Bypass interchange work may light up next council agenda

The probability of lighting the Highway 75 Bypass interchanges into Le Mars may well be among agenda items in the near future for the Le Mars City Council.

Councilman Rex Knapp Tuesday shared with fellow council members the issue, which the joint urban renewal board addressed at its meeting earlier this week.

"It's too dark out there at night for people to see where we are," Knapp said. "The lack of lighting at the bypass interchanges is not helping us get people into Le Mars nor is it giving us the opportunity to show property that, should people get in, they'd be interested in buying."

He urged the council to consider putting up lights.

"I know I've said in earlier discussions that I don't want more lights and light bulbs adding to our city expenses, but in this case, it's different situation," he added.

Knapp said the county also supports the additional bypass lighting, and there could possibly a cost-share effort with the county.

City Administrator Scott Langel said he has already met with MidAmerican Energy representatives concerning lighting needs for the west Highway 3 and north Highway 75 interchanges. He also met with North West Rural Electric Cooperative personnel on the south interchange that is under its jurisdiction.

"We've run hot and cold on this issue," Knapp said, "and now we have to get pushing the area for development."

He said what he termed "more decorative" landscaping was also discussed at the urban renewal board meeting. It's possible, Knapp said, Iowa State University (ISU) students could assist with the project at a cost affordable for the city.

Langel said, meanwhile, another group of ISU students, these from the university's school of design, may be giving the city future help in the design development for the pond behind Wal-Mart.

He said Carol Schneider, director of the Iowa State University Extension in Le Mars, has been instrumental in providing direction to pursue the possibility of the pond design project with ISU.

The council also learned Tuesday the new police department roof project has been completed, and that a meeting has been held with the Canadian National Railroad and Antioch regarding a master rail spur plan.

Fire Chief Wayne Schipper, appearing briefly at Tuesday's council session, said renovation work is well under way for the new fire department headquarters.

"We hope to be in within a couple months," Schipper said.