The City Council of Webster City moved the splash pad project forward Monday by approving the acquisition of materials, despite having no solid numbers for construction costs for the project.

This was a sticking point for Councilman Matt McKinney, but discussion regarding the likely increase of materials as time passes, and a confidence that the city can finish funding the project through business and private contributions, grants and city monies bolstered a vote of confidence by the council with Councilman Logan Welch absent.

“It makes me a little uncomfortable not knowing the construction costs,” McKinney said early in the conversation.

An engineer’s estimate shows the project would cost $448,550.

Private contributions and a $55,000 Iowa Economic Development grant have raised $183,690, Breanne Lesher, the city’s Recreation & Public Grounds director told the council Monday.

“If no additional dollars are contributed towards the project, it is anticipated that the City will pay

$264,860 towards the completion of the project. Staff has 90 days to continue fundraising based on the (IEDA) grant conditions of approval. To date, the City has paid $25,037.63 in engineering services associated with the project,” according to the council packet.

The city will request proposals on material from vendors in an amount not to exceed

$135,000, Lesher said.

The timeline for the project is as follows:

November 21, 2023, receive proposal from splash pad manufacturer or representative;

November 27, 2023, evaluate proposals and make recommendation;

December 4, 2023, city council to set a public hearing for the construction contract award;

December 5, 2023, issue notice to bidders for construction contract;

January 15, 2024, public hearing and award of construction contract;

May 15, 2024, start construction;

June 30, 2024, substantial construction completion.