RIVERSIDE

Designs for improvements at the Riverside Boat Ramp on the English River were presented to the Riverside City Council at its regularly scheduled meeting Dec. 4.

Brian Boelke, a senior civil engineer with Iowa City-based Axiom Consultants, said Phase I of the project would include erosion control, removal of small trees and bushes, cleanup of the area and updating signage for visitors.

The boat ramp is located southwest of Hall Park, south of downtown, and is accessed by both Pioneer Street and Ella Street.

Phase I is being designed on a projected budget of $125,000 although Boelke and his team met Tuesday with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to discuss the possibility of additional grants.

Riverside Mayor Allen Schneider told The News that the plan is to begin work in 2024, although funds have not officially been designated for the Boat Ramp yet because budget sessions have not begun for Fiscal Year 2025.

Additional plans for the area include an updated parking lot, possibly paved or graveled, and a shelter and picnic tables.

“I think it looks good,” Schneider said of the design plan, which can be viewed on the city’s website at riversideiowa.gov.

Northern Heights

An expansion of the Northern Heights subdivision, located north of downtown and west of Highland Elementary School, may begin to take shape in 2024.

Rezoning and plat applications are expected to be submitted by Apex Construction of Iowa City during the winter with construction of public improvements to take place in the spring or summer. According to Axiom Consultants, discussions have already begun with Apex and City Administrator Cole Smith.

The subdivision is located along Tupelo Boulevard.

Water Repairs

The city is facing more than $75,000 in repairs at its water facilities around town, but a decision on repairs to seven generators were tabled when Steven Robinette, a regional manager with PeopleService, said he wanted to personally examine the generators before moving ahead with the work.

Altorfer CAT of Cedar Rapids submitted a proposal of $19,533.47 to repair the generators.

The Council did approve a proposal of $56,982 from Rhino Industries of Nauvoo, Illinois, for the replacement of membranes on Train #1 at the water treatment plant.

The Council also approved a payment of $6,680.72 to Spectra Build of Wapello for work completed at the city’s wastewater plant.

The city is in the midst of major renovations and repair work at both the wastewater and water-treatment plants.

Council Actions

The Council approved a payment of $36,430.31 to Streb Construction for work completed on the Third Street water and sewer main project.

The Council approved an amendment, or change order, with Bowker Pinnacle Mechanical of Cedar Rapids for the installation of control valves and piping at the water-treatment plant. The new cost is $24,990.

Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6 p.m. Dec. 18.