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Ottumwa City council held their last meeting at the Bridge View Center Tuesday night. The next scheduled meeting is October 7th at the new remodeled City Hall.
Starting off Tuesday nights meeting Council approved Part 1 and Part 2 of the Consent Agenda.
Listed on Part 1 of the Consent Agenda Council approved October 7th as the date for a public hearing for the purpose of considering a Real Estate Purchase Agreement between the City of Ottumwa and the Ottumwa School District. This is in regards to the School purchasing additional land around Legion Field to build out two additional Fields for softball and baseball.
Gene Rathje presented Council with the application for the grant for the Bridge View boat ramp project which is due September 30th. There is $40,000 budgeted in the CIP. This Grant is a 75% matching Grant,with the City of Ottumwa providing 25% of funding.The Grant will be applied for through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Water Recreation Access Cost Share Program.
Moving on to Resolutions Phil Rath stated In December 2021, the City Council passed Resolution 219-2021, agreeing to participate in the State of Iowa’s settlement efforts related to claims against pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid crisis. By joining, the City committed to receiving its share of any settlement funds obtained by the State.
Since that time, additional litigation opportunities have been identified. The City does not have the resources to pursue these matters independently. The attached resolution would authorize the City to continue supporting the State of Iowa in its ongoing litigation. Doing so will strengthen the State’s position and may increase the overall settlement award should the State’s efforts be successful.
Phillip Burgmeier presented Resolution #172-2025 and Resolution #173-2025
The City of Ottumwa has extended its agreement with Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. to continue construction services for Phase 8, Divisions 2 and 3. Originally, the agreement covered only Division 2, but with multiple crews working simultaneously, a second inspector was needed to keep the projects on track.
While Division 2 is still underway, Division 3 is ahead of schedule and expected to finish before the original fall 2027 deadline, which will save the City money in the long run. The extended agreement will run through the end of 2026, at which point the City will assess the remaining work and decide if a further extension is needed. The additional cost under this agreement is capped at $830,800, bringing the total contract value to $1,520,500.
Breakdown of Costs
- Original Agreement: $689,700
- First Amendment – General Services: $377,400
- First Amendment – Resident Review: $453,400
In a separate initiative, the City is reviewing its sewer system user charges and rate structure. Ottumwa Water Works is conducting a similar review of its rates, and by coordinating the studies, both departments can save on costs. The professional services for the sewer rate study will not exceed $20,000.
Phillip Burgmeier also gave an update on the WPCF Headworks building.
The City of Ottumwa is moving forward with necessary updates to the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) Headworks Building roof. During the reroofing project, crews removed the first 1,200 square feet of roofing and discovered that both the insulation and vapor barrier were heavily water-damaged. While the original project plan included replacing damaged insulation, it did not account for a new vapor barrier.
Change Order #1 will cover the cost of installing a new vapor barrier across the entire concrete deck and replacing insulation as needed. Any insulation that is still in good condition will be reused under the supervision of city personnel to ensure quality.
Financial Overview:
- Original Contract: $106,616
- Change Order #1: $54,902
- $21,502 for the new vapor barrier
- Up to 8,350 square feet of insulation replacement at $4/SF, if necessary
- $21,502 for the new vapor barrier
- New Contract Total: $161,518
- Budget Remaining: $183,500
This change order ensures the roof is properly protected and the building remains in excellent condition, while keeping the project within budget.
October’s Ottumwa City council is scheduled for October 7, 2025 at City Hall
