County creates Pine Valley proposal committee

Union County officials are creating a committee of county employees to further research the proposal to convert the former Pine Valley Golf Course into a housing development as proposed by Chad Rieck, one of the owners of the property.

The property falls under the county’s urban renewal residential development plan which would create tax breaks for new residential construction. Supervisor Rick Friday said legal counsel suggested the county review all options for the area before making any additional decisions.

“Do we change it to a TIF,” Friday rhetorically asked Monday.

A tax increment financing (TIF) project has tax revenue from the property only be spent on infrastructure for the property. “What can and what we can’t do?”

The property can’t be an urban renewal residential site and be a TIF project at the same time.

To find out all options and issues, supervisors informally created a committee to review the site and proposal. Suggested members include auditor Sandy Hysell, assessor Mindy Schaefer, incoming engineer Christian Boehmer and county attorney Shane O’Toole. Supervisor Dennis Hopkins suggested environmental health specialist Amanda Husband. Supervisors said each person can bring their experience and skills to the conversation.

Supervisors were not requiring the suggested people join the committee. They only want their input for knowing what the vision is for golf course knowing the situation.

In late 2021, Rieck and others purchased the closed golf course with the vision of turning it into a housing development. Engineers have suggested 12 lots to be developed each ranging from 2 two 4 acres. The entire property is about 36 acres.

A road would have to be built through the property to assist the building of the houses. Rieck and the others are not typical developers which normally plan and fund the construction of streets, roads, curbs, gutters and other infrastructure and utilities.

Rieck asked the county’s interest in funding the construction of the road but supervisors were hesitant not knowing how fast the area would be developed and the funds returned that built the road. The road through the property would be a cul-de-sac. The entrance would best be off Cromwell Road. A rock road, about one-quarter mile in length, is estimated at $250,000. Hard-surfaced treatment would at least double the estimate.

Friday said last month the road could be built with security. Additional agreements may be needed for general obligation bonds to pay for the road, but if no, or not enough, properties are constructed to pay the bonds, Rieck or the general contractor would be financially responsible for the bonds. Rieck said that is the most viable option.

Rieck said a road would encourage lot sales and housing development.

Because of the area’s location outside of Creston city limits, water would be provided by Southern Iowa Rural Water Association. Supervisor Dennis Hopkins suggested including Husband since the property doesn’t have access to a sewer system and would use septic systems.

In other county news...

Supervisors approved the resignation of Kelly Schultz as Highland Township clerk. Schultz was replaced with Hillary Zimmerman.

Supervisors reviewed dates for certain weeds for property owners to prevent growth and spread. Information was provided by weed commissioner Gary Blazek.

May 15: musk thistle, perennial pepper grass.

June 2: leafy spurge, poison hemlock

June 20: Canadian thistle, Russian Knapweed.

July 1: palmer amaranth (burn on location only)

July 16: multi-flora rose and teasel.

Blazek said teasel is a new species to watch for but has not been found in Union County. Property owners who are familiar with weeds but not know teasel are asked to contact Blazek at (641) 344-5255 for assistance. Blazek said the plant can be spread by seed through mowing operations. A mower that has cut teasel and a seed has been attached to the mower that is used in another site. During mowing, the seed falls of and eventually takes root. Birds and wildlife also have the ability to relocate seeds.

Blazek is expected to resign from the position the end of the year. Supervisors and road superintendent Al Hysell are researching how the position can continue. Licensing is needed to become a county weed commissioner.