Board defers Lake Drive lead‑service contract amid funding uncertainty; trustees discuss LSL program timing

Village staff asked the board to defer awarding the Lake Drive private lead service line replacement contract because the DNR could not confirm whether additional Safe Drinking Water loan subsidy would be available to cover the higher rebid price. Director Bick reported a procedural error and said the bid was rebid and came in higher; without confirmed subsidy, awarding the contract could increase local taxpayer or ratepayer costs.

"We are being asked to hold the granting of this award until such time that we determine whether there is subsidy available," Director Bick said. The board moved to defer consideration, the motion was seconded and carried.

Trustees also examined the broader 10‑year lead service line (LSL) replacement plan included in the long‑range plan packet. Staff clarified that the village will submit applications to the DNR by June 30 for two eligible census‑track areas with differing principal‑forgiveness levels (one area eligible for 75% principal forgiveness, another for 25%), and acknowledged that some printed packet page headers listed incorrect years.

Staff warned trustees that federal and state funding availability for LSL replacement is limited and that the rule effectively requires private‑side replacement paired with public‑side mains, which may create added cost and sequencing complexity for communities with older mains. Trustees asked staff to continue pursuing grants while preparing scenarios that show how the LSL program will be paced and funded, and staff said they will return with updated estimates and policy recommendations.

The deferral leaves the Lake Drive contract unresolved until funding eligibility is clarified.