Public Works Director Heather Thomas addressed the council on the status of the viaduct repair project, which has been discussed for the last few years, and said one of the main goals was getting rid of the finger joints that “everyone is so familiar with” when they drive over them.

Because it crosses over a Union Pacific railroad, there are additional regulatory steps and approval processes that must be completed, and Thomas did not expect the project to go out to bid until March of 2023.

“If we do not go forward and purchase materials ahead on certain materials, I do not believe it’s a reasonable expectation of the contractor to finish construction in 2023,” Thomas said. “I would like to require the contractor to only close the viaduct for one construction season. I would like that to be 2023.”

According to Thomas, the main materials needed are the replacements for the finger joints — formally known as modular extension joints — and some structural seal. When she opened the floor up to questions, Councilor Jeff Schneider asked about costs, what the process of working with contractors would look like and whether the engineering plans were completely finalized to avoid making unnecessary purchases.

Marshalltown Police Officer Nick Svoboda, right, along with his K-9 Atlas, accepted a five-year service award from Police Chief Mike Tupper, left, during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

In response, Thomas said the plans were finalized, but the only piece of the puzzle remaining was final approval from Union Pacific.

“We anticipate the final approval for UP not to have any changes in these areas,” she said.

Fellow Councilor Gary Thompson asked about the cost of tearing the entire viaduct down and “starting from scratch.” Thomas estimated it would cost around $20 million, which was around $7 million more than the current two-phase repair plan. Schneider then asked about the anticipated lifespan of the repairs, and Thomas said she was optimistic the overlay portions and concrete structural repairs would last the city 20 years.

Before she stepped away from the podium, Thomas reiterated that even approving the motion on the agenda would not guarantee construction in 2023, but she felt it was the only way to keep the option on the table.

During the public comment period on the item, Linda Clark of Marshalltown suggested that materials for the project be purchased locally if possible, but Thomas said the three companies in Marshalltown that could provide fabricated metal work were not currently on the Iowa DOT’s pre-approved list for this type of work.

Ultimately, a motion authorizing the procurement of materials for the project per the city’s purchasing policy carried by a 6-1 vote, with Thompson as the lone dissenter.

Just before that, the council discussed and eventually approved a one-time pre-tax payment of $1,000 to 149 full-time city employees and $500 to 16 part-time employees — excluding elected officials — as a means of offsetting record inflation.

Thompson asked about withholdings before the vote, and once again, he was the lone dissenter as the measure passed by a 6-1 tally.

Further down on the agenda, the third and final reading of the ordinance amendment that will provide regulations for automated traffic enforcement carried by a 5-2 vote, with Thompson and Schneider opposing. During the public comment period on the item, Clark again stepped forward and voiced concerns about tickets going unpaid and the automated enforcement making Marshalltown feel less welcoming to those who visit from outside of the community.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a resolution selecting Foth Infrastructure & Environment LLC to complete step three of site certification studies.

• Approved the first reading of an ordinance that would establish a stormwater advisory committee.

• Recognized Officer Nick Svoboda, accompanied by his K-9 Atlas, for five years of service to the Marshalltown Police Department.

• Approved the consent agenda as listed.

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Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or

rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.