JCED highlights 2016 during board meeting

     Dusty Embree, Jones County Economic Development (JCED) director, met with the Board of Supervisors during their Jan. 31 meeting to update the board and request funding.

     Embree requested the same appropriation as the last fiscal year: $27,601 (10,319 countywide and $17,282 for rural residents).

     Embree highlighted six areas JCED has been working on. She said her number one goal is still ensuring existing businesses remain successful.

     “We strive to connect with local businesses and let them know we are their partner for success,” said Embree.

     The retention of J&P Cycles’ retail store in Jones County was an example Embree used of keeping business local.

     “That was a big deal for sales tax and events,” said Embree.

     She said she also helped advocate on behalf of Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative to keep their headquarters in Jones County as well, as they look to expand.

     “This shows that we’re responsive to the needs of local businesses,” she said.

     In terms of business recruitment, another goal of JCED, Embree said she assisted in the recruitment of and negotiations with Fareway Stores in Anamosa.

     She also compiles a Jones County laborshed report, released in January 2016, that helps recruit businesses as well.

     Embree is involved with several regional committees/groups, including Parks to People. Working with the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region (Grant Wood Loop), Embree said has led to $650,000 for Jones County projects. This includes $47,000 for the Monticello Pocket Park, $250,000 for the Mon Maq Dam project, and $190,000 for the Wapsipinicon Trail project.

     “These projects help build the quality of life, which help to attract workforce to our area,” said Embree.

     She said a goal JCED has taken on, community development, helps in staying connected to the communities in Jones County. Embree worked with Monticello Heart & Soul, Anamosa better Together, Jones County Tourism, and the chambers of commerce.

     “We can leverage resources with the same goals and missions in mind,” said Embree.

     In terms of workforce development, Embree said one project she’s been heavily working on is videos promoting the county. These videos highlight the quality of life, employment opportunities, and available land/buildings in the county.

     “These are business-driven to gain perspective,” she said.

     Embree said the goal is to have the videos released some time in April 2017.

     Embree said her board members stem from all over the county, representing different sectors of a community, striving for organizational excellence. She said her personal goal for 2017 is to visit with the board of supervisors and city councils more frequently to gain input.

In other county business:

     • The board approved a resolution authorizing EIRUSS to issue bonds for the Leisure Lake wastewater project in Jackson County.

     There are already 314 users, with 25-30 additional properties that need to connect to the system.

     The total project cost is listed at $1 million, but current estimates are between $400,000 and $500,000.

     • County Auditor Janine Sulzner informed the board that Census work has already begun for 2020, and that they are working with GIS Coordinator Kristi Aitchison.

     • County Engineer Derek Snead shared a letter he received from the Anamosa School District in reference to the condition of Lead Mine Road from Highway 151 to Highway 64. The letter states that “proximity of the river to the road…is a risk to students and drivers.”

     “There is not a lot of roadway width or a buffer zone between the roadway and the river,” said Snead.

     He said to mitigate the situation the county could install guardrail cable on the side of the road. He said to build up the embankment and add material along with the guardrail could cost between $50,000 and $75,000, plus permitting.

     “That’s pretty pricey for a short stretch of road,” said Snead.

     He said there have been a couple of accidents at that location over the last 10-12 years, resulting in no injuries.

     Snead said Secondary Roads does have a grading project proposed for Lead Mine Road in the near future. He said in the mean time, he would recommend not sending school vehicles along the river portion of the road.

     “I’d be happy to provide them with turn-around access points,” offered Snead.