More right of way purchased for E-34 resurfacing project

   The Jones County Engineer’s Office continues to acquire right of way in an attempt to proceed with the County Road E-34 resurfacing project.

   During the June 21 Jones County Supervisor meeting, the board approved a right of way contract with Terry and Lisa Neal for 25.12 acres at a total price of $75,000.

   The Neals have two large parcels of land: one at 18 acres and another at 7.12 acres. County Engineer Derek Snead explained that large parcels tend to go for less money per acre than smaller parcels.

   During recent right of way negotiations, Snead said the Neals requested compensation of $30,000 for two of the 7.12 acres, the smaller parcel. Those 2 acres will become permanent easement.

   “They’re OK with $15,000 for the large parcel,” Snead said, which has been the going rate. “We already purchased ground at $30,000 an acre, so it’s not an unreasonable request.”

   “If they’re ready to sign, we need to get on board so we don’t go through what we did with Lead Mine and have it cost us a lot more,” commented Supervisor Joe Oswald of ongoing right of way disputes on Lead Mine Road.

   “I strongly consider moving forward with this request,” urged Snead of the board’s approval.

   With the present economy and inflation, Snead said he has not noticed an increase in land prices, despite prices as a whole going up.

   “We haven’t seen that a lot in Jones County,” he said. “But it’s an argument.”

   The board approved the $75,000 for right of way from the Neals.

   “I understand wanting to get this taken care of, but I don’t want to set a precedence,” said Supervisor John Schlarmann.

   Assistant Engineer Todd Postel said the utility companies “are ready to light the fuse” when it comes to relocating services.

   “But we can’t let them in until we have the right of way,” he said.

   Postel said after being in the right-of-way-buying business for over 20 years, things seem to be “drastically changing” when it comes to public sentiment.

   “It’s a very difficult process,” he said.

   “But everyone wants nice roads,” added Oswald.

In other county business:

   • The board approved an HAVA Cybersecurity Grant agreement with the Secretary of State's Office for a total of $10,000.

   County Auditor Whitney Hein explained she previously used $6,657 of the total grant to pay for keyless entry for election equipment storage.

   "I held off submitting reimbursement because we can only submit one time," she told the board.

   Hein plans to use the remaining $3,343 to purchase security bags and supplies for the upcoming election.

   • The board approved the hiring of Shawna Cozart as a full-time jail officer at $17.29 an hour, effective June 20.

   • The board approved a gathering permit and fireworks display permit for Chad Rubner on July 16 on Center Junction. Rubner has held this private event the last couple of years, and expects 50 to 60 in attendance.

   He plans to shoot off consumer-grade fireworks. The Center Junction fire chief also signed off on the request.

   He sought the county's approval for the fireworks due to the fact that consumer-grade is not allowed per state law after July 9.

   • The board approved the Jones County Title VI Agreement and Assurances. Snead said these documents are required in order for Secondary Roads to receive federal funding for projects.

   "It's an annual agreement," he said. "It changes with the new board of supervisor chair."

   • The board approved amending the Secondary Roads' Five-year Road Construction Program to move the Landis Road Bridge reconstruction project into Fiscal Year 2025, depending on whether or not grant funding comes in.

   Two years ago, Landis was listed as a FY 2023 project as Snead applied for the federal RAISE grant. The grant was unsuccessful, so the project was moved to the last fiscal year. As Snead applies for alternative grants, including the BIP (Bridge Investment Program) grant, the targeted project must be listed within the last four years of the five-year program.

   "So we're moving it up two years," noted Snead. "We're not taking funding from anything else."

   The project estimate for Landis was also increased to $5.8 million.

   "All of this makes us eligible for the grant," Snead said of the amendments.

   • Postel gave the board an update on the annual pavement marking project.

   "It's looking like it'll be less and less likely we'll get any painting done this year," he said of LL Pelling, the contractor previously approved.

   Postel said even if the paint supply came in, he was against applying paint on the roadways in the fall because it would soon get plowed off come winter.

   Postel said he would inform the cities of Monticello and Anamosa about the situation, as the county also includes those towns in the contract.

   "I'll let them know in case they want to do it on their own," he said.

   Postel warned that the pavement marking contract amounts would increase next fiscal year to include both seasons' projects.