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New operations center progresses; utility outlines multi‑year plan to relocate mains now running through private backyards
Summary
Staff showed photos of the new operations center and proposed an early site tour; the commission heard that roughly 60–70 homes have water mains running through backyards without proper easements and that the utility will begin outreach and design work with construction possible in 2027–28.
Commission staff gave a construction update May 21 on the new operations center and warned of a multi‑year project to relocate water mains currently routed through private backyards in the Cumberland/Hine/Glen area.
Courtney described exterior and interior progress at the new operations center, including brickwork, metal paneling, installation of large garage doors, polished concrete floors and a geothermal well driller on site. Staff offered commissioners an optional tour before the next meeting so they could view the site while construction staff were off site.
On system repairs and customer impacts, Courtney reported the utility must address aging mains that lie under private yards and sometimes under structures because the system lacks proper easements. "We received a letter from the city attorney’s office saying we need to take care of this for them," Courtney said; staff explained the solution will be to relocate mains, install in‑home services and "make the customer whole" with design and bid work first and construction phased over several years, possibly starting in 2027 or 2028. Commissioners estimated about 60–70 homes are affected but said total project cost is not yet known.
During discussion, a commissioner cautioned about enforcement if a homeowner refuses access: the commissioner said staff would pursue service shutoff as a last resort if residents declined necessary access to relocate mains. The transcript records that statement as an explanation of the utility’s enforcement authority but provides no additional legal detail.
Other operational notes: staff reported recent replacement of one hydrant and two valves, completion of several projects (Bidwell and Prospect) with invoices pending, and upcoming work including Davidson Road and several neighborhood main replacements. Staff also said they filed an official letter with the Public Service Commission asking that the utility’s rate increase be paused until Milwaukee finalizes its rates, and reminded the commission of a November chloride compliance deadline for customers who have not optimized water softeners.
What’s next: staff will send letters to affected homeowners, begin data collection and design work, and return to the commission with project schedules and cost estimates as the work is scoped.
