The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors convened on Monday, January 26th, to discuss a range of topics including road construction bids, housing initiatives, communications infrastructure, and election equipment.
Road and Bridge Projects
Jefferson County Engineer DeWayne Heintz provided updates on recent bid lettings for two major projects in the county. The Libertyville Road project received one bid from Norse Asphalt of Ottumwa for $4,834,184.64, slightly above the engineer’s estimate of $4.5 to $4.9 million. The Board awarded the bid to Norse Asphalt, with Heintz expressing excitement about moving forward with the project.
However, the Grasstree Avenue Bridge project presented more challenging results. Two bids were received for the bridge work, both exceeding $800,000—significantly higher than the engineer’s estimate of $650,000. Heintz recommended rejecting all bids and exploring alternative options, noting that the road doesn’t carry substantial traffic volumes to justify the expense. The county is now considering more cost-effective solutions, potentially including a tank car for a low-water stream crossing or similar alternatives.
Palm Avenue Bridge Update
Heintz also provided an update on the Palm Avenue Bridge situation, detailing the county’s efforts to manage the closed structure. “The Palm Avenue Bridge was ‘officially’ closed to traffic last Spring,” Heintz stated. “The last bridge inspection that was completed on the bridge rated it as unsafe for vehicular traffic.”
He explained that all public bridges in the United States are required to have periodic inspections, with newer bridges inspected every four years while bridges in poorer condition may require annual inspections. The county improved the road heading north and east to Glassgow Road to provide access for the house on the east side of the bridge, upgrading the route from level B to level A.
“The farmer on the west side of the bridge requested that we ‘soft-close’ the bridge with barricades, so that he could drive his ATV around if his cattle got out and ended up on the east side,” Heintz explained. “Most of the time, when we would check on the bridge, the barricades would be moved off the road. We placed metal posts with reflectors spaced at 6′ so an ATV could pass but a car or pick-up could not. Someone used a pickup or tractor to push the posts over.”
Due to continued unauthorized access despite the closure, Heintz said the county will now place a couple of loads of broken concrete at one end of the bridge to more effectively discourage traffic. The county hopes to have the bridge removed by mid-February. Assistant County Attorney Ed Kelly brought up the idea of placing a camera at the location, but Heintz mentioned that it could be stolen.
Heintz also briefly addressed Saturday’s fatal accident on Hemlock Avenue near Cedar Creek, stating that road conditions had been assessed prior to the crash and officials did not feel plowing or additional attention was needed at that time. He expressed sympathy for the young woman who died and everyone involved in the tragic incident.
ITC Midwest Transmission Line Project
The Board briefly brought up the ongoing ITC Midwest Ottumwa-Skunk River 345 kV Transmission Line Project, which is part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s Long-Range Transmission Plan. The proposed transmission line will run from the Ottumwa Generation Station near Ottumwa to the proposed Skunk River Substation being built by Ameren west of Mount Pleasant.
For most of the route, the upgraded 345 kV line will be double-circuited with an existing 161 kV transmission line owned by ITC Midwest, meaning the existing line will be removed and relocated on the same structures as the new line to minimize the need for additional transmission corridors across private land. ITC Midwest has sole responsibility for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project.
Public information meetings were held in Wapello County on August 16th, 2023, in Jefferson County on August 16th and October 17th, 2023, and in Henry County on August 17th, 2023. Construction is potentially beginning in the second quarter of 2026 if approved by the Iowa Utilities Board. The project is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027, though these timeframes are subject to change.
When completed, the transmission line is expected to increase infrastructure to improve system reliability, enhance grid resilience to withstand extreme weather, expand access to generation resources by reducing transmission system congestion, and improve distribution of lower-cost energy resources including renewables. Heintz believes they are adding another line for increased capacity.
Ambulance Service Update
Ambulance Director Josh Hemminger provided a brief update on department operations. Ambulance rig 51 remains in Des Moines for repairs and is expected to be completed this week. Hemminger had no update on the ambulance training program, and discussions continue among involved parties regarding medical director insurance coverage.
Grow Fairfield Housing Initiatives
Grow Fairfield Executive Director Ed Malloy presented updates on multiple housing development projects underway in Fairfield. Grow Fairfield has purchased five vacant city or private lots with the goal of constructing affordable housing on the properties.
The organization completed two houses in September and October of last year. The house on 7th Street is bound to be sold for $235,000, while the house on 6th Street is expected to be sold in the coming months. Three additional homes are planned for 5th Street near Jefferson and Adams, and, the subdivision is expected to be ready by May and construction beginning June 1st.
Malloy also announced a significant development project with Kading Properties, a rental housing developer. Fairfield was selected from 22 applicant cities as one of five finalists, ultimately winning the project. The development is proposed to be located north of town on Gear Avenue between 12th and 18th Streets, near SkyFactory and HCM Plastics. They chose this location because it’s relatively close to the city, university, and the trail systems. The project could reach up to $25 million in investment and would include approximately 150 rental units ranging from 750 to 1,250 square feet at $1 per square foot. The units are designed for individuals earning up to $18 per hour to live comfortably. Tax abatement and land acquisition are currently being discussed, with the project potentially ready by 2027-2028.
Additionally, Grow Fairfield received a Rural Housing Innovation Grant from Iowa State University Extension and the Governor’s office. The 18-month study will examine demolition and redevelopment opportunities in the county.
Malloy also addressed the situation regarding HyCast Foundry and its draft Title V Air Operating Permit from the Iowa DNR. The foundry, which was formerly known as Faircast before being purchased by HyCast LLC of Cincinnati in summer 2024, has faced scrutiny from environmental groups over its air quality permit. The Southeast Iowa Sierra Club has organized opposition to the permit renewal, calling for more stringent ongoing verification of pollutants rather than relying on infrequent stack testing. The DNR is scheduled to hold a virtual public hearing on the permit from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, January 29th, and is accepting comments until February 2nd. Malloy expressed his belief that HyCast will likely be in compliance and pass the necessary requirements.
Additional Business
The Board met with representatives from KCTC to discuss phone systems for county offices and departments. The supervisors also approved $44,000 in funding for voter election equipment to support upcoming elections.
Edited to add more information.
