Council approves agreement to implement EPA Brownfields grant for site testing

Le Mars officials approved an agreement to implement an EPA Brownfields grant, authorizing up to $397,500 to pay for Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments at multiple vacant or formerly industrial commercial parcels.

Mark, who described the grant application and site list at the meeting, said the city went to property owners and secured signed agreements to consider several parcels for testing, including the former Walmart site near Business 75, a vacant parcel across from Quick Star that formerly hosted Bombardier, the site where Federer had property, a site where Campbell operated a shop, the old Super 8 hotel by Walmart (for sale), and a former packing-plant parcel in the industrial park. "What we did when we applied for the grant is we went to the property owners and asked them if they would be interested in having that done," Mark said, noting owners signed agreements to be included.

Officials and staff explained Phase I work will examine site histories and records, and Phase II may include soil borings to check for contamination. Mark said those assessments are often required by franchises or chain developers and completing them in advance can shorten the timeline for new commercial development.

An unidentified speaker moved to approve an agreement with Eocene to provide implementation services for the EPA Brownfields grant, specifying a not-to-exceed amount of $397,500. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the clerk recorded "motion carried." The meeting record did not include a roll-call tally or list individual yes/no votes.

Speakers emphasized that the funding is federal grant money designated for this purpose and cannot be repurposed for other uses. Mark said the city lacks the federal grant-administration expertise to interface directly with EPA requirements, which is why an outside administrator is necessary. He described the approach as building on prior local efforts to secure reimbursements and that working with an experienced administrator could make federal dollars accessible for preparing sites for redevelopment.

The agreement authorizes environmental testing and grant implementation work; if Phase II testing is not required at some sites and funds remain, staff may identify additional candidate properties for assessment. The council did not set an explicit timetable for the testing work during the meeting.

The meeting concluded with brief local announcements, a reminder of a Dec. 30 swearing-in ceremony at the Chamber Office for elected officials, and an adjournment.