Charles City Council approves plans and bid on $1.2 million Charley Western Trail bridge project

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Council awarded the bid to replace the Charley Western Recreation Trail bridge over the Cedar River at its meeting this week, set several public hearings and approved street closings related to July 4th and other events this summer.

The council approved the low bid of $1.39 million from Godbersen-Smith Construction of Ida Grove and approved the plans and specifications for the project. City Engineer John Fallis said construction would begin this year and be finished by fall 2021.

The project was bid a second time after the first round produced only one bid, for $1.6 million, also from Godbersen-Smith Construction. That bid was about $400,000 over the project engineer’s estimated $1.2 million construction cost.

The second round of bids, this time offered through the Iowa Department of Transportation, offered a less stringent timeline for construction. The first bid round had required the project to be finished this year.

The Godbersen-Smith winning bid is still about $190,000 above the project’s estimated construction cost, but Fallis said the only way to get the price lower at this point would be to make substantial changes in the bridge design.

Also at the meeting Monday evening, the council:

• Set two public hearings for 6 p.m. on July 20, one to amend the South Grand Urban Renewal Area plan to include a proposed 70-unit senior housing facility to be built by developer Mark Holtcamp of Solon, and the other to consider a proposed development incentive for that project in the form of a 100% property tax rebate on new value for 10 years or up to $2 million.

• Set another public hearing for 6 p.m. July 20 on proposed plans and specifications for constructing a new wastewater lift station on Gilbert Street and advertising for bids. The list station will replace an existing one in that area that is in the flood plain and undersized. The project is part of the new water resource recovery facility (WRRF) project and would use state revolving funding that is part of that project.

• Approved temporary easements with 14 property owners along the 2020 HMA paving project to allow access to install handicapped-accessible sidewalk curb ramps. The project includes parts of Clinton, Cedar, South Jackson and Second streets.

• Approved closing the 200 and 300 block of North Jackson Street for Charles City Kids Day activities, including a drive-through goodie bag distribution sponsored by Soifer Family McDonalds and First Citizens Bank.

The event will be 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (or while supplies last) on July 3, and kids under 12 must be present and remain in their vehicles to collect the goodie-bags.

• Approved closing part of the 3000 block of Yorkshire Boulevard for a July 4 block party, requested by Tony Lessin.

• Approved closing North Illinois Street between Blunt and Kelly streets on July 4 for a neighborhood block party, requested by Todd Prichard.

• Approved closing the 400 block of North Main Street in front of Rustic Corner for most of the day on July 11 for a “Christmas in July” retail event featuring a wine trailer, food trucks and participation from seven or eight other businesses in the community.

• Approved allowing expanded outdoor serving space for Saint Charles Brewery.

• Approved a Facade Improvement Grant Program application from Saint Charles Brewery for $6,150.49 to pay half the cost to make improvements to exterior siding, signage and lighting.

• Approved a proclamation setting the week of June 22-26 as Relay for Life Week in Charles City. Because of COVID-19 concerns, the annual Floyd County Relay for Life that was scheduled for last week was canceled. Donations to Floyd County Relay for Life can be mailed to or dropped off at First Citizens Bank in Charles City.

• Appointed Robin Macomber to replace Bethany Bryant on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

• Appointed Kelvin Leifer to the Charles City Broadband Commission to fill a vacancy.

• Held a public hearing then approved resolutions vacating a portion of South Johnson Street and then selling that portion to adjoining owners Michael J. and Kim E. Wendel and Nicole L. and Corey A. Hawke.

• Approved lien releases for two properties that had participated in the 2012 CDBG Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program. The properties, at 900 Gilbert Street and 510 S. Johnson Street, met the terms of the program and each had a loan of $24,999 forgiven.