Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nuisance Properties topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board weighs legal action as contractor offers to restore long‑neglected Third Street property
Summary
Blackhawk County supervisors were briefed on two nuisance properties on June 2, 2026; staff said Sunnyside cleanup has progressed while the more intractable Third Street property may require a court action under Iowa Code 657A unless a contractor-backed restoration proceeds within the board’s timeline.
Blackhawk County supervisors discussed persistent nuisance properties on June 2, focusing on a long‑running case on Third Street that staff said may warrant a court filing under Iowa Code 657A if owners do not meaningfully act.
The meeting’s work session began with an update that Sunnyside property cleanup has advanced but that fixtures (two sheds, a deck and other materials) remain on county right‑of‑way. County staff said they have the authority to remove fixtures on county property and will set an enforcement date if owners do not comply.
The Third Street property drew extended discussion. County staff reported that the parcel—previously sold at tax sale and now owned by an LLC tied to the family—has a history of abandonment and reported health and safety issues including structural collapse, mold and unsafe conditions. Staff said they delivered a written notice on May 8, starting a 60‑day cure period that would expire roughly July 8. In the interim, staff told the board they learned the owner’s family spoke with a contractor who has offered to restore the structure but that no written contract or firm timeline has been provided to county staff.
County counsel Mike Hendrickson told the board the county’s next formal enforcement tool could be filing a 657A action under Iowa law to seek title and, if appropriate, demolish and abate public hazards. He said courts consider whether owners demonstrate a genuine restoration plan; active, verifiable restoration can reduce the likelihood the court will find abandonment. Staff recommended title searches and further documentation of any contractor commitments before filing.
Supervisors pressed staff for clarity on timelines and cautioned against moving too quickly if the owner can show credible restoration plans; others argued the county must be ready to file if assurances are not backed by contracts and payment commitments. Staff committed to obtaining written contractor proposals, verifying whether there is a binding agreement and preparing title work in case a 657A filing becomes necessary.
The board asked for an update as soon as staff had contractor documentation and said it intends to revisit the item within weeks. The county identified the property owner by name in discussion (Mark Golden) and listed the address in public remarks as 2173rd Street; staff said taxes and utilities appear to be separately evaluated and that title work is the next administrative step.
The discussion ended without a formal vote on legal action; staff said the county would continue outreach, gather written contractor commitments if they exist and be prepared to file under Iowa Code 657A if restoration does not proceed.
