Le Mars approves design agreement with Civil Engineers and Constructors for Central Avenue and 18th Street SE drainage

The Le Mars City Council voted to approve an agreement with Civil Engineers and Constructors LLC (CEC) for plans and bid documents for the Central Avenue and Eighteenth Street Southeast drainage project, using the second procurement option in a not-to-exceed amount of $18,500.

Council received a background presentation that the city previously hired CBC in August 2024 to perform a regional drainage study; CEC completed follow-up drainage work in April 2025. Staff said the study identified undersized storm sewer segments and a shortage of storm sewer intakes in the area, particularly near Eighteenth Street and First Avenue, and recommended CEC prepare full design and contract documents.

Council discussion focused on timing and scope relative to planned development and a future elementary school. Councilmember Clark asked whether the work could be premature before school design and other development are complete. Staff responded that the scope was intentionally narrowed and focused east of the Central/18th intersection to capture water flowing from the east, and that the work would not duplicate larger future changes tied to the school design. Staff also explained option 2 was recommended because the anticipated project cost exceeds the threshold for direct contracting and therefore requires a public bid process; option 2 produces plans and bid-ready documents and includes bid advertising.

A motion to approve the agreement using option 2 in a not-to-exceed amount of $18,500 passed by voice vote. The council did not record a roll-call tally in the excerpted minutes.