FORT MADISON – The Fort Madison City Council is moving ahead with planning phases for the new playground or Riverview Park.
At Tuesdays' regular meeting, the Council approved an agreement with Streamline Architecture out of Moline for the the creation of construction documents and specifications of the renovated park to include engineering services and land surveys.
The engineering and design costs for the project could approach $100,000 per the agreement presented to the council in their packets prior to the meeting.
Construction documents preparation is estimated at $14,000 with additional costs for administration billed hourly. The civil engineering and surveying that is required will cost a minimum of $72,975 plus administrative costs billed hourly.
The work will be overseen by Streamline Architects out of Moline in the Quad Cities.
This agreement is for the creation of the construction documents and specifications of the renovated park. The design features the history of the Fort Madison community, while looking forward with modern park amenities. The renovated facilities will support community members with disabilities, enhance tourist attraction, and reduce flood damage risks. The construction of the project will be funded by a combination of public and private monies managed by the City. No work will occur on the railroad right of way.
“This is an exciting time and we’ve been talking about the playground in Riverview Park since I’ve been here,” City Manager Laura Liegois said.
She said the city is still fundraising and writing grants for the project, but they are to the point where they have to start design work, which will include the entrance into the park and how to enhance it.
“We do have some design funds that have been donated and grants for this project,” she said.
Other funds could come from the city’s hotel/motel tax proceeds.
The city has applied for a $250,000 National Parks Service grant and that grant requires a certified land survey.
“We’re going to be putting out more pushes for community support for this and we’re hoping to apply for at least one more large grant to offset this cost,” Liegois said.
“And remember, council, you committed $50,000 toward the project from hotel/motel funds.”
In an unrelated issue, the council also approved new fees and penalties for open burning violations within city limits.
Illegal opening burning will carry a $100 civil penalty for the first violation. That increases to $250 for the second violation and $500 per violation for any third or subsequent violations.
The burning of prohibited materials, any burning during restricted conditions which are set by the Fort Madison Fire Chief, and/or a failure to extinguish when ordered, will all see a $250 initial fine with a $500 fine for second offenses and a $750 fine for third and subsequent violations.
No fees are required for recreational fires, which are defined by code as: An outdoor fire burning only clean, dry untreated lumber, dry seasoned wood, or charcoal where the fuel being burned is contained within a fire ring, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit, commercial fire unit, or other approved container, and has a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height for pleasure, warmth, or similar purpose. Recreational fires must be at least 15 feet from any structure, combustible materials or property lines, and must be attended constantly by a responsible adult. A means of extinguishing the fire must be readily available and fires shall not create a nuisance from smoke or odor. Burning cannot occur with winds greater than 15 mph.
Burning of leaves, grass, rubbish, garbage, tires, trade waste, or locally recyclable goods or plastics is not allowed outside of specific designations from the fire chief.
Authorized burning requires a $20 permit fee and special burning authorization, to include land clearing and other special cases approved by the Fire Chief, would carry a $50 fee.
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