contributed graphic Shown is an architect’s rendering of the West End Park Master Plan. Stage I, includes: 1 Event Lawn 2. Shelter/Performance Space 3. Restrooms/Concessions 5. Natural Playscapee 8. Bank Stabilization and 14. Culvert Wall Mural.

Marshalltown Parks and Recreation, West End Park users and 13th Street District members who all teamed up to seek improvements to the park can officially celebrate.

At Monday night’s council meeting, councilors voted 5-0 (two were absent) to approve the final design and construction services for Stage I improvements.

Included in Stage I is:

• Event lawn

• Shelter or performance structure

• Restrooms/concession

• Natural playscape

• Rain garden and boardwalk

• Bank stabilization

• Culvert wall mural

• Event tent location

The park is on North 13th Street, and it has seen a spike in activity with new businesses on the street and the installation of Futsal courts.

Neil Dalal, board president of the 13th Street District, said the organization has raised money to pay for the shelter.

Dalal said the organization supported Stage I and Stage II plans.

“I want to thank the council for its support that we have seen for this project,” he said. “It has been great working with the city to improve the park after the tornado”

In November, the city voted to borrow $425,000 for aforementioned improvements which will include remaining insurance proceeds from 2018 tornado damage.

The insurance amount has not been determined.

Bolton & Menk, Inc. of Des Moines will design, manage bidding and construction services for $65,000.

City Administrator Jessica Kinser confirmed the area has storm water problems and the city will work to address those.

“We will be working with the Salvation Army Thrift Store to see what we can do in the short term,” she said. “We will find out what their intentions are regarding the parking lot.”

In other business, the council approved the selection of Van Metre and Associates of Marshalltown to auction the former fire department headquarters at 109 S. First Avenue.

Kinser reported receiving two proposals. She said Van Metre offered to provide auction services for free with the city paying advertising.

Appraisal & Real Estate Services of Traer offered their services at 10 percent of the winning bid.

After discussion, council voted 5-0 to accept Van Metre.

Kinser said she would bring a contract from the company at the Dec. 23 meeting.

Also in other business relating to the former fire department headquarters, the council voted 5-0 to approve a temporary lease of the building to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office for vehicle storage.

“Approving this lease will not interfere with the sale of the building,” Kinser said.

After hearing one more report from Kinser, the council voted 5-0 to go into closed session for a specific real estate issue and also voted unanimously to go into closed session following the real estate session for a personnel matter.

The Code of Iowa allows councils to enter into closed session on those matters.

The next regular meeting of the city council is 5:30 p.m. Dec. 23 in council chamber, 10 W. State St.

——

Contact Mike Donahey at

641-753-6611 or

mdonahey@timesrepublican.com