Ivanhoe public works flags drain, lead service lines and seal‑coating cost discrepancy

Ivanhoe — Public Works Director Jim Wright told the City Council on Sept. 8 that several infrastructure issues will shape the city's 2026 work plan, including a planned HWY 19 drain repair, an MDH‑related lead/copper service line review and a contract cost discrepancy on recent seal coating.

Wright said engineers are working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation on the drain repair on HWY 19; the project is not yet out for bids and is planned for repair in 2026. He said Bolton & Menk is assisting the city with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requirements related to lead and copper service lines and reported there are 19 service lines with unknown status.

Wright also reported receipt of a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) letter and said the city will increase testing frequency and take necessary steps to remain compliant. On the sanitary side, he said inflow to the sewer system has at times increased by up to 40,000 gallons; recent smoke testing by rural water personnel found holes that need to be sealed and he said cameras could be used in manholes for additional inspection.

Separately, Wright raised a discrepancy tied to seal coating work performed by ASTECH Corp under a Lincoln County highway contract: the contract price was $35,281.03 but the measured total came to $40,513.98. Wright said crews arrived at 7 p.m. on a Friday and that he was not present during the work; he will follow up with the Lincoln County Highway Department engineer Joe Wilson to discuss costs.

The council did not take formal action on these items but directed staff to continue coordination with county and state partners and to bring recommended scope and cost adjustments back to the council.