Public works reports progress on water and construction projects; council approves payment to contractor

Public works staff reported several infrastructure updates and maintenance plans, and the council approved related financial steps.

Dave, the public works lead, told the council that dry weather allowed only one more fall discharge and that crews will run another round of distribution flushing because of low chlorine residuals in older cast-iron mains. He described marking dozens of trees for potential removal and noted a $5,000 set-aside for hazardous tree work in parks.

On splash-pad operations, staff said one feature is underperforming and that the vendor Vector recommended using RV antifreeze in lines to winterize plumbing. Dave said staff will compare practices used in nearby towns and evaluate the cost: "We can get a 55-gallon drum for about $750," he said, but added he wanted to consult other communities before committing to an annual $2,000 expense for antifreeze in feature lines.

On construction, staff reported that underground work and water-main looping were completed in several areas and that exploratory potholing found an existing 6-inch main already in place, saving the city the cost of installing a new 6-inch line. Inspecting engineer records and televising work are being collected as-built.

Council moved and seconded approval of partial payment estimate number two to Schmidt Construction; the amount recorded in the meeting materials was $87,923.45 and the motion carried by voice vote.

On financing, Council approved Resolution 17-24 to accept an offer from the Minnesota PFA for a water revenue note up to $445,158; staff said the bid amount shown in the packet was $445,150 and that final principal and term may be adjusted after the debt-service schedule is finalized.

The council asked staff to return with detailed cost and schedule materials and to provide updated as-built documentation when available.