LE MARS — A plan to replace traffic signals in downtown Le Mars got a green light during the Tuesday, April 1, City Council meeting.

Last summer, Stanley Consultants, Inc. of Muscatine reviewed the existing downtown traffic signal configurations and equipment and performed a signal warrant analysis on traffic control devices at the intersections of Plymouth Street and Central Avenue, Plymouth Street and First Avenue, and Central Avenue and First Street.

Much of the equipment is over 40 years old. The Public Safety Committee recommended, and City Council approved moving forward with the replacement of the traffic signal equipment in September.

A public hearing on the project will be held at the Tuesday, April 15, council meeting. Bids must be received by 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, and will be awarded at the Tuesday, May 20, council meeting. The estimated completion date is Nov. 30.

The project, with an estimated cost of $865,000, will be funded using Local Option Sales and Service Tax (LOSST).

In other news from the meeting:

  • An Edgerton, Minnesota, firm submitted the low bid to extend rail service into the Le Mars Industrial Park Fourth Addition across 27th Street SW.

Hulstein Excavating bid $349,527.80, the lowest of six bids submitted, and much lower than the engineer’s estimated cost of $504,245. A subcontractor, Ellis Eastern of SIoux Falls, S.D., will install the rail at the site by Oct. 3.

It will be paid for through tax increment financing (TIF) proceeds.

  • The council approved the second reading of an amendment to the Le Mars Code of Ordinances chapter on park regulations. The first reading was approved at the March 18 meeting.

The proposed change will include the portion of the PlyWood Trail from Le Mars to Merrill as a part of the city’s park facilities. The city has a 28E agreement with the PlyWood Trail Foundation that states that Le Mars will maintain and repair that portion. Because of that, it was important to ensure the city’s rules apply to that portion of the trail.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the second reading, and waived the third reading.

  • Seven Le Mars Police Department officers completed a competitive written examination in order to advance to a higher grade level under civil service, the council was told.

“Officers are required to complete a competitive written examination in order for them to be considered for future promotions,” Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte explained to The Le Mars Sentinel. “This list was certified as the officers who are now eligible for higher rank, when there is a vacancy in a supervisory role. This list is good for two years from time of certification.”

The Civil Service Commission met on March 17 to certify applicants from the Police Officer Promotional Examination given Feb. 27 for purposes of having a current list for promotions. The officers are Dan Plueger, Bob Rohmiller, John Kaskie, Jeff Kramer, John Vickery, Troy Beitelspacher and Steve Konz.

  • The 28E mutual aid agreement that was in place for Plymouth County, Cherokee County, Sioux County, the city of Cherokee and Le Mars, known as the Tri-County Combined Emergency Response Team (CERT), has been amended to include Sioux Center. The council endorsed the change.
  • A consumer confidence report from the Water Department was received.
  • A renewal of Baacker’s Class C Liquor License was approved, and a five-day liquor license to Baacker’s at the Convention Center Upper Level on May 29-June 2 was as well.

Habitue LLC’s Class C Liquor License was renewed, and two temporary premise transfers for the business were approved, including at Red Shed Enterprises, LLC, 800 Prospect St. SW, on April 30-May 4, and May 8-12.

  • The council approved paying $438,637.918 in bills for the period that ended March 31.
  • Although Mayor Rob Bixenman said at the start of the April 1 meeting that there would be no fooling around, the council did find some humor in thanking the Street Department for dealing with snow during the winter, which was largely snow-free.

“Just an excellent job of snow removal this year,” said a puckish Clark Goodchild. “The two times you went, even though you didn’t need to. You guys did a great job.”

Councilman Mark Sturgeon noted the department “hardly used any salt” during the winter.

And Bixenman joined in the light-hearted discussion, thanking the street workers for not messing up his retaining wall.

  • But seriously folks, the council offered thumbs-up to the opening of Jordan’s Meat Market, and the mayor saluted a Le Mars Community Athletic Booster Club fundraiser, the Gehlen Catholic Ball, and wished a fun, safe time to young people attending both school’s prom events that weekend.
  • Sturgeon congratulated Jarrod Vanderloo, who retired after 14 years with the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department.
  • Bixenman reminded people the twig and branch site is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and 1-6 p.m. Wednesday. He also noted the spring cleanup will be held May 10 and 12-16.