IOWA CITY

Bidding went out this week on a commercial kitchen project at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm that is expected to top $2 million.

The project is a part of the county’s plan for using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Following a public hearing July 2, during which no members of the public spoke, Supervisors Jon Green, V Fixmer-Oraiz and Royceann Porter approved a resolution clearing the way for the bidding process to begin.

Before voting, Porter did express concern on the estimate $500,000 of new equipment for the kitchen. The Board agreed that an attempt should be made to hold that cost down.

An engineer’s estimate places the project cost at $2.1 million.

The bidding period opened Monday and will go through 1 p.m. August 1. The Board will tentatively award the construction project at its formal session August 22.

Streamline Architects of East Moline, Illinois, and Axiom Consultants of Iowa City have been the lead engineers on the project.

The building will be constructed on the west end of the Poor Farm property, which is located south of Melrose Avenue and west of Highway 218 in Iowa City.

Construction is expected to begin in September.

Once completed, use of the kitchen will be available on a leasing basis.

Public Hearing

The Board set a public hearing for the fall budget amendment for 9 a.m. July 25.

Dana Aschenbrenner, Finance Director, said the first amendment for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes $13.4 million in capital expenditures and another $1.2 million in spending at the Historic Poor Farm.

The FY25 budget was approved in April, calling for expenditures of $169 million.

Board Actions

The Board approved a $10,000 service agreement with the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature.

The Board approved a job description and wages recommendation for Ambulance Education/Training Supervisor.

Next meeting: The Board’s next formal session is at 9 a.m. July 18.