Hearing set for Lead Mine property owners

     Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, County Engineer Derek Snead informed the board of supervisors at the June 16 meeting that time has run out to continue with Lead Mine Road condemnation proceedings.

     “We’re under time constraints with getting the applications to the judge,” he said.

     That timeframe was 120 days from when Snead submitted the applications back in March. When COVID-19 hit in mid-March, everything was backed up.

     Snead said he sent dismissal notices to affected landowners, noting the condemnation proceedings would not take place. Instead, a public hearing has been set for Tuesday, June 23, at 9:30 a.m.

     “We’re still going to proceed with the project,” said Snead. “This (hearing) will give landowners an opportunity to talk.

     Despite this obstacle, Snead said he does not expect anything associated with the project timeline to be delayed.

     “We hope to let it in August or September instead of July,” he said.

In other county business:

     • The board approved the final plat of Northern View Acres, a subdivision in Cass Township along Circle Drive.

     There will be four buildable lots with a shared access of two of the lots.

     Developer Bryce Ricklefs said he’s been working with Snead and Assistant Engineer Todd Postel on securing right of way for the county for future road improvements in that area related to the Old Dubuque Road closure.

     • The board set a public hearing for Tuesday, July 7 at 9:15 a.m. to re-zone parcels in the Nachazel First Addition in Fairview Township. The re-zoning would go from A-Agricultural District to C2-Highway Commercial.

     The purpose of the re-zoning is to relocate a lumber business.

     • The board approved the preliminary and final plats of Saving Grace Subdivision in Fairview Township. This is a one-lot subdivision.

     • The board approved a pay increase for Jeff Swisher as an on-call IT assistant, from $20 to $25 an hour.

     • The board approved the hiring of Kaci Ginn as a part-time Public Health Preparedness Specialist, at the request of the Board of Health.

     Ginn will work 20 hours a week at $18 an hour, effective July 1.

     • The board approved a Transit Purchase of Service Contract with ECICOG for JETS services for Fiscal Year 2021.

     • The board approved the second consideration of a county Tanning Facilities Ordinance.

     • In County Treasurer Amy Picray’s absence, County Auditor Janine Sulzner presented the county’s semi-annual and quarterly investment reports.

     As of Dec. 31, 2019, The county’s total investments in CDs was at $3.67 million. Total in MMF (money market funds) was at $8.15 million. The total in CDs, MMFs, and checking accounts is at $12.46 million.

     The county’s total assets sit at $14.93 million.

     The board approved the reports.

     • The board went into a closed session near the close of their meeting to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate.