Following the award of a new state grant, the Clarinda City Council approved additional engineering services Wednesday night to advance plans for the Hugh and Maxine Loudon Business Park on the city’s south side.
In regular session, the council unanimously approved a supplemental engineering agreement totaling approximately $111,000. The funds will support infrastructure design and improvements for the business park, located along Highway 2 between Agrivision Equipment and Agriland FS.
City Manager Gary McClarnon explained that a portion of the added engineering work—$53,000—is tied to Clarinda’s participation in the Iowa Rural Certified Site Initiative, a program managed by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
McClarnon said a state grant of nearly $30,000 will offset most of the site certification engineering costs. The remaining $58,700 in engineering fees will go toward design for two new turning lanes that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) now requires to access the park from the bypass.
McClarnon added that preliminary construction estimates for the turning lanes are around $1 million, although those costs could be partially recouped through land sales within the park. He suggested that the city delay infrastructure installation on the south side of the bypass to help manage immediate expenses.
Mayor Craig Hill agreed with that strategy, emphasizing the city’s current focus on development north of the bypass.
The city previously issued $3.5 million in general obligation corporate purpose bonds in February to fund infrastructure work at the business park, including roads, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water.
Other Council Actions:
- Reappointed Jonathan Haney and Joy Nordyke to the Library Board of Trustees through June 30, 2031.
- Appointed Adam Samuelson and reappointed Kory Ryckman to the Board of Adjustment, with terms ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2030, respectively.
- Approved annual street closures requested by the Page County Fair.
- Approved codification services for $6,800 to update the city code and ordinances.
- Approved a 4% raise for City Manager Gary McClarnon for the upcoming fiscal year.