Ottumwa City Council Meeting is brought to by Jakki and Fonzi Cars and Cash Used Auto Sales in Ottumwa.
The Ottumwa City Council covered a full slate of items during Tuesday night’s meeting, starting with approval of both parts of the Consent Agenda.
During the public hearing portion, Phil Burgmeier gave an update on the upcoming WPCF Concrete Repairs Project, which will involve repairs at the treatment plant and at the Orchard, Walnut, and Grandview pump stations. Phil shared that there’s $450,000 remaining in the current year’s concrete repair budget, with $350,000 earmarked for construction. Since the work will take place in Fiscal Year 2026, the council will need to approve a budget amendment to carry the funds over. Bids for the project will be opened by the City of Ottumwa on July 16th at 2 p.m., with the award expected at the August 5th council meeting.
Next up, Parks Director Gene Rathje presented price quotes for new soccer goals at the Legacy Fields Soccer Complex. Out of three vendors contacted, two submitted bids, with the low quote of $17,898.40 coming from Anthem Sports. The equipment will be covered by the $80,000 already budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan. Gene also received council approval to purchase a Polaris Ranger 1000 Premium UTV for $19,999.99 from RJ Powersports. The UTV will be used for a variety of duties at the soccer complex.
Public Works Director JD Wheaton brought forward a proposal to purchase a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4 pickup. The council approved the low bid of $45,245 from McGraith Chevrolet—well within the $50,000 budgeted in next year’s CIP.
More updates from Parks Director Rathje included repairs at The Beach Ottumwa wave pool. The pool was last painted in 2019 and is due for a refresh. The council approved a $44,800 bid from MP Contractors to repaint the pool. While only $40,000 was budgeted, the extra $4,800 will be transferred from another project. The work will begin after the pool closes for the season following Labor Day.
Council also took action regarding a contractor who failed to restore the city’s right-of-way after a job. Phil Burgmeier explained that the city will receive payment from State Farm through a surety bond and awarded a $3,700 bid to Wanner’s Excavating to finish the job properly. The original contractor may be barred from doing city work for a period of time.
Finally, Phil Rath brought forward a lease renewal with the Iowa Department of Administrative Services for the Health and Human Services program, which operates out of City Hall. The council approved continuing the lease through August 31, 2027.
