Board of Supervisors respond to litigation

By Rebecca Boysen
Herald Staff Writer

December 04, 2008 11:05 am

— CLINTON — The Clinton County Board of Supervisors responded to a pending litigation matter during this week’s regular meeting. The board authorized County Attorney Mike Wolf to respond on behalf of the county concerning a suit for damages filed by county residents Paul and Sharon Leonard.
The Leonards, who own property on 360th Avenue, filed for damages allegedly caused by the proposed vacation and closure of that county right-of-way.
The board authorized Wolf to pursue a civil remedy to the matter. The resolution noted that all litigation costs are to be paid out of the Board of Supervisor’s budgeted legal line item, and stipulated that any settlement of the claim must be approved by the board.
Chairman Grant Wilke asked County Auditor Charlie Sheridan whether it was “normal” for the county attorney to represent the county in such a matter.
“This is a civil matter. He is legal,” Sheridan responded. “In my opinion, no.”
Wilke noted that Wolf will simply act as the county’s “legal advisor,” and may transfer the matter to someone else’s authority.
In other business, the supervisors passed a resolution setting the date for a public hearing on the sale of the Clinton County Conservation Department’s mobile home for 9:30 a.m., Monday, at the County Administration Building.
The mobile home, which previously served as the ranger residence at Rock Creek Park in Camanche, is no longer needed after the Conservation Department constructed a permanent residence at the park.
“We’re always open to public input,” said Conservation Director Walt Wickham.