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Clinton council approves Frog Hollow project steps, authorizes financing actions
Summary
The council approved plans, legal engagement and steps to construct the Frog Hollow Restoration Project, moved to use state forgivable loan/grant funding and set procurement dates; staff said construction could finish by June 2027 and the project treats stormwater from roughly 140 acres.
Clinton — The City Council moved the Frog Hollow Restoration Project toward construction at its Jan. 13 meeting, approving plans and related financing measures that officials say will improve stormwater quality for roughly 140 acres north of the bluff.
City Engineer Jason Craft outlined the project as a constructed wetland that will route and treat runoff, settle pollutants and discharge to the manufacturer's ditch that ultimately drains to the Mississippi River. He told the council the project was originally selected as part of stormwater-quality funding linked to a wastewater loan program and said the city was awarded a state forgivable loan of up to $1,055,000. Craft also said the city has a $100,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Land Stewardship and that agenda materials included a $1.3 million placeholder to allow flexibility in estimates.
"This will just become the city pays for the project, and we get reimbursed as long as we construct the project as per the design," Craft said, adding he expects primary construction work in the summer months and a likely finish by June 2027.
Council approved: plans and specifications for the Frog Hollow project (consent pull item 70); an engagement agreement with Ehlers & Cooney, P.C., for legal services to ensure compliance with state requirements (estimated fee $3,500); and a resolution to set the notice and hearing timeline tied to bonding/loan actions that could support up to $1.3 million in sewer revenue capital loan notes. Staff said the loans can be treated as a forgivable loan through coordination with the Iowa Finance Authority.
Council members discussed maintenance obligations and the grant conditions. Craft told members the project will require periodic cleanout and multi-year maintenance to meet the forgiveness terms.
The council also voted to order construction and set the bid publication and opening schedule consistent with state procurement rules; staff indicated postings will occur not less than 13 clear days nor more than 45 days prior to the bid date, with bids due at 2 p.m.
Next steps: staff will finalize plans and specs, post bidding documents, and return with procurement outcomes and any final financing documents for council consideration.
