Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lakeville City public works quarterly report highlights road projects, water savings and invasive‑species removals
Summary
Public Works Director Paul Omi updated the Lakeville City Council on street and utility projects — including Dodd Boulevard work, well and water‑tower work, a 23% year‑over‑year drop in water use through Sept. 30, and nearly 2,800 pounds of invasive fish removed from Eastlake this year.
Paul Omi, Lakeville’s public works director, told the City Council the department is closing out several 2024 projects and preparing for construction next year.
“Segment 1 [of the Dodd Boulevard turnback] has been open since about July, and Segment 2 is ready to be opened here in October 18, weather permitting,” Omi said, noting crews were finishing restoration and placing the wear course.
Omi said the city’s street-reconstruction program is about 85% complete for the year, with remaining segments targeted for completion by November. He described progress on Well 23 off 190th Street — drilling is complete and site work, electrical and pump installation will follow — and said that project should be substantially complete in 2025.
On water use, Omi reported that through Sept. 30 the city’s water consumption was down roughly 23% compared with 2023, a reduction he attributed largely to the wet summer this year. The city launched a water-efficiency rebate program in July and has received a large number of resident rebate requests; Omi said staff is considering program changes to broaden rebate eligibility in future years.
Utility locates are up about 11% year over year, Omi said, reflecting activity from two new residential fiber‑optic companies installing network in neighborhoods. He also described operational work underway in the streets division — tree removals, pothole patching, sweeping and winterization — and said crews are preparing equipment for the snow and ice season.
On environmental projects, Omi highlighted joint work with Vermillion Watershed and Dakota County to remove invasive fish from Eastlake. "Just this year alone, we've removed almost 2,800 pounds of invasive species fish from the lake," he said, and staff plan another seining next year to improve habitat, reduce phosphorus loading and enhance recreational value.
Omi outlined emerald ash borer (EAB) management: staff expect to remove about 130 ash trees from right of way over the winter and have injected 841 ash trees to preserve them. He noted the city received nearly $340,000 in EAB grant funds to remove infested trees in parks; this fall crews will remove 58 park trees and plant about 116 replacement trees, a roughly 2:1 replacement ratio.
Omi also announced staffing additions: Grace Benson joined as a forestry technician in September, and Michelle Tyberg began a one‑year AmeriCorps term as climate‑impact coordinator to assist forestry and environmental programs. He closed by listing upcoming community events, including a water‑education event on Oct. 18 and several recycling and drop‑off programs.
The report concluded with Omi standing for questions; the council thanked staff for the update and moved to other agenda business.
