Council accepts feasibility study and authorizes design for 26th Street utility improvements

City Engineer Matt Bauman presented the feasibility study for the 2026 26th Street Utility Improvement projects (PW2601 and PW2602) on Jan. 13, describing targeted reconstructions, water-main replacements and mill-and-overlay candidates across the Dutch Lake neighborhood and downtown.

Bauman flagged repeated water-main breaks in the Dutch Lake area and older mains on Old Shoreline Drive and Marion Lane as reasons to move certain streets into reconstruction rather than simple overlay. He outlined a pavement-management approach, coordination needs to limit impact on the farmers market (staging Marion Lane and Old Shoreline alternately), and grant opportunities to offset sanitary and sewer costs.

Estimated construction cost presented was about $2.6 million with 25% indirect costs for a total preliminary project estimate of approximately $3.2 million. The proposed schedule called for council to accept the study and authorize final design at this meeting, advertise bids in April, award in May, conduct summer construction with substantial completion in the fall, and finalize punch-list items the following spring.

A councilor moved to pass resolution 26-10 to receive the report, authorize preparation of plans/specs and advertise for bids; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff will return with refined numbers at bid-ready design and report back when award recommendations are available.