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City Manager reports lower water tower cost estimate, sewer work under way in north neighborhood
Summary
City Manager Debbie Molina reported staff updates including brush drop‑off schedules, hydrant flushing notices, a water tower cost recalculation expected to lower expenses by about $1 million for a 500,000‑gallon tower, Tamarac Lift Station operating with one pump, and sewer construction starting in the city's north neighborhood.
City Manager Debbie Molina delivered the monthly operations report, updating the council on public‑works schedules, water and sewer projects, and recent grant activity.
Operations and services: Molina said the city yard is accepting recyclables and bulky items on specified Tuesdays and Saturdays, and posted hydrant‑flushing notices on the city's website and Facebook page. Parks crews are mowing city rights‑of‑way and properties; bulky/brush pickup dates for 2026 were announced.
Water projects: City Engineer Brady Kosub told staff he is recalculating the water‑tower cost after a decision not to build the structure in concrete. Kosub reported the change is expected to reduce the total cost by approximately $1,000,000 and that the revised tower design will be similar to the existing tower with an expected capacity of 500,000 gallons. Staff said the bond advisor is coordinating the revisions and that the water and sewer study presentation will wait until the revised cost sheet is available.
Sanitary sewer projects: Public Works Director Jorge Zuniga and WWTP Assistant Martin Martinez reported the Tamarac Lift Station is operating with one pump; Public Works will install a second pump once the hoses are delivered. Construction to install sewer lines is under way in the northern portion of the city and will begin in Smith Village to install manholes and alley sewer lines. City Engineer Brady Kosub is drafting the new lift station design for TWDB review.
Contractor schedule and grants: Staff indicated Hummer Underground Services is scheduled to begin sewer work by April 2026 in the north neighborhood, with Freeland Turk serving as project engineer on that contract. Staff also recapped grant activity: a TxCDBG application for flood drainage and street improvements (maximum $760,000; city match $37,500) submitted under a November 2024 resolution; a TxDOT Transportation Alternatives sidewalk application (2025 TA); a $225,000 GLO award for a comprehensive plan (Langford Community Management fee noted as 11% of the grant); and AACOG solid‑waste grant results pending.
Personnel and routine reports: Staff listed one new hire — Permit and Utility Clerk Valeria Garcla — and noted that standard monthly reports (police, municipal court, permits, utilities, and unaudited January 2026 financials) are available in the council packet.
What happens next: Council actions at the meeting authorized contract execution for the street project and set advisory committee membership; staff will provide revised cost information and continue design and procurement work as grant decisions are finalized.
