[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6233821,"mediaKeyId","3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848","parentId",3413986,"title","Urbandale approves Complete Streets project on Aurora and 70th; Inroads LLC wins low bid","audioSeconds",1503,"startMs",2042000,"endMs",3545000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848&start=2042&end=3545","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848/thumbnail_2042000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6233821/Urbandale/Polk-County/Iowa/Urbandale-approves-Complete-Streets-project-on-Aurora-and-70th-Inroads-LLC-wins-low-bid","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233821-f49b0630f67cdb9effd624298efe9555/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166214&Signature=C1fLNzQHaMmD1NgnhjqtR~zUviruB1jD9eq0yPZf1kTqysz4UOYBYxnDXWo7FHnCVCQqSGmOcGHKeyBwZCEwZXSQhFmSGpybsoRRqlG9ZnQf-izxJwRvZA81DY2u9iWX5nFe9geTd9i7~OCN3getIpkdWj~CbIsLZj5wTlZbH8H--QC3JxwB2gKD4M-TUEPVkfF~UlG8TLUhbJuYUMfH~9f4iN9M9fMqot3EDznmlpnqnUNhUXCm8JmkiibFawMgw-78rEo2WclKi0cd7FwFAKyDt6IIqyfcBx0LbTuXc~Rk7dj0K2uiPOTwnL0TvNbbBs2A20zdtQFP1SS353dUzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-21T05:19:51.907Z","article","The Urbandale City Council on May 20 approved bid awards and accompanying traffic changes for the Complete Streets project on Aurora Avenue and 70th Street, adopting a recommended low bid from Inroads LLC and moving forward with design and construction that reduces vehicle lanes, adds buffered bike lanes and modifies parking and turn lanes.

John Larson, director of engineering and public works, told the council the department received three bids on May 7 and recommended accepting the low bid from Inroads LLC in the amount of $555,333.90, which was about 17% below the engineer’s estimate. Larson described the project’s typical cross-section: buffered 5.5-foot bike lanes, narrowed travel lanes, and targeted left-turn storage to serve the middle school and adjacent destinations. He said the project is scheduled to start after June 2 (after local schools dismiss), finish by Aug. 15, and include a contractor stipulation that no work occur between June 30 and July 6 to avoid Fourth of July impacts. The contract allows day-time full closures (6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.) for certain operations; Larson said the contractor may choose phased single-lane work or a daytime closure to expedite milling and paving.

The council also considered traffic engineering changes tied to the project: a proposed ordinance to reduce the speed limit on 70th Street (Aurora Avenue North to Meredith Drive) from 35 mph to 25 mph passed; parking restrictions on segments of Aurora and 70th were adjusted to create space for turn lanes and bike lanes; and staff confirmed signal warrants were not met at 70th/Aurora so no signal will be installed at this time.

Several bicycling advocates spoke during the public hearing. Larry Loss, a board member of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, told the council that bike lanes “provide a safety level for both cyclist and motorist” and cited recent regional findings that painted bike lanes can reduce driver–cyclist crashes by about 49% and protected lanes further reduce crashes. Luke Hoffman, also with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, and Scott Sumter of Bike Iowa urged approval, arguing the corridor changes improve safety for all users.

Council members emphasized outreach and education before construction. Councilmember Carberry Montgomery praised the additional public engagement completed since earlier iterations and said safety was the primary objective. Larson said the project will include public communications coordinated with the contractor and that there is a $5,000-per-day penalty if an unfinished resurfacing is left in an unacceptable state before July 4.

The council passed the motions and resolutions tied to the project, including award of the construction contract and the related traffic ordinance changes. Larsen said staff will publish schedules and outreach materials once the contractor’s detailed schedule is received.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Urbandale City Council approved contract awards and traffic changes on May 20 for the Complete Streets project on Aurora Avenue and 70th Street, accepting a low bid from Inroads LLC and approving lane reconfigurations, buffered bike lanes and a speed reduction on part of 70th Street.","taxTitle","Urbandale, Polk County, Iowa","taxId",55398,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6233826,"Urbandale council holds public hearing on draft downtown master plan; final vote set for June",1603,418000,2021000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848&start=418&end=2021","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848/thumbnail_418000.jpg","/articles/6233826/Urbandale/Polk-County/Iowa/Urbandale-council-holds-public-hearing-on-draft-downtown-master-plan-final-vote-set-for-June","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233826-52bfe0408c7618a5069951649d043fe2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166214&Signature=m1acLcn6D3xmMd5lUoya7FCHUxLB56-CaAWyJUc1F2BrDKdz2TpsSnQsLz2I7kK03yyE~BMO0eS9w2K7ddo-45RGLT-Gn4FKNxzFxfLwQY9iOPVs-z2u9OU8CCvQK8e5HQp-nT~jJQPJ4Q0ychMWZYUwcRdSSH9WtJx6trju4Tx8mX9rnksDW5JWHMBIboIgI5gwgicoEhoK2LRXhHUO1QlX4Uzf0yYxEOd-xWx1~dh6IxY1F4tWkOh9s2e6uEmpVbTtTqbTgF2mC9UFs-G0ZbJCYtmn~SIQguW7NRFOAV9iRHZc19d~41lMR9oVlp5fvsp9Pvcsj9yKAUqoTTIeZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urbandale City Council on Tuesday heard a presentation and public hearing on a draft downtown master plan that recommends reconfiguring Douglas Avenue, focusing redevelopment at two nodes, improving stormwater management and encouraging “middle housing.” Curtis Brown, assistant city manager, presented the plan and said it will return to the council for final consideration at the June 17 meeting after a June 10 lunch-and-learn for council members.

The plan is built around eight recommendations: reconfigure Douglas Avenue from two travel lanes in each direction to a three-lane cross-section with a center turn lane; concentrate redevelopment at a large node near 70th Street and Douglas and a smaller node near 60th Street and Douglas; establish a distinct character for subareas and integrate public art; reduce parking minimums and consider shared district parking; pursue a subregional stormwater strategy; encourage “middle housing” (accessory dwelling units and gentle density such as townhouses or small multifamily); route bicycles into downtown via the existing regional trail network; and phase investments so public infrastructure signals private development.

Brown said consultants from Bolton & Menk led the technical work and emphasized the draft is an early-stage plan intended to guide zoning updates, design guidance, and phased public investments. “The draft master plan is really built around eight different recommendations,” Brown said. He noted recommendations on Douglas include targeting a single travel lane in each direction with a center turn lane and room for parking, and that Des Moines has implemented a similar conversion east of Merle Hay.

Council members and staff described outreach completed to date: more than 2,800 postcards mailed, two resident focus groups, eight business-focused meetings, a Plan and Zoning Commission public hearing that endorsed the plan, and an open house on May 1 attended by about 70 people. Councilmember Carberry Montgomery said business owners include a “large contingent” excited by the plan and another contingent “nervous because change creates change,” adding staff have incorporated feedback into revisions. “All of their comments have been received, and we have made some good changes and amendments,” Montgomery said.

Staff stressed the plan is not a final design but a policy framework. Brown and the consultant team warned that zoning revisions and design standards will be required to implement the public- and private-sector elements, and that public investment in stormwater and other infrastructure will be necessary to unlock private redevelopment. The council opened and closed the public hearing on May 20; no final adoption occurred that night.

The council will discuss the plan further at a June 10 lunch-and-learn and will consider adoption, with appendices added, at its June 17 meeting. If adopted, staff said the plan will be incorporated into the city’s CIP recommendations and accompanying zoning updates.","The Urbandale City Council heard a presentation and public hearing on a draft downtown master plan that outlines an eight-part strategy for redevelopment, pedestrian improvements and stormwater management; staff said the council will consider a final plan June 17 after a June 10 lunch-and-learn.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6233807,"Urbandale council hires Confluence to produce Walker Johnston Park master plan",160,5927000,6087000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848&start=5927&end=6087","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848/thumbnail_5927000.jpg","/articles/6233807/Urbandale/Polk-County/Iowa/Urbandale-council-hires-Confluence-to-produce-Walker-Johnston-Park-master-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233807-818687d45143db3b43a1c7ebf96263ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166214&Signature=O5zeIPgktCXisSaqBQrjBb-R5iBa0ZlD~DDiX6ZzOVJoyT7twqpuSbRFi6NvPWsxYrqtq8mDphvLNqbnizxaWzTwzDaRQStuFDo6vW~fwmLJqlPixb7k-sfakZX4sEF78a0mlxRbRUY9AMdvKeKW-sevxAxL6F1PXXW2f01HgczeV8MJq5Q5de2N1uMt4D6jesV7VQYZgelbYz9f9n77k4RQnTWZsbjSQ8mHm9fc~V~7DgAoSL~W64nOfscFDCav51cnbLxRQhC4PuvoDTmonQU4LVt0Xc0KsYbN~~Xc6a7zSTniPdfB29Fzkp9EhSnOm9ZClEODQ~J34iO5k1cpyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urbandale City Council on May 20 approved a professional services agreement with Confluence to prepare a master plan for Walker Johnston Park, directing staff to use the results to inform future CIP recommendations and phased park investments.

Jan Turkey, parks and recreation director, said the city issued an RFQ to 20 firms and received eight submissions; staff interviewed four firms and recommended Confluence. Turkey noted that Confluence project lead Matt Carlisle is from Urbandale and was involved in prior local work including the Orchid Hudson Park project. The master plan will solicit community input to determine whether existing facilities (such as softball fields) remain the preferred use or whether other recreational or open-space configurations are preferable.

Council approved the resolution to enter the professional services agreement; staff said the intent is to complete the planning effort in time to inform CIP decisions and phased implementation of improvements.","The council approved a professional services agreement with Confluence to develop a master plan for Walker Johnston Park to guide future park improvements and phased CIP recommendations.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6233811,"Urbandale approves $1.1 million purchase of 1.455 acres for relocated Fire Station 41",435,4472000,4907000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848&start=4472&end=4907","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848/thumbnail_4472000.jpg","/articles/6233811/Urbandale/Polk-County/Iowa/Urbandale-approves-11-million-purchase-of-1455-acres-for-relocated-Fire-Station-41","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233811-faaa6facd53e3c8a628b2dd1cc70f279/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166214&Signature=k6saZg2jZXDUCA-jZOioWb2mjRy6Pwoc6-ECSQE9LM5NbKbej-EUH9PoVLkn6kSMJNi3PkdOPYXckUJGu1XM2thf4pNCQ8pBTQ3roIg4FpkLpK3dCHaA7AsE97NopD0iTJPK20oLzX0wui~0csjndXJj0Rmzyb28XUc1jnw5Q303gziWlqjED~ueWqZTtB~puvr1H5GsJ647fRsoG6rwV6JLEM46FEHVugnJyvlHVNII6mYMDNpyQztBq9nb~FbuX6HHQbteGyEpt8Wi7nyAFphAEsq88LCE2JgKzo~usd2VdaUs4OOBzMRwQNDOghgrJgtn7uEYnpwoS-zj2yXWAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urbandale City Council voted on May 20 to purchase 1.455 acres at 4780 Sixth Street for $1,100,000 as the planned relocation site for Fire Station 41, a move city staff said will close a north-side response gap identified in prior facility and response-time studies.

Aaron De Jong, economic development director, presented the purchase terms and explained the parcel is a portion of a larger commercial tract owned by R and R Realty; the city negotiated the purchase price at approximately $15 per square foot and excluded the private roadway from the city parcel while accounting for the city’s share of roadway costs in the negotiated price. De Jong said final agreements in the due diligence period will cover shared maintenance of regional detention and the private road; the plan anticipates the first developer to construct the private roadway and subsequent developments to reimburse half the cost.

Chief Cardwell explained the operational rationale. A facility study about three years ago identified Station 41 as aging and undersized; he said relocating to the area near Sixth and Meredith improves travel-time coverage for areas north of current service and, combined with mutual-aid partners, covers most of the city’s response area except the mall area. “Relocating the station here based on travel times, based on where the calls are located, our ability to provide duplicate services … was the best location,” Cardwell said.

De Jong said the parcel benefits from planned regional stormwater detention to the south and west, meaning the fire station will not need on-site detention. He showed an example image of the city’s Station 43 as a model for building quality and said the city will include covenants to reflect design intent.

The council passed the resolution to purchase the parcel. Representatives of the seller, R and R Realty (Adam and Kara), were present to answer title and development questions.","The council authorized purchase of 1.455 acres at 4780 6th Street for $1.1 million to relocate Fire Station 41 to improve response coverage; staff said the move fills a north-side response gap identified in a facility and response-time study.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6233816,"Urbandale approves expanded 28E agreements with Clive and an apparatus exchange to increase shared fire capacity",370,4057000,4427000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848&start=4057&end=4427","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413986-094bac9864cc5a0ecc6f4080ac5fd848/thumbnail_4057000.jpg","/articles/6233816/Urbandale/Polk-County/Iowa/Urbandale-approves-expanded-28E-agreements-with-Clive-and-an-apparatus-exchange-to-increase-shared-fire-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233816-f82dde30fc0b8edef4a005a09258f4eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166214&Signature=hrxpMaZX~e8hk3KcQa6sY4LubvBubuk2LVea1C4EFqqVDM-9EXT2sGEZq7G1~Coir52vlAZJW1Dk1bV9R8tXZClE8id96UL2CtJRjVilrRwkme~KIuWGB1Iy86kBiCefY305EXvVp3YxdCYncv5oiYB3IP6UEGj5xJtm0HL5dkbIqSlqRTIDlbqppax3JovWUpfla5hyuG4N~Nu~-o26tkCpaYHPNyTkbLVxRMb8ANp1LS-KCtn8T0ZoYi5ZTrYcnYjIHEtvAJyL7dCUdyffVRLTfvcQDmdjgFdqE7h7RZa8I~JhweJH0n4h1qSL7nRPBd4Vyl5xpE~GORFw57~hrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urbandale City Council on May 20 approved a suite of intergovernmental agreements with the City of Clive to expand closest-unit fire response, align fleet maintenance, and exchange fire apparatus to increase reserve capacity for both departments.

Chief Cardwell introduced the agreements and said the items are the product of years of cooperation. The expanded closest-unit response arrangement will align operational practices, training plans and shared reserve apparatus so both departments operate more cohesively at larger incidents. A separate agreement will move Clive’s fleet maintenance to Urbandale’s shop and add fleet management services; staff said that reduces downtime and centralizes maintenance costs.

A negotiated apparatus exchange will transfer Clive’s 2013 aerial ladder truck to Urbandale as a reserve ladder and transfer Urbandale’s reserve engine to Clive. Chief Cardwell said the exchange defers a previously budgeted ladder replacement: an item that the CIP had listed at roughly $1.8 million (now estimated above $2.1 million) can be pushed off eight to ten years, yielding significant savings. He described the exchange as “doubling our actual engine reserve capacity” because crews from both departments will be trained on the apparatus in common.

Clive officials — including their city manager (present at the meeting) and Fire Chief Clay Garcia — joined the discussion and will take similar authorizing actions on their schedule. Councilmember comments praised the intergovernmental work as a model of cooperation. The council passed the resolutions authorizing the 28E agreements and the apparatus exchange.

City staff said Clive will consider corresponding approvals at its next council meeting; once both cities complete their actions the agreements will be finalized and executed.","The council unanimously approved intergovernmental 28E agreements with Clive to expand closest-unit response, align fleet maintenance and medical services, and agreed to an apparatus exchange that defers a new ladder purchase and increases shared reserve capacity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Urbandale approves Complete Streets project on Aurora and 70th; Inroads LLC wins low bid

Urbandale council holds public hearing on draft downtown master plan; final vote set for June

Urbandale council hires Confluence to produce Walker Johnston Park master plan

Urbandale approves $1.1 million purchase of 1.455 acres for relocated Fire Station 41

Urbandale approves expanded 28E agreements with Clive and an apparatus exchange to increase shared fire capacity