Board discusses Washburn nuisance properties, considers Iowa Code Chapter 657A acquisition

During a June 2 work session the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors discussed nuisance properties in Washburn and options for remediation.

Assistant County Attorney Michael Treinen said a property owner has made significant progress removing fixtures placed on a county-owned Sunnyside property. He reported that the family of a vacant nuisance property on 3rd Street in Washburn has contacted a contractor about restoring the property but that, if owners do not move forward, the county plans to acquire the property under Iowa Code Chapter 657A and demolish the structure.

Supervisor Tavis Hall asked the county to be prepared to file a Chapter 657A action if nothing happens by July 8. The board did not take an immediate vote on acquisition; Treinen and Systems/Real Estate Tax Manager Tim Jamison said they would report back with details of the assessment process.

County Engineer Catherine Nicholas said her office can prepare a cost report on clearing trees and brush from a Washburn drainage ditch and on mowing the ditch twice a year for three years. Treinen and Jamison will report back with how assessments would be handled if the county performs the work. Chair Linda Laylin said the board will return the issue to the agenda in two weeks for further direction.

The discussion produced no formal directive to acquire or demolish the 3rd Street property immediately; the board set a near-term expectation for staff reports and possible legal steps if repairs are not completed by the July 8 date.