Des Moines Council funds Redondo pier, approves $100,000 for Marina Steps value engineering

Des Moines City Council voted Feb. 6 to fully fund the Redondo Fishing Pier using previously authorized bond proceeds and to hire KPFF for $100,000 to perform value‑engineering on the Marina Steps design.

The council’s action follows bids received in 2024 that exceeded original construction estimates: staff said the Redondo Pier previously came in substantially over the city’s construction assumption and the Marina Steps bid returned at about $11.7 million against an $8.1 million construction budget. City Manager Catherine Caffrey told the council, "the decision we're looking for tonight ... is really whether or not you want to move forward with a contract with KPFF engineers for $100,000 for the value engineering." Public Works Director Mike Sullivan described value engineering as a step to reduce specialty materials and optional amenities so the steps can be rebid with additive alternates.

The council approved the combined action in a 4–3 roll call. Yes votes recorded in the meeting were Deputy Mayor Steinmetz, Council Member Mahoney, Mayor Buxton and Council Member Nunning; Council Members Ochsiger, Grace Matsui and Harris voted no. Earlier in…