Hibbing HPU approves $240,000 design package to target lead service lines; orders potholing quotes and seeks vac-truck pricing

Hibbing Public Utilities commissioners voted Feb. 17 to approve design and engineering for a focused 2026 lead service-line removal project and related preparatory work needed to qualify for state grant funding.

Staff asked the commission to authorize Bolton & Menk to prepare design and bid documents for two two-block projects (two blocks on 4th Avenue East and two blocks on 4th Avenue West) with a not-to-exceed design cost of $240,000. Andy Ratzler, who presented the scope, said the proposal includes full water-main replacement with service-line work where appropriate and that completed plans must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health by the March 31 certification deadline to be eligible for awarded grant funds.

Commissioners debated bid packaging, and Commissioner Hart successfully moved to approve the design contract with the bid form structured to separate 4th Avenue East and 4th Avenue West as base and combined-bid options. Ratzler said staff will consider base bids and add-alternates so the utility can award work to meet budget and construction goals.

Staff also obtained authorization to solicit quotes for potholing services (vacuum excavation) to verify service-line materials as required for Department of Health certification; staff noted potholing is likely a ratepayer-funded expense until dedicated grant funding is available. To support in-house potholing efforts, the commission also authorized staff to solicit pricing to lease a vacuum truck (new units approach $1,000,000), which staff said could reduce long-term potholing costs and support other plant and gas-crew uses.

Why it matters: Staff emphasized both compliance (Department of Health certification) and cost-effectiveness. Andy said the older water mains in the targeted neighborhoods often require full street reconstruction to ensure long-term road and utility restoration rather than piecemeal patchwork.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the design scope with Bolton & Menk, structure the bid package as directed, submit plans for Department of Health review by March 31, solicit potholing quotes, and return with procurement recommendations.