By: Katie Phillips | The News-Review
KEOTA — Plans for a community trail system in Keota took a step forward Monday as the City Council approved engineering work and authorized a grant application for the project.
Two trail-related resolutions passed unanimously by roll call vote. One approved an engineering services agreement with French-Reneker-Associates Inc. for conceptual trail planning and updated cost estimates, while the other authorized the city to apply for Iowa Transportation Alternatives Program, or TAP, funding.
The engineering agreement includes a $4,700 lump-sum fee for sketches and cost estimates needed to support the grant application. City officials said the expense would be paid by the city even if outside funding is not awarded.
Engineer Steven Pedrick of French-Reneker said the work will update estimates originally developed in 2013 and prepare materials for the TAP grant application due April 1.
The project is divided into three phases, including a trail segment near the school, improved pedestrian connections between the Kewash Trailhead, school, and park area, and trail improvements around the ball fields and pool.
Levi Lyle, who has been helping move the project forward, said the idea developed after earlier discussions about improving the Eagle Trail behind the school and learning that transportation funding may be available through Rural Planning Area 15.
Pedrick said the TAP program offers up to $280,000 and requires a 20% local match. During discussion, several possible funding sources were mentioned, including applying to the Keokuk County Endowment Fund to help cover part of the match.
Council members noted that even if the project is not immediately funded, the city would still have an updated trail plan ready for future grant opportunities.
In other business, the council approved demolition of the property at 108 W. Keokuk Ave. without discussion. The matter returned to the council after the mayor vetoed action taken at the previous meeting.
The council also set public hearings for upcoming city financial matters. A hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 property tax levy will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, at City Hall. A hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 6.
During department reports, public works staff said the city dump remains busy and spring maintenance has begun on seasonal equipment. Water flows remain slightly higher than expected following a recent water main break, and staff plan to conduct leak detection next week to locate a possible underground leak.
Public Works also reported a leaking backflow preventer at the water plant and said they are exploring whether a standard backflow prevention device could be used instead of a more expensive reduced-pressure unit. Wastewater plant operations have run smoothly through the winter.
The Keota Public Library reported strong attendance, with more than 30 people participating in recent events. Library staff also said accreditation paperwork was submitted last week, securing state funding eligibility for another three years.
The council approved payroll for Bridget Greiner, February timesheets and comp time, and set March 16 as the application deadline for two public works intern positions. The council also approved attendance for city staff at upcoming clerk training conferences in April.
Council members also discussed possible updates to the city’s ordinance regulating peddlers, solicitors, transient merchants, and food truck operations, though no formal action was taken.
During council comments, officials also noted that spring cleanup and citywide garage sales will be held in the coming weeks and encouraged residents to begin preparing for the annual events.
