Osky City Council Settles Eminent Domain Case

Oskaloosa City Council

by R.D. Keep

Oskaloosa, Iowa – During Oskaloosa’s council meeting Monday night city leaders agreed to an award to the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office of $29,167.10. The award stemmed from an April 29 trial in which the Compensation Commission made the decision in favor of Dennis and Linda Selby.

The payment is in regards to an award for eminent domain damages relating to easement condemnation of land at 2382 Laveen Street. The condemnation was part of the North Green and Laveen Street Paving Project. The commission awarded $25,000 plus $2,230.10 for the Selby’s attorney fees and $800 for appraisal costs.

Councilors agreed to the payment. Oskaloosa City Attorney David Dixon informed the council that the commission lowered the appraisal fees because the $1,800 the Selby’s paid was thought to be excessive. The council voted unanimously to pay the judgment.

The council awarded an asphalt contract to Norris Asphalt, the sole bidder on the Highway 432 Pavement Rehabilitation Project. The company placed a bid of $321,634.50. The bid includes resurfacing of the road and shoulder, along with stabilization of the shoulder around the roundabout.

City manager Michael Schrock asked for a 10 percent contingency fee to account for any work order changes. He said often times on projects a change order is necessary due to unexpected project costs. He said in the past the change would be made then brought before the council. “This is not the way we should do business,” said Schrock. “We will bring it to you when we have made the change, but this will allow us to not delay the project awaiting approval.

After assurances by city staff, the councilors approved the contract. Work is expected to last about three weeks and begin in mid-July.

In other business:

Approved transferring title to a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria to Albia Housing Agency.

Approved beer and alcohol permits at Pizza Hut, Kum & Go and VFW Post.

Held second reading of zoning change for the 300 blocks of North First and North Second streets.

Held second reading for no parking on the north side of E Avenue East.

Next meeting of the council will be on June 4.

Posted by on May 22 2012. Filed under Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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