Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears water-system update; approves $1.5M bond to protect supply
Summary
Public works reported reservoirs around 72% and progress on a 24-inch water main replacement with roughly $3.5 million in federal support; the council approved $1.5 million in serial bonds to acquire land to protect the municipal water supply.
Public works officials told the Common Council the city's reservoirs are at roughly 72 percent and that winter weather exposed vulnerabilities in the system and equipment.
"The reservoirs are 72%... We are really in a bad shape regarding rain events," the public works speaker reported, noting that snow did not translate into significant runoff and that the department is seeing recurring water-main breaks during freeze–thaw cycles.
Officials said design on a second 24-inch water main is approaching 90 percent and that the project has approximately $3.5 million in federal funding through Congressman Ryan's office. Staff also said they have secured state approval for an additional grant and low-interest loan to support phase 2 of raw-water-line work and are preparing paperwork to submit for those funds.
Council subsequently approved a resolution authorizing $1.5 million in serial bonds for additional land acquisition to protect the city's water supply. The resolution was recorded as carried on a roll-call vote.
Public works also reported plans to shop for a new snow blower after a recent storm exposed the age and limitations of existing equipment. Council members directed staff to proceed with required paperwork for grants and to move forward on design and procurement matters as needed.
