Iowa Supreme Court · No. 21-0215
Rita McNeal and Cliff McNeal v. Wapello County and Wapello County Board of Supervisors
Decided February 3, 2023 · appeal from Wapello County · Government
What the court decided
AI summary The landowners sued the county for allegedly breaking a settlement agreement regarding the removal of old vehicles from their property. While a lower appeals court initially ruled in favor of the landowners, the Iowa Supreme Court overturned that decision and upheld the original ruling that dismissed the case. This means the landowners' claims against the county cannot proceed.1
Result: DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS VACATED; DISTRICT COURT JUDGMENT AFFIRMED
The court’s own summary
Plaintiffs appealed from a summary judgment dismissing their claims against defendants for breach of a settlement agreement concerning the removal of derelict vehicles from their property. Plaintiffs contended the district court erred by finding the terms of the settlement barred their breach of contract claim and by failing to recognize genuine issues of material fact as to whether all of the vehicles removed from the property by defendants were “derelict” vehicles under the agreement. The court of appeals reversed and remanded. Defendants seek further review.
Holding: Landowners appeal a district court’s grant of summary judgment in an action against a county for breach of a settlement agreement. DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS VACATED; DISTRICT COURT JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Judges
- Written by Justice Edward M. Mansfield
- Trial judge: Shawn R. Showers, Wapello County
Iowa Code it cites
Each links to the bills that change that chapter. Read chapter 331