Bettendorf council unanimously approves two reconstruction projects, advances stop‑sign ordinance and clears consent agenda

Bettendorf City Council on July 7 unanimously approved two separate infrastructure resolutions and advanced a traffic-safety ordinance while answering council questions about insurance and project borrowing.

In the first infrastructure action, Council Member Nauman moved and the council approved a resolution that approves the plans, specifications and form of contract for the Turnberry Lane and Thomas Court reconstruction project. Public works staff described the work as "removing and replacing all the concrete full depth patch, adjusting sewers, replacing driveways, and portions of sidewalks and the handicap accessible ramps," and said the neighborhood will be targeted over the next couple of years. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call.

The council then approved a second resolution for Phase 1 of the Learning Campus sidewalk replacement, a project described by staff as removing and replacing several sidewalk sections and ADA ramps across the campus. Council Member Flaherty moved approval; the motion passed unanimously.

Council Member Baden presented the first reading of an ordinance to amend Bettendorf City Code section 6-1-322(a)(2) by adding a stop sign at the intersection of Arterial Drive and Pandit Drive. The council approved the ordinance on first reading by unanimous vote. "There will be two more readings," the mayor said.

During consideration of the consent agenda, Council Member Flaherty asked about a P-card line described as an "excess" category over $100,000; an insurance staff member explained that the city’s coverage through the Iowa Community Insurance Pool includes primary liability and also an "excess" umbrella-type layer incorporated into the overall insurance cost. Flaherty also asked how the low bidder for a sewer lift station compared to the next closest bid after change orders; public works staff said the contractor was the lowest at the final cost and offered to provide the detailed comparison later.

A staff member noted a sewer-related project originally listed at 10.6 and with actual work at 8.6, which staff said reduced borrowing by about $2,000,000 from the SRF fund because the city only borrows what it uses (units as discussed in the meeting were not always spoken explicitly on record). The consent agenda then passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance: - Turnberry Lane & Thomas Court reconstruction — resolution approving plans and form of contract; mover: Council Member Nauman; outcome: approved unanimously. - Learning Campus sidewalk replacement Phase 1 — resolution approving plans and form of contract; mover: Council Member Flaherty; outcome: approved unanimously. - Ordinance (1st reading) amend City Code to add stop sign at Arterial Drive & Pandit Drive — mover: Council Member Baden; outcome: first reading approved unanimously; two additional readings required. - Consent agenda — approved unanimously after staff responses to questions on insurance and project costs.

Ending: All items on the meeting agenda passed or advanced; the council adjourned shortly after approving the consent agenda.