Council debates wastewater design changes after DNR loadings force rework

City staff and project consultants told the council that submissions to the Department of Natural Resources resulted in revised loadings and flows that materially affected the wastewater project. The project manager said the change requires redoing flow calculations and a nutrient‑reduction study and listed individual line‑item costs for the amendment tied to the lift‑station site and the wastewater plant.

Staff explained the site elevation is roughly "about 8 feet" too tall and said the city may need to purchase or receive a deed for a small parcel of land (the presenter identified the current owner as Ag Resource, which staff said had indicated willingness to deed a portion). Council also heard that the DOT right‑of‑way in the project corridor is not clearly identified; staff recommended a survey to determine the DOT property line before finalizing plans.

Several council members and consultants warned that repeatedly reengineering the design in response to changing numbers both raises project costs and pushes the startup/completion dates. One councilmember said the city should "draw the line" and avoid endless redesign cycles; staff replied that they currently have written numbers from the DNR and that redesign work takes time and affects the funding schedule, including anticipated SRF (State Revolving Fund) conditions.

Council requested that staff proceed with necessary survey and amendment work while minimizing repeated redesigns and be mindful of SRF timelines and cost implications. No final contract award or funding appropriation was approved during the discussion; staff indicated they would return with itemized amendment costs and next steps.