Wapello restaurant to rebuild on new site

By Jim Rudisill | Friday, September 05, 2008

WAPELLO, Iowa — Construction of a new Johnnie B’s might begin soon.

The Wapello City Council approved a land swap with the popular restaurant’s owner, John Hess, so the business can reopen.

A July fire destroyed the restaurant building at 228 N. 2nd St. The land exchange will allow Hess to relocate his business along the Iowa River, about one-half block from the old location.

Hess said after the vote at Thursday’s council meeting that he hopes to begin construction on the new building within a few weeks.

Although the council approved the action, two local residents objected. Von Smith told the council he was concerned about the loss of parking, differences in value between the two lots and other issues. City officials said former city council member Jim Moore telephoned city hall and expressed similar concerns.

Another former council member, Alana Poage, submitted a written comment saying she supported the action.

In other action, the council agreed to purchase a $65,000 backhoe to do sewer work. The equipment would allow city staff to work on shallow sewer lines while contracted labor could be used on deeper lines. Mayor Ron Durbin said the equipment might save the city about $400,000 in costs associated with mandated sewer repair work that is anticipated to cost about $2.1 million.

The council also learned an Aug. 31 demolition derby raised $10,000 to help the Oakville Fire Department replace equipment lost in this summer’s flooding.

The Wapello Fire Department also has raised more than $63,000 to help cover the cost of an aerial ladder. Fire Chief Jason Griffin said the department would meet with the council soon to discuss the plan.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.