RIVERSIDE

Bowker Pinnacle Mechanical, a Cedar Rapids project firm, was paid for one project and picked up another project during the Riverside City Council’s meeting Monday, Feb. 5.

The City Council approved a $43,795 payment to Bowker Pinnacle for work completed on the city’s water treatment plant, then awarded Bowker’s bid of $133,080.20 for an upcoming improvement project at the Riverside Boat Ramp.

Bowker Pinnacle was one of seven companies that bid for the Boat Ramp work and its bid came in nearly $30,000 under the engineering cost estimate. Brian Boelk of Axiom Consultants, the city engineer, recommended Bowker for the project and City Council members agreed.

The first phase of the project will include removal of some trees and other clearing, installation of a new storm sewer and new signage.

The project has been moving quickly since Axiom Consultants completed a design plan for the work.

Library Contract

The Kalona Public Library, which is used by Riverside residents, is asking for $35,000 in its new annual contract with Riverside.

Trevor Sherping, the library’s director, said usage of the library has increased with 42 new library cards issued to Riverside residents.

The library is also funded by the City of Kalona, Washington County and the state.

College Work

Mayor Allen Schneider and two City Council members will meet with the city attorney to discuss a potential agreement with City Administrator Cole Smith in his proposal to enter a Master of Public Administration program at Drake University.

The question is whether the city would cover the cost of the program or enter into a sharing agreement with Smith, and if an extended commitment to the city would be required.

Smith said the program would take nearly two years to complete. He hopes to begin the program in May.

“I’m leaning more toward a share, you pay part and we pay part,” Council Person Kevin Kiene said.

The cost is expected to top $24,000.

“I want something that’s fair for everyone,” said Smith, who previously noted that the coursework would be done online and that city business would remain his top priority.

Council Action

The Council approved a $41,950 proposal from Northway Well and Pump of Marion to clean, treat and televise part of the city’s well system.

The Council approved a $12,527.15 proposal from Hach of Loveland, Colo., to provide a refrigerated sampler bundle.

Next board meeting: The City Council will hold a work session at 6 p.m. Feb. 12, focusing on the FY25 budget.