(Spirit Lake)– A formal complaint about the condition of the Dickinson county courthouse has been filed with the Iowa Division of Labor Services. It isn’t known who filed it. The board of supervisors today talked about addressing the complaint.
It mentions several alleged hazards: windows that are broken out with glass still lying in the sills and holes in the screens, open staircases which are said to be fire hazards, poor air quality due to dead mice, birds and bats between the walls, mold, and unspecified restrooms described as being “absolutely filthy”.
The county’s response to the complaint states that an investigative team consisting of a member of the board of supervisors, County Auditor, Clerk of Court, county health officer, county safety committee member and Assistant County Attorney inspected the courthouse last Friday. In the response, the county states that it’s getting final plans for window replacement and expects to have them by November 6th. Responding to the open staircases, county officials say they’ve done what they can, but their hands are tied due to the failure of three previous bond issues. They make reference to a survey they say will be done this winter on whether to remodel the existing courthouse or building a new one. Regarding air quality, county officials say they found no signs of dead mice, bats or birds…but they did find mold growing on a portion of the third floor. They also say the bathrooms were not found to be filthy…but admit they could stand a good cleaning.
Copies of the county’s response to the complaint are being posted in various offices throughout the courthouse.
State labor officials say just because the county has responded to the complaint doesn’t rule out the possibility of a surprise inspection.
The written response and pictures were sent to the state today.
