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Earthwork for police/fire HQ slated early August

T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Pictured is the former Standard Oil Building in the 500 block of South First Street in Marshalltown. Constructed in 1914, it was purchased by Garrett Goodman of Marshalltown from Le Grand Oil in 2015. Goodman said he will be significantly remodeling the two-story building. He is proposing to convert it into a restaurant and entertainment venue among other uses.

Depending on the schedule of a pre-construction conference and other factors, it is possible residents will be seeing earth moved and site demolition beginning in approximately 10 days at the police/fire HQ site in the 900 block of South Second Street.

At Monday night’s meeting, councilors took care of two items relating to the long-awaited, not to exceed $17.5 million dollar project which will provide Marshalltown police and fire personnel a joint facility.

Specifically, councilors unanimously approved a resolution accepting bid and authorizing award of a $596,200 project to ConStruct of Ames and Marshalltown for earthwork and site demoltion.

The company will prepare the site after demolish the Knights of Columbus Hall, 201 W. High St., and its concrete parking lot. Also removed will be the Econo Foods grocery store parking lot, adjoining K of C parking.

Councilors also unanimously approved a resolution approving the project contract and bond.

Public Works Director Justin Nickel said he expects to open bids in seven weeks on the construction of the police/fire main building.

South First Street development

The council took action in holding a public hearing, and shortly thereafter, approving conveyance and transfer of title of city property to Garrett Goodman, a local businessman. No written comments were submitted to the city, nor did any resident speak at the public hearing pro or con. Goodman and council agreed at a previous meeting on purchase price of $1 plus all related legal fees and closing costs for a small parcel on South First Street. Goodman owns an adjoining building at 502 S. First St., formerly known as the Standard Oil Building. Goodman is proposing to significantly restore it into a restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue.

“I am interested in food,” he said. “And it is good to know the Iowa River Trail-head (mulit-purpose recreational trail) is approximately one-half block away (at Wilson Circle). I am also plan in booking popular music acts.”

Goodman said work on a budget and time frame is continuing.

Second ward councilor Joel Greer was again, a strong, vocal supporter of the project at last night’s meeting.

“I am eager to see this move forward,” said Greer. “It will be an excellent fit with the IRT and other development in the community.”

In other action:

— City Administrator Jessica Kinser said the final “Budgeting 101” will be 6 p.m. Thursday at the public library. The public is invited to this free of charge session, which will explain city income, expenses, and why the council desires public approval to re-adjust the local option sales tax revenue via public vote Aug. 1. No RSVP’s needed. Kinser also invited residents to the second “Coffee with the Council” set for 7:30 p.m. in the back room of the Brew House, 4 W. Boone St.

— Unanimously passed resolution to accept REAP award for paving of a portion of the Iowa River Trail, 4,000 linear feet, from Summit Street Bridge to Radio Tower Road.

— Council appointed Deirdre Gruendler of Le Grand to Cable TV Advisory Board. Gruendler is executive director of Foundation-UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown

The next regular meeting of the city council is 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14, in council chambers, Carnegie Building, 10 W. State St. For more information, contact 641-754-5701, or visit ci.marshalltown.ia.us.

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com

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