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Charlie Bottenberg Appointed to Waukee City Council

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image003Waukee, Iowa — At the January 30th Special Meeting, the Waukee City Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Charlie Bottenberg to fill the vacant fifth seat on the at-large council. The seat was vacated by former City Councilman Rick Peterson earlier this month, who stepped down to take a position with the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Bottenberg, who says he was already planning to run for Waukee City Council in the next election, has resided in Waukee with his wife and three children for more than a decade. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology from Drake University, an MBA from Iowa State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Drake University Law School. He operates a law firm in Waukee. He has also served as Board Chair of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and on several non-profit boards in the Waukee area.

“I want to serve because I want to give back to this community like it has given to me,” Bottenberg said. “Waukee is a fantastic place to live, to work and to raise a family. I look forward to adding my thoughts and perspectives to a Council that has already done so much for our City.”

Bottenberg will be sworn in at the Monday, Feb. 6 Regular Meeting, with the term ending December 31, 2017.

From City of Waukee

Waukee City Council Member Rick Peterson Submits Resignation

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rick-peterson-webWaukee City Council Member Rick Peterson announced his resignation from the City Council at the Monday, Jan. 3 regular meeting. Peterson has accepted a position with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and thus is resigning to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve the residents of Waukee during this time of unprecedented growth for our city,” Peterson said. “I look forward to this next chapter in my professional life, as well as finding other ways to serve my community.”

Peterson took office in January 2014 and has lived in Waukee for seven years. He also was serving as Mayor Pro Tem at the time of his resignation.
“I’m so proud to have been able to serve alongside Rick,” said Waukee Mayor Bill Peard. “He has been a very conscientious Council Member who has shown the passion he has for Waukee through all of his actions.”

At a special meeting planned for Wednesday, Jan. 11, Mayor Peard and Waukee City Council Members will lay out a plan of action for filling the newly vacated seat. Mayor Peard will also appoint a new Mayor Pro Tem.

Grand Prairie Parkway Now Open

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Grand Prairie Parkway: New Gateway to Waukee Alleviates Traffic and Opens Doors for Development

After 15 years of planning, budgeting, designing, and constructing, the $50 million Grand Prairie Parkway roadway and interchange project was completed and opened to the public on Dec. 1.

City of Waukee officials, staff, and business leaders gathered on its opening day with counterparts from the City of West Des Moines and the Iowa Department of Transportation to celebrate the accomplishment of the collaborative project.

Former U.S. Congressman Tom Latham, who played an integral role in securing federal funding for the roadway, spoke at the gathering. “This is going to change the whole community—the whole region. It will have a tremendous impact,” said Latham. “I’m so glad to see what we worked on for years and years finally completed and being used.”

Waukee Mayor Bill Peard admits it was an emotional day for all invested in the project. “I’ve served as either Waukee Mayor or on the Waukee City Council since 1998. Bringing this new gateway to Waukee has been a high priority during that time. Waukee city councilmembers, legislators, staff members, and I worked very hard to make Grand Prairie Parkway a reality,” he said. “To say I was proud as I first traveled on it would be an understatement. It was a monumental day for the City of Waukee.”

The 2.25-­mile Grand Prairie Parkway has already seen its share of users since opening day. Early traffic counts from Foth Infrastructure & Environment show 8,000 drivers traveled the corridor on day one, and usage is expected to grow.

Another study has already shown decreased traffic on previously burdened roads like Jordan Creek Parkway and Hickman Road.

GPP-145While some were nervous about the new diverging diamond interchange design, most drivers seem to be catching on quickly. “The design of the diverging diamond is a game changer—smart and efficient—and it is our first new option for heading to work,” said Waukee resident Tom Buckmiller. “Hickman and especially

University have been so congested during the commutes recently. Grand Prairie Parkway is a great alternative with fewer traffic lights, less traffic, and less stress.”

Waukee resident Missy Welch agreed. “It shaves about seven minutes off my commute to work,” she said. “Plus, I’m looking forward to seeing which businesses and other things pop up along the way.”

She’s not the only one. “Some may look at this as the end of a project, but this is only the beginning,” said Peard. “This opens up Waukee to the world, and we’re already receiving positive feedback from developers. Over the next several years, the Kettlestone area will start to take shape and should really improve Waukee residents’ access to jobs within the city, as well as to fine dining, new retail, personal services, and more.”

While drivers get used to the new roadway and interchange, they can anticipate the continuation of South Grand Prairie Parkway as a new direct connection to West Des Moines, as well. Construction is currently underway for the roadway portion south of the I­80 overpass. City of West Des Moines officials anticipate a completion date of late fall 2016.

Up Next: Widening Alice’s Road

Even before the addition of Grand Prairie Parkway, the widening of Alice’s Road was on the radar of City of Waukee officials. It is now a priority in the Waukee City Council’s five­year Capital Improvement Plan.

Phase One of this multi­year project will include the widening of Alice’s Road from University Avenue to SE Olson. Based on the financing structure of city bonds, funding for Phase One will become available in the spring of 2018.

Phase Two will include the portion from SE Olson Drive to Hickman Road, with funding becoming available in the spring of 2019. A trail underpass is also planned to be constructed just north of SE Olson. The entire project is estimated to cost $15 million.

Alice’s Road will remain open during construction. It is the city’s goal to have ongoing communication with citizens about the timing of this project and any traffic inconveniences.

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