This meeting is heavily focused on infrastructure, transportation, stormwater improvements, parks staffing, economic development, and completion of major capital projects. Several resolutions authorize engineering agreements, construction contracts, and project close-outs that collectively continue the city's multi-year investment in roads, utilities, trails, and redevelopment.
One of the largest decisions is awarding a nearly $198,096 contract for the 12th & Davenport Street Storm Improvements project. Although another company submitted the lowest bid, city staff and engineers recommend awarding the project to Valentine Construction after concluding the lowest bidder lacked sufficient municipal storm sewer experience and staffing for a project of this complexity.
Council also considers multiple actions related to Cody Road Phase II, including change orders, an emergency declaration concerning delayed utility relocation by Windstream, and continued work on the major highway reconstruction project. The packet states the prolonged delays have affected businesses, homeowners, and project completion.
Additional items include approval of a commercial site plan and preliminary Urban Revitalization Area tax incentive for a proposed retail building at 537 N. Cody Road, updates to parks and recreation staffing, engineering work for the Mississippi River Trail extension and future pavement replacement projects, and approvals for major community events including TugFest and Vettes on the River.
Major Discussion and Action Items
Completion of the 2025 Hot Mix Asphalt Improvements Project
Council is asked to approve the final payment of $21,053.99 to Manatt's Inc. along with the certificate of completion for the 2025 Hot Mix Asphalt Improvements Project. The project originally totaled $624,923.55, later increased through change orders, and engineers certified substantial completion effective July 10, 2026. Final payment includes retained funds and officially closes the project after the required waiting period.
12th & Davenport Street Storm Improvements
Council will consider awarding the construction contract for the storm improvement project to Valentine Construction Company for $198,096 under Bid Alternate 2. Engineers determined the apparent low bidder submitted a competitive price but expressed concerns regarding municipal storm sewer experience, staffing capacity, and ability to complete a drainage-sensitive project. City administration therefore recommends selecting the next-lowest qualified contractor. The project is funded through the Capital Improvement Program.
Cody Road Phase II Construction
Several agenda items relate to the city's largest ongoing transportation project. Council considers Change Orders 13 and 14, engineering-related actions, and a declaration of emergency because telecommunications utilities reportedly remain in the construction zone despite repeated relocation notices dating back to 2025. According to the packet, unresolved utility conflicts are delaying completion while businesses, motorists, and nearby property owners continue experiencing disruption.
Mississippi River Trail Planning
Council is asked to approve a $23,496 engineering agreement with Veenstra & Kimm for design of the Mississippi River Trail segment connecting Eagle Ridge Road and Interstate 80. This represents the design phase of a future trail expansion intended to improve regional bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
Midtown River Addition Development
Following Planning and Zoning Commission review, council will hold a public hearing and consider approval of the commercial site plan for Midtown River Addition at 537 N. Cody Road. The proposal includes construction of a 1,950-square-foot retail building with a basement used for equipment servicing. A related Urban Revitalization Area tax exemption application is also under consideration.
Parks and Recreation Staffing
Council will update the Recreation Supervisor job description and amend FY2027 staffing authorization to formally include the position. The part-time position works approximately 12 hours per week, supervises recreation programs, coordinates sports activities, oversees seasonal staff when needed, and supports community programming for youth, families, and adults.
Council is scheduled to approve permits and related actions supporting community events including Vettes on the River on August 22, 2026, and TugFest activities on August 13-15, 2026, continuing LeClaire's emphasis on tourism and community engagement.
Financial Matters
The packet contains numerous financial actions, including:
- Final payment of $21,053.99 to Manatt's Inc. completing the 2025 Hot Mix Asphalt Improvements Project.
- Proposed $198,096 construction contract with Valentine Construction for stormwater improvements.
- Engineering agreement with Veenstra & Kimm for the Mississippi River Trail design phase totaling $23,496.
- Engineering agreement for the 2026 PCC Panel Replacement Project totaling $12,681.
- Cody Road Phase II change orders totaling approximately $113,563.10 through Change Orders 13 and 14.
- Claims totaling $242,296.31, including expenditures across the General Fund, Library, Tourism, Road Use, Group Insurance, Sewer Operations, and Capital Improvement funds.
- Notable claims include $64,409.26 to Veenstra & Kimm, $33,575.00 for sewer work, $23,449.35 for employee health insurance, $14,194.21 for project testing, and $13,593.10 for Creative Places projects.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The agenda consists primarily of resolutions approving contracts, staffing, engineering agreements, development approvals, and event authorizations.
Council also receives a proclamation recognizing National Emergency Management Awareness Month, highlighting emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and appreciation for emergency management professionals serving Scott County and LeClaire.
Engineering memoranda explain why Valentine Construction is recommended despite not being the lowest bidder, documenting evaluation of contractor qualifications, municipal experience, staffing, and project risk.
The Planning and Zoning Commission forwards Recommendation 26-4 supporting approval of the Midtown River Addition commercial site plan.
Project documentation also certifies completion of the 2025 Hot Mix Asphalt Improvements Project and provides engineering recommendations for final acceptance.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
The Recreation Supervisor position receives an updated job description emphasizing recreation programming, supervision of seasonal employees, public communication, incident reporting, conflict resolution, and community event coordination.
Council also amends FY2027 staffing authorization to formally incorporate the Recreation Supervisor position within Parks and Recreation operations. The packet does not identify additional personnel appointments or resignations for this meeting.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
Major operational projects include:
- Completion of the 2025 asphalt improvement program.
- Construction of the 12th & Davenport storm drainage improvements.
- Continuing Cody Road Phase II reconstruction.
- Mississippi River Trail design between Eagle Ridge Road and I-80.
- Engineering for the 2026 PCC panel replacement program.
- Commercial development at Midtown River Addition.
- Ongoing coordination with Iowa DOT transit assistance and transportation planning.
These projects affect transportation infrastructure, drainage, redevelopment, recreational connectivity, and long-term capital maintenance.
The principal public hearing concerns the Midtown River Addition commercial site plan. Residents have the opportunity to comment before council considers final site plan approval.
Earlier Planning and Zoning review occurred on July 23, 2026, and council will determine whether to approve the recommendation during this meeting.
Residents may see continued construction activity associated with Cody Road, stormwater improvements, and future pavement replacement projects.
Businesses near Cody Road may continue experiencing impacts while utility conflicts are resolved and construction progresses.
Property owners near 537 N. Cody Road could see additional commercial development if the site plan and tax incentive move forward.
Families and youth recreation participants may benefit from expanded Parks and Recreation staffing intended to improve programming and supervision.
Taxpayers should note continued investment in transportation, drainage, recreation, and redevelopment projects funded through capital improvement and other municipal accounts.
- Why did the city determine the lowest stormwater bidder was not the best value?
- What project schedule is expected for the 12th & Davenport improvements?
- How much additional cost has Cody Road Phase II accumulated through change orders?
- What authority does the city gain by declaring an emergency related to unrelocated utilities?
- When is the Mississippi River Trail design expected to be completed?
- What long-term economic benefits are anticipated from the Midtown River Addition project?
- How will the Urban Revitalization tax exemption affect future tax revenue?
- Will the Recreation Supervisor position expand recreation programming or operating hours?
- What additional PCC panel replacement work is planned in 2026?
- When should residents expect final completion of Cody Road Phase II?
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- August 3, 2026: City Council meeting and scheduled votes on all resolutions.
- July 10, 2026: Certified completion date for the 2025 Hot Mix Asphalt Improvements Project.
- August 13-15, 2026: TugFest special event.
- August 22, 2026: Vettes on the River event.
- Following council approval, the city expects to execute contracts, begin storm improvement construction, proceed with engineering work, finalize asphalt project close-out, continue Cody Road construction, and advance review of the Midtown River Addition development.
Key Takeaways
- Major focus remains transportation and infrastructure investment.
- Council will award a nearly $198,096 stormwater construction contract.
- Engineers recommend bypassing the apparent low bidder because of qualification concerns.
- The 2025 asphalt improvement project is ready for final close-out.
- Cody Road Phase II continues with additional change orders and utility-related challenges.
- Windstream utility relocation delays prompted a proposed emergency declaration.
- Mississippi River Trail design work would begin under a $23,496 engineering agreement.
- Midtown River Addition commercial development advances through public hearing and site plan review.
- Recreation Supervisor duties and staffing authorization are being updated.
- Tourism and community events remain an important council priority.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: City of LeClaire City Council
- Organization type: municipality
- Government body: city-council
- Location: Leclaire, iowa
- County: Scott County
- Provider: agendacenter
Keywords
LeClaire City Council, LeClaire Iowa, August 3 2026, City Council meeting, Cody Road Phase II, 12th Davenport Storm Improvements, Manatt's Inc., Valentine Construction, Veenstra & Kimm, Mississippi River Trail, Midtown River Addition, Scott Gelande, Urban Revitalization Area, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation, PCC Panel Replacement, stormwater improvements, capital improvement program, TugFest, Vettes on the River, Planning and Zoning, infrastructure, transportation, road improvements, engineering agreement, utility relocation, Windstream, Scott County, municipal development
