Columbus Junction, Iowa — The demolition of five house in Columbus Junction will not be handled through Louisa County, as originally believed, Mayor Dan Wilson told the Columbus Junction City Council during its regular meeting Wednesday.

Instead of going through the county, the demolition will now have to be handled by the city, but the change is not likely to alter the original demolition plans.

Wilson told the Council the city had originally thought the demolition of the five houses, which were heavily damaged in flooding last summer, would be included in other demolitions being coordinated by the county through the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission. However, federal officials recently notified the city it needed to handle the demolitions because  the houses were located within the local government’s jurisdiction.

Although the latest setback will require the city to go back and perform many of the same steps handled earlier by the county, Wilson said the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission could still be the coordinating agency. The group has already completed inspections, bidding and other details under a contract with the county.

“My suggestion is we enter into a contract with regional planning (and) they will take care of (the demolition),” Wilson said.

He said asbestos had been located on the properties and that would require specialized demolition procedures.

Since the bidding for the county projects is already done, Wilson said the Commission could process the additional properties and likely add those to the work that is already scheduled.

Wilson said 90 percent of the demolition cost will be covered by federal funding while the remaining 10 percent will be picked up by the state.

Although the building will be demolished, there will not be any change in ownership. Wilson said a buyout of the properties would involve a separate program and would likely be completed in the next year or two.

The Council approved a motion to enter into a contract with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to coordinate the demolition bidding and other work.

In other action

- The council approved the appointment of Cathy Crawford as the city’s new librarian. Crawford will replace long-time librarian Ardie Ostrem, who is retiring. Kathy Moore, a member of the city’s library board, said the board had determined Crawford, who has worked for the library for the past several years, was the most qualified individual for the part-time position.

- Wilson updated the Council on cleanup activities in the community later this month. The citywide cleanup day is scheduled for Friday, April 24, while student volunteers will participate in general cleanup efforts around the community on Wednesday, April 22.

- Wilson alerted the Council to upcoming visits by members of Keep Iowa Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful. The visits will involve a small number of the group members, who will reconnoiter the area in preparation for a larger group that is planning to visit the community from May 6-8. The larger group will inspect proposed entry development areas.