Waukee council approves major construction contracts, sewer transfer, rezoning and appointments

The Waukee City Council approved a series of infrastructure contracts, property actions and administrative appointments at its meeting, including awards for the University Avenue Phase 1 and 2025 ADA sidewalk projects, a transfer of South Outfall sewer easements to the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA), final passage of a rezoning ordinance, and authorization to proceed with property acquisition for the Alsace Road Improvements Phase 1A project.

The approvals move forward two of the city’s largest construction efforts. Staff recommended, and the council approved, awarding the University Avenue Area Improvements Phase 1 construction contract to Elder Corporation of Des Moines for $10,068,807. The project, described by staff as included in the city’s FY25 capital improvement program (CIP), was presented as involving extensive roadway, utility and grading work including roughly 11,900 square yards of PCC concrete, significant asphalt paving, utility relocations and two pedestrian underpasses with an interim completion date of Nov. 21, 2025 and final restoration by May 31, 2026. Council approved the plan specifications and the contract award in separate votes.

The council also approved the 2025 ADA Sidewalk Improvements project and awarded that contract to Skoll Trucking of Johnston, Iowa, the apparent low bidder at $129,662.77. The ADA project was described as an annual program to install approximately 565 square yards of concrete sidewalk and associated work; staff said the work is in the CIP and that the combined budget after a prior-cycle consolidation is $200,000 with an interim completion date in August 2025 and final completion in September 2025.

On utility matters, the council approved a resolution to dispose of the city’s interest in certain real estate interests tied to the South Outfall sewer and transfer them to the WRA,…