County hears nuisance updates

   Two county nuisances were discussed during the Feb. 21 Jones County Supervisor meeting.

   County Attorney Kristofer Lyons updated the board on a nuisance that has been ongoing since June 2021: 23325 Washington St., Anamosa.

   A year ago, the board took action to award a bid for demolition of the burnt-out home and foundation. At the time, the owner's lawyer threatened legal action against the county, disputing the nuisance process.

   "We're getting calls from the neighbors," Supervisor Jeff Swisher said.

   Lyons said the case is set to go to trial.

   "There's still no injunction," he told the board. "It's (the property) worse than it ever looked. But you can't tear it down with a lawsuit pending. There's been nothing done with the property since this started. They're not doing anything to fix the nuisance issue."

   Land Use Administrator Sheralyn Schultz presented a nuisance at 10516 Main St., Center Junction.

   On March 4, 2022, a letter was sent to the owner.

   "There's been no improvement," noted Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach.

   He said a neighbor contacted him about rodents at the property.

   "There is a dilapidated structure, and overgrown trees and shrubs," said Schultz. "The owner lives in Cedar Falls."

   The board voted to send an official notice to abate, giving the owner 60 days.

In other county business:

   • The board approved authorizing the auditor to docusign opioid settlement agreements with Treva, Allergen, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens.