Latest news with #Bolton&Menk
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
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Willmar OKs gap funding for part of $1.2M Lakeland Drive off-street path
Jun. 10---- The unanimously approved tapping the city's Community Investment Fund to temporarily finance improvements of an off-street path along Lakeland Drive from U.S. Highway 12 to Civic Center Drive Northeast. City engineer Jared Voge of Bolton & Menk informed the council that the project received two grants — an Active Transportation grant in the amount of $204,380 and a Transportation Alternatives grant in the amount of $895,620. The estimated construction cost of the bike and pedestrian trail is $979,900 and the total estimated cost including administration, contingencies and engineering is $1.2 million, according to information from Voge. "By being proactive in their pursuit of funding, the city of Willmar has secured funding for approximately 80% of the total project costs associated with a high-priority connection within its bike and pedestrian network," Voge said in an email to the West Central Tribune. Voge told the council on June 2 that approximately $979,900 of the project costs are eligible for reimbursement from the grants and recommended accepting the full Active Transportation grant and $775,520 of the Transportation Alternatives grant. The city will fund $245,000 of the project costs. The Community Investment Fund will temporarily finance the $775,520 portion of the costs until the Transportation Alternatives grant becomes available in 2028. The was established by the in 2018 and provides grant funding for the construction of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects that will improve transportation options and reduce vehicle miles traveled, according to information included in a resolution approved by the council at the Dec. 12, 2024, meeting. During this funding cycle, the had $12.5 million in state funding to award to selected projects in Greater Minnesota to address safety concerns, equity and engage the community in project development. The makes available federal funding for non-motorized infrastructure to applicants across Greater Minnesota and had $12.45 million to award to selected projects, according to information included in the resolution approved Dec. 12, 2024. The resolutions state that the existing bike and pedestrian infrastructure in Willmar is fragmented, creating safety risk for users and discouraging alternative transportation modes. The existing infrastructure also includes several barriers to accessibility — as identified in Willmar's 2020 Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan — that will be addressed by the Lakeland Drive path project. The resolutions also state that the Lakeland Drive path project will expand multi-modal access to critical employment centers downtown and to the and The Active Transportation grant is scheduled for funding in 2026 and projects must be completed in 2026. The Transportation Alternatives grant will not be available until 2028, but can be used to reimburse the city for construction of the path, according to Voge. The approval to temporarily fund the project using the Community Investment Fund was needed in order to inform the funding agencies that the grants will be accepted, according to Voge. He also explained that there will be additional agreements and other items that come before the City Council throughout the process of accepting the grants. Councilors Audrey Nelsen and Tom Gilbertson voiced concerns during the June 2 discussion that the Transportation Alternatives grant is federal funding and asked if there is a potential that the funding would not be disbursed. "If you're alluding to this uncertainty right now at the federal level, all I can say is that the project has been awarded the funding," Voge said. " ... I can't definitively tell you with 100% certainty that something at the federal level is not going to happen to claw the money back." He explained that there have been delays on other projects, but not removal of awarded funding through a federally authorized grant program.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Willmar City Council approves amendment to Connect Willmar service agreement
Apr. 22---- The on Monday in a split 7-1 vote approved an amendment to the city's service agreement with the engineering firm Bolton & Menk for design services for the Through the design phase of the fiber internet project, it was discovered that there are 76 parcels within phase one of the project area that do not have documented right of way and easements for city utilities, according to Willmar City Operations Director Kyle Box. He explained that the utility easements are not only needed for the , but also for upcoming street and utility improvement projects. Survey services are needed to establish and record these project needs. Councilor Carl Shuldes made the motion to approve the amendment to the service agreement; Councilor Tom Butterfield seconded. Both voted in favor, along with Councilors Stephen Gardner, Tom Gilbertson, Audrey Nelsen, Justin Ask and Vicki Davis. Voting against the motion was Councilor Rick Fagerlie, who has consistently voted against the Connect Willmar Initiative. The Connect Willmar Initiative is the city's plan to construct a city-owned, open-access fiber-optic network throughout the city in three phases, with the first phase to be constructed in 2025 and the next two phases scheduled for construction in 2026 and 2027. will manage the network, which will allow internet service providers to lease access to the network to provide internet services to residents and businesses. Phase one of the Connect Willmar Initiative includes the and residential and business neighborhoods that are north of 19th Avenue, south of the railroad tracks and west of First Street. The current contract with Bolton & Menk for design services for phase one of the Connect Willmar Initiative, is $403,000. The additional costs are estimated to be $100,000 for a total of $503,000.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Willmar City Council to meet Monday, April 21
Apr. 20---- A regular meeting of the Willmar City Council will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, in the boardroom at the Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services building, 2200 23rd St. N.E. in Willmar. There are only two items for consideration by the council under regular business — an amendment to the agreement with city engineering firm Bolton & Menk for the fiber internet phase one project and scheduling a City Council work session for 5 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at a site to be determined. The amendment to the agreement is to establish documented right-of-way or easements within certain areas of phase one of the project where there currently are no documented right-of-way or easements. Survey services are needed to establish and record these project needs. The phase one project area overall includes the and residential and business neighborhoods that are north of 19th Avenue, south of the railroad tracks and west of First Street. The current contract with Bolton & Menk for design services for phase one of the fiber internet project, known as Connect Willmar, is $403,000. The additional costs are estimated to be $100,000 for a total of $503,000. The complete agenda and accompanying materials can be found on the city's website at
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Construction begins on new campground on south side of Muscatine
Monday marked the beginning of construction for a new campground at Deep Lakes Park on the south side of Muscatine, according to a news release. Deep Lakes Park is a 435-acre park, managed by Muscatine County Conservation. The property was donated in 2012 and 2013 by W.G. Block with the idea that it would be a public park, available to all. This former gravel and sand quarry is a very unique area. It features over 120-acres of clear, open water made up of some larger, deeper lakes and numerous smaller ponds. The deepest spots are right around 40-feet deep. The lakes are filled with sport fish, although the clear, deep water makes fishing a challenge. Muscatine County Conservation has added several amenities over the years to improve public access and provide recreational opportunities. There are parking lots on all four sides of the park. The main access is at 2552 Pettibone Ave. From there, visitors can put their boat in using the Lake Chester boat ramp, shore fish from the accessible fishing dock, launch a canoe or kayak, or swim at the beach. Deep Lakes Park also features four cabins that can be reserved. Two of the cabins have 2-bedrooms and can sleep up to 8 people; the other two have one bedroom and sleep a total of 4. They overlook Lake Chester or Valentine Chute offering guests a comfortable stay and beautiful view. Kayaks are also available for rent, allowing guests to get out and really enjoy the lakes. In addition, a 1.4-mile, hard-surfaced trail bisects the park, allowing bicyclists, walkers, and joggers a great place to exercise. This trail connects to the Greater Muscatine Trail System for longer adventures. The new campground that is currently under construction will feature 22 full-hook-up campsites with 20-30-50 amp electric, sewer, and water. Some of the sites will be back-in, but a fair number will allow campers to simply pull-through. There will also be a shower house with four family style restrooms. The campground was designed by the engineering firm, Bolton & Menk, who also designed the Master Plan for the park. Campground construction was awarded to Triple B Construction out of Wilton. Brad Jipp, the owner of Triple B is excited to take on this project and work in a peaceful setting. 'We have completed dozens of Iowa DNR projects and County Conservation projects over the last 15-20 years,' he said. 'I actually have a degree in Biology and was looking to go into Wildlife Biology but started doing dirt work with my dad, Bruce. I enjoy any kind of conservation project, or anything that promotes getting more people off their 'screens' and into the outdoors.' Jipp is also excited about what this new campground will mean for the Muscatine Community. 'There will be a positive economic impact to local shops and restaurants. I know when my family camps, we usually make at least one trip into town to eat a meal and grab a few things from the store!' The Master Plan contains a Campground Phase II that will add an additional 24 campsites and a playground. Staff also intends to create a trail down to the pond to allow easier shore fishing for campers. Planning for a disc golf course is also underway for Deep Lakes Park. The Disc Golf Club has been actively raising funds, and designing a course that will allow both beginners and advanced players an enjoyable challenge. On Aug. 2, the first Muscatine Triathlon will be held at Deep Lakes Park. This event is expected to bring nearly 1,000 people to the park. Tri-athletes of all abilities will complete by swimming 750-Meters across Lake Chester and back; hoping on their bikes for a 12.4-mile trek down Pettibone, across Wiggins, down Stewart Road and back; then finishing with a 5K run up Pettibone, across 41st Street to the turnaround, then veering onto the trail through the park to end near the start. The family friendly event, presented by Sqwincher, will feature vendor booths, a kids fitness zone, beach activities, face painting, dunk tank, disc golf, and more. It should be an exciting weekend with registration and packet pick-up the night before along with a 'Taste of Muscatine' for downtown dining. Following the triathlon will be an afterparty on the Muscatine Riverfront, open to all with live music, bounce houses, and more family fun. To register or learn more, visit here. Learn more about Deep Lakes Park here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What's next for the revitalization of downtown Ames?
AMES, Iowa — The Ames Mainstreet organization has presented a vision for downtown Ames to improve the area as one of the city's neighborhoods. Ames Mainstreet hired the firm Bolton & Menk to conduct a study. Meetings were held along with surveys to find out more about the Ames downtown area. The survey covered the community from north of the railroad tracks to seventh street, and from Grand to Duff. Last week the group presented their study to the Ames City Council. 'The Vision Plan for downtown Ames is really a reimagining of what this area looks like for the next 10 or 15 years,' said Travis Toliver, The Ames Main Street Director. 'We're taking a look at different ideas regarding the public space opportunities, for new development opportunities, for development with existing buildings which are already in place.' Toliver said they hope to connect Ames with different parts of the city. Also there are some new amenities coming online soon, the Schainker Plaza, by City Hall, and the new Fitch Family Aquatic Center just west of downtown along Lincoln Way. How to buy tickets to Indiana Fever game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena 'This is really visioning of the future of downtown, aesthetically, urban-living wise, connecting the downtown with other areas of the community, connecting with ISU more,' said Toliver. 'I'm just trying to find ways that we can better enhance the downtown area so that it's a true destination for visitors and citizens alike.' Ames is known for its historic downtown, and unique shops. The study showed that more housing is needed, and possibly a new hotel. One hotel is on the drawing boards for just south of downtown on Lincoln Way. 'Statistically on a national average is about 5% of your full-time population should be living downtown and we certainly don't have that in Ames,' said Toliver. 'This plan represents opportunities where developers could come in and provide more housing to support all the infrastructure of the businesses that we have already existing in downtown.' Efforts to support Main Street could include businesses which want to locate here. Brittni Reifschneider, of Main Street Family Wellness chose to locate her business from Des Moines to downtown Ames. She and her group do mental health counseling and medication management for children. 'We wanted to come to Ames to help serve the Ames community just because they're lacking some mental health opportunities for care,' said Reifschneider. 'We just love how personable the downtown feel is. It's just like being in a small town.' The idea of the new downtown study is to see projects being developed in and around Ames downtown. Iowa News: What's next for the revitalization of downtown Ames? How to buy tickets to Indiana Fever game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena 'Picture of perseverance': Marshalltown man's legacy lives on 100+ years later in historically African-American school Iowa bill removing gender identity from Civil Rights Act advances WHO 13 Farm Report: Monday, February 24 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
