Kalona takes next steps on trailhead design, wastewater plan

By Cheryl Allen
Posted 5/17/23

In a brisk meeting May 15, the Kalona City Council moved forward on a few items that have recently been in the works, the most of interesting of which is its plan to establish a trailhead at the …

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Kalona takes next steps on trailhead design, wastewater plan

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In a brisk meeting May 15, the Kalona City Council moved forward on a few items that have recently been in the works, the most of interesting of which is its plan to establish a trailhead at the public recreational area in SouthTown.  

The “rather large, publicly-lead project” will have a general contractor oversee the numerous amenities that will be constructed, which include a dog park, splashpad, nature scape, and restroom structure.

The council approved a recreation design agreement with MSA not to exceed $147,600.  

“This allows us to take it out to bid, to get contractors who are eligible and qualified to do the work that you guys will award at a later date,” City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh explained.  “This really kicks off the fun side.”

The city’s controlled discharge lagoons will not meet threshold limits that will be in place by 2027, so the city must determine whether it will expand the lagoons or explore new treatment options.    To help determine a course of action, the council approved an engineering agreement for the city’s wastewater facility with Garden & Associates for a scope of work not to exceed $29,800.  

“In three to six months, we’ll have a little more knowledge on what we think would be a good plan with some pricing.  But this is the way to get it kick-started,” Schlabaugh said.  

A public hearing for the 2022-2023 Budget Amendment was held, but no comments were heard.  The council proceeded to pass a resolution to approve the amendment.

The council set a public hearing for June 5 at 7 p.m. to amend ordinance 106.08 regarding solid waste fees.  The city would like to extend its contract with Johnson County Refuse for five years; the rate will also need to be raised $1 per user per month, “which is going to be across the board for all users of Johnson County Refuse,” Schlabaugh said, due to an increase in equipment, fuel, and salary costs.

“That’s still cheap,” council member Craig Spitzer commented.

“It’s a great service,” Schlabaugh agreed.  “They do a wonderful job.”

Finally, the council approved moving its regular meeting scheduled for July 3 to Friday, June 30 at 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the Independence Day holiday.

The Kalona City Council’s next regular meeting is Monday, June 5 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.