Conservation approves plan to repair lodge, office

Union County Conservation Board Monday began repairing the damage done to their property during the April 26 tornado.

The board, represented by Tom Lesan, Katie Carlton and Shon Berry, approved two different repair contracts; one for the office and shop and another for the lodge, all at Three Mile Lake. L.J. Roth Restoration’s bids of $395,850 for the lodge and $475,000 for the office and shop were approved. L.J. Roth is based in Olds, north of Mount Pleasant in southeast Iowa, and was recommended by the county’s insurance carrier.

“They want a signed contract and want it fixed as soon as we can get it fixed to stop from damaging occurring to the lodge,” said conservation director Doug Jones. Since April 26, openings in the lodge have been covered with plywood or tarps. Jones said ensuing rains continue to cause damage to the building.

“They want it fixed,” Jones said.

Jones said weeks after the damage, he had considered using the opportunity to expand the lodge while repairing. Since its debut more 20 plus years ago, the lodge has become a success and popular site for weddings and other events. Jones said he had to cancel more than two dozen scheduled events at the lodge through November. A number of those were wedding related.

Jones said as soon as insurance reviews the board’s actions Monday, repair work will be scheduled. L.J. said all the work can be done in 90 days.

There was not enough time to plan and fund a lodge expansion, now.

“That was the hold up to the expansion,” Jones said. “It was going to take too much time and we didn’t have the money to do the expansion.”

Jones said expansion is still on the table.

“We are still going to do this. We are still going to write grants and seek money anywhere and everywhere to expand this lodge.” he said.

Repairing the office and shop will have the organization back to running normal.

“Get us out of the park ranger’s basement. Get us a shop. Get our tools back so they are not scattered in three different places and start running our department the way it should be rather than scattered everywhere,” Jones said.

The insurance policy includes contingencies. Jones said to expect additional damage discovered during the work. The contractor was not interested in the flooring of lodge. Lesan said it appears the roof of the lodge was momentarily lifted during the tornado as drawstrings for the window shades and were found pinched between the roof and the top of the walls.

“There could be a lot of things behind the drywall we don’t know about,” Lesan said.

In addition to the buildings, the conservation board also approved the purchase of two pickups to replace ones damaged in the storm.

The board approved a bid of $45,600 from Stalker Chrysler for a 2024 Ram 2500 pickup.

A Ford pickup was totaled by insurance, but conservation purchased it back from insurance and is wanting to sell it by bid. The pickup has moderate damage including glass and a hole in the cab. Bids are being accepted through Wednesday. The pickup is sold as is. The board also approved a bid from Creston Automotive for $50,670 for a Ford F250 pickup.

“I’m not partial to vehicles. I’m not going to say one good or bad thing about any of them. A brand new 2024 three-quarter ton pickup, I don’t care what kind of emblem is on them.”

In other conservation news...

Three Mile Lake water level is down about 8 feet from capacity as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is making various improvements to the lake from sediment retainment to fishing habitat. Jones expects the lake will be lowered an additional 3 feet after Labor Day to make the work more efficient and stated in the contract.

“Right now we at the mercy of mother nature,” Jones said.

Work is expected to be finished in spring 2025.

“That’s a huge project,” Jones said. “One year being drawn down, bite your lip and enjoy the benefits of what they are doing right now for the next however many years; a long time for water quality. I like that they are doing it. I get it,” he said.

Jones said preliminary work for the two new housekeeping cabins at Three Mile Lake are ongoing.