The Mount Pleasant City Council took action Wednesday night on several community projects, including purchasing a building for a future childcare center and moving forward with the new United Thru Play playground.
The council approved a purchase agreement for the former Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design property at 2235 East Washington Street. The city will purchase the property from M & K Investments LLC for $450,000, with plans to use the building as a permanent home for the Mount Pleasant Childcare Center. The purchase agreement included in the council packet identifies the property as approximately 2.18 acres.
The council also authorized Mayor Steve Brimhall to sign a contract with Burke – Play That Moves You for the new United Thru Play playground. The $332,312.63 project includes playground structures, sub-base and installation and will be funded through Local Option Sales Tax and park donations.
The city is also pursuing funding for the Washington-Grand Connector Trail. The council approved applications for two Iowa Department of Transportation grant programs. Plans call for a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail extending about eight-tenths of a mile along Washington Street from South Cherry Street to South Iris Street, then another nine-tenths of a mile north along Grand Avenue from East Bell Drive to East Henry Street. The city would be responsible for a 20% local match if grant funding is awarded.
In other business, Jennifer Moutrie was appointed to a three-year term on the Airport Advisory Board. The council also approved a request from Midwest Central Railroad to close McMillan Park to vehicle traffic Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a private railroad photo charter event.
During the public forum, an update was also given on the Winfield Avenue project. The final concrete is expected to be poured this week, with the project currently projected for completion by mid-October.