Council approves $49,345.85 pay application for Shadle Park pond; member calls contractor's pace 'unprofessional and unacceptable'

The Pleasantville City Council voted July 16 to approve Pay Application #5 to Des Moines Dirt Worx for $49,345.85 as part of work on the Shadle Park pond project, after extended discussion about delays and additional change-order requests.

Engineer Jordan Stoermer described remaining contract work as including final grading of the North forbay, replacement of pavement and erosion control, estimating roughly $100,000 of work would remain after this payment. Des Moines Dirt Worx representative Robert asked the council to limit detailed discussion at the meeting and suggested a subcommittee be formed to align stakeholders.

Councilmember Aaron Hurt pressed the contractor on the cause of delays, asking whether equipment issues or lack of effort had contributed. Hurt said the contractor's performance "has been unprofessional and unacceptable." The council scheduled a subcommittee meeting for Tuesday, July 23, including Mayor Kody Jurgens, council members and city staff, and representatives of Des Moines Dirt Worx. The council also directed staff to follow up by email after that meeting, per a request from Rachel Lopez.

Motion to approve Pay App #5 was made by Kyle Patterson and seconded by Jordan Van Ness; the motion passed. Engineer Stoermer said the remaining contract work and associated costs would require further review, and attorney advice indicated that because of the remaining costs any replacement contracting might require rebidding.

No ordinance or formal penalty was recorded at the meeting; the council's next step is the July 23 subcommittee discussion to resolve scope, schedule and outstanding documentation.