RIVERSIDE

The City of Riverside received one bid for a combined project that includes the Captain Kirk birthplace monument, stairs work on Third Street and improvements at Railroad Park.

But one is enough.

The City Council awarded the $36,184 project to Hardscape Solutions of Iowa, a Cedar Rapids-based construction firm that specializes in retaining wall and paver projects.

Rather than attempt to re-bid the project in the spring, City Council member Ryan Rogerson was among those wanting more immediate action.

“I’d like to lock it,” Rogerson said. “We’ve played around with it long enough.”

Rogerson made the motion to approve Hardscape’s proposal, and it passed unanimously.

Work on the Captain Kirk birthplace, which is located adjacent to City Hall, involves moving the monument so it faces east, toward Greene Street, and flattening out a viewing area in front of the monument.

The project also includes installing stairs along Third Street, where sidewalks and properties are at a higher level than the street.

UV System

The Council approved the replacement of a UV Disinfection System at the city’s wastewater treatment plant at a cost of nearly $400,000.

WRH, a contracting firm based in South Amana, provided the lowest of four bids for the project and was awarded the $386,600 contract by the Council.

The system is expected to last up to 20 years.

Fire Update

Chad Smothers, Riverside Fire Chief, talked to the City Council about making plans for the purchase of a truck for the fire department during his monthly report to the board.

Because it may take up to a year for the purchase and arrival of a new truck to be completed, he recommended extended plans for a truck to be considered as a part of future considerations.

Mayor Allen Schneider said it will be important to get multiple bids.

“Our job is to make sure that we understand we’re doing due diligence with taxpayer funds,” he said.

Smothers also reported that the department’s fundraising event, a raffle dinner, raised a record $17,000.

City Clerk

City Administrator Cole Smith said the city clerk position has been filled following a job offer. The appointment is expected to be finalized at the City Council’s next formal meeting in December.

The Council met last Saturday to interview three final candidates.

Current City Clerk Becky LaRoche will move to retired part-time.

Council Action

The Council approved financial transfers for Fiscal Year 2025.

The Council agreed to table a decision on selecting a contractor for replacing membrane systems at the water plant, pending more information.

Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6 p.m. December 2.