Sibley responds to lawsuit

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SIBLEY, Iowa — In a response to a civil lawsuit filed by the Osceola County 4-H Foundation Inc. against the City of Sibley, the city filed an answer Monday to the foundation’s petition, which alleged the poor upkeep of a city-owned building located at 250 Ninth St.

The petition, filed Sept. 17 in Osceola County District Court, states that the city of Sibley, since taking ownership of the property in January 2007, has failed to maintain the building and allowed the development of mold, mildew and a noxious, offensive odor.

It further states that the lack of maintenance caused the migration of the mold, mildew and odor to Osceola County 4-H Foundation Inc. property located at 839 Third Ave., also hindering the use and enjoyment of the property and being destructive and dangerous to the property in violation of Iowa Code.

The foundation is requesting the court enter judgment in its favor, ordering the payment of $40,000 in damages and lost rent and ordering the city of Sibley to fund the cleanup cost of the foundation’s building, as well as any costs, interest and attorney’s fees.

The city’s answer denies the allegations detailed in the petition and requests dismissal of the petition with costs being taxed to the foundation.

Sibley City Administrator Dan Janssen declined to comment Monday.

Tags: news, sibley, lawsuit, 4-h