Board takes action on several nuisances

     Land Use Administrator Whitney Amos met with the Jones County Supervisors during their July 30 board meeting to discuss several nuisances throughout the county.

   A public hearing was scheduled on a nuisance located at 12595 Davenport St., Center Junction, owned by Shawna Bechthold.

   Amos noted that nothing had been done to the property within the last week. She also has had no contact with Bechthold.

   "I spoke with a neighbor, and they occasionally see the (owners)," Amos said.

   Bechthold had been served two nuisance notices by the sheriff's office.

   The board approved issuing Bechthold a civil citation.

   "That (a civil citation) is the force we need," commented Supervisor Jeff Swisher. "We've been fair all over the county."

   Regarding the nuisance located at 10516 Main St., Center Junction, the board approved a notice to bidders and set a bid deadline of 9:15 a.m. on Aug. 27 for abatement.

   The asbestos inside the home on the property has been removed in preparation for demolition. The project would entail clearing the brush, removing the house, flattening the lot, and seeding.

   The board set a public hearing for Aug. 13 at 9:15 a.m. on the nuisance situation located at 12645 105^th Ave., Center Junction, owned by Judy Raymond.

   An official notice had been previously issued to Raymond.

   The property located at 13104 Old Cass Rd., Anamosa, owned by Janice Stickle, was in violation of the county nuisance ordinance last year. Amos shared with the board that at that time, the record stated that if Stickle was in violation again, an official notice would be automatically sent to her.

   "The backyard is completely overgrown," offered Amos. "And the neighbors have seen rodents going into the house, which is unlivable."

   The board approved an official notice to abate, giving Stickle 30 days.