Council approves targeted transfers for water/sewer repairs, pauses proposed lead-and-copper consultant spending pending further analysis

Public Works staff brought several items related to finished projects and upcoming required work. Council approved transfers (item 9f) to cover higher-than-budget bids on two projects: a 2-inch main replacement in North Heights (about $46,620) and an extension for a sewer tie-in/grade correction on Fourth Street (previously labeled as Tenth Street project). After the necessary transfers were approved, the council approved a related change order (item 9g) to extend sewer main work to correct elevations and ensure gravity drainage in the downtown Fourth Street corridor.

Lead-and-copper rule work (items 9h/9i): Staff then presented a request to transfer reserves (and to award a consultant contract) for a thorough service-line inventory and testing in two older districts under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. Staff said the consultant estimate to inspect approximately 8,189 service lines would be about $100 per service line and that the full remaining inventory for the city would be about 8,189 lines for consultant scope and 33,000 lines remaining overall; completing the inventory is tied to federal reporting deadlines (service-line inventory and public reporting due by Nov. 1, 2027). Council questioned the cost and the legal and fiscal implications of replacing customer-side lines (private property) if replacement becomes required; several council members said the federal rule could impose an unfunded mandate because local taxpayers may be asked to pay for private-side replacements. Council directed staff to pause and provide additional information (FTE needs, equipment, estimated CIP ranges and legal/funding research) and took no action on the $818,000 consultant request at this meeting.