Design services contract approved for new Landis Bridge

     Things are moving along concerning the county’s Landis Road Bridge replacement project over the Wapsipinicon River.

     This project is part of statewide efforts to get numerous county structural projects funded through the RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant, formerly the BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) grant.

     During the May 18 Jones County Supervisor meeting, per County Engineer Derek Snead’s recommendation, the board approved a contract with Orgin Design (formerly IIW) to help in the design of the new bridge. Orgin would provide structural engineer services to not only create a design for a new bridge, but analyze the river models as well.

     Snead said he and Orgin’s agreed-upon cost estimate is $140,000. However, that covers the total scope of services, from getting the project plans ready to going out for bid and letting the project. Snead said due to the fact that funding has not been allocated for any projects through the RAISE grant, he felt just contracting with Orgin for the preliminary work would suffice. The cost would be about $28,250.

     “We would break the project in half, depending on whether they allocate the money,” he explained. Snead expects an additional $80,000 to $100,000 would take the project through the final design.

     Supervisor Joe Oswald asked whether the county would get reimbursed for any funding spent prior to being awarded the grant. Snead said federal grants come with a lot of stimulations.

     “This is a small amount of money to spend to get a new bridge,” commented Supervisor John Schlarmann.

     Snead said the advantage of contracting for professional services and going after grants like this is it assists with securing the necessary permits, removal of the structure, etc.

     Supervisor Ned Rohwedder asked about whether Snead is looking into one or multiple options for placement of the new bridge. Snead said the new structure could be built at its current location, or aligning south of the existing bridge, or aligning to the east.

     “We’ve talked to the landowners about the options,” he told the board. “They are very pro-bridge.

     “Everything to the east is already graded and the road is in good shape,” continued Snead. “Regardless of where we put it (the new bridge), a lot of fill will be needed.”

     Snead added that despite having multiple options for placement, none of the options is more expensive or cheaper than the rest.

     “We’re hopeful and optimistic about the grant,” Snead said.

In other county business:

     • Working with Orgin Design on the Landis Bridge, Snead informed the board that he will also consult with them on options for Stone Bridge outside Monticello.

     “They can give us an idea of costs for a load rating,” he said.

     • The board approved a contract between JETS and ECICOG. There were only minor changes made.

     • A public hearing was held regarding a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) the county received in 2020 to cover the cost of dispersing food throughout the county during the pandemic. This was a project JETS and Senior Dining took on together.

     The county was awarded $44,000; only $11,510.04 was spent, with $7,600 going to HACAP when the county received permission to repurpose the grant. The grant expired on April 9.

     The board also approved a request for reimbursement of the funds from IEDA (Iowa Economic Development Authority).

     • EMA Coordinator Brenda Leonard shared the new “Shelter-In-Place” brochures that were printed for Region 6, which includes Jones County. She said they are working on putting sample kits together to demonstrate to the public, as well as promotional materials.

     “We’ve been working on this for a year or two,” she said.

     • The board approved abating a nuisance located at 13104 Old Cass Rd., in Anamosa after a 30-day extension.

     Land Use Administrator Michele Lubben said she’s worried the condition would revert back to its previous state.

     • Lubben updated the board on matters coming before Planning & Zoning and Board of Adjustment.

     P&Z is starting to review the county’s comprehensive plan, which was implemented in 2012. She said they hope to have it finalized by 2022.

     A special use permit request in Lovell Township on Military Road was to come before the BOA. Lubben explained the owner plans to offer a “glamping experience,” meaning “glamorous camping.”

     While this is generally allowed in an agriculture district, the property in question is residential.

     In addition, Lubben said there are also some environmental service concerns with the availability of fresh water and restroom facilities.

     • The board approved a DOT Drug and Alcohol Policy for Secondary Roads. This would pertain to any employee who operates a commercial vehicle.