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Posted August 24, 2023
Posted by Public Relations
Pottawattamie County, Iowa – Communities across Pottawattamie County are celebrating the impact of forgivable loans disbursed by Pottawattamie County, as County leaders continue to emphasize the importance of rural towns.
In 2021, Pottawattamie County was awarded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as part of government assistance for COVID-19 recovery. The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors directed those funds in several directions to benefit communities throughout the County. Notable contributions included funding new radios and communication equipment for first responders in Pottawattamie County. A plan was also established to offer $125,000 checks, in the form of forgivable loans, to thirteen towns in Pottawattamie County.
In the fall of 2022, leaders from communities throughout the County were presented with an opportunity to express their vision for how these funds may be utilized. Criteria outlined to each community included short-term projects that could be completed in a timely manner, with no matching funding requirements. In April 2023, Pottawattamie County began disbursing checks to these communities, with County officials meeting with local representatives to learn more about each community’s plan.
Over the next several weeks, Pottawattamie County will highlight each community project and the positive momentum that will follow.
The City of Walnut is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to address American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards at the Walnut Community Center. The Community Center is located at 415 Antique City Drive, and utilizes space previously used by the Walnut Community School District.
Prior to merging with the AHST School District, the last classes offered by the Walnut Community School District occurred in May 2016. After 144 years of education, Walnut Community School was closed. The City of Walnut agreed to take possession of the facility and with the help of residents and the Walnut Community Center Foundation, the goal to repurpose the building as a Community Center was realized. The City of Walnut has a development agreement with Black Sailboat to complete the vision. The overhaul includes turning the 1913 original school building into apartments, transforming the newest portion into an event center that provides revenue for operational expenses, creating a community fitness center, and modifying the 1961 high school building for leasing to businesses and organizations.
To lease space in the building, ADA accessibility needed to be addressed. With financial assistance from Pottawattamie County, a new platform lift will be installed inside an existing stairwell, providing access to offices on the second floor of the building. The lower level will remain ADA accessible via other routes, meaning three floors can now be safely accessed in the building. The impact of the project may continue to expand beyond what was originally hoped for. City leaders are now discussing additional uses of the facility.
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“I’m excited about the possibility of anchoring the Business Center with City Hall,” said Wm. Brett Simpson, Mayor of Walnut. “It would give us space that we need to efficiently operate City Hall and still have room to store all needed documents and files. We’re also thrilled about making the Business Center ADA accessible, allowing for more businesses to have the opportunity to lease space,” said Simpson. “We’re delighted that a portion of the funds were also used to purchase the County shed for City use, providing sufficient space to store Public Works equipment.”
Timeline
The platform lift was installed at the Walnut Community Center on July 13th, addressing the ADA accessibility concerns of the building. Interest from local organizations in utilizing space within the Community Center has already emerged. Beginning July 1st, a local Information Technology business began leasing space on the second floor of the building. No formal action has been taken towards moving City Hall into the Community Center at this time, but discussions concerning that venture are expected to continue.
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The City of Minden is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to address a critical watermain issue for its residents and the Minden Volunteer Fire Department.
The aging watermain on Brady Street, runs from Main Street to Fourth Street. The main is estimated to have been installed in the 1950’s or earlier and is a four-inch cast iron main. Over time, cast iron becomes brittle and can crack and easily break. The City of Minden is going to replace the main with six-inch PVC and replace all curb stop valves. The endeavor will offer better flow for fire protection and improve water quality for the customers connected to the new water supply. The 600-foot water main serves 15 homes and one business.
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“The fire department is very happy this watermain will be replaced with the help of Pottawattamie County,” said Jake Nelson, Minden Volunteer Fire Chief. “This area has been a concern over the years, regarding fire protection. Now, I know we will have enough water and pressure to handle any kind of fire.”
Timeline
The time frame to get the watermain up and working, is estimated at just two to three weeks, but the process to get there will take some time. The City of Minden expects to have design plans finalized and sent to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) by September. After submitting plans to the IDNR, city officials will open the project for bids and expect that process to continue through late fall. Organizers are expecting construction to begin Spring 2024, with a proposed completion date in July 2024.
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The City of Oakland is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to improve entertainment opportunities at Chautauqua Park.
The park already boasted a large, covered pavilion, Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock, and a vast amount of green space. Now, the City of Oakland will add a grand amphitheater to the area off Highway 6 and Highway 59. The amphitheater will feature a concrete base and electrical outlets capable of supporting power needs for performances and events. The structure will be constructed using a deliverable kit and will offer event organizers a covered platform for outdoor experiences.
The new amphitheater is expected to present many possibilities, from musical performances to community celebrations. It will be available to rent through the City of Oakland, with patrons bringing their own seating or utilizing the many seating options already presented inside the park.
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“We are excited to be able to provide this entertainment and gathering space for our community to come together for events in Chautauqua Park,” said Marissa Lockwood, City Administrator for Oakland. “We plan to take advantage of the new amphitheater to help us bring others into our community and showcase the many great things we have to offer. We are grateful to Pottawattamie County and the Board of Supervisors for providing this forgivable loan to complete a ‘want’ that has been on our list for quite a few years.”
Timeline
The City of Oakland is awaiting final engineer drawings for the amphitheater project. Once drawings have been approved, officials will begin receiving bids on dirt, concrete, and electrical work. These tasks are expected to be complete by late summer, with the amphitheater structure kit expected to arrive in September. City officials are eyeing a completion date sometime in the fall and expect the structure to be available for events in Spring 2024.
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The City of Neola is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to make infrastructure improvements to Hall Sports Complex.
In 2019, the five children of Traverse and Roberta (Ingwersen) Hall donated land for soccer fields in Neola in honor of their parents' memory. The City of Neola maximized the opportunity to expand offerings to the community. Along with soccer fields, the complex off Railroad Highway presents a slew of options for visitors. Basketball courts, a pickleball court, sand volleyball court, baseball field, playground, and walking trail combine to create a unique experience.
Addressing drainage along the south side of the park has been challenging. With financial assistance from Pottawattamie County, new drain tile will be installed to properly divert water away from the complex and the adjacent trail. This effort is expected to ease concerns of accessibility to the park following heavy rainfall and decrease maintenance on the complex’s gravel parking lot. The work will also increase parking for sporting events at the complex, with officials estimating vehicle capacity to nearly double what was previously offered.
Erosion of the creek bank adjacent to the ball fields was also a growing concern. The walking trail along the bank had become hazardous in some locations, as erosion had caused asphalt to break, presenting obstacles. The City will use funds to invest in erosion control along the bank and bring in additional dirt to widen the area, making way for a new trail.
The large baseball field will also see upgrades as part of the project. The field had seen little attention in recent years, and many local teams shied away from using the venue due to the lack of upkeep. A new “skin” will be put on the field, with improvements seen by patrons in the form of new picnic tables and improved seating. The experience will also be better for participating teams with a new playing surface.
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“The City of Neola struggled within itself to invest the money needed to fulfill the Hall Family’s wishes on the land that was donated,” said Karla Pogge, Mayor of Neola. “Not only did it entail more money than the city was prepared to spend, but it caused a lot of negative reaction by the public, when obviously there are so many places for the money to be spent. The forgivable loan from the Board of Supervisors enabled us to finish up the areas of the Hall Sports Complex that might have never gotten done,” said Pogge. “We checked off our list, the things that have been pushed further and further down the road, including finishing the trail. The trail around the complex has been a game-changer. Every day you can go by and there are numerous people walking, jogging, strolling babies, riding bikes. It makes you smile to see all the activity. Although it’s been a struggle, I would have to say the Hall Sports Complex has turned into a big selling point for Neola.”
Timeline
The erosion of the creek bank has been addressed, and the new walking trail was completed the week of July 21st. The baseball field improvements are also complete, with a large increase in interest from local teams in utilizing the venue this summer. City officials expect all projects to be completed by the end of July.
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The City of Hancock is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to expand space for city operations, improve offerings at Hancock Memorial Park, and address aging sidewalks on Main Street.
In January 2023, the City of Hancock purchased a 1700 square foot metal building on a lot adjacent to City Hall. The structure at 217 North Main Street was previously used by Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads but will now provide space for city maintenance and facilities equipment. The additional storage and convenient location are expected to be of great benefit for city staff providing service throughout the community.
A portion of the forgivable loan is also being used to improve sitting areas at Hancock Memorial Park. New coated steel picnic tables will create an enhanced experience and are expected to require less maintenance while offering better durability than the painted wood pieces currently used. New trash cans, and charcoal grills will also be placed at picnic shelters in the park.
The city of Hancock will also address aging walkways that were in much need of replacement. Eight-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of Main Street, north of Highway 59, will be replaced. The upgrade is expected to make a noticeable impact for citizen accessibility and safety in the city.
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“I am excited about the new items in the park, especially the new sidewalks,” said Vince Guyer, Mayor of Hitchcock. “The walkways needed to be replaced for many years, and we’re excited about getting those fixed for our residents and visitors.”
Timeline
Hancock city personnel has officially begun operating out of the metal building adjacent to City Hall. The new picnic tables have been installed in Hancock Memorial Park, with charcoal grills, and trash cans expected to be in place in the coming weeks. City officials are hoping for the sidewalks along Main Street to be completed by the first week of August.
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Project Outline
The City of McClelland is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to beautify a recognizable monument and create a new City Hall. The base platform for the Eagle of Honor Monument at the intersection of Main Street and Railroad Avenue was seeing signs of distress. Replacing broken and insecure stone on the face of the base, and sealing, is expected to enhance the longevity and improve the appearance of the cherished monument.
A portion of the forgivable loan is also being used to create a new City Hall. Previously, city administrators conducted business out of a building that also serves as a Community Center. The structure offers plenty of space for events but limited room for storage and administrative offices. A new 2304 square foot metal building at 410 Main Street will address both concerns. The building will also serve as the city maintenance building with access from a previously unused alleyway off 4th Street. The new City Hall will occupy the front 720 square feet of the building with a 720 square foot storage space above. McClelland City Hall will boast a moderately sized meeting area, an office for city administration, a restroom, and front parking lot.
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“I can’t thank the County Board of Supervisors enough for this rare opportunity,” said Mitch Kay, Mayor of McClelland. “The City of McClelland works with limited funds due to our small size, so being able to finish this project and provide a much-needed asset to the city in a timely manner is wonderful.”
Timeline
The resurfacing of the base of the Eagle of Honor Monument is complete. The initiative is expected to bring the monument back to its intended beauty. The framework for the new City Hall has been constructed and concrete parking pads have been poured. Plumbing and electrical infrastructure have also been installed. City officials are considering bids for the remaining portion of the project. Interior construction is expected to be complete by Fall 2023, with administration utilizing the space by January 1, 2024.
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Project Outline
The City of Underwood is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to expand outdoor recreation opportunities to the community.
Underwood has quickly become a popular destination for cyclists throughout the county. The interest from cyclists in visiting the community is expected to continue to grow, thanks to initiatives from Pottawattamie County Conservation and other local organizations working to extend Railroad Highway Trail, between Council Bluffs and Underwood.
Much of the work completed on behalf of Pottawattamie County for Railroad Highway Trail has been focused on visitor access from Council Bluffs and continuing north towards Weston. With financial assistance from Pottawattamie County, the City of Underwood will begin working on a connection from the north. A bike trail will run along Railroad Highway from North Street to 4th Street, with plans to eventually reach to the city limits, where the proposed work from Pottawattamie County would ultimately conclude. The long-term goal of these projects is to have a continuous trail for cyclists to safely travel from Council Bluffs through the City of Underwood.
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“As a community, we are excited for the opportunity to complete Phase 1 of the Recreation Trail in Underwood,” said Dennis Bardsley, Mayor of Underwood. “The community of Underwood thanks the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors for their forgivable loan donation to Phase 1.”
Timeline
The City of Underwood will use city ARPA funds along with the forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to complete Phase 1. City officials anticipate the project going to bid in August, with a proposed completion date in early summer 2024.
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Project Outline
The City of Treynor is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to create new space for city administrative personnel.
Previously, Treynor City Hall was located at 7 South Eyberg Avenue. Space for staff was limited, and accessibility standards for residents issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a growing concern.
In May, city officials from Treynor hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new location for City Hall. The new space is a renovated portion of the Treynor Community Center, located at 11 West Main Street. The approximately 750 square-foot renovation occupies a space on the southeast corner of the building that was intermittently used for Community Center events and storage. There is room for three city administrative employees, new administrative computer servers, and moderate storage. There is also increased accessibility in the new City Hall, with zero-step entry to the building and a collapsible wheelchair accessible workstation for patrons. City staff expect another advantage of the move to be the oversight of the Community Center, improving utilization and promotion of the space.
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“We are delighted that such a worthwhile project came together with the incredible partnership that we have with Pottawattamie County and the Board of Supervisors,” said Michael Holton, City Administrator for Treynor. “This project is more than just a renovation; it is a legacy for the future of Treynor.”
Timeline
City administrative personnel has officially moved into the new space in Treynor. City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 9am-4:00pm.
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Project Outline
The City of Crescent is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County in many ways to benefit residents and visitors.
New asphalt will be installed on Water Tower Road. The road is approximately 240 feet and is expected to ease maintenance concerns, as city staff will no longer need to clean up rock following heavy rain. The city will also resurface asphalt on two streets that are approximately 120 feet in length.
Crescent City Hall will receive a face-lift as part of the outlined projects. 100 feet of new metal will be installed on the building, improving the look and longevity of administrative offices.
A portion of the forgivable loan is also being used to address many walkways throughout the city. Access to Crescent City Park will dramatically improve. 100 feet of new sidewalk will be installed along Old Lincoln Highway. 900 feet of sidewalk will be installed from Old Lincoln Highway, running east along Badger Avenue, to the school. 200 feet of new sidewalk will be installed from the school driveway to the city maintenance building. The 1200 feet of new sidewalk provides a safe walkway from Old Lincoln Highway to Crescent City Park. Following a water line repair, asphalt repairs will be made to the city’s walking track near the park and new youth playground equipment is expected to improve the overall experience.
Golden Hills is a newer subdivision located off Old Mormon Bridge Road, just west of Old Lincoln Highway and Crescent’s Business District. A continuous concrete sidewalk will be installed from Casey’s General Store at the intersection of Old Mormon Bridge Road and Old Lincoln Highway, to the frontal property of the subdivision. The sidewalk extends approximately 900 feet and will provide a safe route for residents traveling in and out of the subdivision. The subdivision currently contains about 50 homes and is expected to continue to grow.
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“We thank Pottawattamie County for this grant opportunity,” said Chuck Hildreth, Mayor of Crescent. “Installing the sidewalk from Golden Hills to Casey’s, and the sidewalk from the school driveway to the park area, has been a game changer here in Crescent. With residents from approximately 50 plus homes having to walk on the highway to get to Casey’s or Dollar General, and numerous children walking to the park, a new sidewalk is helping keep our children and community safe,” said Hildreth. “It’s priceless.”
Timeline
Asphalt work on Water Tower Road and two other streets has been completed. Repairs have also been completed to the city walking track. New sidewalks have been installed from Golden Hills to Casey’s, 100 feet along Old Lincoln Highway, and between the school driveway and the city maintenance building. The 900-foot portion of sidewalk between Old Lincoln Highway and the school is expected to be complete in July. Metal work on the exterior of City Hall has begun, and installation of new youth playground equipment is expected to begin this summer.
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Project Outline
The City of Carson is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to purchase a new ambulance for the Carson Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department and add functional commercial space to Broadway Street.
The ambulance currently in operation for Carson Volunteer Fire & Rescue was purchased in 2013. The City ordered a new ambulance in May 2022 from Field Fire Equipment, in accordance with the City Capital Equipment Strategic Plan.
A portion of the forgivable loan is also being used to rehabilitate property adjacent to the Fire & Rescue Department. The previous buildings at 119 and 121 Broadway Street were seeing signs of structural dilapidation. The structures have been torn down to make way for the construction of new commercial space. An agreement is already in place for the space to house a new business, Judge Richard Distillery.
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“With the help of this funding from the County, we were able to stretch our local funds further to address two of our top strategic community goals,” said Brianne Duede, City Administrator Clerk for Carson. “We were able to secure funding to match our local city ARPA funds for the new ambulance acquisition and clear a downtown dilapidated site making it a marketable location for new business development in support of our ongoing downtown revitalization efforts,” said Duede. “Many of our residents and city leaders believe this project has been like a shot of fresh air to the downtown business district. We are excited to see what the future holds.”
Timeline
Due to supply chain constraints, the new ambulance for the Carson Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department isn’t expected to be available until 2024. Demolition of the buildings on Broadway Street is complete. Construction of the new structure is expected to be completed by Summer 2024.
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Project Outline
The City of Macedonia is utilizing its forgivable loan from Pottawattamie County to improve the experience at Macedonia City Park.
Proposed plans include an expansion of offerings within the park. A new 30-foot by 90-foot basketball court will fill a large space on the east side of the property. New picnic tables throughout the park are expected to improve the visitor experience, along with the possibility of providing additional playground equipment.
Plans also call for an existing walking path around the perimeter of the park to continue west towards the Eagle of Honor Monument, and eventually to an existing pavilion on the western-most portion of the park along Main Street. The path is five feet wide, with plans to extend the length of the path by 450 feet.
Quotable
“Macedonia residents are becoming very excited about our new basketball court and are anxious to see the upcoming improvements at our City Park,” said Melia Clark, Mayor of Macedonia. “It’s sure to provide fun and exercise opportunities for all ages.”
Timeline
The foundation for the basketball court at City Park has been poured, with hoops and backboards expected to arrive in July. Work on the walking path extension will also begin in the coming weeks, with Council discussion concerning the possibility of adding additional playground equipment expected to continue this summer.
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