Council hears $85,000 drainage‑survey request and opens discussion on burying power lines

Council members on March 23 discussed two planning items that would shape future infrastructure work: an $85,000 proposal to expand survey work for the drainage master plan and a broad discussion about requiring underground utilities.

Staff explained the drainage master plan is grant‑funded (90% grant, 10% local) and that an additional $85,000 would allow high‑resolution drone and field surveys to cover the entire city. Staff said the expanded data would strengthen future grant applications—citing $18 million in grant applications submitted about six weeks earlier—and would support locating lost meters, water valves and curb edges. Engineers reportedly said the designs would perform to a 50‑ to 100‑year standard, and staff expects the survey work could be completed by Sept. 30. The transcript records discussion about the possible use of fund balance if sales tax surplus is not available; no final appropriation vote was recorded.

On underground utilities, staff reviewed franchise agreements with electric providers and said cities can require undergrounding but would typically pass the cost to developers or budget for conversion. The city’s franchise agreements with existing providers expire in 2031 and 2033 (as presented in the packet), so staff recommended studying phased approaches (for example, gradual conversions or 30‑year transition plans). Council members and Mr. Hancock urged evaluating what other cities require and considering a long‑term plan; no policy change or funding decision was adopted at the meeting.

Council directed staff to continue planning and to return with budget options and more detailed proposals as needed.