Supervisors approve jail demolition, accept low bid

By Mary Zielinski

Posted 1/24/23

Demolition of the former county jail annex and the radio tower at 221 W. 2nd Street in Washington was approved Tuesday by the Washington County Supervisors after a detailed discussion about the …

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Supervisors approve jail demolition, accept low bid

By Mary Zielinski

Posted

Demolition of the former county jail annex and the radio tower at 221 W. 2nd Street in Washington was approved Tuesday by the Washington County Supervisors after a detailed discussion about the difference between the low bid and the two higher ones for the work. The low bidder was D.W. Zinser Construction of Walford, at $37,400.  The two others, both from Washington, were DeLong Construction, $44,500, and Cornerstone Excavating, $72,450.

County engineer Jacob Thorius recommended accepting the low bid, noting that all bidders had read and signed they understood the requirements, especially disposal of all materials.  Board members also noted the range of the bids and asked if the action should be delayed for a further talk with the bidders.

Thorius explained that it had been made clear to all what the county needed, especially both the demolition of the buildings and proper removal of all debris, and that all bidders had signed they understood and agreed to the requirements.  It is expected work will start by early spring.  The action came via resolution, which was an addition to the agenda and followed a public hearing on the issue.

Also following a public hearing, the first of two in the meeting, was acceptance and approval of a minor subdivision plat for Angus Acres at the intersection of Vine Avenue and 202 Street, approximately two miles north of Ainsworth.  The two-lot parcel is owned by Bryan R. Lasek and also involves dedication of a 10-foot-wide right-of-way contiguous to the existing 40-foot-wide road along Angus Acres on Vine Avenue.   It was unanimous approval for the plat and the right-of-way.

In a third land item, the board set 9 a.m. February 15 for a public hearing on the county’s interest (which is none) on an abandoned railroad segment between E. Harrison and E. Polk Streets in Washington.  The action is to facilitate land sales in the area.

In other business, the board:

•Approved the termination of John Gish as county attorney, effective January 29.  He is leaving for a major position in the attorney’s general office in Des Moines. In noting the request, Gish said he had thought about things to say, but found that what mattered was simply a deep “thank you to the board and the people of the county” for the six years he had served in the office.  In turn, the supervisors expressed their thanks and “regret” at his leaving.

•Followed Gish’s recommendation and approved Anthony Janney as the acting county attorney until the board appoints a replacement for Gish.