City reports 25 confirmed lead lines and more than 1,000 unknowns; staff to apply for state funding in 2025

City Manager Becca updated the Morris City Council on a state‑mandated lead‑service‑line assessment. She said contractors and grant partners (WIDSSET/Widsouth in the transcript) completed a first phase this summer that resulted in a database identifying homes with confirmed lead lines (about 25) and a larger group that remain 'unknown' (a little over 1,000 in the transcript). Unknown entries typically occur when inspectors could not access a basement or when there was uncertainty about the material in the street right‑of‑way.

Becca said letters were sent to homeowners identified as having lead lines, galvanized lines or unknown lines; properties that received no letter are presumed to have acceptable lines. She said the state has allocated funds for lead‑line replacement but the city must apply; staff expects to be eligible to apply in 2025 and anticipates allocations in 2026. Becca described two likely implementation approaches under consideration: (1) have a single city‑appointed contractor perform replacements or (2) allow homeowners to solicit bids and manage their own replacement with city assistance, depending on the award terms.

Council members asked how the city will prioritize outreach and clarified that some 'unknown' results were due to inability to access properties or uncertain street main conditions. Staff urged residents with questions to call the city or use a dedicated lead assessment email address established for this program.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff will prepare an application for state funds in 2025, continue resident outreach to resolve 'unknown' statuses and coordinate implementation planning once funds are allocated.