Ripon council approves therapy dog program, multiple infrastructure contracts and a water loan authorization

The Ripon Common Council approved a package of program and infrastructure measures at its regular meeting, voting to accept a donated police therapy dog program and to award several contracts for sidewalks, sewer work, jetting and roadwork, and to authorize a water loan for upcoming system work.

Therapy dog program and donation

Council considered a proposal to establish a Ripon Police Department therapy dog program and to accept a $10,000 donation from the 1st We Live Foundation to support start-up costs. A police representative (speaker 7) described the proposed animal as a goldendoodle, estimated the outright purchase at roughly $1,800 and put first‑year program costs (kennels, training, vet care, grooming, incidental items) at about $3,800 after donated startup support. Council approved establishing the program and accepting the donation by voice vote.

“Goldendoodles have intelligence, obedience and loving qualities that make really good dogs,” the police representative said, adding the kennel being considered already places dogs with local schools.

Sidewalk repairs: Safe Step LLC

Public Works staff presented a Safe Step LLC proposal for the city’s 2026 sidewalk repair program and asked the council to approve a contract not to exceed $50,000. Staff said the program is a 50/50 cost share with property owners and described an internal $40,000 cap for the contractor so staff can evaluate where grind versus remove-and-replace work is required. Council approved the Safe Step proposal by voice vote.

Sanitary sewer repairs and jetting

Staff described ongoing televising and identified infiltration/inflow (I&I) problems on Mapes Drive and Pacific Street. The council awarded sanitary sewer repair (grouting on Mapes, lining where needed) to Aquilis for $25,650; staff noted this amount was roughly $19,000 under the budgeted figure. In discussion, staff said one leak on Mapes equates to an estimated 8–10 gallons per minute, or roughly 4,000,000 gallons per year of clean groundwater entering the wastewater system.

The council also awarded the annual sewer jetting and televising contract (about 56,000 linear feet of pipe this year) to Aquilas at a low bid of $44,800.

Roadway improvement bids

The council reviewed bids for two 2026 mill-and-overlay projects—Tavert Street (Washington to Eureka) and Hall Street (Stanton to Douglas). Kartechner Brothers submitted the low bid at $193,672.47. Staff recommended moving forward with both projects using wheel tax revenues supplemented by TIF funds where appropriate; the council authorized the notice of award to Kartechner Brothers LLC.

Water bond resolution and financing

Council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $566,962 in water system revenue bonds for series 2026 to finance a portion of a larger water infrastructure project. Staff said the full project was presented in the packet and cited an approximate project value reported in the discussion, with $188,988 identified as principal forgiveness under the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Fund; the loan portion would carry a low interest rate (about 1.485%) under the program. The council approved the resolution by roll call; the roll call in the transcript records affirmative votes by all present.

Votes at a glance

- Therapy dog program and $10,000 donation (1st We Live Foundation): approved by voice vote. - Safe Step LLC sidewalk repairs, not-to-exceed $50,000: approved by voice vote. - Sanitary sewer repair (Aquilis), $25,650: approved by voice vote. - Sewer jetting/televising (Aquilas), $44,800: approved by voice vote. - 2026 roadway improvement low bid (Kartechner Brothers LLC), $193,672.47: approved by voice vote. - Resolution to authorize issuance and sale of up to $566,962 in water system revenue bonds (Safe Drinking Water Loan Program): approved by roll-call vote.

Council members and staff said the package advances routine infrastructure maintenance and several donor-supported programs without requiring significant new city tax levies at this time. Additional paperwork and contract documents will be completed in the coming weeks as staff finalize vendor agreements and the bond closing.

The council adjourned at 8:19 p.m.