Moose Lake council updates: lead‑service inventory, sewer‑lining pay and grant applications

Moose Lake City Council used much of its Nov. 13 meeting to update and approve multiple infrastructure and utility actions, including acceptance of a completed 2024 sewer‑lining project, authorization of pre‑bid cleaning and televising for a 2025 lining project, and distribution of resident notices tied to a state‑mandated lead‑service‑line inventory.

Sewer projects and acceptance Staff presented the final pay application (retainage) and recommended formal acceptance of the completed 2024 sewer‑lining project; council voted to approve the final pay application and to accept the project. The pay-application amount recorded in the meeting packet was unclear in the transcript; staff should confirm the final invoice and retainage amount in published minutes and accounting documents.

2025 lining pre‑bid work To prepare for a potential 2025 sewer‑lining contract, staff presented two hourly quotes for cleaning and televising (initial inspection) work; the lower‑priced contractor was recommended and council authorized moving forward with the cleaning/televising so the city can create a bid package. Staff indicated the contractors quoted hourly rates due to access and site variability.

Lead service‑line inventory and resident notices Staff reviewed a state mandate requiring cities to inventory lead service lines and said Moose Lake’s 2018 inspection effort captured most service‑line info; only about 26 addresses lacked full data. Residents with unknown service‑line material or galvanized lines will receive targeted notices this week explaining the city’s inventory process and providing contact information. Staff said the city is compiling data and will seek replacement funding if state or federal dollars become available.

Grants, engineering and other project updates The city engineer reported the administration had presented a citywide lining project to the state Senate capital investment committee and was awaiting follow‑up; staff also applied for an MPCA sewer overflow and stormwater reuse grant (maximum $150,000, no local match required) and will pursue matching strategies if bonding funds are awarded. Council also approved supplemental engineering agreements to track Gravel Pit and lead‑service‑line inventory work by project for budgeting.

Why it matters: These items affect water quality, wastewater infrastructure and the city’s ability to plan and access external funding for costly replacements. The lead‑service inventory starts resident outreach and positions the city to apply for replacement monies when available.

Next steps: Staff will confirm and publish the final sewer pay application amount, proceed with pre‑bid cleaning/televising work, post lead‑service info on the city website and pursue grant funding opportunities as they arise.