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Council committee approves 10-year CIP and directs larger sanitary lining funding and outreach
Summary
The committee approved the 2026–2035 capital improvement plan, discussed adding a sanitary sewer lining program and franchise-fee outreach, and instructed staff to consider increasing initial lining funding (motion recommended $100,000) and to hold a workshop on franchise fees.
Public works director Mike Abigors presented the draft 10-year capital improvement plan (CIP) for 2026–2035, describing project scoping standards (sewer, water, curb/gutter, storm, resurfacing vs reconstruct), staged design milestones, and measures to prevent paying for incomplete work.
Staff recommended two specific additions: at least $50,000 for a sanitary sewer lining program to rehabilitate lines that cannot be replaced, and a public workshop to gather input on a proposed franchise-fee program to replace certain construction funding and special assessments. Jesse Dean explained $50,000 would roughly cover lining approximately two standard city blocks and gave examples of priority areas such as North Brainerd and a deep alley in the downtown area.
Council members debated whether the CIP is funding-driven or need-driven, the adequacy of the proposed lining amount and whether to raise rates to fund infrastructure. Councilman Chesak moved to approve the 10-year CIP and recommended the full council consider starting the sanitary sewer lining program at $100,000 rather than $50,000; the motion was seconded.
Members discussed pursuing a sewer rate study, mapping long-term needs, and conducting outreach on franchise fees — a citywide approach staff said could distribute costs more equitably than individual assessments. The committee approved the CIP and the recommendation regarding lining funding by voice vote and asked staff to return with more detailed recommendations and to schedule a franchise-fee workshop.
The committee did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; Chair announced the motion carried.
