(Le Mars) — During Tuesday’s Le Mars city council meeting, longtime council member Rex Knapp made the announcement that he would not be seeking re-election to the city council. Knapp has served as a council member for the last 28 years. His position is an At-large council seat, meaning anyone within the city borders can seek his seat, and doesn’t have to reside within
a specific city district. Le Mars has seen growth during Knapp’s tenure. He says he recalls when the former Teikeo-Westmar College had closed its doors, and the city obtained ownership of the facilities, but fortunately was able to convert the Westmar Commons into the City Convention Center. Another building acquired by the city consisted of the former Westmar College gymnasium that was turned into the Community Wellness Center, or YMCA.
During Knapp’s tenure as a city council member, the city acquired the former Rural Electric Cooperative building and made it Fire Station Number 1. The Le Mars Public Library saw a renovation project. The Police Department moved to the former Motor Inn auto dealership building after it was renovated to better accommodate the Police Department’s
expanding needs. A new Public Works building was constructed to accommodate the streets department and parks department. A new wastewater treatment facility was constructed on the west side of town. The town saw expansion in the Industrial Park area with several production businesses starting, adding to the city’s growth and employment opportunities. A second water tower was constructed on the far south side of town to better accommodate the growth of the city. Floyd Valley Healthcare had expanded its facilities and during the same time took over the medical clinic. In the near future, KLEM radio will visit with Knapp to get his viewpoint on the many changes that have occurred in Le Mars during his tenure as a city council member.
