Committee hears $2.9M water-plant appropriation request and plans for lead-line equipment purchase

Water department staff told the Finance Committee June 17 the administration will ask council to increase appropriations for a $2.9 million water-plant replacement project and outlined operational steps to meet regulatory requirements for lead-line work.

The administration explained it must front project costs now because recent state program changes require the city to pay vendors and seek reimbursement later; staff said the project will be fully reimbursed and the city will carry related debt service over the next 20 years. (Speaker 4.)

Water staff described focused project areas — including Crandall Park and Glenwood — chosen for their density, and told the committee the scope could include reopening trenches and replacing lines where required. A water official said the department plans to use newly procured equipment to produce precise lead-line readings required by 2027. “We used $600,000 to acquire a back truck to help with the lead elimination process,” a water-staff speaker said, and staff described plans to place that equipment in service within about 30 days as part of contract negotiations. (Speaker 6.)

Council members flagged the need for advance communications with affected neighborhoods because some areas were recently under construction and residents will need notice if crews reopen streets. Staff agreed that neighbor communications and a public-relations plan would be prioritized. (Speaker 10; Speaker 6.)

Next steps: The committee approved reporting the appropriation request to the full council so the council can consider increasing appropriations and related budgets; staff will proceed with procurement and work planning pending council approval and state reimbursement.