New Berlin utility committee recommends council approve MMSD I&I funding and multiple water contracts

The New Berlin Utility Committee on Jan. 28 recommended the Common Council approve a Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) funding agreement and several professional and construction contracts to investigate and repair the city’s water and sewer infrastructure.

The committee voted, by voice, to advance a $338,400 MMSD funding agreement for private-property infiltration and inflow (I&I) work and to advance contracts for dye testing, leak detection, a lift-station repair contract and design work for a Green Ridge water-main replacement. Staff told the committee the MMSD money is reimbursable under the city’s agreement with MMSD.

Why it matters: Committee members said the work is intended to reduce I&I and the number of main-line breaks. Staff said the next targeted area is the city’s northeast section, where older clay pipe and recent directional boring have increased risk of cracked lines.

Key approvals and details

- MMSD funding agreement (UT01-25): The committee recommended approval of a funding agreement with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for private-property I&I work, not to exceed $338,400. A staff member said, “All that money gets reimbursed through our agreement with MMSD.” The funding is described by staff as reimbursable; the committee took a voice vote to recommend approval to the Common Council.

- Dye-testing consulting contract with R.A. Smith (UT02-25):…