The city and We Lead have been working together to bring a hotel to West Liberty. The hope is to develop a relationship with a hotel franchise that would fit the size of the community.
“There is at least one hotel organization that we are in discussion with about coming to town,” We Lead director Ken Brooks told the council. “One of their requirements before we take this conversation to the next level is that the partner city completes a feasibility study,” he added. “That is true with this specific hotel that we’re discussing and would also be true with other hotels.”
A feasibility study is basically a snapshot of the community and how well it would be able to support a hotel, what size the building should be, what are plausible rates and more Brooks said.
So, in order to entertain the idea of bringing a hotel to town the council voted 4-0 in favor of completing a feasibility study. More details to come in the months to follow.
Road work
Construction continues at the intersection of Rainbow Drive and Maxson Street by the Dutton Sports Complex. The massive project was started to ease accessibility to the athletic complex.
Crews are working to repave the area, bringing in light fixtures and a walking trail, among many other improvements. The hope is to have a majority of the project completed before the end of December.
“Things are looking pretty good there,” said city engineer for Veenstra and Kimm, Leo Foley. “The only part of the project that they’re saying they will not get done is the Columbus Street sidewalk and we want them to wait until Spring on that.”
The project is in phase 3, which includes construction on the east half of Rainbow Drive to the intersection with Maxson Avenue and trail. They are preparing the trail for paving, rock installation and trimming.
A resolution was approved by the council 4-0 to approve pay estimate No. 8 for All American Concrete as they work on the Rainbow/Maxson project.
Knotty Circle update
All American Concrete company spent the last week digging into Knotty Circle Drive, where improvements are being made to a section of street in much need of some upgrades.
The construction ramped up at the beginning of November, with the goal of completing the project by December. Driveways and sidewalks are also a part of the improvements.
“This project has had a few bumps in the road,” admitted Engineer Foley. “They’ve run into a number of soft spots. Soft spots are very typical.” He said construction has run into a few other issues as well.
“I just want to say that All American has been really good about working through it with us,” said city manager Lee Geertz, despite some of the recent setbacks.
Ultimately, a resolution was approved by the council 4-0 to approve Pay Estimate No. 1 for All American Concrete and a Engineering Services Amendment in order to move the project forward.
Other news
The city is required to have an audit of all lead service lines by the federal government no later than October 2024. The council voted 4-0 in favor of hiring 120Water to head the project.
City engineer Leo Foley discussed upcoming baseline improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. V&K will be surveying the plant in the weeks to come as well as communicating with West Liberty Foods about the project.
The city plans to acidize Well #2 one more time in order to improve its productivity. The city has been attempting to revive the well, which is located in the Power House.
The council approved, 4-0, the disposal of old furniture and office equipment being stored in the police garage located by city hall. The equipment is no longer being used by the city or police department.
The council approved an alcohol license for Winks Bar & Grill, as well as a vendor voucher claims list totaling $723,083.07.
Community member Brandon Harned lodged a complaint about an issue regarding changing the name on utility payments for a house he recently sold.