City to consider firm to design new buildings

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Council looking at constructing new public works and fire department buildings

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG
PCC EDITOR

FORT MADISON - The Fort Madison City Council will be considering spending $30,000 with a Cedar Rapids firm to develop a preliminary design, layout, and cost estimates to construct a new fire station and public works facility in the city.

The council will vote on hiring Solum Lang Architects, LLC out of Cedar Rapids at Tuesday's regular meeting at City Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The Council directed staff at a meeting in August to seek quotes for the work.

In a report to the council, City Manager David Varley said the city received nine responses to a request for quotes for the work.

A committee comprised of city staff and Councilman Rusty Andrews reviewed all the proposals and then narrowed the group to three to interview for the work.

The city also conducted background checks on each of the three finalists and following the interviews recommended the Cedar Rapids firm for the work.

The contract includes $15,000 for each building for a total of $30,000. The funds for the work will be divided among the various departments that will be housed in the buildings, including streets, water, solid waste, and the general fund.

In an unrelated agenda item, the council will consider the second reading of an ordinance removing four stop signs on 15th Street north and southbound at Avenues G and F, and adding no parking zones on the east side of 15th Street from Avenue E, north to the city limits.

Council members discussed the issue at previous meetings with Councilwoman Rebecca Bowker opposing the idea citing safety of children going to and from Lincoln school in the neighborhood.

As part of removing the stop signs, the council will consider another ordinance making the intersection at 15th Street and Avenue E a permanent 4-way stop. Both ordinances require three readings unless the council votes to forego the final reading, which it can do with at least four votes of the council.

In other action, the council will also:
• consider a continuation of the agreement with the YMCA to manage the city swimming pool.
• discuss and take possible action regarding the electric car charge meters at Pen City Parking.
• discuss and take possible action on a recommendation from the city Parks, Recreation and Dock Board to build six pickleball courts in Victory Park.

city council, construction, fort madison, meeting, news, Pen City Current, Pickleball, stop signs, traffic

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