ESTHERVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) — The Estherville City Council moved forward with several projects Monday, including improvements to Ninja Park, upgrades at the municipal airport and efforts to secure grant funding for flood buyouts.

During the regular city council meeting on July 6, council members voted to replace the rubber mulch surface at Ninja Park with an artificial turf product.

City Administrator Penny Clayton said the change will not only improve accessibility for park users but also help protect the city from future flood-related expenses.

 

 

Clayton said the city’s total share of the project will be approximately $52,000, with funding coming from parks revenues and general fund reserves.

The council also approved two engineering agreements for the Grass Parallel Taxiway Project at the Estherville Municipal Airport.

Clayton said the project is needed in part because of the growing demand generated by Iowa Lakes Community College’s flight training program.

 

 

She said the completed taxiway project will allow aircraft to move more safely and efficiently around the airport, helping accommodate the heavy volume of training traffic.

Council members also approved an agreement with the Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission to pursue Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief funding for FEMA flood buyout projects involving two homes impacted by the 2024 flooding.

 

 

Clayton said the city will spend about $2,500 on grant-writing assistance, which could help cover roughly $25,000 in local matching funds.

The council also approved several Sweet Corn Days requests and handled other routine business during Monday’s meeting.