Contracts awarded for McKinley Lake restoration

The McKinley Lake Restoration Project is another step closer to completion with the approval of three contracts by the Creston City Council Tuesday.

The restoration of McKinley Lake was approved in the November 2021 ballot. The project includes lake sediment removal (dredging), shoreline improvements, improvement of fish habitat and angling access and other recreational amenities.

The draining of the lake began in August, though that has had issues because of the sediment in the lake and rain.

As work on McKinley Lake continues, a contract with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is an important next step. According to the contract, the purpose is for the DNR to reimburse Creston for work done to restore the lake, including engineering and construction.

Pursuant to the contract, the restoration and reimbursement should be completed no later than June 30, 2026. The project is not to exceed $3,587,768, with the city invoicing the DNR for 50% of the total project costs.

Regarding the restoration of the lake, four bids were received. The lowest bid came from JNC Construction, based in Clearfield. With a bid of $2,715,984, JNC bid more than $700k below the predicted probable cost.

JNC’s work at McKinley Lake will include the cleaning and reconstruction of the lake, as well as working on jetties, more fish habitat and ADA parking.

This is not JNC’s first foray in Union County. In fact, JNC is currently working on a more than $3 million project at Three Mile Lake, estimated to be completed in early 2025.

The third contract isn’t with a stranger to the community, either. Creston has been working with Houston Engineering since the beginning of the lake project. This North Dakota-based engineering firm performed the preliminary planning, including calculating costs, taking a look at the environmental impact and securing funding.

The newest contract with Houston Engineering is regarding construction on the lake, including lake dredging, low-level draining and other improvements. According to the contract, construction is expected to begin Dec. 1.

In other city council news…

A number of appointments were made to various city boards. Raymond Kegerize was appointed to the board of adjustment, with his term expiring July 1, 2027.

Sarah Scull and Karen Stover were appointed to the historic preservation commission, with terms expiring March 3, 2026, and March 3, 2027, respectively.

Jeremy Rounds and Paul Stover were appointed to the planning and zoning commission, with terms expiring Nov. 13, 2026, and Nov. 13, 2027, respectively.

Mark Eblen and Ann Levine were reappointed to the water works board of trustees at a four to three vote. Councilmembers Kiki Scarberry, Jocelyn Blazek and Martin Graham voted against the appointments. Eblen and Levine’s terms expire Dec. 21, 2030.

The council voted to terminate the development agreement between the city of Creston and Agnew Lofts, LLC, as well as to approve the submission of a termination letter for the Downtown Housing Grant for the same location.