City staff and emergency responders updated the council on storm cleanup, infrastructure repairs, and related projects during the reports section.

Public Works staff said crews cleaned up localized flooding and that an upcoming manhole rehabilitation project will close Imperial and Fourth streets starting at 8:30 a.m.; the closure may spill into additional days depending on weather. “Our crews did a great job cleaning up after the storms... we didn't see a lot of damages in our city. There was some localized flooding that we're able to to address pretty fast,” Public Works said on the record. The staff also said a grit washer the council previously approved arrived last week and installation is scheduled for September.

Staff reported the city rebid a tank project after rejecting the initial bids; the lowest new bid came in roughly $277,000 lower than the initial low bid, staff said, and the council will consider awarding the contract at a future meeting. A presenter said that ratepayers would pay less for the project because of the lower bid.

Fire and emergency management staff gave damage tallies from a broader storm event and discussed sandbag availability. Chief Nance said Hopewell and the county proclaimed major emergencies for more heavily damaged areas; local crews assessed damage and worked on roads. “In total, from the final count we have was 298 power poles that were, sheared or knocked over. My understanding those are about $25,000 each to replace,” Chief Nance said. He added that because the damage appeared isolated, state or federal assistance was uncertain but staff would pursue help.

Council and staff also discussed sandbag availability; county fire and public-works staff were working to obtain and make sand available at local stations if possible. No formal council direction or emergency declaration for Imperial was recorded at the meeting.

Staff said they will return to the council with a recommendation to award the rebid tank contract at the next meeting.