Council OKs $211,524 design amendment to revise Redondo Fishing Pier plans

The Des Moines City Council approved an amendment on Jan. 23 to the design contract for the Redondo Fishing Pier replacement that staff said is intended to reduce construction costs and improve constructability.

Public works Director Mike Slevin told the council the original design and prior bids were unaffordable because strict environmental rules and the required piling sizes drove costs up. The council approved a task assignment amendment with Exeltek Consulting for $211,524.25 to redesign elements of the pier, prepare updated bid documents and provide constructability review.

Why it matters: Staff said the redesign would allow larger-diameter piles (moving to an 18-inch pile) and the use of steel flange beams that can be installed from the landward side rather than requiring heavy lifts from marine cranes. Those changes are intended to lower cost and reduce environmental/permit risk during construction windows tied to fish protections.

Council action: Council member Nutting moved the amendment and Deputy Mayor Steinmetz seconded. The motion passed by reported voice tally 7-0.

Next steps and timing: Staff cautioned there is no guarantee the redesigned and rebid work can be completed inside the 2025 fish-window; permit amendments with regulatory agencies are underway and the timing is tight. If funding and permits align, staff said there is a possibility of proceeding this year; otherwise, work would be more likely in 2026. The amendment authorizes further engineering work and bid preparations.