Council awards contract to make Timberline School intersection signal permanent; project in CIP with 50% school district cost share

The City Council held a public hearing and approved plans and awarded a contract to convert the traffic signal at Southeast La Grand Parkway and Southeast Esker Ridge Drive — the entrance to Timberline School — into a permanent mast-arm signal. Rudy (public works/staff) described the project as included in the city’s Capital Improvement Program with a total budget of $300,000 and an anticipated completion date of August 2026. The conversion will include all work necessary to meet permanent signal standards. Bids were opened Aug. 26; Rudy reported Iowa Signal of Grimes was the apparent low bidder at $235,174.21, about 10% under the engineer’s estimate. Staff noted Iowa Signal has extensive experience building signals in Waukee and recommended awarding the contract to them. Rudy also said the project is a joint effort with the Waukee Community School District: the district will reimburse 50% of construction and engineering costs to the city after project acceptance. Council approved the plans, specifications and engineer’s estimate and then awarded the contract to Iowa Signal by roll call. Work will proceed under the city’s standard construction and inspection processes, and staff will coordinate procurement and the district reimbursement agreement.