The Board of Public Works and Safety on Wednesday, July 23 approved a State Revolving Fund reimbursement and authorized a payment request for wastewater work while receiving updates on water and wastewater projects including a downtown interceptor and lead service line replacements.

City staffer Al told the board the meeting opened with progress on several fronts. “Well, we got a lot going on, but it's down to a dull roar,” Al said, summarizing project activity.

The board voted to approve SRF disbursement number 45 for $23,891. The board also approved a separate motion allowing the mayor to sign a payment request to a wastewater contractor for $122,695 once the phase 2 loan is established. The board recorded the motions as passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: the approvals free small reimbursements and a near-term contractor payment so construction and remaining punch-list work can continue; the board was also briefed on multi-year programs that will affect rates and future borrowing.

Staff told the board the water-supply work is progressing, with remaining temporary easements being finalized and a contractor scheduled to mobilize in August for the lead service line replacement project. "They will be boring holes on the city side of the service line to confirm material type. If it's lead, they'll replace it," Al said, describing how crews will check materials before replacing customer-side lines.

Al said the city received notice of funding approval for $5,000,000 for the planned 2026 lead service line replacement project, and that the work is part of the city’s rate-increase financing package. He said the city intends to cover remaining lead lines in a 2026 project and, if needed, a third phase thereafter.

On wastewater, staff said the city holds an NPDES permit allowing discharge from the wet-weather facility. Staff reported mixers were repaired and contractors continue punch-list work; staff recommended release of $122,695 to the contractor, leaving $608,000 in retainage.

The board was also updated on the downtown interceptor: preconstruction was held July 9, subsurface utility locating is underway and crews will begin construction at two locations, adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant and near the 231 and Harrington intersection. Staff said a phased schedule is planned to begin in August or September.

Separately, the Southeast wastewater treatment plant design is nearing value-engineering completion with submissions expected around September; staff said loan closing for that project will likely occur in either the third quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2026.

Ending: board members asked no additional questions after the updates. Several items discussed — including the $122,695 pay application — are contingent on establishing loan paperwork before funds are released.