snead presented a contract for one-tenth of an acre at $6,000. 

Snead said if they get all of the required right of way sooner than later, this could expedite the project and letting process.