Carroll City Council Signals Willingness To Vacate East Street As Kuemper Catholic Developes Facilities Plan

Pictured: Kuemper President John Steffes presents to the council during the Feb. 10, 2025 meeting.

The Carroll City Council has indicated their willingness to vacate East Street to facilitate potential expansions at Kuemper Catholic’s Holy Spirit Elementary School Campus. Kuemper President John Steffes approached the council during last night’s (Monday) meeting and explained the parochial school’s request. He says they are in the process of developing a master facilities plan and would like their architects to have the option to design to the east of their current facility.

The only residential property on that portion of East Street is the convent, which is currently owned by Kuemper Catholic, and nearly all of the traffic there is related to the school or St. Anthony Regional Hospital. City Manager Aaron Kooiker says the only consideration for the city is the existing infrastructure along the road.

Ward 3 Councilman Kyle Bauer asked who would cover the cost of relocating the water main, and Kooiker indicated that historically, the requesting party has been responsible for that. At-Large Councilman LaVern Dirkx asked Steffes about the plans for the convent.

Mayor Jerry Fleshner inquired about the expected impact on St. Anthony and the hospital administration’s thoughts on the proposal. Steffes says he has spoken with hospital officials, and the initial response has been positive. The council voted unanimously in support of the city’s willingness to vacate one block of East Street if Kuemper Catholic chooses to go that route with its expansion.