Resident complaints about lead-line contractor notifications prompt council attention

Several residents used the public-comment period to say contractor crews working on lead-service-line projects entered yards and dug without prior notice and that the city’s contractor notification and coordination process needs improvement.

Resident Dave Nelson said he had repeatedly contacted city officials before crews dug up his front yard, and that crews did not provide advance notification at his home. He said his property already had copper water service and recently replaced sewer and gas lines, and that crews nevertheless dug two holes and later left a contractor tag on his door after the work. Nelson said he had raised the problem with DPW staff and the city manager and called the contractor; he reported being told there were many crews and oversight was inconsistent.

Nelson and other speakers urged the city to require stricter notification from contractors and to coordinate better with MissDig (the service that marks underground utilities) before excavation. One resident said MissDig did not arrive until two weeks after holes were dug, increasing the risk of striking other utilities.

Why it matters: excavation without timely, clear notice can damage underground utilities and create safety risks. Residents asked the council and administration to improve contractor oversight, resident notification and MissDig coordination for ongoing lead-line replacement work.

The comments were made during the public-comment portion of the Feb. 4 meeting; the council did not take immediate formal action but heard the complaints and staff were copied on remarks for follow-up.