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Supervisors hear reports on juvenile detention lawsuit, HACAP donation and lead-hazard grant for older homes
Summary
During reports, county officials discussed an ongoing juvenile-detention lawsuit and planned closed-session follow-up, a HACAP donation of a home for housing, and a $3.5 million ECICOG grant to address lead hazards in older houses affecting children 6 and younger.
County officials used the reports portion of the meeting to update supervisors on several community matters and planned follow-up actions.
County staff reported that a lawsuit related to juvenile detention — filed against Central Iowa Detention — has prompted multiple closed sessions; staff said directives are expected next week and that the supervisors will meet in closed session and then return to open session to decide on next steps. The staff update did not resolve settlement details; supervisors indicated additional closed-session discussion and subsequent public action will follow.
Staff also reported that HACAP (the local housing and community action program) received a donated house in Dubuque with an assessed market value noted in the meeting at approximately $275,000; staff described the donated property as near move-in ready and said HACAP intends to use it to house a family.
Supervisors heard about a regional lead-hazard grant administered through ECICOG (East Central Iowa Council of Governments). Staff described a roughly $3.5 million grant to assist counties in the ECICOG region. According to the meeting discussion, the program targets homes built in or before 1978 and households with children age 6 or younger who test positive for lead; qualifying remediation may include repainting, removal of hazardous window or door casings, or other abatement measures. County health staff indicated they do not currently perform routine lead screening but are familiar with the program and referral process.
A resident concern was raised about dust and safety on a gravel stretch of County Road 70, where large construction traffic reportedly creates dust that obscures visibility. County staff said they could not identify a legislative change lowering gravel speed limits in a conclusive search and advised the resident that dust-control measures (typically at the resident’s expense) were the primary mitigation; staff said they will follow up to check applicable speed-limit postings and any recent legislation.
Finally, the board discussed a donation offer from Janice Bateman related to a window and historical picture from the former Braille School. Staff suggested temporary display options inside the courthouse first-floor area or using an easel or display case and agreed to coordinate with historic preservation and maintenance staff on suitable placement.
