Community Center Costs and Hy-Vee Among Discussion Topics at Waukee City Council

The l discussed a packed agenda at its regular meeting Monday night at Waukee City Hall.

Among quarterly reports from the Waukee Chamber of Commerce and the Waukee Public Library, increased costs of the Waukee Community Center and site plan extension were discussed.

The council debated an increased cost for the new Waukee Community Center at the site of the old fire station, 355 Seventh St. Original cost of the project was set at $400,000. The current proposal states that costs associated with the project not exceed $575,000.

Brad Deets, development services director for the city of Waukee, said the increase in costs can be attributed to improvements to the adjacent park area, streetscapes, utility work and an extension of the downtown area.

Council members Mike Watts, Shelly Hughes, Dan Dutcher, Casey Harvey and Shane Blanchard all agreed they'd like to see bids come in well under the $575,000 mark. 

"I thought it was pretty clear that was not an acceptable price," said Harvey. "I don’t think anyone has that number in their head to spend, at least not the council as a whole."

Final bids on the project are due Tuesday.

The proposed Hy-Vee Store at Northeast Alice's Road and Hickman Road also got an extension Monday night. The original site plan was approved on Feb. 28, 2011. The Waukee City Council has approved an extension through Feb. 27, 2013. Construction is expected to begin on the store this spring.

The Dallas County Foundation Grants

Marty Glanz, president of the board of directors for the Dallas County Foundation, spoke to the Waukee council regarding $90,000 in grants the foundation has available for Dallas County non-profits.

The Dallas County Foundation issues these grants annually for non-profit organizations with an eye on projects that will benefit Dallas County residents. These grants, according to a handout from the Foundation, should support arts and culture, youth development, education, environment and community betterment, health and human services, and recreation.

The city of Waukee received a $5,000 grant for the completion of the Heart of the Warrior trail in 2011.

Applications are available and will be accepted through April 2. For more information, applicants are urged to visit the Dallas County Foundation website.

The Waukee Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report

Melinda Behn, executive director of the , gave the Chamber's quarterly report to the Waukee City Council Monday night.

According to Behn, among other news, the Waukee Chamber raised more than $6,000 in a silent auction at its annual dinner on Jan. 29. There were 186 Chamber members in attendance.

Also along the lines of fundraising, the Waukee Chamber of Commerce presented the Y Partners campaign at the Waukee Family YMCA a check for $250. The Y Partners is a fundraising campaign that provides financial assistance for individuals and families participating in programs at the YMCA.

Behn also announced the Waukee Chamber of Commerce has moved from its offices in Waukee City Hall at 230 W. Hickman Road to space next door at 236 W. Hickman Road. The Chamber will share the space with the Waukee Economic Development Corporation. They will hold a ribbon-cutting in May.

News from the Waukee Public Library

director Erik Surber gave the library's quarterly report to the council Monday.

The report noted that $1,400 was raised for the Waukee Public Library at the annual Festival of Trees held Dec. 1.

Surber said the Library has also saved $3,447.38 this quarter thanks to the support of its volunteers.

Additionally, Surber's reported a 42 percent increase in program attendance at the Waukee Public Library, October through December with an 18 percent increase in library patrons during that same period.