Council authorizes bids for state-funded lead/galvanized service-line replacements; city also won $250,000 trail grant

Brandon, the city engineer, told the council the city was awarded a $250,000 trail connection grant to close gaps in the local trail network and described how the funds would be used to connect existing trail segments near Veterans Park and adjacent residential additions. "You can see we were awarded the $250,000 we applied to," he said, noting the grant will leverage other housing and trail funds.

On the water side, Brandon outlined a state-funded program to remove galvanized service lines the state is treating as equivalent to lead. After earlier mapping and reporting work the city narrowed the list to 19 properties likely to have galvanized lines; staff will verify conditions in the field before work begins. "This is kind of wrapping up a multi-year push from the federal level to ultimately remove lead and galvanized lead service lines across the country," Brandon said.

Staff recommended advertising the replacement contract (bids to be advertised Aug. 13) and explained the state has placed per-service caps in the agreements; the engineer said contractor availability could affect schedule and the state expects completion in 2027. Council voted to approve the resolution to go to bid and directed staff to move forward with the state agreement and the advertising timeline.

Councilors asked for contingencies if bids exceeded caps and for clear homeowner communications; staff said property owners will sign agreements limiting city liability and that, if feasible, the city will pay contractors directly and assess property owners over time under standard assessment procedures.

No contract award was made at the meeting; staff will return with bid results and a recommendation at a later meeting.