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Ferrelview addresses Heady Avenue water-main leak, meter-node cost increases
Summary
City staff reported a Feb. 22 water-main leak on Heady Avenue that was repaired by Menke Excavating for $2,374.62. City Administrator and the chief water operator also told trustees meter-node prices rose about 27% and the Water Fund budget was increased by $1,357 to cover parts.
Village staff told the Board of Trustees on March 10 that a water-main problem on Heady Avenue required emergency excavation and repair last month and that the water department faces rising parts costs.
Chief Water Operator Kevin Turley said that on or about Feb. 22 staff observed water on the roadway. Menke Excavating excavated the line on Feb. 23 and found a large rock putting pressure on a coupling at the tee supplying Unicorn Apartments; removing the rock halted water loss. Menke Excavating submitted an invoice dated Feb. 27 for emergency repairs in the amount of $2,374.62.
City Administrator April Baxter said she and Turley are removing malfunctioning meters and nodes for warranty replacement. Baxter told the Board that pricing for meter nodes has increased by approximately 27 percent while water meter prices have not changed; she added $1,357 to the 2026 Water Fund budget line “Water Meters & Parts,” using unspent 2025 funds, to offset the cost of a meter-node order placed in December 2025 with KC Winnelson.
Baxter also reported that KC Water Services scheduled a wholesale-customer meeting for March 31, 2026, and she submitted an agenda item requesting the Village be allowed to question connection charges KC Water assesses on the Village’s connections. Chair Elizabeth Damm said she would attend the March 31 meeting with Baxter if Water Commissioner Shondreka Burney is unavailable.
The Board recorded no further action at the March 10 meeting beyond approving the invoice payment within the bills motion and making the budget-line adjustment. The Village may pursue warranty replacements and seek clarification of wholesale charges at the upcoming KC Water meeting.
