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Council approves $447,500 design contract for Alice's Road phase 4 amid questions on roundabouts, utilities and land acquisitions
Summary
Council approved a professional‑services agreement for final design of phase 4 of the Alice’s Road corridor (Berkshire to Meredith) for $447,500; the presentation outlined a multi‑phase project (~$37 million total), federal funding constraints, roundabout designs, stormwater basins requiring land acquisition and possible utility relocations that could be costly and affect schedule.
Clive — The City Council approved a professional‑services agreement for $447,500 to complete final design of phase 4 of the Alice’s Road corridor between Berkshire and Meredith, after a detailed presentation on project phasing, funding and engineering challenges.
Nathan (Nate) Karhoff of Snyder & Associates described a multi‑phase transportation project with a projected total cost around $37 million and grant funding of roughly $3.3 million secured to date. Phase 4 is being prioritized because federal aid programmed for that northern segment aligns best with federal funding rules; staff said final plans for phase 4 will be due in November for a February 2027 letting.
Karhoff reviewed major design elements: roundabouts at Boston, Douglas and Berkshire for traffic calming and continuity with adjacent development; a proposed replacement of a reinforced box culvert carrying Little Walnut Creek and the pedestrian‑tunnel replacement to meet federal minimum clearance; landscaping themes; and stormwater management concepts. He said the preferred regional basin in the phase‑3 area would require roughly 4 additional acres of land acquisition and would reduce flows through the Verona Hills neighborhood.
Council members pressed on pedestrian safety through roundabouts, landscaping visibility, and potential utility conflicts. Karhoff noted two significant utility impacts in the phase‑4 area: an existing gas regulator station requiring relocation or adjustment and overhead electric poles on the west side needing relocation. Staff warned that relocating a large transmission pole could be a major project cost with two estimates discussed (a 550,000 estimate referenced and a comment of more than $1,000,000 as very ballpark). Karhoff said teams are coordinating with MidAmerican and other utilities; monthly coordination meetings are in place.
After questions and clarifications about what the council was being asked to act on (the motion covered only final design for phase 4), Councilmember moved and the council approved the professional‑services agreement 5–0. Staff said some land acquisitions are well advanced and others remain in negotiation; the council will receive additional acquisition-specific briefings in forthcoming meetings.
The vote: The council moved to approve a resolution authorizing a professional‑services agreement with Snyder & Associates for $447,500 for final design of Alice’s Road Phase 4; the motion passed by a recorded vote of 5–0.
What happens next: Final design work for phase 4 will proceed to prepare bid documents for a 2027 letting, with continuing coordination on utilities, land acquisition, stormwater design and pedestrian accommodations.
