It was a busy evening for the City Council of Webster City Tuesday as a second change order to the rebuilding of Fair Meadow Drive, an increase in a few of the fees charged for city-performed services, permits and licenses, and another grant to complete renovation of The Elks downtown were approved.

A total of $35,269.72 and 10 additional working days was approved for reconstruction of Fair Meadow Drive west of Des Moines Street. The change is needed, Street Department Supervisor Brandon Bahrenfuss said, to protect the city’s large investment in new pavement and underground utilities now under construction.

Currently, the city allows outflow from residential sump pumps to discharge into city streets, but if that continues on a stretch of Fair Meadow Drive now being rebuilt, pavement damage due to “accelerated freeze-thaw cycles, joint cracking, asphalt rutting and potholes,” will result.

It will also undermine the roadbed beneath the street, resulting in settling of the road and frost-heaving.

Bahrenfuss also cited slippery footing for pedestrians and hazards arising from sump lines on public sidewalks as another justification for the change order.

Speaking specifically of residential sump pumps west of Rodlyn Road on Fair Meadow Drive, Bahrenfuss commented, “These sumps run all year round, even in winter, and we need to get that water off the road to get the expected life from these improvements.”

The engineer overseeing construction for the city agreed the cost of the change order is “fair and reasonable,” and “will enhance long-term roadway performance, safety and public infrastructure protection.”

The Council also ratified minor increases in city fees suggested by staff. A new fee of $75 will be assessed for use of the north shelter at Kendall Young Park, which has been extensively remodeled. Rental fees for the open shelter in West Twin Park remains unchanged at $75 a day.

New this fiscal year are fees assessed on vacant buildings, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Designed to encourage owners to lease vacant buildings in a timely way, they range from $250 for a vacant residence to $1,000 for vacant commercial or industrial buildings in year one of the vacancy. Fees remain the same for years two to four, but double in year five. Experience has shown that over longer periods of time, vacant buildings can develop safety hazards or become a public nuisance.

LIFT WC requested, and will receive, another $25,000 from the City of Webster City to fund what is forecast to be the final phase of its renovation of The Elks, the historic building that once housed the Elks Club. The money, plus a $1,000 grant from Hamilton County, will help LIFT WC apply for a further $75,000 Community Action & Tourism — CAT — grant. Most of the main floor of the building will be the new home of Wildcat Distilling Co., while the second-floor ballroom and catering kitchen will be available to rent for private events.

In other action, the Council approved 18 internal transfers totaling $4,331,426.16 to realign accounts for fiscal year 2026, which began July 1, 2025. City Finance Director Dodie Wolfgram explained, “These are 2024-2025 year-end reconciliations, which, if approved tonight, will be posted with a date of June 30, 2025.”

It also approved purchase of lots 16 and 17 on block 68 in Original Webster City from Jerome D. and Lori L. Kloberdanz for $4,000. The property is located along River Street in the flood plain, although “there is also a buildable area,” according to City Manager John Harrenstein.

In general, building new structures in flood plains is prohibited, although variances can be obtained under special conditions.

Mayor John Hawkins issued two official proclamations — one for Doodlebug Days and another for National Train Week.

Again, this year the Doodlebug Club of America, headquartered in Webster City, will hold its annual Doodlebug Reunion from September 10 to 13 at Hamilton County Fairgrounds. The event is open to the public and there is no admission charge.

National Train Week calls attention for the need for safety when crossing railroad tracks. Each year in America more than 1,000 people are killed when hit by trains.